Hinge assembly including stopper, and foldable electronic device including same

Abstract

A foldable electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein may comprise: a hinge assembly; a foldable housing including a first housing and a second housing, which are respectively coupled to both sides of the hinge assembly; and a display disposed in the first housing and the second housing. The hinge assembly includes: a hinge bracket having a rail structure; and a rotator movably coupled to the rail structure. The hinge bracket includes a first stopper and a second stopper that come into contact with the rotator when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, and the first stopper and the second stopper may be spaced apart from the rail structure.

Description

A hinge assembly including a stopper and a foldable electronic device including the same

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a hinge assembly and a foldable electronic device including the same, for example, a hinge assembly including a stopper and a foldable electronic device including the same.

[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, touchscreen displays serve as output devices that display visual information, such as screens, while also providing a virtual keypad that replaces mechanical input devices (e.g., button inputs). Consequently, portable communication devices or electronic devices can be miniaturized while offering the same or even improved usability (e.g., larger screens). On the other hand, with the commercialization of flexible, for instance, foldable displays, the portability and ease of use of foldable electronic devices are expected to improve further. Such foldable electronic devices can be carried in a folded state using multiple different structures (e.g., housings), and can provide a larger screen when unfolded, thereby offering enhanced portability and ease of use.

[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 one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device comprises a hinge assembly, a first housing each coupled to both sides of the hinge assembly, and a second housing, and a display comprising a first area disposed in the first housing, a second area disposed in the second housing, and a flexible third area between the first area and the second area, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a hinge bracket fixed to the inside of the foldable housing and having a first rail structure and a second rail structure formed on both sides, a first rotator movably coupled to the first rail structure and connected to the first housing, and a second rotator movably coupled to the second rail structure and connected to the second housing, and the hinge bracket may comprise a first stopper and a second stopper arranged along the direction of movement of the first rotator at a position spaced apart from the first rail structure and adjacent to or in contact with the first rotator when the foldable electronic device is unfolded.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device comprises a hinge assembly, a first housing and a second housing each coupled to both sides of the hinge assembly, a foldable housing including the first housing and the second housing, and a display disposed on the first housing and the second housing, wherein the area corresponding to the hinge assembly is flexible. The hinge assembly comprises a hinge bracket fixed to the inside of the foldable housing and having a first rail structure formed on one side, a first rotator movably coupled to the first rail structure and connected to the first housing, and the hinge bracket may include a first stopper and a second stopper arranged along the direction of movement of the first rotator at a position spaced apart from the first rail structure and adjacent to or in contact with the first rotator when the foldable electronic device is unfolded.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly comprises a hinge bracket having a first rail structure and a second rail structure formed on opposite sides, a first rotator movably coupled to the first rail structure, and a second rotator movably coupled to the second rail structure, wherein the hinge bracket may include a first stopper and a second stopper arranged along the direction of movement of the first rotator at a position spaced apart from the first rail structure and adjacent to or in contact with the first rotator when the first rotator is extended, and a third stopper and a fourth stopper arranged along the direction of movement of the first rotator at a position spaced apart from the first rail structure and adjacent to or in contact with the second rotator when the second rotator is extended.

[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 illustrates a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

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

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

[0012] FIG. 4 is a top view of a part of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which some components of the foldable electronic device including a display are removed.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a top view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a hinge assembly in an extended state.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in an extended state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the line AA' shown in FIG. 5.

[0016] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7 including a second stopper and a second rotator.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hinge base according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first slider of a rotator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second slider of a rotator according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in an extended state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the CC' line shown in FIG. 5.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in an extended state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the CC' line shown in FIG. 5.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in an extended state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the BB' line shown in FIG. 5.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in an extended state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the BB' line shown in FIG. 5.

[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the CC' line shown in FIG. 5.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the CC' line shown in FIG. 5.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the BB' line shown in FIG. 5.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the BB' line shown in FIG. 5.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0033] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a foldable electronic device (200) in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a foldable electronic device (200) in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] 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 display (240) (or a foldable display (240)) disposed on the foldable housing (201).

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display (240) may be named a display stack comprising a plurality of layers (e.g., a display panel, a polarizing layer, an adhesive layer, a protective window, and / or a protective film).

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the surface formed by the display (240) may be named 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 surface opposite to the front surface may be named as the rear surface of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., a first rear surface (210b) and a second rear surface (220b)). The surface connecting the front surface and the rear surface of the foldable electronic device (200) and surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface of the foldable electronic device (200) may be named as the side surface of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., a first side surface (211a) and a second side surface (221a)).

[0038] 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 part (202) connecting the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The foldable electronic device (200) may include a foldable housing (201).

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (280), a second rear cover (290), and a hinge assembly (e.g., a hinge portion (202) of FIG. 3) formed by combining the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The hinge portion (202) may provide a folding axis (FA) that serves as a reference for folding or unfolding of the foldable electronic device (200). The foldable housing (201) of the foldable electronic device (200) is not limited to the form shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the first rear cover (280) may be formed integrally, or the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (290) may be formed integrally. The foldable electronic device (200) may be variable in a folded state or an unfolded state by means of a hinge portion (202). In the folded state, the first front (210a) of the foldable electronic device (200) may face the second front (220a), and in the unfolded state, the third direction may be substantially parallel to the first direction. Below, unless otherwise noted, the directions are described based on the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200). The 'unfolded state' and 'folded state' described in this document may be understood as the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). Alternatively, the ‘unfolded state’ and ‘folded state’ described in this document may be understood as the unfolded state and the folded state of the hinge portion (202) (e.g., the hinge assembly (300) of FIG. 4).

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) may be positioned on both sides of a hinge portion (202) with respect to a folding axis (FA). 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 (FA). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the folding axis (FA) is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) of the foldable electronic device (200), but the direction of the folding axis (FA) is not limited thereto.

[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 (e.g., the substrate portion (260) of FIG. 3).

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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. 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.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rear cover (280) may be disposed on one side of the folding axis (FA). The edge of the first rear cover (280) may be supported by the first housing (210). The second rear cover (290) may be disposed on the other side of the folding axis (FA). The edge of the second rear cover (290) may be supported by the second housing (220).

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rear cover (280) and the second rear cover (290) may have shapes that are substantially symmetric to each other with respect to the folding axis (FA). However, the first rear cover (280) and the second rear cover (290) do not necessarily have mutually symmetric 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.

