Foldable electronic device

Abstract

A foldable electronic device is disclosed. The device comprises: a foldable housing configured to include a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part; a first hinge structure configured to rotatably connect the first housing part and the second housing part to each other; a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part to each other and including a first hinge assembly; and a flexible display disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part. The first hinge assembly includes: a first fixing bracket; a first rotary arm having one end rotatably connected to the first side of the first fixing bracket and the other end fixed to the second housing part; and a second rotary arm having one end rotatably connected to the second side of the first fixing bracket and the other end fixed to the third housing part.

Description

foldable electronic device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device including a wide hinge structure.

[0002] Electronic devices including large-screen displays can enhance user usability. As the demand for highly portable electronic devices increases, electronic devices may include deformable displays. Deformable displays may be slidably deformable, foldably deformable, or rollably deformable.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a foldable housing comprising a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part; a first hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part; a second hinge structure comprising a first hinge assembly rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part; a first hinge cover configured to cover the first hinge structure; a second hinge cover configured to cover the second hinge structure; and a flexible display disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part. The first hinge assembly may include: a first fixed bracket fixed to the second hinge cover; a first rotating arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to a first side of the first fixed bracket and the other end of which is fixed to the second housing part; and a second rotating arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to a second side of the first fixed bracket and the other end of which is fixed to the third housing part. It may include a first support plate rotatably connected to the first rotating arm; and a second support plate rotatably connected to the second rotating arm. The first support plate and the second support plate may be configured to support the flexible display when the second housing part and the third housing part are unfolded, and to be spaced apart from each other in conjunction with the rotation of the second housing part and the third housing part while the second housing part and the third housing part are moved from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0005] A foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first housing part; a second housing part; a flexible display accommodated in the first housing part and the second housing part; and a hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part with respect to each other. The hinge assembly may include: a first fixed bracket comprising a first rotation guide groove and a second rotation guide groove; a first rotating arm that rotates about a first rotation axis in conjunction with the first rotation guide groove of the first fixed bracket, is connected to the first housing part, and has a first receiving portion; a second rotating arm that rotates about a second rotation axis in conjunction with the second slide groove of the first fixed bracket, is connected to the second housing part, and has a second receiving portion; and a first support plate that includes a first connecting portion in which at least a portion is accommodated in the first receiving portion and rotates about a third rotation axis included in the first connecting portion. It may include a second support plate that rotates around a fourth rotation axis included in the second connection part, and a second connection part in which at least a portion is received in the second connection part. The first support plate and the second support plate may support a portion of the flexible display when the first housing part and the second housing part are in an unfolded state, and the first rotation axis may be a virtual rotation axis that becomes the rotation center of the first rotation arm, and the second rotation axis may be a virtual rotation axis that becomes the rotation center of the second rotation arm.

[0006] A foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a foldable housing configured to include a first housing part and a second housing part; a first hinge structure comprising a hinge assembly configured to rotatably connect the first housing part and the second housing part to each other; and a flexible display disposed across the first housing part and the second housing part; wherein the hinge assembly comprises: a first fixed bracket; a first rotating arm having one end rotatably connected to a first side of the first fixed bracket and the other end fixed to the first housing part; a second rotating arm having one end rotatably connected to a second side of the first fixed bracket and the other end fixed to the second housing part; a first support plate rotatably connected to the first rotating arm; and a second support plate rotatably connected to the second rotating arm; and wherein the first support plate and the second support plate are configured to support the flexible display when the first housing part and the second housing part are unfolded. And when the first housing part and the second housing part move from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first housing part and the second housing part can be positioned with a gap between them as they rotate.

[0007] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a first state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a second state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a third state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with the flexible display removed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a rear view showing an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with the rear covers and displays of the first, second, and third housing parts removed.

[0013] FIG. 6a is an assembly drawing showing a second hinge structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6b is an exploded view showing a second hinge structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a first hinge assembly of a second hinge structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example in which a second housing part and a third housing part are interconnected by a first hinge assembly of a second hinge structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a fixing bracket of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing a part of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example in which a first rotating arm and a second rotating arm of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure rotate between a first position and a second position.

[0020] FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing a part of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a first support plate of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a part of the first rotating arm of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 15 and 16 are drawings showing a first support plate of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing a structure in which the first and second support plates of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are connected to the first and second rotating arms.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a drawing showing a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a cross-sectional view along the lines D-D' and E-E' shown in FIG. 7.

[0026] FIG. 19 is an assembly diagram in which the first and second support plates of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are coupled to the first and second rotating arms by the first and second anti-detachment caps.

[0027] FIG. 20 is a drawing showing a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a cross-sectional view along the line G-G' shown in FIG. 19.

[0028] FIG. 21 is a drawing showing a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a cross-sectional view along the line H-H' shown in FIG. 19.

[0029] FIG. 22 is a drawing showing an example in which a flexible display of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is spaced apart from first and second support plates.

[0030] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the bending portion of a flexible display and the first and second support plates when the first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is operated.

[0031] FIGS. 24a, FIGS. 24b and FIGS. 24c are drawings illustrating the operation of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIGS. 25a, FIGS. 25b and FIGS. 25c are drawings showing the first and second support plates of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGS. 26a and FIGS. 26b are drawings showing the first and second support plates of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 27 is a drawing showing an example in which a detachment prevention cap of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is attached to a first housing part through an adhesive member.

[0035] FIG. 28a is a drawing showing an example in which a reduction groove is formed so that a detachment prevention cap of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is fixed to a first housing part by welding.

[0036] FIG. 28b is a drawing showing an example in which a weld is formed in the slimming groove shown in FIG. 28a.

[0037] FIG. 29 is a drawing showing a fixing bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 30 is a drawing showing a second hinge cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 31 is a drawing in which a first hinge assembly is coupled to a second hinge cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view along the line M-M' of FIG. 31, illustrating an example in which the leading ends of the first and second support plates contact the contact projection of the second hinge cover of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0041] FIGS. 33 and FIGS. 34 are drawings showing first and second support plates according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIGS. 35 and 36 are drawings showing an example in which the first and second support plates of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment have a segmented structure.

[0043] Embodiments according to the present disclosure may be subject to various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in this specification. However, this is not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0044] In describing the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present disclosure. Additionally, one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the technical concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0045] The terms used in this disclosure are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the rights. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “have,” “may have,” “include,” or “may include” indicate the presence of such features (e.g., numerical values, functions, actions, or components such as parts) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0047] In the present disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A or / and B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” may include all possible combinations of items listed together. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” may refer to cases including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B.

[0048] Expressions such as “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second” used in this disclosure may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components. Among the expressions used in this disclosure, “first part” may be referred to as “first part” and “second part” may be referred to as “second part.”

[0049] As used in this disclosure, the expression “configured to” may be replaced, depending on the context, with, for example, “suitable for,” “having the capacity to,” “designed to,” “adapted to,” “made to,” or “capable of.” The term “configured to” may not necessarily mean only “specifically designed to” in hardware.

[0050] In the present disclosure, a 'module' or 'part' performs at least one function or operation and may be implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of 'modules' or a plurality of 'parts' may be integrated into at least one module and implemented by at least one processor, except for a 'module' or 'part' that needs to be implemented in specific hardware.

[0051] Meanwhile, various elements and areas in the drawings are depicted schematically. Accordingly, the technical concept of the present disclosure is not limited by the relative sizes or spacing depicted in the attached drawings.

[0052] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a first state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a second state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of a third state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the electronic device (100) may include a housing structure (101), a flexible display (140), a first hinge structure (150), a second hinge structure (160), and a display (170). The housing structure (101) may include a first housing part (110), a second housing part (120), and a third housing part (130). In the present disclosure, the housing structure (101) may be referred to as a 'foldable housing' and may be given the same reference numeral 101.

[0055] The first housing part (110) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (120) by the first hinge structure (150). The second housing part (120) and the first housing part (110) can be rotated about the first hinge structure (150). While the first housing part (110) is rotated about the first hinge structure (150), the second housing part (120) can be rotated about the first hinge structure (150). For example, when the second housing part (120) and the first housing part (110) are rotated about the first hinge structure (150), the angular displacement of the second housing part (120) may be substantially the same as the angular displacement of the first housing part (110).

[0056] The third housing part (130) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (120) by the second hinge structure (160). The second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) can be rotated about the second hinge structure (160). While the second housing part (120) is rotated about the second hinge structure (160), the third housing part (130) can be rotated about the second hinge structure (160). For example, when the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are rotated about the second hinge structure (160), the angular displacement (or angular change) of the second housing part (120) may be substantially the same as the angular displacement of the third housing part (130).

[0057] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can change the state of the electronic device. The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide (or enable) a first state (100a) of the electronic device (100) (or a first state (100a) of the housing structure (101). The first state (100a) of the electronic device (100) (or a first state (100a)) of the housing structure (101) can be described as an unfolded state (or unfolded state) of the electronic device (100) (or housing structure (101)). Within the first state (100a), the front of the first housing part (110), the front of the second housing part (120), and the front of the third housing part (130) can define the front of the electronic device (100). In the first state (100a), the front of the first housing part (110), the front of the second housing part (120), and the front of the third housing part (130) may face in the same direction. In the first state (100a), the electronic device (100) may provide the user with a large display area of ​​the flexible display (140). In the present disclosure, the 'front' (or 'top') of each of the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130) may be considered as a surface on which the flexible display (140) is placed.

[0058] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a second state (100b) of the electronic device (100) (or a second state (100b) of the housing structure (101). The second state (100b) of the electronic device (100) (or a second state (100b) of the housing structure (101)) can be described as a folded state (or a folded state or a multi-folded state) of the electronic device (100) (or the housing structure (101)). In the second state (100b), the front of the first housing part (110) and the front of the second housing part (120) may face in opposite directions, and the front of the second housing part (120) and the front of the third housing part (130) may face in opposite directions. In the second state (100b), the front of the first housing part (110) and the front of the third housing part (130) may face each other in the same direction. For example, in the second state (100b), the front of the second housing part (120) may face the front of the first housing part (110), and the front of the third housing part (130) may face the rear of the first housing part (110). In the second state (100b), the rear of the second housing part (120) may be exposed to the outside. A display (170) may be placed on the rear of the second housing part (120). In the second state (100b), the rear of the third housing part (130) may be exposed to the outside. A camera (175) may be placed on the rear of the third housing part (130). In the second state (100b), the electronic device (100) can be folded to improve portability and can provide visual information through a display (170) placed on the rear of the second housing part (120).

[0059] The electronic device (100) may further include a key button (139). The key button (139) may be exposed from a structure (e.g., an opening) formed on the side of the third housing part (130) and may partially protrude outside the electronic device (100). The key button (139) may provide physical input to a processing circuit inside the electronic device (100) by pressure transmitted from the outside. The key button (139) may not be included in the electronic device (100) and may be implemented in other forms, such as a soft key displayed on a flexible display (140) or a display (170).

[0060] A key button (139) may be positioned on the side of the third housing part (130) so as to be exposed to the outside in the second state (100b). As the key button (139) is positioned on the side of the third housing part (130), it may be positioned in the direction in which the side of the third housing part (130) faces. Even if the position of the key button (139) positioned on the side of the third housing part (130) is changed to the first state (100a) by a user looking at the display (170) in the second state (100b), the position of the key button (139) may not be moved. For example, referring to FIG. 1, in the first state (100a), when looking at the flexible display (140) from above, the key button (139) may be positioned on the right. Referring to FIG. 2, in the second state (100b), when looking at the display (170) from above, the key button (139) may be positioned on the right.

[0061] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a third state (100c) of the electronic device (100). The third state (100c) of the electronic device (100) can be described as a state in which the electronic device (100) is partially folded and partially unfolded (or a single folding state or a half folding state). For example, in the third state (100c), the front of the second housing part (120) and the front of the third housing part (130) may face in the same direction, and the front of the first housing part (110) and the front of the second housing part (120) may face in opposite directions. For example, in the third state (100c), the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) may be folded, and the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) may be unfolded. In the third state (100c), the electronic device (100) can provide visual information through a part of the flexible display (140) (e.g., the third display area (140c)).

[0062] The electronic device (100) can change from a first state (100a) to a second state (100b) through a third state (100c). The electronic device (100) can change from a first state (100a) which is an unfolded state to a third state (100c) which is a partially unfolded state. For example, the electronic device (100) can change from a first state (100a) in which the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130) face the same direction to a third state (100c) in which the front of the first housing part (110) faces the front of the second housing part (120). The electronic device (100) can change from a third state (100c) which is a partially unfolded state to a second state (100b) which is a folded state. For example, when changing from the third state (100c) to the second state (100b), the folded first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) can be placed on the third housing part (130).

[0063] The flexible display (140) may define the appearance of the electronic device (100) at least partially. The flexible display (140) may be partially disposed within the housing structure (101). The flexible display (140) may define the front of the electronic device (100). The flexible display (140) may include a first part (141), a second part (142), a third part (143), a first bending part (144), and a second bending part (145). For example, the first part (141), the second part (142), and the third part (143) may be unbent (i.e. rigid or nearly rigid) parts of the flexible display (140). For example, the first part (141), the second part (142), and the third part (143) may be bendable (i.e., flexible) parts of a display that are intended to remain unbent (i.e., flat) or nearly unbent during general use (which may include folding and unfolding) of the electronic device (100). The first bending part (144) and the second bending part (145) may be bendable parts of a flexible display (140) that are bent (or intended to be bent) during folding and unfolding of the electronic device (100). The first part (141) of the flexible display (140) may be placed on the front of the first housing part (110). The second part (142) of the flexible display (140) may be placed on the front of the second housing part (120). A third part (143) of the flexible display (140) may be placed on the front of the third housing part (130). A first bending part (144) of the flexible display (140) may be placed between the first part (141) and the third part (143) of the flexible display (140). For example, the first bending part (144) of the flexible display (140) may be placed on a first hinge structure (150) connecting the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120).The second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) may be positioned between the second portion (142) and the third portion (143) of the flexible display (140). For example, the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) may be positioned on a second hinge structure (160) connecting the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130).

[0064] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) may have the first part (141) of the flexible display (140), the second part (142) of the flexible display (140), and the third part (143) of the flexible display (140) oriented substantially in the same direction. In the first state (100a), the first bending part (144) and the second bending part (145) may be positioned in a horizontal plane substantially in the same direction as the first part (141), the second part (142), and the third part (143).

[0065] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a second state (100b) of the electronic device (100). In the second state (100b), the second part (142) of the flexible display (140) faces the first part (141) of the flexible display (140), and the third part (143) of the flexible display (140) may face the rear of the first housing part (110).

[0066] In the second state (100b), the first bending portion (144) of the flexible display (140) is bent by the first hinge structure (150), so that the first bending portion (144) of the flexible display (140) can be folded such that the first portion (141) of the flexible display (140) and the second portion (142) of the flexible display (140) face in different directions.

[0067] In the second state (100b), the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) is bent by the second hinge structure (160), so that the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) can be folded such that the second portion (142) of the flexible display (140) and the third portion (143) of the flexible display (140) face in different directions. In the second state (100b), the first housing part (110) can be positioned between the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130). In the second state (100b), the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) positioned on the second hinge structure (160) can partially face the side (110c) of the first housing part (110).

[0068] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a third state (100c) of the electronic device (100). In the third state (100c), the first part (141) of the flexible display (140) may face the second part (142) of the flexible display (140), and the third part (143) of the flexible display (140) may face the same direction as the second part (142) of the flexible display (140). For example, the second part (142) and the third part (143) may be positioned substantially on the same horizontal plane.

