Patent Description:
Developing electronic information communication technology integrates various functionalities into a single electronic device. For example, smartphones pack the functionalities of a sound player, imaging device, and scheduler, as well as the communication functionality and, on top of that, may implement more various functions by having applications installed thereon.

The user of an electronic device may search, screen, and obtain more information by accessing a network, rather than simply using the functionalities or information (e.g., applications) of the electronic device. Direct access to the network (e.g., wired communication) may enable quick and stable communication establishment but its usability may be limited to a fixed location or space. Wireless network access is less limited in location or space, delivers a level of speed and stability approaching that of direct network access, and is expected to be able to establish communication faster and more stably than direct network access.

Personal/portable electronic devices such as smartphones spread, user demand for portability and use convenience is on the rise. For example, a touchscreen display may not only serve as an output device of visual information but also provide a virtual keyboard that replaces a physical input device (e.g., a keypad). As such, electronic devices may be made compact while delivering further enhanced applicability (e.g., a larger screen). Flexible displays, e.g., foldable or rollable displays, will become commercially available and electronic devices are expected to deliver better portability and use convenience.

When an electronic device or display folds or rolls, or unfolds (hereinafter, "transforms"), a relative displacement may occur between adjacent structures or electronic components in the electronic device. In an embodiment, the electronic device may include a flexible printed circuit board electrically connecting the internal electronic components. The flexible printed circuit board may transform, corresponding to the transforming of the electronic device, and may contact or rub against another adjacent structure or electronic component. The contact or friction between the internal structures or electronic components while the electronic device transforms may cause a noise. In some embodiments, such contact or friction may wear the internal structures or electronic components. Such electronic components as the flexible printed circuit board may be worn and resultantly lose their functions. <CIT> & <CIT> each disclose flexible electronic devices having hinges.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device capable of mitigating or preventing contact (or friction) between electronic components while transforming.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide an electronic device capable of suppressing wear or damage due to contact or friction between the structures or electronic components while transforming.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing structure including a first surface facing in a first direction, a second surface facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a first side surface member at least partially surrounding a space between the first surface and the second surface, a second housing structure including a third surface facing in a third direction, a fourth surface facing in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and a second side surface member at least partially surrounding a space between the third surface and the fourth surface, a hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing structure and the second housing structure, the hinge structure providing a folding axis on which the first housing structure and the second housing structure rotate, the hinge structure including a first hinge plate mounted inside the first housing structure and a second hinge plate mounted inside the second housing structure, at least one flexible printed circuit board crossing the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate and extending from an inside of the first housing structure to an inside of the second housing structure, and at least one elastic member disposed on at least one of the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate in a position adjacent to the folding axis, wherein the elastic member is, at least one of, disposed between the first hinge plate and the at least one flexible printed circuit board, or between the second hinge plate and the flexible printed circuit board.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing structure, a second housing structure, a hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing structure and the second housing structure, the hinge structure including a first hinge plate mounted inside the first housing structure, and a second hinge plate mounted inside the second housing structure, at least one flexible printed circuit board crossing the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, the at least one flexible printed circuit board extending from an inside of the first housing structure to an inside of the second housing structure, and a plurality of elastic members individually disposed on the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, the plurality of elastic members partially facing the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the plurality of elastic members include an attaching area formed on a surface facing the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate and a non-attaching area formed to abut at least two opposite sides of the attaching area on the surface facing the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate.

Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Various embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., the processor) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it, with or without using one or more other components under the control of the processor.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a folded state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In the following description, a pair of housing structures is rotatably coupled together via a hinge structure, for example. However, it should be noted that the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to various embodiments, the electronic device may include three or more housing structures. As used herein, a "pair of housing structures" may mean two rotatably-coupled housing structures among three or more housing structures.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM> coupled together via a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>) to be rotatable to fold to each other, a hinge cover <NUM> covering foldable portions of the pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM>, and a display <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display or foldable display) disposed in a space formed by the pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a foldable housing rotatably coupled from the position in which the pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM> is folded together to the position in which the pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM> is unfolded flat. In the disclosure, the surface where the display <NUM> is in may be defined as a 'front surface' of the electronic device <NUM>, and its opposite surface may be defined as a 'back surface' of the electronic device <NUM>. The surface surrounding the space between the front and back surfaces may be defined as a 'side surface' of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first housing structure <NUM>, a second housing structure <NUM>, a first back cover <NUM>, and a second back cover <NUM>. The pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited to the shape and coupling shown in <FIG> and <FIG> but may rather be implemented in other shapes or via a combination and/or coupling of other components. For example, the first housing structure <NUM> and the first back cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other, and the second housing structure <NUM> and the second back cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> may include the first back cover <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> may include the second back cover <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be positioned on opposite sides of a first axis, e.g., a folding axis A, and they may be overall symmetrical in shape with each other with respect to the folding axis A. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be rotated on the hinge structure <NUM> or hinge cover <NUM> with respect to different folding axes. For example, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> each may be rotatably coupled to the hinge structure <NUM> or the hinge cover <NUM>, and the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be rotated on the folding axis A or different folding axes from the position where they are folded together to the position where they are inclined or unfolded side-by-side with respect to each other.