[0046] 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 for accommodating components of the foldable electronic device (200), such as a printed circuit board or a battery. According to one embodiment, one or more components may be disposed on or visually exposed on the rear of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, at least a portion of a sub-display (e.g., the sub-display (244) of FIG. 3) may be visually exposed through the first rear area (282) of the first rear cover (280). Alternatively, the first rear cover (280) may be replaced by the sub-display (244). 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 sensor may include a proximity sensor and / or a camera module (206) (e.g., a rear camera).

[0047] 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).

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge cover (230) may cover at least a portion of the outer side of the hinge portion (202). The hinge cover (230) may be positioned between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) to cover an internal component (e.g., the hinge portion (202) of FIG. 3). It may be located on lateral sides of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge cover (230) may overlap with a portion of the first housing (210) and a portion of the second housing (220) adjacent to the hinge assembly (300).

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge cover (230) may be covered by a part 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) (unfolded state or folded state). For example, when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded, the hinge cover (230) may be substantially covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and when it is folded, the outer surface of the hinge cover (230) may be exposed to the outside.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, 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 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 when completely folded. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (230) may include a curved surface.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display (240) may include a first region (241, region) disposed in a first housing (210) and a second region (242, region) disposed in a second housing (220). The display (240) may include a flexible third region (243, region) connecting the first region (241) and the second region (242). The third region (243) may be located between the first region (241) and the second region (242).

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first region (241) and the second region (242) of the display (240) may have a shape that is substantially symmetric to each other with respect to the third region (243). According to one embodiment (not shown), the second region (242), unlike the first region (241), may include a notch cut according to the presence of the sensor region (224), but otherwise may have a shape that is symmetric to the first region (241). For example, the first region (241) and the second region (242) may include a portion in which the shape is symmetric to each other, and may also include a portion in which the shape is not symmetric to each other.

[0053] 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 third area (243), a first area (241) disposed on one side (e.g., the left side of the third area (243) shown in FIG. 1) relative to the third area (243), and a second area (242) disposed on the other side (e.g., the right side of the third 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 the first region (241) and the second region (242) are oriented substantially in the same direction, forming an angle of substantially 180 degrees. For example, in the flat state, the surface of the first region (241) and the surface of the second region (242) may form an angle of 180 degrees to each other and may be oriented in the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device). The third region (243) may form a plane with the first region (241) and the second region (242).

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., see FIG. 2), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first region (241) and the surface of the second region (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 third region (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 region (241) and the surface of the second region (242) of the display (240) may form an angle that is larger than the folded state and smaller than the unfolded state. The third region (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 of a foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a top view of a part of a foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which some components of the foldable electronic device (200), including a display (240, see FIG. 3), have been removed.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a foldable housing (201), a display (240), a hinge portion (202), a battery (250) and / or a substrate portion (260). The foldable housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (280), and / or a second rear cover (290).

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a hinge cover (230), a first rear cover (280) and / or a second rear cover (290). In one embodiment, a hinge portion (202) is disposed inside the foldable housing (201) to rotatably connect the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be coupled to both sides of the hinge portion (202).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first support area (212) capable of supporting a component of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., a first circuit board (262) and / or a first battery (252)). The first support area (212) may be referred to as a first support plate or a first support bracket. The first housing (210) may include a first side wall (211) surrounding at least a portion of the first support area (212). The first side wall (211) may include a first side of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., the first side (211a) of FIG. 1).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second support area (222) capable of supporting a component of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., a second circuit board (264) and / or a second battery (254)). The second support area (222) may be named a second support plate or a second support bracket. The second housing (220) may include a second side wall (221) surrounding at least a portion of the second support area (222). The second side wall (221) may include a second side of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., the second side (221a) of FIG. 1).

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a display (240) and a sub-display (244). The description of the display (240) (e.g., a first region (241), a second region (242), and a third region (243)) described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 may be applied substantially the same to the sub-display (244) shown in FIG. 3, to the extent that they are not positioned relative to each other.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sub-display (244) can display a screen in a direction different from the display area (241, 242). For example, the sub-display (244) can output a screen in a direction opposite to the first area (241). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (244) can be placed on the first rear cover (280).

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery (250) may include a first battery (252) disposed within a first housing (210) and a second battery (254) disposed within a second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the first battery (252) may be disposed on a first circuit board (262), and the second battery (254) may be disposed on a second circuit board (264).

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the substrate portion (260) may include a first circuit board (262) disposed within a first housing (210) and a second circuit board (264) disposed within a second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the substrate portion (260) may include at least one flexible printed circuit board (266) for electrically connecting the first circuit board (262) and the second circuit board (264). The flexible printed circuit board (266) may be disposed across a hinge portion (202). The flexible printed circuit board (266) may be disposed across a folding axis (FA). According to one embodiment, the first circuit board (262) and the second circuit board (264) may be disposed inside a space formed by the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the first rear cover (280), and the second rear cover (290). Components for implementing various functions of the foldable electronic device (200) may be disposed on the first circuit board (262) and the second circuit board (264).

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a speaker module (208). According to one embodiment, the speaker module (208) may convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the speaker module (208) may be disposed inside a space formed by a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (280), and a second rear cover (290).

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge portion (202) may include at least one hinge assembly (300, 300'). For convenience of explanation, the hinge assemblies (300, 300') illustrated in FIG. 4 may each be named a first hinge assembly (300) and a second hinge assembly (300'). Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure is described with respect to the first hinge assembly (300), but the present disclosure is not limited to the first hinge assembly (300) and, according to various embodiments, may be applied to the second hinge assembly (300') or to each of the first hinge assembly (300) and the second hinge assembly (300').

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first hinge assembly (300) and the second hinge assembly (300') may have different structures. As an example, the second hinge assembly (300') may have a structure in which a plurality of first hinge assemblies (300) are connected in a row. The first housing (210) may be connected to one side of the first hinge assembly (300) and one side of the second hinge assembly (300'). The second housing (220) may be connected to the other side of the first hinge assembly (300) and the other side of the second hinge assembly (300'). The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be rotated (or moved) about a predetermined axis (e.g., the folding axis (FA) of FIG. 1) by folding and unfolding the first hinge assembly (300) and the second hinge assembly (300').