[0069] In the third state (100c), the first bending portion (144) of the flexible display (140) is bent by the first hinge structure (150), so that the first bending portion (144) of the flexible display (140) can be folded such that the first portion (141) of the flexible display (140) and the second portion (142) of the flexible display (140) face in different directions.

[0070] In the third state (100c), the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) is maintained in an unfolded state by the second hinge structure (160), so that the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) can be unfolded such that the second portion (142) of the flexible display (140) and the third portion (143) of the flexible display (140) face in the same direction.

[0071] The display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may include a first display area (140a), a second display area (140b), and a third display area (140c). The display area represents an area capable of providing visual information from the flexible display (140). In a first state (100a), the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may be visible from the front of the housing structure (101). For example, in a first state (100a), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may be visually exposed. The electronic device (100) may provide a large display area to the user that includes the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c).

[0072] In the second state (100b), the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may not be visible. For example, in the second state (100b), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may not be visually exposed.

[0073] In the third state (100c), the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may be partially visible from the front of the third housing part (130). For example, the third display area (140c) may be visually exposed, while the first display area (140a) and the second display area (140b) may not be visually exposed.

[0074] In a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen within a first state (100a) of the electronic device (100), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may be activated. In a non-limiting example, within a second state (100b), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may be deactivated. In a non-limiting example, within a third state (100c) of the electronic device (100), when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen, the third display area (140c) is activated, and the first display area (140a) and the second display area (140b) of the flexible display (140) may be deactivated.

[0075] In a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen within a first state (100a) of the electronic device (100), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may display visual information. In a non-limiting example, within a second state (100b), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may provide a black image. As a non-limiting example, in a third state (100c) of the electronic device (100), when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen, the third display area (140c) provides visual information, and the first display area (140a) and the second display area (140b) of the flexible display (140) may provide a black image.

[0076] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with the flexible display (140) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure removed. FIG. 5 is a rear view showing an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with the rear covers of each of the first, second, and third housing parts (110, 120, 130) and the display (170) removed. In the present disclosure, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis may be as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The y-axis direction may be defined as a direction parallel to the folding (or rotation) axis of the first hinge structure (150) and / or the second hinge structure (160). The x-axis direction may be defined as a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (i.e., the y-axis) and parallel to the surface of the flexible display (140) in the first state (100a) (or parallel to the front of the first, second, and / or third housing portions (110, 120, 130) in the first state (100a), or parallel to the first and second rotation arms (420, 430) when the angle between the first and second rotation arms (420, 430) is 180°). The z-axis direction may be defined as a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (i.e., the y-axis) and the x-axis. The z-axis direction can be defined as a direction perpendicular to the surface of the flexible display (140) in the first state (100a), or a direction perpendicular to the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) when the angle between the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) is 180°.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the electronic device (100) may include a first hinge structure (150) and a second hinge structure (160). The first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (150) may be narrower than the second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (160). The difference between the first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (150) and the second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (160) may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the first housing part (110). For example, the second hinge structure (160) may have a second width (w2) that is wider than the first width (w1) so that the first housing part (110) is positioned between the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) according to the second state (100b). The first hinge structure (150) may be referred to as a narrow hinge structure in that it has a narrower width than the second hinge structure (160). The second hinge structure (160) may be referred to as a wide hinge structure in that it has a wider width than the first hinge structure (150).

[0078] The first hinge structure (150) may have a first dimension for the distance between the rotation axes of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120), and the second hinge structure (160) may have a second dimension for the distance between the rotation axes of the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) which is greater than the first dimension. In this way, by comparing the dimensions between the rotation axes, the first hinge structure (150) may be referenced as a narrow hinge structure and the second hinge structure (160) may be referenced as a wide hinge structure.

[0079] The first hinge structure (150) may include a first set of gears (251), a first hinge plate (252), and a second hinge plate (253). The rear of the first hinge structure (150) may be covered by a first hinge cover (151, see FIG. 2). The first hinge cover (151) may be positioned between rear covers that cover the rear of the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120), respectively.

[0080] The first hinge plate (252) may be coupled to the first support portion (111) of the first housing part (110). The second hinge plate (254) may be coupled to the second support portion (121) of the second housing part (120). The gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (251) may be configured to rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253). For example, the gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (251) may rotate the first hinge plate (252) (or the second housing part (120)) in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) (or the first housing part (110)). After the first hinge plate (252) (or the first housing part (110)) is rotated, the gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set (251) of gears may be rotated according to the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) (or the first housing part (110)). The second hinge plate (253) (or the second housing part (120)) may be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) according to the rotation of the gears included in the first set (251) of gears. The gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set (251) of gears may include a first gear (g11), a second gear (g12), a third gear (g13), and a fourth gear (g14). The first gear (g11) may be positioned adjacent to the first hinge plate (252), and the fourth gear (g14) may be positioned adjacent to the second hinge plate (253). The second gear (g12) and the third gear (g13) may be positioned 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) may be engaged sequentially.Depending on the first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) of the first gear (g11), the second gear (g12) engaged with the first gear (g11) may be rotated in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction. Depending on the second rotational direction of the second gear (g12), the third gear (g13) engaged with the second gear (g12) may be rotated in the first rotational direction. Depending on the first rotational direction of the third gear (g13), the fourth gear (g14) may be rotated in the second rotational direction. As the first gear (g11) and the fourth gear (g14) rotate in different directions, the first housing part (110) connected to the first hinge plate (252) and the second housing part (120) connected to the second hinge plate (253) may be folded or unfolded.

[0081] The second hinge structure (160) may include a first hinge assembly (400) and a second hinge assembly (500), a first support plate (710) and a second support plate (720). The rear surface of the second hinge structure (160) may be covered by a second hinge cover (161, see FIG. 2). The second hinge cover (161) may be positioned between rear covers that cover the rear surfaces of the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130), respectively.

[0082] The first hinge assembly (400) and the second hinge assembly (500) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other. One side of the first hinge assembly (400) may be connected to the second housing part (120) and the other side may be connected to the third housing part (130). For example, the first rotating arm (420) of the first hinge assembly (400) may be connected to the second housing part (120) (for example, the first rotating arm (420) may be connected to the second support portion (121) of the second housing part (120), and the second rotating arm (430) of the first hinge assembly (400) may be connected to the third housing part (130) (for example, the second rotating arm (430) may be connected to the third support portion (131) of the third housing part (130). One side of the second hinge assembly (500) may be connected to the second housing part (120) and the other side may be connected to the third housing part (130). For example, the first rotational arm (520) of the second hinge assembly (500) may be connected to the second housing part (120) (for example, the first rotational arm (520) may be connected to the second support portion (121) of the second housing part (120), and the second rotational arm (530) of the second hinge assembly (500) may be connected to the third housing part (130) (for example, the second rotational arm (530) may be connected to the third support portion (131) of the third housing part (130).

[0083] The first hinge assembly (400) and the second hinge assembly (500) may include a synchronization structure (440, 540) to synchronize the rotation of the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130). The synchronization structure (440) of the first hinge assembly (400) may include a spiral groove formed in the first, second, third, and fourth interlocking arms (461, 462, 471, 472, see FIG. 12) that are linked to the rotation of the first and second rotation arms (420, 430) of the first hinge assembly (400), and a slider (481, see FIG. 12) that slides along the spiral groove. The synchronization structure (540) of the second hinge assembly (500) may be configured substantially the same as the synchronization structure (440) of the first hinge assembly (400). The second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) may be configured to rotate with substantially the same angular displacement through the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) of the first hinge assembly (400) and the synchronization structure (440) of the first hinge assembly (400). The first rotation arm (520) and the second rotation arm (530) of the second hinge assembly (500) may be configured to rotate with substantially the same angular displacement through the synchronization structure (540) of the second hinge assembly (500). For example, the first rotation arm (420) of the first hinge assembly (400) and the first rotation arm (520) of the second hinge assembly (500) may rotate together with the second housing part (120) in the same direction as the rotation direction of the second housing part (120). The second rotating arm (430) of the first hinge assembly (400) and the second rotating arm (530) of the second hinge assembly (500) can rotate together with the third housing part (130) in the same direction as the rotation direction of the third housing part (130).

[0084] The electronic device (100) may include a first printed circuit board (271), a second printed circuit board (272), and a third printed circuit board (273). The first printed circuit board (271) may be placed on a first support portion (111) of a first housing part (110). Hardware components within the first housing part (110) may be mounted on the first printed circuit board (271). The second printed circuit board (272) may be placed on a second support portion (121) of a second housing part (120). The third printed circuit board (273) may be placed on a third support portion (131) of a third housing part (130). Hardware components within the third housing part (130) may be mounted on the third printed circuit board (273).

[0085] Hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (271) may support or operate independently of hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (272) and / or hardware components placed on the third printed circuit board (273).

[0086] Hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (272) may support or operate independently of hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (271) or the third printed circuit board (273). Hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (272) may include a speaker, a front camera, and / or a display driving circuit.

[0087] Hardware components disposed on the third printed circuit board (273) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit (e.g., application processor (AP), communication processor (CP)), memory including one or more storage media, communication circuits, and a rear camera (175). The rear camera (175) may be exposed through a structure (e.g., an opening) on ​​the rear of the second housing part (120).

[0088] The electronic device (100) may further include a sub-printed circuit board (275) and flexible printed circuit boards (280, 290). The sub-printed circuit board (275) may be placed in at least some of the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130). The flexible printed circuit boards (280, 290) may include a first flexible printed circuit board (280) and a second flexible printed circuit board (290). The first flexible printed circuit board (280) may electrically connect the printed circuit boards placed in each of the housing parts (110, 120, 130). The second flexible printed circuit board (290) may connect the printed circuit board in the housing part where the sub-printed circuit board (275) is placed with the sub-printed circuit board (275).

[0089] Components within the electronic device (100) may be connected to at least one processor within a third printed circuit board (273) via flexible printed circuit boards (280, 290). For example, a signal received from an antenna placed in the third housing part (130) may be transmitted to the third printed circuit board (273) where at least one processor (e.g., AP or CP) is placed via a signal path (a) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (280). A driving circuit for a flexible display (140) placed in the first housing part (110) may be connected to the third printed circuit board (273) where at least one processor (e.g., AP) is placed via a sub-printed circuit board (275) and a signal path (b) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (280). A driving circuit for a display (170) connected to a sub-printed circuit board (275) placed in a second housing part (130) can be electrically connected to a third printed circuit board (273) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP) is placed, through a signal path (c) provided by the sub-printed circuit board (275), the first flexible printed circuit board (280), and the second flexible printed circuit board (290).

[0090] The electronic device (100) may further include batteries. Each of the batteries may be attached to support parts (111, 121, 131) included in the housing parts (110, 120, 130). The support parts (111, 121, 131) may support rechargeable batteries.

[0091] The arrangement of hardware components is exemplary, and unlike the above, the rear camera (175) and the second printed circuit board (272) may be placed in the third housing part (130), and the third printed circuit board (273) may be placed in the second housing part (120).

[0092] The first housing part (110) and the third housing part (130) are shown to rotate in opposite directions relative to the second housing part (120), but are not limited thereto. For example, while changing from the first state (100a) to the second state (100b), the first housing part (110) may rotate counterclockwise relative to the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130) may rotate counterclockwise relative to the second housing part (120). As the first housing part (110) and the third housing part (130) rotate in the same direction, a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) within the second state (100b) may be visually exposed.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the second hinge structure (160) may include two or more hinge assemblies depending on the vertical length of the electronic device (100) (e.g., the length in the y-axis direction in FIG. 4). For example, the second hinge structure (160) may include two hinge assemblies (e.g., a first hinge assembly (400), a second hinge assembly (500)) as shown in FIG. 4. However, the second hinge structure (160) may include two or more hinge assemblies. For example, if the vertical length of the electronic device (100) is greater than the vertical length of the electronic device (100) shown in FIG. 4, the second hinge structure (160) may include three or more hinge assemblies.

[0094] FIG. 6a is an assembly drawing showing a second hinge structure (160) of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6b is an assembly drawing showing a second hinge structure (160) of an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the second hinge structure (160) may include a second hinge cover (161), a first hinge assembly (400), a second hinge assembly (500), a third hinge assembly (600), a first support plate (710), and a second support plate (720).

[0096] The first hinge assembly (400), the second hinge assembly (500), and the third hinge assembly (600) may be placed on the second hinge cover (161). The first hinge assembly (400) and the second hinge assembly (500) may be placed on one side and the other side, respectively, of the second hinge cover (161). For example, the first hinge assembly (400) may be placed at one end (or near there) of the second hinge cover (161), and the second hinge assembly (500) may be placed at the other end (or near there) of the second hinge cover (161). The first hinge assembly (400) and the second hinge assembly (500) may be placed symmetrically with respect to each other. The third hinge assembly (600) can be placed between the first hinge assembly (400) and the second hinge assembly (500).

[0097] The first hinge assembly (400), the second hinge assembly (500), and the third hinge assembly (600) can be fixed to the second hinge cover (161). For example, the first hinge assembly (400) may include a fixing bracket (410) and a fixing block (490). The fixing bracket (410) and the fixing block (490) may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the first hinge assembly (400). The fixing bracket (410) and the fixing block (490) of the first hinge assembly (400) may each be fixed to the second hinge cover (161) by a plurality of fastening screws. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the fixing bracket (410) and fixing block (490) of the first hinge assembly (400) may be fixed to the second hinge cover (161) by a suitable fixing means, such as using an adhesive, for example.

[0098] The second hinge assembly (500) may be configured substantially identically to the first hinge assembly (400). The fixing bracket (510) and the fixing block (590) of the second hinge assembly (500) may be fixed to the second hinge cover (161) by a plurality of fastening screws. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the fixing bracket (510) and the fixing block (590) of the second hinge assembly (500) may be fixed to the second hinge cover (161) by appropriate fixing means, such as using adhesive, for example.

[0099] The third hinge assembly (600) may be configured substantially identical or similar to the first and second hinge assemblies (400). The third hinge assembly (600) may share the fixing block (590) of the second hinge assembly (500). The third hinge assembly (600) may be connected to the second hinge assembly (500) by the fixing block (590) of the second hinge assembly (500). The fixing bracket (610) of the third hinge assembly (600) may be fixed to the second hinge cover (161) by a plurality of fastening screws. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the fixing bracket (610) of the third hinge assembly (600) may be fixed to the second hinge cover (161) by a suitable fixing means, such as using adhesive, for example.

[0100] In this specification, when the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are in a first state (100a, see FIG. 1) and a third state (100c, see FIG. 3), the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) may be said to be in a "first position." For example, the "first position" may be a position where the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are in an unfolded state and the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are placed on the same plane (i.e., a position where the angle between them is 180° or substantially 180°). When the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are in a second state (100b), the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) may be said to be in a "second position." Therefore, the “second position” may be a position where the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are folded together (i.e., a position where the angle between the two parts is 0° or substantially 0°).

[0101] The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) can be rotatably connected to the first, second, and third hinge assemblies (400, 500, 600). The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) can support the flexible display (140) when the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are in the first position. The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) can be spaced apart from the flexible display (140) by, for example, a predetermined distance while the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) move out of the first position to the second position. The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) can be spaced apart from the flexible display (140) by a predetermined distance while maintaining the second position. For example, the electronic device (100) may be configured such that the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) support (or contact) the flexible display (140) only when the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are in the first position. For example, the electronic device (100) may be configured such that the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) do not support (or contact) the flexible display (140) when the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are in the second position or in an intermediate position (or any position) between the first position and the second position.