As used herein, when A and B are positioned or extend side-by-side, it may mean that A and B are positioned at least partially next to each other or at least partially in parallel with each other. According to an embodiment, when A and B are disposed (or arranged) side-by-side, it may mean that A and B are disposed (or arranged) to face in the same direction or directions parallel with each other. In the following description, although the example phrases "side-by-side" and "in parallel with each other" may be used to describe the corresponding structures, the shape or arrangement of the structures may easily be appreciated from the accompanying drawings.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may form different angles or distances depending on whether they are in an unfolded state (or, extended state, flat, state, or open state) or folded state (or folding state), or in a state therebetween. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be symmetrical in shape except that the first housing structure <NUM> further includes a sensor area 131d where various sensors are arranged. Alternatively, the sensor area 131d may be disposed in the second housing structure <NUM>, not the first housing structure <NUM>, or another sensor area may be included in the second housing structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM> may be connected to the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>) and may include a first surface <NUM> disposed to face the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> facing away from the first surface <NUM>, and a first side surface member <NUM> surrounding at least a portion of the space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first side surface member <NUM> may include a first side surface 113a disposed in parallel with the folding axis A, a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A, and a third side surface 113c extending from the other end of the first side surface 113a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A. As used herein, the term "perpendicular" or "parallel" may be interchangeably used with "partially perpendicular" or "partially parallel. " In some embodiments, "parallel" or "perpendicular" may also mean "inclined in an angle range within <NUM> degrees.

According to an embodiment, the second housing structure <NUM> may be connected to the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>) and, in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the second housing structure <NUM> may include a third surface <NUM> disposed to face the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a fourth surface <NUM> facing away from the third surface <NUM>, and a second side surface member <NUM> surrounding at least a portion of the space between the third surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second side surface member <NUM> may include a fourth side surface 123a disposed in parallel with the folding axis A, a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A, and a sixth side surface 123c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A. According to an embodiment, the third surface <NUM>, in the folded state, may be disposed to face the first surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second side surface member <NUM> may be formed in substantially the same shape or material as the first side surface member <NUM> although they may partially differ in their specific shapes.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> to receive the display <NUM> via a structural shape combination of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may have substantially the same size as the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, due to the sensor area 131d, the recess <NUM> may have two or more different widths in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis A. For example, the recess <NUM> may have a first width W1 between a first portion 120a, parallel with the folding axis A, of the second housing structure <NUM>, and a first portion 110a, formed at an edge of the sensor area 131d, of the first housing structure <NUM> and a second width W2 formed by a second portion 120b of the second housing structure <NUM> and a second portion 110b, which is parallel with the folding axis A and does not correspond to the sensor area 131d, of the first housing structure <NUM>. In this case, the second width W2 may be larger than the first width W1. For example, the recess <NUM> may be formed with the first width W1 between the first portion 110a of the first housing structure <NUM> and the first portion 120a of the second housing structure <NUM>, which are asymmetrical in shape with each other, and the second width W1 between the second portion 110b of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second portion 120b of the second housing structure <NUM>, which are symmetrical in shape with each other. According to an embodiment, the first portion 110a and second portion 110b of the first housing structure <NUM> may be formed to have different distances from the folding axis A. The width of the recess <NUM> is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, the recess <NUM> may have two or more different widths depending on the shape of the sensor area 131d or the asymmetrical shape portions of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may at least partially be formed of a metal or non-metallic material with a rigidity selected to support the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may at least partially include an electrically conductive material. When the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> include an electrically conductive material, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit/receive radio waves via the electrically conductive portions of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. For example, the processor or communication module of the electronic device may perform wireless communication using a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the sensor area 131d may be formed adjacent to one corner of the first housing structure <NUM> and to have a predetermined area. However, the placement, shape, or size of the sensor area 131d is not limited to that shown in the drawings. For example, according to an embodiment, the sensor area 131d may be provided in a different corner of the first housing structure <NUM> or in any area between the top corner and the bottom corner. According to an embodiment, the sensor area 131d may be disposed in at least an area of the second housing structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor area 131d may be disposed to extend to the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include components exposed from its front surface through the sensor area 131d or one or more openings prepared in the sensor area 131d and may perform various functions by way of the components. The components arranged in the sensor area 131d may include at least one of, e.g., a front camera device, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

According to an embodiment, the first back cover <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM> and may have a substantially rectangular periphery. According to an embodiment, the periphery of the first back cover <NUM> may be at least partially surrounded by the first housing structure <NUM>. Similarly, the second back cover <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing structure <NUM> and its periphery may be at least partially surrounded by the second housing structure <NUM>.

In the shown embodiment, the first back cover <NUM> and the second back cover <NUM> may be substantially symmetrical in shape with respect to the folding axis A. According to an embodiment, the first back cover <NUM> and the second back cover <NUM> may have other various different shapes. According to an embodiment, the first back cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second back cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second housing structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a combined structure of the first back cover <NUM>, the second back cover <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> may provide a space where various components (e.g., a printed circuit board, antenna module, sensor module, or battery) of the electronic device <NUM> may be arranged. According to an embodiment, one or more components may be arranged or visually exposed on/through the back surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through a first back surface area <NUM> of the first back cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera device, and/or flash. According to an embodiment, a sub display <NUM> may be at least visually exposed through a second back surface area <NUM> of the second back cover <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may be disposed in a space formed by the pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be seated in a recess (e.g., the recess <NUM> of <FIG>) formed by the pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM>, and the display <NUM> may be disposed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM>, a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the first housing structure <NUM>, which is adjacent to the display <NUM>, and a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the second housing structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the back surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first back cover <NUM>, a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the first housing structure <NUM>, which is adjacent to the first back cover <NUM>, the second back cover <NUM>, and a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the second housing structure <NUM>, which is adjacent to the second back cover <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may mean a display at least a portion of which may be transformed to be flat or curved. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a folding area 131c, a first area 131a disposed on one side of the folding portion 131c (e.g., a right-hand area of the folding portion 131c), and a second area 131b disposed on the opposite side of the folding portion 131c (e.g., a left-hand area of the folding portion 131c). For example, the first area 131a may be disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second area 131b may be disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing structure <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may extend from the first surface <NUM> through the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG> to the third surface <NUM>, and its area (e.g., the folding area 131c) corresponding to, at least, the hinge structure may be a flexible area that may transform from flat to curved.

