Patent Description:
As mobile communication services are extended to the multimedia service area, users may use multimedia services as well as voice calls or short messages through electronic devices. To enable users to use multimedia services without any inconvenience, electronic devices are increasingly equipped with large display panels. In addition, foldable electronic devices with flexible display panels disposed thereon have recently been disclosed.

For example, in regard to electronic devices including a flexible display disposed lying across two housings with respect to a hinge structure, an in-foldable electronic device in which two display areas face each other when folded and an out-foldable electronic device in which two display areas face in opposite directions when folded are disclosed.

Besides, an electronic device which is both in-foldable and out-foldable is disclosed. An electronic device with one flexible display foldable twice to provide information to a user through substantially three display areas is also disclosed.

Document <CIT> Al discloses a three-stage foldable mobile terminal having a flexible display. The mobile terminal comprises a body portion which comprises first to third bodies rotatably connected to each other and which implements a first state in which the first to third bodies are arranged side by side in one direction and a second state in which the first to third bodies overlap each other by the at least one hinge unit, respectively. The flexible display is mounted on the body portion. The body portion comprises a main circuit board which is disposed on the first body, a flexible circuit board which electrically connects the first and second bodies in the first state and a connection member which is disposed on the second body so that the main circuit board and the third body are electrically connected to each other in the second state.

Further relevant foldable electronic devices known in the prior art are disclosed in documents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

In the case where a wiring distance between a communication module (radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) and a farthest antenna (e.g., fifth generation (<NUM>) millimeter wave (mmWave) antenna) becomes greater due to an increased size of a terminal such as a foldable device implementing a large screen, it may be difficult to secure the integrity of a communication signal. For example, this is because the intermediate frequency (IF) loss value of a printed circuit board (PCB) wiring is large.

Accordingly, according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the integrity of a communication signal may be achieved by securing a wiring structure and a hinge structure for the wiring structure, which minimize radio frequency (RF) signal loss from an antenna RFIC to an antenna (e.g., a <NUM> mmWave antenna) in an electronic device including a structure that is foldable twice or more times.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the integrity of a communication signal may be achieved by securing a wiring structure and a hinge structure for the wiring structure, which minimize RF signal loss from a communication circuit to an antenna (e.g., a <NUM> mmWave antenna) in an electronic device including a structure that is foldable twice or more times.

The display device <NUM> may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the displays, hologram device, and projector.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a front view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a side view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a side view illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a foldable housing <NUM> and a flexible or foldable display <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a "display" <NUM> for short) (e.g., the display device <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in a space formed by the foldable housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a surface on which the display <NUM> is disposed (or a surface on which the display <NUM> is viewed from the outside of the electronic device <NUM>) may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. A surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. Further, surfaces surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as the side surfaces of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to the disclosure, the foldable housing <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a third housing <NUM>, a first hinge <NUM>, and a second hinge <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may be connected to the first hinge <NUM> and includes a first surface <NUM> facing in a first direction and a second surface <NUM> facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing <NUM> is connected to the first hinge <NUM> and may be connected to the second hinge <NUM>, and includes a third surface <NUM> facing in a third direction and a fourth surface <NUM> facing in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. The third housing <NUM> is connected to the second hinge <NUM> and includes a fifth surface <NUM> facing in a fifth direction; and a sixth surface <NUM> facing in a sixth direction opposite to the fifth direction. The second housing <NUM> may rotate around the first hinge <NUM> (or a first pivot axis A-A') in a first rotation direction D1 to be folded to the first housing <NUM>. The third housing <NUM> may rotate around the second hinge <NUM> (or a second pivot axis B-B') in a third rotation direction D2 to be folded to the second housing <NUM>. Conversely, the second housing <NUM> may rotate around the first hinge <NUM> (or the first pivot axis A-A') in a second rotation direction to be unfolded from the first housing <NUM>. The second rotation direction refers to a direction opposite to the first rotation direction D <NUM>. For example, when the first rotation direction D <NUM> is a clockwise direction, the second rotation direction may correspond to a counterclockwise direction. In addition, the third housing <NUM> may rotate around the second hinge <NUM> (or the second pivot axis B-B') in a fourth rotation direction to be unfolded from the second housing <NUM>. The fourth rotation direction refers to a direction opposite to the third rotation direction D2. For example, when the third rotation direction D2 is the counterclockwise direction, the fourth rotation direction may correspond to the clockwise direction. That is, the first rotation direction may be directed in the same direction as the fourth rotation direction, and the second rotation direction may be directed in the same direction as the third rotation direction. The electronic device <NUM> may change from a folded state to an unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state.

