KR102573562B1 - Structure of Hinge including a detent structure and Foldable Electronic Device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a foldable housing including a hinge structure, a first housing structure, and a second housing structure, a flexible display, and a first detent structure, and the first detent structure A first member connected to the first housing structure, a second member connected to the second housing structure, a first ball and a second ball disposed on the first member, and between the first ball and the second ball A first detent structure including an elastic member disposed on the first member of and pressing the first ball and the second ball outwardly.

Description

Hinge module having a detent structure and a foldable electronic device including the same

Various embodiments of the present document relate to a foldable electronic device.

A portable electronic device such as a smart phone may provide various functions such as call, video playback, and Internet search based on various types of applications. The user may want to use the various functions described above through a wider screen. However, the larger the screen, the lower the portability. Accordingly, a foldable portable electronic device capable of enhancing portability by utilizing a folding structure has been developed.

In the foldable electronic device, a hinge structure may be connected to adjacent housing structures, and while the housing structures rotate at a predetermined angle, the hinge structure supports and rotates the housing structures. When a plurality of hinge structures including a plurality of gears are applied to support the hinge operation of the housing structures, the hinge operation of the housing structures may be unnatural. In this regard, it may be considered as a method of reducing the number of hinge structures, but when the number of hinge structures is reduced, the force supporting the housing structures may be weakened.

Various embodiments provide a hinge module having a detent structure capable of stably supporting hinge operations of housing structures by configuring various types of hinge structures included in the hinge module, and a foldable electronic device including the same. .

In addition, various embodiments of the present disclosure enable a foldable electronic device to maintain a designated angle according to a hinge operation of housing structures by disposing a detent structure in a hinge module, and provide a user with a sense of detent to clearly recognize the hinge operation. An object of the present invention is to provide a hinge module having a detent structure capable of providing a hinge module and a foldable electronic device including the same.

A foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is a foldable housing, and includes a hinge structure, a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure, and including a first surface and a second surface facing in an opposite direction to the first surface. , It is connected to the hinge structure, and includes a second housing structure including a third surface and a fourth surface facing in an opposite direction to the third surface, wherein the first housing structure is centered on the hinge structure. It can be folded with the housing structure, the first surface faces the third surface in a folded state, the first surface faces the same direction as the third surface in an unfolded state, and the folded state and Between unfolded states, the first housing structure is rotatable about a first axis extending along the hinge structure, and the second housing structure is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis. , a first region disposed on the first housing structure and a second region disposed on the second housing structure, the first region and the second region together forming the first surface and the third surface. A flexible display and a first detent structure disposed on the hinge housing, including a first through hole and a second through hole spaced apart from the first axis and the second axis and aligned along a parallel third axis; 1 includes a first member connected to the housing structure, a first groove or a first opening facing the first through hole and the second through hole, and a second groove or second opening, and is connected to the second housing structure. In an unfolded state, a second member formed to accommodate a portion of the first member, coupled to the first through hole, and disposed between the first through hole and the first groove or the first opening in an unfolded state A first ball coupled with the second through hole, in an expanded state, a second ball disposed between the second through hole and the second groove or the second opening, and between the first ball and the second ball A first detent structure including an elastic member disposed on the first member and pressing the first ball and the second ball outwardly may be included.

A hinge module in which a first housing structure and a second housing structure are connected for a hinge operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a hinge housing and a first detent structure seated on the hinge housing, and the first detent The structure includes a first plate coupling portion connected to the first housing structure and a second plate coupling portion connected to the second housing structure, wherein the first plate coupling portion is connected to a first coupling body and the first coupling body. and is arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and includes support parts having mounting areas formed at predetermined positions, and the second plate coupling part is formed of a second coupling body, a mounting body connected to the second coupling body, and both sides of the mounting body. Mounting parts including fixing holes, seated in the fixing holes, seated on the mounting body, and pressing the holding parts toward the mounting areas in a state in which the first housing structure and the second housing structure are unfolded. An elastic member may be included.

The hinge module in which the first housing structure and the second housing structure are connected to each other for a hinge operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is seated in the hinge housing and the hinge housing, and the hinge of the first housing structure and the second housing structure A plurality of detent structures that provide a sense of detent in a designated angular range in operation, a first hinge structure seated on the hinge housing, independently connected to the first housing structure and the second housing structure and mutually uninterlocked; and It may include a second hinge structure, a third hinge structure seated on the hinge housing, connected to the first housing structure and the second housing structure, and gear-linked.

A hinge module in which a detent structure is disposed and a foldable electronic device including the same according to various embodiments support housing structures to be more stably coupled to the hinge module.

In addition, a hinge module having a detent structure disposed thereon and a foldable electronic device including the same according to various embodiments may provide a user with a stable and firm sense of detent.

In addition, a hinge module having a detent structure disposed thereon and a foldable electronic device including the same according to various embodiments support a user to quickly and easily implement a specific mount angle desired by the user.

In addition, various objects and effects provided by the hinge module having the detent structure according to various embodiments and the foldable electronic device including the same may be mentioned according to embodiments of the detailed description.

1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a front appearance of a foldable electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
1B is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of a rear surface of a foldable electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
1C is a diagram illustrating an example of an external appearance of a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments.
1D is a diagram illustrating another example of an appearance of a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments.
2 is an example of an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.
3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a detent structure according to various embodiments.
3B is an exploded perspective view of the detent structure of FIG. 3A.
4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a designated angular state of a detent structure according to various embodiments.
Figure 4b is a view showing an example of the first plate coupling portion of Figure 4a.
5A is a diagram illustrating an example of some configurations of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the designated first area 30_1 of FIG. 5A.
FIG. 5C is a view showing an example of a cut surface along the AA′ line of FIG. 5B.
5d is a view showing an example of a cut surface along the BB′ line of FIG. 5c.
6 is a diagram illustrating an example of arrangement of a plurality of first detent structures according to an exemplary embodiment.
7A is a view illustrating another example of a first plate coupler according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a designated angular state of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.
8A is a diagram illustrating an example of an impact response structure of a detent structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
8B is a diagram illustrating another example of an impact response structure of a detent structure according to various embodiments.
8C is a diagram illustrating another example of a noise preventing structure of a detent structure according to various embodiments.
9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an unfolded state of a detent structure according to various embodiments.
10A is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-section of a detent structure in a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
10B is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of a detent structure in a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
11A is a view illustrating an example of a cross-section of a detent structure disposed in a foldable electronic device in a predetermined angle state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
11B is a view illustrating an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of a detent structure disposed in a foldable electronic device in a predetermined angle state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
12A is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-section of a detent structure disposed in a foldable electronic device in a designated angular state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
12B is a diagram illustrating an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of a detent structure in a foldable electronic device in a designated angular state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
13A is a view illustrating an example of a cross-section of a detent structure disposed in a foldable electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
13B is a view illustrating an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of a detent structure in a foldable electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
14 is a diagram illustrating an example of another form of a detent structure according to various embodiments.
15A is a diagram illustrating an example of another form of a detent structure according to various embodiments.
FIG. 15B is a view showing an example of a folded state of the detent structure based on the DD` cut line of FIG. 15A.
16A is an example of an exploded perspective view of a third hinge structure of a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
16B is a view showing an example of a cross section of a third hinge structure arrangement area of a foldable electronic device in a first state.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the third hinge structure 40 taken along line AA′ of FIG. 16 according to various embodiments.
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the third hinge structure 40 according to various embodiments taken along line BB′ of FIG. 16 .
19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first hinge structure or a second hinge structure of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.
20A is a state view of the hinge structure of FIG. 19 viewed from the top.
20B is an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of FIG. 19;
FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view of a state in which the hinge structure of FIG. 19 and the hinge plate are coupled;

Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of this document. . In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for like elements.

In this document, expressions such as "has", "may have", "includes", or "may include" refer to the presence of a corresponding feature (eg, numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part). , which does not preclude the existence of additional features.

In this document, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and/and B", or "one or more of A or/and B" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. . For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" includes (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, Or (3) may refer to all cases including at least one A and at least one B.

Expressions such as "first", "second", "first", or "second" as used herein may modify various elements, in any order and/or importance, and may refer to one element as another. It is used to distinguish from components, but does not limit the components. For example, a first user device and a second user device may represent different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of rights described in this document, a first element may be called a second element, and similarly, the second element may also be renamed to the first element.

A component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" another component (e.g., a second component); When referred to as "connected to", it should be understood that the certain component may be directly connected to the other component or connected through another component (eg, a third component). On the other hand, when an element (eg, a first element) is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element (eg, a second element), the element and the above It may be understood that other components (eg, third components) do not exist between the other components.

As used in this document, the expression "configured to" means "suitable for", "having the capacity to", depending on the situation. ", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of" can be used interchangeably. The term "configured (or set) to" may not necessarily mean only "specifically designed to" hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured (or configured) to perform A, B, and C" may include a dedicated processor (eg, embedded processor) to perform the operation, or by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device. , may mean a general-purpose processor (eg, CPU or application processor) capable of performing corresponding operations.

Terms used in this document are only used to describe a specific embodiment, and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field described in this document. Among the terms used in this document, terms defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in this document, an ideal or excessively formal meaning. not be interpreted as In some cases, even terms defined in this document cannot be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this document.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present document may include, for example, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, Desktop personal computer, laptop personal computer, netbook computer, workstation, server, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), MP3 player, mobile medical It may include at least one of a device, a camera, or a wearable device. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may be an accessory (eg, watch, ring, bracelet, anklet, necklace, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-device (HMD)), fabric or clothing integrated ( For example, it may include at least one of an electronic clothing), a body attachment type (eg, a skin pad or tattoo), or a living body implantable type (eg, an implantable circuit).

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this document, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (eg, an artificial intelligence electronic device).

1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a front appearance of a foldable electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a rear appearance of a foldable electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments. am. FIG. 1C is a diagram illustrating an example of an external appearance of a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments, and FIG. 1D is a diagram illustrating another example of an external appearance of a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments.

1A to 1D , a foldable electronic device 100 according to an embodiment includes a housing 120 including a first housing structure 121 and a second housing structure 122, and a display 110 (eg : flexible display), a first cover 161, a second cover 162, a hinge structure (or hinge structure) may include a hinge housing 150 disposed inside, and a sensor unit 190. 1A and 1B show the front and rear views of the foldable electronic device 100 in a first state (eg, a flat state, an unfolded state, or an unfolded state), and FIGS. 1C and 1D show the foldable electronic device 100 It is a perspective view including upper and lower surfaces (or left and right sides) in a second state (eg, a folded state or a folded state).

According to various embodiments, the first housing structure 121 is disposed continuously with the second housing structure 122 according to the arrangement (eg, when the center of the display 110 is flattened or the housing 120 When it is in an unfolded state), it may be arranged in parallel with the second housing structure 122 . Alternatively, when the center of the display 110 is folded, one surface of the first housing structure 121 may be disposed to face one surface of the second housing structure 122 .

At least a portion of the first housing structure 121 may be formed of, for example, a metal material, or at least a portion may be provided with a non-metallic material. For example, the first housing structure 121 may be formed of a material having a certain rigidity to support at least a portion of the display 110 . A region (or first portion) of the display 110 may be disposed on a portion of the front surface of the first housing structure 121 . At least a portion of the inside of the first housing structure 121 is provided in a hollow form or provided in a hollow form while being coupled with the first cover 161, and an electronic element (eg, a printed circuit) required to drive the display 110 A board, at least one processor mounted on the printed circuit board, at least one memory, elements such as a battery) may be disposed. According to various embodiments, an edge of the first housing structure 121 may be provided in a form surrounding an edge of one side of the display 110 .

According to various embodiments, the second housing structure 122 is arranged side by side with the first housing structure 121 according to the arrangement, or at least one surface is one surface of the first housing structure 121 (eg, the display 110). The surface on which is disposed) may be arranged to face. The second housing structure 122 may be made of the same material as the first housing structure 121 . As the second housing structure 122 is disposed horizontally or vertically symmetrically with the first housing structure 121, the remaining one area of the area disposed on the first housing structure 121 of the display 110 on the front side. It may be arranged to support at least a portion of. At least a portion of the inside of the second housing structure 122 is provided in a hollow form similar to the first housing structure 121, or provided in a hollow form while being combined with the second cover 162 to drive the display 110 Electronic elements required for may be disposed. According to various embodiments, the edge of the second housing structure 122 may be provided in a form surrounding the other edge of the display 110 .

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 100 includes a sensor placement area 123 on one side of the second housing structure 122 in which at least one sensor related to operating a specific function of the foldable electronic device 100 is disposed. can include At least one of, for example, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris sensor, an image sensor (or camera), and a fingerprint sensor may be disposed in the sensor arrangement area 123 . According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device 100 arranges the at least one sensor on the rear side, the sensor arrangement area 123 may be disposed on the rear side.

According to various embodiments, the hinge housing 150 is covered by one side of the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 according to the folded or unfolded state of the foldable electronic device 100 (eg: The housing 120 may be in an expanded state) or exposed to the outside (eg, in a folded state of the housing 120). For example, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, when the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are arranged side by side, the hinge housing 150 is formed by the first housing structure 121 and the second housing It may be obscured by structure 122 . 1c and 1d, when one surface of the first housing structure 121 and one surface of the second housing structure 122 are disposed to face each other, the hinge housing 150 is the first housing structure 121 and It may be disposed to be exposed to the outside from the side of the second housing structure 122 .

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the display 110 may be provided to be foldable. According to one embodiment, the display 110 includes a first area disposed on the first housing structure 121, a second area disposed on the second housing structure 122, and the first housing structure 121 ) and the second housing structure 122 may include a central area within a certain range around the adjacent area. At least a portion of the central region may be provided with flexibility.

