Patent Description:
As more information is visually displayed and electronic devices support more functions, users who want a larger screen display are increasing. A new type of electronic device for providing a large screen display while maintaining a portable size is also being developed.

With the development of display technology, it has become possible to implement foldable displays. Electronic devices in which such displays are used so that an area capable of displaying information is variable by folding have also been released.

In a foldable electronic device including a foldable display, portability may increase in a folded state, and an area in which information is capable of being displayed may increase in an unfolded state. This makes it possible to provide a new device use environment to a user.

<CIT> relates to a holding structure comprising a mount structure that includes a constraining portion, the constraining portion having an accommodating space and an opening that communicates with the accommodating space, and a movable member that is capable of moving relative to the mount structure, the movable member comprising a carrier, the carrier including an engaging structure designed to engage with an end portion, wherein, when the end portion is inserted into the constraining portion through the opening and is accommodated together with the carrier in the accommodating space, the constraining portion restricts deformation of the engaging structure, ensuring that the engaging structure securely engages with the end portion, and, when the carrier exits the accommodating space, the engaging structure and the end portion disengage.

An electronic device may include a connection member capable of connecting electrical objects corresponding to electrical components. The connection member may be, for example, a printed circuit board.

A certain connection member may be formed to extend to interconnect electrical objects disposed at different positions, and may be formed of a flexible material to be partially deformable.

The foldable electronic device may include a structure in which two housings are folded. For example, electrical objects disposed respectively in the two housings may be interconnected via a connection member formed of a flexible material. In the process of folding or unfolding the electronic device, the connection member interconnecting the electrical objects disposed in the two housings are deformable.

During the deformation process, the connection member may be stressed, and the connection member may be damaged due to the stress accumulated therein.

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein may include a first housing, a second housing, a hinge device configured to foldably interconnect the first housing and the second housing with a folding axis extending in a first direction, a hinge housing configured to accommodate at least a portion of the hinge device and disposed between the first housing and the second housing, a first electrical object disposed in the first housing, a second electrical object disposed in the second housing, and a connection assembly configured to interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object, wherein the connection assembly may include a connection member at least partially disposed in the hinge housing, configured to electrically interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object, and including a flexible material to be at least partially deformable, a support unit coupled to the connection member, and a sliding connection unit configured to connect the support unit to each of the first housing and the second housing to be slidable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein may include a first housing, a second housing, a hinge device configured to foldably interconnect the first housing and the second housing with a folding axis extending in a first direction, a hinge housing configured to accommodate at least a portion of the hinge device and disposed between the first housing and the second housing, a first electrical object disposed in the first housing, a second electrical object disposed in the second housing, and a connection assembly configured to interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object, wherein the connection assembly may include a connection member at least partially disposed in the hinge housing, configured to electrically interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object, and including a flexible material to be at least partially deformable, a support unit coupled to the connection member, and a sliding connection unit configured to connect the support unit to each of the first housing and the second housing to be slidable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the electronic device may further include a guide member configured to press the support unit in the second direction while the first housing and the second housing are being unfolded.

According to various embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to improve the durability of the connection member by reducing stress applied to the connection member while the electronic device is being folded or unfolded.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar components may be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in the network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module(SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an example electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a folded state of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., foldable housings) rotatably combined with each other based on a folding axis A1 through a hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>) so as to be folded with each other, a first display <NUM> (e.g., flexible display, foldable display, and/or main display) disposed through the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and a second display <NUM> (e.g., sub-display). According to an embodiment, the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed not to be seen from an outside through the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> in a folded state, and may be disposed not to be seen from the outside through a hinge housing <NUM> protecting the hinge device and covering a foldable part in an unfolded state. In the present document, a side on which the first display <NUM> is disposed may be defined as a front side of the electronic device <NUM>, and an opposite side of the front side may be defined as a rear side of the electronic device <NUM>. Further, a side surrounding a space between the front side and the rear side may be defined as a lateral side of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> foldably disposed to each other through the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> may not be limited to the shape and combination as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and may be implemented by a different shape or part combinations and/or association. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed on both sides around the folding axis A1, and may have a symmetric shape as a whole about the folding axis A1. According to a certain embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be asymmetrically folded based on the folding axis A1. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may have different angles or distances between them depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> may be connected to the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>), and may include a first side <NUM> disposed to be directed toward the front side of the electronic device <NUM>, a second side <NUM> directed toward an opposite direction of the first side <NUM>, and a first side member <NUM> surrounding at least a part of a first space between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may be connected to the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>) in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include a third side <NUM> disposed to be directed toward the front side of the electronic device <NUM>, a fourth side <NUM> directed toward an opposite direction of the third side <NUM>, and a second side member <NUM> surrounding at least a part of a second space between the third side <NUM> and the fourth side <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first side <NUM> may be directed in the same direction as that of the third side <NUM> in the unfolded state, and may face the third side <NUM> in the folded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> formed to accommodate the first display <NUM> through structural combination of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the recess <NUM> may have substantially the same size as that of the first display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the hinge housing <NUM> (e.g., a hinge cover) may be disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> so as to hide the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the hinge housing <NUM> may be hidden or exposed to an outside by parts of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> depending on the unfolded state, the folded state, or the intermediate state of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the hinge housing 310may be hidden by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, and may not be exposed. According to an embodiment, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the hinge housing <NUM> may be exposed to the outside between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in case of the intermediate state where the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded with a certain angle, the hinge housing <NUM> may be at least partly exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. For example, an area in which the hinge housing <NUM> is exposed to the outside may be smaller than that in a completely folded state. According to an embodiment, the hinge housing <NUM> may include a curved side.

According to various embodiments, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state (e.g., state of <FIG>), the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> form an angle of <NUM> degrees, and a first area 230a, a folding area 230c, and a second area 230b of the first display <NUM> may be disposed to form a plane and to be directed in the same direction. As another embodiment, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the first housing <NUM> may be rotated at an angle of <NUM> degrees against the second housing <NUM>, and may be reversely folded so that the second side <NUM> and the fourth side <NUM> face each other (out folding type).

