Foldable electronic device comprising plurality of center bars

Abstract

A foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a center bar assembly including a plurality of center bars for supporting a folding area of a foldable display. Ends of two center bars adjacent to each other, among the plurality of center bars, may partially overlap each other, thereby forming the same plane for supporting the folding area of the foldable display.

Description

Foldable electronic device including multiple center bars

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to foldable electronic devices, for example, to electronic devices comprising a plurality of center bars.

[0002] The term "electronic device" may refer to devices that perform specific functions according to an installed program, ranging from home appliances to electronic notebooks, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, tablet PCs, video / audio devices, desktop / laptop computers, or in-vehicle navigation systems. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as sound or video. As the integration density of electronic devices increases and ultra-high-speed, high-capacity wireless communication becomes commonplace, various functions can recently be integrated into a single electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal. For example, not only communication functions but also entertainment functions such as games, multimedia functions such as music / video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, or functions such as schedule management or electronic wallets are being integrated into a single electronic device.

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

[0004] The information described above may be provided as background 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 in relation to the present disclosure.

[0005] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device comprises: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge assembly connected to the first housing and the second housing respectively and configured to rotate the first housing and the second housing about a folding axis; a hinge cover covering at least a portion of the outer side of the hinge assembly, wherein the first housing and the second housing are disposed on both sides of the hinge cover; a display comprising a first area disposed in the first housing, a second area disposed in the second housing, and a flexible third area connecting the first area and the second area; and a plurality of center bars arranged along the folding axis below the third area of ​​the display to support the third area of ​​the display and fixed to the hinge cover, wherein when viewed from above the third area of ​​the display, the ends of two center bars adjacent to each other among the plurality of center bars may overlap each other.

[0006] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device comprises: a hinge assembly including a first housing, a second housing, at least one shaft, a first rotating part rotatably coupled to the at least one shaft and connected to the first housing (210), and a second rotating part rotatably coupled to the at least one shaft and connected to the second housing; a hinge cover covering at least a portion of the outer side of the hinge assembly, wherein the first housing and the second housing are disposed on both sides of the hinge cover; a display including a first area disposed in the first housing, a second area disposed in the second housing, and a flexible third area connecting the first area and the second area; a center bar disposed below the third area of ​​the display to support the third area of ​​the display and fixed to the hinge cover; and a hinge bracket disposed below the third area of ​​the display to support the third area of ​​the display and including a rail structure for rotation of the first rotating part and the second rotating part, wherein when viewed from above the third area of ​​the display, the hinge The ends of the bracket and the center bar can overlap each other.

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device comprises: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge assembly providing a folding axis of the first housing and the second housing; a hinge cover covering at least a portion of the outer side of the hinge assembly, wherein the first housing and the second housing are disposed on both sides of the hinge cover; a display comprising a first region disposed in the first housing, a second region disposed in the second housing, and a flexible third region connecting the first region and the second region; and a plurality of center bars arranged along the folding axis below the third region of the display to support the third region of the display and fixed to the hinge cover, wherein the hinge assembly comprises at least one shaft, a first rotating part rotatably coupled to the at least one shaft and connected to the first housing, and a second rotating part rotatably coupled to the at least one shaft and connected to the second housing, and wherein the plurality of center bars include a first center bar that overlaps with the first rotating part and the second rotating part, and the first rotating part and includes a second center bar that does not overlap with the second rotating part, and the density of the second center bar may be lower than the density of the first center bar.

[0008] The aspects, configurations, and / or advantages described above regarding various embodiments of the present disclosure may become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a display disassembled from a housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' shown in Figure 1.

[0013] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' shown in Figure 2.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a center bar assembly and a wing plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a center bar assembly and a hinge portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating a hinge portion and a hinge cover according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a center bar, a hinge assembly, and a hinge bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a first center bar and a second center bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a bottom view illustrating the first center bar and the second center bar shown in FIG. 10.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view of the X region shown in FIG. 7, illustrating the end of the first center bar and the end of the second center bar.

[0021] FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are cross-sectional views taken along the CC' line shown in FIG. 12.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a third center bar and a fourth center bar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a bottom view illustrating the third center bar and the fourth center bar shown in FIG. 15.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged view of the Y region shown in FIG. 7, illustrating the third center bar and the fourth center bar.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD' shown in FIG. 17.

[0026] FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a center bar assembly, a hinge portion, and a hinge bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge assembly and a hinge bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 21 is a partial enlarged view of the Z region shown in FIG. 19, illustrating a first hinge bracket, a first center bar, and a second center bar.

[0029] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE' shown in FIG. 21.

[0030] FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating a center bar assembly and a hinge portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 24 is a plan view illustrating a center bar assembly and a hinge portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Throughout the attached drawings, similar parts, configurations, and / or structures may be assigned similar reference numbers.

[0033] The following description relating to the attached drawings may provide an understanding of various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, including the claims and their corresponding contents. While the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the following description include various specific details to aid understanding, they are to be considered as one of various exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications to the various embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope and technical spirit of the disclosure. Additionally, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted.

[0034] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literal meanings but may be used to clearly and consistently describe an embodiment of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes, not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the rights or the disclosure defined as equivalent thereto.

[0035] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, it should be understood that the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" include plural meanings. Thus, for example, "component surface" can be understood to include one or more of the component surfaces.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a foldable electronic device (200) in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a foldable electronic device (200) in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a foldable housing (201), a hinge cover (230) covering a foldable portion of the foldable housing (201), and a flexible or foldable display (240) (hereinafter abbreviated as "display (240)") disposed on the foldable housing (201). According to one embodiment, the surface on which the display (240) is disposed is defined as the front surface of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., a first front surface (210a) and a second front surface (220a)). And, the opposite surface of the front surface is defined as the rear surface of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., a first rear surface (210b) and a second rear surface (220b)). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front and the back is defined as a side of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., a first side (211a) and a second side (221a)).