According to various embodiments, the sensor unit 190 may be disposed in a certain area on the rear surface of the foldable electronic device 100 . The sensor unit 190 may include at least one of an image sensor, an illuminance sensor, a heart rate sensor, and a fingerprint sensor. In the drawings, a plurality of image sensors are arranged, but the present invention is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the sensor unit 190 may include a light emitting unit (eg, lamp or LED) related to supporting the flash function.

2 is an example of an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2 , a foldable electronic device 100 according to an embodiment includes a display 110, a housing 120, and electronic device elements, such as a first printed circuit board 131 and a second printed circuit board 132. , the first battery 133, the second battery 134, the hinge plates 141 and 142, the hinge module 200, the first cover 161 and the second cover 162 may include at least one of there is.

According to various embodiments, the display 110 may include a first area 51 , a second area 52 , and a central area 53 . The central area 53 may include a certain area located at the inner center while the display 110 is folded. At least a portion of the first region 51 may be attached and fixed to the first housing structure 121 . At least a portion of the second region 52 may be attached and fixed to the second housing structure 122 . The central region 53 may be disposed not to be fixed to (or not to be attached to) the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 . Accordingly, while the display 110 is folded or unfolded, the central region 53 may move without being attached to the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 .

According to various embodiments, the first housing structure 121 includes a first surface 121a and a second surface 121b opposite to the first surface 121a, and the second housing structure 122 is It may include three surfaces 122a and a fourth surface 122b opposite to the third surface 122a. The first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 may perform a folding motion with the hinge module 200 as an axis within a designated angular range. When the display 110 is in a folded state (or in a state in which the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are stacked), the third surface 122a faces the first surface 121a, and In the unfolded state of 110, the first surface 121a and the third surface 122a face the same direction, and the first peripheral portion 121c of the first housing structure 121 extends to the second housing structure 122. may be connected to the second peripheral portion 122c of the The display 110 (or flexible display layer) may be disposed to cross at least a portion of the first surface 121a and at least a portion of the third surface 122a. The display 9110 may be folded between the first peripheral portion 121c and the second peripheral portion 122c or in an adjacent area between the first peripheral portion 121c and the second peripheral portion 122c. A sensor placement area 123 may be disposed on one side of the second housing structure 122 .

According to various embodiments, the first printed circuit board 131 may be disposed between the second surface 121b of the first housing structure 121 and the first cover 161 . The second printed circuit board 132 may be disposed between the fourth surface 122b of the second housing structure 122 and the second cover 162 . Alternatively, after the first printed circuit board 131 and the second printed circuit board 132 are integrated into one printed circuit board, the second surface 121b of the first housing structure 121 and the first cover ( 161) or between the fourth surface 122b of the second housing structure 122 and the second cover 162. Various electronic elements necessary for driving the foldable electronic device 100 may be disposed on the first printed circuit board 131 and the second printed circuit board 132 . For example, at least one of the first printed circuit board 131 and the second printed circuit board 132 includes a memory, at least one processor, a communication circuit, an antenna, a microphone, a speaker, at least one sensor, and an electronic element related to sensor driving. , or a configuration such as a camera may be mounted.

According to various embodiments, the first battery 133 may be disposed between the second surface 121b of the first housing structure 121 and the first cover 161 . The second battery 134 may be disposed between the fourth surface 122b of the second housing structure 122 and the second cover 162 . The first battery 133 and the second battery 134 may supply power necessary for driving the foldable electronic device 100 . According to one embodiment, the first battery 133 and the second battery 134 are at least one of the first printed circuit board 131 and the second printed circuit board 132, the display 110, It may supply power to a component such as at least one sensor. Meanwhile, in the above description, a structure in which a plurality of batteries is provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the foldable electronic device 100 may include only one battery.

The hinge plates 141 and 142 are the first hinge plate 141 coupled to one side of the first housing structure 121 and the hinge module 200, or the second housing structure 122 and the hinge module 200 It may include a second hinge plate 142 coupled to the other side of. The first hinge plate 141 has, for example, one side fixed to the edge of the first housing structure 121 adjacent to the second housing structure 122, and hinge structures (or hinges) included in the hinge module 200 Structures 200a, 300, 200b and at least one detent structure 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d may be fixed to a portion of the other side. The first detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may temporarily stop the mechanical device or stop the device at a pressure below a specified level and operate the device at a pressure exceeding a specified level. It may be a configuration that According to one embodiment, the first detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d enable a designated angle mounting according to the hinge operation of the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122. As a configuration, during the rotational operation of the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122, the angle of the interior angle formed by the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 acts to stop at a designated angle. And, when a force of a specified magnitude or more is applied, the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 may have a state in which they are unfolded at a specified angle in a folded state or folded at a specified angle in an unfolded state. Accordingly, while the user folds or unfolds the first housing structure 121 or the second housing structure 122, the hinge structures 200a, 200b, and 300 and at least one detent structure 400a, 400b, and 400c , 400d) may transmit force generated by folding or unfolding the housing structures 121 and 122 to at least a portion of the housing structures 121 and 122 . For example, the second hinge plate 142 is fixed to an edge and one side of the second housing structure 122 adjacent to the first housing structure 121, and included in the hinge module 200, the hinge structures 200a, 300 and 200b) and the other part of the at least one detent structure 400a, 400b, 400c and 400d may be fixed to the other side. Accordingly, the force (or pressure) applied by the user to fold or unfold the first housing structure 121 or the second housing structure 122 is applied to the hinge structures 200a, 200b, and 300 and at least one detent structure. It may be transferred to at least a part of the rest of (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d).

The hinge module 200 includes a hinge housing 150, a first hinge structure 200a, a second hinge structure 200b and a third hinge structure 300, or at least one detent structure 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) may include at least one.

The hinge housing 150 may be provided in a semi-cylindrical shape (or a tubular shape having a semi-elliptical cross section), and may have a structure in which both ends are blocked. The inside of the hinge housing 150 is empty, and the first hinge structure 200a, the second hinge structure 200b, the third hinge structure 300 and at least one detent structure 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) can be seated. The hinge housing 150 may be formed to have a length corresponding to the length of one axis (eg, major axis) of the display or the length of one axis (eg, major axis) of the first housing structure 121 . The shape of the short-axis section of the hinge housing 150 may include a semi-circular shape, a semi-elliptical shape, or at least a portion of a curved surface. The hinge housing 150 includes at least one boss 151 used for seating and fixing at least one of the hinge structures 200a, 200b, and 300 and the detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d. (e.g. protrusions for screwing).

The first hinge structure 200a may be disposed at a point of the hinge housing 150 that is symmetrical with the second hinge structure 200b based on the center of the hinge housing 150 . For example, the first hinge structure 200a may be disposed on an upper side based on the center of the illustrated hinge housing 150 . According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure 200a may be disposed adjacent to the upper end of the hinge housing 150 . A part of the first hinge structure 200a may be fixed to the hinge housing 150 and another part of the first hinge structure 200a may be coupled to the hinge plates 141 and 142 . For example, one side of the first hinge structure 200a may be coupled to one side of the first hinge plate 141, and the other side of the first hinge structure 200a may be coupled to one side of the second hinge plate 142 . The first hinge structure 200a may perform a hinge operation in response to rotational motion of the coupled hinge plates 141 and 142 . According to one embodiment, in the first hinge structure 200a, two sub-hinge structures are alternately disposed, and the hinge plates 141 and 142 may perform a hinge operation independently of each other. At least a portion of the first hinge structure 200a may be made of a metal material.

The second hinge structure 200b may be disposed at another location of the hinge housing 150 that is symmetrical with the first hinge structure 200a based on the center of the hinge housing 150 . Alternatively, the second hinge structure 200b may be disposed biased toward the lower side based on the center of the illustrated hinge housing 150 . According to one embodiment, the second hinge structure 200b may be disposed adjacent to the lower end of the hinge housing 150 . A part of the second hinge structure 200b may be fixed to the hinge housing 150 and another part of the second hinge structure 200b may be coupled to the hinge plates 141 and 142 . For example, one side of the second hinge structure 200b may be coupled to the other side of the first hinge plate 141, and the other side of the second hinge structure 200b may be coupled to the other side of the second hinge plate 142 . The second hinge structure 200b may perform a hinge operation in response to rotational motion of the coupled hinge plates 141 and 142 . According to one embodiment, in the second hinge structure 200b, two sub-hinge structures are alternately arranged as in the first hinge structure 200a, and the hinge plates 141 and 142 are independent of each other in the hinge operation. Hinge operation can be performed with The second hinge structure 200b may be made of the same material as the first hinge structure. According to various embodiments, the second hinge structure 200b may have substantially the same structure and shape as the first hinge structure 200a, but may have a different location on the hinge housing 150.

The third hinge structure 300 may be disposed at the center of the hinge housing 150 . A portion of the third hinge structure 300 may be fixed to the hinge housing 150, and the remaining portion may be connected to the first hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142, respectively. The third hinge structure 300 includes a first housing structure 121 (or a second hinge plate 142 and a second hinge plate 142) coupled to the first hinge plate 141 and the first hinge plate 141 through interlocking gears. While the second housing structure 122 coupled to the hinge plate 142 performs a hinge operation, the second hinge plate 142 and the second housing structure 122 coupled to the second hinge plate 142 (or Force may be transmitted so that the first hinge plate 141 and the first housing structure 121 coupled to the first hinge plate 141 perform a hinge operation together.

According to an embodiment, at least one detent structure 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may be disposed at a predetermined position inside the hinge housing 150. For example, the first detent structure 400a may be disposed between the first hinge structure 200a and the third hinge structure 300 . The second to fourth detent structures 400b, 400c, and 400d may be disposed between the second hinge structure 200b and the third hinge structure 300. In the drawings shown in relation to the at least one detent structure 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d, it is illustrated that four are disposed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the hinge module 200 may include one or two or more detent structures. The at least one detent structure 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may have the same structure as each other. According to various embodiments, the plurality of detent structures may have the same structure and size, but may have different orientations in the hinge housing 150 .

According to various embodiments, the first cover 161 may be disposed to cover at least a portion of the second surface 121b of the first housing structure 121 on the rear surface of the first housing structure 121 . The first cover 161 may be disposed to cover a portion (eg, one side of the hinge housing 150) of the hinge module 200 disposed between the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122. there is. A corner of the first cover 161 may be rounded. The first cover 161 may have an empty interior or form an empty space between the first housing structures 121 while fastened to the second surface 121b of the first housing structure 121 . For example, the first cover 161 may have a rectangular bottom surface and a structure in which side walls are formed on the top or left and right sides of the bottom surface.

According to various embodiments, the second cover 162 is fastened to the fourth surface 122b of the second housing structure 122 while being disposed adjacent to the first cover 161, so that the second housing structure 122 ) may be disposed to cover at least a portion (eg, at least a portion of the fourth surface 122b). The second cover 162 may be disposed to cover the remaining part (eg, the other side of the hinge housing 150) of the hinge module 200 partially covered by the first cover 161. Corners of the second cover 162 may be rounded similarly to the first cover 161 . The second cover 162 may have a hollow inside or form an empty space between the second housing structures 122 while being fastened to the fourth surface 122b of the second housing structure 122 . In this regard, the second cover 162 may have a rectangular bottom surface and a structure in which side walls are formed at the bottom and left and right sides of the bottom surface.

In the above description, the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b are disposed at both ends of the hinge housing 150 based on the center of the hinge housing 150, and the first hinge structure and the second Although the form in which the third hinge structure 300 is disposed between the two hinge structures 200b has been described, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only one of the uninterlocked first hinge structure 200a or the second hinge structure 200b may be disposed in the hinge housing 150 without a separate interlocking gear. For example, in the foldable electronic device 100 of the present invention, the first hinge structure 200a having a non-interlocking structure is disposed at one end of the hinge housing 150 and is positioned at another location (eg, of the hinge housing 150). A plurality of third hinge structure 300 (eg, an interlocking structure including interlocking gears) type hinge structures may be disposed at the center or at the other end of the hinge housing 150 .

3A is a view illustrating an example of a detent structure according to various embodiments, and FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the detent structure of FIG. 3A. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a designated angular state of a detent structure according to various embodiments, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of the first plate coupling part of FIG. 4A.

Referring to FIGS. 3A to 4B , the third detent structure 400c may include a first plate coupling part 410 and a second plate coupling part 420 . According to various embodiments, structures of the first detent structure 400a, the second detent structure 400b, and the fourth detent structure 400d are similar to those of the third detent structure 400c, and the first It may include a plate coupling part and a second plate coupling part.

According to one embodiment, the first plate coupling part 410 may be coupled through the first housing structure 121 and the first hinge plate 141 . As another example, the first plate coupling part 410 may be coupled to the second housing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142 . The first plate coupling part 410 may be at least partially formed of a metal material (eg, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum, or an alloy thereof) or at least partially formed of a non-metallic material (eg, a plastic structure). . According to one embodiment, the first plate coupling portion 410 may include a first coupling body 411 , a bridge 412 , a first support portion 413 , and a second support portion 414 .

According to one embodiment, the first coupling body 411 has, for example, a first length designated in the first axial direction (x, -x), and a second length in the second axial direction (y, -y) and may have a bar shape or bar shape with rounded edges or corners and a certain thickness. In one embodiment, the first rivet hole 411b is disposed at the edge of the first coupling body 411 in the first direction (-x), and the edge of the first coupling body 411 in the second direction (x) has the second rivet hole 411b. Two rivet holes 411c are disposed, and the first coupling hole 411a may be disposed in at least a part of the center of the first coupling body 411 . For example, the first rivet 411b_1 may be inserted into the first rivet hole 411b, and the second rivet 411c_1 may be inserted into the second rivet hole 411c. A hole guide 411a_1 may be disposed in the first coupling hole 411a. The first rivet 411b_1 is disposed through a hole provided on one side of the first hinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142), and then the first hinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142) by a rivet process. 2 hinge plate 142 may be fixed to the first coupling body 411 . The second rivet 411c_1 is disposed through a hole provided on one side of the second hinge plate 142 (or first hinge plate 141), and then the second hinge plate 142 (or the second hinge plate 142) by a rivet process. One hinge plate 141 may be fixed to the first coupling body 411 . The hole guide 411a_1 may be coupled to the first hinge plate 141 placed thereon after being mounted in the first coupling hole 411a.