According to various embodiments, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., state of <FIG>), the first side <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the third side <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. In this case, the first area 230a and the second area 230b of the first display <NUM> may form a narrow angle (e.g., in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees) with each other through the folding area 230c, and may be disposed to face each other. According to an embodiment, at least a part of the folding area 230c may be formed as a curved side having a certain curvature radius. According to an embodiment, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in the intermediate state, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed with a certain angle. In this case, the first area 230a and the second area 230b of the first display <NUM> may form an angle that is larger than the angle in the folded state and smaller than the angle in the unfolded state, and the curvature radius of the folding area 230c may be larger than that in the folded state. In a certain embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may form a designated folding angle at which they stop folding between the folded state and the unfolded state through the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>) (free stop function). In a certain embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may operate as being pressed in a folding direction or in an unfolding direction based on a designated inflection angle through the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of displays <NUM> and <NUM> disposed on the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules 217a, 217b, and <NUM>, camera modules 216a, 216b, and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, an indicator (not illustrated), or a connector port <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one of constituent elements, or may additionally include at least one of other constituent elements.

According to various embodiments, the at least one display <NUM> and <NUM> may include the first display <NUM> (e.g., flexible display) disposed to be supported by the third side <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> through the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>) from the first side <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and the second display <NUM> disposed to be seen from the outside through the fourth side <NUM> in the inner space of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first display <NUM> may be mainly used in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, and the second display <NUM> may be mainly used in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the intermediate state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM> may be used based on the folding angle of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first display <NUM> may be disposed in a space formed by the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the first display <NUM> may be seated in a recess <NUM> formed by the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and may be disposed to occupy substantially most of the front side of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first display <NUM> may include the flexible display of which at least a partial area can be transformed into a planar or curved side. According to an embodiment, the first display <NUM> may include the first area 230a facing the first housing <NUM>, the second area 230b facing the second housing <NUM>, and the folding area 230c connecting the first area 230a and the second area 230b, and facing the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the area division of the first display <NUM> is merely an exemplary physical division by a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>), and the first display <NUM> may substantially display one seamless full screen through the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge device (e.g., hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the first area 230a and the second area 230b may have a symmetric shape as a whole based on the folding area 230c, or may have a partly asymmetric shape.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first rear cover <NUM> disposed on the second side <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM> disposed on the fourth side <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, at least a part of the first rear cover <NUM> may be formed in a body with the first side member <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, at least a part of the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed in a body with the second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed through a substantially transparent plate (e.g., glass plate including various coating layers or polymer plate) or an opaque plate. According to an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be formed through the opaque plate, such as coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. According to an embodiment, the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed through a substantially transparent plate, such as glass or polymer. Accordingly, the second display <NUM> may be disposed to be seen from the outside through the second rear cover <NUM> in the inner space of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a microphone <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the input device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones <NUM> disposed to be able to detect the direction of sound. According to an embodiment, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include speakers <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the speakers <NUM> and <NUM> may include a call receiver <NUM> disposed through the fourth side <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and an external speaker <NUM> disposed through the side member of the second housing <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the microphone <NUM>, the speakers <NUM> and <NUM>, and the connector <NUM> may be disposed in the spaces of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>, and may be exposed to an external environment through at least one hole formed on the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the holes formed on the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> may be commonly used for the microphone <NUM> and the speakers <NUM> and <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a speaker (e.g., piezo-electric speaker) operating in a state where the holes formed on the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> are excluded.

According to various embodiments, the camera modules 216a, 216b, and <NUM> may include the first camera device 216a disposed on the first side <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, the second camera device 216b disposed on the second side <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and/or the third camera device <NUM> disposed on the fourth side <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flash <NUM> disposed near the second camera device 216b. According to an embodiment, the flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, the camera devices 216a, 216b, and <NUM> may include one or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. In a certain embodiment, at least one of the camera devices 216a, 216b, and <NUM> may include two or more lenses (wide-angle lens and telephoto lens) and image sensors, and may be disposed together on any one side of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and <NUM> may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to an internal operation state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environment state. According to an embodiment, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and <NUM> may include the first sensor module 217a disposed on the first side <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, the second sensor module 217b disposed on the second side <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and/or the third sensor module <NUM> disposed on the fourth side <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and <NUM> may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an illuminance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (TOF sensor or RiDAR scanner).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of non-illustrated sensor modules, for example, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. In a certain embodiment, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed through at least one of the first side member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second side member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the key input device <NUM> may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through the first side member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the key input device <NUM> may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through the second side member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may not include parts or all of the above-mentioned key input devices <NUM>, and the key input device <NUM> that is not included may be implemented in other forms, such as a soft key, on the at least one display <NUM> and <NUM>. As another embodiment, the key input device <NUM> may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the at least one display <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the connector port <NUM> may accommodate connectors (e.g., USB connector or interface connector port (IF) module) for transmitting or receiving a power and/or data to or from an external electronic device. In a certain embodiment, the connector port <NUM> may perform a function for transmitting or receiving an audio signal to or from the external electronic device together, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., ear-jack hole) for performing audio signal transmission/reception.