[0071] FIG. 5 is a top view of a hinge assembly (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the hinge assembly (300) in an extended state. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge assembly (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly (300) may include a hinge bracket (310) fixed to the inside of the foldable housing (201, see FIG. 3). For example, the hinge bracket (310) may be fixed directly to the inside surface of the hinge cover (230, see FIG. 3) or fixed to the inside of the hinge cover (230) through another member (e.g., a hinge base (350)). The hinge bracket (310) may have a shape extending parallel to the folding axis (FA, see FIG. 1) and / or the hinge cover (230). The hinge assembly (300) may include a first rotator (R1) and a second rotator (R2) slidably coupled to both sides of the hinge bracket (310).

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly (300) may include a first rotator (R1) slidably coupled to one side of a hinge bracket (310). The first rotator (R1) may be connected to a first housing (210, see FIG. 3). The hinge assembly (300) may include a second rotator (R2) slidably coupled to the other side of the hinge bracket (310) opposite to the one side. The second rotator (R2) may be connected to a second housing (220, see FIG. 3). The hinge bracket (310) may include a first rail structure (L1, see FIG. 9) to which the first rotator (R1) is movably coupled and a second rail structure (L2, see FIG. 9) to which the second rotator (R2) is movably coupled.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly (300) may include a first shaft (331) configured to provide a first axis (Ax1). The first shaft (331) may extend parallel to the folding axis (FA, see FIG. 1). The hinge assembly (300) may include a first arm (341) coupled to the first shaft (331). The first arm (341) may be rotatably coupled to the first shaft (331) with respect to the first axis (Ax1). The first axis (Ax1) may be different from the axis of rotation of the first rotator (R1). The first arm (341) and the first rotator (R1) may be arranged along the folding axis (FA, see FIG. 1).

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly (300) may include a first link (321) connected to a first housing (210, see FIG. 3). A first arm (341) may be connected to the first link (321). A first rotator (R1) may be coupled to the first link (321) via a first pin (361). The first arm (341) may be connected to the first rotator (R1) via the first link (321). The first rotator (R1) and the first arm (341) may rotate the first housing (210, see FIG. 3) by being connected to the first housing (210, see FIG. 3) via the first link (321).

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly (300) may include a second shaft (332) configured to provide a second axis (Ax2). The second shaft (332) may extend parallel to the folding axis (FA, see FIG. 1). The hinge assembly (300) may include a second arm (342) coupled to the second shaft (332). The second arm (342) may be rotatably coupled to the second shaft (332) with respect to the second axis (Ax2). The second axis (Ax2) may be different from the axis of rotation of the second rotator (R2). The second arm (342) and the second rotator (R2) may be arranged along the folding axis (FA, see FIG. 1).

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly (300) may include a second link (322) connected to a second housing (220, see FIG. 3). A second arm (342) may be connected to the second link (322). A second rotator (R2) may be coupled to the second link (322) via a second pin (362). The second arm (342) may be connected to the second rotator (R2) via the second link (322). The second rotator (R2) and the second arm (342) may rotate the second housing (220, see FIG. 3) by being connected to the second housing (220, see FIG. 3) via the second link (322).

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (310) may include a first portion (311) to which a first rotator (R1) and a second rotator (R2) are combined. The hinge assembly (300) may include a hinge base (350) coupled to the lower side of the first portion (311) of the hinge bracket (310). For example, the hinge base (350) may be located between the first portion (311) of the hinge bracket (310) and the hinge cover (230, see FIG. 3). The first portion (311) of the hinge bracket (310) may include a first rail structure (L1) and a second rail structure (L2) described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (310) may include a second portion (312) extending from a first portion (311). The second portion (312) of the hinge bracket (310) may cover at least a portion of the first shaft (331) and the second shaft (332). As an example, the first shaft (331) and the second shaft (332) may be located between the second portion (312) of the hinge bracket (310) and the hinge cover (230, see FIG. 3). The second portion (312) of the hinge bracket (310) may include a fastening hole. The foldable electronic device (200) may include a fastening member (not shown) that passes through the fastening hole and connects the second portion (312) of the hinge bracket (310) to the hinge cover (230, see FIG. 3).

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 20, a foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a rotator (R1, R2) composed of a plurality of sliders (R11, R12, R21, R22). However, the present disclosure may include an embodiment in which the rotator (R1, R2) is not composed of a plurality of sliders (R11, R12, R21, R22) as shown in FIGS. 5 to 20, and the first rotator (R1) and the second rotator (R2) are each composed of a single slider.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotator (R1) may include a plurality (e.g., two) sliders (R11, R12). The first rotator (R1) may include a first slider (R11) configured to rotate together with a first housing (210, see FIG. 3). The first rotator (R1) may include a second slider (R12) slidably coupled to one side of the hinge bracket (310). The first slider (R11) may be slidably coupled to the second slider (R12). The operation of the first slider (R11) and the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) during the process of folding or unfolding the foldable electronic device (200) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 13 to 20.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rotator (R2) may include a plurality (e.g., two) sliders (R21, R22). The second rotator (R2) may include a first slider (R21) configured to rotate together with a second housing (220, see FIG. 3). The second rotator (R2) may include a second slider (R22) slidably coupled to the other side of the hinge bracket (310). The first slider (R21) may be slidably coupled to the second slider (R22). The operation of the first slider (R21) and the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) during the process of folding or unfolding the foldable electronic device (200) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 13 to 20.

[0083] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly (300) in an extended state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the line AA' shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 7 including a second stopper structure (S2) and a second rotator (R2).

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge assembly (300) may include a first stopper structure (S1) configured to limit the rotation of a first rotator (R1). The hinge assembly (300) may include a second stopper structure (S2) configured to limit the rotation of a second rotator (R2). The first stopper structure (S1) and / or the second stopper structure (S2) may be formed on a hinge bracket (310). The first stopper structure (S1) may be configured to limit the rotation of the first rotator (R1) when the foldable electronic device (200) and / or the hinge assembly (300) is transitioned from a folded state (see FIG. 2) to an unfolded state (see FIG. 1). The second stopper structure (S2) may be configured to limit the rotation of the second rotator (R2) when the foldable electronic device (200) and / or hinge assembly (300) is transitioned from a folded state (see FIG. 2) to an unfolded state (see FIG. 1). The unfolded angle of the foldable electronic device (200) and / or hinge assembly (300) may be limited by the first stopper structure (S1) and / or the second stopper structure (S2).

