Patent Description:
As the degree of integration of electronic devices has increased and super-high-speed and large-capacity radio frequency (RF) communication has become popular, multiple functions have recently come to be provided in a single electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal. For example, various functions, such as an entertainment function (e.g., a game function), a multimedia function (e.g., a music/video reproduction function), a communication and security function for mobile banking, a schedule management function, an e-wallet function may, and a communication function may be integrated in a single electronic device. In addition, electronic devices are increasingly equipped with wider display panels so that users have less inconvenience using multimedia services.

Foldable electronic devices with flexible display panels have been recently developed. A foldable electronic device may refer to an electronic device that includes a plurality of housing structures, which rotate with respect to each other.

Circuit boards disposed in electronic devices may be divided into rigid circuit boards and flexible circuit boards according to physical characteristics related to the flexibility thereof. A rigid-flexible circuit board (hereinafter referred to as a "flexible circuit board") in which a rigid circuit board and a flexible circuit board are combined may be provided so as to increase the reliability of an electrical connection of an electronic device and to implement three-dimensional wiring. In similar regards, publication US20160301150A1 relates to an electronic device including a first main body part and a second main body part rotatable/foldable in relation to one another, and connected electronically via a flexible PCB, publication <CIT> relates to a communication device including an operational side casing and a display side casing pivotally arranged and connected electronically with a flexible circuit board, publication <CIT> relates to flexible PCB components for connecting different parts of an electronic device, wherein the FPCB is folded and secured in a folded structure, and publication <CIT> relates to a rigid board with slits formed in the base thereof to facilitate bending the board in the slitted regions.

Since the commercialization of fourth generation (<NUM>) communication systems, in order to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic, fifth generation (<NUM>) communication systems have been actively developed and distributed. In order to achieve a high data rate, the <NUM> communication systems use an ultra-high frequency of several tens of gigahertz (GHz) or more (or referred to as "mmWave communication"). However, in an electronic device including an ultra-high frequency communication module, performance exhibited by the communication module may be affected by a path (e.g., a wire) through which a communication signal is transmitted due to high frequency characteristics.

Accordingly, for foldable electronic devices, it may be necessary to provide a flexible circuit board capable of preventing deterioration of the RF characteristics of signals.

In an electronic device, various electronic elements (or electronic components) and a printed circuit board on which the various electronic elements are mounted may be disposed inside a bracket on which components are mounted. In the case of a foldable electronic device, the electronic elements and the printed circuit board may be separately disposed in a plurality of housing structures based on various factors such as space for mounting, communication performance, and heat dissipation performance. A flexible circuit board, which is easily bent, may be used in order to connect electronic elements.

Since at least a portion of the flexible circuit board can be flexibly bent, the flexible circuit board may be highly utilized in a narrow space, and may be suitable for use in a configuration that connects the electronic elements contained inside a housing structure. However, durability and service life aspects may need to be additionally considered.

According to some embodiments, when a foldable electronic device is repeatedly folded and unfolded, stress due to friction with a housing, a component, or another board accumulates in a bent portion of a flexible circuit board, which may result in damage.

In addition, according to some embodiments, the shape (and/or position) of a bent portion of a flexible circuit board may not be able to be constantly maintained when the bent portion moves within a designated area (i.e., when a designated shape of the bent portion is not maintained). In addition, the designated shape of the bent portion may become deformed during repeated use of the foldable electronic device, so the service life may be shortened.

When the foldable electronic device is equipped with an ultra-high frequency communication module (e.g., ultra-high communication in the range of <NUM> or more and less than <NUM>) (for example, when a flexible circuit board including an RF signal line is included), since a flexible circuit board designed in consideration of RF characteristics is formed to have a thinner width compared to a board including a general signal line, it may be difficult to maintain the designated shape of the bent portion. In addition, when the designated shape of the bent portion is deformed rather than being maintained, the impedance of the flexible circuit board including the RF signal line may be changed, resulting in a decrease in RF characteristics and an increase in signal loss.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are capable of providing a foldable electronic device capable of maintaining a form of a flexible circuit board even when the foldable electronic device is repeatedly folded and unfolded, so that damage to the flexible circuit board, shortening of the service life of the flexible circuit board, and deterioration of the RF characteristics of the flexible circuit board can be prevented.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device is provided according to independent claim <NUM>.

Preferred forms being set up in the dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain a designated shape of a bent portion of the flexible connection member within a designated area by providing the adhesive member.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain a designated shape of a bent portion of each of the flexible connection members within a designated area by providing an adhesive member connecting at least two different flexible connection members.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to cause the bent portion of the flexible connection member to be bent more evenly by additionally providing one or more slits in the adhesive member.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to cause the bent portion of the flexible connection member to be bent more evenly by providing one or more slits in the flexible connection member itself.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to maintain the designated shape of the bent portion of the flexible connection member by applying the adhesive member or the one or more slits to not only one surface (e.g., the uppermost layer), but also the other surface (e.g., the lowermost layer) of the flexible connection member.

Accordingly, it is possible to improve the service life of a flexible connection member and a foldable electronic device including the same.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to particular embodiments, and it should be understood that modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments described herein can be variously made. With regard to description of drawings, similar components may be marked by similar reference numerals.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control, for example, at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display device <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) among the components of the electronic device <NUM>, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active (e.g., executing an application) state. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an ISP or a CP) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) functionally related to the auxiliary processor <NUM>.

The input device <NUM> may receive a command or data to be used by a component (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>, from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input device <NUM>, or output the sound via the sound output device <NUM> or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., a speaker or a headphone)) directly or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

The interface <NUM> may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device <NUM> to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) directly or wirelessly.

The camera module <NUM> may capture a still image and moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

The communication module <NUM> may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the AP) and support a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth<IMG>, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or wide area network (WAN)).

In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected, for example, by the communication module <NUM> from the plurality of antennas.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the state in which an electronic device <NUM> is unfolded, according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates the front, rear, and side surfaces of the electronic device <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the state in which a display part of an electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the intermediate state in which a display part of the electronic device <NUM> is partially unfolded, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> includes a foldable housing <NUM> and a flexible or foldable display <NUM> disposed in a space defined by the foldable housing <NUM>.