[0102] The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) may not come into contact with the flexible display (140) in a position other than the first position. The flexible display (140) may not be damaged by the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) due to an external impact applied to the electronic device (100) in a position other than the first position. Here, 'external impact' may be an impact that occurs when the electronic device (100) collides with surrounding objects or structures, or when it falls from a certain height and collides with the ground. Since the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) are positioned apart from the flexible display (140) in a position other than the first position (i.e., unfolded position), there is less chance that the flexible display (140) will come into contact with the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) and be damaged when an external impact is applied.

[0103] The first support plate (710) may include a plurality of first connecting portions (730) spaced apart and extending from one side of the first support plate (710) (e.g., the left side of the first support plate (710) in FIG. 6b). The plurality of first connecting portions (730) may each be rotatably connected to a first receiving portion (421, 521, 621) provided on a first rotating arm (420, 520, 620) of the first, second, and third hinge assemblies (400, 500, 600). The plurality of second connecting portions (740) may each be rotatably connected to a second receiving portion (431, 531, 631) provided on a second rotating arm (430, 530, 630) of the first, second, and third hinge assemblies (400, 500, 600).

[0104] The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) may include a material having durability, heat resistance, and lightness. For example, the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) may include a metal material (e.g., stainless steel, alloy steel, aluminum, titanium, or magnesium) or a synthetic resin (e.g., polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamide (PA), polyoxymethylene (POM), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or polysulfone (PSU)).

[0105] Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the first hinge assembly (400) will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the electronic device (100) has been described above as including two or more hinge assemblies, the electronic device (100) may include only one hinge assembly (e.g., the first hinge assembly (400)), or it may include multiple hinge assemblies of various configurations, and only one (or part) of the multiple hinge assemblies may be configured as described in the present disclosure (e.g., the first hinge assembly (400)).

[0106] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a first hinge assembly (400) of a second hinge structure (160, see FIG. 6b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 7, the first hinge assembly (400) may include a fixed bracket (410), a first rotating arm (420), a second rotating arm (430), a synchronization structure (440), a free stop structure (480), a fixed block (490), a first support plate (710), and a second support plate (720). The fixed bracket (410) and the fixed block (490) may each form one end and the other end of the first hinge assembly (400) and may be fixed to a second hinge cover (161, see FIG. 6b). For example, the fixed bracket (410) and the fixed block (490) can be fixed to the second hinge cover (161) by a plurality of fastening screws (181, 182, see FIG. 8). The fixed bracket (410) may be provided with a plurality of first fastening holes (411a, 411b) into which a plurality of fastening screws (181, 182) are coupled, and the fixed block (490) may be provided with a plurality of second fastening holes (491a, 491b) into which a plurality of fastening screws are coupled. For example, the fixed bracket (410) and the fixed block (490) can be fixed to the second hinge cover (161) by ultrasonic welding.

[0107] The first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a virtual centerline that follows the longitudinal direction of the first hinge assembly (400) (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 7 or a direction parallel to the folding axis of the first hinge assembly (400). The first rotation arm (420) may be fixed to the second housing part (120), and the second rotation arm (430) may be fixed to the third housing part (130). For example, the first rotation arm (420) may be fixed to the second housing part (120) by a plurality of fastening screws (183, see FIG. 8), and the second rotation arm (430) may be fixed to the third housing part (130) by a plurality of fastening screws (184). The first rotating arm (420) may be provided with a plurality of third fastening holes (423) into which a plurality of fastening screws (183, see FIG. 8) are coupled, and the second rotating arm (430) may be provided with a plurality of fourth fastening holes (433) into which a plurality of fastening screws (184) are coupled. The first rotating arm (420) may rotate clockwise and counterclockwise together with the second housing part (120), and the second rotating arm (430) may rotate clockwise and counterclockwise together with the third housing part (130).

[0108] A first receiving portion (421) into which the first connecting portion (730) of the first support plate (710) is rotatably inserted may be provided on the upper surface of the first rotating arm (420). A first anti-detachment cap (428) may be attached to the first receiving portion (421) to prevent the first connecting portion (730) of the inserted first support plate (710) from detaching. For example, the first anti-detachment cap (428) may provide a function of fixing the first connecting portion (730) to the first receiving portion (421) to prevent the first connecting portion (730) from being separated from the first receiving portion (421). A second receiving portion (431) into which the second connecting portion (740) of the second support plate (720) is rotatably inserted may be provided on the upper surface of the second rotating arm (430). A second anti-detachment cap (438) may be attached to the second receiving portion (431) so that the second connecting portion (740) of the inserted second support plate (720) does not detach. For example, the second anti-detachment cap (438) may provide a function of preventing the second connecting portion (740) from being separated from the second receiving portion (431) by fixing the second connecting portion (740) to the second receiving portion (431).

[0109] A synchronization structure (440) can be connected to the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) so that the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) rotate simultaneously in opposite directions and at the same angle. For example, the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) can rotate at the same angle in the direction in which the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) unfold and rotate at the same angle in the direction in which they fold by means of the synchronization structure (440).

[0110] The free stop structure (480) can be connected between the synchronization structure (440) and the fixed block (490). For example, one end of the free stop structure (480) can be connected to the synchronization structure (440) and the other end can be connected to the fixed block (490). The free stop structure (480) can be configured to stop and be fixed at a specific position when the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are unfolded or folded at a specific angle. The free stop structure (480) allows the user to open and maintain the screen at a desired angle.

[0111] The first support plate (710) can be rotatably connected to the first rotating arm (420) by the first connecting part (730). The second support plate (720) can be rotatably connected to the second rotating arm (430) by the second connecting part (740).

[0112] In the first position (see first state (100a) in FIG. 1 or third state (100c) in FIG. 3), the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) may be positioned substantially on the same plane and spaced apart at a constant distance. The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) may cover the gap between the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) to support the second bending portion (145, see FIG. 3) of the flexible display (140). The first position may be a fully unfolded position such that the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are positioned approximately on the same plane in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3.

[0113] In the second position, the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) may be rotated about 90° from the first position and positioned substantially parallel. The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) may be retracted toward the second hinge cover (161) so as to be spaced apart from the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) that protrudes toward the second hinge cover (161, see FIG. 6b) in conjunction with the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430). The second position may be a position in which the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) in FIG. 2 are completely folded so as to be rotated about 90° from the first position (e.g., 0°) and positioned substantially parallel to each other. For example, the second position may be a completely folded position, in which the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) of FIG. 2 may each be rotated about 90 degrees from the first position and positioned substantially parallel to each other.

[0114] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example in which a second housing part (120) and a third housing part (130) are interconnected by a first hinge assembly (400) of a second hinge structure (160) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 8, the first hinge assembly (400) can have a fixed bracket (410) fixed to the inner surface of the second hinge cover (161, see FIG. 6b) through a plurality of fastening screws (181, 182). One end of the first rotating arm (420) can be rotatably coupled to the left side of the fixed bracket (410), and the other end of the first rotating arm (420) can be fixed to the second housing part (120) by a plurality of fastening screws (183). One end of the second rotating arm (430) can be rotatably coupled to the right side of the fixed bracket (410), and the other end of the second rotating arm (430) can be fixed to the third housing part (130) by a plurality of fastening screws (184).

[0116] The first support plate (710) may be rotatably connected to the first rotating arm (420) by a first connecting part (730). The first connecting part (730) may not be separated from the first receiving part (421) by a first anti-detachment cap (428) coupled to the first receiving part (421) of the first rotating arm (420). The second support plate (720) may be rotatably connected to the second rotating arm (430) by a second connecting part (740). The second connecting part (740) may not be separated from the second receiving part (431) by a second anti-detachment cap (438) coupled to the second receiving part (431) of the second rotating arm (430).

[0117] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a fixing bracket (410) of a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing a part of a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example in which a first rotation arm (420) and a second rotation arm (430) of a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure rotate between a first position and a second position. FIG. 12 is an exploded view showing a part of a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12, a fixed bracket (410), a first rotating arm (420), a second rotating arm (430), a synchronization structure (440), and a free stop structure (480) included in the first hinge assembly (400) are described.

[0119] A fixed bracket (410) may have a first rotational support (412a) and a second rotational support (412b) spaced apart on the first side of the fixed bracket (410) (e.g., the left side of the fixed bracket (410) shown in FIG. 9), and a third rotational support (412c) and a fourth support (412d) spaced apart on the second side of the fixed bracket (410) (e.g., the right side of the fixed bracket (410) shown in FIG. 9). The first rotational support (412a) and the third rotational support (412c) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary centerline following the longitudinal direction of the fixed bracket (410) (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 9). The second rotational support (412b) and the fourth rotational support (412d) can be arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary centerline following the longitudinal direction of the fixed bracket (410).

[0120] The first rotational support member (412a) and the second rotational support member (412b) can rotatably support the first rotational arm (420). For example, the first rotational support member (412a) may be provided with a first rotational guide groove (413) into which the first rotational rail (425) of the first rotational arm (420) is slidably inserted. The second rotational support member (412b) may be provided with a second rotational guide groove (414) into which the second rotational rail (426) of the first rotational arm (420) is slidably inserted. The first rotational guide groove (413) may be formed in an arc shape having a predetermined curvature centered on the first rotational axis (A1). The second rotational guide groove (414) may be arranged to face each other with the first rotational guide groove (413). The second rotation guide groove (414) can be formed in an arc shape having substantially the same curvature as the first rotation guide groove (413) centered on the first rotation axis (A1).

[0121] The third rotational support (412c) and the fourth rotational support (412d) can rotatably support the second rotational arm (430). For example, the third rotational support (412c) may be provided with a third rotational guide groove (415) into which the third rotational rail (435) of the second rotational arm (430) is slidably inserted. The fourth rotational support (412d) may be provided with a fourth rotational guide groove (416) into which the fourth rotational rail (436) of the second rotational arm (430) is slidably inserted. The third rotational guide groove (415) may be formed in an arc shape having a predetermined curvature centered on the second rotation axis (A2). The fourth rotational guide groove (416) may be positioned to face each other with the third rotational guide groove (415). The fourth rotation guide groove (416) can be formed in an arc shape having substantially the same curvature as the third rotation guide groove (415) centered on the second rotation axis (A2).

[0122] A plurality of first fastening holes (411a, 411b) may be provided in the first rotational support member (412a) and the third rotational support member (412c). A first through hole (414a) into which a first shaft (445) is inserted may be provided in the second rotational support member (412b), and a second through hole (416a) into which a second shaft (447) is inserted may be provided in the fourth rotational support member (412d). The first through hole (414a) and the second through hole (416a) may each be arranged parallel to the centerline of the fixed bracket (410). The first shaft (445) may be the rotational center of the first part (460) of the synchronization structure (440), and the second shaft (447) may be the rotational center of the second part (470) of the synchronization structure (440).

[0123] The first rotation arm (420) may include first and second rotation rails (425, 426) that are respectively slidably inserted into the first and second rotation guide grooves (413, 414) of the fixed bracket (410). The second rotation arm (430) may include third and fourth rotation rails (435, 436) that are respectively slidably inserted into the third and fourth rotation guide grooves (415, 416) of the fixed bracket (410).

[0124] The first rotation arm (430) can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around the first rotation axis (A1). For example, the rotation angle range from the first position (e.g., an angle parallel to the x-axis direction in FIG. 11) to the second position of the first rotation arm (420) can be approximately 0° to 90°. The second rotation arm (430) can have substantially the same rotation angle range from the first position to the second position as the first rotation arm (420) by means of a synchronization structure (440). The second rotation arm (430) can rotate simultaneously with the rotation of the first rotation arm (420) in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the first rotation arm (420) by means of a synchronization structure (440), as shown in FIG. 11.

[0125] The first rotating arm (420) can be connected to the first part (460) of the synchronization structure (440) by a first connecting pin (441). The first rotating arm (420) may be provided with a first elongated hole (427) through which the first connecting pin (441) passes. The first elongated hole (427) may be positioned so as to be inclined downward from one side of the first rotating arm (420) (e.g., the left side of the first rotating arm (420) in FIG. 10) toward the other side of the first rotating arm (420) (e.g., the right side of the first rotating arm (420) in FIG. 10). The first connecting pin (441) can transmit the rotational movement of the first rotating arm (420) to the first part (460) of the synchronization structure (440). The first part (460) of the synchronization structure (440) can rotate in substantially the same direction as the first rotating arm (420) around the first shaft (445).

[0126] The first rotating arm (420) may be provided with a first support surface (420b) capable of supporting the first support plate (710) on the side adjacent to the second rotating arm (430). The first support plate (710) may be seated on the first support surface (420b) of the first rotating arm (420) at a first position. The first support surface (420b) may have a height difference (e.g., based on the z-axis of FIG. 10) with respect to the upper surface (420a) of the first rotating arm (420). For example, the first support surface (420b) may be positioned at a lower position (e.g., based on the z-axis of FIG. 10) than the upper surface (420a) of the first rotating arm (420).

[0127] The second rotating arm (430) can be connected to the second part (470) of the synchronization structure (440) by a second connecting pin (443). The second rotating arm (430) may be provided with a second elongated hole (437) through which the second connecting pin (443) passes. The second elongated hole (437) may be positioned so as to be inclined downward from one side of the second rotating arm (430) (e.g., the right side of the second rotating arm (430) in FIG. 10) toward the other side of the second rotating arm (430) (e.g., the left side of the second rotating arm (430) in FIG. 10). The second connecting pin (443) can transmit the rotational movement of the second rotating arm (430) to the second part (470) of the synchronization structure (440). The second part (470) of the synchronization structure (440) can rotate in substantially the same direction as the second rotating arm (430) around the second shaft (447).

[0128] The second rotating arm (430) may be provided with a second support surface (430b) capable of supporting a second support plate (720) on the side adjacent to the first rotating arm (420). The second support plate (720) may be seated on the second support surface (430b) of the second rotating arm (430) at a first position. The second support surface (430b) may have a height difference (e.g., based on the z-axis of FIG. 10) with respect to the upper surface (430a) of the second rotating arm (430). For example, the second support surface (430b) may be positioned at a lower position (e.g., based on the z-axis of FIG. 10) than the upper surface (430a) of the second rotating arm (430).

[0129] The first part (460) of the synchronization structure (440) may include a first interlocking arm (461) and a second interlocking arm (462). The first interlocking arm (461) and the second interlocking arm (462) may be provided as separate components. The first interlocking arm (461) may be provided with a first insertion hole (461a) into which a first connecting pin (441) is inserted, and the second interlocking arm (462) may be provided with a second insertion hole (462a) into which the first connecting pin (441) is inserted. The first connecting pin (441) may be sequentially inserted into the first elongated hole (427) of the first rotating arm (420), the first insertion hole (461a) of the first interlocking arm (461), and the second insertion hole (462a) of the second interlocking arm (462). The first interlocking arm (461) and the second interlocking arm (462) can be arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 10) by the first connecting pin (441).

[0130] When the first rotating arm (420) rotates from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, the first connecting pin (441) slides along the first slot (427) and can transmit the rotational force of the first rotating arm (420) to the first interlocking arm (461) and the second interlocking arm (462). The first interlocking arm (461) and the second interlocking arm (462) can rotate together with the first rotating arm (420) around the first shaft (445).