According to one embodiment, the bridge 412 may extend from the center of the first coupling body 411 by a predetermined length in the third axial direction (-y) with a designated width. A part of the first coupling hole 411a may be disposed at one side of the bridge 412 . A first support part 413 and a second support part 414 may be connected to ends of the bridge 412 .

According to one embodiment, one side of the first support part 413 extends from the bridge 412 and may be provided in an overall inverted “L” shape. According to one embodiment, the first support part 413 may include a first wing 413a, a second wing 413b, a first mounting hole 413c, or a first bent part 413d. The first mounting hole 413c may be formed as a through hole or a groove. The first wing 413a may extend from the bridge 412 in a first direction (-x) with a predetermined width. The second wing 413b may extend from an end of the first wing 413a in a third direction (-y) with a predetermined width. The first mounting hole 413c may pass through the second wing 413b (eg, pass through the second wing 413b in the first axial direction (x, -x)) and may be provided with a predetermined size. The first bent portion 413d extends from the end of the second wing 413b in the first direction (-x) (eg, the same direction as the direction in which the first wing 413a extends from the end of the bridge 412). It has a specified curvature and may be provided in a curved shape. The first bent portion 413d is formed when the first supporting portion 431 engages the first supporting portion 413 and the second supporting portion 414 while the first plate coupling portion 410 and the second plate coupling portion 420 are coupled. It can be inserted smoothly into the inside. According to various embodiments, the first bent part 413d may serve to guide the first mounting part 431 to be moved in the direction of the first mounting hole 413c while being inserted into the first mounting hole 413c. there is. According to various embodiments, as the first plate coupling part 410 and the second plate coupling part 420 rotate according to the rotational motion of the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122, respectively, To allow the first supporting portion 431 to be smoothly inserted into the first supporting portion 413, the first bent portion 413d is formed in one direction (eg, an angle designated from the -y axis to the -x axis direction in the drawing). It may be formed to protrude by a designated height or to be bent in a direction inclined by as much as).

According to one embodiment, the second support part 414 extends from the bridge 412 in the second direction (x), and is generally symmetrical with respect to the first support part 413 and the third axis (-y). It can be provided in an “L” shape. According to one embodiment, the second support part 414 may include a third wing 414a, a fourth wing 414b, a second mounting hole 414c, or a second bent part 414d. The second mounting hole 414c may be formed in the form of a through hole or a groove. The third wing 414a may extend from the end of the bridge 412 in the second direction (x) with a predetermined width. The fourth wing 414b may extend from an end of the third wing 414a in a third direction (-y) with a predetermined width. The second mounting hole 414c may be formed in the fourth wing 414b. The second curved portion 414d may be formed symmetrically with respect to the third axis (-y) with respect to the first curved portion 413d at the end of the fourth wing 414b. According to various embodiments, the fourth wing 414b and the second wing 413b may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the third axis (-y). The first bent part 413d and the bending direction of the first bent part 413d and the second bent part 414d and the bending direction of the second bent part 414d may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the third axis (-y). can

According to one embodiment, the second plate coupling part 420 may be coupled to the second housing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142 . As another example, when the first plate coupling portion 410 is coupled to the second housing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142, the second plate coupling portion 420 is the first hinge plate 141 ) It can be combined with the first housing structure 121 through. The second plate coupling portion 420 may contact or be spaced apart from the first plate coupling portion 410 according to an angle formed between the coupled second housing structure 122 and the first housing structure 121 . At least a portion of the second plate coupling part 420 may be made of a metal material or may be made of the same material as the first plate coupling part 410 . According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the second plate coupling portion 420 may be formed of a metal material, or at least a portion may be formed of a non-metallic material (eg, plastic material).

According to one embodiment, the second plate coupling portion 420 may include at least one of a second coupling body 421, a mounting body 422, an elastic member 430, or mounting portions 431 and 432. can The second coupling body 421 and the mounting body 422 may be integrally provided. In one embodiment, the second coupling body 421 and the holding body 422 may be made of the same material as the first coupling body 411 and/or the support parts 413 and 414 .

According to one embodiment, the second coupling body 421 has a certain thickness and width and may be made of a certain material, for example, a metal material. The second coupling body 421 includes a plate seating portion 421a formed lower than the surrounding by a designated height so that the second hinge plate 142 (or the first hinge plate 141) can be seated, and the plate seating portion 421a. A second coupling hole 421a_1 formed on the upper portion and used for coupling with the hinge plate, and at least one coupling protrusion 421a_2 formed on the peripheral portion formed at a height higher than the plate mounting portion 421a by a designated height and used for coupling the hinge plate. can include The plate mounting portion 421a has a depth designated so that the portion where the first or second hinge plate 141 or 142 is coupled does not protrude beyond the surrounding area according to the combination with the first or second hinge plate 141 or 142. (eg, the thickness of the hinge plate) may be formed to be stepped on one side (-z). The at least one coupling protrusion 421a_2 is aligned with a groove or hole formed in the first or second hinge plate 141 or 142 and prevents the first or second hinge plate 141 or 142 from moving , When combined with the first or second hinge plate 141 or 142, it may serve as a guide so that the first or second hinge plate 141 or 142 is well seated in the plate seating portion 421a. there is.

According to an embodiment, the mounting body 422 extends from the second coupling body 421 in a fourth direction (y), and the elastic member 430 and the mounting parts 431 and 432 may be seated thereon. there is. For example, the mounting body 422 is stepped in the same direction (-z) as the direction in which the plate mounting portion 421a is stepped so that the elastic member 430 can be seated thereon, and the outer shape of the elastic member 430 It can be provided in a form corresponding to. For example, the mounting body 422 may include an elastic member mounting portion 422a at least partially including a curved surface to correspond to the outer shape of the spring-shaped elastic member 430 . Fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 may be formed on both side walls of the mounting body 422 so that the mounting parts 431 and 432 may be fixed. For example, the mounting body 422 has a first fixing hole 422_1 having a larger diameter than the protrusions of the mounting parts 431 or 432 on the sidewall in the first direction (-x) and the sidewall in the second direction (x). A second fixing hole 422_2 having a larger diameter than the protrusion of the mounting portion 431 or 432 may be included.

According to one embodiment, the elastic member 430 may be seated on the elastic member mounting portion 422a of the mounting body 422 . For example, the elastic member 430 may have a spring shape. As another example, the elastic member 430 may have a plate spring shape. The elastic member 430 has an elastic force so that the first and second holders 431 and 432 are supported in the first direction (-x) and the second direction (x), respectively, in the elastic member seating part 422a. can exert

According to an embodiment, the holding parts 431 and 432 are connected to one side of the elastic member 430, and the first fixing hole 422_1 and the second fixing hole 422_2 formed in the elastic member seating part 422a It may be arranged so that a part protrudes in the first direction (-x) and the second direction (x) through. For example, the second holding portion 432 (or the first holding portion 431) includes a protrusion 432a having a certain curved surface and a diameter of the first fixing hole 422_1 at the lower end of the protrusion 432a. A strip 432b provided with a larger diameter and/or a pole 432c inserted into one side of the elastic member 430 may be included. At least a portion of the protrusion 432a protrudes outward from the mounting body 422 through the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2, and according to the hinge operation of the housing structures 121 and 122, the first plate coupling part 410 ) can come into contact with The straps 432b of the holders 431 and 432 may serve to support the holders 431 and 432 so that they do not depart from the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2. The pillar 432c prevents the supporting portions 431 and 432 from being separated from the elastic member 430 and prevents the elastic member 430 from being separated from the elastic member seating portion 422a. ) can be supported. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the mounting portions 431 and 432 may be formed of a metal material, or at least a portion may be formed of a non-metallic material (eg, plastic).

According to various embodiments, the holding parts 431 and 432 may first come into contact with the first curved part 413d and the second curved part 414d in the operation of contacting the first plate coupling part 410 . In this state, if a specified pressure is not added, the holding portions 431 and 432 may maintain contact with the bent portions 413d and 414d. Accordingly, the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 may be temporarily fixed at a designated first angle. When the mounting parts 431 and 432 are moved into the mounting body 422 through the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 by adding a pressure equal to or greater than the designated amount, at least a portion of the second plate coupling part 420 is It can be moved to the inside of the one-plate coupling part 410 . When the mounting parts 431 and 432 are aligned with the mounting holes 413c and 414c, the portion pushed into the mounting body 422 is moved to the outside of the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 by the elastic member 430. , at least some of which may be inserted into the mounting holes 413c and 414c. In this case, the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 may have an expanded state.

FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an example of some configurations of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments, and FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating an example of a designated first area 30_1 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C is a view showing an example of a cut surface along the line A-A′ of FIG. 3B, and FIG. 5D is a view showing an example of a cut surface along the line BB′ of FIG. 3C.

Referring to FIG. 5A , the foldable electronic device 100 may include a first housing structure 121 , a second housing structure 122 , or a hinge module 200 . The foldable electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 5A illustrates a form in which the display 110 is removed from the foldable electronic device 100 described in FIG. 1A.

The first housing structure 121 may be coupled to the first hinge plate 141 . The first housing structure 121 may be disposed on one side of the hinge module 200, for example, on the upper side based on the drawings. A printed circuit board or a battery described above in FIG. 2 may be seated on the first housing structure 121, and a first area of the display may be disposed.

The second housing structure 122 may be coupled to the second hinge plate 142 . The second housing structure 122 may be disposed on the other side of the hinge module 200, for example, on the lower side based on the drawings. A printed circuit board or a battery described above with reference to FIG. 2 may be seated on the second housing structure 122, and a second area of the display may be disposed.

The hinge module 200 includes a hinge housing 150, a first hinge structure 200a, a second hinge structure 200b, a third hinge structure 300, or at least one detent structure 400a, 400b, 400c , 400d) (eg, the detent structure 400c of FIG. 3A) may be disposed. For example, the hinge module 200 may have a length designated in the horizontal direction and have a semi-elliptical cross section.

According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure 200a may be disposed at the end of the left edge, and the second hinge structure 200b may be disposed at the end of the right edge based on the drawings. The third hinge structure 300 may be disposed between the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b or in the center of the hinge housing 150 .

According to various embodiments, an electronic element placed on the first housing structure 121 and an electronic element placed on the second housing structure 122 are electrically connected between the first detent structure 400a and the third hinge structure 300. Connecting signal wires (eg, FPCB) may be disposed. For example, one side of the hinge module 200 may be assigned a seat where the signal wire is placed.

In one embodiment, the first detent structure 400a may be disposed between, for example, the first hinge structure 200a and the third hinge structure 300 . The second detent structure 400b, the third detent structure 400c, and the fourth detent structure 400d may be disposed between the third hinge structure 300 and the second hinge structure 200b. According to various embodiments, the first detent structure 400a may be disposed adjacent to the first hinge structure 200a. The second detent structure 400b may be disposed adjacent to the third hinge structure 300 . The fourth detent structure 400d may be disposed adjacent to the second hinge structure 200b. The third detent structure 400c may be disposed between the second detent structure 400b and the fourth detent structure 400d.

In an embodiment, the detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may have substantially the same structure. The detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d each include a first plate coupling portion (eg, the first plate coupling portion 410 of FIG. 3A) and a holding portion (eg, the holding portions of FIG. 3B (eg, the first plate coupling portion 410 of FIG. 3A)). 431, 432))) and an elastic member (eg, the elastic member 430 of FIG. 3B) and coupled to the first plate coupler 410 (eg, the second plate coupler of FIG. 3A). The plate coupling part 420)) may be included. Arrangements of the detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may be different from each other. For example, the first detent structure 400a is disposed in the hinge housing 150, the first plate coupling part is fixed to the first hinge plate 141, and the second plate coupling part is fixed to the second hinge plate 142. can The second detent structure 400b is disposed on the hinge housing 150, and the first plate coupling portion may be fixed to the second hinge plate 142 and the first plate coupling portion may be fixed to the first hinge plate 141. . The third detent structure 400c may have the same arrangement as the first detent structure 400a. The fourth detent structure 400d may have the same arrangement as the second detent structure 400b. According to various embodiments, the first detent structure 400a and the fourth detent structure 400d have the same arrangement, and the second detent structure 400b and the third detent structure 400c have the same arrangement. may have a state. As described above, the detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d according to an embodiment are zigzag on the hinge housing 150 so that the plate coupling parts are in different positions to provide a sense of operation and stability. can be placed in

Referring to FIGS. 5B to 5D , the third detent structure 400c may include a first plate coupler 410 seated on the hinge housing 150 and fixed to the first hinge plate 141 . For example, at least a portion of the first hinge plate 141 is placed on the first plate coupling part 410, and the first hinge plate 141 and the first plate coupling part 410 are first coupled. The member 400c_1 may be coupled. For example, the first coupling member 400c_1 may include a screw. The first plate coupling part 410 may rotate by a specified angle according to the rotation of the first housing structure 121 and the first hinge plate 141 .

The third detent structure 400c may include a second plate coupling part 420 seated on the hinge housing 150 and fixed to the first hinge plate 141 . For example, in the hinge module 200, the second hinge plate 142 is placed on the second plate coupling portion 420, and the second plate coupling portion 420 passes through the second hinge plate 142. ) may further include a second coupling member 400c_2 for coupling. The second plate coupling part 420 may perform a hinge operation together in response to rotation of the second housing structure 122 and the second hinge plate 142 .