The surface on which the display <NUM> is disposed may be the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. At least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may be a substantially transparent front plate (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers). The surface opposite the front surface may be the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may be a substantially opaque rear plate or rear cover. The rear cover may be formed of, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, a polymer, a metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. In addition, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface may be a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The side surface may be a side bezel structure or side member coupled to the front plate and the rear cover and including a metal and/or a polymer. The rear cover and the side bezel structure may be integrally formed, and may include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

The electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of a display <NUM>; a microphone hole <NUM>; speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>; a sensor module <NUM>; camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>; key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>; and a connector hole <NUM>. In the electronic device <NUM>, at least one of the components (e.g., the key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>) may be omitted, or other components (e.g., a light-emitting element) may be additionally included.

A portion of the display <NUM> may be deformable into a planar surface or a curved surface. The display <NUM> may include a folding area <NUM>, a first area <NUM> disposed on one side of the folding area <NUM> (e.g., the top side of the folding area <NUM>), and a second area <NUM> disposed on the other side of the folding area <NUM> (e.g., the bottom side of the folding area <NUM>). However, the display <NUM> may be divided into multiple areas (e.g., two areas or four or more areas) depending on the structure or function thereof. For example, the areas of the display <NUM> may be divided on the basis of the folding area <NUM> or a folding axis A-A'. Alternatively, the areas of the display <NUM> may be divided on the basis of another folding area or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis perpendicular to the folding axis A-A').

The microphone hole <NUM> may include a microphone disposed therein so as to acquire external sound, and multiple microphones may be disposed therein so as to enable detection of the direction of sound. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an external speaker hole and a phone call receiver hole. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker may be included without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., piezo speakers). The locations and number of the microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be variable.

The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device disposed on the first surface 310a of the first housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and a second camera device <NUM> disposed on the second surface 310b of the first housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. In addition, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a flash. The camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an ISP. The flash may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

The sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. The electronic device <NUM> may additionally include another sensor module in addition to the sensor module <NUM> provided on the second surface 310b of the first housing <NUM>, or may include another sensor module instead of the sensor module <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may include, as a sensor module, at least one of, for example, a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

Key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be disposed on the side surface of the foldable housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, and a key input device, which is not included in the electronic device <NUM>, may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the display <NUM>. The key input devices may be configured such that key input is implemented by a sensor module.

The connector hole <NUM> may be configured to accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector) configured to transmit and receive power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, and to accommodate, in addition to or instead of the connector, a connector configured to transmit and receive an audio signal to and from an external electronic device.

The foldable housing <NUM> may include a first housing structure <NUM>, a second housing structure <NUM>, a first rear cover <NUM>, a second rear cover <NUM>, and a hinge structure <NUM>. The foldable housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may be implemented by a combination and/or an assembly of different shapes or components. For example, the first housing structure <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed, and the second housing structure <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed. The term "housing structure" may be a combination and/or an assembly of various components, including a housing.

The first housing structure <NUM> may be connected to a hinge structure, and may include a first surface 310a facing in a first direction and a second surface 310b facing in a second direction opposite the first direction. The second housing structure <NUM> may be connected to a hinge structure <NUM>, and may include a third surface 320a facing in a third direction and a fourth surface 320b facing in a fourth direction opposite the third direction. The second housing structure <NUM> may be rotatable about the hinge structure (or the folding axis A-A') relative to the first housing structure <NUM>.

The first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be disposed on opposite sides (or upper and lower sides) about the folding axis A-A', and may have a generally symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A-A'. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may form an angle or a distance therebetween, which may be variable depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, in a folded state, or in an intermediate state. Unlike the second housing structure <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM> may further include various sensors. However, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may have mutually symmetrical shapes in other areas.

At least a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and at least a portion of the second housing structure <NUM> may be formed of a metal material or a non-metal material having rigidity of a level selected so as to support the display <NUM>. The at least a portion formed of the metal material may provide a ground plane of the electronic device <NUM>, and may be electrically connected to a ground line formed on a printed circuit board <NUM>.

The first rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the folding axis A-A' on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and may have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, which may be enclosed by the first housing structure <NUM>. Similarly, the second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the other side of the folding axis A-A' of the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and the periphery of the second rear cover <NUM> may be enclosed by the second housing structure <NUM>.

The first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may have substantially symmetrical shapes about the folding axis A-A'. However, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> must not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and an electronic device <NUM> may include a first rear cover <NUM> and a second rear cover <NUM> having various shapes. Additionally, the first rear cover <NUM> may be formed integrally with the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed integrally with the second housing structure <NUM>.

The first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> may define a space in which various components (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) of the electronic device <NUM> can be disposed. One or more components may be disposed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of a sub-display <NUM> may be visually exposed through the first rear cover <NUM>. Additionally, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear cover <NUM>. The sensors may include a proximity sensor and/or a rear camera. One or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear cover <NUM>.

A front camera <NUM> exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> through one or more openings or a rear camera <NUM> exposed through of the first rear cover <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an ISP. The flash <NUM> may include a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. Two or more lenses (e.g., an infrared camera lens, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> represents a fully unfolded state of the display part, and <FIG> represents a partially unfolded state (or partially folded state) of the display part.

The display part of the electronic device <NUM> may include a configuration that displays a screen and a configuration that is connected to the display and moves integrally with the display. Referring to <FIG>, the display part may include a display panel 200c and a touch panel 200d disposed adjacent to the display panel 200c.

The electronic device <NUM> may be adjusted to a folded state or an unfolded state. The electronic device <NUM> may be an "in-folding" type in which the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> is folded to form an acute angle when viewed in the direction of the folding axis (e.g., A-A' in <FIG>), and an "out-folding" type in which the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> is folded to form an obtuse angle when viewed in the direction of the folding axis. For example, in the electronic device <NUM>, the first surface 310a may face the third surface 320a in the state in which the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state in the in-folding type, and the third direction may be the same as the first direction in the fully unfolded state. In another example, in the state in which the electronic device <NUM> is folded in the out-folding type, the second surface 310b may face the fourth surface 320b.

The in-folding type may mean the type in which the display <NUM> is not exposed to the outside in the fully folded state. The out-folding type may mean the type in which the display <NUM> is exposed to the outside in the fully folded state. <FIG> illustrates an intermediate state in which the electronic device <NUM> is partially unfolded in the process in which the electronic device <NUM> is folded in the in-folding type. Hereinafter, for convenience, the electronic device <NUM> will be described focusing on the state of being folded in the in-folding type, but it should be noted that these descriptions may be applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the state in which the electronic device <NUM> is folded in the out-folding type.