[0085] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (310) may include a first stopper structure (S1) configured to be adjacent to or in contact with the first rotator (R1) when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state. The first stopper structure (S1) may limit the rotational range of the first rotator (R1) by pressing the first rotator (R1) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first rotator (R1) rotates when the hinge assembly (300) is transitioned from a folded state to an extended state.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper structure (S1) may include a first stopper (S11) that is adjacent to or contacts an outer portion of the first rotator (R1) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded. For example, the first stopper (S11) of the first stopper structure (S1) may contact an outer portion of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) (e.g., the third side (R113) of FIG. 11) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper structure (S1) may include a second stopper (S12) that is adjacent to or contacts the inner portion of the first rotator (R1) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded. For example, the second stopper (S12) of the first stopper structure (S1) may contact the inner portion of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) (e.g., the body portion (R114) of FIG. 11) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded. As an example, the outer portion of the first rotator (R1) may be understood as a region of the edge of the first rotator (R1), and the inner portion of the first rotator (R1) may be understood as a central region of the first rotator (R1).

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (310) may include a second stopper structure (S2) configured to contact the second rotator (R2) when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state. The second stopper structure (S2) may limit the rotational range of the second rotator (R2) by pressing the second rotator (R2) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the second rotator (R2) rotates when the hinge assembly (300) is transitioned from a folded state to an extended state.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second stopper structure (S2) may include a third stopper (S21) that is adjacent to or contacts the outer part of the second rotator (R2) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded. For example, the third stopper (S21) of the second stopper structure (S2) may contact the outer part of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) (e.g., the third side (R213) of FIG. 11) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0090] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second stopper structure (S2) may include a fourth stopper (S22) that is adjacent to or contacts the inner portion of the second rotator (R2) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded. For example, the fourth stopper (S22) of the second stopper structure (S2) may contact the inner portion of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) (e.g., the body portion (R214) of FIG. 11) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded. As an example, the outer portion of the second rotator (R2) may be understood as a region of the edge of the second rotator (R2), and the inner portion of the second rotator (R2) may be understood as a central region of the second rotator (R2).

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper (S11), the second stopper (S12), the third stopper (S21), and / or the fourth stopper (S22) being adjacent to the first rotator (R1) or the second rotator (R2) can be understood as the first stopper (S11), the second stopper (S12), the third stopper (S21), and / or the fourth stopper (S22) being spaced apart from the first rotator (R1) or the second rotator (R2) by a fine gap to the extent that the unfolding of the foldable electronic device (200) can be substantially controlled. For example, the fact that the first stopper (S11), the second stopper (S12), the third stopper (S21), and / or the fourth stopper (S22) are adjacent to the first rotator (R1) or the second rotator (R2) can be understood as the case where the first stopper (S11), the second stopper (S12), the third stopper (S21), and / or the fourth stopper (S22) are separated from each other by unintended clearance that may occur during the assembly process of the hinge assembly (300) from the first rotator (R1) or the second rotator (R2).

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be spaced apart from each other. The first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the first rotator (R1) (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the first rail structure (L1) of FIG. 9). The first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be arranged from each other in the direction of movement of the first rotator (R1) (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the first rail structure (L1) of FIG. 9). As an example, the first stopper (S11) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be spaced apart toward the center of the hinge bracket (310) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded. According to one embodiment, the first stopper (S11) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be spaced apart toward the second rotator (R2) from the rotation axis of the first rotator (R1) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third stopper (S21) and the fourth stopper (S22) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be spaced apart from each other. The third stopper (S21) and the fourth stopper (S22) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of movement of the second rotator (R2) (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the second rail structure (L2) of FIG. 9). The third stopper (S21) and the fourth stopper (S22) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be arranged from each other in the direction of movement of the second rotator (R2) (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the second rail structure (L2) of FIG. 9). As an example, the third stopper (S21) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be spaced apart toward the center of the hinge bracket (310) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded. According to one embodiment, the third stopper (S21) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be spaced apart toward the first rotator (R1) from the rotation axis (R) of the second rotator (R2) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0094] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotator (R1) may include a first contact area that contacts a first stopper (S11) of a first stopper structure (S1) when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state. For example, the first contact area may be part of a third side (R113) of a first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) described with reference to FIG. 11. The first rotator (R1) may include a second contact area that contacts a second stopper (S12) of a first stopper structure (S1) when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state. For example, the second contact area may be part of a body portion (R114) of a first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0095] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rotator (R2) may include a third contact area that contacts a third stopper (S21) of the second stopper structure (S2) when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state. For example, the third contact area may be part of the third side (R213) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) described with reference to FIG. 11. The second rotator (R2) may include a fourth contact area that contacts a fourth stopper (S22) of the second stopper structure (S2) when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state. For example, the fourth contact area may be part of the body portion (R214) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first contact area and the second contact area of ​​the first rotator (R1) may be spaced apart in two directions opposite to each other from the rotational axis of the first rotator (R1). The rotational axis of the first rotator (R1) may be understood as an axis extending parallel to the folding axis (FA, see FIG. 1) and passing through the substantial center of curvature of the first rail structure (L1, see FIG. 9). When the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be configured to press the first rotator (R1) in opposite directions.

[0097] For example, when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the first stopper (S11) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be configured to press the first rotator (R1) in the -Z direction at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the first rotator (R1) in the -X direction. Additionally, when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the second stopper (S12) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be configured to press the first rotator (R1) in the +Z direction at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the first rotator (R1) in the +X direction.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 8, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third contact area and the fourth contact area of ​​the second rotator (R2) may be spaced apart in two directions opposite to each other from the rotational axis (R) of the second rotator (R2). The rotational axis (R) of the second rotator (R2) may be understood as an axis extending parallel to the folding axis (FA, see FIG. 1) and passing through the substantial center of curvature of the second rail structure (L2, see FIG. 9). When the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the third stopper (S21) and the fourth stopper (S22) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be configured to press the second rotator (R2) in opposite directions.