According to an embodiment, the segmentation of the display <NUM> is merely an example, and the display <NUM> may be divided into a plurality of (e.g., four or more or two) areas depending on the structure or function of the display <NUM>. As an example, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the folding area 131c may extend in the vertical axis (e.g., the y axis of <FIG>) parallel with the folding axis A, and the area of the display <NUM> may be divided by the folding area 131c or the folding axis A. In another embodiment, the area of the display <NUM> may be divided by another folding portion (e.g., a folding area parallel with the horizontal axis (e.g., the x axis of <FIG>) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel with the x axis of <FIG>). The above-described area segmentation is merely physical segmentation by the pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM> and hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>) and, substantially, the display <NUM> may display a single whole screen via the pair of housing structures <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the first area 131a and the second area 131b may be overall symmetrical in shape with respect to the folding area 131c. However, unlike the second area 131b, the first area 131a may include a notch area (e.g., the notch area <NUM> of <FIG>) that provides the sensor area 131d and, in the remaining area, be symmetrical in shape with the second area 131b. For example, the first area 131a and the second area 131b may include symmetrical portions and asymmetrical portions.

Referring to <FIG>, the hinge cover <NUM> may be disposed between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> to hide the internal components (e.g., the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may be hidden by a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and second housing structure <NUM> or be exposed to the outside depending on the operation state (e.g., the unfolded state or folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>.

Described below are the operation of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> and each area of the display <NUM> depending on the operation state (e.g., the unfolded state and folded state) of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state (e.g., the state as shown in <FIG>), the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> are <NUM>-degree angled therebetween, and the first area 131a and second area 131b of the display <NUM> may be placed to display screen in the same direction, e.g., in directions parallel with each other. The folding area 131c may be flush with the first area 131a and the second area 131b.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in the folded state (e.g., the state as shown in <FIG>), the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may face each other. For example, in the folded state (e.g., the state as shown in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>, the first area 131a and the second area 131b of the display <NUM> may be rendered to face each other, angled at a small angle (e.g., from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees) therebetween. In the folded state (e.g., the state as shown in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>, the folding area 131c may at least partially form a curved surface with a predetermined curvature.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an intermediate state, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be angled therebetween at a predetermined angle, e.g., <NUM> degrees or <NUM> degrees. For example, in the intermediate state, the first area 131a and second area 131b of the display <NUM> may be angled therebetween at an angle larger than the angle when it is in the folded state and smaller than the angle when it is in the unfolded state. The folding area 131c may at least partially have a curved surface with a predetermined curvature and, in this case, the curvature may be smaller than that when it is in the folded state.

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

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, an electronic device <NUM> may include a display <NUM>, a supporting member assembly <NUM>, at least one printed circuit board <NUM>, a first housing structure <NUM>, a second housing structure <NUM>, a first back cover <NUM>, and a second back cover <NUM>. In the disclosure, the display <NUM> may be interchangeably used with a display module or display assembly.

The display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display panel) and one or more plates <NUM> or layers seated on the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plate <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the supporting member assembly <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may be disposed on at least a portion of one surface (e.g., the Z-axis facing surface of <FIG>) of the plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the display panel <NUM>. For example, a portion of the plate <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the notch area <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>.

The supporting member assembly <NUM> may include a first supporting member <NUM>, a second supporting member <NUM>, a hinge structure <NUM> disposed with the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM>, a hinge cover <NUM> covering the hinge structure <NUM> when the hinge structure <NUM> is viewed from the outside, and a wiring member <NUM> (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) crossing the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the supporting member assembly <NUM> may be disposed with the plate <NUM> and at least one printed circuit board <NUM>. As an example, the first supporting member <NUM> may be disposed with the first area 131a of the display <NUM> and a first printed circuit board <NUM>. The second supporting member <NUM> may be disposed with the second area 131b of the display <NUM> and a second printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the wiring member <NUM> and the hinge structure <NUM> may be at least partially disposed inside the supporting member assembly <NUM>. The wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) crossing the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM>. The wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A of <FIG> or the y axis) of the folding area 131c.

According to the invention, the hinge structure <NUM> includes a hinge module 164a, a first hinge plate 164b, and/or a second hinge plate 164c. The first hinge plate 164b is mounted inside the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second hinge plate 164c is mounted inside the second housing structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first hinge plate 164b may be directly mounted on the first supporting member <NUM>, and the second hinge plate 164c may be directly mounted on the second supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first hinge plate 164b (or second hinge plate 164c) may be directly mounted in other structure (e.g., a first rotation supporting surface <NUM> or second rotation supporting surface <NUM>) inside the first housing structure <NUM> (or the second housing structure <NUM>). For example, the structure in which the first hinge plate 164b (or the second hinge plate 164c) is mounted inside the first housing structure <NUM> (or the second housing structure <NUM>) may be varied according to embodiments. In another embodiment, the hinge module 164a may be mounted on the first hinge plate 164b and the second hinge plate 164c, rotatably connecting the second hinge plate 164c to the first hinge plate 164b. For example, a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A of <FIG>) may be formed by the hinge module 164a, and the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> (or the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM>) may be rotated on each other substantially with respect to the folding axis A.