According to various embodiments, at least one camera device 216a and <NUM> among the camera devices 216a, 216b, and <NUM>, at least one sensor module 217a and <NUM> among the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and <NUM>, and/or the indicator may be disposed to be exposed through the at least one display <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the at least one camera device 216a and <NUM>, the at least one sensor module 217a and <NUM>, and/or the indicator may be disposed under a display area of the displays <NUM> and <NUM> in the inner space of the at least one housing <NUM> and <NUM>, and may be disposed to come in contact with the external environment through an opening perforated up to the cover member (e.g., window layer (not illustrated) of the first display <NUM> and/or the second rear cover <NUM>). As another embodiment, some camera devices or sensor module <NUM> may be disposed to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display. For example, the area of the display <NUM> (e.g., display panel), which faces the camera device and/or the sensor module, may not require the perforated opening.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first display <NUM>, the second display <NUM>, a support member assembly <NUM>, at least one printed circuit board <NUM>, the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM> (e.g., flexible display panel), and one or more plates <NUM> or layers on which the display panel <NUM> (e.g., flexible display panel) is seated. According to an embodiment, the one or more plates <NUM> may include a conductive plate (e.g., Cu sheet or SUS sheet) disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the support member assembly <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the one or more plates <NUM> may be formed to have substantially the same area as that of the first display <NUM>, and the area facing the folding area 230c of the first display 230c may be bendably formed. According to an embodiment, the one or more plates <NUM> may include at least one subsidiary material layer (e.g., graphite member) disposed on the rear side of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the one or more plates <NUM> may be formed in the shape corresponding to the display panel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second display <NUM> may be disposed in a space between the second housing <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second display <NUM> may be disposed to be seen from the outside through substantially the total area of the second rear cover <NUM> in the space between the second housing <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a hinge module <NUM> may include a hinge housing <NUM> and a hinge device <NUM>. At least part of the hinge device <NUM> is accommodated in the hinge housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the support member assembly <NUM> may include a first support member <NUM> (e.g., first support plate), a second support member <NUM> (e.g., second support plate), the hinge device <NUM> disposed between the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>, the hinge housing <NUM> covering the hinge device <NUM> as seen from the outside of the hinge device <NUM>, and at least one wiring member <NUM> (e.g., flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) crossing the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support member assembly <NUM> may be disposed between the one or more plates <NUM> and the at least one printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be disposed between the first area 231a of the first display <NUM> and the first printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may be disposed between the second area 231b of the first display <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, inside the support member assembly <NUM>, the at least one wiring member <NUM> and at least a part of the hinge device <NUM> may be disposed. The at least one wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction) crossing the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction) that is vertical to the folding axis (e.g., y axis or folding axis A of <FIG>) of the folding area 231c.

According to various embodiments, the at least one printed circuit board <NUM> may include a first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed to face the first support member <NUM> and a second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed to face the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in the inner space that is formed by the support member assembly <NUM>, the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and/or the second rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may include a plurality of electronic components disposed to implement various functions of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be included in the first housing <NUM>. The first support member <NUM> may extend at least partially toward a first space (e.g., a first inner space). According to an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may be included in the second housing <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> may extend at least partially toward a second space (e.g., a second inner space).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include the first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed in the space formed through the first support member <NUM> in the first space of the first housing <NUM>, a first battery <NUM> disposed at a location facing a first swelling hole <NUM> of the first support member <NUM>, at least one camera device <NUM> (e.g., first camera device 216a of <FIG> and/or second camera device 216b), or at least one sensor module <NUM> (e.g., first sensor module 217a of <FIG> and/or second sensor module 217b). According to an embodiment, the second space of the second housing <NUM> may include the second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed in the second space formed through the second support member <NUM>, and a second battery <NUM> disposed at a location facing a second swelling hole <NUM> of the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> may also be formed in a body.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may include a first rotation support side <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may include a second rotation support side <NUM> corresponding to the first rotation support side <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first rotation support side <NUM> and the second rotation support side <NUM> may include a curved side corresponding (naturally connected) to a curved side included in the hinge housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first rotation support side <NUM> and the second rotation support side <NUM> may cover the hinge housing <NUM>, and may not expose the hinge housing <NUM> to the rear side of the electronic device <NUM>, or may minimally expose the hinge housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first rotation support side <NUM> and the second rotation support side <NUM> may be rotated along the curved side included in the hinge housing <NUM>, and may expose the hinge housing <NUM> to the rear side of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein.

The electronic device illustrated in <FIG> may be an electronic device <NUM> configured to be foldable similarly to the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> described above.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be foldably interconnected by a hinge device <NUM>. At least a portion of the hinge device <NUM> may be accommodated in the hinge housing <NUM> disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. When the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded or unfolded by the hinge device <NUM>, the electronic device <NUM> may be switched to a folded state (e.g., the state illustrated in <FIG>) or an unfolded state (e.g., the state illustrated in <FIG>).

In an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible display module <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be configured to be deformable. A portion of the flexible display module <NUM> may be deformed and folded as the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded. The flexible display module <NUM> may be supported by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first rear cover <NUM> may be coupled to the first housing <NUM> to provide an external appearance of the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may be coupled to the second housing <NUM> to provide an external appearance of the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, various types of electrical objects involved in the operation of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed in the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. Here, an "electrical object" may refer to a component including at least one active element or passive element and operating by receiving an electric signal (e.g., a control signal or power). The electrical object may include, for example, an electronic component and a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> or <NUM> on which an electronic component is disposed. For example, printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM> may be disposed in the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, respectively, and various types of electronic components may be disposed on the printed circuit boards <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of a connection assembly that interconnects electrical objects but is fixed when an electronic device according to various embodiments is in an unfolded state. <FIG> is a view of the connection assembly that interconnects electrical objects but is fixed when the electronic device according to various embodiments is in a folded state. <FIG> is a view provided for describing a degree of deformation of a connection assembly in an electronic device having a thickness smaller than that of the electronic device illustrated in <FIG>.

First, a connection assembly <NUM> fixed to an electronic device will be described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

In various embodiments, the connection assembly <NUM> may include a connection member <NUM> and support units <NUM> configured to support the connection member <NUM> and fix the connection member <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a first electrical object (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first housing <NUM> and a second electrical object (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the second housing <NUM> may be electrically interconnected by the connection member <NUM> (e.g., the wiring member <NUM> in <FIG>) included in the connection assembly <NUM>. One end of the connection member <NUM> may be electrically connected to the first electrical object, and the other end of the connection member <NUM> may be electrically connected to the second electrical object, so that the connection member <NUM> is able to electrically interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object. The connection member <NUM> may include, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), at least a portion of which is formed of a flexible material. In an embodiment, the first electrical object disposed in the first housing <NUM> may include a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> in <FIG>). Signals generated by various second electrical objects disposed in the second housing <NUM> may be transmitted to and processed by the processor disposed in the first housing <NUM> via the connection member <NUM>. In addition, control signals generated by the processor disposed in the first housing <NUM> may be transmitted to various electrical objects disposed in the second housing <NUM> via the connection member <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the support units <NUM> may be components that fix the connection member <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the support units <NUM> may include a first support unit <NUM> that fixes the connection member <NUM> to the first housing <NUM> (or a mechanical object fixed to the first housing <NUM>) and a second support unit <NUM> that fixes the connection member <NUM> to the second housing <NUM> (or a mechanical object fixed to the second housing <NUM>).