The display <NUM> may include a display panel 200c, a polarizing layer 200b disposed on the display panel 200c, and a window member 200a forming the appearance of the display. The display panel 200c, the polarizing layer 200b, and the window member 200a form one display <NUM>, and may be formed of a flexible material. Accordingly, as illustrated in <FIG>, when an external force is applied in the state in which the display <NUM> is unfolded, the display <NUM> may be bent as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, when an external force is applied in the state in which the display <NUM> is partially folded as illustrated in <FIG>, the display <NUM> may be unfolded as illustrated <FIG>.

The electronic device <NUM> may detect input (e.g., a user's input or input through the input device <NUM>) on the surface of the display <NUM> using the touch panel 200d. Here, the input capable of being recognized by the touch panel 200d may include not only input through direct contact with the surface of the display <NUM>, but also input through hovering. The touch panel 200d may have substantially the same area as the display <NUM>. The touch panel 200d may be disposed on the top surface or the rear surface of the display <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the state in which the touch panel 200d is attached to the rear surface of the display <NUM>.

The display device <NUM> may be at least partially made of a material that transmits radio waves or magnetic fields. Since the display <NUM> may be equipped with a display panel 200c and/or a touch panel 200d, the display <NUM> may be used as an output device that outputs a screen and as an input device that is provided with a touch screen function. The display panel 200c may include a display element layer including one or more pixels and a thin-film transistor (TFT) layer connected to the display element layer. The display panel 200c may correspond to a panel such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED), or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), and may display various images according to various operation states, executed applications, and contents of the electronic device <NUM>.

The touch panel 200d may include various types of touch. For example, various touch panels, such as a capacitive touch panel that detects a change in capacitance, a pressurized touch panel that detects a position by detecting a pressure acting on the panel, an optical touch panel using infrared rays, and a transparent-electrode-type touch panel using contacts of a transparent conductive film, may be used. In addition, various types of input position detection panels, such as an electromagnetic-resonance-type touch panel, may be used.

The window member 200a may serve as a protective film for protecting the display panel 200c. As a protective film, the window member 200a may be made of a material that protects the display panel 200c from external impacts, that is resistant to scratches, and that generates less wrinkles in the folding area even when the foldable housing is repeatedly folded and unfolded. A clear polyimide (CPI) film or ultra-thin glass (UTG) may be included as the material of the window member 200a.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device <NUM>, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a display <NUM>, a foldable housing <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a hinge structure <NUM>, a flexible connection member <NUM>, a hinge cover <NUM>, an antenna module <NUM>, and a rear cover <NUM>. Hereinafter, a detailed description of components overlapping those described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> (e.g., the display <NUM>, the foldable housing <NUM>, and the rear cover <NUM>) will be omitted.

The display <NUM> may be exposed through a substantial portion of a front plate <NUM>. The shape of the display <NUM> may be substantially the same as the shape of the periphery of the front plate <NUM>.

The foldable housing <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may include a first surface 421a and a second surface 421b facing away from the first surface 421a, and the second housing <NUM> may include a third surface 422a and a fourth surface 422b facing away from the third surface 422a. The foldable housing <NUM> may additionally or alternatively include a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly may include a first bracket assembly <NUM> disposed on the first housing structure <NUM> and a second bracket assembly <NUM> disposed on the second housing structure <NUM>. At least a portion of the bracket assembly, for example, a portion <NUM> including at least a portion of the first bracket assembly <NUM> and at least a portion of the second bracket assembly <NUM>, may serve as a plate for supporting the hinge structure <NUM>.

Various electric elements may be disposed on the printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and/or an interface <NUM> may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include at least one of a CPU, an AP, a graphics processor, an ISP, a sensor hub processor, or a CP. The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory. The interface may include, for example, an HDMI, a USB interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to an external electronic device, and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

The printed circuit board <NUM> may include a first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed on the first bracket assembly <NUM> side and a second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed on the second bracket assembly <NUM> side. The first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in the space defined by the foldable housing <NUM>, the bracket assembly, the first rear cover <NUM>, and/or the second rear cover <NUM>. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device <NUM> may be mounted on the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> to be separated from each other. A processor may be disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM>, and an audio interface may be disposed on the second printed circuit board <NUM>.

A battery may be disposed adjacent to the printed circuit board <NUM> so as to supply power to the electronic device <NUM>. At least a portion of the battery may be disposed to be substantially flush with the printed circuit board <NUM>. A first battery <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the first printed circuit board <NUM>, and a second battery <NUM> may be disposed adjacent to the second printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>, and may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The battery may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>, or may be detachably disposed on the electronic device <NUM>. The hinge structure <NUM> may be configured to support the foldable housing <NUM> and/or the bracket assembly such that the foldable housing <NUM> can rotate about a folding axis (e.g., A-A' in <FIG>). The hinge structure <NUM> may include a first hinge structure <NUM> disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM> side and a second hinge structure <NUM> disposed on the second printed circuit board <NUM> side. The hinge structure <NUM> may be disposed between the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>. The hinge structure <NUM> may be formed substantially integrally with a portion <NUM> including at least a portion of the first bracket assembly <NUM> and at least a portion of the second bracket assembly <NUM>.

The "housing structure" may be a structure that includes a foldable housing <NUM>, and one or more components disposed inside the housing <NUM> may be assembled and/or combined with each other. The housing structure may include a first housing structure and a second housing structure. An assembled configuration that includes a first housing <NUM> and further includes at least one of the first bracket assembly <NUM>, the first printed circuit board <NUM>, and the first battery <NUM> disposed inside the first housing <NUM> may be referred to a "first housing structure". An assembled configuration that includes a second housing <NUM> and further includes at least one of the second bracket assembly <NUM>, the second printed circuit board <NUM>, and the second battery <NUM> disposed inside the second housing <NUM> may be referred to a "second housing structure". However, it should be noted that the "first housing structure" and the "second housing structure" are not limited to the above-described components, and other components may be additionally included or omitted.

