KR20200120474A - Foldable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a foldable electronic device having a sliding hinge structure arranged on the lower end of a portion where a flexible display is folded. The foldable electronic device comprises: a housing including a first part and a second part; a flexible display placed on the first part and the second part; and a hinge structure to rotate a first area of the flexible display placed on the first part or a second area placed on the second part to be in a first state in which the first area and the second area form a substantially identical plane or a second state in which the first area and the second area face each other. The hinge structure includes: a hinge member including a sliding part and a connection part extended from the sliding part and connected to the first part or the second part; a guide member; and a hinge housing to cover the hinge member and the guide member. The guide member is fastened to the hinge housing to be separated from the hinge housing by a prescribed distance to form a space. The sliding part is inserted into the space to perform a sliding motion between the guide member and the hinge housing. Various other embodiments identified through the present disclosure are possible.

Description

Foldable electronic device}

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

In recent years, portable electronic devices such as smart phones and tablet PCs are being light and thin for ease of portability, and are being developed in various fields for ease of use. In particular, an electronic device to which a foldable type is applied provides a relatively larger screen than a general bar type electronic device, but when it is folded, its size decreases and it is convenient to carry. It is in the spotlight as an electronic device to satisfy.

In such a foldable electronic device, at least two or more plates may be pivotably coupled through a hinge to be unfolded or folded, and a display may be disposed on the plates connected through the hinge. For example, a plurality of physically separated displays may be disposed on the plates, one each. In recent years, as the technology for a flexible display has been developed, a flexible display capable of providing a large screen integrally without physical breakage can be disposed on the plates. For example, by replacing the window used to protect the exterior of a display with a highly flexible, high-hardness transparent plastic (eg, polyimide, PI) film from the existing glass substrate, the flexibility to fold and unfold is improved. The given flexible display can be applied to a foldable electronic device.

Conventional foldable electronic devices have generally used a method of designing a rotating shaft using hinges on both sides of a display. However, in this structure, when the hinges disposed on both sides of the display are exposed to the exterior of the product, there is a problem that the size of the product increases when a protective device or exterior cover is used to cover the hinge.

Recently, a method has been used in which a hinge is disposed at the bottom of a portion where the display is folded so that the hinge is not exposed to the exterior of the product. Even in such a structure, the thickness of the product may be increased due to an area occupied by the hinge.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a foldable electronic device in which a sliding hinge structure is disposed under a portion where a flexible display is folded.

A foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a housing including a first part and a second part, a flexible display mounted on the first part and the second part, and mounted on the first part. The first region of the flexible display and the second region seated on the second part become a first state in which substantially the same plane is formed, or a second state in which the first region and the second region face each other. A hinge member including a hinge structure that rotates the first region or the second region, the hinge structure including a sliding part and a connection part extending from the sliding part and connected to the first part or the second part , A guide member, and a hinge housing covering the hinge member and the guide member, wherein the guide member is coupled to the hinge housing to form a space spaced apart from the hinge housing by a predetermined distance, and the sliding part is in the space. It may be inserted to slide between the guide member and the hinge housing.

In addition, a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure includes a housing including a first part and a second part, a flexible display mounted on the first part and the second part, and the first part. A first state in which a first region of the flexible display mounted on and a second region mounted on the second part form substantially the same plane, or a second state in which the first region and the second region face each other And at least one hinge module for rotating the first region or the second region to be, the hinge module, a first connection extending from the first sliding part and the first sliding part and connected to the first part A second hinge member including a first hinge member including a part, a second sliding part, and a second connection part extending from the second sliding part and connected to the second part, a first guide member, a second guide member, A first gear connected to the first sliding part, a second gear connected to the second sliding part, a third gear connecting the first gear and the second gear, and a combination of the lower housing and the upper housing, the And a hinge housing covering at least a portion of the first hinge member, at least a portion of the second hinge member, the first guide member, the second guide member, the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear The first guide member is coupled to the lower housing to form a first space by being spaced apart from the lower housing by a predetermined distance, and the second guide member is spaced apart from the lower housing by a predetermined distance to form a second space. It is fastened to the lower housing, and the first sliding part is inserted into the first space to slide in a first direction between the first guide member and the lower housing, and the second sliding part is inserted into the second space. As a result, a sliding motion may occur between the second guide member and the lower housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, since the hinge structure is disposed under the portion where the flexible display is folded, the degree of exposure of the hinge structure to the product exterior can be minimized, and the aspect ratio to the total area when the foldable electronic device is unfolded is Can be maximized.

In addition, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, since the hinge structure has a sliding structure, the thickness of the hinge structure can be minimized, and thus the overall thickness of the foldable electronic device can be minimized.

In addition to this, various effects that are directly or indirectly identified through this document can be provided.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
2 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a state in which a foldable display and a housing are separated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
3A is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3B is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
4A is an exploded perspective view of a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4B is a perspective view of a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
5A to 5C are views for explaining a sliding motion of a hinge structure according to an opening/closing operation of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement structure of a foldable display according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a diagram for explaining a horizontal structure of a foldable display in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in which gears are disposed between a plurality of hinge structures according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a plan view of some components of a foldable electronic device in which gears are disposed between a plurality of hinge structures according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10A to 10C are views for explaining an operation of a hinge structure and a gear according to an opening/closing operation of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a fastening structure of a hinge structure and a gear in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
12A and 12B are diagrams for explaining a fastening structure of a hinge structure and a gear in a state in which a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is unfolded at a specified angle.
13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining a fastening structure between a hinge structure and a gear in a folded state of the foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
14A to 14C are views for explaining a fastening structure of a gear and a rotation limiting part according to an opening/closing operation of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
15A to 15C are views for explaining a sliding structure of a hinge structure according to an opening/closing operation of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a combined perspective view of a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a side view of a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
19 is a plan view of a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 is a view for explaining an arrangement position of a sliding part included in a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a view for explaining another form of a guide member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
22 is a perspective view of a hinge module to which the guide member of FIG. 21 is coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience of explanation, the components illustrated in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced in size, and the present invention is not necessarily limited by what is illustrated.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment 100, the electronic device 101 communicates with the electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (eg, a short-range wireless communication network), or a second network 199 It is possible to communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through (eg, a long-distance wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120, a memory 130, an input device 150, an audio output device 155, a display device 160, an audio module 170, and a sensor module ( 176, interface 177, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196, or antenna module 197 ) Can be included. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (eg, the display device 160 or the camera module 180) may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of these components may be implemented as one integrated circuit. For example, the sensor module 176 (eg, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented while being embedded in the display device 160 (eg, a display).

The processor 120, for example, executes software (eg, a program 140) to implement at least one other component (eg, a hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can be controlled and can perform various data processing or operations. According to an embodiment, as at least part of data processing or operation, the processor 120 may store commands or data received from other components (eg, the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190) to the volatile memory 132 The command or data stored in the volatile memory 132 may be processed, and result data may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 includes a main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor), and a secondary processor 123 (eg, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor) that can be operated independently or together with the main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor). , A sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). Additionally or alternatively, the coprocessor 123 may be set to use lower power than the main processor 121 or to be specialized for a designated function. The secondary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as a part thereof.

The coprocessor 123 is, for example, on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or the main processor 121 is active (eg, an application is executed). ) While in the state, together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (for example, the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) It is possible to control at least some of the functions or states related to. According to an embodiment, the coprocessor 123 (eg, an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of other functionally related components (eg, the camera module 180 or the communication module 190). have.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (for example, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176 ). The data may include, for example, software (eg, the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a nonvolatile memory 134.

The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130, and may include, for example, an operating system 142, middleware 144, or an application 146.

The input device 150 may receive a command or data to be used for a component of the electronic device 101 (eg, the processor 120) from an outside (eg, a user) of the electronic device 101. The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (eg, a stylus pen).

The sound output device 155 may output an sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback, and the receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of it.

The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to an embodiment, the display device 160 may include a touch circuitry set to sense a touch, or a sensor circuit (eg, a pressure sensor) set to measure the strength of a force generated by the touch. have.

The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electric signal or, conversely, convert an electric signal into sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires sound through the input device 150, the sound output device 155, or an external electronic device directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101 (for example, Sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (for example, a speaker or headphones).