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220) rotatably coupled to the first housing (210), a first rear cover (280), a second rear cover (290), and a hinge part (e.g., a hinge part (400) of FIG. 7). The hinge part (400) may provide at least one folding axis (F) that serves as the center of folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device (200) of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the first rear cover (280) may be formed integrally, and the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (290) may be formed integrally. According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) is connected to a hinge portion (e.g., the hinge portion (400) of FIG. 7) and may include a first front surface (210a) facing a first direction and a first rear surface (210b) facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing (220) may include a second front surface (220a) facing a third direction and a second rear surface (220b) facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. Accordingly, the foldable electronic device (200) may be variable in a folded state or an unfolded state. In the folded state, the first front surface (210a) may face the second front surface (220a), and in the unfolded state, the third direction may be substantially parallel to the first direction. Below, unless otherwise noted, the direction is described based on the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) may be arranged on both sides of a folding axis (F). As an example, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may have a shape that is substantially symmetric with respect to the folding axis (F). As described below, the angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may vary depending on whether the state of the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded, folded, or in an intermediate state. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike the first housing (210), the second housing (220) additionally includes a sensor area (224) in which various sensors (e.g., a front camera) are arranged, but in other areas, it may have a shape that is symmetric with respect to the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the folding axis (F) may be composed of a plurality of parallel folding axes (e.g., two). In the present disclosure, the folding axis (F) is provided along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the foldable electronic device (200), but the direction of the folding axis (F) is not limited thereto.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a structure into which a digital pen can be inserted. For example, a hole (223) into which the digital pen can be inserted may be formed on the side of the first housing (210) or the side of the second housing (220) of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be formed of a metal or non-metal material having a selected size of rigidity to support the display (240). The at least portion formed of the metal material may provide a ground plane of the foldable electronic device (200) and may be electrically connected to a ground conductor provided on a printed circuit board.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor area (224) may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second housing (220). However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area (224) are not limited to the illustrated examples. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor area (224) may be provided in another corner of the second housing (220), any area between the top corner and the bottom corner, or in the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, components for performing various functions embedded in the foldable electronic device (200) may be visually exposed to the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through the sensor area (224) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (224). In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rear cover (280) is positioned on one side of the folding axis (F) on the rear of the foldable electronic device (200) and may have a substantially rectangular periphery, for example, and the periphery may be wrapped by a first housing (210). Similarly, the second rear cover (290) is positioned on the other side of the folding axis (F) on the rear of the foldable electronic device (200) and its periphery may be wrapped by a second housing (220).

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rear cover (280) and the second rear cover (290) may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (F). However, the first rear cover (280) and the second rear cover (290) do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (200) may include the first rear cover (280) and the second rear cover (290) of various shapes.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rear cover (280), the second rear cover (290), the first housing (210), and the second housing (220) may form a space in which various components of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., a printed circuit board, or a battery) may be placed. According to one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, at least a portion of a sub-display may be visually exposed through the first rear area (282) of the first rear cover (280). In one embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear area (292) of the second rear cover (290). In various embodiments, the sensors may include a proximity sensor and / or a camera module (206) (e.g., a rear camera).

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a front camera visually exposed to the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (224) or a camera module (206) visually exposed through a second rear area (292) of the second rear cover (290) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide-angle and telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one side of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge cover (230) is positioned between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) to cover at least a portion of an internal component (e.g., the hinge portion (400) of FIG. 7). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) may be covered by a portion of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (200) (flat state or folded state). For example, in the flat state, the hinge cover (230) may be substantially covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and in the folded state, most of the outer surface of the hinge cover (230) may be exposed to the outside. The hinge cover (230) may have the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) positioned on both lateral sides.

[0048] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (230) may be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and not exposed. According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover (230) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover (230) may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). However, in this case, the exposed area may be smaller than in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) may include a curved surface.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display (240) may be disposed in the foldable housing (201). The display (240) may be disposed in the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the display (240) may be seated on a recess formed by the foldable housing (201) and may form at least a portion of the front surface of the foldable electronic device (200). Accordingly, the front surface of the foldable electronic device (200) may include the display (240) and a portion of the first housing (210) and a portion of the second housing (220) adjacent to the display (240). The rear of the foldable electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (280), a portion of the first housing (210) adjacent to the first rear cover (280), a second rear cover (290), and a portion of the second housing (220) adjacent to the second rear cover (290).

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display (240) may mean a display in which at least some area can be deformed into a flat or curved surface. According to one embodiment, the display (240) may include a folding area (243), a first display area (241) disposed on one side (e.g., the left side of the folding area (243) shown in FIG. 1) with respect to the folding area (243), and a second display area (242) disposed on the other side (e.g., the right side of the folding area (243) shown in FIG. 1). The division of the areas of the display (240) is exemplary, and the display (240) may be divided into a plurality of areas (e.g., four or more or two) depending on the structure or function.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a display (240) comprising a first region (241) disposed in the first housing (210), a second region (242) disposed in the second housing (220), and a flexible third region (243) connecting the first region (241) and the second region (242). The first display region (241), the second display region (242), and the folding region (243) of the foldable display (240) described above may be named the first region (241), the second region (242), and the third region (243) of the foldable display (240), respectively.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display (240) may be combined with or adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and / or a digitizer (not shown) configured to detect a magnetic field type stylus pen.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first display area (241) and the second display area (242) may have a shape that is symmetrical overall with respect to the folding area (243). According to one embodiment (not shown), the second display area (242), unlike the first display area (241), may include a notch cut according to the presence of the sensor area (224), but may have a shape symmetrical to the first display area (241) in other areas. In other words, the first display area (241) and the second display area (242) may include a portion having a shape symmetrical to each other and a portion having a shape asymmetrical to each other.

[0054] Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and each area of ​​the display (240) according to the state of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., flat state, or unfolded state and folded state) will be described.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a flat state (see FIG. 1), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged such that they form a substantially 180-degree angle and the first display area (241) and the second display area (242) face substantially the same direction. For example, in the flat state, the surface of the first display area (241) and the surface of the second display area (242) may form a 180-degree angle with each other and face the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device). The folding area (243) may form a plane with the first display area (241) and the second display area (242).

[0056] The term "coplanar surface" as described in this disclosure is not limited to the meaning of a mathematically or geometrically perfect plane, but can be understood as a substantially continuous surface (plane or curved surface) including minute steps, gaps, physical errors, or structural deformations. The term "coplanar surface" as described in this disclosure may also be referred to as a "substantial coplanar surface." That is, the term "coplanar surface" as described in this disclosure includes a state that is generally close to or substantially conforms to a single plane, and is not limited to a strictly flat surface (plane or curved surface).

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first display area (241) and the surface of the second display area (242) of the display (240) may form a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 and 10 degrees) with each other and may substantially face each other. The folding area (243) may be formed of a curved surface having at least a portion having a predetermined curvature.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state (folded state) (not shown), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged at a certain angle to each other. The surface of the first display area (241) and the surface of the second display area (242) of the display (240) may form an angle that is larger than the folded state and smaller than the unfolded state. The folding area (243) may be formed of a curved surface having at least a portion of a certain curvature, and the curvature may be smaller than in the folded state.

[0059] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a display (240) separated from a housing (210, 220) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA' shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB' shown in FIG. 2.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 5, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first region (241) of a display (240) may be supported by a first housing (210). A second region (242) of a display (240) may be supported by a second housing (220). A third region (243) of a display (240) may be supported by a center bar assembly (300). A third region (243) of a display (240) may be supported by a pair of wing plates (301, 302). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure (not shown), the wing plates (301, 302) may be omitted.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a center bar assembly (300) can support a central portion of a third region (243) of a display (240). A pair of wing plates (301, 302) can support both edges of the third region (243) of the display (240) that are not supported by the center bar assembly (300).