As described above with reference to <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> included in the electronic device <NUM> may be foldably interconnected by a hinge device <NUM>. When the folded state of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> is changed, the relative positions of the first mechanical object disposed in the first housing <NUM> and the second mechanical object disposed in the second housing <NUM> may be changed. Here, the folded state means a state formed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> by the hinge device, and a folded state, an unfolded state, and an intermediate state that is intermediate between the folded state and the unfolded state may be included according to the angle formed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

Hereinafter, for convenience of description, the first mechanical object will be described as a first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM>, and the second mechanical object will be described as a second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed in the second housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, it can be identified that the distance between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state and the distance when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state are different from each other. Here, the distance between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may not mean a minimum physical distance between the two boards, but may be understood as a distance required to electrically connect the two boards. The connection member <NUM> that interconnects the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed under the flexible display module <NUM>, and the space in which the connection member <NUM> can be located may be limited by the flexible display module <NUM>. That is, the connection member <NUM> passes through the flexible display module <NUM> so that the connection member <NUM> is not capable of interconnecting the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>. Under this constraint condition, the distance between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> is the largest when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state as illustrated in <FIG>, and the distance between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be the smallest when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state as illustrated in <FIG>. Since it is necessary for the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> to remain electrically interconnected even when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the minimum length of the connection member <NUM> may be set to a length between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state.

Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the length between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> is reduced, and the connection member <NUM> may be partially deformed (e.g., bent) in order to compensate for the reduced length. In particular, the portion P in <FIG> may be a portion in which the difference between the curvature when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state and the curvature when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state is the largest. A large difference in curvature means a large degree of deformation, and stress due to deformation may be concentrated in the portion in which the deformation is large. Since elastic fatigue is accumulated from this portion due to repeated deformation, plastic deformation or damage may occur even when a force equal to or less than that for elastic deformation is applied to the connection member <NUM>. Due to this, a wire included in the connection member <NUM> may be disconnected, and thus the electrical connection between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be cut off.

The thickness H2 of the electronic device <NUM>-<NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be smaller than the thickness H1 of the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, when the thickness of the electronic device <NUM> is reduced in order to implement a slim electronic device <NUM>-<NUM>, the degree of deformation in the P portion increases, so that greater stress may be applied to the connection member <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the connection assembly <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure for reducing the stress applied to the connection assembly <NUM> which is fixed in position as described above will be described. In the following description, detailed descriptions of the same or similar components as those described above will be omitted and the same reference numerals will be used. For example, the connection assembly <NUM> to be described below may be a component for electrically interconnecting a first mechanical object disposed in the first housing <NUM> and a second mechanical object disposed in the second housing <NUM>, like the connection assembly <NUM> described above. Accordingly, the description of the function of the connection assembly <NUM> is to be replaced with the previous description.

<FIG> is a view provided for explaining the state of the connection assembly when the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure is in an unfolded state. <FIG> is a view provided for explaining the state of the connection assembly when the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure is in an intermediate state. <FIG> is a view provided for explaining the state of the connection assembly when the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure is in an unfolded state.

According to various embodiments disclosed herein, it is possible to secure durability of a connection member <NUM> by reducing the degree of deformation of the connection member <NUM> to reduce the stress applied to the connection member <NUM> while the electronic device <NUM> is being unfolded and folded.

The connection assembly <NUM> according to various embodiments disclosed herein may include a connection member <NUM>, support units <NUM>, and sliding connection units. The support units <NUM> may include a first support unit <NUM> that supports a portion of the connection member <NUM> located in the first housing <NUM> and a second support unit <NUM> that supports a portion of the connection member <NUM> located in the second housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sliding connection units (e.g., the sliding connection units <NUM> in <FIG> or the sliding connection units <NUM> in <FIG>) may be components that connect the support units <NUM>, which support the connection member <NUM>, to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, respectively, to be slidable in one direction relative to the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, assuming that an extension direction of a folding axis C about which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded by the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) is a first direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction in <FIG>), the sliding connection units are capable of connecting the support units <NUM>, which support the connection member <NUM>, to be slidable with respect to the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> in a second direction (e.g., the X-axis direction in <FIG>) perpendicular to the first direction.

Referring to <FIG>, while the electronic device <NUM> is being folded, the support units <NUM> may slide toward the folding axis C in the second direction by the sliding connection units. In addition, while the electronic device <NUM> is being unfolded, the support units <NUM> may slide away from the folding axis C in the second direction by the sliding connection units.

While the electronic device <NUM> is being switched to the folded state, the support units <NUM> slide in a direction toward the folding axis C by the sliding connection units, so that it is possible to compensate for the distance between the first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) and the second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) that increases by the folding. In contrast, while the electronic device <NUM> is being switched to the unfolded state, the support units <NUM> slide in a direction away from the folding axis by the sliding connection units, so that it is possible to compensate for the distance between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board that is reduced by the unfolding. For example, as the electronic device <NUM> is being switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, a distance between a reference point P1 in the first housing <NUM> and a reference point P2 in the first support unit <NUM> measured in the sliding direction may decrease. Therefore, the distance L1 may be greater than the distance L2, and the distance L2 may be greater than the distance L3.

In another embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> has a different structure in the first housing <NUM>, second housing <NUM>, the hinge housing <NUM> or the inclined support portions <NUM>, as the electronic device <NUM> is being switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, a distance between a reference point P1 in the first housing <NUM> and a reference point P2 in the first support unit <NUM> measured in the sliding direction may increase.

<FIG> is a view comparing the degrees of deformation of the connection member when the position of the connection member is fixed and when the connection member is moved.

In the left side of the electronic device illustrated in <FIG>, the connection assembly <NUM> that is fixed in position as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> above is applied, and in the right side, the connection assembly <NUM> in which the connection member <NUM> is slidably configured is applied. <FIG> is a view provided for comparing the fixed connection assembly <NUM> and the sliding connection assembly <NUM>, and does not mean that the fixed connection assembly <NUM> and the sliding connection assembly <NUM> are mixed in one electronic device.