The sensor module 176 detects an operating state (eg, power or temperature) of the electronic device 101, or an external environmental state (eg, a user state), and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. can do. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 is, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that may be used for the electronic device 101 to directly or wirelessly connect with an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102 ). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

The connection terminal 178 may include a connector through which the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102 ). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (eg, a headphone connector).

The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (eg, vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that a user can perceive through a tactile or motor sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 180 may capture a still image and a video. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module 188 may manage power supplied to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

The battery 189 may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary cell, a rechargeable secondary cell, or a fuel cell.

The communication module 190 is a direct (eg, wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (eg, electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108). It is possible to support establishment and communication through the established communication channel. The communication module 190 operates independently of the processor 120 (eg, an application processor), and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (eg, wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 is a wireless communication module 192 (eg, a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (eg : A LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module) may be included. Among these communication modules, a corresponding communication module is a first network 198 (for example, a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi direct or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network 199 (for example, a cellular network, the Internet, or It can communicate with external electronic devices through a computer network (for example, a telecommunication network such as a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (eg, a single chip), or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (eg, multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 uses subscriber information stored in the subscriber identification module 196 (eg, International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199. The electronic device 101 can be checked and authenticated.

The antenna module 197 may transmit a signal or power to the outside (eg, an external electronic device) or receive from the outside. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include one antenna including a conductor formed on a substrate (eg, a PCB) or a radiator formed of a conductive pattern. According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199 is, for example, provided by the communication module 190 from the plurality of antennas. Can be chosen. The signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and an external electronic device through the at least one selected antenna. According to some embodiments, other components (eg, RFIC) other than the radiator may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

At least some of the components are connected to each other through a communication method (e.g., bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI))) between peripheral devices and signals ( E.g. commands or data) can be exchanged with each other.

According to an embodiment, a command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic devices 102 and 104 may be a device of the same or different type as the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or part of the operations executed by the electronic device 101 may be executed by one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, when the electronic device 101 needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 does not execute the function or service by itself. In addition or in addition, it is possible to request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least part of the service. One or more external electronic devices receiving the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the execution result to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. To this end, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, or client-server computing technology may be used.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in a state in which a foldable display and a housing are separated, and FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. And FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

2 to 3B, the foldable electronic device 200 (for example, the electronic device 101) includes a housing 210, a hinge structure 230, a flexible display 250, and a support plate 270. can do. However, the configuration of the foldable electronic device 200 is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 200 may omit at least one of the above-described components, or may further include at least one other component. For example, the foldable electronic device 200 may further include an external display.

The housing 210 may form an exterior of the foldable electronic device 200 and may protect at least one surface of the foldable electronic device 200 from an external impact. The housing 210 may include a front surface (or upper surface), a rear surface (or lower surface), and a side surface partially surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface. The side surface refers to a surface that is visually visible when looking at a thin surface of the foldable electronic device 200, and the front surface is an area excluding the side surface, and the screen output through the flexible display 250 is exposed to the outside. It means a surface to be formed, and the rear surface means a surface facing the front surface. In some embodiments, some screens of the flexible display 250 may be exposed to the outside through the rear surface and/or the side surface, but the front surface is different from the rear surface and/or the side surface. It may be provided to output the screen of the display 250.

The housing 210 may fix and support internal components of the foldable electronic device 200. For example, the housing 210 may provide a space in which internal components of the foldable electronic device 200 can be seated, and may fix and support the seated components.

The housing 210 may include a first part 211 and a second part 213 physically separated. The first part 211 and the second part 213 may be connected through the hinge structure 230 and may be rotated by the hinge structure 230.

The hinge structure 230 connects the first part 211 and the second part 213 and rotates the first part 211 and/or the second part 213 to rotate the first part 211 and the second part 213. The flexible display 250 mounted on the 211 and the second part 213 may be folded or unfolded. The hinge structure 230 may be disposed below a portion where the flexible display 250 is folded. Accordingly, the extent to which the hinge structure 230 is exposed to the exterior of the foldable electronic device 200 can be minimized, and the flexible display 250 is located in the front most area of the foldable electronic device 200. Can occupy. In addition, the hinge structure 230 may have a sliding structure. For example, the hinge structure 230 is not a structure in which a cylindrical hinge rotates, but is provided in a semi-cylindrical shape as a whole and has a structure that slides inside the hinge structure 230, so that the hinge structure 230 The thickness of the foldable electronic device 200 may be minimized, and accordingly, the overall thickness of the foldable electronic device 200 may be minimized.

The flexible display 250 may display various types of content (eg, text, images, videos, icons, symbols, etc.) to a user. The flexible display 250 may include a display panel, a touch panel provided on or integrally formed on the display panel, and a window layer provided on the touch panel. The display panel, the touch panel, and the window layer may be attached to each other by a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).

In order to manufacture the flexible display 250 having flexibility, the window layer may include a transparent plastic film having high flexibility and high hardness. The plastic film may include, for example, a polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. In one embodiment, the window layer may be formed of a plurality of plastic films. In this case, the plurality of plastic films may be attached to each other through a pressure sensitive adhesive.

The display panel includes a flexible display substrate, a plurality of display elements coupled to the display substrate, at least one conductive line coupled to the display substrate and electrically connected to the display elements, and a thin film encapsulation layer. can do. The display substrate may be formed of a flexible plastic material, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed of various materials having a flexible property.

The display devices may be disposed on the display substrate and may form a plurality of pixels. For example, the display devices are arranged in a matrix form on the display substrate to form pixels of the display panel, and may include a fluorescent material or an organic fluorescent material capable of expressing colors. For example, the display devices may include an organic light emitting diode (OLED).

The conductive line may include at least one gate signal line or at least one data signal line. According to an embodiment, the conductive line may include a plurality of gate signal lines and a plurality of data signal lines. In this case, the gate signal lines and the data signal lines are arranged in a matrix form, and the display elements are arranged so as to be aligned adjacent to a point where the lines intersect to be electrically connected to the lines.

The thin film encapsulation layer may cover the display substrate, the display devices, and the conductive line to prevent oxygen and moisture from entering from the outside. According to an embodiment, the thin film encapsulation layer may be formed by stacking at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer alternately with each other. In this case, it is preferable that the uppermost layer exposed to the outside of the thin film encapsulation layer is formed of an inorganic layer to prevent moisture permeation.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display 250 may further include a polarizing film disposed between the display panel and the touch panel. The polarizing film may secure flexible characteristics, reduce thickness, and improve image visibility. In addition, the flexible display 250 may further include a phase delay film between the display panel and the window layer. The phase retardation film may perform a role of changing linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light or converting circularly polarized light into linearly polarized light. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 250 may further include a cushion layer attached to a lower portion of the display panel through an adhesive tape or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

The flexible display 250 may be mounted on the housing 210. For example, the first area 251 of the flexible display 250 is seated on the first part 211 of the housing 210, and the second area 253 of the flexible display 250 is It may be mounted on the second part 213 of the housing 210.

The flexible display 250 may be folded or unfolded by the hinge structure 230. For example, when the foldable electronic device 200 is fully unfolded, the first region 251 and the second region 253 of the flexible display 250 are in a state in which substantially the same plane is formed, When the foldable electronic device 200 is folded, the first region 251 and the second region 253 of the flexible display 250 face each other, and the foldable electronic device 200 When the flexible display 250 is unfolded at a specified angle, the first region 251 and the second region 253 of the flexible display 250 may form the specified angle.

The support plate 270 may be attached to the rear surface of the flexible display 250 to support the flexible display 250. For example, when the support plate 270 is opened or closed in an opening/closing operation of the foldable electronic device 200, when the flexible display 250 is folded or unfolded in a portion overlapping with the hinge structure 230, the overlapping The flexible display 250 may be supported so that portions other than the formed portion are prevented from being folded or bent. According to an embodiment, the support plate 270 is at least with the first region 251 between the first part 211 of the housing 210 and the first region 251 of the flexible display 250. A first support plate attached to the flexible display 250 so that a portion of the second part 213 is overlapped, and the second area 253 of the flexible display 250 A second support plate attached to the flexible display 250 may be included so that at least a portion of the region 253 overlaps with each other.