The flexible connection member <NUM> may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). Various electric elements disposed on the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be connected to each other using the flexible connection member <NUM>. Accordingly, the flexible connection member <NUM> may be disposed across the "first housing structure" and the "second housing structure". The flexible connection member <NUM> may be disposed so as to cross at least a portion of the hinge structure <NUM>. The flexible connection member <NUM> may be configured to connect the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> to each other across the hinge structure <NUM> in a direction parallel to the y-axis of <FIG>. The flexible connection member <NUM> may be fitted and coupled to the openings <NUM> and <NUM> in the hinge structure <NUM>. In this case, a portion 450a of the flexible connection member <NUM> may be disposed to cross one side (e.g., the upper portion) of the first hinge structure <NUM>, and the other portion 450b of the flexible connection member <NUM> may be disposed to cross the one side (e.g., the upper portion) of the hinge structure <NUM>. Further, another portion 450c of the flexible connection member <NUM> may be disposed on the other sides (e.g., the lower portions) of the first hinge structure <NUM> and the second hinge structure <NUM>. At positions adjacent to the first hinge structure <NUM> and the second hinge structure <NUM>, a space (hereinafter referred to as a "hinge space") surrounded by at least a portion of the first hinge structure <NUM>, at least a portion of the second hinge structure <NUM>, and at least a portion of the hinge cover <NUM> may be formed. At least a portion 450c of the flexible connection member <NUM> may be disposed in the hinge space.

The hinge cover <NUM> may be configured to at least partially surround the hinge space. The hinge cover <NUM> may close the hinge space together with the hinge structure <NUM>, and may protect the structure (e.g., at least a portion 450c of the flexible connection member <NUM>) disposed inside the hinge space from an external impact. The hinge cover <NUM> may be disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The hinge cover <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the first housing (e.g., the first rotation support <NUM> to be described with reference to <FIG>) and at least a portion of the second housing (e.g., the second rotation support <NUM> to be described later with reference to <FIG>).

The antenna module <NUM> may be disposed between the rear cover <NUM> and the battery. The antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antenna modules in one electronic device <NUM>. For example, the antenna module <NUM> may include a first antenna module <NUM> disposed on the first housing <NUM> side and a second antenna module <NUM> disposed on the second housing <NUM> side. The antenna module may include at least one radiator. In addition, the antenna module <NUM> may include, for example, a nearfield communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna module <NUM> may perform short-range communication with an external electronic device, or may transmit/receive power required for charging to/from the external device in a wireless manner. An antenna structure may be formed by a portion of a side bezel structure of the foldable housing <NUM>, a portion of a bracket assembly, or a combination thereof.

The rear cover <NUM> may include a first rear cover <NUM> and a second rear cover <NUM>. The rear cover <NUM> may be coupled to the foldable housing <NUM> so as to protect the above-described components (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM>, the battery, the flexible connection member <NUM>, and the antenna module <NUM>) disposed inside the foldable housing <NUM>. As described above, the rear cover <NUM> may be configured substantially integrally with the foldable housing <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the flexible connection member <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a portion of the inside of an electronic device <NUM>, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating the state in which a hinge structure <NUM> is removed in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, according to an embodiment. In the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, the inside of the electronic device is enlarged to focus on the flexible connection member <NUM> when a plurality of components illustrated in <FIG> (e.g., the flexible connection member <NUM> and the foldable housing <NUM>) are coupled.

In <FIG>, the foldable housing <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>. Here, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be cover portions that surround a first housing structure <NUM> and a second housing structure <NUM>, respectively.

Referring to <FIG>, the flexible connection member <NUM> may be placed across at least a portion of the inside of the first housing structure <NUM> and at least a portion of the inside of the second housing structure <NUM>. Here, the phrase "the flexible connection member <NUM> is placed across the inside of a housing structure" may mean that the flexible connection member <NUM>, having a relatively long elongated shape, is disposed above or below the housing structure. As described above, the housing structure may include a housing and may be assembled in a configuration including at least one of a bracket assembly, a printed circuit board, and a battery disposed inside the housing. Accordingly, the phrase "the flexible connection member <NUM> is placed across at least a portion of the inside of the housing structure" may mean the flexible connection member <NUM> is placed across at least some of the components included in the housing structure. For example, the flexible connection member <NUM> may be placed across at least a portion of a first bracket assembly <NUM> and at least a portion of a second bracket assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> together, when viewing the inside of the foldable housing <NUM> from above, at least a portion of the flexible connection member <NUM> may be covered by the hinge structure <NUM>. The portion H covered by the hinge structure <NUM> is a portion which corresponds to the hinge space, and in which movement (e.g., bending) repeatedly occurs in the flexible connection member <NUM> during the unfolding and folding operation of the foldable electronic device.

The flexible connection member <NUM> included in the foldable electronic device may include a plurality of flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM>. At least a portion of the flexible connection member <NUM> may be placed across the inside of the first housing structure including the first housing <NUM>, the first bracket assembly <NUM>, and the first printed circuit board <NUM>, and another portion may be placed across the inside of the second housing structure including the second housing <NUM> and the second bracket assembly <NUM>. <FIG> are illustrated in the state in which the second printed circuit board is illustrated. The flexible connection member <NUM> may be placed on the first housing structure and the second housing structure across the hinge structure <NUM>. In this case, a portion of the flexible connection member <NUM> may be configured to pass through the opening <NUM> in the hinge structure <NUM>.

The plurality of flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> will be described later in detail in the embodiment of <FIG> below.

Hereinafter, the movement of the flexible connection member <NUM> in the hinge space will be described with reference to <FIG>. Here, the dashed-dotted line B-B' represents a virtual surface perpendicular to the folding axis A-A' illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the hinge structure <NUM> and the flexible connection member <NUM> in the state in which the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the hinge structure <NUM> and the flexible connection member <NUM> in the state in which the electronic device is folded, according to an embodiment.

The operations of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and the operations of the hinge structure <NUM> and the flexible connection member <NUM> according to the states of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the unfolded state, the folded state, and the intermediate state) will be described.

Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the first surface 421a of the first housing <NUM> and the third surface 422a of the second housing <NUM> may be disposed to face the same direction while forming an angle of about <NUM> degrees. The surface of the first area <NUM> and the surface of the second area <NUM> of the display may form an angle of about <NUM> degrees therebetween, and may face the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device). A folding area <NUM> formed between the first area <NUM> and the second area <NUM> may form the same plane as the first area <NUM> and the second area <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the first surface 421a of the first housing <NUM> and the second surface 422a of the second housing <NUM> are be disposed to face each other. The first surface 421a and the second surface 422a may form an acute angle (e.g., an angle between about <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees) with reference to a virtual plane B-B' perpendicular to the folding axis A-A'. The surface of the first area <NUM> and the surface of the second area <NUM> of the display may also face each other while forming a narrow angle (e.g., an angle between about <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees) relative to each other. At least a portion of the folding area <NUM> may have a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

Referring to <FIG>, an embodiment in which the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is in an intermediate state will be described. The first surface 421a of the first housing <NUM> and the second surfaces 422a of the second housing <NUM> may be disposed at a certain angle to each other. The surface of the first area <NUM> and the surface of the second area <NUM> of the display <NUM> may form an angle greater than that in the folded state and smaller than that in the unfolded state. At least a portion of the folding area <NUM> may have a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and the curvature at this time may be smaller than that in the folded state.