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a center bar assembly (300) configured to support a third region (243) of a display (240). A plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340, see FIG. 6) included in the center bar assembly (300) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 6 through FIG. 18.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a hinge portion (400) configured to provide a folding axis (F, see FIG. 1). The hinge portion (400) may include a plurality of hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430, see FIG. 7) connected to a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). The hinge portion (400) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 7 through 9. The hinge portion (400) may be positioned between a center bar assembly (300) and a hinge cover (230). The hinge portion (400) may be coupled to the center bar assembly (300) and the hinge cover (230), respectively.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a damping sheet (303) laminated to a center bar assembly (300). The damping sheet (303) may be located between the center bar assembly (300) and a third region (243) of the display (240). The damping sheet (303) may be configured to absorb shocks applied from outside the display (240). The damping sheet (303) may have a lower rigidity than the rigidity of a plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340, see FIG. 6) included in the center bar assembly (300), and may have a higher elasticity than the elasticity of a plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340, see FIG. 6).

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a damping sheet (303) may be laminated on two or more adjacent center bars (e.g., a first center bar (310) and a second center bar (320), see FIG. 6) among a plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340, see FIG. 6) included in a center bar assembly (300). Thus, the step difference between the adjacent center bars (e.g., a first center bar (310) and a second center bar (320), see FIG. 6) can be compensated by the damping sheet (303).

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a pair of wing plates (301, 302). For convenience of explanation, the pair of wing plates (301, 302) may be named a first wing plate (301) and a second wing plate (302). A center bar assembly (300) may support a center portion of a third region (243) of a display (240). The first wing plate (301) and the second wing plate (302) may support side portions of a third region (243) of a display (240). The side portions of the third region (243) of the display (240) are located on both sides of the center portion of the third region (243) of the display (240) and may include the edges of the third region (243).

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a pair of wing plates (301, 302) may be located on both sides of a center bar assembly (300). As shown in FIG. 4, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), when viewed from above the display (240), the center bar assembly (300) may be located between the pair of wing plates (301, 302). The first wing plate (301) and the second wing plate (302) may be located on opposite sides of the center bar assembly (300).

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of a pair of wing plates (301, 302) may extend substantially parallel to the center bar assembly (300). The first wing plate (301) and the second wing plate (302) may extend side by side with the center bar assembly (300). The wing plates (301, 302) may extend along a folding axis (F, see FIG. 1). A pair of wing plates (301, 302) may each be coupled to both sides of a hinge portion (400). The first wing plate (301) may be coupled to a first housing (210). The second wing plate (302) may be coupled to a second housing (220). The first wing plate (301) may be rotated together with the first housing (210) about the folding axis (F, see FIG. 1). The second wing plate (302) can be rotated together with the second housing (220) about a folding axis (F, see FIG. 1).

[0069] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a center bar assembly (300) and wing plates (301, 302) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a center bar assembly (300) and a hinge portion (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating a hinge portion (400) and a hinge cover (230) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 6 through 8, a center bar assembly (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) arranged along a folding axis (F, see FIG. 1). The plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) may be arranged along the folding axis (F) below a third region (243) of the display (240) to support the third region (243) of the display (240). As an example, the plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) may support a central region of the third region (243) of the display (240). The plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) may extend along the folding axis (F). The plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) can be aligned along the folding axis (F).

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge portion (400) may include a plurality of hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430). Each hinge assembly (410, 420, 430) is connected to a first housing (210), so that the first housing (210) can be rotated about a first rotation axis (F1). Each hinge assembly (410, 420, 430) is connected to a second housing (220), so that the second housing (220) can be rotated about a second rotation axis (F2). It can be understood that the foldable electronic device (200) is folded or unfolded about a predetermined folding axis (F, see FIG. 1) by the behavior of the first housing (210) rotated about the first rotation axis (F1) and the second housing (220) rotated about the second rotation axis (F2).

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430) may include a first hinge assembly (410), a second hinge assembly (420), and / or a third hinge assembly (430). The plurality of hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430) may be arranged in a line between a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). As an example, the plurality of hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430) may be aligned along a folding axis (F, see FIG. 1).

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first hinge assembly (410) may include a first rotation part (R11) which is coupled to the first housing (210) and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis (F1). The first hinge assembly (410) may include a second rotation part (R12) which is coupled to the second housing (220) and configured to rotate about a second rotation axis (F2).

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second hinge assembly (420) may include a first rotation part (R21) which is coupled to the first housing (210) and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis (F1). The second hinge assembly (420) may include a second rotation part (R22) which is coupled to the second housing (220) and configured to rotate about a second rotation axis (F2).

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third hinge assembly (430) may include a first rotation part (R31) which is coupled to the first housing (210) and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis (F1). The third hinge assembly (430) may include a second rotation part (R32) which is coupled to the second housing (220) and configured to rotate about a second rotation axis (F2).

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge cover (230) of a foldable electronic device (200) may cover at least a portion of the outer side of a hinge portion (400). The hinge cover (230) may cover at least a portion of the outer side of a hinge portion (400). The hinge cover (230) may extend along a folding axis (F). The hinge cover (230) may extend substantially parallel to a center bar assembly (300). The hinge cover (230) may extend along the plurality of center bars (300). The hinge cover (230) may cover at least a portion of the outer side of the hinge portion (400) such that the hinge portion (400) is positioned between the plurality of center bars (300).

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a flexible printed circuit board (500) extending from the internal space of the first housing (210) to the internal space of the second housing (220). Through the flexible printed circuit board (500), an electronic component disposed in the internal space of the first housing (210) and an electronic component disposed in the internal space of the second housing (220) may be electrically connected to each other.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible printed circuit board (500) can pass between the first center bar (310) and the hinge cover (230). The flexible printed circuit board (500) can pass between the first hinge assembly (410) and the third hinge assembly (430).

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) of a center bar assembly (300) may be fixed to a hinge cover (230). A plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) may be fixed to a respective hinge assembly (410, 420, 430). A plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) may be fixed to the hinge cover (230) by a fastening member (S).

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fastening member (S) may be positioned at either of two ends of two adjacent center bars (e.g., a first center bar (310) and a second center bar (320)). For example, the fastening member (S) may include a first fastening member (S1) that secures the first center bar (310) to the hinge cover (230), and the fastening member (S) may include a second fastening member (S2) and a third fastening member (S3) that secure the fourth center bar (340) to the hinge cover (230).

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one first fixing member (310s) may be disposed on the first center bar (310). The first center bar (310) may be fixed to the first hinge assembly (410) and / or hinge cover (230) through at least one first fixing member (310s). At least one second fixing member (320s) may be disposed on the second center bar (320). The second center bar (320) may be fixed to the second hinge assembly (420) and / or hinge cover (230) through at least one second fixing member (320s). At least one third fixing member (330s) may be disposed on the third center bar (330). The third center bar (330) can be fixed to the third hinge assembly (430) and / or hinge cover (230) through at least one third fixing member (330s).