When the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 have an unfolded state as shown, at least a portion of the first plate coupling portion 410 and the second plate coupling portion 420 contact each other can be arranged so that In this operation, the elastic force of the elastic member 430 disposed on the second plate coupling part 420 may act in the first direction (−x) or the second direction (x) of the hinge housing 150 . By the elastic member 430, the first holding portion 431 (or the second holding portion) protrudes in a direction in which the second plate coupling portion 420 and the first plate coupling portion 410 come into contact, While being in contact with the wings of the plate coupling portion 410 , it may be moved to the inside of the second plate coupling portion 420 and then seated in a groove or hole provided in the first plate coupling portion 410 . The supporting parts 431 and 432 are formed of a pillar 432c on which the end of the elastic member 430 is seated, and at least a part extending from the pillar 432c and at least partially mounted on the supporting areas is formed as a part of a sphere. A protrusion 432a and a strip 432b formed between the protrusion 432a and the pillar 432c to prevent the elastic member from being separated from the fixing hole 422_2 may be included.

In the detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d, when the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are in a folded state, the plate coupling parts 410 and 420 are disposed separately from each other, and The first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 may be coupled to each other during a hinge operation from a folded state to an unfolded state. In this operation, in the detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d, the mounting portions 431 and 432 pressed in a certain direction by the elastic member 430 are seated in the groove or hole, or the groove or hole As the holding part is separated from the base, a certain sense of detent may be provided.

6 is a diagram illustrating an example of arrangement of a plurality of first detent structures according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an embodiment, in the detent structures 400c and 400d shown in FIG. 6 (eg, area 30_2 of FIG. 3 ), the angle between the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 is a certain angle. (Example: 120 degrees or 140 degrees) indicates the operating state.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 6 , a plurality of detent structures may be disposed in the hinge module 200 . According to an embodiment, the plurality of detent structures disposed in the hinge module 200 may have plate couplers disposed at different positions, as shown in FIG. 6 . The fourth detent structure 400d disposed adjacent to the third detent structure 400c may include a third plate coupling part 410_2 and a fourth plate coupling part 420_2 . The third plate coupling portion 410_2 has substantially the same shape or structure as the first plate coupling portion 410 of the third detent structure 400c, and the fourth plate coupling portion 420_2 has the third plate coupling portion 420_2. It may have substantially the same shape or structure as the second plate coupler 420 of the detent structure 400c. For example, the third detent structure 400c may be combined with the first hinge plate 141 by placing the first plate coupling part 410 on the upper side (eg, on the upper side with respect to FIG. 3A ). The two-plate coupling part 420 is disposed on the lower side (eg, lower side with reference to FIG. 3A ) and can be coupled with the second hinge plate 142, and the fourth detent structure 400d is the third plate coupling part 410_2 is connected to the second housing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142, and the fourth plate coupling part 420_2 is connected to the first housing structure 121 through the first hinge plate 142. can be connected

According to an embodiment, the first plate coupling part 410 of the third detent structure 400c includes a first mounting hole 413c and a second mounting hole 414c, and the first housing structure 121 ) can be connected to The first mounting hole 413c and the second mounting hole 414c may be provided in a groove shape (eg, mounting groove).

The second plate coupling part 420 of the third detent structure 400c may include a first fixing hole 422_1 or a second fixing hole 422_2 and be connected to the second housing structure 122 . there is. The second plate coupling part 420 is spaced apart from a virtual first axis around which the first housing structure 121 rotates and a virtual second axis around which the second housing structure 122 rotates, and the first fixing hole 422_1 ) and a third shaft 601 arranged in parallel with the second fixing hole 422_2.

The first plate coupling part 410 is a first mounting hole 413c (or groove, or opening), and a second mounting hole 414c (or groove, or opening) disposed in an area facing the second fixing hole 422_2, and accommodating at least a portion of the second plate coupling part 410. It has a structure that can be connected to the first housing structure 121.

According to various embodiments, in an unfolded state of the housing structures 121 and 122, the third detent structure 400c is coupled to the first fixing hole 422_1 and the first fixing hole 422_1 and The first mounting part 431 disposed between the first mounting holes 413c and the second fixing hole 422_2 are combined, and between the second fixing hole 422_2 and the second mounting hole 414c. The second holder 432 is disposed, located in the second plate coupling part 420 between the first holder 431 and the second holder 432, and the first holder 431 and the An elastic member 430 that presses the second mounting portion 432 outward may be included.

The fourth detent structure 400d may include a third plate coupling part 410_2, a fourth plate coupling part 420_2, a third holding part 431_2, a fourth holding part 432_2, or a second elastic member ( 430_2) may be included.

The fourth plate coupling part 420_2 is a virtual first axis related to the hinge operation of the first housing structure 121, a virtual second axis related to the hinge operation of the second housing structure 122, and the first axis. It includes a third fixing hole 422_3 and a fourth fixing hole 422_4 aligned on the basis of an imaginary fourth axis 602 spaced apart from the third axis 601, and is connected to the first housing structure 122. can The third plate coupling part 410_2 is a third mounting hole 413c_2 (or groove, or opening) facing the third fixing hole 422_3 in the unfolded state of the housing structures 121 and 122, the first 4 includes a fourth mounting hole 414c_2 (or groove, or opening) facing the fixing hole 422_4 and has a structure for accommodating at least a part of the fourth plate coupling part 420_2, and the second housing It may be connected to structure 122 . The third mounting hole 413c_2 and the fourth mounting hole 414c_2 formed in the fourth plate coupling part 420_2 may be formed in a mounting groove shape. The third mounting portion 431_2 is combined with the third fixing hole 422_3 in the unfolded state of the housing structures 121 and 122, and the third fixing hole 422_3 and the third mounting hole 413c_2 ) can be placed between The fourth mounting portion 432_2 is coupled to the fourth fixing hole 422_4 in an unfolded state of the housing structures 121 and 122, and the fourth fixing hole 422_4 and the fourth mounting hole ( 414c_2). The second elastic member 430_2 is located in the fourth plate coupling part 420_2 between the third holding part 431_2 and the fourth holding part 432_2, and the third holding part 431_2 and the fourth holding part 432_2 4 may be arranged to press the holding portion 432_2 outward.

When a plurality of detent structures according to various embodiments are disposed, the plate coupling part including the elastic member is disposed differently from the position where the other detent structures are disposed, and thus, when considering the elastic member, the hinge housing 150 The arrangement state of the detent structures within may be arranged in a zigzag pattern. According to various embodiments, the arrangement of the detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may include various types. For example, the second plate coupling portion 420 including the elastic member 430 is connected to the second housing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142, and the second plate coupling portion 420 The arrangement type in which the first plate coupling part 410 including the support parts 413 and 414 surrounding at least a part of is connected to the first housing structure 121 through the first hinge plate 141 is the first type. And, the second plate coupling portion 420 including the elastic member 430 is connected to the first housing structure 121 through the first hinge plate 141, and the second plate coupling portion 420 The arrangement type in which the first plate coupling part 410 including the support parts 413 and 414 surrounding at least a part is connected to the second housing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142 is defined as the second type. can do. According to various embodiments, when the first detent structure 400a is disposed as a first type, the second detent structure 400b is disposed as a second type, and the third detent structure 400c is disposed as a first type. type, and the fourth detent structure 400d may be arranged in a second type. According to various embodiments, the first detent structure 400a is of a first type, the second detent structure 400b is of a first type, and the third detent structure 400c is of a second type. , and the fourth detent structure 400d may be of the second type. According to various embodiments, when the first detent structure 400a is disposed as a first type, the second detent structure 400b is disposed as a second type, and the third detent structure 400c is disposed as a second type. The fourth detent structure 400d may be arranged in a first type.

According to various embodiments, the detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may have an arrangement opposite to that of the above-described types. For example, the fourth detent structure 400d is of the first type, the third detent structure 400c is of the second type, and the second detent structure 400b is of the first type. and the first detent structure 400a may be disposed in a second type. According to an embodiment, the fourth detent structure 400d is of the first type, the third detent structure 400c is of the first type, and the second detent structure 400b is of the second type. , and the first detent structure 400a may be of the second type. According to an embodiment, the fourth detent structure 400d is of the second type, the third detent structure 400c is of the first type, and the second detent structure 400b is of the first type. , and the first detent structure 400a may be of the second type. According to various embodiments, all of the detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may be disposed in the same direction (eg, the first type or the second type).

7A is a diagram illustrating another example of a first plate coupling unit according to various embodiments, and FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a designated angular state of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , according to various embodiments, a first type first plate coupling part 410_a includes a first coupling body 411, a bridge 412, a first type first support part 413_1 and / or a first type second support 414_1 may be included. The first type first support part 413_1 and the first type second support part 414_1 may include a bent part having a designated length and a designated size. According to one embodiment, the first type first support part 413_1 and the first type second support part 414_1 are located in contact with the supporting parts of the second plate coupling part, as shown in FIG. 8, the first foldable part. The angle between the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 of the electronic device 880a may be designed to be a first designated angle (eg, 120 degrees). A foldable electronic device according to an embodiment may provide a holding function at a specific angle by maintaining a designated angle within a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure may vary according to the elastic force of the elastic member, the curvature of the holding parts, the shape of the holding area, and the like.

According to various embodiments, the second type first plate coupling part 410_b includes the first coupling body 411, the bridge 412, the second type first support part 413_2 and the second type second support part 414_2. can include The first coupling body 411 and the bridge 412 of the second type first plate coupling portion 410_b may have the same or similar configurations as the coupling body and bridge of the first type first plate coupling portion 410_a. there is.

The second type first support part 413_2 and the second type second support part 414_2 may include a bent part having a designated length and a designated size. According to one embodiment, the second type first support part 413_2 and the second type second support part 414_2 are located in contact with the mounting portions of the second plate coupling part, as shown in FIG. 8 , the second foldable part. An angle between the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 of the electronic device 800b may be designed to be a second designated angle (eg, 140 degrees). For example, the first type first support part 413_1 (or the first type second support part 414_1) may include a first type bent part 413d_1 having a first length L1. The second type first support part 413_2 (or the second type second support part 414_2) has a second length L2 (eg, a second length L2 shorter than the first length L1). A type 2 bent portion 413d_2 may be included.

According to various embodiments, the temporary fixed angle of the first foldable electronic device 800a including the first type first plate coupling part 410_a and the second type including the second type first plate coupling part 410_b In order to design the temporary fixing angle of the foldable electronic device 800b differently, the first type first support part 413_1 (or the first type second support part 414_1) is a first type wing 413b_1 having a first length. , and the second type first support part 413_2 (or the second type second support part 414_2) may include a second type wing 413b_2 having a second length.

In the drawing, it is shown that the wings 413b_1 and 413b_2 and the curved portions 413d_1 and 413d_2 have different lengths for each type, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first foldable electronic device 800a temporarily fixed at a first designated angle and the second foldable electronic device 800b temporarily fixed at a second designated angle include the wings 413b_1 and 413b_2 and the bent parts 413d_1 and 413d_2 At least one of them may be implemented in a different form. In this case, as the point at which the holding parts 431 and 432 come into contact with the curved parts 413d_1 and 413d_2 varies according to the length of each support part, the angle at which the foldable electronic devices are temporarily fixed may be implemented differently.

8A is a diagram illustrating an example of an impact response structure of a detent structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. A structure of a detent structure employing an impact response structure described below may be at least one of the plurality of detent structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d described above.

Referring to FIG. 8A , a detent structure employing an impact response structure may include a first plate coupling part 410 and a second plate coupling part 420 .

According to an embodiment, the first plate coupling part 410 may have substantially the same structure and configuration as the first plate coupling part described above with reference to FIG. 3A. For example, the first plate coupling portion 410 may include a first coupling body 411 , a bridge 412 , a first support portion 413 , and a second support portion 414 .

According to an embodiment, the second plate coupling portion 420 may include the same or similar configuration as the second plate coupling portion described above in FIG. 3A except for some configurations. For example, the second plate coupling part 420 may include a second coupling body 421 , a mounting body 422 , and an elastic member 430 . In addition, the second plate coupling part 420 is disposed inside the mounting body 422 and at least partially protrudes to the outside through fixing holes formed in the mounting body 422, the mounting portions 431_1 and 432_2, the Shock absorbing members 441a and 442a are disposed on one side of the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1 to absorb shock generated while the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1 come into contact with one side of the mounting body 422. can

According to one embodiment, the second coupling body 421 has a certain thickness and width and may be made of a certain material, for example, a metal material. The second coupling body 421 may have the same or similar configuration as the second coupling body described in FIG. 3A.

According to one embodiment, the mounting body 422 extends from the second coupling body 421 in the fourth direction (y), and an elastic member seating portion 422a is formed on the inner side so that the elastic member 430 , The mounting portions 431_1 and 432_1 and the shock absorbing members 441a and 442a may be seated. For example, the mounting body 422 forms an empty space therein so that the elastic member 430 can be seated therein, and the elastic member 430, the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_2 and the shock absorbing members are formed upward. (441a, 442a) may include an opening opening upward to be inserted. Fixing holes 422_1 and 432_2 are fixed to both side walls of the mounting body 422 so that at least a portion of the mounting portions 431_1 and 432_2 protrude outward from the mounting body 422. 422_2) may be disposed.

According to one embodiment, the elastic member 430 may be seated in an empty space inside the mounting body 422 . The elastic member 430 may have a spring shape. As the elastic member 430 is disposed to push the supporting parts 431_1 and 432_2 and the shock absorbing members 441a and 442a to both sides after being inserted into the mounting body 422, as shown in FIG. 3A above. It may be formed relatively short compared to the described elastic member.