4A is an exploded perspective view of a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a combined perspective view of the hinge structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4A and 4B, the hinge structure 400 (eg, the hinge structure 230) may include a hinge member 410, a guide member 430, and a hinge housing 450. The hinge member 410 extends from the sliding part 411 and the sliding part 411, and the first part (for example, the first part 211) or the second part (for example, the housing 210) Example: A connection part 413 connected to the second part 213 may be included. The guide member 430 may be coupled to the hinge housing 450 to form a space spaced apart from the hinge housing 450 by a predetermined distance. The hinge housing 450 may cover the hinge member 410 and the guide member 430 to protect from external impact.

The sliding part 411 may be inserted into a space between the guide member 430 and the hinge housing 450 and may slide between the guide member 430 and the hinge housing 450. For example, the rear surface 411b of the sliding part 411 may slide on the front surface 450b of the hinge housing 450 facing, and the front surface 411c of the sliding part 411 faces It can slide on the rear surface 430a of the guide member 430. As the sliding part 411 slides, the hinge structure 400 may rotate the first part or the second part connected to the connection part 413 with respect to the central axis 401. When the sliding part 411 slides between the guide member 430 and the hinge housing 450, the guide member 430 and the hinge housing 450 hold the sliding part 411 firmly. While giving, it can generate frictional force so that the user can stop at the desired position.

According to an embodiment, the sliding part 411 and the guide member 430 may include curved surfaces in which surfaces facing each other have substantially the same curvature. For example, the front surface 411c of the sliding part 411 and the rear surface 430a of the guide member 430 may include curved surfaces having substantially the same curvature. In addition, the sliding part 411 and the hinge housing 450 may include curved surfaces in which surfaces facing each other have substantially the same curvature. For example, the rear surface 411b of the sliding part 411 and the front surface 450b of the hinge housing 450 may include curved surfaces having substantially the same curvature.

According to an embodiment, the sliding part 411 may have a half ring shape, and the guide member 430 may have a semi-cylindrical shape. In addition, the hinge housing 450 may be disposed between the first part and the second part of the housing, and may be provided in a shape in which a part of the front surface is recessed in the rear direction. The hinge housing 450 may include a curved surface integrally connected from one side to the other side. The curved surface has a substantially straight line shape when viewed from a cross-section in the axial direction in which the foldable electronic device 200 is folded, but may have a substantially half-ring shape when viewed from a cross-section in the vertical direction of the axis. For example, the hinge housing 450 may be provided in a shape of a dome that protrudes in a rear direction and extends in an axial direction in which the foldable electronic device 200 is folded.

The sliding part 411 may include an opening 411a elongated in a direction in which the sliding part 411 slides in a central portion. For example, the sliding part 411 may include an opening 411a opened from a first position spaced apart a predetermined distance from the side facing the connection part 413 to a second position spaced apart a predetermined distance from the other side. I can. The opening 411a may be formed in a half ring shape similar to the shape of the sliding part 411.

According to an embodiment, in the sliding part 411, the foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200) is unfolded to form a first area (eg, the first area) of the flexible display (eg, the flexible display 250). When the region 251) and the second region (for example, the second region 253) form substantially the same plane, one end of the sliding part 411 (the opposite side of the part where the connection part 413 is extended) A portion) may be extracted from the space between the guide member 430 and the hinge housing 450 to support the flexible display.

According to an embodiment, the guide member 430 may include a first screw hole 431 penetrating from the front side to the rear side. In addition, the hinge housing 450 may include a second screw hole 451a formed to a predetermined depth from the front to the rear. A screw member 470 may be inserted into the first screw hole 431 and the second screw hole 451a. For example, the screw member 470 is inserted into a first screw hole 431 formed in the guide member 430 and a second screw hole 451a formed in the hinge housing 450 to be inserted into the guide member 430. ) And the hinge housing 450 may be coupled.

According to an embodiment, the first screw hole 431 may be formed at a position eccentric from the center of the guide member 430 toward the connection part 413. For example, a screw member 470 fixing the guide member 430 to the hinge housing 450 may fix the guide member 430 at an eccentric position other than the center of the guide member 430. In this case, since the screw member 470 presses the guide member 430 at an eccentric position rather than at the center, when the sliding part 411 slides, the connection part 413 and the The frictional force in the adjacent region may act greater than the frictional force in the region adjacent to the central portion of the hinge housing 450. Accordingly, when the user fully unfolds the foldable electronic device or unfolds the foldable electronic device so that the first region and the second region of the flexible display form a specific angle, in a region adjacent to the connection part 413 Due to the frictional force of, the flexible display can be maintained at an angle desired by the user. In addition, since the screw member 470 is inserted at an eccentric position other than the center of the guide member 430, it may be advantageous to secure a space for accommodating the flexible display.

According to an embodiment, since the screw member 470 presses the guide member 430 at an eccentric position rather than at the center, a gap between the guide member 430 and the hinge housing 450 As the separation distance becomes closer to the area adjacent to the connection part 413, it may decrease.

According to an embodiment, the sliding part 411 may have a thickness of a second portion located opposite to the first portion than a thickness of the first portion in which the connection part 413 extends. Accordingly, the screw member 470 presses the guide member 430 at an eccentric position, so that the separation distance between the guide member 430 and the hinge housing 450 is a region adjacent to the connection part 413 The closer it is to, the smaller the thickness of the second portion of the sliding part 411 is than the first portion, so that it may be easier to open the foldable electronic device than when it is folded. For example, when the foldable electronic device is folded, the sliding part 411 slides in the direction of the connection part 413, and at this time, the second part of the sliding part 411 is the guide member 430 As the space between the and the hinge housing 450 moves in a direction that gradually narrows, the user applies a greater force. However, when the foldable electronic device is unfolded, the sliding part 411 slides in a direction opposite to the connection part 413, and at this time, the second part of the sliding part 411 becomes the guide member ( As the space between 430 and the hinge housing 450 moves in a direction that gradually widens, the user can open the foldable electronic device with a smaller force. In addition, when the foldable electronic device is folded, the second part of the sliding part 411 is fixed due to friction in an area where the distance between the guide member 430 and the hinge housing 450 is less than a certain size. As a result, it may be easy to maintain the flexible display at an angle desired by the user.

According to one embodiment, the guide member 430 is the guide member 430 from one end 430c adjacent to the center of the hinge housing 450 to a portion that becomes the central axis 401 of the hinge structure 400. May include a recessed portion 433 formed by being recessed toward the rear surface 430a from the front surface 430d facing the flexible display (eg, the flexible display 250). When the foldable electronic device (for example, the foldable electronic device 200) is folded or unfolded, the depression 433 includes a support plate (for example, a support plate 270) supporting the flexible display and the flexible display. It may serve to provide a space so that it does not get caught in the guide member 430.

According to an embodiment, the hinge housing 450 may include a limiting portion 451 protruding and formed on a front surface 450b facing the sliding part 411. The limiting part 451 is inserted into the opening 411a formed in the sliding part 411 to guide the sliding part 411 so that it does not come off when the sliding part 411 slides, and prevents the sliding movement of the sliding part 411. Can be limited. For example, in the sliding part 411, when the foldable electronic device is folded, the one side wall 411d formed by the opening 411a is caught on the vertical surface 451b of the limiting part 451 to limit movement. Can be. On the contrary, when the foldable electronic device is unfolded, the sliding part 411 is restricted from moving by being caught by the other side wall 411e formed by the opening 411a on the side surface 430b of the guide member 430. I can.

According to an embodiment, the hinge housing 450 may form an exterior of a foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200) together with the housing (eg, the housing 210). When the foldable electronic device is unfolded as shown in FIG. 3A, the hinge housing 450 includes a first part (eg, first part 211) and a second part (eg, second part 213) of the housing. )), and may not be exposed to the outside, and when the foldable electronic device is folded as shown in FIG. 3B, the hinge housing 450 rotates in opposite directions as the first part and the second part of the housing. ) Of the rear surface 450a may be exposed to the outside.