The display <NUM> may be disposed on a space formed by the foldable housing <NUM>. For example, according to an embodiment, part of the display <NUM> may be seated on a recess formed by the foldable housing <NUM> and form most of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM>, and a partial area of the first housing <NUM>, a partial area of the second housing <NUM>, and a partial area of the third housing <NUM> adjacent to the display <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be disposed on at least one surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM>, the third surface <NUM>, or the fifth surface <NUM>) of the foldable housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may be a display in which at least a partial area is deformable into a flat or curved surface. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a first display <NUM> disposed on one side of the first pivot axis A-A', a second display <NUM> disposed between the first pivot axis A-A' and the second pivot axis B-B', and a third display <NUM> located on a side of the second pivot axis B-B' opposite to the second display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first display <NUM> may be located on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and the second display <NUM> may be located on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. The third display <NUM> may be located on the fifth surface <NUM> of the third housing <NUM>. Accordingly, the first display <NUM> may face in the first direction, the second display <NUM> may face in the third direction, and the third display <NUM> may face in the fifth direction.

According to an embodiment, the second display <NUM> may integrally extend from the first display <NUM> located on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and be disposed on the third surface <NUM>. The third display <NUM> may integrally extend from the second display <NUM> and be disposed on the fifth surface <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> included in the electronic device <NUM> may be substantially a single display <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may be divided into a plurality of display areas (e.g., a first area, a second area, and a third area) according to the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>, on which the display <NUM> is disposed. For example, the first area may correspond to reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>, the second area may correspond to reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>, and the third area may correspond to reference numeral <NUM> of <FIG>. However, the division of areas of the display <NUM> is exemplary, and the display <NUM> may be divided into more or fewer plural (e.g., <NUM> or more or <NUM>) areas depending on its structure or function.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of the first hinge <NUM> (or the first pivot axis A-A') and symmetrical in shape with respect to the first pivot axis A-A' as a whole. As described later, the angle and distance between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may vary depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the folded state, or a partially unfolded intermediate state. The shapes of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may not be necessarily limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may further include a sensor area (not shown) in which various sensors are disposed, compared to the second housing <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of the second hinge <NUM> (or the second pivot axis B-B') and symmetrical in shape with respect to the second pivot axis B-B' as a whole. As described later, the angle and distance between the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> may vary depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the folded state, or the partially unfolded intermediate state. The shape of the third housing <NUM> is not necessarily limited thereto either. According to an embodiment, the third housing <NUM> may additionally include a sensor area (not shown) in which various sensors are disposed.

Referring to <FIG>, the first hinge <NUM> may further include a first hinge cover <NUM>. The first hinge cover <NUM> may be disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> to cover an internal component (e.g., the first hinge <NUM>). According to an embodiment, the first hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by parts of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> or exposed to the outside according to the state (unfolded state, intermediate state, or folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>. The second hinge <NUM> may further include a second hinge cover <NUM>. The second hinge cover <NUM> may be disposed between the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> to cover an internal component (e.g., the second hinge <NUM>). According to an embodiment, the second hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by parts of the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> or exposed to the outside according to the state (unfolded state, intermediate state, or folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded, the second hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside, whereas the first hinge cover (e.g., the first hinge cover <NUM> of <FIG>) may be covered by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> without being exposed to the outside, as illustrated in <FIG>. According to another embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is folded, the first hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside, whereas the second hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> without being exposed to the outside, as illustrated in <FIG>. In another example, when the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are in the intermediate state in which they are folded with a certain angle, the first hinge cover <NUM> may be partially exposed to the outside from between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In this case, however, the exposed area may be smaller than in the fully folded state. When the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM> are in the intermediate state in which they are folded with a certain angle, the second hinge cover <NUM> may be partially exposed to the outside from between the second housing <NUM> and the third housing <NUM>. However, in this case, the exposed area may be smaller than in the fully folded state. In an embodiment, the first hinge cover <NUM> and the second hinge cover <NUM> may include curved surfaces.