[0131] The second part (470) of the synchronization structure (440) may include a third interlocking arm (471) and a fourth interlocking arm (472). The third interlocking arm (471) and the fourth interlocking arm (472) may be provided as separate components. The third interlocking arm (471) may be provided with a third insertion hole (471a) into which a second connecting pin (443) is inserted, and the fourth interlocking arm (472) may be provided with a fourth insertion hole (472a) into which a second connecting pin (443) is inserted. The second connecting pin (443) may be sequentially inserted into the second elongated hole (437) of the second rotating arm (430), the third insertion hole (471a) of the third interlocking arm (471), and the fourth insertion hole (472a) of the fourth interlocking arm (472). The third interlocking arm (471) and the fourth interlocking arm (472) can be arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 10) by the second connecting pin (443).

[0132] When the second rotating arm (430) rotates from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, the second connecting pin (443) slides along the second slot (437) and can transmit the rotational force of the second rotating arm (430) to the third interlocking arm (471) and the fourth interlocking arm (472). The third interlocking arm (471) and the fourth interlocking arm (472) can rotate together with the second rotating arm (430) around the second shaft (447).

[0133] The slider (481) may include a first spiral coupling part (481a) on one side and a second spiral coupling part (481b) on the other side. The first spiral coupling part (481a) of the slider (481) may be slidably coupled between the first spiral guide (461b) of the first interlocking arm (461) and the second spiral guide (4621b) of the second interlocking arm (462). The first spiral coupling part (481a) may be provided with a first through hole (482a) through which the first shaft (445) passes. The second spiral coupling part (481b) of the slider (481) may be slidably coupled between the third spiral guide (471b) of the third interlocking arm (471) and the fourth spiral guide (4721b) of the fourth interlocking arm (472). The second spiral joint (481b) may be provided with a second through hole (482b) through which the second shaft (447) passes.

[0134] The slider (481) can synchronize the rotation of the first interlocking arm (461) and the second interlocking arm (462) of the synchronization structure (440) with the rotation of the third interlocking arm (471) and the fourth interlocking arm (472), which are the second part (470) of the synchronization structure (440). For example, when the first rotation arm (420) rotates from a first position to a second position, the first interlocking arm (461) and the second interlocking arm (462) of the synchronization structure (440) can rotate from the first position to the second position. The slider (481) can transmit the rotational force of the first interlocking arm (461) and the second interlocking arm (462) of the synchronization structure (440) to the third interlocking arm (471) and the fourth interlocking arm (472) of the synchronization structure (440). Accordingly, the third interlocking arm (471) and the fourth interlocking arm (472) of the synchronization structure (440) can rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first interlocking arm (461) and the second interlocking arm (462) of the synchronization structure (440).

[0135] The slider (481) can move forward or backward along the first and second shafts (445, 447) in a straight direction (e.g., the y-axis direction of FIG. 10) to transmit the rotational force of the first linkage arm (461) and the second linkage arm (462) of the synchronization structure (440) to the third linkage arm (471) and the fourth linkage arm (472) of the synchronization structure (440), or conversely, transmit the rotational force of the third linkage arm (471) and the fourth linkage arm (472) of the synchronization structure (440) to the first linkage arm (461) and the second linkage arm (462) of the synchronization structure (440).

[0136] The free stop structure (480) may be positioned along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 12) of the first hinge assembly (400). The front end of the free stop structure (480) may be positioned between the second interlocking arm (462) and the fourth interlocking arm (472), and the rear end of the free stop structure (480) may be supported by a fixed block (490). The free stop structure (480) may include a first cam member (482), a second cam member (484), a first axis bracket (483), a second axis bracket (485), and first, second, third, and fourth elastic members (486a, 486b, 486c, 486d). For example, the first, second, third, and fourth elastic members (486a, 486b, 486c, 486d) may be coil springs.

[0137] The first cam member (482), the first and second elastic members (486a, 486b), and the first shaft bracket (483) may be positioned between the second interlocking arm (462) and the fourth interlocking arm (472). A first cam structure (e.g., a plurality of cam protrusions) (not shown) may be provided on both sides of the front end surface of the first cam member (482). A second cam structure (e.g., a plurality of cam protrusions) (not shown), which is cam-connected to the first cam structure of the first cam member (482), may be provided on the rear end surface of the second spiral guide (461b) and the rear end surface of the fourth spiral guide (471b), respectively. The first and second elastic members (486a, 486b) may be elastically positioned between the first cam member (482) and the first shaft bracket (483). The first axis bracket (483) can be elastically supported on the protrusion (462c) of the second interlocking arm (462) and the protrusion (472c) of the fourth interlocking arm (472) by the elastic force of the first and second elastic members (486a, 486b).

[0138] The second cam member (484), the third and fourth elastic members (486c, 486d) and the second shaft bracket (485) may be positioned between the protrusion (462c) of the second interlocking arm (462), the protrusion (472c) of the fourth interlocking arm (472), and the fixed block (490).

[0139] A third cam structure (e.g., a plurality of cam protrusions) (484d) may be provided on both sides of the front end surface of the second cam member (484). A fourth cam structure (e.g., a plurality of cam protrusions) (462h, 472h), which is cam-connected to the third cam structure (484d), may be provided on the rear end surface of the protrusion (462c) of the second interlocking arm (462) and the rear end surface of the protrusion (472c) of the fourth interlocking arm (472), respectively. The third and fourth elastic members (486c, 486d) may be elastically positioned between the second cam member (484) and the second shaft bracket (485). The second shaft bracket (485) may be elastically supported toward the fixed block (490) by the elastic force of the third and fourth elastic members (486c, 486d).

[0140] The first shaft (445) can be screwed into a groove (not shown) provided on the front end surface of the fixed block (490) by penetrating one side of the free stop structure (480). The second shaft (447) can be screwed into a groove (not shown) provided on the front end surface of the fixed block (490) by penetrating the other side of the free stop structure (480). Washers (487a, 487b) and U-rings (488a, 488b) that are respectively coupled to the first shaft (445) and the second shaft (447) can be arranged between the second shaft bracket (485) and the fixed block (490).

[0141] While the second interlocking arm (462) and the fourth interlocking arm (472) rotate from the first position to the second position, the first cam member (482) and the second cam member (484) may retract toward the fixed block (490). In this case, as the elastic force of the first and second elastic members (486a, 486b) increases, the frictional force between the first cam structure of the first cam member (482) and the second cam structure cam-connected to the first cam structure may increase. As the elastic force of the third and fourth elastic members (486c, 486d) increases, the frictional force between the third cam structure (484c, 484d) of the second cam member (484) and the fourth cam structure (462h, 472h) cam-connected to the third cam structure (484c, 484d) may increase. Accordingly, while the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are rotated from the first position to the second position, torque is increased by the free stop structure (480) of the first hinge assembly (400). Accordingly, the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) can be stopped at a specific angle.

[0142] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a first support plate (710) of a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a drawing showing a first receiving portion (421) of a first rotating arm (420) of a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the first support plate (710) can be rotatably connected to the first rotation arm (420) through a first connecting portion (730) provided on one side. The first connecting portion (730) of the first support plate (710) may have a first rotation projection (731) and a second rotation projection (732) provided at both ends along the longitudinal direction (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 13). The first rotation projection (731) and the second rotation projection (732) may protrude by a predetermined length from both ends of the first connecting portion (730) in a direction away from the first support plate (710) (e.g., the x-axis direction in FIG. 13). The first rotation projection (731) and the second rotation projection (732) may be formed symmetrically. For example, each of the first rotational projection (731) and the second rotational projection (732) may be formed with a round shape having a defined curvature at the lower left, upper left, and lower right sides, respectively, in FIG. 15. In this case, the round shapes of each of the first rotational projection (731) and the second rotational projection (732) may all have the same curvature.

[0144] The first rotational projection (731) and the second rotational projection (732) can be rotatably inserted into the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotational arm (420) together with the first connecting portion (730). The first receiving portion (421) may include a central groove (422a) into which the first connecting portion (730) is inserted, a first sliding groove (422b) into which the first rotational projection (731) is inserted, and a second sliding groove (422c) into which the second rotational projection (732) is inserted. The first rotational projection (731) can rotate around a third rotation axis (A3, see FIG. 18) within the first sliding groove (422b). The second rotational projection (732) can rotate around the third rotation axis (A3) within the second sliding groove (422c).

[0145] For example, the length (L2) of the first rotational projection (731) and the length (L3) of the second rotational projection (732) may be smaller than the length (L1) of the first connecting part (730). The length (L2) of the first rotational projection (731) and the length (L3) of the second rotational projection (732) may be substantially the same.

[0146] For example, the length (L2) of the first rotational projection (731) and the length (L3) of the second rotational projection (732) may be different. In this case, the first rotational projection (731) may be positioned relatively outward with respect to the second rotational projection (732). Here, 'outward' may be a position closer to both ends of the first support plate (710) than to the center of the first support plate (710) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first support plate (710). The length (L2) of the first rotational projection (731) may be greater than the length of the second rotational projection (732). The length (L2) of the first rotational projection (731) may be smaller than the length (L1) of the first connecting part (730). Accordingly, the relationship between the length (L1) of the first connecting part (730), the length (L2) of the first rotating projection (731), and the length (L3) of the second rotating projection (732) can be expressed by the following mathematical formula 1.

[0147] (Mathematical Formula 1)

[0148] L1>L2>L3

[0149] FIGS. 15 and 16 are drawings showing a first support plate (710) of a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 15, the first connecting portion (730) may be positioned so as to be inclined downward from one side of the first support plate (710) in a direction away from the first support plate (710). The first and second rotating protrusions (731, 732) may be positioned approximately parallel to the first support plate (710).

[0151] For example, the width (W1) of the first support plate (710) may be greater than the thickness (T1) of the first support plate (710). The width (W2) of the first and second rotating protrusions (731, 732) may be greater than the thickness (T2) of the first and second rotating protrusions (731, 732). The width (W1) of the first support plate (710) may be greater than the width (W2) of the first and second rotating protrusions (731, 732). The thickness (T1) of the first support plate (710) may be greater than the thickness (T2) of the first and second rotating protrusions (731, 732). Therefore, the ratio of the width (W1) and thickness (T1) of the first support plate (710) may be greater than the ratio of the width (W2) and thickness (T2) of the first and second rotating protrusions (731, 732).

[0152] For example, the horizontal distance (W3) between the first support plate (710) and the first and second rotational protrusions (731, 732) in the horizontal direction (e.g., the x-axis direction in FIG. 15) may be larger than the vertical distance (T3) between the first support plate (710) and the first and second rotational protrusions (731, 732) in the vertical direction (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 15).

[0153] For example, the relationship between the width (W1) of the first support plate (710), the width (W2) of the first or second rotating projection (731, 732), and the horizontal spacing (W3) between the first support plate (710) and the first or second rotating projection (731, 732) can be represented by the following mathematical formula 2.

[0154] (Mathematical Formula 2)

[0155] W1>W2>W3

[0156] For example, the relationship between the thickness (T1) of the first support plate (710), the thickness (T2) of the first or second rotating projection (731, 732), and the vertical spacing (T3) between the first support plate (710) and the first or second rotating projection (731, 732) can be represented by the following mathematical formula 3.

[0157] (Mathematical Formula 3)

[0158] T2>T1>T3

[0159] The first support plate (710) may have a first chamfer surface (711) provided at its tip. The first chamfer surface (711) of the first support plate (710) may be a plane formed along the longitudinal direction of the first support plate (710) (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 15). The first chamfer surface (711) of the first support plate (710) may slide along a first contact surface (417, FIG. 9) provided on the upper surface of the first fixed bracket (410) when the first rotating arm (420, FIG. 10) rotates. Accordingly, when the first rotating arm (420) rotates, the jamming (or friction) occurring between the first chamfer surface (711) of the first support plate (710) and the first contact surface (417) of the first fixed bracket (410) may be improved or minimized. Accordingly, the first hinge assembly (400) can enable smooth operation when unfolding or folding the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130). For example, the section where the first chamfered surface (711) of the first support plate (710) and the first contact surface (417) of the first fixing bracket (410) come into contact with each other may be approximately 25° to 90° within the rotatable angle range (e.g., approximately 0° to 90°) of the first rotating arm (420).

[0160] The first support plate (710) may have a second chamfered surface (712) provided at its rear end (e.g., the side adjacent to the first connecting part (730)). As the second chamfered surface (712) is formed at the rear end of the first support plate (710), it may be prevented from interfering with the corner of the upper surface (420a) of the first rotating arm (420) when the first rotating arm (420) rotates. To this end, a chamfered surface (420c, see FIG. 20) may be provided at the corner of the upper surface (420a) of the first rotating arm (420). A rounded surface (not shown) may also be provided at the corner of the upper surface (420a) of the first rotating arm (420).

[0161] The size and / or angle of the second chamfered surface (712) of the first support plate (710) may be substantially the same as the size and / or angle of the first chamfered surface (711). However, not limited thereto, the size of the second chamfered surface (712) of the first support plate (710) may be smaller than the size of the first chamfered surface (711).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 16, a first round surface (711-1) having a defined curvature may be provided at the front end of the first support plate (710). A second chamfered surface (712) may be provided at the rear end of the first support plate (710). In this way, surfaces of different shapes may be provided at the front and rear ends of the first support plate (710).

[0163] A second round surface (not shown) having a predetermined curvature, such as the first round surface (711-1) provided at the front end of the first support plate (710), may be provided at the rear end of the first support plate (710). For example, when the first round surface (711-1) and the second round surface are provided at the front and rear ends of the first support plate (710), the curvature of the second round surface may be smaller than the curvature of the first round surface (711-1).

[0164] The rear end of the first support plate (710) may have a right-angle shape with the second chamfered surface (712) or the second rounded surface omitted. In this case, the gap between the rear end of the first support plate (710) and the corner of the upper surface (420a) of the first rotation arm (420) may be formed wider so that when the first rotation arm (420) rotates, the rear end of the first support plate (710) does not interfere with the corner of the upper surface (420a) of the first rotation arm (420).

[0165] FIG. 17 is an exploded view showing a structure in which a first support plate (710) and a second support plate (720) of a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are connected to a first rotating arm (420) and a second rotating arm (430). FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view along the lines D-D' and E-E' shown in FIG. 7, showing a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a first anti-detachment cap (428) may be attached to the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotating arm (420) after the first connecting portion (730), the first rotating projection (731), and the second rotating projection (732) of the first support plate (710) are inserted therein. The first connecting portion (730) of the first support plate (710) may be rotated without being detached from the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotating arm (420) by the first anti-detachment cap (428). The first support plate (710) may rotate around a third rotation axis (A3) that passes through the first rotating projection (731) and the second rotating projection (732). For example, the third rotation axis (A3) may be positioned parallel to the first rotation axis (A1), which is the rotation center of the first rotating arm (420). The third rotation axis (A3) can be positioned at a certain distance from the first rotation axis (A1) toward the center of the fixed bracket (410).

[0167] After the second connecting portion (740), third rotating projection (741), and fourth rotating projection (742) of the second support plate (720) are inserted into the second receiving portion (431) of the second rotating arm (430), a second anti-detachment cap (429) may be attached. The second connecting portion (740) of the second support plate (720) may be rotated without being detached from the second receiving portion (431) of the second rotating arm (430) by means of the second anti-detachment cap (429). The second support plate (720) may rotate around a fourth rotation axis (A4) that passes through the third rotating projection (741) and the fourth rotating projection (742). For example, the fourth rotation axis (A4) may be positioned parallel to the second rotation axis (A2), which is the rotation center of the second rotating arm (430). The fourth rotation axis (A4) can be positioned at a certain distance from the second rotation axis (A2) toward the center of the fixed bracket (410).