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from above in the third region (243) of the display (240), the ends of two adjacent center bars (e.g., the first center bar (310) and the second center bar (320), and the third center bar (330) and the fourth center bar (340)) among the plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) (e.g., the first section (311, 321) of FIG. 10 and the first section (331, 341) of FIG. 15) may overlap each other. For example, the X region and the Y region shown in FIG. 7 are regions where the plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) overlap, and the X region and the Y region will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 10 to FIG. 18.

[0083] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a center bar (320), a hinge assembly (420), and a hinge bracket (620) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] FIG. 9 illustrates a second hinge assembly (420) and a second center bar (320) as an example, but the details regarding the second hinge assembly (420) described with reference to FIG. 9 may be applied substantially the same to the first hinge assembly (410) and the third hinge assembly (430) to the extent that they are not arranged with each other. In addition, the description regarding the relationship between the second hinge assembly (420) and the second center bar (320) described with reference to FIG. 9 may be applied substantially the same to the relationship between the second hinge assembly (420) and the second center bar (320) and the relationship between the third hinge assembly (430) and the third center bar (330) to the extent that they are not arranged with each other.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 9, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second hinge assembly (420) may include a first rotating part (R21) rotatably coupled to the first shaft (427) and connected to the first housing (210), and a second rotating part (R22) rotatably coupled to the second shaft (428) and connected to the second housing (220).

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotating part (R21) of the second hinge assembly (420) may include a first arm (421) with one end coupled to the first shaft (427) so as to rotate together with the first shaft (427). The other end of the first arm (421), spaced apart from the first shaft (427), may be connected to the first rotate (425) via a first link (423). The first link (423) may extend from the other end of the first arm (421) substantially parallel to the first shaft (427). The first housing (210) may be fixed to the other end of the first arm (421), the first link (423), and / or the first rotate (425).

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rotating part (R22) of the second hinge assembly (420) may include a second arm (422) with one end coupled to the second shaft (428) so as to rotate together with the second shaft (428). The other end of the second arm (422), spaced apart from the second shaft (428), may be connected to a second rotate (426) via a second link (424). The second link (424) may extend from the other end of the second arm (422) substantially parallel to the second shaft (428). A second housing (220) may be fixed to the other end of the second arm (422), the second link (424), and / or the second rotate (426).

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first shaft (427) may provide a first rotation axis (F1, see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8). The second shaft (428) may provide a second rotation axis (F2, see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8). The first shaft (427) and the second shaft (428) may be inserted into a shaft bracket (429). The shaft bracket (429) may include a first shaft bracket (4291) having a first through hole located between the first shaft (427) and the second shaft (428), and a second shaft bracket (4292) having a second through hole located between the first shaft (427) and the second shaft (428).

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge bracket (620) may be positioned between a second hinge assembly (420) and a hinge cover (230). The second hinge assembly (420) may be fixed to the hinge bracket (620). The hinge bracket (620) may be supported by the hinge cover (230). The hinge cover (230) may cover at least a portion of the outer side of the hinge bracket (620).

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a hinge bracket (620) that defines the rotation path of the rotates (425, 426) together with a second center bar (320). The rotation path of the rotates (425, 426) defined by the second center bar (320) and the hinge bracket (620) may be named a rail structure. An outer surface (629) (e.g., top surface) of the hinge bracket (620) defining the rail structure may be named a first rail surface. An outer surface (329) (e.g., bottom surface) of the second center bar (320) defining the rail structure may be named a second rail surface.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one second fixing member (320s, see FIG. 7) disposed on the second center bar (320) can connect the second center bar (320) and the second shaft bracket (4292) by passing through at least one second fixing hole (320h) and the through hole of the second shaft bracket (4292). At least one second fixing member (320s, see FIG. 7) can connect the second center bar (320) and the hinge bracket (620) by passing through at least one second fixing hole (320h) and at least one through hole (620h) formed in the hinge bracket (620).

[0092] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a first center bar (310) and a second center bar (320) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a bottom view illustrating the first center bar (310) and the second center bar (320) illustrated in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view of the X area illustrated in FIG. 7, illustrating the end (311) of the first center bar (310) and the end (321) of the second center bar (320).

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first center bar (310) may include a first section (311), a second section (312), a third section (313), a fourth section (314), a fifth section (315), a sixth section (316), and a seventh section (317). As an example, with respect to the fourth section (314) of the first center bar (310), the first section (311) and the seventh section (317) may be positioned symmetrically to each other, the second section (312) and the sixth section (316) may be positioned symmetrically to each other, and the third section (313) and the fifth section (315) may be positioned symmetrically to each other.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first section (311) and a seventh section (317) comprising two opposite ends of a first center bar (310) may be named as end portions of the first center bar (310). As an example, the first section (311) of the first center bar (310) may be named as a first end portion, and the seventh section (317) of the first center bar (310) may be named as a second end portion.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first center bar (310) may include a first fastening hole (311h) formed in a first section (311). A first fastening member (S1, see FIG. 7) may be inserted into the first fastening hole (311h). The first section (311) of the first center bar (310) may be more firmly fixed to the hinge cover (230) by the first fastening member (S1).

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second section (312) of the first center bar (310) may include a first fixing hole (310h). At least one first fixing member (310s, see FIG. 7) may be inserted into the first fixing hole (310h) to fix the first center bar (310) to the first hinge assembly (410) and / or hinge cover (230). The second section (312) of the first center bar (310) may connect the first section (311) and the third section (313).

[0097] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a sixth section (316) of the first center bar (310) may include a first fixing hole (310h). At least one first fixing member (310s, see FIG. 7) may be inserted into the first fixing hole (310h) to fix the first center bar (310) to the first hinge assembly (410) and / or hinge cover (230). The sixth section (316) of the first center bar (310) may connect the fifth section (315) and the seventh section (317).

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface (319) of the fourth section (314) of the first center bar (310) may define a rail structure that provides a movement path for the rotations (e.g., rotations (425, 426) of the first hinge assembly (410, see FIG. 7)) together with a hinge bracket (e.g., hinge bracket (620) of FIG. 9). The fourth section (314) of the first center bar (310) may connect the third section (313) of the first center bar (310) and the fifth section (315) of the first center bar (310).

[0099] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third section (313) of the first center bar (310) can connect the second section (312) of the first center bar (310) and the fourth section (314) of the first center bar (310). The fifth section (315) of the first center bar (310) can connect the sixth section (316) of the first center bar (310) and the fourth section (314) of the first center bar (310). The third section (313) of the first center bar (310) and the fifth section (315) of the first center bar (310) can cover a part of the first hinge assembly (410) and may have a shape with a variable width so as not to interfere with the first hinge assembly (410) during the folding and unfolding operation of the first hinge assembly (410).

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second center bar (320) may include a first section (321), a second section (322), a third section (323), and a fourth section (324). The second section (322) of the second center bar (320) may connect the first section (321) and the third section (323). The fourth section (324) of the second center bar (320) may be connected to the third section (323).