According to an embodiment, the holding parts 431_1 and 432_2 are connected to one side of the elastic member 430 and pass through a first fixing hole 422_1 and a second fixing hole 422_2 formed in the mounting body 422. It may be arranged to partially protrude in the first direction (-x) and the second direction (x). For example, the second holding portion 432 (or the first holding portion 431) includes a protrusion 432a having a certain curved surface and a diameter of the first fixing hole 422_1 at the lower end of the protrusion 432a. A band 432b having a larger diameter and/or a pillar 432c inserted and mounted on one side of the elastic member 430, and a ring in which the shock absorbing member 442a (or the shock absorbing member 441a) is disposed. A groove 432d may be included. The ring grooves 431d and 432d in which the shock absorbing members 441a and 442a are seated may be disposed adjacent to the band 432b or 431b. The ring-shaped shock absorbing members 441a and 442a may be seated in the ring grooves 431d and 432d.

The shock absorbing members 441a and 442a may be fixed to the ring grooves 431d and 432d formed in front of the belt of the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1. The shock absorbing members 441a and 442a are disposed inside the mounting body 422 and may be disposed inside the mounting body 422 while being disposed adjacent to the bands 432b or 431b of the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1. there is. At least some of the shock absorbing members 441a and 442a may be formed of an elastic material, or at least some of them may be formed of a material capable of absorbing external impact, such as rubber, soft plastic, fiber, or a combination thereof.

According to one embodiment, the shock absorbing members 441a and 442a are formed on inner surfaces of the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 of the mounting body 422 and the bands 432b or 431b of the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1. While the holding parts 431_1 and 432_1 move inside the holding body 422 during the detent operation and return to their original positions, the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 inside the holding body 422 It is possible to relieve the impact generated during contact with the inner surface. Accordingly, the shock absorbing members 441a and 442a eliminate noise or impact generated when the mounting portions 431_1 and 432_1 come into contact with the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 to suppress noise generation, Damage to the mounting portions 431_1 and 432_1 may be prevented.

8B is a diagram illustrating another example of an impact response structure of a detent structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8B , a detent structure having an impact response structure according to various embodiments may have the same or similar structure as the detent structure described above with reference to FIG. 8A except for mounting portions and shock absorbing members. According to one embodiment, the detent structure includes a first plate coupling portion 410 and a second plate coupling portion 420, and the second plate coupling portion 420 includes a second coupling body 421, elastic Mounting parts 431_2 to which the mounting body 422 having the elastic member mounting portion 422a on which the member 430 is seated, the elastic member 430, and the plurality of shock absorbing members 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, and 442b_2 are coupled. , 432_2), and fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 formed on one side of the mounting body 422 to expose at least a portion of the mounting parts 431_2 and 432_2 to the outside.

According to an embodiment, the mounting portion 431_2 described in FIG. 8B (or described based on the mounting portion 432_2 and below the mounting portion 432_2) includes a strip 432b_1 located at the front end of the pillar 432c and a protrusion 432a. ), a plurality of ring grooves 432d_1 and 432d_2 and an auxiliary belt 432b_2 are formed, and a plurality of shock absorbing members 442b_1 and 442b_2 may be seated in the ring grooves 432d_1 and 432d_2, respectively. In this regard, the holding parts 431_2 and 432_2 may have longer protrusions 432a compared to the holding parts 431_1 and 432_2 described with reference to FIG. 8A. According to various embodiments, the length of the mounting body 422 may be longer than the length of the mounting body described with reference to FIG. 8A. Alternatively, the elastic member 430 seated on the mounting body 422 may be shorter than the elastic member 430 described with reference to FIG. 8A.

According to various embodiments, at least some of the protrusions 432a of the mounting portions 431_2 and 432_2 to which the shock absorbing members 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, and 442b_2 are seated are fixing holes formed in the mounting body 422. (422_1, 422_2) may be located inside. According to an embodiment, at least some of the shock absorbing members 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, and 442b_2 may be located inside the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2. The shock absorbing members 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, and 442b_2 may be at least partially formed of an elastic material, or at least partially formed of a material capable of absorbing external impact, such as rubber, soft plastic, fiber, or a combination thereof. can Accordingly, as the shock absorbing members 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, and 442b_2 contact the inner walls of the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2, the shock absorbing members 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, and 442b_2 Noise or impact caused by contact between the mounting portions 431_2 and 432_2 and the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 may be eliminated.

8C is a diagram illustrating another example of a noise preventing structure of a detent structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8C , a detent structure having an impact response structure according to various embodiments may have the same or similar structure as the detent structure described above with reference to FIG. 8A except for mounting portions and shock absorbing members. According to one embodiment, the detent structure includes a first plate coupling portion 410 and a second plate coupling portion 420, and the second plate coupling portion 420 includes a second coupling body 421, elastic The mounting body 422 having the elastic member mounting portion 422a on which the member 430 is seated, the elastic member 430, the mounting portions 431_3 and 432_3 to which the shock absorbing members 441c and 442c are coupled, and the mounting It may include fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 formed on one side of the body 422 so that at least a portion of the holding parts 431_3 and 432_3 are exposed to the outside.

According to an embodiment, the mounting portion 432_3 (or the mounting portion 431_3) described in FIG. 8C includes fixing holes 422_1 formed in the mounting body 422 between the strip 432b and the protrusion 432a. A rail groove 432d_3 formed longer than the length of 422_2 may be included. The detent structure is seated in the rail grooves 432d_3 formed in the mounting portions 431_3 and 432_3, and includes hat-shaped shock absorbing members having inner sides pierced so as to come into contact with the inner sides of the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2. (441c, 442c). Accordingly, while the mounting portions 431_3 and 432_3 are arranged to pass through the inside of the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 so that the ends of the protrusions 432a are exposed to the outside, the shock absorbing members 441c, A portion of the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 may be disposed to contact at least some of the inlets of the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 while contacting the entire inner surfaces of the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 . Accordingly, the shock absorbing members 441c and 442c are moved to the inside of the mounting body 422 by a predetermined depth during the detent operation of the mounting portions 431_3 and 432_3 and then return to their original positions by an additional detent operation. When restored to , noise generation due to contact between the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 and the mounting parts 431_3 and 432_3 can be suppressed and impact can be eliminated.

9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an unfolded state of a detent structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 9 , when the first housing structure and the second housing structure of the foldable electronic device are placed in an unfolded state, as shown, the first plate coupling part 410 and the second plate coupling part 420 fasten It can be. For example, the second mounting portion 432 disposed on the second plate coupling portion 420 may be seated in the second mounting hole 414c formed in the first plate coupling portion 410 . According to various embodiments, the second mounting hole 414c may be provided as a circular hole, and at least a portion of the second mounting portion 432 inserted into the second mounting hole 414c may be provided in a hemispherical shape. can

According to one embodiment, the center 900_1 of the second mounting portion 432 and the center 900_2 of the second mounting hole 414c may be displaced from each other. For example, the first plate coupling part (for example, the center 900_1 of the second mounting part 432 is biased in one direction (eg, y direction) than the center 900_2 of the second mounting hole 414c. 410) can be designed eccentrically. As the protruding portion of the foldable electronic device is arranged so that the protruding portion is biased in one direction, the second holding portion 432 is located on the inner circumferential surface of the second mounting hole 414c. By being adjacent to , the third detent structure 400c may prevent the second supporting portion 432 of the first plate coupling portion 410 from moving in the rotational direction 909 . As another example, the third detent structure 400c may include the housing structures 121 and 122 to prevent the foldable electronic device from being additionally bent outward (eg, in the z direction) in an unfolded state (to prevent the display from being bent outward). can support For example, during a hinge operation of an electronic device, force is applied in a 900-degree direction, so that a solid 180-degree detent can be implemented.

10A is a view illustrating an example of a cross-section of a detent structure disposed in a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments, and FIG. 10B is a view showing a detent structure in a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments. It is a drawing showing an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of the arrangement.

10A and 10B , the foldable electronic device 100 is in a second state (eg, a folded state in which the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 face each other), the first hinge plate The first plate coupler 410 coupled to 141 may be disposed upright in one direction (eg, z direction) within the hinge housing 150 . Similarly, the second plate coupler 420 coupled to the second hinge plate 142 may be disposed upright in one direction within the hinge housing 150 . Accordingly, the first plate coupling part 410 and the second hinge plate 412 may be disposed to face each other at positions spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval. The display 110 may be disposed between the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 121 in a state in which the central area (eg, the central area 53 of FIG. 2 ) is folded.

11A is a view showing an example of a cross-section of a detent structure disposed in a foldable electronic device in a constant angle state according to various embodiments, and FIG. 11B is a view showing a detent structure in a foldable electronic device in a certain angle state according to various embodiments. It is a drawing showing an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of the arrangement.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B , the foldable electronic device 100 is in a predetermined angle state (eg, in order to change the state of the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 from a folded state to an unfolded state, a designated rotated by an angle), the first plate coupling part 410 coupled to the first hinge plate 141 forms a first angle (eg, about 90 degrees) with the y-axis within the hinge housing 150 In this state, it may be disposed in a state forming a second angle (eg, about 45 degrees) different from the first angle with the y-axis. Similarly, the second plate coupling part 420 coupled to the second hinge plate 142 forms a first angle (for example, about 90 degrees) with the y-axis within the hinge housing 150. and a second angle different from the first angle (eg, about 45 degrees). According to various embodiments, the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 may be unfolded at an angle of about 45 degrees (or about -45 degrees) in opposite directions in a folded state. Correspondingly, the inside angle formed by the first plate coupling part 410 and the second plate coupling part 420 may be about 90 degrees. In this operation, the first plate coupling part 410 and the second plate coupling part 420 may be separated from each other by a predetermined interval and may have an inclined state without contacting each other. The display 110 may be disposed between the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 121 in a state in which the central region (central region 53 of FIG. 2 ) is unfolded in a specified angular range in a folded state. The first plate coupling part 410 connected to the first housing structure 121 through the first hinge plate 141 rotates in a specified angle range (eg, 0 to 90 degrees) with respect to the first imaginary axis 1001 can do. The second plate coupling part 420 connected to the second housing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142 rotates in a specified angle range (eg, 180 to 90 degrees) with respect to the second virtual axis 1002 can do. The first imaginary axis 1001 and the second imaginary axis 1002 may be formed virtually above the first hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142 .

12A is a view illustrating an example of a cross-section of a detent structure disposed in a foldable electronic device in a designated angular state according to various embodiments, and FIG. 12B is a view showing a detent structure in a foldable electronic device in a designated angular state according to various embodiments. It is a drawing showing an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of the arrangement.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the foldable electronic device 100 is in a designated angular state (eg, the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are hinged during a hinge operation. 11a and 11b), the first plate coupling part 410 coupled to the first hinge plate 141 moves from one direction (eg, z direction) to the third direction within the hinge housing 150. (eg, -y) can be arranged in a tilted state by an angle (eg, about 60 degrees or about 70 degrees). Similarly, the second plate coupling part 420 coupled to the second hinge plate 142 has a designated angle (eg, about -60 degrees) from one direction to the fourth direction (eg, y) within the hinge housing 150. degrees or about -70 degrees). According to various embodiments, the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are 60 degrees and -60 degrees (or 70 degrees) in opposite directions in a folded state (eg, FIGS. 10A and 10B). and -70 degrees). Correspondingly, the inside angle formed by the first plate coupling part 410 and the second plate coupling part 420 may be 120 degrees (or 140 degrees). In this operation, at least a portion of the first plate coupling portion 410 and the second plate coupling portion 420 may be in contact with each other. For example, the curved parts 413d and 414d of the first plate coupling part 410 may come into contact with the resting parts 431 and 432 of the second plate coupling part 420 . In this state, by the elastic force of the elastic member 430 of the second plate coupling part 420 and friction between the resting parts 431 and 432 and the bent parts 413d and 414d, the foldable electronic device 100 is in the current state. can be temporarily fixed. When the display 110 is disposed on the housing structures 121 and 122, the angle corresponding to the arrangement angle of the housing structures 121 and 122 is greater than the unfolded angle of FIGS. 11A and 11B. It can have an unfolded state.

13A is a view illustrating an example of a cross-section of a detent structure disposed in a foldable electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 13B is a view illustrating an example of a cross-sectional perspective view of a detent structure in a foldable electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B , the foldable electronic device 100 is in a first state (eg, a state in which the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are unfolded), the first hinge plate 141 The first plate coupling portion 410 coupled to the second plate coupling portion 420 coupled to the second hinge plate 142 may be coupled and disposed within the hinge housing 150 . The mounting portions 431 and 432 of the second plate coupling portion 420 may be seated in the mounting holes 413c and 414c of the first plate coupling portion 410 . The display 110 may have a state in which the housing structures 121 and 122 are unfolded at 180 degrees correspondingly to this state.

14 is a diagram illustrating an example of another form of a detent structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 14 , a detent structure 1200 according to an embodiment may include a first plate coupling portion 1210 and a second plate coupling portion 1220 .

The first plate coupling portion 1210 may include a first coupling body 1211 , a first support portion 1213 , and/or a second support portion 1214 .

According to one embodiment, the first coupling body 1211 has a certain thickness and surface, and the first hinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142) (eg, the hinge plate of FIG. 2 ( 141 and 142)) may include a plate seating portion 1211a formed to be stepped higher than the periphery. A plate coupling hole 1211a_1 used for coupling the hinge plate may be disposed at one side of the plate seating portion 1211a. The first coupling body 1211 may include at least one coupling protrusion 1211a_2 guiding the hinge plate while being coupled with the hinge plate.

According to an embodiment, the first support part 1213 may extend in one direction (-y) from one end (eg, -x direction) of the first coupling body 1211 . The first support part 1213 includes, for example, a first wing 1213a having a certain width and extending in one direction (-y), and extending in one direction (-y) from the end of the first wing 1213a and inward ( Example: It may include the first step 1213b (or concavo-convex) raised by a height designated in the x direction). As the first step 1213b comes into contact with the first holding part 1231 of the second plate coupling part 1220 through a rotational motion, it can smoothly support the inward movement of the first holding part 1231. It may have a certain inclination from an upper side (eg z direction) to a lower side (eg −z direction).