[0168] The first rotation axis (A1) and the second rotation axis (A2) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a line passing through the center of the fixed bracket (410) along the longitudinal direction of the fixed bracket (410) (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 18). The third rotation axis (A3) and the fourth rotation axis (A4) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to a line passing through the center of the fixed bracket (410) along the longitudinal direction of the fixed bracket (410) (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 18).

[0169] FIG. 19 is an assembly drawing in which the first and second support plates of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are coupled to the first and second rotating arms by means of first and second anti-detachment caps. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view along the line G-G' indicated in FIG. 19, showing a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view along the line H-H' indicated in FIG. 19, showing a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is a drawing showing an example in which a flexible display of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is spaced apart from the first and second support plates.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 19, 20 and 21, the first anti-detachment cap (428) may have a first cover projection (428a) and a second cover projection (428b) spaced apart on one side (e.g., the side adjacent to the first support plate (710). The first cover projection (428a) and the second cover projection (428b) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) may correspond to a first rotational projection (731) and a second rotational projection (732) coupled to the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotational arm (420). Accordingly, when the first anti-detachment cap (428) is coupled to the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotating arm (420), the first cover projection (428a) and the second cover projection (428b) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) can cover the first rotating projection (731) and the second rotating projection (732).

[0171] The first cover projection (428a) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) can form a first guide space capable of guiding clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the first rotation projection (731) together with the first sliding groove (422b) provided in the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotation arm (420). The first sliding groove (422b) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the rotation trajectory of the first rotation projection (731). The lower portion (428d) of the first cover projection (428a) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the rear portion (731a) of the first rotation projection (731). Accordingly, the first rotation projection (731) can rotate smoothly around the third rotation axis (A3) within a defined angle range (e.g., 0° to 90°) in the first guide space.

[0172] The second cover projection (428b) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) can form a second guide space capable of guiding clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the second rotation projection (732) together with the second sliding groove (422c) provided in the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotation arm (420). The second guide space can be formed symmetrically to the first guide space.

[0173] The second anti-detachment cap (429) may be configured substantially identically to the first anti-detachment cap (428). The second anti-detachment cap (429) may be coupled to the second receiving portion (431) of the second rotating arm (430). In this case, the second anti-detachment cap (429) may be positioned symmetrically to the first anti-detachment cap (428). When the second anti-detachment cap (429) is coupled to the second receiving portion (431) of the second rotating arm (430), the third cover projection (438a) and the fourth cover projection (438b) of the second anti-detachment cap (429) may cover the third rotating projection (741) and the fourth rotating projection (742).

[0174] The third cover projection (438a) of the second anti-detachment cap (429) can form a third guide space capable of guiding clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the third rotation projection (741) together with the third sliding groove (432b) provided in the second receiving portion (431) of the second rotation arm (430). The fourth cover projection (438b) of the second anti-detachment cap (429) can form a fourth guide space capable of guiding clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the third rotation projection (741) together with the fourth sliding groove (432c) provided in the second receiving portion (431) of the second rotation arm (430). For example, the third guide space may be symmetrically arranged in the first guide space, and the fourth guide space may be symmetrically arranged in the second guide space.

[0175] The first connecting portion (730) of the first support plate (710) can rotate within a predetermined rotation angle range (θ1) within a central groove (422a) provided in the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotating arm (420). For example, the rotation angle range (θ1) of the first connecting portion (730) of the first support plate (710) may be an acute angle (or may correspond to an acute angle). That is, the rotation angle range (θ1) may be a range from 0 degrees to less than 90 degrees. The rotation angle range (θ1) of the first connecting portion (730) of the first support plate (710) may be smaller than the rotation angle range of the first rotating arm (420) (e.g., about 0° to 90°).

[0176] The first connecting part (730) of the first support plate (710) may have its rotation restricted by the first stopping surface (442d) of the central groove (442a) and the second stopping surface (428c) of the first anti-detachment cap (428). That is, the space in which the first connecting part (730) can rotate may be separated by the first stopping surface (442d) and the second stopping surface (428c). For example, the position where the lower surface (730a) of the first connecting part (730) of the first support plate (710) contacts the first stopping surface (442d) of the central groove (442a) may correspond to the lower limit of the rotation angle range (θ1) of the first connecting part (730) of the first support plate (710). The position where the upper surface (730b) of the first connecting part (730) of the first support plate (710) contacts the second stopping surface (428c) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) may correspond to the upper limit of the rotation angle range (θ1) of the first connecting part (730) of the first support plate (710).

[0177] The upper limit of the rotation angle range (θ1) of the first connecting part (730) of the first support plate (710) can be determined according to the angle (θ1) of the second stopping surface (428c) of the first anti-detachment cap (428). The angle (θ1) of the second stopping surface (428c) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) may be the angle from the upper surface of the first anti-detachment cap (428) to the second stopping surface (428c) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 21.

[0178] The second connecting portion (740) of the second support plate (720) can rotate within a predetermined rotation angle range within the central groove (432a) provided in the second receiving portion (431) of the second rotating arm (430). The second connecting portion (740) of the second support plate (720) can rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first connecting portion (730) of the first support plate (710). For example, the rotation angle range of the second connecting portion (740) of the second support plate (720) may be the same as the rotation angle range (θ1) of the first connecting portion (730) of the first support plate (710). The angle of the second stop surface (429c) of the second anti-detachment cap (429) may be the angle from the upper surface of the second anti-detachment cap (429) to the second stop surface (429c) of the second anti-detachment cap (429) in a clockwise direction in FIG. 22.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 22, the upper limit of the rotation angle range (θ1) of the first connecting portion (730) of the first support plate (710) may be an angle at which the first support plate (710) can be separated from the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) by a first gap (P1) at a second position. The upper limit of the rotation angle range of the second connecting portion (740) of the second support plate (710) may be an angle at which the second support plate (720) can be separated from the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) by a second gap (P2) at a second position. In this case, the first gap (P1) and the second gap (P2) may be substantially the same, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first gap (P1) and the second gap (P2) may be different.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 21, when the first anti-detachment cap (428) is coupled to the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotating arm (420), the lower surface (428f) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) may be seated on the seating surface (422f) provided in the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotating arm (420). The depth of coupling of the first anti-detachment cap (428) to the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotating arm (420) may be determined by the distance from the upper surface (420a) of the first rotating arm (420) to the seating surface (422f). When the second anti-detachment cap (429) is coupled to the second receiving portion (431) of the second rotating arm (430), the lower surface (not shown) of the second anti-detachment cap (429) can be seated on a seating surface (not shown) provided in the second receiving portion (431) of the second rotating arm (430).

[0181] The first rotating arm (420), the second rotating arm (430), the first anti-detachment cap (428), and the second anti-detachment cap (429) may comprise a metal or synthetic resin (or other suitable material) having durability, heat resistance, and lightness similar to the first and second support plates (710, 720).

[0182] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) and the first and second support plates (710, 720) when the first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is operated. FIG. 24a, FIG. 24b, and FIG. 24c are diagrams showing the operation of the first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 24a may be a state in which the first and second rotation arms (420, 430) in FIG. 23 are positioned at 0°, FIG. 24b may be a state in which the first and second rotation arms (420, 430) in FIG. 23 are positioned at 45°, and FIG. 24c may be a state in which the first and second rotation arms (420, 430) in FIG. 23 are positioned between 45° and 90°.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 23 and FIGS. 24a, when the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) are in a first position (e.g., about 0°), the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) can support the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140). In this case, the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) can come into contact with the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140).

[0184] When the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are rotated from the first position toward the second position, the first rotation arm (420) can be rotated clockwise around the first rotation axis (A1, see FIG. 18) in FIG. 23, and the second rotation arm (430) can be rotated counterclockwise around the second rotation axis (A2, see FIG. 18) in FIG. 23.

[0185] At the point where the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) are rotated about 25° from the first position toward the second position, the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) may be separated from the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140). The distance between the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) and the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) may gradually increase from an angle away from the first position to about 25° (about 130 degrees relative to the x-axis, or relative to each other). For example, the first support plate (710) or the second support plate (720) can come into contact with the flexible display only when the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) are in the first position or very close to the first position, and contact with the flexible display may start to break when the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) start to move from the first position to the second position.

[0186] From the point where the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) are rotated from the first position toward the second position by about 0° to about 25°, the first support plate (710) rotates together with the first rotating arm (420) in the same direction as the rotation direction of the first rotating arm (420) (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 23), and the second support plate (720) can rotate together with the second rotating arm (430) in the same direction as the rotation direction of the second rotating arm (430) (e.g., counterclockwise in FIG. 23).

[0187] The first chamfered surface (711) of the first support plate (710) and the third chamfered surface (721) provided at the tip of the second support plate (720) can each come into contact with the first contact surface (417) and the second contact surface (418) of the fixing bracket (410) from a point of about 25°. For example, the first contact surface (417) and the second contact surface (418) may be formed as curved surfaces having a gentle curvature to improve or minimize jamming (or friction) while the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) are rotating. Referring to FIG. 23 and FIG. 24b, the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) may slide along the first contact surface (417) and the second contact surface (418) of the first support plate (710), respectively, as the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) rotate from a first position toward a second position to a point where they are rotated about 25° (about 130° relative to the x-axis, or relative to each other) to a point where they are rotated about 45° (about 90° relative to the x-axis, or relative to each other). In this case, the first support plate (710) can rotate about the third rotation axis (A3, see FIG. 18) in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the first rotation arm (420) (counterclockwise in FIG. 23). The second support plate (720) can rotate about the fourth rotation axis (A4, see FIG. 18) in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the second rotation arm (430) (e.g., clockwise in FIG. 23). The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) can continuously maintain a distance from the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) until the first rotation arm (420) and the second rotation arm (430) have rotated about 25° toward the second position to about 45°.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 23 and FIG. 24c, at the point where the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) are rotated from the first position toward the second position by about 45° (about 90° relative to the x-axis, or relative to each other) to about 90° (about 0° relative to the x-axis, or relative to each other), the rotation of the first support plate (710) may be restricted by the second stop surface (428c) of the first anti-detachment cap (428), and the rotation of the second support plate (720) may be restricted by the second stop surface (429c) of the second anti-detachment cap (429) (see FIG. 22).

[0189] The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) can continuously maintain a distance from the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) from the point where the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) are rotated from about 45° to about 90° from the first position toward the second position.

[0190] As the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) are restricted from rotating toward the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) from the second position, the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) may not be scratched or damaged by the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) even if an external impact is applied to the electronic device (100). When the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are rotated from the second position to the first position, the rotation direction of the first rotation arm (420), the second rotation arm (430), the first support plate (710), and the second support plate (720) may be opposite to the direction of rotation of the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) from the second position to the first position. The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) may have a distance from the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) while the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) rotate from the second position to the first position. When the second housing part (120, see FIG. 8) and the third housing part (130, see FIG. 8) rotate from the first position to the second position, the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430) of the first hinge assembly (400) may rotate substantially simultaneously and at substantially the same angle in directions facing each other. The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) of the first hinge assembly (400) rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first rotating arm (420) and the second rotating arm (430), and can maintain a state of being continuously spaced apart from the flexible display (140) at a predetermined distance from a point away from the first position to the second position. The predetermined distance between the flexible display (140) and the support plates can change while the first and second rotating arms (420, 430) are rotating.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 24c, while the first chamfered surface (711) of the first support plate (710) and the third chamfered surface (721) of the second support plate (720) are rotated out of the first position and into the second position, they can slide along each upper surface of the slider (481), the first cam member (482), the first shaft bracket (483), the second cam member (484), the second shaft bracket (485), and the fixed block (490, see FIG. 12), together with the first contact surface (417) and the second contact surface (418) of the fixed bracket (410). In this case, curved surfaces corresponding to the first contact surface (417) and the second contact surface (418) of the fixed bracket (410) may be provided on each upper surface of the slider (481), the first cam member (482), the first shaft bracket (483), the second cam member (484), the second shaft bracket (485), and the fixed block (490).

[0192] The first chamfered surface (711) of the first support plate (710) and the third chamfered surface (721) provided at the tip of the second support plate (720) can each come into contact with the first contact surface (417) and the second contact surface (418) of the fixing bracket (410) from a point of about 25°. For example, the first contact surface (417) and the second contact surface (418) can be formed as curved surfaces with a gentle curvature to improve or minimize jamming (or friction) while the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) rotate.

[0193] FIGS. 25a, FIGS. 25b, and FIGS. 25c are drawings showing a first support plate (710-1, 710-2, 710-3) and a second support plate (720-1, 720-2, 720-3) of a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 25a, a first support plate (710-1) may have a plurality of first connecting portions along one side. For example, the first support plate (710-1) may have three first connecting portions (730a-1, 730b-1, 730c-1) spaced apart. The gap (I11) between the upper first connecting portion (730a-1) located on the upper side of the first support plate (710-1) and the middle first connecting portion (730b-1) located approximately in the center of the first support plate (710-1) may be substantially the same as the gap (I12) between the middle first connecting portion (730b-1) and the lower first connecting portion (730c-1) located on the lower side of the first support plate (710-1). The second support plate (720-1) may include three second connecting parts (740a-1, 740b-1, 740c-1) corresponding to three first connecting parts (730a-1, 730b-1, 730c-1) of the first support plate (710-1).

[0195] In this way, the first support plate (710-1) and the second support plate (720-1), each having three first connecting parts (730a-1, 730b-1, 730c-1) and three second connecting parts (740a-1, 740b-1, 740c-1) respectively, can be applied to a second hinge structure (160) including three hinge assemblies (400, 500, 600) as shown in FIG. 6b.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 25b, depending on the position of the three hinge assemblies (400, 500, 600) placed on the second hinge cover (161, see FIG. 6b), the spacing between the three first connecting parts (730a-2, 730b-2, 730c-2) of the first support plate (710-2) and the spacing between the three first connecting parts (740a-2, 740b-2, 740c-2) of the second support plate (720-2) may differ.

[0197] For example, the gap between the first receiving portion (421) of the first hinge assembly (400) and the first receiving portion (621) of the third hinge assembly (600) may be larger than the gap between the first receiving portion (621) of the third hinge assembly (600) and the first receiving portion (521) of the second hinge assembly (500). The second receiving portions (431, 531, 631) of the first, second, and third hinge assemblies (400, 500, 600) may be positioned at locations corresponding to the first receiving portions (421, 521, 621) of the first, second, and third hinge assemblies (400, 500, 600), respectively. In this case, the gap (I21) between the upper first connecting part (730a-2) and the middle first connecting part (730b-2) may be larger than the gap (I22) between the middle first connecting part (730b-2) and the lower first connecting part (730c-2). The three second connecting parts (740a-2, 740b-2, 740c-2) of the second support plate (730-2) may be positioned at locations corresponding to the three first connecting parts (730a-2, 730b-2, 730c-2) of the first support plate (710-2).

[0198] Referring to FIG. 25c, the gap between the first receiving portion (421) of the first hinge assembly (400) and the first receiving portion (621) of the third hinge assembly (600) may be smaller than the gap between the first receiving portion (621) of the third hinge assembly (600) and the first receiving portion (521) of the second hinge assembly (500). The second receiving portions (431, 531, 631) of the first, second, and third hinge assemblies (400, 500, 600) may be positioned at locations corresponding to the first receiving portions (421, 521, 621) of the first, second, and third hinge assemblies (400, 500, 600), respectively. In this case, the gap (I31) between the upper first connecting part (730a-3) and the middle first connecting part (730b-3) may be larger than the gap (I32) between the middle first connecting part (730b-3) and the lower first connecting part (730c-3). The three second connecting parts (740a-3, 740b-3, 740c-3) of the second support plate (720-3) may be positioned at locations corresponding to the three first connecting parts (730a-3, 730b-3, 730c-3) of the first support plate (710-3).