[0099] For example, when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the third stopper (S21) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be configured to press the first rotator (R1) in the -Z direction at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the second rotator (R2) in the +X direction. Additionally, when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the fourth stopper (S22) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be configured to press the second rotator (R2) in the +Z direction at a position spaced apart from the rotation axis of the second rotator (R2) in the -X direction.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 8, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first slider (R21) and the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may include a structure (R215, R223) that engages with each other when the hinge assembly (300) is folded from an extended state. Likewise, the first slider (R11) and the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may include a structure (R115, R123) that engages with each other when the hinge assembly (300) is folded from an extended state. The structure of the first slider (R11, R21) and the second slider (R21, R22) engaging with each other will be described in detail later.

[0101] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a hinge bracket (310) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a hinge base (350) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge bracket (310) may include a first rail structure (L1) configured to provide a sliding path for a first rotator (R1). The first rotator (R1) may move along the first rail structure (L1) by being slidably coupled to the first rail structure (L1). The first rail structure (L1) may be extended in a curved manner, and the substantial center of curvature of the curved first rail structure (L1) may be understood as the axis of rotation of the first rotator (R1).

[0103] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rail structure (L1) may include a first guide rail (L11) and a second guide rail (L12) that extend parallel to each other. The first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12) of the first rail structure (L1) may be coupled to opposite sides of the first rotator (R1) (e.g., the first side (R111) and the second side (R112) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) in FIG. 11). The first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12) of the first rail structure (L1). When the hinge assembly (300) is folded or unfolded, at least a portion of the first rotator (R1) can move in the space (L13) between the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12).

[0104] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper structure (S1) may be spaced apart from the first rail structure (L1). The first stopper structure (S1) may be spaced apart from the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12) of the first rail structure (L1). The first stopper structure (S1) may be located between the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12). As an example, the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be located in an intermediate area between the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12).

[0105] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (310) may include a second rail structure (L2) configured to provide a sliding path for the second rotator (R2). The first rail structure (L1) and the second rail structure (L2) may be located on both sides of the hinge bracket (310). The second rotator (R2) may move along the second rail structure (L2) by being slidably coupled to the second rail structure (L2). The second rail structure (L2) may be extended in a curved manner, and the substantial center of curvature of the curved second rail structure (L2) may be understood as the axis of rotation (R, see FIG. 9) of the second rotator (R2).

[0106] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rail structure (L2) may include a first guide rail (L21) and a second guide rail (L22) that extend parallel to each other. Opposite sides of the second rotator (R2) (e.g., the first side (R211) and the second side (R212) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) in FIG. 11) may be coupled to the first guide rail (L21) and the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2). The third stopper (S21) and the fourth stopper (S22) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first guide rail (L21) and the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2). When the hinge assembly (300) is folded or unfolded, at least a portion of the second rotator (R2) can move in the space (L23) between the first guide rail (L21) and the second guide rail (L22).

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second stopper structure (S2) may be spaced apart from the second rail structure (L2). The second stopper structure (S2) may be spaced apart from the first guide rail (L21) and the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2). The second stopper structure (S2) may be located between the first guide rail (L21) and the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2). As an example, the third stopper (S21) and the fourth stopper (S22) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be located in an intermediate area between the first guide rail (L21) and the second guide rail (L22).

[0108] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge base (350) may be coupled to a first portion (311) of a hinge bracket (310). As an example, the hinge base (350) may be fixed to the lower side of the first portion (311) of the hinge bracket (310). The hinge base (350) may include a body portion (353) fixed to the lower side of the first portion (311) of the hinge bracket (310). The body portion (353) of the hinge base (350) may include a fastening hole into which a fastening member is inserted.

[0109] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge base (350) may include a first rail portion (351) protruding from the body portion (353). The first rail portion (351) of the hinge base (350) may provide a surface on which the first rotator (R1) slides together with the hinge bracket (310). When the hinge assembly (300) is folded or unfolded, the first rotator (R1) may slide along the first rail portion (351) of the hinge base (350).

[0110] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge base (350) may include a second rail portion (352) protruding from the body portion (353). The second rail portion (352) of the hinge base (350) may provide a surface on which the second rotator (R2) slides together with the hinge bracket (310). When the hinge assembly (300) is folded or unfolded, the second rotator (R2) may slide along the second rail portion (352) of the hinge base (350).

[0111] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first slider (R11, R21) of a rotator (R1, R2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second slider (R12, R22) of a rotator (R1, R2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the rotators (R1, R2) of the hinge assembly (300) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a dual rail structure. The dual rail structure can be understood as a structure in which, during the process of folding or unfolding the hinge assembly (300), the first slider (R11) and the second slider (R12) of the rotators (R1, R2) do not move as a single unit but move sequentially by means of a structure in which they interlock with each other.

[0113] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rotator (R2) may include a first slider (R21) and a second slider (R22) that move sequentially during the process of folding or unfolding the hinge assembly (300). As an example, referring to FIG. 8, when the hinge assembly (300) is folded from an unfolded state, as the second housing (220, see FIG. 3) moves, the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) is moved together with the second housing (220), and then the second slider (R22) may be moved by an interlocking structure (R215, R223) between the first slider (R21) and the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2).

[0114] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotator (R1) may include a first slider (R11) and a second slider (R12) that move sequentially during the process of folding or unfolding the hinge assembly (300). As an example, when the hinge assembly (300) is folded from an unfolded state, as the first housing (210, see FIG. 3) moves, the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may be moved together with the first housing (210), and then the second slider (R12) may be moved by an interlocking structure (R115, R123) between the first slider (R11) and the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1).

[0115] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first slider (R11) of a first rotator (R1) may include a first side (R111) coupled to a first guide rail (L11) of a first rail structure (L1). A first slider (R11) of a first rotator (R1) may include a second side (R112) coupled to a second guide rail (L12) of a first rail structure (L1). The first side (R111) and the second side (R112) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may be located at opposite positions to each other. A first slider (R11) of a first rotator (R1) may include a third side (R113) connecting the first side (R111) and the second side (R112). The first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may include a body portion (R114). The body portion (R114) may be understood as an inner portion and may include a central area of ​​the first rotator (R1). The first side (R111), second side (R112), and third side (R113) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may be understood as edges of the body portion (R114).