As mentioned above, the at least one printed circuit board <NUM> may include the first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed on the first supporting member <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed on the second supporting member <NUM>. The first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed inside a space formed by the supporting member assembly <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM>, the second housing structure <NUM>, the first back cover <NUM>, and the second back 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>.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be assembled together to be coupled to both sides of the supporting member assembly <NUM>, with the display <NUM> coupled to the supporting member assembly <NUM>. The first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be slidably coupled to two opposite sides of the supporting member assembly <NUM>, e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM>, respectively. The first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM> may substantially be received in the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> and, according to an embodiment, may be interpreted as the respective portions of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> may include a first rotation supporting surface <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> may include a second rotation supporting surface <NUM> corresponding to the first rotation supporting surface <NUM>. The first rotation supporting surface <NUM> and the second rotation supporting surface <NUM> may include a curved surface corresponding to a curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state (e.g., the state as shown in <FIG>), the first rotation supporting surface <NUM> and the second rotation supporting surface <NUM> may cover the hinge cover <NUM>, allowing the hinge cover <NUM> to be not or minimally exposed to the back surface of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is the folded state (e.g., the state as shown in <FIG>), the first rotation supporting surface <NUM> and the second rotation supporting surface <NUM> may rotate along the curved surface of the hinge cover <NUM>, maximally exposing the hinge cover <NUM> to the back surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In the above description, the ordinal numbers as in the first housing structure <NUM>, second housing structure <NUM>, first side surface member <NUM> and the second side surface member <NUM> have been used merely for distinguishing the components, and it should be noted that the scope of the disclosure is not limited by the use of ordinal numbers. For example, although the sensor area 131d is formed in the first housing structure <NUM> in the above example, the sensor area 131d may be formed in the second housing structure <NUM> or in each of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, although the first back surface area <NUM> and the sub display <NUM> are disposed in the first back cover <NUM> and the second back cover <NUM>, respectively, the first back surface area <NUM> for placing, e.g., a sensor, and the sub display <NUM> for outputting screen, both, may be disposed in either the first back cover <NUM> or the second back cover <NUM>.

The following description is made with reference to <FIG> as necessary. In the following embodiments, the components identical to those in the above embodiments or easy to understand from the description of the above embodiments are denoted with or without the same reference numerals and their detailed description may be skipped. In the following description, the "state as shown in <FIG> in which the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> are unfolded side-by-side" may be denoted a "first position," and the "state in which the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> are folded to face each other" may be denoted a "second position.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating some components of an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> and <FIG> are plan views illustrating a combined structure of the components of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include housing structures (e.g., the first housing structure <NUM> and second housing structure <NUM> of <FIG>), supporting members (e.g., the first supporting member <NUM> and the second supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>), a flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the wiring structure or flexible printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>), a hinge module(s) (e.g., the hinge module 164a of <FIG>), and/or hinge plates (e.g., the first hinge plate 164b and second hinge plate 164c of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the first supporting member <NUM> or the second supporting member <NUM> may be mounted inside the first housing structure <NUM> or the second housing structure <NUM>. For example, the first supporting member <NUM> may be disposed between the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) and a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>), and the second supporting member <NUM> may be disposed between the display <NUM> and a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the first hinge plate 164b and the second hinge plate 164c may be coupled to be rotatable on the hinge module 164a with respect to each other. The first hinge plate 164b may be mounted on the first supporting member <NUM>, and the second hinge plate 164c may be mounted on the second supporting member <NUM>. For example, the first housing structure <NUM> (or the first supporting member <NUM>) may be rotatably coupled with the second housing structure <NUM> (or the second supporting member <NUM>) via the hinge structure <NUM> (e.g., the hinge module 164a, the first hinge plate 164b, and/or the second hinge plate 164c)).

The first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c includes at least one opening 261a. The opening 261a may be formed through the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c in a direction (e.g., the z direction of <FIG>) in which the display <NUM> faces. As described below with reference to <FIG>, the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c further includes a frame portion (e.g., the frame portion 361b of <FIG>) surrounding at least a portion of the opening 261a. The frame portion 361b is a structure defining at least a portion of the opening 261a and forms a portion of an edge of the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c.

According to an embodiment, the first hinge plate 164b or second hinge plate 164c, along with the first supporting member <NUM> or the second supporting member <NUM>, may support the display <NUM>. For example, a folding area (e.g., the folding area 131c of <FIG> or <FIG>) of the display <NUM> may be at least partially supported by the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c. According to an embodiment, when there is the user's touch (e.g., a touch input), the display <NUM> may be deformed in the area corresponding to the opening 261a. The frame portion 361b may support at least a portion of the display <NUM> in the folding area 131c, thereby preventing the display <NUM> from deforming due to an external environment (e.g., the user's touch).

According to an embodiment, there may be provided one or more flexible printed circuit boards <NUM> which crosses the hinge structure <NUM> (e.g., the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c) and extend from the inside of the first housing structure <NUM> to the inside of the second housing structure <NUM>. For example, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may electrically connect an internal component (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) of the first housing structure <NUM> and an internal component (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) of the second housing structure <NUM>. The flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is disposed across the opening 261a. For example, when viewed from above a first surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM> of <FIG>) or a third surface (e.g., the third surface <NUM> of <FIG>) of the display <NUM>, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the opening 261a. According to an embodiment, some portion (e.g., the portion C of <FIG>) of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in the internal space of the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM> of <FIG>) while remaining in a curved shape (e.g., the letter U shape). When the electronic device <NUM> transforms between a first position (e.g., the position or shape as shown in <FIG>) in which the electronic device <NUM> unfolds and a second position (e.g., the position or shape as shown in <FIG>), the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., the portion C of <FIG>) may be transformed corresponding to the transforming of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed curved inside the hinge cover <NUM> and, in that position, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may tend to turn back flat (e.g., accumulating elastic restorative force). The accumulated elastic restorative force may deform a portion of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, by the elastic restorative force, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may contact or rub against other structures (or electronic components) inside the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, it may be hard to predict the deformation of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> by the elastic restorative force when the electronic device <NUM> transforms. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a fixing member <NUM>, permitting deformation of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in the internal space of the hinge cover <NUM> and restricting the deformation of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> in the area or space off the hinge cover <NUM>. For example, the fixing member <NUM> may set a portion that may be deformed in the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the fixing member <NUM> may be mounted on the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c, and a portion of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be mounted or fastened to the fixing member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a pair of fixing members <NUM> may be mounted on the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, and one of the fixing members <NUM> may be mounted on the first hinge plate 164b, and the other may be mounted on the second hinge plate 164c. According to an embodiment, a portion (hereinafter, a 'deforming portion C') of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, which is positioned between the pair of fixing members <NUM> may be disposed inside the hinge cover <NUM>. For example, in the deformation of the electronic device <NUM>, the deforming portion C of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be deformed inside the hinge cover <NUM>. Thus, it may be predicted that when the electronic device <NUM> transforms, the deformation of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> will occur at the deforming portion C, and a measure may easily be taken to prevent contact or friction of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> to other structure(s).