Comparing portions A1 and A2 in <FIG>, it can be seen that the degree of deformation of the sliding connection member <NUM> is smaller than that of the fixed connection member <NUM>. The curvature of the portion A2 corresponding to the connection member <NUM> presented herein is smaller than the curvature of the portion A1 corresponding to the fixed connection member <NUM>. This may be because the support unit <NUM> supporting the connection member <NUM> slides. In this case, for example, a distance L4 between a reference point in the housing and a reference point in the support unit <NUM> configured to fix the connection member <NUM> to the electronic device <NUM> measured in the sliding direction may be shorter than a distance L5 between a corresponding reference point in the housing and a corresponding reference point in the support unit <NUM> configured to support sliding connection member <NUM> measured in the sliding direction, by such sliding movement.

When the electronic device is folded, the portions A1 and A2 may be bent such that the curvatures thereof are reduced. In the unfolded state of the electronic device, since the curvature of the portion A2 is smaller than the curvature of the portion A1, it can be seen that, during the folding or unfolding of the electronic device, the degree of deformation of the connection member <NUM> that moves is less changed than that of the fixed connection member <NUM>.

As the degree of deformation of the connection member <NUM> is reduced, the stress applied by the deformation of the connection member <NUM> during the folding or unfolding of the electronic device <NUM> may be reduced. Accordingly, the risk of damage to the connection member <NUM> may be reduced, and the electrical connection between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board may be maintained even in repeated folding or unfolding operations.

When the support units <NUM> supporting the connection member <NUM> slide, the distal ends of the connection member <NUM> (the region connected to electrical objects) may be partially deformed in the support units <NUM>. For example, referring to portions B1 and B2 of <FIG>, portion B1, which is a portion of the connection member <NUM> that is connected to a fixed electrical object and an electrical object, is not deformed or is less deformed, but when the connection member <NUM> is slid, deformation may occur in portion B2, which is a portion connected to an electrical object, by the sliding of the connection member <NUM>. However, since the difference between the degree of deformation of B1 and the degree of deformation of B2 is smaller than the difference between the degree of deformation of A1 and the degree of deformation A2, it can be said that the connection assembly <NUM> of the disclosure including a sliding connection unit is more effective in reducing the overall degree of deformation of the connection member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an electronic device and a connection assembly according to various embodiments disclosed herein. <FIG> is a partially enlarged view of the drawing illustrated in <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, a portion of the connection member <NUM> of the connection assembly <NUM> may be fixed to a hinge housing <NUM> in which a portion of the connection member <NUM> is disposed. Referring to <FIG>, the intermediate portion 610A of the connection member <NUM> may be fixed to the central portion of the hinge housing <NUM>. For example, the connection member <NUM> may be fixed to the central portion of the hinge housing <NUM> through a bonding method. As another example, the connection member <NUM> may be fixed to the hinge housing <NUM> through mechanical coupling. For example, the connection member <NUM> may include a fixing groove (not illustrated), and the fixing groove (not illustrated) of the connection member <NUM> may be disposed on a fixing protrusion (not illustrated) of the hinge housing <NUM> to be fixed to the hinge housing <NUM>.

The connection member <NUM> may be partially deformed due to a change in the distance between electrical objects interconnected by the connection member <NUM> while the electronic device <NUM> is being folded or unfolded. When the intermediate portion 610A of the connection member <NUM> is not fixed, the deformation of the connection member <NUM> may eccentrically occur. In this case, the force is not evenly distributed to the connection member <NUM>, and some sections may be more severely deformed, so the connection member <NUM> may be damaged. By fixing the intermediate portion 610A of the connection member <NUM> to the central portion of the hinge housing <NUM>, the stress applied to the connection member <NUM> by the folding or unfolding of the electronic device <NUM> may be evenly distributed. In addition, the deformation of the connection member <NUM> may occur symmetrically with respect to to the central axis of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the portion 610A to which the connection member <NUM> is fixed to the hinge housing <NUM> may include a material having relatively higher strength than other portion of the connection member <NUM>. For example, the other portion of the connection member <NUM> may be formed of a flexible material, and the portion fixed to the hinge housing <NUM> may be formed of a rigid material or a rigid material may be coupled thereto. Since the portion 610A having relatively high strength in the connection member <NUM> is fixed to the hinge housing <NUM>, the fixing of the connection member <NUM> to the hinge housing <NUM> may be maintained even when the connection member <NUM> is deformed.

In some embodiments, there may be a plurality of connection members <NUM>. For example, the connection member <NUM> may include a plurality of connection members <NUM> for connecting different electrical objects. In this case, the intermediate portions 610A of the plurality of connection members <NUM> are fixed together with a member formed of a rigid material, and the portions 610A fixed with the member formed of a rigid material may be fixed to the hinge housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in the connection member <NUM>, the portions 610B supported by the support units <NUM> (or the portions coupled to the support units <NUM>) may be formed of a rigid material, or may each include a member formed of a rigid material. Since the portions 610B supported by the support units <NUM> are formed of a rigid material, the fixed state of the connection member <NUM> and the support units <NUM> may be stably maintained.

In an embodiment, the hinge housing <NUM> may support a portion of the connection member <NUM> while the connection member <NUM> is being deformed. Referring to <FIG>, the hinge housing <NUM> may include inclined support portions <NUM> configured to be inclined with respect to the portion to which the connection member <NUM> is fixed. The inclined support portions <NUM> may be provided to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the hinge housing <NUM>. Since the center of the hinge housing <NUM> is aligned with the central axis of the electronic device <NUM>, the inclined support portions <NUM> may support the connection member <NUM> to be symmetrically deformed with respect to the center of the electronic device <NUM>. When the connection member <NUM> comes into contact with the inclined support portions <NUM> provided to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the central axis of the electronic device <NUM> while the electronic device <NUM> is being folded, the deformation of the connection member <NUM> may symmetrically occur with respect to the central axis of the electronic device <NUM> by the normal drag provided to the connection member <NUM> by the inclined support portions <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the connection assembly <NUM> may be assembled to the electronic device <NUM> in a state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> form a predetermined angle θ therebetween. In an embodiment, the connection assembly <NUM> may be assembled in a state in which the stress applied to the connection member <NUM> is the smallest. For example, the connection assembly <NUM> may be assembled to the electronic device <NUM> in a state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> form an angle of about <NUM> degrees therebetween. By assembling the support units <NUM> that support the connection member in the state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> form an angle of <NUM> degrees therebetween, the connection assembly <NUM> may be assembled to the electronic device <NUM>. When the connection assembly <NUM> is assembled to the electronic device <NUM> in the state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> form about <NUM> degrees therebetween, the connection assembly <NUM> may be assembled to the electronic device <NUM> in the state in which deformation of the connection member <NUM> is minimal. Accordingly, during the process of assembling the connection assembly <NUM>, the connection assembly <NUM> may be assembled to the electronic device <NUM> in an aligned state without being eccentric due to the deformation of the connection member <NUM>.