Referring to <FIG> together, the hinge structure <NUM> includes a first hinge structure <NUM> and a second hinge structure <NUM>. Each of the first hinge structure <NUM> and the second hinge structure <NUM> may include a hinge plate. The first hinge structure <NUM> may support at least a portion of the flexible connection member <NUM>, and the second hinge structure <NUM> may also support at least a portion of the flexible connection member <NUM>. In the above structure, the hinge structure <NUM> may be coupled with the hinge cover <NUM> so as to define a hinge space S, which is at least partially surrounded by the hinge structure <NUM> and the hinge cover <NUM>. At least a portion of the flexible connection member <NUM> may be disposed in the hinge space S.

The first housing <NUM> may include a first rotation support <NUM> coupled to one side of the hinge cover <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may include a second rotation support <NUM> coupled to the other side of the hinge cover <NUM>. The first rotation support <NUM> may include a first rotation support surface 511a, and the second rotation support <NUM> may include a second rotation support surface 521a. The first rotation support surface 511a and the second rotation support surface 521a face each other, and may operate symmetrically with respect to the virtual surface B-B'. Each of the first rotation support surface 511a and the second rotation support surface 521a may include a curved surface corresponding to the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM>.

When the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state (e.g., the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>), the first rotation support surface 511a and the second rotation support surface 521a may cover the hinge cover <NUM> so that the hinge cover <NUM> cannot be exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> or can be minimally exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. When the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>), the first rotation support surface 511a and the second rotation support surface 521a may rotate along the curved surfaces included in the hinger cover <NUM> so that the hinge cover <NUM> can be exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a disturbed (e.g., appearing irregular) designated shape of a flexible connection member <NUM> in a state in which the electronic device is unfolded.

Referring to <FIG>, a shape of the flexible connection member <NUM> in the hinge space S may be disturbed due to repeated operations of folding and unfolding the foldable electronic device. The phrase "the designated shape is disturbed" may include a case where the designated shape of the flexible connection member <NUM> is permanently deformed, or a case where the shape of the flexible connection member <NUM> is deformed due to the foldable electronic device being repeatedly folded and unfolded.

According to the example in which the designated shape is disturbed, when a plurality of flexible connection members are disposed in the hinge space S, the designated shape of each flexible connection member <NUM> may be more easily disturbed, and disturbance of the designated shape of any one flexible connection member may affect the signal transmission performance and service life of other flexible connection members.

Referring to <FIG>, two flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated as the plurality of flexible connection members disposed in the hinge space S. When the designated shapes of two flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> are not maintained in the state in which the electronic device is unfolded, at one side P1 of the hinge side S, the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> may be in excessively close contact with a structure (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>) side of the foldable electronic device. On the other side P2, at least one of the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> may be in excessively close contact with the structure (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>) side of the foldable electronic device, and may be spaced apart from the other flexible connection member. If the designated shapes of the two flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> are not maintained, the shapes of the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> at one side P1 and the shapes of the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> at the other side P2 may be different from each other. In addition, in another portion P3, the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> may rub against the structure (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>) of the foldable electronic device in the state in which the electronic device is unfolded, which may result in damage or rapid reduction of the service life due to accumulated stress.

In the following description, various embodiments for preventing the designated shape of the flexible connection members from being disturbed will be described.

First, various embodiments of a flexible connection member <NUM> will be described. <FIG> is a view illustrating flexible connection members, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the flexible connection member <NUM> may include a plurality of flexible connection members. For example, the flexible connection member <NUM> may include a first flexible connection member <NUM> and a second flexible connection member <NUM>. Further, the flexible connection member <NUM> may further include three or more flexible connection members.

In <FIG>, the first flexible connection member <NUM> and the second flexible connection member <NUM> are completely separated from each other and illustrated as two separate flexible connection members.

Substantially one flexible connection member may be divided into a first flexible connection member <NUM> and a second flexible connection member <NUM>. For example, substantially one flexible connection member, which is not physically divided, may be divided into a first flexible connection member <NUM> and a second flexible connection member <NUM> according to types of signal lines, and may be branched into two or more branches in only some of the areas in which the flexible connection member is located. The first flexible connection member <NUM> and the second flexible connection member <NUM> may have a form of an integrated flexible connection member inside the first housing structure <NUM>, and may be branched into two different flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> inside the second housing structure <NUM>. As described above, it should be noted that the shape of the flexible connection member may be variously set in different embodiments. In the following description, for convenience of description, a case where two flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM>, which are physically spaced apart from each other and have different shapes, will be described, but it should be noted that the scope of the disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto.

Referring to <FIG>, the first flexible connection member <NUM> may be placed across at least a portion of the inside of the first housing structure <NUM> and at least a portion of the second housing structure <NUM>. The second flexible connection member <NUM> may also be placed across at least a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and at least a portion of the second housing structure <NUM>.

Each of the first and second flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> may include a means so as to be connected to a first printed circuit board <NUM> or a second printed circuit board <NUM>. The first flexible connection member <NUM> may electrically connect the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> to each other via connection ends 551a and 551b disposed at the opposite ends thereof. The second flexible connection member <NUM> may also electrically connect the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> to each other via connection ends 552a and 552b disposed at the opposite ends thereof. Here, the connection ends may each include a receptacle or a header in which at least one pin is formed. The first and second flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to at least one of the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board via various other means as well as a receptacle or header structure. For example, the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected at least one of the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> via a bonding part formed through a hot-bar process using thermocompression. The shapes of the connection ends and the manufacturing method therefor are not limited to any specific configuration. Based on the shapes of the connection ends, the first and second flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> may include, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or a flexible flat cable (FFC) type connector structure, a board to bard (B to B) type connector structure, a zip type connector structure, a bonding type connector structure formed through a hot-bar process, a low insertion force (LIF) connector structure, or a zero insertion force (ZIF) connector structure.