[0101] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first section (321) and a fourth section (324) comprising two opposite ends of the second center bar (320) may be named as end portions of the second center bar (320). As an example, the first section (321) of the second center bar (320) may be named as a first end portion, and the fourth section (324) of the second center bar (320) may be named as a second end portion.

[0102] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third section (323) of the second center bar (320) may cover a part of the second hinge assembly (420) and may have a shape with a variable width so as not to interfere with the second hinge assembly (420) during the folding and unfolding operation of the second hinge assembly (420).

[0103] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface (329) of the fourth section (324) of the second center bar (320) may define a rail structure that provides a movement path for the rotations (e.g., rotations (425, 426) of the second hinge assembly (420, see FIG. 7)) together with the hinge bracket (e.g., hinge bracket (620) of FIG. 9).

[0104] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second section (322) of the second center bar (320) may include a second fixing hole (320h). At least one second fixing member (320s, see FIG. 7) may be inserted into the second fixing hole (320h) to fix the second center bar (320) to the second hinge assembly (420) and / or hinge cover (230).

[0105] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, among a plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340), a first center bar (310) and a second center bar (320) that are adjacent to each other may be understood as adjacent to each other. An end of the first center bar (310) (e.g., a first section (311) of the first center bar (310)) may be adjacent to an end of the second center bar (320) (e.g., a first section (321) of the second center bar (320)). When viewed from above in the third area (243) of the display (240), the end (311) of the first center bar (310) and the end (321) of the second center bar (320) may partially overlap each other. Two adjacent center bars (e.g., the first center bar (310) and the second center bar (320)) of the plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) may partially overlap each other to form a coplanar surface to support the third area (243) of the display (240).

[0106] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the end (311) of the first center bar (310) may include a first overlapping portion (311A, 311B), and the end (321) of the second center bar (320) may include a second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) that overlaps with the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B). The first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) may include a first-1 pin (311A) and a first-2 pin (311B) located on both sides with respect to the fastening hole (311h). The above second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) may include a second-1 pin (321A) covered by the first-1 pin (311A) and a second-2 pin (321B) covered by the first-2 pin (311B).

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) and the second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) are positioned adjacent to the fastening hole (311h), so that they can be more closely attached by a fastening member (e.g., the first fastening member (S1) of FIG. 7), and the step difference between the first center bar (310) and the second center bar (320) can be minimized or reduced. The first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) and the second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) may be positioned around the fastening hole (311h).

[0108] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the overlap relationship between the first overlap portion (311A, 311B) and the second overlap portion (321A, 321B) can be applied substantially the same to the overlap relationship between the overlap portion (317A, 317B) formed in the seventh section (317) of the first center bar (310) and the overlap portion (342A, 342B) formed in the fourth center bar (340).

[0109] FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14 are cross-sectional views taken along the CC' line shown in FIG. 12.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 12 through 14, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) and the second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) may be adjacent to each other. The first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) and the second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) may be in contact as shown in FIG. 13, or the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) may be configured to press the second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) toward the hinge cover (230) (e.g., in the +X-axis direction). The first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) and the second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance (g) as shown in FIG. 14. As an example, the above predetermined interval (g) may be about 0.1 mm.

[0111] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating a third center bar (330) and a fourth center bar (340) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a bottom view illustrating the third center bar (330) and the fourth center bar (340) illustrated in FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a partial enlarged view of the Y area illustrated in FIG. 7, illustrating the third center bar (330) and the fourth center bar (340).

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 15 through 17, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a third center bar (330) may include a first section (331), a second section (332), a third section (333), and a fourth section (334). The third section (333) of the third center bar (330) may connect the first section (331) and the third section (333). The fourth section (334) of the third center bar (330) may be connected to the third section (333).

[0113] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first section (331) and a fourth section (334) comprising two opposite ends of a third center bar (330) may be named as end portions of the third center bar (330). As an example, the first section (331) of the third center bar (330) may be named as a first end portion, and the fourth section (334) of the third center bar (330) may be named as a second end portion.

[0114] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third section (333) of the second center bar (320) may cover a part of the third hinge assembly (430) and may have a shape with a variable width so as not to interfere with the third hinge assembly (430) during the folding and unfolding operation of the third hinge assembly (430).

[0115] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface (339) of the fourth section (334) of the third center bar (330) may define a rail structure that provides a movement path for the rotations (e.g., rotations (425, 426) of the third hinge assembly (430, see FIG. 7)) together with the hinge bracket (e.g., hinge bracket (620) of FIG. 9).

[0116] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second section (332) of the third center bar (330) may include a second fixing hole (320h). At least one second fixing member (320s, see FIG. 7) may be inserted into the third fixing hole (330h) to fix the third center bar (330) to the third hinge assembly (430) and / or hinge cover (230).

[0117] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, among a plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340), a third center bar (330) and a fourth center bar (340) that are adjacent to each other may be understood as adjacent to each other. An end of the third center bar (330) (e.g., a first section (331) of the third center bar (330)) may be adjacent to an end of the fourth center bar (340) (e.g., a first section (341) of the fourth center bar (340)). When viewed from above in the third area (243) of the display (240), the end (331) of the third center bar (330) and the end (341) of the fourth center bar (340) may overlap each other.

[0118] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the end (331) of the third center bar (330) may include a third overlapping portion (331A, 331B), and the end (341) of the fourth center bar (340) may include a fourth overlapping portion (341A, 341B) that overlaps with the third overlapping portion (331A, 331B). The fourth overlapping portion (341A, 341B) may include a fourth-1 pin (341A) and a fourth-2 pin (341B) located on both sides with respect to the fastening hole (341h). The above third overlapping portion (331A, 331B) may include a third-1 pin (331A) covered by the fourth-1 pin (341A) and a third-2 pin (331B) covered by the fourth-2 pin (341B).

[0119] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third overlapping portion (331A, 331B) and the fourth overlapping portion (341A, 341B) are positioned around the fastening hole (341h), so that they can be more closely attached by a fastening member (e.g., the third fastening member (S3) of FIG. 7), and the step difference between the third center bar (330) and the fourth center bar (340) can be minimized or reduced.

[0120] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD' shown in FIG. 17.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the fourth overlapping portion (341A, 341B) may be configured to press the third overlapping portion (331A, 331B) toward the hinge cover (230). As an example, the pressure applied to the third overlapping portion (331A, 331B) by the fourth overlapping portion (341A, 341B) may be greater than the pressure applied to the second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) by the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B). Thus, as the foldable electronic device (200) is repeatedly folded and unfolded, the lifting of the fourth center bar (340) may be reduced by the flexible printed circuit board (500) passing between the fourth center bar (340) and the hinge cover (230).

[0122] FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating a center bar assembly (1300), a hinge portion (400), and a hinge bracket (1600) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge assembly (420) and a hinge bracket (1620) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] The description of the components described with reference to FIGS. 3 through 18 (e.g., center bar assembly (300), first center bar (310), second center bar (320), third center bar (330), fourth center bar (340), and / or hinge bracket (620)) may be applied substantially the same to the components of the same name described with reference to FIGS. 19 through 22 (e.g., center bar assembly (1300), first center bar (1310), second center bar (1320), third center bar (1330), fourth center bar (1340), and / or hinge bracket (1610, 1620, 1630)) to the extent that they are not positioned relative to each other.