[0199] The support plates shown in FIGS. 25a, 25b, and 25c include three connecting parts with a specific spacing arrangement, but connecting parts of an appropriate number and arrangement may be used.

[0200] FIGS. 26a and FIGS. 26b are drawings showing a first support plate (710-4, 710-5) and a second support plate (720-4, 720-5) of a first hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0201] The number of first connecting parts provided on the first support plate and the number of second connecting parts provided on the second support plate may differ depending on the length of the second hinge structure (160) applied to the electronic device (100). For example, the length of the second hinge structure (160) shown in FIG. 4 (e.g., length along the y-axis of FIG. 4) may be shorter than the length of the second hinge structure (160) shown in FIG. 6b (e.g., length along the y-axis of FIG. 6b). In this case, the second hinge structure (160) shown in FIG. 4 includes two hinge assemblies (400, 500) taking length into account.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 26a, the first support plate (710-4) applied to the second hinge structure (160) comprising two hinge assemblies (400, 500) may include two first connecting portions (730a-4, 730a-4) and the second support plate (720-4) may include two second connecting portions (740a-4, 740a-4).

[0203] Referring to FIG. 26b, the two first connecting parts (730a-5, 730b-5) provided on the first support plate (710-5) may be half of the two first connecting parts (730a-4, 730b-4) shown in FIG. 26a. For example, the upper first connecting part (730a-5) may have one first rotational projection (731a-5) provided on the side adjacent to the upper side of the first support plate (710-5). The lower first connecting part (730b-5) may have one second rotational projection (732a-5) provided on the side adjacent to the lower side of the first support plate (710-5). The two second connecting portions (740a-5, 740b-5) of the second support plate (730-5) can be formed symmetrically to the two first connecting portions (730a-5, 730b-5) of the first support plate (720-5).

[0204] FIG. 27 is a drawing showing an example in which a detachment prevention cap of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is attached to a first housing through an adhesive member.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 27, the first anti-detachment cap (428) can be firmly attached to the first receiving portion (421) of the first rotating arm (420) through an adhesive member (800). For example, the adhesive member (800) can be applied to the seating surface (422f) of the first receiving portion (421). The lower surface (428f) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) can be attached to the seating surface (422f) of the first receiving portion (421) by the adhesive member (800). The second anti-detachment cap (429) can also be attached to the seating surface of the second receiving portion (431, see FIG. 10) through the adhesive member (800). Accordingly, the first anti-detachment cap (428) and the second anti-detachment cap (429) can remain assembled in the first receiving portion (421) and the second receiving portion (431) without being detached from the first receiving portion (421) and the second receiving portion (431) by external impact applied to the electronic device (100).

[0206] FIG. 28a is a drawing showing an example in which a filler groove is formed so that a detachment prevention cap of a first hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is fixed to a first housing by welding. FIG. 28b is a drawing showing an example in which filler metal is filled into the filler groove shown in FIG. 28a.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 28a, if the first anti-detachment cap (428-1) and the first rotating arm (420-1) are made of metal (e.g., stainless steel, alloy steel, or aluminum), the first anti-detachment cap (428-1) can be fixed to the first receiving portion (421-1) of the first rotating arm (420-1) by welding.

[0208] For example, a first weight-reducing groove (420a-1) can be formed along the periphery of the first receiving portion (421-1) of the first rotating arm (420-1). A second weight-reducing groove (428a-1) can be formed along a portion of the upper surface of the first anti-detachment cap (428-1) to correspond to the first weight-reducing groove (420d-1) in the first anti-detachment cap (428-1).

[0209] Referring to FIG. 28b, the first filler groove (420d-1) and the second filler groove (428a-1) may be filled with filler metal through arc welding, gas metal arc welding, or laser welding. The first anti-detachment cap (428-1) and the first rotating arm (420-1) may be welded together by the filler metal. The filler metal filled in the first filler groove (420d-1) and the second filler groove (428a-1) is referred to as the weld (426-1). The weld (426-1) formed in the first filler groove (420d-1) and the second filler groove (428a-1) may be formed to protrude beyond the upper surface (420a-1) of the first rotating arm (420-1). In this case, the rear surface of the flexible display (140, see FIG. 23) may come into contact with the weld (426-1) at a first position. To improve the rear surface of the flexible display (140) from being dented or damaged by the weld (426-1) protruding above the upper surface (420a-1) of the first rotating arm (420-1), the weld (426-1) may be ground through a grinding process so that it is substantially the same height as the upper surface (420a-1) of the first rotating arm (420-1). For example, the grinding process may sequentially proceed with coarse grinding, fine grinding, and polishing (or buffing) to minimize the surface roughness of the weld (426-1).

[0210] FIG. 29 is a drawing showing a fixed bracket (410-2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 29, the fixed bracket (410-2) may be provided with a pair of first contact protrusions (417a-2, 417b-2) and a pair of second contact protrusions (418a-2, 418b-2) to which the first chamfered surface (711, see FIG. 23) of the first support plate (710) and the third chamfered surface (721, see FIG. 23) of the second support plate (720) can be contacted.

[0212] A pair of first contact protrusions (417a-2, 417b-2) may be placed at regular intervals along the longitudinal direction of the fixed bracket (410-2) (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 29) on the first contact surface (417-2) of the fixed bracket (410-2). A pair of second contact protrusions (418a-2, 418b-2) may be placed on the second contact surface (418-2) of the fixed bracket (410-2) and may be placed at positions corresponding to the pair of first contact protrusions (417a-2, 417b-2).

[0213] When the first support plate (710) is rotated from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, the first chamfered surface (711) (or the first rounded surface (711-1)) of the first support plate (710) can slide along a pair of first contact protrusions (417a-2, 417b-2). When the second support plate (720) is rotated from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position, the third chamfered surface (721) (or the third rounded surface (not shown)) of the second support plate (720) can slide along a pair of second contact protrusions (418a-2, 418b-2). The third rounded surface of the second support plate (720) can be formed substantially identically to the first rounded surface (711-1) of the first support plate (710).

[0214] In this case, the contact area between the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) and the fixed bracket (410-2) can be significantly reduced, so that the jamming (or friction) while the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) rotate can be improved or minimized.

[0215] A pair of first contact protrusions (417a-2, 417b-2) and a pair of second contact protrusions (418a-2, 418b-2) may include a curved surface having a gentle curvature on the upper surface that contacts the first chamfered surface (711) (or first rounded surface (711-1)) of the first support plate (710) and the third chamfered surface (721) (or third rounded surface) of the second support plate (720). Accordingly, the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) can slide smoothly.

[0216] FIG. 30 is a drawing showing a second hinge cover (161-4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 31 is a drawing showing a first hinge assembly (400-4) coupled to a second hinge cover (161-4) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view along the line M-M' of FIG. 31, showing an example in which the leading ends of the first and second support plates contact the contact projection of the second hinge cover of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0217] Referring to FIGS. 30, 31, and 32, the second hinge cover (161-4) may have a plurality of contact protrusions spaced apart along the upper surface (161a-4) of the second hinge cover (161-4). For example, the plurality of contact protrusions of the second hinge cover (161-4) may include third, fourth, and fifth contact protrusions (162-4, 163-4, 164-4). The third, fourth, and fifth contact protrusions (162-4, 163-4, 164-4) of the second hinge cover (161-4) allow the first chamfered surface (711-4) (or first rounded surface (711-1, see FIG. 16)) of the first support plate (710-4) and the third chamfered surface (721-4) (or third rounded surface) of the second support plate (720-4) to slide when the first support plate (710-4) and the second support plate (720-4) rotate.

[0218] The third, fourth, and fifth contact protrusions (162-4, 163-4, 164-4) may each include a first contact portion (162a-4, 163a-4, 164a-4) to which the first chamfered surface (711-4) (or the first rounded surface (711-1)) of the first support plate (710-4) contacts, and a second contact portion (162b-4, 163b-4, 164b-4) to which the third chamfered surface (721-4) (or the third rounded surface) of the second support plate (720-4) contacts. For example, the third, fourth, and fifth contact protrusions (162-4, 163-4, 164-4) may include a curved surface having a gentle curvature. Accordingly, the first support plate (710-4) and the second support plate (720-4) can slide smoothly along the third, fourth, and fifth contact protrusions (162-4, 163-4, 164-4).

[0219] The number of third, fourth, and fifth contact protrusions (162-4, 163-4, 164-4) provided on the second hinge cover (161-4) is not limited to three. For example, the number of contact protrusions provided on the second hinge cover (161-4) may be the same as the number of hinge assemblies included in the second hinge structure (160).

[0220] When the first hinge assembly (400) is mounted on the upper surface (161a-4) of the second hinge cover (161-4), it can be stably positioned on the upper surface of the second hinge cover (161-4) without being obstructed by the third, fourth, and fifth contact protrusions (162-4, 163-4, 164-4) protruding from the upper surface (161a-4) of the second hinge cover (161-4). In this case, the third, fourth, and fifth contact protrusions (162-4, 163-4, 164-4) of the second hinge cover (161-4) can be inserted into spaces (S1, S2, S3) provided in the first hinge assembly (400).

[0221] The first contact portion (162a-4, 163a-4, 164a-4) and the second contact portion (162b-4, 163b-4, 164b-4) of the third, fourth, and fifth contact protrusions (162-4, 163-4, 164-4) may be located at a higher position (e.g., in the z-axis direction of FIG. 31) than the first and second contact surfaces (417, 418, see FIG. 9) of the fixed bracket (410). In this case, the first support plate (710-4) and the second support plate (720-4) are non-contacted with each component of the first hinge assembly (400-4) when rotated, and can slide by contacting the 162a-4, 163a-4, 164a-4) of the third, fourth, and fifth contact protrusions (162-4, 163-4, 164-4) and the second contact portion (162b-4, 163b-4, 164b-4).

[0222] FIGS. 33 and FIGS. 34 are drawings showing a first support plate (710-5) and a second support plate (720-5) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0223] Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, a first support plate (710-5) may be provided with a pair of first rotation limiting protrusions (713a-5, 713b-5) on the side facing the second support plate (720-5). The pair of first rotation limiting protrusions (713a-5, 713b-5) may protrude a certain length from the bottom surface (710a-5) of the first support plate (710-5).

[0224] A second support plate (720-5) may be provided with a pair of second rotation limiting protrusions (723a-5, 723b-5) on the side facing the first support plate (710-5). The pair of second rotation limiting protrusions (723a-5, 723b-5) may protrude a certain length from the bottom surface (710a-5) of the first support plate (710-5) toward the second hinge cover (161, see FIG. 6b).

[0225] A pair of second rotation limiting protrusions (723a-5, 723b-5) may be positioned at a location corresponding to a pair of first rotation limiting protrusions (713a-5, 713b-5). A pair of first rotation limiting protrusions (713a-5, 713b-5) and a pair of second rotation limiting protrusions (723a-5, 723b-5) may be positioned at a location that does not interfere with the components of the first hinge assembly (400) so that the first support plate (710-5) and the second support plate (720-5) are not interfered with in rotational movement.

[0226] In the first position (refer to the first state (100a) in FIG. 1 or the third state (100c) in FIG. 3), when an external shock is applied to the electronic device (100), the first support plate (710-5) may rotate counterclockwise around the third rotation axis (A3) in FIG. 34 and the second support plate (720-5) may rotate clockwise around the fourth rotation axis (A4) in FIG. 34. At this time, since a pair of first rotation limiting protrusions (713a-5, 713b-5) and a pair of second rotation limiting protrusions (723a-5, 723b-5) come into contact with each other, the first support plate (710-5) may be restricted from rotating counterclockwise and the second support plate (720-5) may be restricted from rotating clockwise. Accordingly, in the first position, the first support plate (710-5) and the second support plate (720-5) can be prevented from rotating toward the rear of the flexible display (140, see FIG. 1) due to an external impact. Accordingly, the flexible display (140, see FIG. 1) can be prevented from being scratched or damaged by the leading edge of the first support plate (710-5) and the leading edge of the second support plate (720-5).

[0227] FIGS. 35 and 36 are drawings showing an example in which the first support plate (710-6) and the second support plate (720-6) of the first hinge assembly (400-6) according to one embodiment have a segmented structure.

[0228] Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, when the distance between the first rotation axis (A1) and the second rotation axis (A2) in the second hinge structure (160-6) becomes wider, the first support plate (710-6) and the second support plate (720-6) including the segment structure can be applied.

[0229] The first support plate (710-6) and the second support plate (720-6) may each have a segmented structure. For example, the first support plate (710-6) may include a first segment (710a-6) and a second segment (710b-6). The first segment (710a-6) may be rotatably connected to the second segment (710b-6) (for example, the first support plate (710-6) may include a first living hinge (710c-6) connecting the first and second segments (710a-6, 710b-6)). The first living hinge (710c-6) may be positioned along the longitudinal direction of the first support plate (710-6) (e.g., the y-axis direction in FIG. 35). The thickness of the first living hinge (710c-6) may be thinner than the thickness of the first segment (710a-6) and the second segment (710b-6). The first living hinge (710c-6) may be integrally formed with the first segment (710a-6) and the second segment (710b-6). The second support plate (720-6) may include a third segment (720a-6) and a fourth segment (720b-6). The third segment (720a-6) may be rotatably connected to the fourth segment (720b-6) (for example, the second support plate (720-6) may include a second living hinge (720c-6) connecting the third and fourth segments (720a-6, 720b-6). The second support plate (720-6) may have a segmented structure substantially identical to the first support plate (710-6).

[0230] When the first rotating arm (420-6) and the second rotating arm (430-6) are in the first position, the first support plate (710-6) and the second support plate (720-6) can support the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) as shown in FIG. 35. In this case, the first segment (710a-6) and the second segment (710b-6) of the first support plate (710-6) can be positioned approximately horizontally (e.g., in the x-axis direction of FIG. 35). The third segment (720a-6) and the fourth segment (720b-6) of the second support plate (720-6) can be positioned approximately horizontally (e.g., in the x-axis direction of FIG. 35).

[0231] The first support plate (710-6) and the second support plate (720-6) having a segmented structure may have a wider width (e.g., in the x-axis direction of FIG. 35) than the first support plate (710, see FIG. 18) and the second support plate (720, see FIG. 18) that do not include a segmented structure. Thus, the first support plate (710-6) and the second support plate (720-6) can stably support the second bending portion (145) of the flexible display (140) at a first position.

[0232] While the first rotating arm (420-6) and the second rotating arm (430-6) rotate from the first position to the second position, as shown in FIG. 36, the first segment (710a-6) and the second segment (710b-6) of the first support plate (710-6) can be bent around the first living hinge (710c-6), and the third segment (720a-6) and the fourth segment (720b-6) of the second support plate (720-6) can be bent around the second living hinge (720c-6).

[0233] In this way, the first support plate (710-6) and the second support plate (720-6) are bent toward the fixed bracket (410-6) by the first living hinge (710c-6) and the second living hinge (720c-6) while rotating from the first position to the second position, thereby maintaining a distance from the flexible display (140). Accordingly, the flexible display (140) may not be scratched or damaged by the first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720).