Referring back to <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> may include a first side surface <NUM> parallel to the first pivot axis A-A' and a second side surface <NUM> located in a direction opposite to the first side surface <NUM> and connected to the first hinge <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> may include a third side surface <NUM> connected to the first hinge <NUM> and located in a direction parallel to the second pivot axis B-B' and a fourth side surface <NUM> located in an opposite direction of the third side surface <NUM> and connected to the second hinge <NUM>. The third housing <NUM> may include a fifth side surface <NUM> connected to the second hinge <NUM> and parallel to the first pivot axis A-A' and a sixth side surface <NUM> located in an opposite direction of the fifth side surface <NUM> and parallel to the second pivot axis B-B'.

When the first housing <NUM> rotates around the first hinge <NUM> with respect to the second housing <NUM>, the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> may be folded in to face the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. When the second housing <NUM> rotates around the second hinge <NUM> with respect to the third housing <NUM>, the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> may be folded out to face in the opposite direction of the fifth surface <NUM>. In other words, the first hinge <NUM> may correspond to an in-fold type hinge, and the second hinge <NUM> may correspond to an out-fold type hinge.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a schematic internal configuration of an electronic device in an unfolded state of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, and the third housing <NUM> may form a space in which various components (e.g., a printed circuit board, a battery, or a wireless charging module) of the electronic device <NUM> may be arranged. According to an embodiment, one or more components may be disposed or visually exposed in the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, referring back to <FIG>, at least part of a sub-display <NUM> or one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first housing <NUM>. In various embodiments, the sensors may include a proximity sensor <NUM> and/or a camera <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a first circuit board <NUM> located inside the first housing <NUM> and including a communication circuit <NUM>. The communication circuit <NUM> may include an IFIC and/or an RFIC. The first circuit board <NUM> may correspond to, for example, a main circuit board. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, at least one antenna may be provided. According to an embodiment, a first antenna <NUM> may be provided on one side of the first circuit board <NUM> and electrically connected to the communication circuit <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a second circuit board <NUM> located inside the third housing <NUM> and having a second antenna <NUM> on one side thereof. Embodiments of the first circuit board <NUM> and the second circuit board <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> may vary. That is, it is to be noted that the drawings should not be construed as limiting.

An antenna (e.g., the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>) according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include an antenna radiator according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the antenna may include a patch-type antenna, a dipole-type antenna, or the like. In another example, the antenna may be formed by patterning at least part of a housing, or may be modularized and disposed on one side of the housing.

In the case of an electronic device, a connection member <NUM> is connected from the communication circuit <NUM> to the antenna. The circuit board and the antenna are electrically connected by the connection member <NUM>. The first circuit board <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> are electrically connected to each other by the connection member <NUM>.

The connection member <NUM> may include a PCB, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a flat ribbon cable (FRC), and/or a coaxial cable. For example, the connection member <NUM> may be formed of an FPCB, thereby preventing repeated folding or unfolding operations of the first, second, and third housings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> from damaging a wiring structure. The connection member <NUM> includes a first connection member disposed at a position corresponding to the first hinge <NUM> and a second connection member disposed at a position corresponding to the second hinge <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> may further include a third connection member disposed between the first hinge <NUM> and the second hinge <NUM>. The first connection member has a first physical property in the first hinge <NUM>, and the second connection member has a second physical property in the second hinge <NUM>. Although the physical properties may mean mechanical properties of a material such as a bending strength or a tensile strength, they may also mean electrical properties related to a loss rate in transmitting an input/output signal. For example, a PCB, an FPCB, an FRC, and/or a coaxial cable may be understood as having different physical properties.