[0116] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third side (R113) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may come into contact with the first stopper (S11) of the first stopper structure (S1) of the hinge bracket (310, see FIG. 9) when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state. A portion of the third side (R113) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) that comes into contact with the first stopper (S11) of the first stopper structure (S1) may be recessed. A protrusion (R115) may be disposed in the portion of the third side (R113) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1).

[0117] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first slider (R21) of a second rotator (R2) may include a first side (R211) coupled to a first guide rail (L21) of a second rail structure (L2). A first slider (R21) of a second rotator (R2) may include a second side (R212) coupled to a second guide rail (L22) of a second rail structure (L2). The first side (R211) and the second side (R212) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may be located at opposite positions to each other. A first slider (R21) of a second rotator (R2) may include a third side (R213) connecting the first side (R211) and the second side (R212). The first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may include a body portion (R214). The body portion (R214) may be understood as an inner portion and may include a central area of ​​the second rotator (R2). The first side (R211), the second side (R212), and the third side (R213) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may be understood as edges of the body portion (R214).

[0118] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third side (R213) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may come into contact with the third stopper (S21) of the second stopper structure (S2) of the hinge bracket (310, see FIG. 9) when the hinge assembly (300) is extended. A portion of the third side (R213) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) that comes into contact with the third stopper (S21) of the second stopper structure (S2) may be recessed. A protrusion (R215) may be disposed in the portion of the third side (R213) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2).

[0119] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a second slider (R12) of a first rotator (R1) may extend along a third side (R113) of a first slider (R11). Both ends of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be slidably coupled to a first rail structure (L1, see FIG. 9). The first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may be slidably coupled to the second slider (R12).

[0120] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first rib (R121) may be disposed or formed at one end of a second slider (R12) of a first rotator (R1). A first rail portion (R124) may be disposed or formed at the said end of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1). A second rib (R122) may be disposed or formed at the other end of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1). A second rail portion (R125) may be disposed or formed at the said other end of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1). The said one end and the said other end of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be located on opposite sides.

[0121] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first rib (R121) of a second slider (R12) of a first rotator (R1) may be inserted into a first guide rail (L11) of a first rail structure (L1). The first rib (R121) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) and the first guide rail (L11) of the first rail structure (L1) may extend substantially parallel to each other. The first rib (R121) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be configured to slide along the first guide rail (L11) of the first rail structure (L1).

[0122] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rail portion (R124) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be located inside the first rib (R121). The first rail portion (R124) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be named the first rail groove. The first side (R111) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may be inserted into the first rail portion (R124). The first side (R111) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may be configured to slide along the first rail portion (R124).

[0123] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rib (R122) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be inserted into the second guide rail (L12) of the first rail structure (L1). The second rib (R122) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) and the second guide rail (L12) of the first rail structure (L1) may extend substantially parallel to each other. The second rib (R122) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be configured to slide along the second guide rail (L12) of the first rail structure (L1).

[0124] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rail portion (R125) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be located inside the second rib (R122). The second rail portion (R125) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be named the second rail groove. The second side (R112) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may be inserted into the second rail portion (R125). The second side (R112) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may be configured to slide along the second rail portion (R125).

[0125] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may include a projection (R123) configured to engage with a projection (R115) of the first slider (R11) when the hinge assembly (300) is folded from an extended state. When the hinge assembly (300) is folded from an extended state, after the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) is moved, the second slider (R12) may be moved together with the first slider (R11) by the engagement between the projection (R115) of the first slider (R11) and the projection (R123) of the second slider (R12).

[0126] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may extend along the third side (R213) of the first slider (R21). Both ends of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be slidably coupled to the second rail structure (L2, see FIG. 9). The first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may be slidably coupled to the second slider (R22).

[0127] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first rib (R221) may be disposed or formed at one end of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2). A first rail portion (R224) may be disposed or formed at the said end of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2). A second rib (R222) may be disposed or formed at the other end of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2). A second rail portion (R225) may be disposed or formed at the said other end of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2). The said end and the said other end of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be located on opposite sides.

[0128] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rib (R221) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be inserted into the first guide rail (L21) of the second rail structure (L2). The first rib (R221) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) and the first guide rail (L21) of the second rail structure (L2) may extend substantially parallel to each other. The first rib (R221) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be configured to slide along the first guide rail (L21) of the second rail structure (L2).

[0129] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rail portion (R224) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be located inside the first rib (R221). The first rail portion (R224) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be named the first rail groove. The first side (R211) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may be inserted into the first rail portion (R224). The first side (R211) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may be configured to slide along the first rail portion (R224).

[0130] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rib (R222) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be inserted into the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2). The second rib (R222) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) and the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2) may extend substantially parallel to each other. The second rib (R222) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be configured to slide along the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2).

[0131] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second rail portion (R225) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be located inside the second rib (R222). The second rail portion (R225) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be named the second rail groove. The second side (R212) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may be inserted into the second rail portion (R225). The second side (R212) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may be configured to slide along the second rail portion (R225).

[0132] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may include a projection (R223) configured to engage with a projection (R215) of the first slider (R21) when the hinge assembly (300) is folded from an extended state. When the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the projection (R215) of the first slider (R21) and the projection (R223) of the second slider (R22) may be spaced apart from each other. When the hinge assembly (300) is folded from an extended state, after the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) is moved, the second slider (R22) can be moved together with the first slider (R21) by the engagement between the projection (R215) of the first slider (R21) and the projection (R223) of the second slider (R22).

[0133] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first slider (R11) of a first rotator (R1) may include a first pin hole (R116) into which a first pin (361, see FIG. 6) is inserted. A first slider (R21) of a second rotator (R2) may include a second pin hole (R216) into which a second pin (362, see FIG. 6) is inserted.

[0134] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly (300) in an extended state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the CC' line shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly (300) in an extended state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the CC' line shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly (300) in an extended state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the BB' line shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly (300) in an extended state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the BB' line shown in FIG. 5.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 13 through 16, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the first side (R111) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) can be inserted into the first rail portion (R124) of the second slider (R12). When the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the second side (R112) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) can be inserted into the second rail portion (R125) of the second slider (R12).

[0136] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the first rib (R121) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) can be inserted into the first guide rail (L11) of the first rail structure (L1) of the hinge bracket (310). When the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the second rib (R122) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) can be inserted into the second guide rail (L12) of the first rail structure (L1) of the hinge bracket (310).