The sliding connection units may be configured in various ways to slide the support units <NUM> with respect to the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>. For example, the sliding connection units may connect the support units <NUM> to the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> with bolts holes provided in the support units <NUM>, respectively, to be slidable in one direction and bolts inserted into the bolt holes. As another example, the sliding connection units may slidably connect the support units <NUM> to the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> through a rail-groove structure. As another example, the sliding connection units may slidably connect the support units <NUM> to the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> through gear coupling. In addition, the sliding connection units may slidably connect the support units <NUM> to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> in various ways such as a bearing structure and a wheel structure.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> are views provided for explaining an embodiment of sliding connection units.

<FIG> is a plan view of a connection assembly according to various embodiments disclosed herein. <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of some components of the connection assembly according to various embodiments disclosed herein. <FIG> are views provided for explaining sliding connection units according to various embodiments disclosed herein.

In the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the sliding connection units <NUM> may each include a bolt hole <NUM>, a fixing bolt <NUM>, and a washer <NUM>. Some of the components of the sliding connection units <NUM> described above may be omitted, and other components may be added thereto.

In an embodiment, the bolt hole <NUM> may be a hole provided in each support unit <NUM> that supports the connection member <NUM>. The bolt hole <NUM> may be provided to extend in the second direction (e.g., the X-axis direction of <FIG>) that is the sliding direction of the support units <NUM>. In addition, the diameter of the bolt hole <NUM> is substantially the same as the diameter of the fixing bolt <NUM> or larger than the diameter of the fixing bolt <NUM> so that the fixing bolt <NUM> can be inserted into the bolt hole <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the fixing bolt <NUM> can be inserted into the bolt hole <NUM>. A thread <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed on a portion of the outer surface of the fixing bolt <NUM>. The fixing bolt <NUM> inserted into the bolt hole <NUM> formed in the first support unit <NUM> may be inserted into and bolted to a first bolt hole (not illustrated) provided in the first housing <NUM> (or another mechanical object disposed on the first housing <NUM>). The fixing bolt <NUM> inserted into the bolt hole <NUM> provided in the second support unit <NUM> may be inserted into and bolted to a second bolt hole (not illustrated) provided in the second housing <NUM> (or another mechanical object disposed on the first housing <NUM>).

When the first support unit <NUM> supporting the connection member <NUM> is coupled to the first housing <NUM> by the fixing bolt <NUM>, a portion of the connection member <NUM> may be fixed to the first housing <NUM>. When the second support unit <NUM> supporting the connection member <NUM> is coupled to the second housing <NUM> by the fixing bolt <NUM>, a portion of the connection member <NUM> may be fixed to the second housing <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> may be fixed to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> by the fixing bolts <NUM> that are respectively bolted to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> via the bolt holes <NUM> provided in the support units <NUM>. In this case, the support units <NUM> may slide in the second direction with respect to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> by the shape of the bolt holes <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, since the bolt holes <NUM> provided in the support units <NUM> extend in the sliding direction of the support units <NUM>, when the fixing bolts <NUM> are inserted into the bolt holes <NUM> provided in the support units <NUM>, respectively, the support units <NUM> are slidable in the second direction with respect to the fixing bolts <NUM> due to the shape of the bolt holes <NUM>. The sliding displacement of the support units <NUM> may be limited by the extension length of the bolt holes <NUM>. Accordingly, the movable range of the support units <NUM> may be adjusted through the extension length of the bolt holes <NUM> provided in the support units <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a washer <NUM> may be disposed between the heads <NUM>-<NUM> of each fixing bolt <NUM> and each support unit <NUM>. The washer <NUM> may be fitted onto the fixing bolt <NUM> and disposed between the head <NUM>-<NUM> of the fixing bolt <NUM> and the support unit <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the washer <NUM> may be formed in an oval shape, and may be disposed such that a major axis of the oval shape is disposed in the second direction. Due to the shape of the washer <NUM> formed in an oval shape, the major axis of which is disposed in the sliding direction of the support unit <NUM>, the washer <NUM> may be maintained in the state of being disposed between the support unit <NUM> and the head <NUM>-<NUM> of the fixing bolt <NUM> while the support unit <NUM> is sliding in the second direction. The washer <NUM> may restrict the head <NUM>-<NUM> of the fixing bolt <NUM> from excessively pressing the support unit <NUM>. For example, when the force (normal drag) of the head <NUM>-<NUM> of the fixing bolt <NUM> pressing the support unit <NUM> is not limited, since the frictional force between the support unit <NUM> and the head <NUM>-<NUM> of the fixing bolt <NUM> increases (the frictional force being proportional to the normal drag), the sliding of the support unit <NUM> may not be performed smoothly. Since the support unit <NUM> is not pressed in a predetermined level or higher by the fixing bolt <NUM>, the frictional force between the support unit <NUM> and the head <NUM>-<NUM> of the fixing bolt <NUM> is limited, so that the support unit <NUM> is slidable relative to the fixing bolt <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the washer <NUM> may be formed in a polygonal shape (e.g., a quadrangular shape or an octagonal shape). For example, the hole inside the washer <NUM> may be formed in an oval shape and the outside of the washer <NUM> may be formed in a quadrangular shape.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, among the surfaces of the washer <NUM>, a material <NUM> having a low frictional coefficient may be disposed on the surface of the washer <NUM> facing the support unit <NUM> so that the support unit <NUM> can be slid more smoothly. For example, a material <NUM> having a low frictional coefficient may be bonded to the washer <NUM> in the form of a film, or a material <NUM> having a low frictional coefficient may be coated on the washer <NUM>. The frictional force between the support unit <NUM> and the washer <NUM> is reduced so that the sliding of the support unit <NUM> can be performed more smoothly.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, the washer <NUM> may include a protruding structure <NUM>. For example, the washer <NUM> may include protrusions <NUM> protruding toward the support unit <NUM>. At least a portion of each protrusion <NUM> may be formed in a sphere shape. The protrusions <NUM> provided on the washer <NUM> may reduce the contact area between the washer <NUM> and the support unit <NUM> so that the support unit <NUM> may slide more smoothly.