According to an embodiment, the fixing member <NUM> may be disposed in the opening 261a. For example, the fixing member <NUM> may be substantially received in the opening 261a, and two opposite ends of the fixing member <NUM> may be fastened, at the edge of the opening 261a, to the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c. According to an embodiment, allowing the fixing member <NUM> to be received in the opening 261a may prevent or reduce an increase in thickness due to a structure (e.g., the fixing member) which is disposed to overlap the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c. For example, the fixing member <NUM> may provide an environment in which the deformation of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is predictable while suppressing an increase in the thickness of the electronic device <NUM> by being at least partially received in the opening 261a.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>), preventing wear or friction between the internal structures or electronic components of the electronic device <NUM>. The configuration of the elastic member <NUM> is described below in greater detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are enlarged views of area E of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> is disposed in the frame portion 361b. As described below with reference to <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> is attached to the frame portion 361b and be positioned to face the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. For example, the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed, at least, between the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> and the frame portion 361b. According to an embodiment, a portion adjacent to the deforming portion (e.g., the deforming portion C of <FIG>) of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be formed of a synthetic resin. For example, at least, the frame portion 361b or first hinge plate 164b (or the second hinge plate 164c) may be formed of a synthetic resin. According to an embodiment, as other structure, e.g., at least the frame portion 361b, around the deforming portion C is formed of a synthetic resin, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be prevented from wear or damage despite contact or friction.

A plurality of openings 261a is formed in each of the first hinge plate 164b and the second hinge plate 164c and is disposed adjacent to each other in the position (e.g., the first position) of <FIG>. For example, the frame portion 361b may be formed in each of the first hinge plate 164b and the second hinge plate 164c and, as shown in <FIG>, the frame portions 361b may be disposed side-by-side in the first position as shown in <FIG>. The electronic device <NUM> includes a plurality of elastic members <NUM> disposed (or attached) in the frame portions 361b. For example, the elastic member disposed on the first hinge plate 164b and the elastic member disposed on the second hinge plate 164c may be disposed side-by-side in the first position as shown in <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the openings 261a formed in the first hinge plate 164b and the second hinge plate 164c may be disposed to face each other in the position (e.g., the second position) of <FIG>, and the elastic members <NUM> may be disposed to face each other, with at least portions of (e.g., the frame portions 361b) the first hinge plate 164b and the second hinge plate 164c disposed therebetween. According to an embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to face one surface (e.g., the surface where the elastic member <NUM> is disposed) of each of the first hinge plate 164b and the second hinge plate 164c and, at least in the area corresponding to the frame portion 361b, may be disposed to face the elastic member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> may include a flexible or elastic material, such as sponge, silicone, or urethane. An attaching area R1 may be formed on the surface facing the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c (e.g., the frame portion 361b). For example, the elastic member <NUM> may be attached to the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c. According to an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, when viewed from above the first surface or third surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM> or third surface <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>, a portion of the elastic member <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the opening 261a or another portion may project from the edge of the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c. For example, on the surface where the attaching area R1 is formed, the elastic member <NUM> may include an area which is not attached to the frame portion. According to an embodiment, the area which is not attached to the frame portion 361b on one surface of the elastic member <NUM> may include an area with no adhesive (e.g., the non-attaching area R2 of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the non-attaching area R2 may be disposed to directly face the frame portion 361b. According to an embodiment, another portion of the non-attaching area R2 may be disposed to project beyond the edge of the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c.

<FIG> are cross-sectional views illustrating various example elastic members, as taken by cutting a hinge plate(s) along line B-B' of <FIG>, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> may include an elastic material layer 365a shaped as a flat plate with a width larger than the frame portion 361b and, as including the adhesive material layer 365b, the elastic member <NUM> or the elastic material layer 365a may be attached to the frame portion 361b. According to an embodiment, the elastic material layer 365a may include sponge, silicone, or urethane. For example, the elastic material layer 365a has flexibility or elasticity, thereby preventing wear or damage due to contact or friction with another structure. In <FIG>, the adhesive material layer 365b may be formed of an adhesive material or adhesive tape applied substantially on one surface of the elastic material layer 365a. For example, although <FIG> illustrates the elastic material layer 365a and the adhesive material layer 365b as separate layers, the thickness of the adhesive material layer 365b may be substantially too small to be recognized with the naked eye.

According to an embodiment, the area (e.g., the attaching area R1) where the adhesive material layer 365b is provided may be smaller than the width and length of the elastic member <NUM> (e.g., the elastic material layer 365a). For example, at least a portion, around the attaching area R1, of the surface facing the frame portion 361b may be the non-attaching area R2 where no adhesive material is provided. According to an embodiment, the non-attaching area R2 may be shaped substantially as a polygon or closed curve (or area) surrounding the attaching area R1, and at least a portion of the non-attaching area R2 may be disposed to directly face the frame portion 361b. For example, the attaching area R1 may be formed in a width and length smaller than the width and length of the frame portion 361b. Thus, the adhesive material between the frame portion 361b and the elastic material layer 365a may be positioned substantially in the area which the frame portion 361b or elastic material layer 365a provides.