[0234] The first support plate (710-6) and the second support plate (720-6) can be bent around the first living hinge (710c-6) and the second living hinge (720c-6), respectively, when the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are folded in a direction facing each other. In this case, since the radius of rotation of the first support plate (710-6) and the second support plate (720-6) is reduced, the size of the first hinge assembly (400-6) is prevented from increasing (e.g., the thickness of the first hinge assembly (400-6) increases along the z-axis direction), thereby preventing the size of the electronic device from increasing.

[0235] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (100) may include: a foldable housing (101) comprising a first housing part (110), a second housing part (120), and a third housing part (130); a first hinge structure (150) rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part; a second hinge structure (160) rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part and comprising a first hinge assembly (400); a first hinge cover (151) configured to cover the first hinge structure; a second hinge cover (161) configured to cover the second hinge structure; and a flexible display (140) disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the first hinge assembly (400) comprises: a first fixing bracket (410) fixed to a second hinge cover; a first rotating arm (420) having one end rotatably connected to a first side of the first fixing bracket and the other end fixed to a second housing part; a second rotating arm (430) having one end rotatably connected to a second side of the first fixing bracket and the other end fixed to a third housing part; a first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5) rotatably connected to the first rotating arm; and a second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5) rotatably connected to the second rotating arm; and

[0237] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5) and the second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5) support a flexible display in an unfolded state with the second housing part and the third housing part, and may be configured to be spaced apart from each other in conjunction with the rotation of the second housing part and the third housing part while the second housing part and the third housing part move from an unfolded state to a folded state. According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5) and the second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5) may be configured to retract toward the second hinge cover (161) so as to be spaced apart from the flexible display while the folding portion of the flexible display protrudes toward the first support plate and the second support plate. According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5) may be configured to rotate in a first direction identical to the rotation direction of the first rotation arm in the first section of the entire section from the unfolded state to the folded state of the second housing part and the third housing part, and to rotate in a second direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first rotation arm in the second section of the entire section.

[0238] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5) may be configured to rotate in the same direction as the rotation direction of the second rotation arm in the first section of the entire section from the unfolded state to the folded state of the second housing part and the third housing part, and to rotate in the first direction opposite to the rotation direction of the second rotation arm in the second section of the entire section.

[0239] According to one embodiment, the first rotating arm (420) may include a first receiving portion (421). The first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5) may include a first connecting portion (730, 730a-1, 730b-1, 730c-1, 730a-2, 730b-2, 730c-2, 730a-3, 730b-3, 730c-3, 730a-4, 730b-4, 730a-5, 730b-5) that is rotatably inserted into the first receiving portion. The second rotating arm (430) may include a second receiving portion (431). The second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5) may include a second connecting part (740, 740a-1, 740b-1, 740c-1, 740a-2, 740b-2, 740c-2, 740a-3, 740b-3, 740c-3, 740a-4, 740b-4, 740a-5, 740b-5) which is rotatably inserted into the second receiving part.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the first hinge assembly (400) may include a first anti-detachment cap (428) coupled to a first receiving portion to support a first connecting portion, and a second anti-detachment cap (429) coupled to a second receiving portion to support a second connecting portion.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the first connecting portion (730) may include a first rotational projection (731) and a second rotational projection (732) that extend from the first side of the first support plate and protrude at each end. The first receiving portion (421) may be configured to provide a first guide space and a second guide space together with a first anti-detachment cap so that the first rotational projection and the second rotational projection can each rotate.

[0242] According to one embodiment, the second connecting portion (740) may include a third rotational projection (741) and a fourth rotational projection (742) that extend from the first side of the second support plate and protrude at each end. The second receiving portion (431) may be configured to provide a third guide space and a fourth guide space together with a second anti-detachment cap so that the third rotational projection and the fourth rotational projection can each rotate.

[0243] According to one embodiment, the first guide space may be formed by the first sliding groove (422b) of the first receiving portion (421) and the first cover projection (428a) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) covering the first sliding groove.

[0244] According to one embodiment, the second guide space may be formed by the second sliding groove (422c) of the first receiving portion (421) and the second cover projection (428b) of the first anti-detachment cap (428) covering the second sliding groove.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the third guide space may be formed by the third sliding groove (432b) of the second receiving portion (431) and the third cover projection of the second anti-detachment cap (429) covering the third sliding groove.

[0246] According to one embodiment, the fourth guide space may be configured to be formed by the fourth sliding groove (432c) of the second receiving portion (431) and the second cover projection of the second anti-detachment cap (429) covering the fourth sliding groove.

[0247] According to one embodiment, the first rotating projection (731) and the second rotating projection (732) may be configured to rotate in the first sliding groove and the second sliding groove of the first receiving portion.

[0248] According to one embodiment, the third rotating projection (741) and the fourth rotating projection (742) may be configured to rotate in the third sliding groove and the fourth sliding groove of the second receiving portion.

[0249] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5) may have its rotation restricted at a first position by the first connecting portion interfering with the first stopping surface (442d) of the first receiving portion (421), and at a second position by the first connecting portion interfering with the second stopping surface (428c) of the first anti-detachment cap (428).

[0250] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5) may be configured such that, at a first position, the second connecting part interferes with the third stop surface of the second receiving part (431) to restrict rotation, and at a second position, the second connecting part interferes with the second stop surface (429c) of the second anti-detachment cap (429) to restrict rotation.

[0251] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5) can rotate in a second direction by sliding the front end of the first support plate on a first contact surface (417) provided on the upper surface of the first fixed bracket in the second section.

[0252] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5) may be configured so that in the second section, the leading edge of the second support plate slides on a second contact surface (418) provided on the upper surface of the first fixed bracket and rotates in a first direction.

[0253] According to one embodiment, the first contact surface (417) and the second contact surface (418) may be configured to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the first fixed bracket (410).

[0254] According to one embodiment, the first contact surface (417) and the second contact surface (418) may include round surfaces.

[0255] According to one embodiment, the leading edge of the first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5) may be configured to have a first chamfered surface (711).

[0256] According to one embodiment, the leading edge of the second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5) may be configured to have a second chamfered surface.

[0257] According to one embodiment, the leading edge of the first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5) may be configured to have a convex first round surface (711-1).

[0258] According to one embodiment, the leading edge of the second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5) may be configured to have a convex second rounded surface.

[0259] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5) may be configured so that in the second section, the leading edge of the first support plate slides on a contact projection (162-4, 163-4, 164-4) provided on the inner surface of the second hinge cover (161-4) and rotates in a second direction.

[0260] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5) may be configured so that in the second section, the leading edge of the second support plate slides on a contact projection (162-4, 163-4, 164-4) provided on the inner surface of the second hinge cover (161-4) and rotates in a first direction.

[0261] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710-5) may include a first rotation limiting projection (713a-5, 713b-5) provided at the tip of the first support plate so as to limit rotation toward the flexible display side at a first position.

[0262] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (720-5) may include a second rotation limiting projection (723a-5, 723b-5) provided at the tip of the second support plate so as to limit rotation toward the flexible display side at the first position.

[0263] According to one embodiment, the first rotation limiting projection (713a-5, 713b-5) and the second rotation limiting projection (723a-5, 723b-5) may be configured to come into contact with each other at a first position.

[0264] According to one embodiment, the first rotation limiting projection (713a-5, 713b-5) may protrude from the leading edge of the first support plate toward the second hinge cover.

[0265] According to one embodiment, the second rotation limiting projection (723a-5, 723b-5) may be configured to protrude from the leading edge of the second support plate toward the second hinge cover.

[0266] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710-6) may include a first living hinge (710c-6) formed along the longitudinal direction of the first support plate so that the left and right sides of the first support plate can be folded.

[0267] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (720-6) may include a second living hinge (720c-6) formed along the length of the second support plate so that the left and right sides of the second support plate can be folded.

[0268] According to one embodiment, the first rotating arm (420) may be configured to rotate around the first rotation axis (A1).

[0269] According to one embodiment, the second rotation arm (430) may be configured to rotate around a second rotation axis (A2) parallel to the first rotation axis.

[0270] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5, 710-6) may be configured to rotate around a third rotation axis (A3) that is parallel to the first rotation axis (A1) and offset from the first rotation axis (A1) toward the second rotation axis (A2).

[0271] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5, 720-6) may be configured to rotate around a fourth rotation axis (A4) that is parallel to the second rotation axis (A2) and offset from the second rotation axis (A2) toward the first rotation axis (A1).

[0272] According to one embodiment, the first fixed bracket (410) may include a pair of first rotation guide grooves (413) spaced apart on a first rotation axis on the first side of the first fixed bracket, and a pair of second rotation guide grooves (414) spaced apart on a second rotation axis on the second side of the first fixed bracket.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the first rotating arm (420) may include a pair of first rotating rails, each rotatably connected to a pair of first rotating guide grooves (413).

[0274] According to one embodiment, the second rotating arm (430) may include a pair of second rotating rails, each rotatably connected to a pair of second rotating guide grooves (414).

[0275] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710, 710-1, 710-2, 710-3, 710-4, 710-5, 710-6) and the second support plate (720, 720-1, 720-2, 720-3, 720-4, 720-5, 720-6) may be configured symmetrically.

[0276] According to one embodiment, the first connecting part (730, 730a-1, 730b-1, 730c-1, 730a-2, 730b-2, 730c-2, 730a-3, 730b-3, 730c-3, 730a-4, 730b-4, 730a-5, 730b-5) and the second connecting part (740, 740a-1, 740b-1, 740c-1, 740a-2, 740b-2, 740c-2, 740a-3, 740b-3, 740c-3, 740a-4, 740b-4, 740a-5, 740b-5) may be configured symmetrically.

[0277] According to one embodiment, the width of the first support plate (710) may be larger than the width of the first rotational projection (731).

[0278] According to one embodiment, the widthwise spacing between the first support plate (710) and the first rotational projection (731) can be configured to be smaller than the width of the first rotational projection (731).

[0279] According to one embodiment, the width of the second support plate (720) may be larger than the width of the second rotating projection.

[0280] According to one embodiment, the widthwise gap between the second support plate (720) and the second rotating projection can be configured to be smaller than the width of the second rotating projection.

[0281] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the first support plate (710) may be configured to be smaller than the thickness of the first rotational projection (731).

[0282] According to one embodiment, the thickness direction spacing between the first support plate (710) and the first rotational projection (731) can be configured to be smaller than the thickness of the first support plate (710).

[0283] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the second support plate (720) may be configured to be smaller than the thickness of the second rotating projection.

[0284] According to one embodiment, the thickness direction gap between the second support plate (720) and the second rotational projection can be configured to be smaller than the thickness of the second support plate (720).

[0285] According to one embodiment, the first housing part, the second housing part, the first anti-detachment cap (428-1), and the second anti-detachment cap may each be made of a metal material. The first anti-detachment cap (428-1) and the first rotating arm (420a-1) may be welded together. The second anti-detachment cap and the second rotating arm may be welded together.

[0286] According to one embodiment, the second hinge structure (160) may include a second hinge assembly (500) that rotatably connects the first housing part and the second housing part to each other.

[0287] According to one embodiment, the second hinge assembly (500) may include: a second fixed bracket fixed to the second hinge cover (161); a third rotating arm having one end rotatably connected to the first side of the second fixed bracket and the other end fixed to the first housing part and including a third receiving portion; and a fourth rotating arm having one end rotatably connected to the second side of the second fixed bracket and the other end fixed to the second housing part and including a fourth receiving portion.

[0288] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710) may include a third connecting portion that is rotatably connected to a third receiving portion.

[0289] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (720) may include a fourth connecting portion rotatably connected to the fourth receiving portion (531).

[0290] According to one embodiment, the width of the second hinge structure (160) may be configured to be wider than the width of the first hinge structure (150).

[0291] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (100) may include: a first housing part; a second housing part; a flexible display (140) accommodated in the first housing part and the second housing part; and a hinge assembly (400) rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part to each other.

[0292] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) may include: a first fixed bracket (410) comprising a first rotation guide groove and a second rotation guide groove; a first rotating arm (420) that rotates about a first rotation axis (A1) in conjunction with the first rotation guide groove of the first fixed bracket, is connected to a first housing part, and has a first receiving portion; a second rotating arm (430) that rotates about a second rotation axis (A2) in conjunction with the second rotation guide groove of the first fixed bracket, is connected to a second housing part, and has a second receiving portion; a first support plate (710) that includes a first connecting portion in which at least a portion is received in the first receiving portion and rotates about a third rotation axis included in the first connecting portion; and a second support plate (720) that includes a second connecting portion in which at least a portion is received in the second receiving portion and rotates about a fourth rotation axis included in the second connecting portion. The first support plate (710) and the second support plate (720) can support a portion of the flexible display when the first housing part and the second housing part are in an unfolded state. The first rotation axis (A1) may be a virtual rotation axis that serves as the rotation center of the first rotation arm (420). The second rotation axis (A2) may be a virtual rotation axis that serves as the rotation center of the second rotation arm (430).

[0293] According to one embodiment, while the first housing part and the second housing part are folded in a direction facing each other, the rotation angle at which the first rotation arm (420) is rotated may be greater than the rotation angle at which the first support plate (710) is rotated.

[0294] According to one embodiment, the first rotating arm (420) may include a first rotating rail (425) corresponding to a first rotating guide groove on a first surface of the first rotating arm, and may include the first receiving portion (421) on a second surface of the first rotating arm opposite to the first surface of the first rotating arm.

[0295] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) may include a detachment prevention cap (428). The detachment prevention cap (428) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the first connecting portion (730) of the support plate (710) seated in the first receiving portion (421).

[0296] According to one embodiment, a first rotational projection (731) and a second rotational projection (732) may be provided at each end of the first connecting portion (730). The first rotational projection (731) and the second rotational projection (732) may be configured to be located between the first receiving portion (421) and the anti-detachment cap (428).

[0297] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710) may be configured to include a first connecting portion (730) at a first end, and for at least a portion of the section in which the first housing part and the second housing part are folded in a direction facing each other, the second end opposite to the first end contacts a first portion of the first fixing bracket (410) and the first support plate (710) may be configured to rotate.

[0298] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first part of the first fixing bracket (410) may be configured to be formed as a rounded surface.

[0299] According to one embodiment, at least one corner of the second end of the first support plate (710) may include a rounded surface (711-1) or a chamfered surface (711).

[0300] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) may include: a second fixed bracket comprising a third rotation guide groove and a fourth rotation guide groove; a third rotating arm that rotates about a virtual first rotation axis (A1) in conjunction with the third rotation guide groove of the second fixed bracket, is mechanically connected to a first housing part, and is provided with a third receiving portion; and a fourth rotating arm that rotates about a virtual second rotation axis (A2) in conjunction with the fourth rotation guide groove of the second fixed bracket, is connected to a second housing part, and is provided with a fourth receiving portion.

[0301] According to one embodiment, the first support plate (710) includes a third connecting portion that is at least partially received in a third receiving portion, and may be configured to rotate with respect to a third rotation axis (A3) included in the third connecting portion.

[0302] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (720) includes a fourth connecting portion that is partially received in the fourth receiving portion and may be configured to rotate with respect to a fourth rotation axis (A4) included in the fourth connecting portion.

[0303] It will be understood that the electronic device (100) is described above as comprising first, second, and third housing parts (110, 120, 130), and that the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) are connected by a second hinge structure (160), but that the hinge structure described in relation to the second hinge structure (160) can also be used in an electronic device comprising only two housing parts (i.e., the electronic device (100) may have the first housing part and the second housing part connected by a hinge structure according to the second hinge structure (160) described above). Furthermore, it will be understood that the hinge structure described in relation to the second hinge structure (160) can also be used in an electronic device comprising multiple housing parts and may be included one or more times in such a device (i.e., the electronic device may include one or more pairs of housing parts connected by a hinge structure according to the second hinge structure (160) described above). For example, the hinge structure described in relation to the second hinge structure (160) can be used to connect two or more housing parts in any electronic device where a white hinge structure is required or desired.