[0124] FIG. 20 illustrates a second hinge assembly (420) and a second hinge bracket (1620) as an example, but the details regarding the second hinge bracket (1620) described with reference to FIG. 20 can be applied substantially the same to the first hinge bracket (1610) and the third hinge bracket (1630) to the extent that they are not arranged with each other. In addition, the description regarding the relationship between the second hinge bracket (1620) and the second hinge assembly (420) described with reference to FIG. 20 can be applied substantially the same to the relationship between the first hinge bracket (1610) and the first hinge assembly (410) and the relationship between the third hinge bracket (1630) and the third hinge assembly (430) to the extent that they are not arranged with each other.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of hinge brackets (1600) disposed below a third region (243) of the display (240) and supporting the third region (243) of the display (240). The plurality of hinge brackets (1600) may be disposed below the third region (243) of the display (240) together with a plurality of center bars (1310, 1320, 1330, 1340) to support the third region (243) of the display (240). As an example, the plurality of hinge brackets (1600) may support the center of the third region (243) of the display (240).

[0126] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of hinge brackets (1600) may include a first hinge bracket (1610) coupled to a first hinge assembly (410), a second hinge bracket (1620) coupled to a second hinge assembly (420), and a third hinge bracket (1630) coupled to a third hinge assembly (430).

[0127] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first hinge bracket (1610) may be positioned between a first center bar (1310) and a second center bar (1320). The first hinge bracket (1610) may include a first fastening member (1610f). The first fastening member (1610f) may be fixed to a hinge cover (230) by passing through a first fastening hole (e.g., the first fastening hole (1610c) of FIG. 22) of the first hinge bracket (1610).

[0128] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second hinge bracket (1620) may be disposed on one side of a second center bar (1320). The second center bar (1320) may be disposed between a first hinge bracket (1610) and a second hinge bracket (1620). The second hinge bracket (1620) may include a second fastening member (1620f). The second fastening member (1620f) may be fixed to a hinge cover (230) by passing through a second fastening hole (1620c) of the second hinge bracket (1620).

[0129] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a third hinge bracket (1630) may be positioned on one side of a third center bar (1630). A third center bar (1330) may be positioned between a fourth center bar (1340) and a third hinge bracket (1630). The third hinge bracket (1630) may include a third fastening member (1630f). The third fastening member (1630f) may be fixed to a hinge cover (230) by passing through a third fastening hole (e.g., a first fastening hole (1610c) in FIG. 22) of the third hinge bracket (1630).

[0130] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a rail structure (e.g., a second rail structure (1629) of FIG. 20) may be formed inside a plurality of hinge brackets (1600) to provide a rotation path for a rotating part (e.g., a first rotating part (R21) and a second rotating part (R22) of FIG. 20) of a plurality of hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430).

[0131] FIG. 21 is a partial enlarged view of the Z region shown in FIG. 19, showing the first hinge bracket (1610), the first center bar (1310), and the second center bar (1320). FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE' shown in FIG. 21.

[0132] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate, as an example, a first hinge bracket (1610), a first center bar (1310), and a second center bar (1320), but the description of the overlapping structure of the first hinge bracket (1610) and the first center bar (1310) and the overlapping structure of the first hinge bracket (1610) and the second center bar (1320) described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22 may be applied substantially the same to the overlapping structure of the second hinge bracket (1620) and the second center bar (1320) and the overlapping structure between the third hinge bracket (1630) and the third center bar (1630) to the extent that they are not arranged with each other.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first hinge bracket (1610) may be positioned between a first center bar (1310) and a second center bar (1320). When viewed from above in a third area (243) of the display (240), the ends of the first hinge bracket (1610) and the first center bar (1310) may overlap each other. When viewed from above in a third area (243) of the display (240), the ends of the first hinge bracket (1610) and the second center bar (1320) may overlap each other.

[0134] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first hinge bracket (1610) may include a fifth overlapping portion (1610A) that overlaps with the end of the first center bar (1310) when viewed from above the third area (243) of the display (240). The first hinge bracket (1610) may include a sixth overlapping portion (1610B) that overlaps with the end of the second center bar (1320) when viewed from above the third area (243) of the display (240).

[0135] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the end of the first center bar (1310) may include a seventh overlapping portion (1310A) covered by a fifth overlapping portion (1610A) of the first hinge bracket (1610). The end of the second center bar (1320) may include an eighth overlapping portion (1320B) covered by a sixth overlapping portion (1610B) of the first hinge bracket (1610).

[0136] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a fifth overlapping portion (1610A) of the first hinge bracket (1610) may be configured to press the seventh overlapping portion (1310A) of the first center bar (1310) toward the hinge cover (230). A sixth overlapping portion (1610B) of the first hinge bracket (1610) may be configured to press the eighth overlapping portion (1320B) of the second center bar (1320) toward the hinge cover (230).

[0137] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first hinge bracket (1610) may include a fastening hole (1610c) into which a fastening member (1610f) for fixing to the hinge cover (230) is inserted. The first hinge bracket (1610) may include a through hole aligned with the fastening hole (1610c) so that the fastening member (1610f) passes through.

[0138] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the overlap structure between the fifth overlap portion (1610A) of the first hinge bracket (1610) described with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 and the seventh overlap portion (1310A) of the end of the first center bar (1310) may be named the first overlap structure (O1), and the description of the first overlap structure (O1) may be applied substantially the same way to the first overlap structures (O1) shown in FIG. 19.

[0139] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the overlap structure between the sixth overlap portion (1610B) of the first hinge bracket (1610) described with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 and the eighth overlap portion (1320B) of the end of the second center bar (1320) may be named a second overlap structure (O2), and the description of the second overlap structure (O2) may be applied substantially the same way to the second overlap structures (O2) shown in FIG. 19.

[0140] FIG. 23 is a plan view illustrating a center bar assembly (2300) and a hinge portion (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] The description of the components described with reference to FIGS. 3 through 18 (e.g., center bar assembly (300), first center bar (310), second center bar (320), third center bar (330), and / or fourth center bar (340)) may be applied substantially the same to the components of the same name described with reference to FIG. 23 (e.g., center bar assembly (2300), first center bar (2310), second center bar (2320), third center bar (2330), and / or fourth center bar (2340)) to the extent that they are not positioned relative to each other.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 23, the center bar assembly (2300) may further include a fifth center bar (2350). The fifth center bar (2350) may be positioned between the first center bar (2310) and the second center bar (2320). A plurality of center bars (2310, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2350) are arranged so as to overlap with the rotating parts (R11, R12, R21, R22, R31, R32) of the hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430) when viewed from above the display (240), center bars (2310, 2320, 2330) (e.g., first center bar (2310), second center bar (2320), and third center bar (2330)) and center bars (2340, 2350) (e.g., fourth center bar (2340), fifth center) arranged so as not to overlap with the rotating parts (R11, R12, R21, R22, R31, R32) of the hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430). It may include bar (2350)).