According to another embodiment, the connection member <NUM> may include a plurality of connection members <NUM> classified according to the positions of the connection member <NUM> disposed in the first, second, and third housings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the first hinge <NUM>, and the second hinge <NUM>. For example, the connection member <NUM> may include a connection member disposed in an area 390a corresponding to the first housing <NUM>, a connection member disposed in an area 390b corresponding to the first hinge <NUM>, a connection member disposed in an area 390c corresponding to the second housing <NUM>, a connection member disposed in an area 390d corresponding to the second hinge <NUM>, and a connection member disposed in an area 390e corresponding to the third housing <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> may be configured through a combination of connection members having different physical properties, disposed in the areas corresponding to the first, second, and third housings <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the first hinge <NUM>, and the second hinge <NUM>. The communication circuit <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first antenna <NUM> or the first circuit board <NUM> on which the first antenna <NUM> is disposed to receive an input/output signal (e.g., an RF or IF (interface) signal). According to various embodiments, as the communication circuit <NUM> is disposed in the first housing <NUM>, and the second antenna <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the sixth side surface <NUM> of the third housing <NUM>, the length of the connection member <NUM> between the communication circuit <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> may be greater than that of the connection member between the communication circuit <NUM> and the first antenna <NUM>. In order to increase the integrity of the electronic device, an input/output signal (e.g., an RF or IF signal) passing through the connection member <NUM> may need to have a minimum loss value. For example, when it is said that the second antenna <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the sixth side surface <NUM> of the third housing <NUM>, this may imply that the distance between the second antenna <NUM> and the sixth side surface <NUM> of the third housing <NUM> is smaller than the distance between the second antenna <NUM> and the fifth side surfaces <NUM> of the third housing <NUM>. For example, the distance between the second antenna <NUM> and the sixth side surface <NUM> of the third housing <NUM> may be within <NUM>.

For example, referring to <FIG>, to electrically connect an input/output signal of the communication circuit <NUM> to the second antenna <NUM> or the second circuit board <NUM> on which the second antenna <NUM> is disposed, the connection member <NUM> may be configured by combining an FPCB or an FRC.

For example, the connection member <NUM> disposed in the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed to pass through the first hinge <NUM> and the second hinge <NUM>, and it may be important to design the connection member <NUM> such that the first hinge <NUM> and the second hinge <NUM> rotate smoothly.

Regarding the loss value of the input/output signal, for example, when the connection member <NUM> is formed of a <NUM>-mm FRC and a <NUM>-mm PCB, a loss of <NUM>. 1dB (=<NUM> * <NUM> + <NUM> * <NUM>) occurs, thereby degrading, for example, the output of a <NUM> antenna module.

Referring to [Table <NUM>] below, a PCB, an FPCB, an FRC, and/or a coaxial cable may be used as the connection member <NUM> that transmits an input/output signal. Each product may have a different loss value in transmitting an input/output signal. For example, when a loss coefficient value per mm as the length of a PCB wiring is defined as <NUM>, the loss coefficient value is about <NUM> for the PCB, <NUM> for the FRC, and <NUM> for the coaxial cable. Referring to these loss coefficient values, it may be advantageous in minimizing the loss value of an input/output signal to form a connection member using a coaxial cable and an FRC when possible.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device different from that of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device different from that of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A redundant description to that of <FIG> will be avoided below. In the embodiment referring to <FIG>, the connection member <NUM> may be configured to at least partially include a coaxial cable. For example, the connection members <NUM> located at the sides of the first housing <NUM> and the first hinge <NUM> are formed of an FRC, whereas the connection members <NUM> located at the sides of the second housing <NUM>, the second hinge <NUM>, and the third housing <NUM> may be configured to include a coaxial cable <NUM>. For example, a smaller amount of signal loss may occur than in a comparative embodiment in which a connection member is formed of only one FPCB or FRC or a combination of an FPCB and an FRC. A connection member <NUM> formed of an FRC and a connection member <NUM> formed of the coaxial cable <NUM> may be integrally coupled with each other or connected through a connector. According to another embodiment, a coupling member (e.g., a connector, an adapter, a converter, a PCB, and/or an FPCB) may be included between the connection member <NUM> formed of an FRC and the coaxial cable.