Each of the first and second flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> include at least one electrically conductive path connecting the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> to each other. Power or a control signal provided from a power management module or a processor is transmitted via the electrically conductive path. The flexible connection member <NUM> includes an RF wire, which is a high-frequency signal line, as the electrically conductive path for transmitting a communication signal provided from an RF transceiver or a communication signal received via a communication device to another RF transceiver. For example, the first flexible connection member <NUM> includes a wire (or a conductive path) for transmitting a communication signal including an RF signal. In addition, the second flexible connection member <NUM> includes a wire for transmitting an electrical signal that is less sensitive to an impedance change than a wire included in the first flexible connection member <NUM>. The second flexible connection member <NUM> includes a power wire. The second flexible connection member <NUM> may include a wire for transmitting data and/or a wire for transmitting a control signal (an electrically conductive path) in addition to or instead of the power wire. The first flexible connection member <NUM> may be formed to be thinner and narrower than the second flexible connection member <NUM>, depending on RF signal characteristics. Therefore, when the first flexible connection member <NUM>, including a conductive path for transmitting an RF signal, is repeatedly used in the state in which a designated shape thereof is disturbed in the hinge space, the durability thereof will be relatively weak compared to the second flexible connection member <NUM>, and it may be difficult to exhibit smooth communication performance because the first flexible connection member <NUM> is vulnerable to a change in impedance.

<FIG> is a view illustrating flexible connection members and an adhesive member, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, a foldable electronic device includes an adhesive member <NUM> attached to the first flexible connection member <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> is a component for making the first flexible connection member <NUM> maintain the shape thereof constant within a designated area while the foldable housing <NUM> is being folded and unfolded. Tape (e.g., nonconductive tape) may be used as the adhesive member <NUM>. The first flexible connection member <NUM> and the second flexible connection member <NUM> may maintain the designated shapes thereof by the adhesive member <NUM> even when the foldable electronic device is repeatedly folded and unfolded.

The adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed to cover at least a partial area of the first flexible connection member <NUM>. Here, a portion 450c (or a "flexible portion") of the flexible connection member described with reference to <FIG> may correspond to the "at least a partial area" of the first flexible connection member <NUM>.

Each portion of the flexible connection member will be described. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, the first flexible connection member <NUM> may include, along the longitudinal direction of the first flexible connection member <NUM>, a rigid portion 551c fixed to the first housing structure <NUM> side, a rigid portion 551d fixed to the second housing structure <NUM>, and a flex portion 551e between the rigid portions 551c and 551d. The second flexible connection member <NUM> may include, along the longitudinal direction of the flexible connection member <NUM>, a rigid portion 552c fixed to the first housing structure <NUM> side, a rigid portion 552d fixed to the second housing structure <NUM>, and a flex portion 552e between the rigid portions 552c and 552d. Here, the phrase "the rigid portions 551c and 551d of the first flexible connection member <NUM> are fixed to the first housing structure side and the second housing structure side" may include a case where the rigid portion 551c of the first flexible connection member <NUM> is fixed to a first hinge structure <NUM>, a first printed circuit board <NUM>, or a first bracket assembly <NUM> disposed inside the first housing structure <NUM>. The rigid portion 551d of the first flexible connection member <NUM> may be fixed to a second hinge structure <NUM>, a second printed circuit board <NUM>, or a second bracket assembly <NUM> disposed inside the second housing structure <NUM>. The phrase "the rigid portions 552c and 552d of the second flexible connection member <NUM> are fixed to the first housing structure side and the second housing structure side" may be similarly applied to an embodiment in which the rigid portions 551c and 551d of the first flexible connection member <NUM> are fixed to the first housing structure side and the second housing structure side.

The flex portions 551e and 552e may be portions that are movable in a space (e.g., the hinge space S in <FIG>) inside the hinge structure. The adhesive member <NUM> may be stacked on the flex portion 551e of the first flexible connection member <NUM>, and guides the flex portion 551e to be movable within a designated area (e.g., the hinge space S) while maintaining the shape (and/or the position) thereof constant.

The first flexible connection member <NUM> may include a cover layer so as to increase the rigidity of the first flexible connection member <NUM>, and thus to maintain the designated shape of the flexible connection member <NUM>. However, when a cover layer is added to the first flexible connection member <NUM>, the flexibility of the flex portion 551e may decrease. Accordingly, an embodiment of maintaining the designated shape of the first flexible connection member <NUM> without a cover layer using the adhesive member <NUM> is provided.

<FIG> is a view illustrating flexible connection members and an adhesive member <NUM> connecting the flexible connection members, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating the state in which one or more slits <NUM> are formed in the adhesive member <NUM>, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the foldable electronic device includes an adhesive member <NUM> connecting the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> to each other. The adhesive member <NUM> is a component configured to fix the positions of two different flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> together, and to constantly maintain the designated shapes (and/or positions) of the first flexible connection member <NUM> and the second flexible connection member <NUM> within a designated area while the foldable housing <NUM> is being folded and unfolded. The adhesive member <NUM> serves to connect the first flexible connection member <NUM> and the second flexible connection member <NUM> like a single flexible connection member.

The first flexible connection member <NUM> and the second flexible connection member <NUM> may be connected to each other using tape as the adhesive member <NUM>. The first flexible connection member <NUM> and the second flexible connection member <NUM> may maintain the designated shapes thereof by the adhesive member <NUM> even when the foldable electronic device is repeatedly folded and unfolded.

Referring to <FIG>, the adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed to cover at least a partial area of the first flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM>. Here, a portion (or a "flexible portion") 450c of the flexible connection member described above with reference to <FIG> may correspond to the "at least a partial area" of the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM>. Hereinafter, with respect to each portion of the adhesive member <NUM>, a description of a portion overlapping the description of <FIG> will be omitted.

The flex portions 551e and 552e may be portions that are movable in a space (e.g., the hinge space S in <FIG>) inside the hinge structure. The adhesive member <NUM> may be stacked on the flex portion 551e of the first flexible connection member <NUM> and the flex portion <NUM> of the second flexible connection member <NUM>, and may guide the flex portions 551e and 552e to be movable within a designated area (e.g., the hinge space S) while maintaining the shapes (and/or the positions) thereof constant.