[0143] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fifth center bar (2350) (or the fourth center bar (2340)) may have different physical properties from the center bars (2310, 2320, 2330) that overlap with the rotating portion (R11, R12, R21, R22, R31, R32) of the hinge assembly (410, 420, 430). As an example, the density of the fifth center bar (2350) (or the fourth center bar (2340)) may be lower than the density of the first center bar (2310). According to one embodiment, the stiffness of the fifth center bar (2350) may be lower than the stiffness of the first center bar (2310).

[0144] FIG. 24 is a plan view illustrating a center bar assembly (3300) and a hinge portion (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] The description of the components described with reference to FIGS. 3 through 18 (e.g., center bar assembly (300), first center bar (310), second center bar (320), third center bar (330), and / or fourth center bar (340)) may be applied substantially the same to the components of the same name described with reference to FIG. 24 (e.g., center bar assembly (3300), first center bar (3310), second center bar (3320), third center bar (3330), and / or fourth center bar (3340)) to the extent that they are not positioned relative to each other.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 24, the center bar assembly (3300) may further include a fifth center bar (3350). The fifth center bar (3350) may be positioned between the first center bar (3310) and the second center bar (3320). A plurality of center bars (3310, 3320, 3330, 3340, 3350) are arranged so as to overlap with the rotating parts (R11, R12, R21, R22, R31, R32) of the hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430) when viewed from above the display (240), center bars (3310, 3320, 3330) (e.g., first center bar (3310), second center bar (3320), and third center bar (3330)) and center bars (3340, 3350) (e.g., fourth center bar (3340), fifth center) arranged so as not to overlap with the rotating parts (R11, R12, R21, R22, R31, R32) of the hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430). It may include bar (3350)).

[0147] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fifth center bar (3350) (or the fourth center bar (3340)) may have different physical properties from the center bars (3310, 3320, 3330) that overlap with the rotating portion (R11, R12, R21, R22, R31, R32) of the hinge assembly (410, 420, 430). As an example, the density of the fifth center bar (3350) (or the fourth center bar (3340)) may be lower than the density of the first center bar (3310). According to one embodiment, the stiffness of the fifth center bar (3350) may be lower than the stiffness of the first center bar (3310).

[0148] As foldable electronic devices become thinner, their internal structures are also becoming thinner. However, in the case of components with complex structures or thin thicknesses, they may not be formed into a complete shape due to manufacturing defects (e.g., short shots), and the extent to which components can be thinned to mitigate this may be limited. For example, in the case of a center bar supporting the extended folding area of ​​a foldable display, the aforementioned issues can cause structural instability or impair the surface quality of the display. Accordingly, much research is being conducted to improve the quality of foldable electronic devices.

[0149] The problem to be solved in the present disclosure may be to provide a structure that stably supports the folding area of ​​a foldable display.

[0150] The problem to be solved in the present disclosure may be to improve the surface quality of the folding area of ​​a foldable display.

[0151] The problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0152] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, by configuring a member supporting a folding region of a foldable display into a plurality of divided bars, a structure capable of stably supporting a folding region of a foldable display can be provided.

[0153] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, by configuring a member supporting a folding region of a foldable display into a plurality of divided bars, the surface quality of the folding region of the foldable display can be improved.

[0154] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the above description.

[0155] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a hinge assembly (420) respectively connected to the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and configured to rotate the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) about a folding axis (F).

[0156] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a hinge cover (230) that covers at least a portion of the outer side of the hinge assembly (420).

[0157] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge cover (230) may have the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) disposed on both lateral sides.

[0158] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a display (240) comprising a first region (241) disposed in the first housing (210), a second region (242) disposed in the second housing (220), and a flexible third region (243) connecting the first region (241) and the second region (242).

[0159] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a plurality of center bars (300) arranged along the folding axis (F) below the third region (243) of the display (240) and supporting the third region (243) of the display (240).

[0160] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of center bars (300) can be fixed to the hinge cover (230).

[0161] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from above in the third region (243) of the display (240), the ends of two adjacent center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) among the plurality of center bars (300) may overlap each other.

[0162] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the two adjacent center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) may include a first center bar (310) having a first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) formed at an end (311), and a second center bar (320) having a second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) formed at an end (321) that is covered by the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B).

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) and the second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) may be adjacent to each other.

[0164] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first center bar (310) may have a fastening hole (311h) formed therein, into which a fastening member (S, fastener) for fixing to the hinge cover (230) is inserted at the end (311).

[0165] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) may be located around the fastening hole (311h).

[0166] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) may include a first-1 pin (311A) and a first-2 pin (311B) located on both sides with respect to the fastening hole (311h).

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) may include a second-1 pin (321A) covered by the first-1 pin (311A) and a second-2 pin (321B) covered by the first-2 pin (311B).

[0168] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a flexible printed circuit board (500) may be included that extends from the internal space of the first housing (210) into the internal space of the second housing (220) and passes between the fourth center bar (340) and the hinge cover (230).

[0169] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from above over the third region (243) of the display (240), the fourth overlapping portion (341A, 341B) may be configured to press the third overlapping portion (e.g., FIG. 331A, 331B)) toward the hinge cover (230).

[0170] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly (420) may include a first shaft (427) and a second shaft (428) extended along the folding axis (F).

[0171] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly (420) may include a first rotating part (R21) rotatably coupled to the first shaft (427) and connected to the first housing (210), and a second rotating part (R22) rotatably coupled to the second shaft (428) and connected to the second housing (220).

[0172] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the two adjacent center bars may include a center bar that overlaps with the first rotating part (R21) and the second rotating part (R22) (e.g., the second center bar (3320) of FIG. 24), and a center bar that does not overlap with the first rotating part (R21) and the second rotating part (R22) (e.g., the fifth center bar (3350) of FIG. 24).

[0173] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the density of the center bar (e.g., the fifth center bar (3350) of FIG. 24) may be lower than the density of the center bar (e.g., the second center bar (3320) of FIG. 24).

[0174] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a hinge bracket (1600) comprising a rail structure (1619) for rotation of the first rotating part (R21) and the second rotating part (R22).

[0175] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge bracket (1600) may be positioned below a third region (243) of the display (240) to support the third region (243) of the display (240).

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (1600) may be positioned between the first center bar (1310) and the second center bar (1320) among the plurality of center bars (1310, 1320, 1330, 1340).

[0177] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (1610) may include a first overlapping portion (1610A) that overlaps with the end of the first center bar (1310) and / or a second overlapping portion (1610B) that overlaps with the end of the second center bar (1320) when viewed from above the third area (243) of the display (240).

[0178] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (1610) may include a fastening hole (1610c) into which a fastening member (1610f) for fixing to the hinge cover (230) is inserted.