According to an embodiment, the curvature of the connection member located at the first hinge <NUM> may be smaller than the curvature of the connection member located at the second hinge <NUM> in the closed state. Therefore, the connection member 391a located at the first hinge <NUM> may be configured as a connection member (e.g., FRC) having a first thickness, and the connection member 391b located at the second hinge <NUM> may be configured as a connection member (e.g., coaxial cable) having a thickness greater than the first thickness. However, the types of the connection members located at the first hinge <NUM> and the second hinge <NUM> are not limited to any particular embodiment. Various types of the connection members located at the first hinge <NUM> and the second hinge <NUM> will be described below in detail.

In the embodiment referring to <FIG>, the connection member <NUM> is configured to at least partially include a coaxial cable. For example, while the connection member <NUM> located at the first hinge <NUM> is formed of an FRC, the connection members <NUM> located in the remaining first housing <NUM>, second housing <NUM>, second hinge <NUM>, and third housing <NUM> may be configured to include the coaxial cable <NUM>. More specifically, for example, a first coaxial cable 392a may be formed from the communication circuit <NUM> to one side surface of the first hinge <NUM>, an FRC may be formed from one surface to the other surface of the first hinge <NUM>, and a second coaxial cable 392b may be formed from the other surface of the first hinge <NUM> to a side surface of the third housing <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> through the second hinge <NUM>. Typically, it is possible to form the FRC thinner than the coaxial cable <NUM>. Therefore, the FRC may be easily located in a narrow space of the first hinge <NUM>, compared to the coaxial cable <NUM>. In this case, a smaller amount of signal loss may occur than in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>.

In the embodiment referring to <FIG>, for example, the connection members <NUM> located at the first hinge <NUM> and the second hinge <NUM> may be formed of an FRC, and the connection members <NUM> located in the remaining first housing <NUM>, second housing <NUM>, second hinge <NUM>, and third housing <NUM> may be formed to include the coaxial cable <NUM>. More specifically, for example, the first coaxial cable 392a may be formed from the communication circuit <NUM> to one surface of the first hinge <NUM>, an FRC may be formed from the one surface to the other surface of the first hinge <NUM>, and the second coaxial cable 392b may be formed from the other surface of the first hinge <NUM> to one surface of the second hinge <NUM>. An FRC may be formed from the one surface to the other surface of the second hinge <NUM>, and a third coaxial cable 392c may be formed from the other surface of the second hinge <NUM> to a side surface of the third housing <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>. In this case, a smaller amount of signal loss may also occur than in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an internal structure of the first hinge <NUM> during an unfolding operation of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in a folding area where the display <NUM> is folded, the connection member <NUM> may be disposed in a space inside the first hinge <NUM>, thereby establishing an electrical connection relationship between an electronic component disposed inside the first housing <NUM> and an electronic component disposed inside the second housing <NUM>. It may be identified from the first hinge <NUM> of <FIG> that hinge plates <NUM> are provided on the bottom of the display <NUM>, and the connection member <NUM> is disposed under the hinge plates <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> may be disposed in a predetermined curved state on an inner space S of the first hinge <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the connection member <NUM> may have a predetermined extra length. Only when an extra length is given to the connection member <NUM>, the connection member <NUM> may smoothly maintain the electrical connection relationship between an electronic component disposed in the first housing <NUM> and an electronic component disposed in the second housing <NUM> without interfering with a deformed structure during folding of the display <NUM> and the hinge plates <NUM> in the folded state of the electronic device.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating connection members in an in-fold type hinge and an out-fold type hinge according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, according to various embodiments, the curvature of a connection member disposed on the first hinge <NUM> may be less than the curvature of a connection member disposed on the second hinge <NUM>. According to a certain embodiment, the connection member disposed on the first hinge <NUM> and/or the second hinge <NUM> may have an extra length to prevent damage during folding or unfolding. For example, in the case of a connection member crossing the first hinge <NUM> and the second hinge <NUM> in the same lengths, the connection member of a small curvature disposed on the first hinge <NUM> may have a smaller extra length than the connection member disposed on the second hinge <NUM>. Conversely, the connection member disposed on the second hinge <NUM> may have a greater extra length than the connection member disposed on the first hinge <NUM>. Alternatively, since the curvature of the second hinge <NUM> is great relative to that of the first hinge <NUM>, the connection member disposed on the second hinge <NUM> may be formed without an extra length, and the connection member disposed on the branch of the first hinge <NUM> may be formed with an extra length.