[0304] In a first embodiment, a foldable electronic device is provided, the device comprises: a foldable housing configured to include a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part; a first hinge structure configured to rotatably connect the first housing part and the second housing part to each other; a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part to each other and including a first hinge assembly; and a flexible display disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part; wherein the first hinge assembly comprises: a first fixed bracket; a first rotating arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to a first side of the first fixed bracket and the other end of which is fixed to the second housing part; a second rotating arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to a second side of the first fixed bracket and the other end of which is fixed to the third housing part; and a first support plate, which is rotatably connected to the first rotating arm. and a second support plate rotatably connected to the second rotating arm; wherein the first support plate and the second support plate support the flexible display in an unfolded state where the second housing part and the third housing part are unfolded; and are configured to be spaced apart from each other in conjunction with the rotation of the second housing part and the third housing part while the second housing part and the third housing part move to a folded state while the second housing part and the third housing part are unfolded.

[0305] In a second embodiment, the device of the first embodiment is provided, and the device further includes a first hinge cover configured to cover the first hinge structure and a second hinge cover configured to cover the second hinge structure, and the first support plate and the second support plate are configured to retract toward the second hinge cover so as to be spaced apart from the flexible display while the folding portion of the flexible display protrudes toward the first support plate and the second support plate when the electronic device is folded.

[0306] In the third embodiment, the device of the first or second embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first support plate is configured to rotate in a first direction identical to the rotational direction of the first rotating arm in a first section in which the second housing part and the third housing part rotate from an unfolded state to a folded state, and to rotate in a second direction opposite to the rotational direction of the first rotating arm in a second section in which they rotate from an unfolded state to a folded state, and the second support plate is configured to rotate in a second direction identical to the rotational direction of the second rotating arm in a first section in which they rotate from an unfolded state to a folded state, and to rotate in a first direction opposite to the rotational direction of the second rotating arm in a second section in which they rotate from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0307] In the fourth embodiment, the device of the third embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first support plate is configured such that the first end of the first support plate can rotate in the second direction by sliding on a first contact surface provided on the first surface of the first fixed bracket in the second section of rotation from the unfolded state to the folded state, and the second support plate is configured such that the first end of the second support plate can rotate in the first direction by sliding on a second contact surface provided on the first surface of the first fixed bracket in the second section of rotation from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0308] In the fifth embodiment, the device of the third embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first support plate is configured such that the first end of the first support plate can rotate in the second direction by sliding on a contact projection provided on the first surface of the second hinge cover in the second section of rotation from an unfolded state to a folded state, and the second support plate is configured such that the first end of the second support plate can rotate in the first direction by sliding on a contact projection provided on the first surface of the second hinge cover in the second section of rotation from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0309] In the sixth embodiment, the device of the first embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first rotating arm includes a first receiving portion, the first support plate includes a first connecting portion rotatably inserted into the first receiving portion, the second rotating arm includes a second receiving portion, the second support plate includes a second connecting portion rotatably inserted into the second receiving portion, and the first hinge assembly further includes a first anti-detachment cap coupled to the first receiving portion to fix the first connecting portion within the first receiving portion, and a second anti-detachment cap coupled to the second receiving portion to fix the second connecting portion within the second receiving portion.

[0310] In the seventh embodiment, the device of the sixth embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first housing part, the second housing part, the first anti-separation cap, and the second anti-separation cap are each made of a metal material, the first anti-separation cap and the first rotating arm are configured to be welded to each other, and the second anti-separation cap and the second rotating arm are configured to be welded to each other.

[0311] In the eighth embodiment, the device of the sixth or seventh embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first connecting portion comprises a first extension portion extending from a first side of the first support plate; and a first rotational projection and a second rotational projection protruding from the first extension portion; and the first receiving portion is configured to provide a first guide space and a second guide space together with the first anti-detachment cap so that the first rotational projection can rotate within the first guide space and the second rotational projection can rotate within the second guide space; the second connecting portion comprises a second extension portion extending from a first side of the second support plate; and a third rotational projection and a fourth rotational projection protruding from the second extension portion; and the second receiving portion is configured to provide a third guide space and a fourth guide space together with the second anti-detachment cap so that the third rotational projection can rotate within the third guide space and the fourth rotational projection can rotate within the fourth guide space.

[0312] In the ninth embodiment, the device of the eighth embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first guide space is formed by the first sliding groove of the first receiving portion and the first cover projection of the first anti-detachment cap configured to cover the first sliding groove, the second guide space is formed by the second sliding groove of the first receiving portion and the second cover projection of the first anti-detachment cap configured to cover the second sliding groove, the third guide space is formed by the third sliding groove of the second receiving portion and the third cover projection of the second anti-detachment cap configured to cover the third sliding groove; and the fourth guide space is formed by the fourth sliding groove of the second receiving portion and the fourth cover projection of the second anti-detachment cap configured to cover the fourth sliding groove.

[0313] In the 10th embodiment, the device of the 6th embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first support plate is configured such that rotation is restricted at the first position by interference between the first connecting part and the first stop surface of the first receiving part, and rotation is restricted at the second position by interference between the first connecting part and the second stop surface of the first anti-detachment cap, and the second support plate is configured such that rotation is restricted at the first position by interference between the second connecting part and the third stop surface of the second receiving part, and rotation is restricted at the second position by interference between the second connecting part and the fourth stop surface of the second anti-detachment cap.

[0314] In the 11th embodiment, the device of the first embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first support plate further includes a first rotation limiting projection provided at a first end of the first support plate to limit the rotation of the first support plate toward the flexible display side at a first position, and the second support plate further includes a second rotation limiting projection provided at a first end of the second support plate to limit the rotation of the second support plate toward the flexible display side at a first position, and the first rotation limiting projection and the second rotation limiting projection are configured to contact each other at a first position, and the foldable electronic device further includes a hinge cover configured to cover the first hinge structure and a second hinge cover configured to cover the second hinge structure, wherein the first rotation limiting projection is configured to protrude toward the second hinge cover from a first end of the first support plate, and the second rotation limiting projection is configured to protrude toward the second hinge cover from a first end of the second support plate.

[0315] In the 12th embodiment, the device of the 1st embodiment is disclosed, wherein the 1st support plate further includes a 1st living hinge that allows the 1st support plate to be folded along an axis parallel to the folding axis of the folding housing, and the 2nd support plate further includes a 2nd living hinge formed along the longitudinal direction of the 2nd support plate that allows the left and right sides of the 2nd support plate to be folded along an axis parallel to the folding axis of the folding housing.

[0316] In the 13th embodiment, the device of the first embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first rotating arm is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis, the second rotating arm is configured to rotate around a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, the first support plate is configured to rotate around a third rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis and positioned offset from the first rotation axis toward the second rotation axis, and the second support plate is configured to rotate around a fourth rotation axis parallel to the second rotation axis and positioned offset from the second rotation axis toward the first rotation axis.

[0317] In the 14th embodiment, the device of the 13th embodiment is disclosed, wherein the first fixed bracket includes a pair of first rotation guide grooves spaced apart on the first rotation axis on the first side of the first fixed bracket and a pair of second rotation guide grooves spaced apart on the second rotation axis on the second side of the first fixed bracket, the first rotation arm includes a pair of first rotation rails rotatably connected to each of the pair of first rotation guide grooves, and the second rotation arm includes a pair of second rotation rails rotatably connected to each of the pair of second rotation guide grooves.

[0318] In the 15th embodiment, the device of the first embodiment is disclosed, and the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure are configured so that the foldable housing can be folded in a state where the third housing is stacked between the first housing and the second housing.

[0319] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the description above. For example, appropriate results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or if the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents. Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims below also fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device, A foldable housing configured to include a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part; A first hinge structure configured to rotatably connect the first housing part and the second housing part to each other; A second hinge structure comprising a first hinge assembly and rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part to each other; A flexible display disposed across the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part; comprising The first hinge assembly above is, First fixed bracket; A first rotating arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the first side of the first fixed bracket and the other end of which is fixed to the second housing part; A second rotating arm, one end of which is rotatably connected to the second side of the first fixed bracket and the other end of which is fixed to the third housing part; A first support plate rotatably connected to the first rotating arm; and A second support plate rotatably connected to the second rotating arm; The first support plate and the second support plate are, The second housing part and the third housing part support the flexible display in an unfolded state, and A foldable electronic device configured to be spaced apart from each other in conjunction with the rotation of the second housing part and the third housing part while the second housing part and the third housing part are in an unfolded state and the second housing part and the third housing part are moving to a folded state.

2. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a first hinge cover configured to cover the first hinge structure and a second hinge cover configured to cover the second hinge structure, The first support plate and the second support plate are, A foldable electronic device configured to retract toward the second hinge cover so as to be spaced apart from the flexible display while the folding portion of the flexible display protrudes toward the first support plate and the second support plate when the electronic device is folded.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first support plate above is, The second housing part and the third housing part are configured to rotate in a first direction identical to the rotation direction of the first rotating arm in a first section in which they rotate from an unfolded state to a folded state, and to rotate in a second direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first rotating arm in a second section in which they rotate from an unfolded state to a folded state. The above second support plate is, A foldable electronic device configured to rotate in a second direction identical to the rotation direction of the second rotation arm in a first section rotating from an unfolded state to a folded state, and to rotate in a first direction opposite to the rotation direction of the second rotation arm in a second section rotating from an unfolded state to a folded state.

4. In Paragraph 3, The first support plate above is, The first end of the first support plate is configured to rotate in the second direction by sliding on a first contact surface provided on the first surface of the first fixed bracket in the second section of rotation from the unfolded state to the folded state, and The above second support plate is, A foldable electronic device configured such that the first end of the second support plate can rotate in the first direction by sliding on a second contact surface provided on the first surface of the first fixed bracket in a second section of rotation from an unfolded state to a folded state.

5. In Paragraph 3, The first support plate above is, The first end of the first support plate is configured to rotate in the second direction by sliding on a contact projection provided on the first surface of the second hinge cover in the second section of rotation from the unfolded state to the folded state, and The above second support plate is, A foldable electronic device configured such that the first end of the second support plate can rotate in the first direction by sliding on a contact projection provided on the first surface of the second hinge cover in a second section of rotation from an unfolded state to a folded state.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first rotating arm includes a first receiving portion, and The first support plate includes a first connecting portion rotatably inserted into the first receiving portion, and The above second rotating arm includes a second receiving portion, and The second support plate includes a second connecting portion rotatably inserted into the second receiving portion, and The first hinge assembly above is, A foldable electronic device further comprising a first anti-detachment cap coupled to the first receiving portion to fix the first connecting portion within the first receiving portion, and a second anti-detachment cap coupled to the second receiving portion to fix the second connecting portion within the second receiving portion.

7. In Paragraph 6, The first housing part, the second housing part, the first anti-detachment cap, and the second anti-detachment cap are each made of a metal material, and The first anti-detachment cap and the first rotating arm are configured to be welded to each other, A foldable electronic device configured such that the second anti-detachment cap and the second rotating arm are welded to each other.

8. In Paragraph 6 or 7, The first connecting part above is, A first extension portion extending from the first side of the first support plate; and It includes a first rotational projection and a second rotational projection protruding from the first extension portion; and The above-mentioned first receiving part is, A first guide space and a second guide space are provided together with the first anti-detachment cap, so that the first rotating projection can rotate within the first guide space and the second rotating projection can rotate within the second guide space. The above second connecting part is, A second extension portion extending from the first side of the second support plate; and It includes a third rotational projection and a fourth rotational projection protruding from the second extension part, and The above second receiving part is, A foldable electronic device configured to provide a third guide space and a fourth guide space together with the second anti-detachment cap, wherein the third rotational projection can rotate within the third guide space and the fourth rotational projection is configured to rotate within the fourth guide space.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above-mentioned first guide space is, It is formed by the first sliding groove of the first receiving portion and the first cover projection of the first anti-detachment cap configured to cover the first sliding groove, and The above second guide space is, It is formed by the second sliding groove of the first receiving portion and the second cover projection of the first anti-detachment cap configured to cover the second sliding groove, and The above third guide space is, It is formed by the third sliding groove of the second receiving portion and the third cover projection of the second anti-detachment cap configured to cover the third sliding groove, and The above-mentioned fourth guide space is, A foldable electronic device formed by a fourth sliding groove of the second receiving portion and a fourth cover projection of the second anti-detachment cap configured to cover the fourth sliding groove.

10. In Paragraph 6, The first support plate above is, It is configured such that rotation is restricted at a first position by interference between the first connecting part and the first stopping surface of the first receiving part, and rotation is restricted at a second position by interference between the first connecting part and the second stopping surface of the first anti-detachment cap. The above second support plate is, A foldable electronic device configured such that rotation is restricted at the first position by interference between the second connecting part and the third stopping surface of the second receiving part, and rotation is restricted at the second position by interference between the second connecting part and the fourth stopping surface of the second anti-detachment cap.

11. In Paragraph 10, The first support plate above is, It further includes a first rotation limiting projection provided at a first end of the first support plate to limit the rotation of the first support plate toward the flexible display side at the first position, and The above second support plate is, It further includes a second rotation limiting projection provided at a first end of the second support plate to limit the rotation of the second support plate toward the flexible display side at the first position, and The first rotation limiting projection and the second rotation limiting projection are configured to contact each other at the first position, and The above-mentioned foldable electronic device is, It further includes a hinge cover configured to cover the first hinge structure and a second hinge cover configured to cover the second hinge structure, The first rotation limiting projection is configured to protrude toward the second hinge cover from the first end of the first support plate, and A foldable electronic device, wherein the second rotation limiting projection is configured to protrude toward the second hinge cover from the first end of the second support plate.

12. In Paragraph 1, The first support plate further includes a first living hinge that enables the first support plate to be folded along an axis parallel to the folding axis of the foldable housing, and A foldable electronic device comprising a second living hinge formed along the longitudinal direction of the second support plate, which allows the left and right sides of the second support plate to be folded along an axis parallel to the folding axis of the foldable housing.

13. In Paragraph 1, The first rotating arm is configured to rotate around a first rotation axis, and The second rotational arm is configured to rotate around a second rotational axis parallel to the first rotational axis, and The first support plate is configured to rotate around a third rotation axis that is parallel to the first rotation axis and offset from the first rotation axis toward the second rotation axis. A foldable electronic device, wherein the second support plate is configured to rotate around a fourth rotation axis that is parallel to the second rotation axis and offset from the second rotation axis toward the first rotation axis.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above-mentioned first fixing bracket is, It includes a pair of first rotation guide grooves spaced apart on the first rotation axis on the first side of the first fixed bracket, and a pair of second rotation guide grooves spaced apart on the second rotation axis on the second side of the first fixed bracket. The above-mentioned first rotating arm is, It includes a pair of first rotation rails each rotatably connected to the pair of first rotation guide grooves mentioned above, and The above second rotating arm is, A foldable electronic device comprising a pair of second rotation rails each rotatably connected to the pair of second rotation guide grooves.

15. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first hinge structure and the above-mentioned second hinge structure are, A foldable electronic device configured such that the foldable housing can be folded with the third housing stacked between the first housing and the second housing.

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