5A to 5C are views for explaining a sliding motion of a hinge structure according to an opening/closing operation of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

5A to 5C, the foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200) includes a plurality of hinge structures 511, 513, 531, and 533 (eg, the hinge structure 400). I can. For example, the foldable electronic device is fastened to the first part 501 (for example, the first part 211) of the housing (for example, the housing 210), so that the first part 501 is connected to the first axis. At least one hinge structure (for example, the first hinge structure 511 and the second hinge structure 513) that rotates about 510 and the second part 503 of the housing (for example, the second part 213 )) to rotate the second part 503 around the second axis 530 (eg, a third hinge structure 531 and a fourth hinge structure 533) can do.

The hinge structures 511 and 513 that rotate the first part 501 to the first shaft 510 may have a connection part (eg, a connection part 413) fastened to the first part 501. . In addition, the hinge structures 531 and 533 that rotate the second part 503 to the second shaft 530 may have a connection part fastened to the second part 503.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of hinge structures 511, 513, 531, and 533 may share the hinge housing 550 (eg, the hinge housing 450). For example, the hinge housing 550 is in an axial direction in which the foldable electronic device is folded between the first part 501 and the second part 503 (the first shaft 510 and the second shaft 530 ). )) can be provided in the shape of a dome elongated.

The hinge structures 511 and 513 fastened to the first part 501 include a sliding part (eg, a sliding part 411) between a guide member (eg, a guide member 430) and the hinge housing 550. A sliding motion 519 may be performed around the first axis 510. In addition, the hinge structures 531 and 533 fastened to the second part 503 allow a sliding part to slide 539 about the second axis 530 between the guide member and the hinge housing 550. I can.

The direction of the sliding movement 519 of the sliding part included in the hinge structures 511 and 513 that rotates the first part 501 is included in the hinge structures 531 and 533 that rotate the second part 503 It may be a direction opposite to the direction of the sliding motion 539 of the sliding part. For example, when the foldable electronic device is folded (from the state of FIG. 5A to the state of FIG. 5B and the state of FIG. 5C), the first part 501 is on the left side of the second part 503. Looking at the position as a reference, the direction of the sliding movement 519 of the sliding part involved in the rotation of the first part 501 is a clockwise direction centered on the first axis 510, and the second The direction of the sliding movement 539 of the sliding part involved in the rotation of the part 503 may be a counterclockwise direction centered on the second axis 530. Conversely, when the foldable electronic device is unfolded (from the state of FIG. 5C to the state of FIG. 5B and the state of FIG. 5A), the first part 501 is positioned on the left side of the second part 503. Looking at the time as a reference, the direction of the sliding movement 519 of the sliding part involved in the rotation of the first part 501 is a counterclockwise direction centered on the first axis 510, and the second part The direction of the sliding movement 539 of the sliding part involved in the rotation of 503 may be a clockwise direction centered on the second axis 530.

6 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement structure of a foldable display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200) may include a plurality of hinge structures 610 and 630 (eg, the hinge structure 400). For example, the foldable electronic device is fastened to a first part (for example, the first part 211) of a housing (for example, the housing 210) so that the first part is connected to a first shaft (for example, a first shaft). (510)) and is fastened to a second part (eg, the second part 213) of the housing and rotates about the second part to a second axis (eg, a second shaft). It may include a second hinge structure 630 that rotates about (530)). In addition, the plurality of hinge structures 610 and 630 may share the hinge housing 650 (eg, the hinge housing 450). For example, the hinge housing 650 may be provided in the shape of a dome extending in an axial direction in which the foldable electronic device is folded between the first part and the second part.

According to an embodiment, the first axis and the second axis may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance (d) 601. For example, the sliding operation of the first axis, which is the central axis of the sliding operation of the first sliding part included in the first hinge structure 610 and the second sliding part included in the second hinge structure 630 The second axis, which is the central axis of, may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance 601. Accordingly, when the foldable electronic device is folded, the first sliding part and the second sliding part face each other by being spaced apart by a predetermined distance, so that a flexible display is provided between the first sliding part and the second sliding part. 670) (for example, the flexible display 250) may be accommodated.

According to an embodiment, the distance 601 between the first axis and the second axis may be set in consideration of a folding curvature of the flexible display 670. In other words, when the foldable electronic device is folded, a distance between the first sliding part and the second sliding part may be set in proportion to the folding curvature of the flexible display 670. For example, as the folding curvature of the flexible display 670 increases, a distance 601 between the first axis and the second axis may be set to a corresponding ratio.

According to an embodiment, when the foldable electronic device includes support plates 691 and 693 (for example, support plate 270) supporting the flexible display 670, the first axis and the second axis The distance 601 spaced apart from the axis may be set in consideration of the thickness of the support plates 691 and 693.

7 is a diagram for explaining a horizontal structure of a foldable display in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200) may support a flexible display (eg, the flexible display 250) to be horizontal when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded. have. For example, when the foldable electronic device is unfolded, the sliding parts 711 and 713 (e.g., the sliding part 411) included in the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure 400) is a hinge housing 715 (e.g. : It is possible to slide between the hinge housing 450 and a guide member (eg, the guide member 430). At this time, one end (711a, 713a) of the sliding parts (711, 713) (a portion opposite to the extended portion of the connecting part) is drawn out from the space between the hinge housing 715 and the guide member, and the flexible display or the The support plates 731 and 733 (for example, the support plate 270) for supporting the flexible display may be lifted to support the flexible display to be horizontal.

According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device includes a plurality of hinge structures, and at least one hinge structure of the plurality of hinge structures is a first part (eg, a first part) of a housing (eg, the housing 210). One part 211) may be rotated, and at least one other hinge structure may rotate the second part (eg, the second part 213) of the housing. In addition, when the foldable electronic device is unfolded, one end 711a of the first sliding part 711 involved in the rotation of the first part is drawn out from the space between the hinge housing 715 and the guide member. 2 Lifting the second area (for example, the second area 253) of the flexible display mounted on the part or the second support plate 733 attached to the lower surface of the second area, and rotating the second part One end (713a) of the second sliding part 713 involved in the first region (for example, a first region of the flexible display mounted on the first part by being drawn out from the space between the hinge housing 715 and the guide member) The second region 251) or the first support plate 731 attached to the lower surface of the first region may be lifted so that the first region and the second region are in a horizontal state substantially forming the same plane. have.

According to an embodiment, the support plates 731 and 733 may include at least one support part 731a protruding from the rear surface. The support part 731a protrudes in the direction of the housing and is fastened to the first part or the second part of the housing, and may separate the first part or the second part from the support plates 731 and 733 by a predetermined distance. have.

According to an embodiment, when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, one end (711a, 713a) of the sliding parts (711, 713) lifts the flexible display or the support plate (731, 733), and The horizontal structure of the flexible display may be determined and maintained by the distance between the support plates 731 and 733 and the housing by the support part 731a. Accordingly, the length of the support part 731a protruding from the rear surfaces of the support plates 731 and 733 is one end (711a, 713a) of the sliding parts 711 and 713 when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded. It may be determined based on a height for lifting the flexible display or the support plates 731 and 733. For example, the protruding length of the support part 731a is that when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, one end 711a and 713a of the sliding parts 711 and 713 may be the flexible display or the support plates 731 and 733. ) Can be determined to be proportional to the lifting height.

According to an embodiment, a printed circuit board in which various electronic components or electronic components included in the foldable electronic device are mounted in a space where the support plates 731 and 733 and the housing are separated by the support part 731a Can be placed. The electronic components or the printed circuit board may be electrically connected to the flexible display.

At least one electronic device or circuit line may be mounted on the printed circuit board, and at least some may be electrically connected to each other. The electronic device may be, for example, a processor (eg, processor 120), a memory (eg, memory 130), a power management integrated circuit (eg, power management module 188), or a communication circuit (eg, communication Module 190), and the like.

According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board may be integrally disposed in a space where the support plates 731 and 733 and the housing are spaced apart. In this case, the printed circuit board may be made of a flexible material. According to another embodiment, the printed circuit board may include at least two physically separated printed circuit boards. For example, a first printed circuit board is disposed in a space spaced apart from the first support plate 731 and the housing, and a second printed circuit board is a space spaced apart from the second support plate 733 and the housing. Can be placed on In this case, the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board may be electrically connected.