According to an example, at least a partial area of the connection member <NUM>-<NUM> disposed in the inner space of the first hinge <NUM> may be extended and unfolded along the rear surface of the display during in-folding. At least a partial area of the connection member <NUM>-<NUM> disposed in the inner space of the second hinge <NUM> may be extended and unfolded along the rear surface of the display during out-folding. The connection member disposed on the first hinge <NUM> and/or the second hinge <NUM> may have an extra length equal to that of a part that is not extended in the inner space of a hinge cover during folding. Referring to <FIG>, it is not easy to secure an extra length for the first hinge <NUM> having a relatively small curvature, compared to the second hinge <NUM> having a relatively large curvature, and thus the design difficulty of the first hinge <NUM> may be high. In an embodiment to be described later, a method of optimizing the design of the first hinge <NUM> according to a mounting environment of an FRC or a coaxial cable may be disclosed.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the interior of the first hinge <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a rotation center of the display, a bottom center, and a center of a hinge axis of the first hinge <NUM> during unfolding and folding operations of the electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, the first hinge <NUM> may correspond to a dual hinge axis-type hinge unit having two imaginary axes C3 and C4 parallel to each other as rotation axes. Referring to <FIG>, the dual hinge axis-type hinge unit may include, for example, a first bracket inner gear <NUM> and a second bracket inner gear <NUM> disposed inside the first hinge cover <NUM>, and further include a plurality of gears <NUM> moving in mesh with these inner gears.

The following description may be given in the context of a dual hinge axis-type hinge unit.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, the display <NUM> may be folded around a center point C1 of a radius of curvature R, and a bottom point C2 may be formed at a position lower than the centers C3 and C4 of the imaginary axes of the first hinge <NUM> during folding and unfolding of the electronic device <NUM>. In another example, each of the centers C3 and C4 of the imaginary axes of the first hinge <NUM> may be formed inside a maximum radius of curvature R of the display <NUM>.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, an embodiment of the first hinge <NUM> to which a connection member formed of a material (e.g., PCB, FPCB, or FRC) is applied has been disclosed. In various embodiments of the disclosure, an embodiment of a connection member formed of the coaxial cable <NUM> and the first hinge <NUM> using the same is disclosed. Since the coaxial cable <NUM> is generally thicker than a material such as a PCB, an FPCB, or an FRC, it may not be easy to introduce the coaxial cable <NUM> to the first hinge <NUM>. In addition, considering a length change caused by the folding operation, there may be a need for configuring the coaxial cable <NUM> in a sufficient length in the inner space of the first hinge <NUM> and preventing the coaxial cable <NUM> from damaging other structures (e.g. the hinge plates or the hinge covers).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a rotation center of the display, a bottom center, and a center of a hinge axis of the first hinge <NUM> during unfolding and folding operations of the electronic device <NUM> different from that of <FIG> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an in-foldable display having the same radius of curvature as in <FIG> is illustrated. <FIG> differs from <FIG> in that the different axis centers C3 and C4 of the first hinge <NUM> are axially moved in a direction away from the point C1 in <FIG>, compared to <FIG>. For example, when the distance between C1 and C3 (or C4) in <FIG> is D1, the distance between C1 and C3 (or C4) in <FIG> may be D3 greater than D <NUM>. In another example, when the distance between C3 and C4 in <FIG> is D2, the distance between C3 and C4 in <FIG> may be D4 greater than D2. This may mean a hinge axis movement for increasing the space of the first hinge <NUM> to apply a coaxial cable to the first hinge <NUM>. According to another example, this may mean not only the hinge axis movement for increasing the space of the first hinge <NUM> but also a hinge axis movement for increasing a space for a fixing member <NUM> described below. As a result of the hinge axis movement, a gap of d in a height direction may be secured, compared to the prior art. The bottom point C2 may move in a -y direction to a point C2' by a distance (dx).

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the different axis centers C3 and C4 of the first hinge <NUM> may be located at points outside the radius of curvature of the display.