In an embodiment, the fixing bolt <NUM> may include a stopper <NUM>-<NUM>. The stopper <NUM>-<NUM> may limit the insertion of the fixing bolt <NUM>. For example, the stopper <NUM>-<NUM> may solve the problem of excessively pressing the support unit <NUM> by the head <NUM>-<NUM> of the fixing bolt <NUM> when the fixing bolt <NUM> is excessively inserted into the bolt hole. When the head <NUM>-<NUM> of the fixing bolt <NUM> excessively presses the support unit <NUM>, the sliding of the support unit <NUM> may not be performed properly. The stopper <NUM>-<NUM> may have a larger diameter W1 than the diameter W2 of the bolt hole. Accordingly, the fixing bolt <NUM> may no longer be inserted into the bolt hole in the portion in which the stopper <NUM>-<NUM> is formed. In an embodiment, the thread <NUM>-<NUM> may not be provided on the portion of the stopper <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, the thickness L of the stopper <NUM>-<NUM> may be substantially equal to the thickness of the support unit <NUM> plus the thickness of the thickness of the washer <NUM>.

<FIG> are views provided for explaining an embodiment of sliding connection units.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which a connection assembly according to various embodiments disclosed herein is assembled to an electronic device. <FIG> is a view illustrating a state in which plates according to various embodiments disclosed herein are assembled. <FIG> is a view illustrating a connection assembly and plates that partially cover the connection assembly according to various embodiments disclosed herein. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in <FIG>.

In the embodiment illustrated <NUM> to <NUM>, the sliding connection units <NUM> may each include a slide rail <NUM> and a slider <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the slide rail <NUM> may be a groove provided in each of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> in the second direction (e.g., the X-axis direction in <FIG>). The slide rail <NUM> may be provided in another mechanical objects coupled to each of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the slider <NUM> may be formed on each support unit <NUM>. The slider <NUM> may be inserted into the slide rail <NUM>. The slider <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the slide rail <NUM>. The slider <NUM> may be configured integrally with each support unit <NUM>, or may be configured separately from each support unit <NUM> and coupled to the support unit <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the slider <NUM> may be formed to protrude from the distal end of the support unit <NUM>.

When the slider <NUM> provided on the support unit <NUM> is inserted into the slide rail <NUM> provided in the second direction, the slider <NUM> may slide along the formation direction of the slide rail <NUM>. Accordingly, the support unit <NUM> may slide in the second direction along the slide rail <NUM>. Since the slide rail <NUM> is provided in each the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, the support units <NUM> may slide with respect to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the plates <NUM> may support a portion of the support units <NUM> so that the sliders <NUM> are not separated in one direction (e.g., the +Z direction in <FIG>) with respect to the slide rails <NUM>. The plates <NUM> may be disposed to partially cover the support units <NUM>. In an embodiment, the plates <NUM> may be fixed to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, respectively. When the support units <NUM> slide, the support units <NUM> are also slidable with respect to the plates <NUM> fixed to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In consideration of the frictional force between the plates <NUM> and the support units <NUM>, the plates <NUM> may include slide support portions <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the slide support portions <NUM> may be formed in portions of the plates <NUM> that are in contact with the support units <NUM>. The slide support portions <NUM> may be a concave-convex shape protruding from the plate <NUM>. Since the slide support portions <NUM> protruding from the plates <NUM> support the support units <NUM>, the sliders <NUM> may be maintained in a state of being inserted into the slide rails <NUM>. In addition, since the protruding slide support portions <NUM> support the support units <NUM>, the frictional force between the support units <NUM> and the plates <NUM> are adjustable. Accordingly, the support units <NUM> are smoothly slidable with respect to the plates <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view of a portion of a connection assembly according to various embodiments disclosed herein. <FIG> are views provided for explaining a forced retraction operation of a support unit according to various embodiments disclosed herein. <FIG> are views provided for explaining a support structure of a plate according to various embodiments disclosed herein.

Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the support units <NUM> may retract in the second direction with respect to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> by the restoring force of the connection member <NUM>. However, the support units <NUM> may not sufficiently retract in the second direction due to various factors. For example, the support units <NUM> supporting the connection member <NUM> may not sufficiently retract in the second direction even when the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded because the property of the connection member <NUM> is changed and the restoring force is reduced.

In various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a structure in which the support units <NUM> can be sufficiently retracted in the second direction when the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include guide members capable of pressing the support units <NUM> in the second direction according to an unfolding operation of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the guide members may each include a first push structure 430A provided on the hinge housing <NUM> and a second push structure 621A formed on a support unit <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, while the electronic device <NUM> is being unfolded, the support unit <NUM> may be retracted in the second direction by configuring the first push structure 430A provided at the distal end of the hinge housing <NUM> to press the second push structure 621a formed in the support unit <NUM>.

For example, the first push structure 430A and the second push structure 621A may start to come into contact with each other in the state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> form a predetermined angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees) therebetween. At least one of the first push structure 430A and the second push structure 621A may be rounded at one end surface thereof, and the remaining one may have an inclined end surface. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first push structure 430A may have a rounded end surface and the second push structure 621A may have an inclined end surface. When the first push structure 430A and the second push structure 621A come into contact with each other, the second push structure 621A may be pressed by the first push structure 430A provided in the fixed hinge housing <NUM>. The force by which the first push structure 430A presses the second push structure 621A may be divided into a horizontal component (e.g., F1 in <FIG>) and a vertical component (e.g., F2 in <FIG>). Of the components, the horizontal component F1 of the force may cause the support unit <NUM> to slide in the second direction. The vertical component F2 of the force may be counteracted by the plate disposed to cover the support unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a plate <NUM> may be a member disposed to at least partially cover a support unit <NUM>. The plates <NUM> may be fixed to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> to support the support units <NUM>.