Referring to <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> may be formed to substantially surround the frame portion 361b. For example, the elastic member <NUM> may be formed of silicone or urethane to surround the outer circumferential surface of the frame portion 361b. According to an embodiment, if the elastic member <NUM> is formed of silicone or urethane, the elastic member <NUM> may be formed in such a manner as to wrap around the frame portion 361b by insert molding or liquid silicone molding. According to an embodiment, if the elastic member <NUM> is formed by insert molding or liquid silicone molding, the elastic member <NUM> may be formed, attached or coupled to the frame portion 361b, although not including the adhesive material layer (e.g., the adhesive material layer 365b of <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the elastic member <NUM> may be formed to surround one surface of the frame portion 361b while partially surrounding another surface of the frame portion 361b. The elastic member <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be attached to the frame portion 361b via an adhesive material (e.g., the adhesive material layer 365b of <FIG>). Before attached to the frame portion 361b, the elastic member <NUM> may be deformed to various shapes within a predetermined range. According to an embodiment, if formed of silicone or urethane, the elastic member <NUM> may be attached to the frame portion 361b while being simultaneously formed by insert molding.

According to an embodiment, the above-described elastic member, e.g., the elastic member <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of <FIG>, may be disposed to at least partially surround the frame portion 361b, preventing the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> from directly contacting the frame portion 361b. For example, the elastic member <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> may prevent wear or damage which may arise when the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> contacts another structure (e.g., the frame portion 361b).

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating an unfolded state of housing structures (e.g., the first housing structure <NUM> and second housing structure <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in a first position, e.g., the unfolded state of the first housing structure and second housing structure (e.g., the first housing structure <NUM> and second housing structure <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>, the flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed substantially flat, and the deforming portion C (e.g., the deforming portion C of <FIG>) may be curved (e.g., in the shape of the letter "U") inside the hinge cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the first position, the deforming portion C may include a portion with a positive curvature radius (hereinafter, a "first curved area P") and a portion with a negative curvature radius (hereinafter, a "second curved area N").

According to the invention, the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>) is attached to the first hinge plate 164b or the second hinge plate 164c (e.g., the frame portion(s) 361b of <FIG> or <FIG>) and is disposed to face the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., the first curved area P) in the first position. According to an embodiment, in the first position, the second curved area N may be positioned adjacent to the elastic member <NUM>. For example, the second curved area N may be formed in each of the area corresponding to the first hinge plate 164b and the area corresponding to the second hinge plate 164c on the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first curved area P may be an area between the second curved areas N and may be disposed substantially in a shape with a positive curvature radius inside the hinge cover <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are views illustrating a folded state of housing structures (e.g., the first housing structure <NUM> and second housing structure <NUM> of <FIG>) of an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG>) according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed substantially in the shape of the letter "U. " For example, the deforming portion (e.g., the deforming portion C of <FIG>) may be disposed to maintain the shape with the positive curvature, and the remaining portions of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed substantially in parallel with each other while facing each other. According to an embodiment, in the second position, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> disposed inside the first housing structure <NUM> and another portion of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> disposed inside the second housing structure <NUM> may be disposed to face each other and may be connected together via the deforming portion C. It should be noted here that the sentence "two different portions of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> are disposed to face each other" describes a relative position shown in the cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG> as obtained by cutting the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, if the electronic device <NUM> is projected along the z-axis direction of <FIG> in the folded state, two different portions of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed substantially in parallel with each other in positions offset from each other. For example, although the relative positions of the two different portions of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> are mentioned in connection with the instant embodiment, it should be noted that embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, another structure, e.g., a portion of the display <NUM>, may be disposed between the two mutually-facing portions of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> transforms between the first position and the second position, the shape or position of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may vary. For example, a look at the variations in curvature radius, based on comparison between <FIG> and <FIG> reveals that the curvature radius of the second curved area N is substantially infinite in the second position and, in the first position, it is smaller than the curvature radius of the first curved area P. Regarding the variations in position between <FIG> and <FIG>, in the first position, the second curved area N is positioned adjacent to the frame portion 361b or the elastic member <NUM> and, in the second position, the first curved area P is positioned adjacent to the frame portion 361b or the elastic member <NUM> while substantially facing the frame portion 361b or the elastic member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, regardless of the first position or second position, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed to partially face the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>), a predetermined interval away from the display.

According to an embodiment, the deformation or relocation of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> due to the transformation of the electronic device <NUM> may be a cause of contact or friction to another structure. For example, as mentioned above, in the first position, the second curved area N may be positioned adjacent to the frame portion 361b and, in the second position, the first curved area P may be positioned adjacent to the frame portion 361b. According to an embodiment, the deformation of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> by the accumulated elastic restorative force may be substantially difficult to predict. For example, the shape of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> according to the distribution of the elastic restorative force may differ from the state shown in <FIG> or <FIG>. If the state of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> differs from that shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, the second curved area N, in the first position, may come in contact with the frame portion 361b and, in the second position, the first curved area P may come in contact with the frame portion 361b.

According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> is disposed substantially between the frame portion 361b and the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, thus preventing the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> from directly contacting the frame portion 361b. For example, when the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> deforms or moves to contact another structure (e.g., the frame portion 361b), the elastic member <NUM> may contact the flexible printed circuit board earlier than other structures. According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> is formed of a flexible or elastic material and is disposed to contact the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. Thus, the elastic member <NUM> may suppress wear or damage due to contact or friction of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, as the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> is disposed to rub against the elastic member, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be prevented from damage due to contact or friction.

According to an embodiment, if the adhesive material (e.g., the adhesive material layer 365b of <FIG>) is exposed to the outside of the elastic member <NUM>, it may stick to, or contaminate, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM>. The sticking of the adhesive material layer 365b or contamination of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> by the adhesive material layer 365b may cause a noise when the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> deforms. According to an embodiment, in the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>), a non-attaching area (e.g., the non-attaching area R2 of <FIG>) may be provided around the adhesive material layer. For example, as set forth above in connection with the embodiment of <FIG>, although the elastic member <NUM> includes an adhesive material layer (e.g., the adhesive material layer 365b of <FIG>), the width or length of the adhesive material layer 365b may be smaller than the elastic member <NUM> (e.g., the elastic material layer 365a of <FIG>) or the frame portion 361b, and the non-attaching area R2 may be formed around the adhesive material layer 365b. For example, although the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> contacts the elastic member <NUM>, the non-attaching area R2 may prevent the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> from contamination due to the adhesive material.