In summary of the above description, various embodiments of the disclosure may also provide an effective method of applying a coaxial cable by moving the different axis centers C3 and C4 of the first hinge <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an electronic device in an unfolded state of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In various embodiments of the disclosure, a PCB, an FPCB, an FRC, and a coaxial cable are disclosed as examples of the connection member <NUM>. In an embodiment, the connection member <NUM> may be formed of a coaxial cable having a minimum loss value. For example, the coaxial cable may have a loss coefficient value of about <NUM>. In consideration of this loss coefficient value, it may be best to form the entire connection member <NUM> of a coaxial cable.

In the embodiment referring to <FIG>, the entire connection member <NUM> located in the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, and the third housing <NUM>, including the first hinge <NUM> and the second hinge <NUM> is shown as configured to include the coaxial cable <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a smaller amount of signal loss may occur than when the connection member <NUM> is at least partially formed of an FPCB or an FRC. In an embodiment, when the coaxial cable <NUM> is applied to the first hinge <NUM>, the configuration of the first hinge <NUM> to which the hinge axis movement mechanism of <FIG> is applied may be implemented.

According to various embodiments, the coaxial cable <NUM> may be configured in a sufficient length in the inner space of the first hinge <NUM> in consideration of a length change caused by the folding operation, and a fixing member <NUM> may further be included to prevent damage to the coaxial cable <NUM> or other structures (e.g., the hinge plates) during the folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating the fixing member <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the fixing member <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating the fixing member <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The fixing member <NUM> may be provided on each of one surface (or one end) and the other surface (or the other end) of the first hinge <NUM> and/or the second hinge <NUM>, and prevent excessive movement of the coaxial cable <NUM> in the process of folding and/or unfolding the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, various types of fixing members may be available as the fixing member <NUM>. The fixing member is an embodiment of a method of fixing starting and ending portions of a folding part of a coaxial cable, and may prevent movement of the coaxial cable in three axes (X, Y, Z axes).

For example, screw clip-type fixing members 393a and 393b may be applied according to the first embodiment of <FIG>, and rigid dummy-type fixing members 393a and 393b may be applied according to the second embodiment of <FIG>. Besides, an embodiment of the fixing member according to various embodiments may be applied.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a fixing member may be provided in each of the first housing and the second housing located on both sides of the first hinge <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a fixing member may be provided in each of the second housing and the third housing located on both sides of the second hinge <NUM>. At least one of the fixing members 393a and 393b may be configured to be movable, and the distance between the two fixing members may be changed. For example, in an open state, at least one connection member may move in a direction away from a hinge axis.

As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, logic, logic block, part, or circuitry.

Wherein, the term 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a flexible display (<NUM>);
a first housing (<NUM>) including a first surface (<NUM>) facing in a first direction and a second surface (<NUM>) facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein at least one portion of the flexible display (<NUM>) is disposed on the first surface (<NUM>);
a first hinge (<NUM>) connected to a side surface of the first housing (<NUM>) is adapted to fold in a first rotation direction (D <NUM>), and unfold in a second rotation direction (D2);
a second housing (<NUM>) connected to the first hinge (<NUM>) and including a third surface (<NUM>) facing in a third direction and a fourth surface (<NUM>) facing in a fourth direction, wherein at least one portion of the flexible display (<NUM>) is disposed on the third surface (<NUM>);
a second hinge (<NUM>) connected to a side surface of the second housing (<NUM>) is adapted to fold in a third rotation direction, and unfold in a fourth rotation direction;
a third housing (<NUM>) connected to the second hinge (<NUM>) and including a fifth surface (<NUM>) facing in a fifth direction and a sixth surface (<NUM>) facing in a sixth direction, wherein at least one portion of the flexible display (<NUM>) is disposed on the fifth surface (<NUM>);
a circuit board (<NUM>) located inside the first housing (<NUM>) and including a communication circuit (<NUM>);
at least one antenna (<NUM>) located inside the third housing (<NUM>); and
a connection member (<NUM>) electrically connecting the circuit board (<NUM>) to the antenna (<NUM>),
wherein the connection member (<NUM>) includes:
a first connection member located at a position corresponding to the first hinge (<NUM>) and having a first physical property, and
a second connection member located at a position corresponding to the second hinge (<NUM>) and having a second physical property,
wherein the first connection member and the second connection member include a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a flat ribbon cable (FRC), or a coaxial cable.