[0179] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first overlapping portion (1610A) and / or the second overlapping portion (1610B) of the hinge bracket (1610) may be configured to press the first center bar (1310) and / or the second center bar (1320) toward the hinge cover (230).

[0180] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly (420) may include a shaft bracket (429) connecting the first shaft (427) and the second shaft (428).

[0181] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft bracket (429) may include a through hole aligned with the fastening hole (1610c) so that the fastening member (1610f) passes through it.

[0182] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (1610) may include a through hole aligned with the fastening hole (1610c) so that the fastening member (1610f) passes through it.

[0183] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the end of the first center bar (1310) may include a third overlapping portion (1310A) that is covered by the first overlapping portion (1610A) of the hinge bracket (1610).

[0184] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the end of the second center bar (1320) may include a fourth overlapping portion (1320B) that is covered by the second overlapping portion (1610B) of the hinge bracket (1610).

[0185] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) may be extended along the folding axis (F) and aligned along the folding axis (F).

[0186] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when viewed from above in the third region (243) of the display (240), the ends of the hinge bracket (1610) and the center bar (1320) may overlap each other.

[0187] Although the present disclosure has been described by way of example with respect to various embodiments, it should be understood that the various embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detailed configuration may be made without departing from the whole context of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device (200), First housing (210); Second housing (220); A hinge portion (400) connected to the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and configured to rotate the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) around a folding axis (F); A display (240) comprising a first area (241) disposed in the first housing (210), a second area (242) disposed in the second housing (220), and a flexible third area (243) between the first area (241) and the second area (242); and It includes a plurality of center bars (300) positioned below the third region (243) of the display (240) and configured to support the third region (243) of the display (240), A foldable electronic device in which, when viewed from above from the third region (243) of the display (240), two adjacent center bars (310, 320) among the plurality of center bars (300) partially overlap each other and form a coplanar surface to support the third region (243) of the display (240).

2. In Paragraph 1, The above hinge portion (400) is, It includes a plurality of hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430) arranged along the plurality of center bars (300) to provide the folding axis (F), The above plurality of center bars (300) are, A foldable electronic device covering the plurality of hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430) and coupled with the plurality of hinge assemblies (410, 420, 430).

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, It further includes a hinge cover (230) that extends along the plurality of center bars (300) and covers at least a portion of the outer side of the hinge portion (400) so that the hinge portion (400) is positioned between the plurality of center bars (300). The two adjacent center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) are: A first center bar (310) having a fastening hole (311h) formed therein, configured to allow a fastening member (S, fastener) fixed to the hinge cover (230) and a first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) to be inserted into the end portion (311); and It includes a second center bar (320) having a second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) formed at the end portion (321) that overlaps with the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) and is covered by the first overlapping portion (311A, 311B). The first overlapping portion (311A, 311B) and the second overlapping portion (321A, 321B) are, A foldable electronic device located adjacent to the above fastening hole (311h).

4. In Paragraph 3, The above first overlapping portions (311A, 311B) are, It includes a first-1 pin (311A) and a first-2 pin (311B) located on both sides based on the above-mentioned fastening hole (311h), and The above second overlapping portions (321A, 321B) are, A foldable electronic device comprising a second-1 pin (321A) covered by the first-1 pin (311A) and a second-2 pin (321B) covered by the first-2 pin (311B).

5. In Paragraph 3 or 4, A foldable electronic device further comprising a flexible printed circuit board (500) extending from the internal space of the first housing (210) into the internal space of the second housing (220) and passing between the first center bar (340) and the hinge cover (230).

6. In Paragraph 5, A foldable electronic device configured such that, when viewed from above in the third region (243) of the display (240), the first overlapping portion (341A, 341B) presses the second overlapping portion (331A, 331B) toward the hinge cover (230).

7. In Paragraph 2, The above hinge assembly (420) is: A first shaft (427) and a second shaft (428) extended along the above folding axis (F); A first rotating part (R21) rotatably coupled to the first shaft (427) and connected to the first housing (210); and A foldable electronic device comprising a second rotating part (R22) rotatably coupled to the second shaft (428) and connected to the second housing (220).

8. In Paragraph 7, The two center bars above that are adjacent to each other are: A first center bar (3320) that overlaps with the first rotating part (R21) and the second rotating part (R22); and It includes a second center bar (3340) that does not overlap with the first rotating part (R21) and the second rotating part (R22), and The density of the second center bar (3340) is lower than the density of the first center bar (3320), and The above foldable electronic device (200) is, A foldable electronic device further comprising a flexible printed circuit board (500) extending from the internal space of the first housing (210) into the internal space of the second housing (220) and extending across the second center bar (3340) from below the second center bar (3340).

9. In Paragraph 7 or 8, It further includes a hinge bracket (1600) comprising a rail structure (1619) positioned below the third region (243) of the display (240) to support the third region (243) of the display (240) and configured to allow the first rotating part (R21) and the second rotating part (R22) to rotate, and The above hinge bracket (1600) is, A foldable electronic device positioned between the first center bar (1310) and the second center bar (1320) among the plurality of center bars (1310, 1320, 1330, 1340).

10. In Paragraph 9, The hinge bracket (1610) above is, A foldable electronic device comprising a first overlapping portion (1610A) that overlaps with the end of the first center bar (1310) and a second overlapping portion (1610B) that overlaps with the end of the second center bar (1320) when viewed from above in the third region (243) of the display (240).

11. In Paragraph 10, It further includes a hinge cover (230) that extends along the plurality of center bars (1300) and covers at least a portion of the outer side of the hinge portion (400) so that the hinge portion (400) is positioned between the plurality of center bars (1300). The hinge bracket (1610) above is, A fastening hole (1610c) is formed into which a fastening member (1610f) for fixing to the hinge cover (230) is inserted, and A foldable electronic device configured such that the first overlapping portion (1610A) and the second overlapping portion (1610B) of the hinge bracket (1610) press the first center bar (1310) and the second center bar (1320) toward the hinge cover (230).

12. In Paragraph 11, The hinge assembly (420) above is, A foldable electronic device further comprising a shaft bracket (429) that connects the first shaft (427) and the second shaft (428) and includes a first through hole aligned with the fastening hole (1610c) so that the fastening member (1610f) passes through.

13. In Article 11 or Article 12, The hinge bracket (1610) above is, A foldable electronic device comprising a second through hole aligned with the fastening hole (1610c) so that the fastening member (1610f) passes through.

14. In any one of paragraphs 10 through 13, The end of the first center bar (1310) includes a third overlapping portion (1310A) that is covered by the first overlapping portion (1610A) of the hinge bracket (1610), and A foldable electronic device comprising a fourth overlapping portion (1320B) that is covered by a second overlapping portion (1610B) of the hinge bracket (1610) at the end of the second center bar (1320).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 14, The above plurality of center bars (310, 320, 330, 340) are, A foldable electronic device that extends along the folding axis (F) and is aligned along the folding axis (F).

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