8 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in which gears are disposed between a plurality of hinge structures according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device in which gears are disposed between a plurality of hinge structures according to an embodiment of the present invention. A plan view of some components of the arranged foldable electronic device.

8 and 9, a foldable electronic device (eg, a foldable electronic device 200) includes a plurality of hinge structures 811, 813, 831, and 833, and the plurality of hinge structures 811, It may include at least one gear (851, 853, 855) disposed between 813, 831, 833. In FIG. 8, the foldable electronic device includes a first hinge structure 811, a second hinge structure 813, a third hinge structure 831, a fourth hinge structure 833, a first gear 851, and a Although the state including the second gear 853 and the third gear 855 is shown, the number of hinge structures and gears is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, at least one hinge structure 811, 813 among the plurality of hinge structures 811, 813, 831, 833 is a first part 801 of a housing (for example, the housing 210) ( Example: It is connected to the first part 211) to rotate the first part 801, and at least one other hinge structure 831, 833 is connected to the second part 803 of the housing (for example, the second part It is connected to (213)) to rotate the second part 803.

According to an embodiment, the hinge structures 811 and 813 connected to the first part 801 and the hinge structures 831 and 833 connected to the second part 803 may be alternately disposed. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the third hinge structure 831, the first hinge structure 811, the fourth hinge structure 833, and the second hinge structure 813 are arranged in order. I can. In addition, the gears (851, 853, 855) are any one of the hinge structures (811, 813) connected to the first part 801 and the hinge structures (831, 833) connected to the second part 803 ) Can be placed between any one of. For example, the first gear 851 is disposed between the first hinge structure 811 and the third hinge structure 831, and the first hinge structure 811 and the fourth hinge structure 833 The second gear 853 may be disposed therebetween, and a third gear 855 may be disposed between the fourth hinge structure 833 and the second hinge structure 813.

The gears 851, 853, 855 may gear-couple the hinge structures 811, 813, 831, and 833 disposed on both sides. For example, the gear teeth of the gears 851, 853, 855 mesh with the gears of the hinge structures 811, 813, 831, 833 disposed on both sides of the gears 851, 853, 855 The gears 851, 853, 855 and the hinge structures 811, 813, 831, and 833 disposed on both sides of the gears 851, 853, 855 may rotate simultaneously.

According to an embodiment, a sliding part (for example, a sliding part 411) included in the hinge structures 811, 813, 831, 833 disposed on both sides of the gears 851, 853, 855 is the gear ( The gears 851, 853, and 855 are formed on the side surfaces of the arrangement directions and may include a gear unit that is fastened to the gears 851, 853, and 855. The gear unit may include, for example, a gear tooth. For example, the sliding part included in the first hinge structure 811 is formed on a side surface in the direction in which the first gear 851 is disposed, and is fastened to the first gear 851, and the It may include a second gear portion formed on the side of the second gear 853 is arranged and fastened to the second gear 853. The sliding part included in the second hinge structure 813 may include a third gear part formed on a side surface in a direction in which the third gear 855 is disposed and fastened to the third gear 855. The sliding part included in the third hinge structure 831 may include a fourth gear part formed on a side surface in a direction in which the first gear 851 is disposed and fastened to the first gear 851. The sliding part included in the fourth hinge structure 833 is formed on a side surface in the direction in which the second gear 853 is disposed and is fastened to the second gear 853 and the third gear ( It may include a sixth gear portion formed on the side of the direction in which the 855 is disposed and fastened to the third gear 855.

According to an embodiment, the sliding parts included in the hinge structures 811, 813, 831, 833 disposed on both sides of the gears 851, 853, 855 are prevented by rotation of the gears 851, 853, 855. This allows sliding movement in different directions. For example, when the gears 851, 853, 855 rotate, the sliding part connected to one side of the gears 851, 853, 855 and involved in the rotation of the first part 801 is clockwise ( Alternatively, a sliding part that is slid in a counterclockwise direction), connected to the other side of the gears 851, 853, 855 and involved in the rotation of the second part 803, may slide in a counterclockwise direction (or clockwise direction). have. Accordingly, the first part 801 and the second part 803 rotate in a direction facing each other to fold the foldable electronic device, or the first part 801 and the second part 803 The foldable electronic device may be unfolded by rotating in a direction away from each other.

According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device includes gears 857 and 859 disposed adjacent to the hinge structures 813 and 831 disposed outside of the plurality of hinge structures 811, 813, 831, and 833. It may further include. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a fourth gear 857 is disposed adjacent to the third hinge structure 831, and a fifth gear 859 is disposed adjacent to the second hinge structure 813. Can be placed. The fourth gear 857 may be located in a direction opposite to the first gear 851 with respect to the third hinge structure 831, and the fifth gear 859 may be the second hinge structure 813 ) May be located in a direction opposite to the third gear 855. In this case, the sliding part included in the third hinge structure 831 includes a seventh gear part formed on a side surface in the direction in which the fourth gear 857 is arranged and fastened to the fourth gear 857, The sliding part included in the second hinge structure 813 may include an eighth gear part formed on a side surface in a direction in which the fifth gear 859 is disposed and fastened to the fifth gear 859.

According to an embodiment, the gears 857 and 859 disposed adjacent to the outer hinge structures 813 and 831 have gear teeth formed at a first portion fastened to the gear portion of the sliding part, and the first portion Gear teeth may not be formed in other parts. For example, the gears 857 and 859 may have gear teeth formed only in a first portion corresponding to the length of the gear portion of the sliding part to be fastened.

According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device is in the opposite direction of the outer hinge structures 813 and 831 based on the gears 857 and 859 disposed adjacent to the outer hinge structures 813 and 831. It may include rotation limiting portions 871 and 873 disposed in the. For example, a first rotation limiting part 871 is disposed in a direction opposite to the third hinge structure 831 based on the fourth gear 857, and the first rotation limiting part 871 is disposed based on the fifth gear 859. 2 A second rotation limiting part 873 may be disposed in a direction opposite to the hinge structure 813.

The rotation limiting parts 871 and 873 may limit rotation of adjacent gears 857 and 859. For example, when the rotation limiting parts 871 and 873 are in the first angle range (eg, 0 degrees to 165 degrees or 176 degrees to 180 degrees), the rotation angle of adjacent gears 857 and 859 The gears 857 and 859 can be rotated even with an external force greater than or equal to the first size, and when the rotation angle is in a second angle range (eg, 166 degrees to 175 degrees), a second size larger than the first size Only when the above external force is applied can the gears 857 and 859 to rotate. That is, the rotation limiting parts 871 and 873 may maintain the open state of the foldable electronic device in the second angular range unless an external force of a predetermined size or more is applied.

According to an embodiment, the rotation limiting portions 871 and 873 may include a locking portion protruding and formed on a surface facing the adjacent gears 857 and 859. When the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded (when the first part 801 and/or the second part 803 is rotated), the gears 857 and 859 are rotated and the locking part By being caught in, rotation of the gears 857 and 859 may be restricted so that the first part 801 and the second part 803 form a specified angle (eg, about 172 degrees). In this case, the gears 857 and 859 may include protrusions formed by protruding from the second portion facing the rotation limiting portions 871 and 873. For example, in the gears 857 and 859, a gear tooth may be formed in a first portion that is fastened to a gear portion of a sliding part, and a protrusion may be formed in a second portion that faces the rotation limiting portions 871 and 873. have. Accordingly, when the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded, when the protrusion formed on the gears 857 and 859 is caught on the locking portion formed in the rotation limiting portions 871 and 873, the first part 801 And the second part 803 may form a specified angle.

10A to 10C are views for explaining an operation of a hinge structure and a gear according to an opening/closing operation of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10A to 10C, a foldable electronic device (eg, a foldable electronic device 200) includes a plurality of hinge structures 811, 813, 831, and 833 (eg, a hinge structure 400), and the At least one gear (851, 853, 855) connected between the plurality of hinge structures (811, 813, 831, 833) and the plurality of hinge structures (811, 813, 831, 833) are arranged on the outer edge of the It may include at least one gear (857, 859) connected to the hinge structure (813, 831).