<FIG> are views illustrating example operations of manufacturing an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>) of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

According to an embodiment, a release sheet <NUM> having an adhesive material 713a applied thereto is cut and attached to an elastic material layer <NUM> (e.g., the elastic material layer 365a of <FIG>), forming an elastic member <NUM> (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>). <FIG> are a plan view and cross-sectional view illustrating the release sheet <NUM> to which the adhesive material 713a has been applied.

Referring to <FIG>, the adhesive material 713a may be attached or applied to the release sheet <NUM> and may include a double-side tape or adhesive. The release sheet <NUM> is cut in the area where the adhesive material 713a is provided, forming the adhesive material layer 713b (e.g., the adhesive material layer 365b of <FIG>) which is to be provided to the elastic member <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the shape of the cut-off release sheet <NUM> (e.g., the shape in which the adhesive material layer 713b has been formed). According to an embodiment, with the release sheet <NUM> cut off, the adhesive material layer 713b may be attached to the elastic material layer <NUM> (e.g., the elastic material layer 365a of <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the adhesive material layer 713b may be attached to the elastic material layer <NUM>, forming the elastic member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> (e.g., the elastic material layer <NUM> and/or the adhesive material layer 713b) may be cut to a proper length depending on the size (e.g., length) or shape of the portion (e.g., the frame portion 361b of <FIG> or <FIG>) to which the elastic member <NUM> is to be attached. For example, adjacent non-attaching areas (e.g., the non-attaching area R2 of <FIG>) may be formed on both sides of the adhesive material layer 713b, but no non-attaching area may be provided on the top and bottom of the elastic material layer <NUM> of <FIG>. The formed elastic member <NUM>, or the elastic member <NUM> cut to a proper length, may be attached to the frame portion (e.g., the frame portion 361b of <FIG> or <FIG>). Before attached to the frame portion 361b, the release sheet <NUM> may be removed, and the adhesive material layer 713b may attach the elastic material layer <NUM> to the frame portion 361b.

Referring to <FIG>, an elastic material layer (e.g., the elastic material layer 815b) of an elastic member <NUM> may be formed by cutting a flat material 815a. According to an embodiment, an adhesive material layer (e.g., the adhesive material layer <NUM> of <FIG>) may be formed by applying an adhesive material, with a mask <NUM> put in place.

Referring to <FIG>, the mask <NUM> may be placed and, with an area where the adhesive material layer <NUM> is to be formed exposed, the adhesive material may be sprayed or applied, forming the adhesive material layer <NUM> in some area of the material 815a.

Referring to <FIG>, it illustrates an example in which the adhesive material layer <NUM> has been formed. At least a portion, around the adhesive material layer <NUM>, of one surface of the material 815a may include an area (e.g., the non-attaching area R2 of <FIG>) where the adhesive material is not applied.

According to an embodiment, an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be formed by forming the adhesive material layer <NUM> on one surface of the material 815a. For example, the elastic member itself of <FIG> may be attached to the frame portion 361b of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>) which is to be applied to an actual product may be formed by partially removing the material 815a. For example, given, e.g., dimensional tolerances, the material 815a may be formed with a width or length larger than the elastic material layer (e.g., the elastic material layer 815b of <FIG>) which is to be applied to an actual product. After the adhesive material layer <NUM> is formed, a portion (e.g., a portion of the area where the adhesive material layer <NUM> is not provided) of the material 815a may be removed, forming the elastic material layer 815b. According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> (e.g., the elastic material layer 815b and/or the adhesive material layer <NUM>) may be cut to a proper length depending on the size (e.g., length) or shape of the portion (e.g., the frame portion 361b of <FIG> or <FIG>) to which the elastic member <NUM> is to be attached. For example, adjacent non-attaching areas (e.g., the non-attaching area R2 of <FIG>) may be formed on both sides of the adhesive material layer <NUM>, but no non-attaching area may be provided on the top and bottom of the elastic material layer 815b of <FIG>. The formed elastic member <NUM>, or the elastic member <NUM> cut to a proper length, may be attached to the frame portion (e.g., the frame portion 361b of <FIG> or <FIG>). Before attached to the frame portion 361b, a release sheet (e.g., the release sheet <NUM> of <FIG>) may be provided to prevent the adhesive material layer <NUM> from contamination by, e.g., foreign bodies.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>) comprises a first housing structure (e.g., the first housing structure <NUM> of <FIG>) including a first surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM> of <FIG>) facing in a first direction, a second surface (e.g., the second surface <NUM> of <FIG>) facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a first side surface member at least partially surrounding a space between the first surface and the side surface, a second housing structure (e.g., the second housing structure <NUM> of <FIG>) including a third surface (e.g., the third surface <NUM> of <FIG>) facing in a third direction, a fourth surface (e.g., the fourth surface <NUM> of <FIG>) facing in a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, and a second side surface member at least partially surrounding a space between the third surface and the fourth surface, a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>) rotatably connecting the first housing structure and the second housing structure, providing a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A of <FIG>) on which the first housing structure and the second housing structure rotate, and including a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate 164b of <FIG> or <FIG>) mounted inside the first housing structure and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate 164c of <FIG> or <FIG>) mounted inside the second housing structure, at least one flexible printed circuit board (e.g., the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>) crossing the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate and extending from an inside of the first housing structure to an inside of the second housing structure, and at least one elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>) disposed on at least one of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate in a position adjacent to the folding axis, wherein the elastic member is disposed between the first hinge plate and the flexible printed circuit board and/or between the second hinge plate and the flexible printed circuit board.