In an embodiment, each plate <NUM> may include a protruding support portion <NUM>. The protruding support portion <NUM> may be provided on the portion of the plate <NUM> facing the second push structure 621A. The protruding support portion <NUM> may be a portion formed to protrude from the plate <NUM>. The second push structure 621A may be pressed by the protruding support portion <NUM>. While the support units <NUM> are sliding in the second direction, the support units <NUM> are also slidable with respect to the plates <NUM> fixed to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. As the protruding support portions <NUM> press the second push structures 621A, the frictional force between the plates <NUM> and the support units <NUM> is adjusted so that the support units <NUM> can smoothly slide with respect to the plates <NUM>.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, or the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) according to various embodiments disclosed herein may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to foldably interconnect the first housing and the second housing with a folding axis extending in a first direction, a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to accommodate at least a portion of the hinge device and disposed between the first housing and the second housing, a first electrical object (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first housing, a second electrical object (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the second housing, and a connection assembly (e.g., the connection assembly <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object, wherein the connection assembly may include a connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM> in <FIG>) at least partially disposed in the hinge housing, configured to electrically interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object, and including a flexible material to be at least partially deformable, a support unit (e.g., the support units <NUM> in <FIG>) coupled to the connection member, and a sliding connection unit (e.g., the sliding connection units <NUM> in <FIG> or the sliding connection units <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to connect the support unit to each of the first housing and the second housing to be slidable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

In addition, the support unit of the connection assembly may advance with respect to the folding axis in a folding operation of the electronic device and retract with respect to the folding axis in an unfolding operation of the electronic device by the sliding connection unit.

The connection member may be configured such that an intermediate portion of the connection member is fixed to a central portion of the hinge housing so that stress applied to the connection member is evenly distributed thereto when the electronic device folds or unfolds.

In the connection member, the intermediate portion fixed to the central portion of the hinge housing may include a material having relatively high strength compared to other portions.

The hinge housing may include inclined support portions (e.g., the inclined support portions <NUM> in <FIG>) provided to be inclined with respect to a portion of the hinge housing, to which the connection member is fixed, to support a portion of the connection member that is deformed while the electronic device is being folded, and the inclined support portions may be disposed to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the center of the hinge housing.

In the connection member, the portion coupled to the support unit may include a material having relatively high strength compared to other portions.

In addition, the sliding connection unit of the connection assembly may each include a bolt hole (e.g., the bolt hole <NUM> in <FIG>) provided in the support unit to extend in the second direction, and a fixing bolt (e.g., the fixing bolt <NUM> in <FIG>) passing through the bolt hole to be bolted to each of the first housing and the second housing.

The sliding connection unit of the connection assembly may further include a washer (e.g., the washer <NUM> in <FIG>) that is fitted to the fixing bolt and disposed between the head of the fixing bolt and the support unit.

In addition, the washer of the sliding connection unit may be formed in an oval shape and disposed so that a major axis of the oval shape is aligned with a movement direction of the support unit.

In addition, the washer of the sliding connection unit may include a material having a low frictional coefficient (e.g., the member <NUM> in <FIG>) on a surface that comes into contact with the support unit.

In addition, the washer of the sliding connection unit may include a protrusion (e.g., the protrusion <NUM> in F<FIG>) protruding from the surface that comes into contact with the support unit toward the support unit.

In addition, the fixing bolt of the sliding connection unit may include a stopper (e.g., the stopper <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG>) having a diameter larger than a diameter of the bolt hole into which the fixing bolt is inserted such that the fixing bolt is inserted into and bolted to each of the first housing and the second housing by a predetermined distance only.

In addition, the sliding connection unit of the connection assembly may include a slide rail (e.g., the sliding rail <NUM> in <FIG>) provided on each of the first housing and the second housing to extend in the second direction, and a slider (e.g., the slider <NUM> in <FIG>) protruding from the support unit to be inserted into the slide rail.

The electronic device may further include a plate (e.g., the plate <NUM> in <FIG>) that brings the support unit into close contact with each of the first housing and the second housing such that the slider of the support unit is maintained in a state of being inserted into the slide rail.

In addition, the plate may include a slide support portion (e.g., the slide support portion <NUM> of <FIG>) provided to protrude toward the support unit from a portion that comes into contact with the support unit.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>, or the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) according to various embodiments disclosed herein may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to foldably interconnect the first housing and the second housing with a folding axis extending in a first direction, a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to accommodate at least a portion of the hinge device and disposed between the first housing and the second housing, a first electrical object (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first housing, a second electrical object (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the second housing, and a connection assembly (e.g., the connection assembly <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object, wherein the connection assembly may include a connection member (e.g., the connection member <NUM> in <FIG>) at least partially disposed in the hinge housing, configured to electrically interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object, and including a flexible material to be at least partially deformable, a support unit (e.g., the support units <NUM> in <FIG>) coupled to the connection member, and a sliding connection unit (e.g., the sliding connection units <NUM> in <FIG> or the sliding connection units <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to connect the support unit to each the first housing and the second housing to be slidable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and wherein the electronic device may further include a guide member configured to press the support unit in the second direction while the first housing and the second housing are unfolded.

The guide member may include a first push structure (e.g., the first push structure 430A in <FIG>) provided in the hinge housing and a second push structure (e.g., the second push structure 621A in <FIG>) provided in the support unit at a portion corresponding to the first push structure, wherein the first push structure and the second push structure may come into contact with each other when the first housing and the second housing are unfolded by a predetermined angle.

The first push structure may be at least partially rounded in a portion that comes into contact with the second push structure, and the second push structure may be formed to be at least partially inclined with respect to the support unit in the portion that comes into contact with the first push structure.

In addition, the electronic device may further include a plate (e.g., the plate <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to cover at least a portion of the connection assembly.

The plate may include a protruding support portion (e.g., the protruding support portion <NUM> of <FIG>) protruding toward the second push structure in a portion facing the second push structure.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a hinge device (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to foldably interconnect the first housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) with a folding axis (A1) extending in a first direction;
a hinge housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to accommodate at least a portion of the hinge device (<NUM>, <NUM>) and disposed between the first housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first electrical object disposed in the first housing (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a second electrical object disposed in the second housing (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a connection assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object,
the connection assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes:
a connection member (<NUM>, <NUM>) at least partially disposed in the hinge housing (<NUM>, <NUM>), configured to electrically interconnect the first electrical object and the second electrical object, and including a flexible material to be at least partially deformable,
a support unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the connection member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and
characterized in that
a sliding connection unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to connect the support unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) to each of the first housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) to be slidable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.