[0137] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is switched from a folded state (see FIG. 17 to FIG. 20) to an unfolded state, the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) slides against the second slider (R12), and the first side (R111) and the second side (R112) of the first slider (R11) are inserted into the first rail portion (R124) and the second rail portion (R125) of the second slider (R12), the second slider (R12) can be moved together with the first slider (R11) by the first slider (R11). And, as the second slider (R12) slides against the first rail structure (L1), the first rib (R121) and the second rib (R122) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) can be inserted into the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12) of the first rail structure (L1).

[0138] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the first side (R211) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) can be inserted into the first rail portion (R224) of the second slider (R22). When the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the second side (R212) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) can be inserted into the second rail portion (R225) of the second slider (R22).

[0139] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the first rib (R221) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) can be inserted into the first guide rail (L21) of the second rail structure (L2) of the hinge bracket (310). When the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the second rib (R222) of the second slider (R12) of the second rotator (R2) can be inserted into the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2) of the hinge bracket (310).

[0140] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is switched from a folded state (see FIG. 17 to FIG. 20) to an unfolded state, the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) slides against the second slider (R22), and the first side (R211) and the second side (R212) of the first slider (R21) are inserted into the first rail portion (R224) and the second rail portion (R225) of the second slider (R22), the second slider (R22) can be moved together with the first slider (R21) by the first slider (R21). And, as the second slider (R22) slides against the second rail structure (L2), the first rib (R221) and the second rib (R222) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) can be inserted into the first guide rail (L21) and the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2).

[0141] FIG. 17 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly (300) in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the CC' line shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly (300) in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the CC' line shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly (300) in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the BB' line shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a hinge assembly (300) in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, cut along the BB' line shown in FIG. 5.

[0142] Referring to FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 17 to 20, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is in a folded state, the first side (R111) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may be partially inserted into the first rail portion (R124) of the second slider (R12) and overlap with the first rail portion (R124). When the hinge assembly (300) is in a folded state, the second side (R112) of the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) may be partially inserted into the second rail portion (R125) of the second slider (R12) and overlap with the second rail portion (R125).

[0143] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is in a folded state, the first rib (R121) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be partially inserted into the first guide rail (L11) of the first rail structure (L1) of the hinge bracket (310) and overlap with the first guide rail (L11). When the hinge assembly (300) is in a folded state, the second rib (R122) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) may be partially inserted into the second guide rail (L12) of the first rail structure (L1) of the hinge bracket (310) and overlap with the second guide rail (L12).

[0144] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is switched from an extended state (see FIG. 13 to FIG. 16) to a folded state, the first slider (R11) of the first rotator (R1) slides away from the second slider (R12), and the first side (R111) and the second side (R112) of the first slider (R11) are partially withdrawn from the first rail portion (R124) and the second rail portion (R125) of the second slider (R12), the second slider (R12) can be moved together with the first slider (R11) by the first slider (R11). And, as the second slider (R12) slides against the first rail structure (L1), the first rib (R121) and the second rib (R122) of the second slider (R12) of the first rotator (R1) can be partially withdrawn from the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12) of the first rail structure (L1).

[0145] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is in a folded state, the first side (R211) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may be partially inserted into the first rail portion (R224) of the second slider (R22) and overlap with the first rail portion (R224). When the hinge assembly (300) is in an unfolded state, the second side (R212) of the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) may be partially inserted into the second rail portion (R225) of the second slider (R22) and overlap with the second rail portion (R225).

[0146] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the first rib (R221) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) may be partially inserted into the first guide rail (L21) of the second rail structure (L2) of the hinge bracket (310) and overlap with the first guide rail (L21). When the hinge assembly (300) is in an extended state, the second rib (R222) of the second slider (R12) of the second rotator (R2) may be partially inserted into the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2) of the hinge bracket (310) and overlap with the second guide rail (L22).

[0147] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the hinge assembly (300) is switched from an extended state (see FIG. 13 to FIG. 16) to a folded state, the first slider (R21) of the second rotator (R2) slides against the second slider (R22), and the first side (R211) and the second side (R212) of the first slider (R21) are partially withdrawn from the first rail portion (R224) and the second rail portion (R225) of the second slider (R22), the second slider (R22) can be moved together with the first slider (R21) by the first slider (R21). And, as the second slider (R22) slides against the second rail structure (L2), the first rib (R221) and the second rib (R222) of the second slider (R22) of the second rotator (R2) can be partially withdrawn from the first guide rail (L21) and the second guide rail (L22) of the second rail structure (L2).

[0148] A foldable electronic device may include a hinge assembly and a stopper structure for limiting the angle at which the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded by the hinge assembly. However, if the stopper structure is structurally deformed due to collision or friction with other structures of the foldable electronic device, it may not be able to consistently limit the folding and / or unfolding angle of the foldable electronic device. Accordingly, much research is being conducted on stopper structures capable of consistently limiting the folding and / or unfolding angle of the foldable electronic device.

[0149] The problem to be solved in the present disclosure may be to provide a stopper structure for consistently limiting the folding and / or unfolding angle of a foldable electronic device.

[0150] The problem to be solved in the present disclosure may be to improve the structural stability of a foldable electronic device in a folded state and / or unfolded state.

[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 placing a stopper structure at a position spaced apart from the rail structure of the hinge assembly, a stopper structure can be provided for consistently limiting the folding and / or unfolding angle of a foldable electronic device.

[0153] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, by placing a stopper structure at a position spaced apart from the rail structure of the hinge assembly, structural stability of the foldable electronic device in the unfolded state 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 description below.

[0155] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (200) may include a hinge assembly (300), a first housing (210) coupled to each side of the hinge assembly (300), and a foldable housing (201) including a second housing (220).

[0156] 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) between the first region (241) and the second region (242).

[0157] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly (300) may include a hinge bracket (310) that is fixed to the inside of the foldable housing (201) and has a first rail structure (L1) and a second rail structure (L2) formed on both sides.

[0158] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly (300) may include a first rotator (R1) that is movably coupled to the first rail structure (L1) and connected to the first housing (210).

[0159] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly (300) may include a second rotator (R2) that is movably coupled to the second rail structure (L2) and connected to the second housing (220).

[0160] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (310) may include a first stopper structure (S1) spaced apart from the first rail structure (L1).

[0161] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (310) may include a second stopper structure (S2) spaced apart from the second rail structure (L2).