According to one embodiment, the second support part 1214 may extend in one direction (-y) from the other (eg, x-direction) end of the first coupling body 1211 . The second support part 1214 is, for example, a second wing 1214a having a certain width and extending in one direction (-y), and extending in one direction (-y) from the end of the second wing 1214a and inward ( Example: It may include the second step 1214b (or concavo-convex) raised by a height designated in the -x direction). The second support part 1214 may face the first support part 1213 and be symmetrically arranged. Similar to the first step 1213b, the second step 1214b comes into contact with the second holder 1232 of the second plate coupling part 1220 through a rotational motion, so that the second holder 1232 It may have a certain inclination from the upper side (eg, z direction) to the lower side (eg, -z direction) so as to smoothly support the inward movement of .

According to an embodiment, the second plate coupling part 1220 may include a second coupling body 1221, a holding body 1222, an elastic member 1230, and holding parts 1231 and 1232. The second coupling body 1221, the mounting body 1222, and the elastic member 1230 may have substantially the same or similar configurations as the second coupling body, the mounting body, and the elastic member described above with reference to FIG. 4A. For example, the second coupling body 1221 may include a plate seating portion 1221a, a plate coupling hole 1221a_1, or at least one coupling protrusion 1221a_2.

According to an embodiment, the mounting parts 1231 and 1232 are a pillar 1232_1, a strip 1232_2 extending from the pillar 1232_1 and fixed to fixing holes formed in the mounting body 1222, or the A protrusion 1232_3 (or a body having a narrower surface than the cross section of the band 1232_2 but having a certain slope on both sides of the end and protruding CAM-shaped (or mountain-shaped, or at least some of the cross-sections having a triangular peak)) ) may be included. The protrusion 1232_3 may move toward the inside of the first plate coupling part 1210 while being in contact with the surfaces of the steps 1213b and 1214b. The detent structure 1200 having the above-described structure does not form separate installation holes in the support parts 1213 and 1214, so that device manufacturing can be further simplified.

According to various embodiments, at least one of the first plate coupling portion 1210, the second plate coupling portion 1220, and the holding portions 1231 and 1232 is entirely or at least partially made of a non-metallic material or a metal material. can be formed According to an embodiment, at least a partial area including a portion where the holding parts 1231 and 1232 come into contact among the first plate coupling part 1210 may be formed of a metal material for rigidity. At least some areas of the mounting holes in which the mounting parts 1231 and 1232 are mounted may be formed of a metal material for rigidity and wear resistance.

FIG. 15A is a view showing another form of an example of a detent structure according to various embodiments, and FIG. 15B is a view showing an example of a folded state of the detent structure based on a line D-D′ of FIG. 15A.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B , according to various embodiments, detent structures 1600a and 1600b may be connected to a first hinge plate 141 and a second hinge plate 142 . For example, the first detent structure 1600a includes a first plate coupling portion 1610 connected to the first hinge plate 141 and a second plate coupling portion 1620 connected to the second hinge plate 142. can include At least a portion of the first plate coupling portion 1610 and the second plate coupling portion 1620 may be formed of a metal material or a non-metal material (eg, plastic).

According to one embodiment, the first plate coupling part 1610 is coupled to the first hinge plate 141 and has a long panel shape on one side (eg, the first axis (x) or the second axis (-x)). of the first basic body 1611, the first wing 1612a and the second wing 1612b extending in the third axis (-y) direction from both sides of the first basic body 1611, the first wing ( 1612a) to include a first mounting portion 1613a extending vertically in the upper side (z) direction, or a second mounting portion 1613b extending vertically in the upper side (z) direction from the second wing 1612b. can The first wing 1612a and the second wing 1612b may be disposed symmetrically with respect to a third axis (−y axis). The first holding part 1613a and the second holding part 1613b may be disposed symmetrically with respect to the third axis (−y axis). A first coupling hole 1615 used for coupling with the first hinge plate 141 (or second hinge plate 142) may be formed in the first basic body 1611 . A first groove 1614a used for fastening with the second plate coupling part 1620 may be formed in the first holding part 1613a. One side of the first groove 1614a may be formed to protrude more than the periphery. A second groove 1614b used for fastening with the second plate coupling part 1620 may be formed in the second holding part 1613b. One surface of the second groove 1614b may be formed to protrude more than the periphery. The first groove 1614a and the second groove 1614b may be disposed to face each other. At least some of the first groove 1614a and the second groove 1614b may include a through portion through which the front and rear pass through, or at least some of the protruding shapes of the grooves may be removed to form a hole shape.

According to one embodiment, the second plate coupling part 1620 is coupled to the second hinge plate 142 (or the first hinge plate 141), and one side in one direction (eg, the first axis (x)) Alternatively, a second basic body 1621 having a long panel shape along the second axis (-x), a bridge 1624 extending in the fourth axis (y) direction from both sides of the second basic body 1621, the bridge ( 1624 may include a third holding portion 1621a and/or a fourth holding portion 1621b extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the bridge 1624 (eg, the z-axis direction). A second coupling hole 1623 used for coupling with the second hinge plate 142 may be formed on one side of the second basic body 1621 . A third groove 1622a coupled to a first groove 1614a formed in the first holder 1613a may be formed in the third holder 1621a. In one embodiment, the size of the third groove 1622a may be larger than that of the first groove 1614a. A fourth groove 1622b coupled to a second groove 1614b formed in the second holder 1613b may be formed in the fourth holder 1621b. In an embodiment, the size of the fourth groove 1622b may be larger than that of the second groove 1614b. The third groove 1622a and the fourth groove 1622b may be disposed to face each other. At least one of the third and fourth grooves 1622a and 1622b may be formed as a hole in which at least a part is removed. For example, portions of the third and fourth grooves 1622a and 1622b protruding outward may be retained, and the upper ends of the remaining projections may be removed to form a hole.

When the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state (eg, when the first hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142 are arranged side by side), the third holding part 1621a and the fourth holding part ( 1621b) may be disposed between the first holding part 1613a and the second holding part 1613b. For example, the distance between the third holding part 1621a and the fourth holding part 1621b may be shorter than the distance between the first holding part 1613a and the second holding part 1613b. there is. In one embodiment, the first supporting portion 1613a to the fourth supporting portion 1621b may have the same or similar thickness.

When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state (eg, when the first hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142 are disposed to face each other), the first plate coupling part 1610 is connected to the first hinge plate 141, the second plate coupling part 1620 may be disposed to face each other while being connected to the second hinge plate 142. Accordingly, the first holding part 1613a is disposed to be spaced apart from the third holding part 1621a by a predetermined distance, and the second holding part 1613b is disposed to be spaced apart from the fourth holding part 1621b by a predetermined distance. can While the first to fourth mounting parts 1613a, 1613b, 1621a, and 1621b are rotated within the hinge housing 150 by a designated angle, the grooves 1614a, 1614b, 1622a, and 1622b are coupled or separated. can

According to various embodiments, the second detent structure 1600b may be disposed to have the same direction as or a different direction from that of the first detent structure 1600a. For example, the first plate coupling part 1610 of the second detent structure 1600b is connected to the second hinge plate 142, and the second plate coupling part 1620 of the second detent structure 1600b ) may be connected to the first hinge plate 141 .

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge module 200 according to an embodiment includes a hinge housing 150 and a detent structure 1600a seated on the hinge housing 150, and the detent structure The first plate coupling part 1610 connected to the first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 121 of FIG. 2 ) and the second housing structure (eg, the second housing structure 122 of FIG. 2 ) ) and a second plate coupling part 1620 connected to the first base body 1611, and extending perpendicularly to the first base body at both ends of the first base body 1611. A first wing 1612a and a second wing 1612b, a first mounting portion 1613a extending perpendicularly to the first wing, and a second mounting portion 1613b extending perpendicularly to the second wing, The second plate coupling part 1620 includes a second basic body 1621, a bridge 1624 connected to the second basic body, and a third mounting part 1621a extending perpendicularly to the bridge from both side edges of the bridge. and a fourth holder 1621b, wherein the first holder and the second holder have first grooves 1614a and second grooves 1614b formed on opposite surfaces, respectively, and the third holder 1614b is formed. And a third groove 1622a and a fourth groove 1622b are formed on surfaces facing the fourth mounting portion, respectively, and the first housing structure and the housing structure are in an unfolded state, the first groove is the third groove is fastened to, and the second groove may be fastened to the fourth groove.

16A is an exploded perspective view of a third hinge structure of a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments, and FIG. 16B is an example of a third hinge structure disposition area of a foldable electronic device in a first state. It is a drawing showing an example of a cross section.

16A and 16B, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the main brackets 41, 1412, and 1411 of the third hinge structure 40 (eg, the third hinge structure 300 of FIG. 3A) An insertion space surrounded by a plurality of inner walls is formed, and the inner bracket 42 is inserted into the insertion space, thereby preventing the assembled parts from being disengaged even when an impact is applied to the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 2 ). And, by reducing the number of parts, it is possible to lower the rate of occurrence of failures or defects.

To this end, in the third hinge structure 40 connecting the plurality of housings of the electronic device, the third hinge structure 40 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes an insertion space 415 surrounded by a plurality of inner walls. A plurality of main brackets 41 including a plurality of inner brackets 42, 1421, and 1422 each inserted into the insertion space 415 to rotate along a predetermined rotational path and including an internal gear therein, a shaft ( The gears of the shaft 43 formed along the outer circumferential surface of the rod of 43) are meshed with the internal gears, and include a plurality of main shafts 1431 and 1432 that rotate together when the plurality of inner brackets 42 rotate. can

The main bracket 41 is fixed to the hinge housing 150 and becomes the body of the third hinge structure 40 to which other parts are assembled. According to various embodiments, the main bracket 41 includes an insertion space 415 surrounded by a plurality of inner walls. In one embodiment, two main brackets 41 may be formed, but may be formed in various numbers such as three or more without being limited thereto.

The inner bracket 42 is inserted into the insertion space 415 included in the main bracket 41 and fixed to the first and second housings 121 and 122, respectively, to form the first and second housing structures 121 and 122. rotate According to various embodiments, an internal gear is included therein. As shown, two inner brackets 42 may be formed, but may be formed in various numbers, such as three or more, without being limited thereto.

In the main shaft 43, a gear is formed along the outer circumferential surface of the rod of the elongated shaft 43, and meshes with the internal gear. Also, when the inner bracket 42 rotates, it can rotate together. Two main shafts 43 may be formed as shown, but may be formed in various numbers according to the number of inner brackets 42 without being limited thereto.

The hinge structure 40 according to various embodiments may further include idle gears 44 , 1441 , and 1442 . The idle gear 44 is meshed with the gear of the shaft 43 and may connect the plurality of main shafts 43 to each other. In this way, rotational power of the first main shaft 1431 may be transmitted to the second main shaft 1432 . However, it is not limited thereto, and the hinge structure 40 may not include the idle gear 44 . In this case, a plurality of main shafts 43 may be formed by directly meshing with each other.

According to various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, an insertion space 415 surrounded by a plurality of inner walls is formed in the main brackets 1411 and 1412 of the third hinge structure 40, and the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 ) may be inserted into the insertion space 415. For example, the plurality of inner walls include a pair of inner walls, where the pair of inner walls are respectively disposed on both sides of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 in the direction of the axis of rotation (A.R.I), and may be formed facing each other. When the first inner bracket 1421 rotates, the first internal gear 4241, the first main shaft 1431, the first idle gear 1441, the second idle gear 1442, and the second main shaft 1432 , rotational power may be transmitted to the second internal gear 4242, or the second inner bracket 1422 may also rotate together.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the third hinge structure 40 according to various embodiments taken along line AA′ of FIG. 16B.

16A to 17, an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 2) includes a first housing structure 121 (eg, the first housing structure 121 of FIG. 2) and a second housing. The structures 122 (eg, the second housing structure 122 of FIG. 2 ) may be rotatably connected with respect to each other. For example, if a user rotates the first or second housing structures 121 or 122 to fold an electronic device in an unfolded state, the first or second housing structures 121 or 122 and a plate (eg, The inner bracket 42 fixed through the hinge plates 141 and 142 of FIG. 2 may rotate along a predetermined rotational path around the axis of rotation A.R.I. Since the inner bracket 42 is fixed to the first and second housing structures 121 and 122, respectively, the rotation path of the inner bracket 42 is such that the first and second housing structures 121 and 122 are folded or unfolded. It can correspond to the path to be. As another example, the axis of rotation (A.R.I) of the inner bracket 42 coincides with the axis of rotation of the first and second housing structures 121 and 122 fixed thereto, and the axis of symmetry of the first and second housings 21 and 12 (A.S) can be parallel.

According to one embodiment, a circle having a certain length as a radius may be drawn around the axis of rotation (A.R.I) of the inner bracket 42 as shown in FIG. 17 . At this time, the lower surface of the inner bracket 42 may have an arc shape existing on the circle in order to minimize interference when the inner bracket 42 rotates. For example, the lower surface of the inner bracket 42 may have an arc shape centered on the axis of rotation A.R.I of the inner bracket 42 .

When the inner bracket 42 rotates, the main shaft 43 can also rotate. However, the axis of rotation A.M of the main shaft 43 coincides with the central axis of the main shaft 43 and may be different from the axis of rotation A.R.I of the inner bracket 42 . Therefore, when the inner bracket 42 rotates, the inner bracket 42 can move from the main bracket 41 so that the upper surface fixed to the plate 5 has a constant angle. On the other hand, the main shaft 43 can rotate without moving from the main bracket 41 (Rotation, rotation). Accordingly, when the inner bracket 42 rotates, the main shaft 43 may move relative to the inner bracket 42 .