Each of the plurality of hinge structures 811, 813, 831, and 833 may have gears fastened to both sides thereof so that they may operate organically with each other. For example, the first part 801 (for example, the first part 211) or the second part 803 (for example, the second part 213) of the housing (for example, the housing 210) When a sliding part (for example, the sliding part 411) included in any one of the hinge structures 811, 813, 831, 833 slides, gears 851, 853, 855, 857, 859 connected to both sides of the sliding part ) Is rotated, and sliding parts included in other hinge structures 811, 813, 831, and 833 connected to the gears 851, 853, 855, 857, 859 may be slid.

According to an embodiment, hinge structures 811, 813, 831, and 833 connected to both sides based on the gears 851, 853, 855, 857, and 859 may slide in different directions. For example, when the foldable electronic device is folded (from the state of FIG. 10A to the state of FIG. 10B and the state of FIG. 10C), the hinge structures 811 and 813 connected to the first part 801 When the sliding direction of the included sliding part is clockwise (or counterclockwise), the sliding direction of the sliding part included in the hinge structures 831 and 833 connected to the second part 803 is counterclockwise (or clockwise) ) Can be. Conversely, when the foldable electronic device is unfolded (from the state of FIG. 10C to the state of FIG. 10B and the state of FIG. 10A), the hinge structures 811 and 813 connected to the first part 801 When the sliding direction of the sliding part is counterclockwise (or clockwise), the sliding direction of the sliding part included in the hinge structures 831 and 833 connected to the second part 803 is clockwise (or counterclockwise). Can be.

According to an embodiment, when the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded, the gears 857 and 859 disposed adjacent to the outer hinge structures 813 and 831 also rotate, and the gears 857 and 859 Rotation may be limited by rotation limiting portions 871 and 873 disposed in the opposite direction of the hinge structures 813 and 831 on the outer side with respect to the gears 857 and 859. For example, the protrusions formed on the gears 857 and 859 may be caught by the locking portions formed on the rotation limiting parts 871 and 873 while the gears 857 and 859 are rotated. In this case, the first part 801 and the second part 803 may form a designated angle.

11A and 11B are views for explaining a fastening structure of a hinge structure and a gear in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. Is a diagram for explaining a fastening structure of a hinge structure and a gear in a state in which the foldable electronic device is unfolded at a specified angle, and FIGS. 13A and 13B are views in a folded state of the foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a drawing for explaining the fastening structure of a hinge structure and a gear.

Referring to FIGS. 11A to 13B, hinge structures 1110 and 1130 (eg, hinge structures 400) disposed adjacently are a gear 1150 disposed between the hinge structures 1110 and 1130 (eg: It may be geared by means of gears (851, 853, 855). For example, the gear teeth of the gear 1150 are meshed with the gear parts 1111, 1113, 1131, 1133 of the hinge structures 1110, 1130 disposed on both sides of the gear 1150, and the gear 1150 and the The hinge structures 1110 and 1130 disposed on both sides of the gear 1150 may rotate simultaneously.

The gear units 1111, 1113, 1131, and 1133 may be disposed on side surfaces of sliding parts (eg, sliding parts 411) included in the hinge structures 1110 and 1130. For example, the first sliding part included in the first hinge structure 1110 includes a first gear part 1111 formed on a side surface in a direction in which the gear 1150 is disposed and a second gear part 1113 formed on the opposite side. ) Can be included. In addition, the second sliding part included in the second hinge structure 1130 includes a third gear part 1131 formed on the side in the direction in which the gear 1150 is arranged and a fourth gear part 1133 formed on the opposite side. Can include. The gear units 1111, 1113, 1131, and 1133 may include, for example, gear teeth. The gear units 1111, 1113, 1131, and 1133 may include a plurality of gears formed from one end of the side to the other end of the sliding part. For example, the plurality of gears may be sequentially formed in a direction in which the connection part is arranged from one end of the side at a position far from the connection part (for example, the connection part 413) extending from the sliding part. In the following description, a gear located at a position farthest from the connection part among the plurality of gears is referred to as a first gear tooth, and a gear located at a position closest to the connection part is referred to as a second gear tooth.

According to an embodiment, a first sliding part included in the first hinge structure 1110 disposed on both sides of the gear 1150 and a second sliding part included in the second hinge structure 1130 are the gears. By the rotation of 1150, it is possible to slide in different directions. For example, when the gear 1150 rotates, the first sliding part slides clockwise (or counterclockwise) around a first axis (eg, first axis 510), and the first sliding part 2 The sliding part may slide in a counterclockwise direction (or clockwise direction) around a second axis (eg, the second axis 530). Accordingly, the first part (for example, the first part 211) of the housing (for example, the housing 210) connected to the first hinge structure 1110 and of the housing connected to the second hinge structure 1130 When the second part (eg, the second part 213) rotates in a direction facing each other, the foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200) is folded, or the first part and the second part The foldable electronic device may be unfolded by rotating in a direction away from each other.

11A and 11B illustrate fastening structures of the first hinge structure 1110, the second hinge structure 1130, and the gear 1150 in a state in which the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded. For example, when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, a first gear part 1110 formed on a side surface of the first sliding part, a third gear part 1131 formed on a side surface of the second sliding part, and the gear ( 1150) is engaged. When the foldable electronic device is fully deployed, the first gear teeth of the first gear part 1111 mesh with the gear teeth of the gear 1150, and the first gear teeth of the third gear part 1131 (1150) can be meshed with the gear teeth.

When the foldable electronic device starts to be folded in a fully unfolded state (states of FIGS. 11A and 11B), the first sliding part and the second sliding part may slide together with the rotation of the gear 1150. have. At this time, the gear teeth of the first gear unit 1111 meshing with the gear teeth of the gear 1150 in the sliding movement direction of the first sliding part are changed, and the gear ( The gear teeth of the third gear part 1131 that mesh with the gear teeth of 1150 may also be changed. For example, the gears included in the first gear unit 1111 are gears arranged in the sliding motion direction of the first sliding part starting from the first gear, and these are sequentially meshed with the gears of the gear 1150. In addition, the gears included in the third gear unit 1131 are also gears arranged in the sliding motion direction of the second sliding part starting from the first gear. These are sequentially meshed with the gears of the gear 1150. I can.

12A and 12B illustrate fastening structures of the first hinge structure 1110, the second hinge structure 1130, and the gear 1150 in a state in which the foldable electronic device is unfolded at a specific angle. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, when the foldable electronic device is unfolded at a specific angle, one of the gears included in the first gear unit 1111 is located between the first gear and the second gear. One gear tooth and a gear tooth of the gear 1150 are meshed, and among the gears included in the third gear part 1131, any one gear tooth and the gear located between the first gear tooth and the second gear tooth ( 1150)'s gear teeth can engage.

13A and 13B illustrate fastening structures of the first hinge structure 1110, the second hinge structure 1130, and the gear 1150 in a state in which the foldable electronic device is completely folded. 13A and 13B, when the foldable electronic device is completely folded, the second gear among the gears included in the first gear unit 1111 and the gear teeth of the gear 1150 are meshed, Among the gears included in the third gear part 1131, the second gear and the gear teeth of the gear 1150 may mesh with each other.

When the foldable electronic device is fully folded (in the states of FIGS. 13A and 13B ), it may operate similarly. When the foldable electronic device is fully folded and begins to unfold, the gear teeth of the first gear unit 1111 meshed with the gear teeth of the gear 1150 in the sliding movement direction of the first sliding part are changed, and the A gear tooth of the third gear part 1131 that meshes with the gear of the gear 1150 in the sliding motion direction of the second sliding part may also be changed. For example, the gears included in the first gear part 1111 are gears arranged in the sliding motion direction of the first sliding part starting from the second gear, and these are sequentially meshed with the gears of the gear 1150. In addition, the gears included in the third gear unit 1131 are also gears arranged in the sliding motion direction of the second sliding part starting from the second gear. These are sequentially meshed with the gears of the gear 1150. I can.

14A to 14C are views for explaining a fastening structure of a gear and a rotation limiting part according to an opening/closing operation of a foldable electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

14A to 14C, the foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200) includes a hinge structure at the outer edge of a plurality of hinge structures (eg, hinge structures 811, 813, 831, 833). Based on the gear 1410 (eg gears 857, 859) disposed adjacent to the hinge structure (e.g., hinge structures (813, 831)), the rotation limiting portion (1430) disposed in the opposite direction of the hinge structure of the outer frame ) (E.g., rotation limiting units 871, 873) may be included.