According to an embodiment, the elastic member may include an attaching area (e.g., the attaching area R1 of <FIG>) formed on a surface facing the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate and a non-attaching area (e.g., the non-attaching area R2 of <FIG>) formed in at least a portion of a circumference of the attaching area, on the surface facing the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate.

According to an embodiment, the non-attaching area may be shaped as a polygon or a closed curve surrounding the attaching area.

According to an embodiment, the elastic member may include sponge, silicone, or urethane.

According to an embodiment, the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate may include at least one opening (e.g., the opening 261a of <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>) formed through in the first direction or the second direction and a frame portion (e.g., the frame portion 361b of <FIG>) formed to surround or define at least a portion of the opening. The elastic member may be attached to the frame portion.

According to an embodiment, the frame portion may form a portion of an edge of the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate.

According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the first surface or the third surface, a portion of the flexible printed circuit board may be disposed to overlap the opening.

According to an embodiment, the elastic member may include an attaching area formed on a surface facing the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate and a non-attaching area formed in at least a portion of a circumference of the attaching area, on the surface facing the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate. The attaching area may be attached to at least a portion of the frame portion.

According to an embodiment, the non-attaching area may be shaped as a polygon or closed curve surrounding the attaching area. At least a portion of the non-attaching area may be disposed to directly face the frame portion.

According to an embodiment, when viewed from above the first surface or the third surface, a portion of the non-attaching area may be disposed to overlap the opening or another portion of the non-attaching area protrudes from an edge of the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a fixing member (e.g., the fixing member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the opening and including a first end and a second end fixed to the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, respectively. A portion of the flexible printed circuit board may be mounted on the fixing member.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure and the second housing structure may rotate on the hinge structure between a first position where the first surface and the third surface are unfolded side-by-side to a second position where the first surface and the third surface are folded to face each other.

According to an embodiment, the elastic member may include a first elastic member disposed on the first hinge plate and a second elastic member disposed on the second hinge plate. In the first position, the first elastic member and the second elastic member may be disposed adjacent to each other and side-by-side and, in the second position, the first elastic member and the second elastic member may be disposed to face each other, with the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate disposed therebetween.

According to an embodiment, the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate may include at least one opening formed through in the first direction or the second direction and a frame portion formed to surround or define at least a portion of the opening. The elastic member may be attached to the frame portion.

According to an embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>) comprises a first housing structure, a second housing structure, a hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing structure and the second housing structure and including a first hinge plate mounted inside the first housing structure and a second hinge plate mounted inside the second housing structure, at least one flexible printed circuit board crossing the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate and extending from an inside of the first housing structure to an inside of the second housing structure, and elastic members individually disposed on the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate and at least partially facing the flexible printed circuit board, wherein the elastic members include an attaching area formed on a surface facing the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate and a non-attaching area formed to abut at least two opposite sides of the attaching area on the surface facing the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure and the second housing structure may rotate on the hinge structure between a first position where the first housing structure and the second housing structure are unfolded side-by-side to a second position where the first housing structure and the second housing structure are folded to face each other. In the first position, the elastic members may be disposed adjacent to each other and side-by-side and, in the second position, the elastic members are disposed to face each other, with the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate disposed therebetween.

According to an embodiment, the first hinge plate or the second hinge plate may include at least one opening formed through in the first direction or the second direction and a frame portion formed to surround or define at least a portion of the opening, wherein the attaching area is attached to the frame portion. At least a portion of the non-attaching area may be disposed to directly face the frame portion.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further comprise a fixing member disposed in the opening and including a first end and a second end fixed to the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, respectively. A portion of the flexible printed circuit board may be mounted on the fixing member and be disposed on the opening.

According to an embodiment, the at least one flexible printed circuit board includes a deformable portion.

According to an embodiment, the deformable portion comprises a synthetic resin.

According to an embodiment, the deformable portion includes a first portion with a positive curvature radius, and a second portion with a negative curvature radius.

As is apparent from the foregoing description, according to various embodiments, the elastic member may be placed between the structures or electronic components which contact or rub against each other while the electronic device transforms. For example, the elastic member may secure or maintain a predetermined gap between the adjacent structures or electronic components. According to an embodiment, if a contact or friction occurs while the electronic device transforms, the elastic member may prevent direct contact between the adjacent structures or electronic components, suppressing wear or damage to the structures. According to an embodiment, although the electronic device is repeatedly transformed, the elastic member may mitigate or prevent wear to the internal structures or electronic components due to contact or friction and enhance the durability of the electronic device (e.g., the internal structures or electronic components).

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a first housing structure (<NUM>);
a second housing structure (<NUM>);
a hinge cover (<NUM>);
a hinge structure (<NUM>) rotatably connecting the first housing structure (<NUM>) and the second housing structure (<NUM>) and comprising a first hinge plate (164b) and a second hinge plate (164c);
a flexible printed circuit board (<NUM>) crossing the hinge structure (<NUM>) and extending from an inside of the first housing structure (<NUM>) to an inside of the second housing structure (<NUM>) and disposed across a first opening (261a) in the first hinge plate (164b) and a second opening (261a) in the second hinge plate (164c), wherein at least a portion of each opening (261a) is defined by a respective frame portion (361b);
wherein the hinge structure (<NUM>) includes:
a first flexible member (<NUM>) attached adjacent to the first opening (261a); and
a second flexible member (<NUM>) attached adjacent to the second opening (261a),
and wherein the first flexible member (<NUM>) and the second flexible member (<NUM>) are disposed to face the flexible printed circuit board (<NUM>) so as to prevent direct contact between the hinge structure (<NUM>) and the flexible printed circuit board (<NUM>) during folding and/or unfolding of the electronic device (<NUM>).