Referring to <FIG>, opposite sides of the adhesive member <NUM> may be connected to the rigid portions 551c and 551d of the first flexible connection member <NUM> and the rigid portions 552c and 552d of the second flexible connection member <NUM>, respectively. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may have a shape that entirely covers the flex portions 551e and 552e. Alternatively, the adhesive member <NUM> may have a shape covering only a portion of the flex portions 551e and 552e.

The shape of the adhesive member <NUM> may be variously set. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may further include a handle portion 553a, which allows the user to directly attach the adhesive member <NUM> to the first flexible connection member <NUM> and the second flexible connection member <NUM>, in addition to the portion that entirely covers the flex portions 551e and 552e.

One or more slits may be formed in the adhesive member <NUM> to maintain the designated shapes of the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM>. The one or more slits <NUM> may serve to equalize the movement of the flex portion when the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> are bent.

The longitudinal direction of the one or more slits <NUM> may be parallel to the folding axis A-A' of the electronic device <NUM>. When a plurality of slits are included, the arrangement direction of the plurality of slits may be formed to be perpendicular to the folding axis A-A'.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the state in which the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> and the adhesive member <NUM> are coupled to each other, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, in the adhesive member <NUM>, the handle part 554a included in the adhesive member <NUM> can be disposed at different portions of the adhesive member <NUM> to form different shapes of the adhesive member <NUM>. In contrast to <FIG>, only one side of the adhesive member <NUM> is connected to the rigid portion 551d of the first flexible connection member <NUM> and the rigid portion 552d of the second flexible connection member <NUM>, and the other side is stacked on the flex portions 551e and 552e in the state of being spaced apart from the rigid portions 551c and 552c by a predetermined distance.

In addition, the shape and/or number of one or more slits <NUM> provided in the adhesive member <NUM> may vary. In <FIG> described below, one or more slits are disclosed, according to various embodiments.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a shape of one or more slits <NUM>, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating a shape of one or more slits <NUM>, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating a shape of one or more slits <NUM>, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating a shape of one or more slits <NUM>, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating a shape of one or more slits <NUM> and <NUM>, according to an embodiment.

One or more slits formed in the adhesive member <NUM> may have various shapes, numbers, and various widths, and lengths. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, a plurality of slits <NUM> having the same width t and length l may be formed in the adhesive member <NUM>, and the intervals d1 and d2 between the slits may be variously set depending on the positions of the slits provided in the adhesive member <NUM>. Slits close to the center of the adhesive member <NUM> may have a small interval d1, such that the slits are densely arranged, and slits far from the center may have a relatively great interval d2, such that the density of the slits are arranged relatively sparsely.

Alternatively, as illustrated in <FIG>, a plurality of slits <NUM> having different widths t1 and t2 or different lengths may be formed in the adhesive member <NUM>. For example, narrow slits 555a may be disposed close to the center of the adhesive member <NUM>, and relatively wider slits 555b may be disposed far from the center of the adhesive member <NUM>.

Alternatively, as illustrated in <FIG>, the one or more slit <NUM> may have a very narrow width, like a fine thread shape, and a very long length compared to the width. Some of the one or more slits <NUM> may extend to the handle portion 554a.

Alternatively, as illustrated in <FIG>, cross-shaped patterns may be repeated in the form of at least one slit <NUM>.

Alternatively, as illustrated in <FIG>, one or more slits <NUM> and <NUM> having two or more different shapes may be used in combination. Among the one or more slits <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, some slits <NUM> may employ a cross-shaped pattern, and the other slits <NUM> may employ an opening-shaped pattern formed through punching.

Additionally, one or more slits may include various embodiments other than that which was described with reference to <FIG>. When one or more slits are capable of performing a role of making the movement of the flex portion uniform when the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> are bent, the slits may include similar patterns, such as holes, grooves, recesses, and openings.

In the above-described embodiments, the adhesive member for maintaining a designated shape when two or more flexible connecting members are bent, and a slit structure formed therein, have been described. Hereinafter, a description will be made focusing on a slit structure for maintaining a designated shape when a multilayer flexible connection member is bent.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a flexible connection member <NUM> and one or more slits <NUM> formed in the flexible connection member <NUM>, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a conceptual view illustrating a flexible connection member <NUM> and one or more slits <NUM> formed in the flexible connection member <NUM>, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible connection member <NUM> according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> and one or more slits <NUM> formed in the flexible connection member, according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the flexible connection member <NUM> and one or more slits <NUM> and <NUM>' formed in the flexible connection member, according to an embodiment. Here, each of <FIG> illustrate a cross-sectional view of the flexible connecting member <NUM> according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, taken in the direction of line C-C'.

The flexible connection member <NUM> may be formed of substantially one flexible connection member. Referring to <FIG>, the flexible connecting member <NUM> may be made as a single flexible connection member, and includes a plurality of connection ends 750aa, 750ab, 750ba, and 750bb being branched off from at least one of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. The flexible connection member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include a plurality of signal lines, and may be implemented as a multilayer circuit board in which a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of insulating layers are alternately stacked.

Referring to <FIG>, the flexible connection member <NUM> includes along the longitudinal direction thereof, rigid portions 750c and 750d fixed to a housing, a bracket assembly, or a printed circuit board. In addition, a flexible portion 750e may be disposed between the rigid portions 750c and 750d. Here, the flex portion 750e may be disposed in a hinge space S at least partially surrounded by a hinge structure <NUM> and/ or a hinge cover <NUM> when the flexible connection member <NUM> is mounted inside a foldable housing <NUM> or a foldable housing structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the flex portion 750e of the flexible connection member <NUM> has a plurality of layered structures. In addition, at least one slit <NUM> may be formed in an outermost layer of a plurality of layered structures, for example, the uppermost layer and/or the lowermost layer. <FIG> illustrates a plurality of slits <NUM> formed in the uppermost layer of the flexible connection member <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a plurality of slits <NUM> may be formed in the uppermost layer of the flexible connection member <NUM>, and a plurality of slits <NUM>' may be formed in the lowermost layer as well.