The rotation limiting part 1430 may limit rotation of the gear 1410 disposed adjacent thereto. For example, when the rotation angle of the gear 1410 disposed adjacently is in the first angle range, the rotation limiting part 1430 may rotate the gear 1410 even with an external force greater than or equal to a first size. When the rotation angle is in the second angular range, the gear 1410 can be rotated only when an external force of a second size or more larger than the first size is applied. That is, the rotation limiting unit 1430 may maintain the open state of the foldable electronic device in the second angular range unless an external force of a predetermined size or more is applied.

The gear 1410 has a gear tooth 1411 formed at a first portion that is fastened to a gear portion of a sliding part connected to the gear 1410, and at least one gear tooth 1411 is formed at a second portion facing the rotation limiting portion 1430 The protrusions 1413 and 1415 of may be formed. The protrusions 1413 and 1415 may limit an angular range (eg, 0 degrees to 180 degrees) in which the gear 1410 can rotate. For example, in the gear 1410, a first protrusion 1413 and a second protrusion 1415 may be formed at positions corresponding to a boundary angle of the angular range in the second portion.

The rotation limiting part 1430 may include at least one locking part 1431, 1433, 1435 protruding on a surface facing the gear 1410. When the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded, the locking portions 1431, 1433, and 1435 are formed to protrude so that the protrusions 1414 and 1415 formed on the gear 1410 are rotated while the gear 1410 is rotated. I can. The locking portions 1431, 1433, 1435 limit an angle range in which the gear 1410 can rotate, and when the foldable electronic device is unfolded at a specified angle, an external force of the gear 1410 or more It can also be restricted from rotating unless applied. For example, the rotation limiting part 1430 may have a first locking part 1431 and a second locking part 1435 formed at positions corresponding to a boundary angle of the angular range, respectively. In addition, the rotation limiting part 1430 may have a third locking part 1433 formed at a position corresponding to a specified angle within the angular range.

14A shows a fastening structure between the gear 1410 and the rotation limiting unit 1430 when the foldable electronic device is completely folded, and FIG. 14B shows the foldable electronic device when the foldable electronic device is unfolded at a specified angle. Fig. 14C shows a fastening structure between the gear 1410 and the rotation limiting part 1430, and FIG. 14C shows the fastening structure of the gear 1410 and the rotation limiting part 1430 when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded. .

When the foldable electronic device is completely folded, as shown in FIG. 14A, the first protrusion 1413 of the gear 1410 may be caught by the first locking part 1431 of the rotation limiting part 1430. Accordingly, the gear 1410 may no longer rotate in a direction in which the first protrusion 1413 passes through the first locking part 1431. In addition, even when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, as shown in FIG. 14C, the first protrusion 1413 of the gear 1410 is caught by the second locking part 1435 of the rotation limiting part 1430, and the The second protrusion 1415 of the gear 1410 may be caught by the first locking part 1431 of the rotation limiting part 1430. Accordingly, the gear 1410 is in a direction in which the second protrusion 1415 passes through the first locking part 1431 (a direction in which the first protrusion 1413 passes through the second locking part 1435). May no longer be able to rotate.

When the foldable electronic device is fully folded and unfolded, or when the foldable electronic device is fully folded and folded, the first protrusion 1413 of the gear 1410 is rotated with the rotation of the gear 1410. It can be moved along the facing surface of the rotation limiting part 1430. In this case, the gear 1410 may be rotated even with an external force equal to or greater than the first size. As shown in FIG. 14B, the first protrusion 1413 may move between the first locking part 1431 and the second locking part 1435 and then be caught by the third locking part 1433. When the first protruding portion 1413 is caught by the third locking portion 1433, the foldable electronic device may be opened at a specified angle (eg, about 172 degrees). In a state in which the first protrusion 1413 is caught by the third locking part 1433, in order to allow the first protrusion 1413 to cross the third locking part 1433, a second size larger than the first size is External force beyond the size may be required. That is, the gear 1410 can rotate in a direction in which the first protrusion 1413 passes through the third locking portion 1433 only when an external force equal to or greater than the second size is applied. In other words, the foldable electronic device may maintain the unfolded state at the specified angle unless an external force greater than the second magnitude is applied to the gear 141.

15A to 15C are views for explaining a sliding structure of a hinge structure according to an opening/closing operation of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, a structure for maintaining an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200) at a specified angle is a hinge structure in addition to the fastening structure of the gear and the rotation limiter described in FIGS. 14A to 14C. It can be implemented through the sliding structure of

15A to 15C, the hinge structure (eg, the hinge structure 400) includes a sliding part 1510 (eg, a sliding part 411) and a hinge housing 1530 (eg, the hinge housing 450). It may include. The sliding part 1510 may slide between the hinge housing 1530 and a guide member (eg, a guide member 430) along a surface facing the hinge housing 1530.

The sliding part 1510 may include a first protrusion 1511 formed on a surface facing the hinge housing 1530. According to an embodiment, the first protrusion 1511 may be formed to be elongated in the width direction of the sliding part 1510. In addition, the hinge housing 1530 may include a second protrusion 1531 formed on a surface facing the sliding part 1510. According to an embodiment, the second protrusion 1531 may be formed to have a length corresponding to the length of the first protrusion 1511.

When the foldable electronic device is folded in an unfolded state (state of FIG. 15C) or unfolded in a folded state (state of FIG. 15A), the sliding part 1510 slides along a surface facing the hinge housing 1530. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 15B, the first protrusion 1511 of the sliding part 1510 may be caught by the second protrusion 1531 of the hinge housing 1530.

When the first protrusion 1511 is caught by the second protrusion 1531, the foldable electronic device may be opened at a specified angle (eg, about 172 degrees). In order for the first protrusion 1511 to pass over the second protrusion 1531, an external force of a predetermined size or more may be required. That is, the sliding part 1510 can slide in a direction in which the first protrusion 1511 passes through the second protrusion 1531 only when an external force equal to or greater than the specified size is applied. In other words, while the first protrusion 1511 is caught by the second protrusion 1531, the foldable electronic device is at the specified angle unless an external force of more than the specified size is applied to the sliding part 1510. You can keep it unfolded. According to an embodiment, either of the first protrusion 1511 or the second protrusion 1531 may be a groove formed by being recessed.

According to an embodiment, although not shown, the foldable electronic device may be maintained in an unfolded state at a specified angle by a fastening structure between the sliding part 1510 and the guide member. For example, the sliding part 1510 may include a protrusion formed on a surface facing the guide member, and the guide member may include a groove formed on a surface facing the sliding part 1510. Accordingly, when the foldable electronic device is folded in an unfolded state or unfolded in a folded state, the sliding part 1510 slides along a surface facing the guide member, and the protrusion of the sliding part 1510 is It can be inserted into the groove of the guide member. In this case, the foldable electronic device is in a state where the protrusion formed in the sliding part 1510 is inserted into the groove formed in the guide member, and the foldable electronic device is at a specified angle unless an external force equal to or greater than a specified size is applied to the sliding part 1510. You can keep it unfolded.

As described above, according to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (eg, the electronic device 101, the foldable electronic device 200) includes a first part (eg, the first parts 211, 501, 801). ) And a housing (eg, housing 210) including a second part (eg, second parts 213, 503, 803), and a flexible display mounted on the first part and the second part (eg, The display device 160, the flexible displays 250 and 670), and a first area (for example, the first area 251) of the flexible display mounted on the first part and the second part The first region or the second region is in a first state in which a second region (for example, the second region 253) forms substantially the same plane, or a second state in which the first region and the second region face each other. 2 includes a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure 230, 400, 511, 513, 531, 533, 610, 630, 811, 813, 831, 833, 1110, 1130) that rotates the area, , Including a sliding part (eg, sliding parts 411, 711, 713, 1510) and a connecting part (eg, connecting part 413) extending from the sliding part and connected to the first part or the second part A hinge member (eg, hinge member 410), a guide member (eg, guide member 430), and a hinge housing covering the hinge member and the guide member (eg, hinge housings 450, 550, 650, 715, 1530)), wherein the guide member is coupled to the hinge housing so as to form a space spaced apart from the hinge housing by a predetermined distance, and the sliding part is inserted into the space to slide between the guide member and the hinge housing. (Example: sliding movement (519, 539)) can be performed.