The inner bracket 42 may include a moving space 1426 in which the main shaft 43 can move. At this time, the rotation path of the inner bracket 42 corresponds to the movement path along which the main shaft 43 moves inside the inner bracket 42, and only the direction may be opposite. Accordingly, the moving space 1426 may also have an arc shape centered on the rotation axis A.R.I of the inner bracket 42 .

The inner bracket 42 may include internal gears 4241 and 4242 therein. The internal gears 4241 and 4242 may mesh with the gear of the main shaft 43 . Accordingly, when the inner bracket 42 rotates, the internal gears 4241 and 4242 may rotate the main shaft 43 . At this time, as shown in FIG. 17 , the internal gear 4241 may have an arc shape centered on the rotation axis A.R.I 1 or A.R.I 2 of the inner bracket 42 .

Gear teeth of the internal gears 4241 and 4242 may protrude toward the moving space 1426 . According to various embodiments, the gear teeth of the internal gears 4241 and 4242 protrude from the inner edge of the moving space 1426 in the radial direction centered on the rotational axis (A.R.I 1 or A.R.I 2) of the inner bracket 42. can However, it is not limited thereto, and the gear teeth of the internal gears 4241 and 4242 may protrude from the outer edge of the moving space 1426 in a direction toward the rotation axis A.R.I 1 or A.R.I 2 of the inner bracket 42. .

According to various embodiments, the axis of rotation (A.R.I 1) of the first housing structure 121 and the first inner bracket 1421 is the same, and the axis of rotation of the second housing structure 122 and the second inner bracket 1422 ( A.R.I 2) may also be the same as each other. The rotation axes A.R.I 1 and A.R.I 2 of the first inner bracket 1421 and the second inner bracket 1422 may be different from each other. If the rotational axes A.R.I 1 and A.R.I 2 are identical to each other, the first inner bracket 1421 and the second inner bracket 1422 may interfere with each other while rotating. Accordingly, rotational axes of the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 may be different from each other.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the third hinge structure 40 according to various embodiments taken along line BB′ of FIG. 16 .

16A to 18, when the first housing structure 121 rotates, the first housing structure 121 and the plate (for example, the hinge plates 141 and 142 of FIG. 2) fixed through 1 The inner bracket 1421 may rotate. Then, the first internal gear 4241 included in the first inner bracket 1421 may be engaged with the gear of the first main shaft 1431 to rotate the first main shaft 1431 .

According to various embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18 , the first main shaft 1431, the first idle gear 1441, the second idle gear 1442, and the second main shaft 1432 may be sequentially engaged. there is. Accordingly, rotational power of the first main shaft 1431 may be transmitted to the first idle gear 1441 , the second idle gear 1442 , and the second main shaft 1432 .

For example, if a user rotates the first or second housing structures 121 and 122 to fold an electronic device in an unfolded state, the first internal gear 4241 of the first inner bracket 1421 is , it is possible to rotate the first main shaft 1431 clockwise based on the bar shown in FIG. 18 . Also, the first main shaft 1431 transfers the rotational power received from the first internal gear 4241 to the first idle gear 1441, and the first idle gear 1441 is driven as shown in FIG. 18 . It can be rotated counterclockwise. Also, the first idle gear 1441 transmits the rotational power received from the first main shaft 1431 to the second idle gear 1442, and the second idle gear 1442 is driven as shown in FIG. 18 . It can be rotated clockwise. Also, the second idle gear 1442 transfers the rotational power received from the first idle gear 1441 to the second main shaft 1432, and the second main shaft 1432 is driven as shown in FIG. 18 . It can be rotated counterclockwise.

The second main shaft 1432 may transmit rotational power transmitted from the second idle gear 1442 to the second internal gear 4242 of the second inner bracket 1422 . Accordingly, the second housing structure 122 fixed through the second inner bracket 1422 and the plate (eg, the hinge plates 141 and 142 of FIG. 2 ) may rotate.

19 is a view showing an example of a first hinge structure or a second hinge structure of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments, FIG. 20A is a state view of the hinge structure of FIG. 19 viewed from above, and FIG. 20B is a view of FIG. 19 It is an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of FIG. 20c is a view showing a cross-section of the hinge structure of FIG. 19 and a hinge plate coupled state.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 20C , the first hinge structure 200a (or the second hinge structure) according to various embodiments includes a first hinge bracket 1521 connected to the first hinge plate 141 and a second hinge structure 200a. A second hinge bracket 1522 connected to the hinge plate 142 or a center bracket 1541 on which the first hinge bracket 1521 and the second hinge bracket 1522 are seated may be included.

The center bracket 1541 has a certain length and width so that it can be seated on the hinge housing (eg, the hinge housing 150 of FIG. 2), and at least a part of the lower portion corresponds to the inner surface of the hinge housing 150. May contain curved surfaces. The center bracket 1541 includes a first rail part 1541a (eg, the rail part 1541a of FIG. 20B ) formed to perform a hinge operation after the first hinge bracket 1521 is seated, and the second hinge bracket 1522 ) is seated and then formed to hinge, the second rail part 1541b (eg, the rail part 1541b of FIG. 20B), or the first rail part 1541a is formed on one side and the second rail part 1541a is formed on the other side. A bracket body 1541 having a rail portion 1541b may be included.

The first hinge bracket 1521 has a semi-circular cross section, and may be inserted into the first rail part 1541a in a first rotational direction and then hinged in the first rotational direction. At this time, by the first locking protrusion 4141 formed on the center bracket 1541 (eg, the protrusion 4141 of FIGS. 20A and 20B), the first hinge bracket 1521 is moved at an angle greater than or equal to a designated angle in the first rotation direction. By operating not to rotate, the first hinge bracket 1521 may not be separated from the center bracket 1541.

The second hinge bracket 1522 may have substantially the same structure and size as the first hinge bracket 1521 and may be formed. For example, the second hinge bracket 1522 may have a semicircular cross section, and may be inserted into the second rail part 1541b in a second rotational direction and then hinged in the second rotational direction. At this time, by the second locking protrusion 4142 formed on the center bracket 1541 (eg, the protrusion 4142 of FIGS. 20A and 20B), the second hinge bracket 1522 is moved at an angle greater than or equal to a designated angle in the second rotation direction. By operating not to rotate, the second hinge bracket 1522 may not be separated from the center bracket 1541.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 3 ) according to an embodiment includes a hinge housing (eg, the hinge housing 150) and a hinge structure disposed in the hinge housing (eg, the hinge structure 300), a first housing structure (eg, first housing structure 121) rotating about a first axis (eg, axis A.R.I 2 of FIG. 17) extending along the hinge structure, a first axis parallel to the first axis A second housing structure (eg, second housing structure 122) rotating about two axes (eg, axis A.R.I 1 in FIG. 17), a first region disposed on the first housing structure, and disposed on the second housing structure A flexible display including a second region (eg, the display 110 of FIG. 2 ) and a first detent structure (eg, the third detent structure 400c of FIG. 3 ) disposed on the hinge housing, The first detent structure may include a first through hole (eg, the third axis 601 of FIG. 6 ) spaced apart from the first axis and the second axis and arranged parallel to a third axis (eg, the third axis 601 of FIG. 6 ). A first member including a first fixing hole 422_1) and a second through hole (eg, the second fixing hole 422_2 in FIG. 6) connected to the first housing structure (eg, the second plate coupling part in FIG. 6 ) (420)), in an unfolded state, the first groove or the second opening (eg, the first mounting hole 431c in FIG. 6) and the second groove or A second member including a second opening (eg, the first mounting hole 432c in FIG. 6 ), having a structure for accommodating a portion of the first member, and connected to the second housing structure (eg, the first mounting hole 432c in FIG. 6 ). 1 plate coupling part 410), in an unfolded state, coupled to the first through hole, and a first ball disposed between the first through hole and the first groove or the first opening (eg, the first ball in FIG. 6 ) The holding portion 431), in an expanded state, coupled to the second through hole, and disposed between the second through hole and the second groove or the second opening (e.g., the second holding portion of FIG. 6 432) and an elastic member located on the first member between the first ball and the second ball to press the first ball and the second ball outward (eg, the elastic member 430 of FIG. 6). )) may be included.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device further includes a second detent structure (eg, the fourth detent structure 400d of FIG. 6 ) positioned on the hinge housing, and the second detent structure is in a folded state. , a third through hole (eg, in FIG. 6 ) spaced apart from the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis and arranged parallel to the fourth axis (eg, the fourth axis 602 in FIG. 6 ). A third member including a third fixing hole 422_3 and a fourth through hole (eg, fourth fixing hole 422_4 in FIG. 6 ) connected to the second housing structure (eg, third plate coupling in FIG. 6 ) The portion 410_2), in an expanded state, a third groove or a third opening (eg, the third mounting hole 413c_2 in FIG. 6) and the fourth groove facing the third through hole and the fourth through hole, respectively Alternatively, a fourth member (eg, the fourth mounting hole 414c_2 of FIG. 6) is included, has a structure for accommodating a part of the third member, and is connected to the first housing structure. The fourth plate coupling part 420_2), in an unfolded state, coupled to the third through hole, and disposed between the third through hole and the third groove or the third opening (eg, the third ball in FIG. 6 3 mounting portion 431_2), in an expanded state, coupled to the fourth through-hole, and disposed between the fourth through-hole and the fourth groove or the fourth opening (eg, the fourth mounting in FIG. 6) Hole 432_2) and a second elastic member located on a third member between the third ball and the fourth ball to press the third ball and the fourth ball outward (eg, the second elastic member in FIG. 6). 2 elastic members (430_2)) may be included.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 100 of FIG. 2 ) is a foldable housing (eg, the hinge module 200 of FIG. 2 ), and has a hinge structure (eg, the third hinge of FIG. 2 ). structure 300), connected to the hinge structure, a first surface (eg, first surface 121a in FIG. 2), and a second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface (eg, second surface in FIG. 2 ( 121b)) including a first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 121 of FIG. 2), connected to the hinge structure, and a third surface (eg, the third surface 122a of FIG. 2), the A second housing structure (eg, the second housing structure 122 of FIG. 2) including a fourth surface (eg, the fourth surface 122b of FIG. 2) facing in an opposite direction to the third surface, wherein the The first housing structure may be folded with the second housing structure around the hinge structure, the first surface facing the third surface in a folded state, and the first surface in an unfolded state oriented in the same direction as the third surface, between a folded state and an unfolded state, the first housing structure is rotatable about a first axis extending along the hinge structure (e.g. rotational axis A.R.I 1 in FIG. 17). And, the second housing structure is a foldable housing rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis (eg, the rotation axis A.R.I 2 of FIG. 17), and a first region disposed on the first housing structure (eg : a first area 51 in FIG. 2) and a second area disposed in the second housing structure (eg, the second area 52 in FIG. 2), wherein the first area and the second area together A first detent structure (eg, the detent structure of FIG. 2 ) disposed on a flexible display (eg, the display 110 of FIG. 2 ) and a hinge housing (eg, the hinge housing 150 of FIG. 2 ) forming the third surface. 400c), the first through hole (eg, the first fixing hole 422_1 in FIG. 6 ) spaced apart from the first axis and the second axis and aligned along a parallel third axis (eg, the imaginary axis 601 of FIG. 6 ). ) and a second through hole (eg, the second fixing hole 422_2 in FIG. 6 ), and a first member connected to the first housing structure (eg, the second plate coupling part 420 in FIG. 6 ), the first through hole and a first groove or a first opening facing the second through hole (eg, the first mounting hole 413c in FIG. 6 ) and a second groove or second opening (eg, the second mounting hole 414c in FIG. 6 ). And, connected to the second housing structure, in an unfolded state, a second member formed to accommodate a portion of the first member (eg, the first plate coupling part 410 of FIG. 6), coupled with the first through hole, , In the unfolded state, the first ball disposed between the first through hole and the first groove or the first opening (eg, the first supporting portion 431 of FIG. 6), coupled with the second through hole, in the unfolded state , the second ball disposed between the second through hole and the second groove or the second opening (for example, the second supporting part 432 of FIG. 6), and the first member between the first ball and the second ball It may include a first detent structure including an elastic member (eg, the elastic member 430 of FIG. 6 ) that is positioned on and presses the first ball and the second ball outward.