[0162] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper structure (S1) can come into contact with the first rotator (R1) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second stopper structure (S2) can come into contact with the second rotator (R2) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0164] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (310) may include a first stopper (S11) and a second stopper (S12) arranged along the direction of movement of the first rotator (R1) at a position spaced apart from the first rail structure (L1).

[0165] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) may be adjacent to or in contact with the first rotator (R1) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0166] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge bracket (310) may include a third stopper (S21) and a fourth stopper (S22) arranged along the direction of movement of the second rotator (R2) at a position spaced apart from the second rail structure (L2).

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third stopper (S21) and the fourth stopper (S22) may be adjacent to or in contact with the second rotator (R2) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0168] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rail structure (L1) may include a first guide rail (L11) and a second guide rail (L12) that are movably coupled to opposite sides of the first rotator (R1) and extend parallel to each other.

[0169] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) may be located between the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12).

[0170] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotator (R1) may include a first side coupled to the first guide rail (L11).

[0171] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotator (R1) may include a second side coupled to the second guide rail (L12) as a side opposite to the first side.

[0172] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotator (R1) may include a third side that connects the first side and the second side and contacts the first stopper (S11) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0173] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded, one area of ​​the third side (R113) in contact with the first stopper (S11) may be recessed.

[0174] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper (S11) can come into contact with the outer portion of the first rotator (R1) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0175] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second stopper (S12) can come into contact with the inner portion of the first rotator (R1) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0176] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) may be spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction of the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12).

[0177] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) may be located in an intermediate area between the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12).

[0178] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper (S11) may be spaced apart from the rotation axis (R) of the first rotator (R1) toward the second rotator (R2) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0179] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded, a first contact area between the first stopper (S11) and the first rotator (R1) and a second contact area between the second stopper (S12) and the first rotator (R1) may be spaced apart in two directions opposite to each other from the rotation axis (R) of the first rotator (R1).

[0180] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) may be configured to press the first rotator (R1) in opposite directions when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

[0181] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) may be spaced apart from the first rotator (R1).

[0182] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the third stopper (S21) and the fourth stopper (S22) may be spaced apart from the second rotator (R2).

[0183] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotator (R1) may include a first slider (R11) connected to the first housing (210).

[0184] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rotator (R1) is movably coupled to the first rail structure (L1), and may include a second slider (R12) to which the first slider (R11) is movably coupled.

[0185] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) may come into contact with the first slider (R11) to suppress the unfolding of the first housing (210).

[0186] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first rail structure (L1) may be extended in a curved manner, and the first rotator (R1) may be configured to move along the first rail structure (L1).

[0187] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the foldable housing (201) may include a hinge cover (230) in which the hinge bracket (310) is fixed on the inside.

[0188] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge cover (230) may overlap with a portion of the first housing (210) and a portion of the second housing (220) adjacent to the hinge assembly (300).

[0189] 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), A foldable housing (201) comprising a hinge assembly (300), a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) respectively coupled to both sides of the hinge assembly (300); and 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), The above hinge assembly (300) is: A hinge bracket (310) fixed to the inside of the above-mentioned foldable housing (201) and having a first rail structure (L1) and a second rail structure (L2) formed on both sides; A first rotator (R1) movably coupled to the first rail structure (L1) and connected to the first housing (210); and It includes a second rotator (R2) movably coupled to the second rail structure (L2) and connected to the second housing (220), The hinge bracket (310) above is, A foldable electronic device comprising a first stopper (S11) and a second stopper (S12) arranged along the direction of movement of the first rotator (R1) at a position spaced apart from the first rail structure (L1), and adjacent to or in contact with the first rotator (R1) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above first rail structure (L1) is: The opposite sides of the first rotator (R1) are movably coupled and include a first guide rail (L11) and a second guide rail (L12) that extend parallel to each other, The first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) are, A foldable electronic device located between the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12).

3. In Paragraph 2, The above first rotator (R1) is: A first side coupled to the first guide rail (L11); A second side coupled to the second guide rail (L12) as a side opposite to the first side; and A foldable electronic device comprising a third side connecting the first side and the second side, and contacting the first stopper (S11) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

4. In Paragraph 2 or 3, When the above foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded, one area of ​​the third side (R113) in contact with the first stopper (S11) is a recessed foldable electronic device.

5. In any one of paragraphs 2 through 4, When the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded, the first stopper (S11) contacts the outer part of the first rotator (R1), and The second stopper (S12) is a foldable electronic device that contacts the inner part of the first rotator (R1) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

6. In Paragraph 5, The first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12) of a foldable electronic device.

7. In Paragraph 6, The first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) are, A foldable electronic device located in the intermediate area between the first guide rail (L11) and the second guide rail (L12).

8. In any one of paragraphs 5 through 7, The above first stopper (S11) is, A foldable electronic device (200) that is spaced apart from the rotation axis (R) of the first rotator (R1) toward the second rotator (R2) when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

9. In Paragraph 8, In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first contact area between the first stopper (S11) and the first rotator (R1) and the second contact area between the second stopper (S12) and the first rotator (R1) are spaced apart in two directions opposite to each other from the rotation axis (R) of the first rotator (R1).

10. In any one of paragraphs 5 through 9, The first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) are configured to press the first rotator (R1) in opposite directions when the foldable electronic device (200) is unfolded.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 10, In the folded state of the above foldable electronic device (200), the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) are the foldable electronic device spaced apart from the first rotator (R1).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, The above first rotator (R1) is: A first slider (R11) connected to the first housing (210); and A foldable electronic device comprising a second slider (R12) movably coupled to the first rail structure (L1) and the first slider (R11) movably coupled thereto.

13. In Paragraph 12, A foldable electronic device (200) in an unfolded state, wherein the first stopper (S11) and the second stopper (S12) contact the first slider (R11) to suppress the unfolding of the first housing (210).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 13, A foldable electronic device in which the first rail structure (L1) is extended in a curved manner and the first rotator (R1) is configured to move along the first rail structure (L1).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 14, The above foldable housing (201) is, A foldable electronic device further comprising a hinge cover (230) in which the hinge bracket (310) is fixed on the inner side and which overlaps with a portion of the first housing (210) adjacent to the hinge assembly (300) and a portion of the second housing (220).

Images