The flexible connection member <NUM> may include, as a plurality of layered structures, a plurality of conductive layers and a plurality of insulating layers. The plurality of conductive layers and the plurality of insulating layers included in the flex portion 750e may integrally extend from the rigid portions 750c and 750d. The flex portion <NUM> may include a first cover layer <NUM>, a stacked structure <NUM> of at least one conductive layer and at least one insulating layer, and a second cover layer <NUM>. Here, the stacked structure <NUM> of at least one conductive layer and at least one insulating layer may be a first conductive layer, a first insulating layer, a second conductive layer, and a second insulating layer stacked in order. At least a portion of the flexible connection member <NUM> (e.g., the top surface of the first conductive layer) may be visible to the outside, and may be covered by the first cover layer <NUM>. Similarly, the lower end of the flexible connection member <NUM> may also be covered by the second cover layer <NUM>. By forming slits <NUM> in at least one of the first cover layer <NUM> and the second cover layer <NUM>, for example, by forming one or more silts in a portion corresponding to a hinge structure (or a hinge space) in a multilayer flexible connection member, it is possible to maintain a designated shape when the multilayer circuit board is bent. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the service life of the flexible connection member.

One or more slits <NUM> may also be formed in a direction parallel to the folding axis A-A'. In addition, the one or more slits <NUM> may also have various shapes, numbers, and various widths and lengths similar to the slits formed in an adhesive member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a flexible connection member <NUM> and one or more slits formed in the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM>, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, multilayer flexible connection member includes a first multilayer flexible connection member <NUM> placed across at least a portion of a first housing structure <NUM> and at least a portion of a second housing structure <NUM> and configured to electrically connect a first printed circuit board <NUM> and a second printed circuit board <NUM> via connection ends located at the opposite ends thereof; and a second multilayer flexible connection member <NUM> placed across at least a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and at least a portion of the second housing structure <NUM> and configured to electrically connect the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> via connection ends disposed at the opposite ends thereof.

One or more slits <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in each of the first multilayer flexible connection member <NUM> and the second multilayer flexible connection member <NUM>. The one or more slits <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in at least one of the uppermost layer and the lowermost layer of the first multilayer flexible connection member <NUM>, and may be formed in at least one of the uppermost layer and the lowermost layer of the second multilayer flexible connection member <NUM>. The one or more slits <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed in a portion of at least one of the uppermost layer and the lowermost layer of the first multilayer flexible connection member <NUM>, for example, between the rigid portions 951c, 952c, 951d, and 952d.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when a plurality of multilayer flexible connection members are provided, it is possible to maintain the designated shapes of the multilayer flexible connection members by forming one or more slits in each of the multilayer flexible connection members.

In the case where a plurality of flexible connection members are provided in a foldable housing, the method of maintaining the designated shape using the adhesive member <NUM> described above with reference to <FIG>, and the method of directly forming the slits in the multilayer flexible connection member described above with reference to <FIG> may be applied together.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the state in which the designated shape of a flexible connection member <NUM> is maintained when a foldable electronic device is unfolded, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, when the adhesive member <NUM> is attached to the first flexible connection member <NUM>, it can be seen that the designated shape of the first flexible connection member <NUM> is maintained even if the foldable electronic device is repeatedly folded and unfolded.

Comparing <FIG> with <FIG>, it can be seen that the uniformity of the designated shape of the first flexible connection member <NUM> in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG> is significantly improved compared to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, it can be seen that the designated shape of the first flexible connection member <NUM> is not disturbed in the portion corresponding to P1 in <FIG>. In addition, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, it is possible to prevent or significantly reduce friction with a structure (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>) of the foldable electronic device.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the state in which the designated shapes of flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> are maintained when a foldable electronic device is unfolded, according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, when an adhesive member <NUM> is attached on the two different flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM>, the designated shapes of the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> are maintained even when the foldable electronic device is repeatedly folded and unfolded. In addition, by forming a plurality of slits <NUM> in the adhesive member <NUM>, it is possible to further improve the uniformity of the designated shapes of the flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM>. When <FIG> is compared with <FIG>, it can be seen that the uniformity of the designated shapes of the first and second flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM>, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, is significantly improved compared to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, it can be seen that the designated shapes of the first and second flexible connection members <NUM> and <NUM> are not disturbed in the portion corresponding to P1 in <FIG>. In addition, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, it is possible to prevent or significantly reduce friction with a structure (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>) of the foldable electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, the flexible connection member <NUM> is a multilayer flexible connection member <NUM>. When the foldable electronic device is repeatedly folded and unfolded, a laminated portion of the multilayer flexible connection member <NUM> may be separated and the designated shape may be disturbed. In order to prevent this, by forming one or more slits <NUM> in at least one of the outermost layers of the multilayer flexible connection member <NUM>, as described above, it can be seen that the designated shape of the multiple flexible connection member <NUM> is maintained even when the foldable electronic device is repeatedly folded and unfolded. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, it can also be seen that the designated shape of the first flexible connection member <NUM> is not disturbed. In addition, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, it is also possible to prevent or significantly reduce friction with a structure (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>) of the foldable electronic device.

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., a program <NUM>) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory <NUM> or external memory <NUM>) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it.

A method according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store (e.g., PlayStore<IMG>), or between two user devices (e.g., smart phones) directly.

Claim 1:
A foldable electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a foldable housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a first housing portion (<NUM>, <NUM>), a second housing portion (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a hinge structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) connected with the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the foldable housing configured to be folded about a folding axis by the hinge structure;
a flexible display (<NUM>, <NUM>) disposed in the first housing portion and the second housing portion;
a plurality of printed circuit boards, PCBs, including a first printed circuit board, PCB, (<NUM>) disposed in the first housing portion and a second PCB (<NUM>) disposed in the second housing portion;
a first flexible printed circuit board, FPCB, (<NUM>) configured to be connected with the first PCB and the second PCB via connection ends (551a, 551b) disposed at opposite ends thereof and include at least one RF signal line, the first FPCB including a first flexible portion (551e) located through a designated area of the hinge structure,
a second FPCB (<NUM>) configured to be connected with the first PCB and the second PCB via connection ends (552a, 552b) disposed at opposite ends thereof and include a power line, the second FPCB including a second flexible portion (552e) located through the designated area of the hinge structure, and
an adhesive member (<NUM>) attached to at least a portion of the first flexible portion (551e) of the first FPCB (<NUM>) and at least a portion of the second flexible portion (552e) of the second FPCB (<NUM>) together within the designated area of the hinge structure to maintain shapes of the at least a portion of the first flexible portion of the first FPCB (<NUM>) and the at least a portion of the second flexible portion of the second FPCB (<NUM>) by the adhesive member (<NUM>).