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes a second detent structure (eg, the detent structure 400d of FIG. 6 ) positioned in the hinge housing, and the second detent structure in a folded state, A third through hole (eg, a third fixing hole in FIG. 6 ) spaced apart from the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis and aligned along a parallel fourth axis (eg, imaginary axis 602 in FIG. 6 ). 422_3) and a fourth through hole (eg, the fourth fixing hole 422_4 in FIG. 6), and a third member connected to the second housing structure (eg, the fourth plate coupling part 420_2 in FIG. 6), the third through hole The third groove or the third opening (eg, the third mounting hole 413c_2 of FIG. 6 ) and the fourth groove or the fourth opening (eg, the fourth mounting hole 414c_2 of FIG. 6 ) facing the hole and the fourth through hole are formed. and a fourth member connected to the first housing structure and configured to accommodate a portion of the third member in an unfolded state (eg, the third plate coupling part 410_2 in FIG. 6), coupled with the third through hole. And, in an unfolded state, the third ball (eg, the third holding portion 431_2 of FIG. 6) disposed between the third through hole and the third groove or the third opening is coupled with the fourth through hole, and , the fourth ball disposed between the fourth through hole and the fourth groove or the fourth opening (for example, the fourth supporting portion 432_2 of FIG. 6 ) and the third member between the third ball and the fourth ball. Located in, it may include a second elastic member (eg, the second elastic member 430_2 of FIG. 6) for pressing the third ball and the fourth ball outward.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 121 of FIG. 2 ) and the second housing structure (eg, the first housing structure 122 of FIG. 2 ) according to one embodiment perform a hinge operation. The hinge module (eg, the hinge module 200 of FIG. 2 ) connected to the hinge housing (eg, the hinge housing 150 of FIG. 2 ) and the first detent structure (eg, the detent structure of FIG. 2 ) seated in the hinge housing 400c), wherein the first detent structure includes a first plate coupling portion (eg, the first plate coupling portion 410 of FIG. 3B) connected to the first housing structure, and a second plate coupling portion connected to the second housing structure. It includes a plate coupling part (eg, the first plate coupling part 420 of FIG. 3B), and the first plate coupling part is connected to a first coupling body (eg, the first coupling body 411 of FIG. 3B) and the first coupling body. and is arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a certain distance, and includes support parts (eg, support parts 413 and 414 of FIG. 3B) having mounting areas formed at predetermined positions, and the second plate coupling part is connected to the second coupling body (eg, FIG. 3B). second coupling body 421), a mounting body connected to the second coupling body (eg, mounting body 422 of FIG. 3B), fixing holes formed on both sides of the mounting body (eg, fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 of FIG. 3B ) ), and mounting portions (for example, the mounting portions 431 and 432 of FIG. 3B ) seated in the fixing holes, seated on the mounting body, and the first housing structure and the second housing structure in an unfolded state. An elastic member (eg, the elastic member 430 of FIG. 3B ) may be included to press the holding parts in the direction of the holding areas.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge module further includes a second detent structure 400d, the second detent structure having the same structure as the first plate coupling part and a third plate coupling connected to the second housing structure. (eg, the third plate coupling part 410_2 of FIG. 6) and the fourth plate coupling part having the same structure as the second plate coupling part and connected to the first housing structure (eg, the fourth plate coupling part of FIG. 6). 420_2) may be included.

According to various embodiments, the first plate coupling part further includes a bridge (eg, the bridge 412 of FIG. 3B) extending from the first coupling body, and the support parts are a first support part extending from the bridge in a first direction. (eg, the first support part 413 of FIG. 3B) and a second support part extending in a second direction from the bridge (eg, the second support part 414 of FIG. 3B).

According to various embodiments, an end of the first support part may be formed to be bent with a certain curvature in the first direction, and an end of the second support part may be formed to be bent with a certain curvature in the second direction.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, each of the holding parts includes a pillar seated at one end of the elastic member (eg, 432c in FIG. 3 ), a protrusion extending from the pillar and at least partially seated in the holding area (eg, FIG. 3 ). 432a), and a band (eg, 432b in FIG. 3 ) disposed between the pillar and the protrusion to prevent separation of the fixing holes of the mounting parts.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the protrusion facing the holding area may be formed in the shape of a cam or a mountain.

According to various embodiments, the holding area may be formed in a concave-convex shape protruding into the support parts.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the protrusion facing the holding area may be formed in a ball shape.

According to various embodiments, the holding area may be formed in the form of a hole penetrating the front and rear sides of the support parts.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the holding area may be formed in a stepped groove shape on at least a portion of the surfaces of the support parts.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a hinge module (eg, 121 of FIG. 5A ) and a second housing structure (eg, 122 of FIG. 5A ) are connected to perform a hinge operation. 200 of FIG. 5A ) includes a hinge housing (eg, 150 of FIG. 5A ), a plurality of hinges seated on the hinge housing, and providing a sense of detent in a designated angular range in the hinge operation of the first housing structure and the second housing structure. A first detent structure (eg, 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d in FIG. 5a), seated on the hinge housing, independently connected to the first housing structure and the second housing structure and driven independently of each other A third hinge structure (eg, 200a in FIG. 5A) and a second hinge structure (eg, 200b in FIG. 5A) seated in the hinge housing, connected to the first housing structure and the second housing structure and interlocked with gears. A hinge structure (eg, 300 in FIG. 5A) may be included.

According to various embodiments, the first hinge structure may be disposed at one edge of the hinge housing, and the second hinge structure may be disposed at the other edge of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the third hinge structure may be disposed between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure.

According to various embodiments, at least one of the plurality of detent structures is disposed between the first hinge structure and the third hinge structure, and at least one of the plurality of detent structures is disposed between the third hinge structure and the third hinge structure. It may be disposed between the second hinge structure.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a second detent structure adjacent to the first detent structure among the plurality of detent structures has the same structure as the first plate coupling part and is connected to the second housing structure. and a fourth plate coupling having the same structure as the second plate coupling portion and connected to the first housing structure.

According to various embodiments, the first hinge structure or the second hinge structure is a center bracket (eg, 1541 in FIG. 20 ), a first hinge bracket connected to the first housing structure and rotating by a specified angle in a first direction (eg, 1521 in FIG. 20 ) and a second hinge bracket (eg, 1522 in FIG. 20 ) connected to the second housing structure and rotating by a designated angle in a direction opposite to the first direction, the first hinge The bracket and the second sub-hinge structure may be arranged to be driven independently.

According to various embodiments, the third hinge structure may include a first bracket (1421 in FIG. 16A) connected to the first housing structure, a second bracket (1422 in FIG. 16A) connected to the second housing structure, and the first bracket (1422 in FIG. 16A). It may include a plurality of gears (43 and 44 in FIG. 16A) disposed in relation to gear interlocking of the first bracket and the second bracket.

Each component (eg, module or program) according to various embodiments may be composed of a single object or a plurality of entities, and some of the sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be various. It may be further included in the embodiment. Alternatively or additionally, some components (eg, modules or programs) may be integrated into one entity and perform the same or similar functions performed by each corresponding component prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by modules, programs, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repetitively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, may be omitted, or other operations may be added. can

Claims (32)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete In the hinge module 200 in which the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are connected to perform a hinge operation,
hinged housing 150;
a plurality of detent structures (400a to 400d) seated on the hinge housing and providing a sense of detent in a designated angular range in hinge motions of the first housing structure and the second housing structure;
a first hinge structure (200a) and a second hinge structure (200b) seated in the hinge housing, independently connected to the first housing structure and the second housing structure and driven independently of each other;
A hinge module including a third hinge structure 300 seated in the hinge housing, connected to the first housing structure and the second housing structure, and interlocked with gears. According to claim 13,
The first hinge structure is
Disposed on one edge of the hinge housing,
The second hinge structure
A hinge module disposed on the other edge of the hinge housing. According to claim 14,
The third hinge structure
A hinge module disposed between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure. According to claim 15,
At least one of the plurality of detent structures
It is disposed between the first hinge structure and the third hinge structure, and the other at least one of the plurality of detent structures
A hinge module disposed between the third hinge structure and the second hinge structure. According to claim 13,
A first detent structure among the plurality of detent structures is
a first plate coupling part connected to the first housing structure;
A second plate coupling portion connected to the second housing structure; includes,
The first plate coupling part
a first binding body;
Including; support parts connected to the first coupling body and disposed to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, each having a mounting area formed at a predetermined position,
The second plate coupling part
a second binding body;
a mounting body connected to the second coupling body;
Including; fixing holes formed on both sides of the mounting body,
Mounting parts seated in the fixing holes;
The hinge module comprising: an elastic member seated on the mounting body and pressing the mounting parts toward the mounting areas in a state in which the first housing structure and the second housing structures are unfolded. According to claim 17,
Among the plurality of detent structures, a second detent structure adjacent to the first detent structure may include a third plate coupling portion having the same structure as the first plate coupling portion and connected to the second housing structure; and
A hinge module including a fourth plate coupling portion having the same structure as the second plate coupling portion and connected to the first housing structure. According to claim 13,
The first hinge structure or the second hinge structure
center bracket;
a first hinge bracket connected to the first housing structure and rotating by a designated angle in a first direction; and
A second hinge bracket connected to the second housing structure and rotating by a designated angle in a direction opposite to the first direction; includes,
The hinge module is arranged so that the first hinge bracket and the second hinge structure are independently driven. According to claim 13,
The third hinge structure
a first bracket connected to the first housing structure;
a second bracket connecting the second housing structure;
A hinge module comprising: a plurality of gears arranged in relation to gear interlocking of the first bracket and the second bracket. According to claim 17,
The hinge module further includes shock absorbing members 441a and 442a disposed between the fixing holes and the holding parts. According to claim 21,
The shock absorbing member
A hinge module including at least one ring (441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, 442b_2) seated on the outside of the mounting unit. According to claim 21,
The shock absorbing member
A hinge module comprising members 441c and 442c formed to surround at least a portion of the balls protruding out of the fixing holes. According to claim 13,
a first hinge plate 141 connected to the first housing structure;
A second hinge plate 142 connected to the second housing structure; further comprising,
A first detent structure among the plurality of detent structures is
first wing 1612a;
A first mounting portion 1613a connected to the first wing 1612a and including a first groove 1614a;
a second wing 1612b connected to the first hinge plate;
a second holder 1613b connected to the second wing and including a second groove 1614a, the second holder being spaced apart from the first holder;
a basic body 1621 connected to the second hinge plate 142;
a third mounting portion 1621a connected to the basic body;
Including; a fourth holding portion (1621b) connected to the basic body,
When the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are in an unfolded state, the first protrusion 1622a formed in the third supporting portion is seated in the first groove, and the fourth supporting portion The second protrusion 1622b formed in is seated in the second groove,
When the first housing structure and the second housing structure are in an unfolded state, the third holding part and the fourth holding part are inserted between the first holding part and the second holding part.
According to claim 17,
The plurality of detent structures further include a second detent structure,
The second detent structure
a third plate coupling portion having the same structure as the first plate coupling portion and connected to the second housing structure; and
A hinge module including a fourth plate coupling portion having the same structure as the second plate coupling portion and connected to the first housing structure. According to claim 17,
The first plate coupling part
A bridge extending from the first coupling body; further comprising,
the supports
A hinge module comprising: a first support part extending from the bridge in a first direction and a second support part extending from the bridge in a second direction. The method of claim 26,
The end of the first support is formed to be bent with a certain curvature in the first direction,
An end of the second support part is formed to be bent with a predetermined curvature in the second direction. According to claim 17,
Each of the holders is
a pillar seated at one end of the elastic member;
a protrusion extending from the pillar and having at least a portion seated on the mounting area;
A hinge module including a strip disposed between the pillar and the protrusion to prevent separation of the fixing holes of the holding parts. According to claim 28,
The holders are
The hinge module wherein at least a portion of the protrusion facing the holding area is formed in a cam or mountain shape. According to claim 28,
The holders are
At least a portion of the protrusion facing the mounting area is formed in a ball shape;
The holding area is
The hinge module having a shape of a hole penetrating the front and rear of the support parts or a stepped groove shape on at least a part of the surface of the support parts.
In electronic devices,
a first housing structure 121 and a second housing structure 122;
a hinge module 200 connected to the first housing structure and the second housing structure to perform a hinge operation; and
Including; flexible display;
The hinge module
A hinge housing 150, a plurality of detent structures 400a to 400d seated on the hinge housing and providing a sense of detent in a designated angular range during hinge operations of the first housing structure and the second housing structure, the hinge A first hinge structure (200a) and a second hinge structure (200b), which are seated in the housing, are independently connected to the first housing structure and the second housing structure and driven independently of each other, and are seated in the hinge housing, A third hinge structure 300 connected to the first housing structure and the second housing structure and interlocked with a gear,
The first housing structure 121 is connected to the third hinge structure 300 and includes a first surface 121a and a second 121b surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface,
The second housing structure 122 is connected to the third hinge structure 300 and includes a third surface 122a and a fourth surface 122b facing in an opposite direction to the third surface,
The first housing structure may be folded with the second housing structure around the third hinge structure, and the first surface faces the third surface in a folded state of the electronic device, and the electronic device In an unfolded state, the first surface faces in the same direction as the third surface, and between a folded state and an unfolded state of the electronic device, the first housing structure extends along the third hinge structure. It is rotatable around one axis (ARI 1), and the second housing structure is rotatable around a second axis (ARI 2) parallel to the first axis,
The flexible display includes a first area 51 disposed on the first housing structure and a second area 52 disposed on the second housing structure, the first area and the second area together forming a first surface and the third surface;
Among the plurality of detent structures, the first detent structure 400c disposed in the hinge housing,
A first through hole 422_1 and a second through hole 422_2 spaced apart from the first axis and the second axis and aligned along a third axis 601 parallel to the first axis and the second axis A first member 420 including and connected to the first housing structure;
It includes a first groove or first opening 413c and a second groove or second opening 414c facing the first through hole and the second through hole, and is connected to the second housing structure, and the electronic a second member 410 configured to receive a portion of the first member when the device is in an unfolded state;
A first ball 431 coupled to the first through hole and disposed between the first through hole and the first groove or the first opening when the electronic device is in an unfolded state;
A second ball 432 coupled to the second through hole and disposed between the second through hole and the second groove or the second opening when the electronic device is unfolded; and
and a first elastic member (430) positioned on the first member between the first ball and the second ball to press the first ball and the second ball outward. According to claim 31,
The plurality of detent structures include a second detent structure 400d located in the hinge housing,
The second detent structure
When the electronic device is in a folded state, the third through hole is spaced apart from the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis and aligned along a fourth axis 602 parallel to the first to third axes. (422_3) and a fourth through hole (422_4), the third member (420_2) connected to the second housing structure;
It includes a third groove or third opening 413c_2 and a fourth groove or fourth opening 414c_2 facing the third through hole and the fourth through hole, and is connected to the first housing structure, and the electronic a fourth member 410_2 configured to accommodate a portion of the third member when the device is unfolded;
a third ball 413c_2 coupled to the third through hole and disposed between the third through hole and the third groove or the third opening when the electronic device is in an unfolded state;
a fourth ball 414c_2 coupled to the fourth through hole and disposed between the fourth through hole and the fourth groove or the fourth opening when the electronic device is in an unfolded state; and
and a second elastic member (430_2) positioned on the third member between the third ball and the fourth ball to press the third ball and the fourth ball outward.