According to various embodiments, the sliding part and the guide member include curved surfaces in which surfaces facing each other (eg, the front surface 411c of the sliding part and the rear surface 430a of the guide member) have substantially the same curvature, , The sliding part and the hinge housing may include curved surfaces in which surfaces facing each other (eg, the rear surface 411b of the sliding part and the front surface 450b of the hinge housing) have substantially the same curvature.

According to various embodiments, the sliding part includes an opening (for example, an opening 411a) formed long in the sliding motion direction at a center thereof, and the hinge housing is formed to protrude on a surface facing the sliding part, and the Includes a limiting part (for example, a limiting part 451) inserted into the opening, and the sliding part is formed by the opening when the first region and the second region of the flexible display are in the second state. One side wall (for example, the side wall 411d) may be caught by the limiting portion to limit movement.

According to various embodiments, the guide member includes a screw hole (eg, a first screw hole 431) at a position eccentric from the center toward the connection part, and the screw member (eg, the screw member 470) is It is inserted into the screw hole to fasten the guide member and the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, when the first area and the second area of the flexible display are in the first state, one end of the sliding part (for example, one end of the sliding part 711a, 713a) ) May be withdrawn from the space to support the flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device includes a first support plate attached to the flexible display such that at least a part of the first region overlaps between the first part and the first region. 270, 691), the first support plate 731), and a second support plate attached to the flexible display such that at least a portion of the second region overlaps between the second part and the second region (for example, support Plates 270 and 693 and a second support plate 733 may be further included.

According to various embodiments, the first support plate includes a first support part (for example, a support part 731a) protruding in the direction of the first part and fastened to the first part, and the first support plate 1 part and a predetermined distance apart, the second support plate includes a second support portion protruding in the direction of the second part and fastened to the second part, and a predetermined distance apart from the second part by the second support portion Can be.

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device is disposed in at least one of a space between the first support plate and the first part, or a space between the second plate and the second part, and is electrically connected to the flexible display. It may further include a printed circuit board connected to.

According to various embodiments, the sliding part includes a first protrusion (eg, a first protrusion 1511) formed on a surface facing the hinge housing, and the hinge housing is on a surface facing the sliding part. And a second protrusion (for example, a second protrusion 1531) formed, and the first protrusion is caught by the second protrusion when the first region or the second region is rotated. 2 Areas can be made to form a specified angle.

According to various embodiments, the sliding part includes a protrusion formed on a surface facing the guide member, the guide member includes a groove formed on a surface facing the sliding part, and the protrusion comprises the first When the region or the second region rotates, it may be inserted into the groove so that the first region and the second region form a designated angle.

According to various embodiments, the hinge structure includes a first hinge structure (eg, hinge structures 511, 513, 811, 813) that rotates the first region around a first axis (eg, first axis 510). , 1110)) and a second hinge structure (eg, hinge structures 531, 533, 831, 833, 1130) that rotates the second area around a second axis (eg, the second axis 530). The first hinge structure includes a first connection part included in the first hinge structure connected to the first part, and the second hinge structure includes a second connection part included in the second hinge structure. It can be connected to the second part.

According to various embodiments, the first axis and the second axis may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

According to various embodiments, when the first and second regions of the flexible display are in the first state, one end of the first sliding part is the first sliding part included in the first hinge structure. The first guide member included in the first hinge structure and the hinge housing are extracted from the space to support the second area, and the second sliding part included in the second hinge structure is the first area of the flexible display. And when the second region is in the first state, one end of the second sliding part is drawn out from the space between the second guide member included in the second hinge structure and the hinge housing to support the first region. can do.

According to various embodiments, the first guide member included in the first hinge structure includes the first guide member from one end (eg, one end 430c) adjacent to the center of the hinge housing to a portion serving as the first axis. A first depression (e.g., depression 433) formed by depression from a surface facing the first region (e.g., the front surface 430d of the guide member) to the other surface (e.g., the rear surface 430a of the guide member) Including, the second guide member included in the second hinge structure is the second guide member from one end (for example, one end 430c) adjacent to the center of the hinge housing to a portion serving as the second axis. 2 Includes a second depression (e.g., depression 433) formed by depression from the surface facing the area (e.g., the front surface 430d of the guide member) to the other surface (e.g., the rear surface 430a of the guide member) can do.

According to various embodiments, a gear (for example, gears 851, 853, 855, 1150) disposed between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure is further included, and a first included in the first hinge structure 1 The sliding part includes a first gear part (for example, a gear part 1111) formed on a side surface in the direction in which the gear is arranged and fastened with the gear, and the second sliding part included in the second hinge structure It includes a second gear portion (for example, a gear portion 1131) formed on the side of the gear in the direction in which the gear is arranged and fastened with the gear, and when the first sliding part slides in the first direction, the second The sliding part may slide in a second direction different from the first direction.

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes a gear (eg, gears 857, 859, 1410) disposed adjacent to the hinge structure, and the sliding part is in a direction in which the gear is disposed. It may include a gear portion (eg, gear portions 1113, 1133) formed on the side and fastened with the gear.

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device further includes a rotation limiting unit (eg, rotation limiting unit 871, 873, 1430) disposed in a direction opposite to a position where the sliding part is disposed based on the gear. Including, the rotation limiting portion includes a locking portion (for example, locking portions (1431, 1433, 1435)) protruding on a surface facing the gear, wherein the locking portion is the first region or the second region When the gear is rotated, the gear is rotated and then caught on the locking portion so that the first region and the second region form a specified angle.

According to various embodiments, the gear has a gear tooth (for example, a gear tooth 1411) formed at a first portion fastened with a gear portion of the sliding part, and the second gear faces the rotation limiting portion. It includes protrusions (for example, protrusions 1413 and 1415) formed to protrude from a portion, and when the first region or the second region is rotated, the protrusion may be caught by the locking part.

According to various embodiments, the hinge structure includes a plurality of first hinge structures (eg, hinge structures 511 and 513, which rotate the first region around a first axis (eg, first axis 510)). 811, 813, 1110) and a plurality of second hinge structures (eg, hinge structures 531, 533, 831, etc.) for rotating the second area around a second axis (eg, second axis 530). 833, 1130)), wherein the first hinge structures include first connection parts included in each of the first hinge structures connected to the first part, and the second hinge structures are the second hinge structures Second connection parts included in each may be connected to the second part, and the first hinge structures and the second hinge structures may be alternately disposed.

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device includes a plurality of first gears disposed between adjacent hinge structures among the first hinge structures and the second hinge structures to be coupled to the adjacent hinge structures. (E.g., gears 851, 853, 855, 1150), two hinge structures disposed on the outer side of the first hinge structures and the second hinge structures, and two rotation limiting portions disposed adjacent to each other (E.g., rotation limiting parts 871, 873, 1430), and two second gears disposed between the two hinge structures and the two rotation limiting parts, respectively, and fastened to the adjacent hinge structure and the rotation limiting part (Example: Gears (857, 859, 1410)) may be further included.

16 is a combined perspective view of a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a view showing a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view, and FIG. 19 is a plan view of a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to an embodiment, a hinge structure (eg, hinge structures 400, 811, 813, 831, 833, 1110, 1130) and gears (eg, gears 851, 853, 855, 1150) in the above-described drawings ) May be composed of one hinge module 1600. The hinge module 1600 includes, for example, a plurality of hinge members (eg, hinge members 410) in a hinge housing (eg, hinge housing 450), and a plurality of guide members (eg, guide members 430). ), and at least one gear connected between the plurality of hinge members may be disposed. The hinge module 1600 may be a structure of a minimum unit that enables an open/close operation of a foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200). For example, the foldable electronic device may include at least one hinge module 1600, and the number of the hinge modules 1600 included in the foldable electronic device is proportional to the size of the foldable electronic device. Can increase.

16 to 19, the hinge module 1600 includes a hinge housing 1611 and 1613, a plurality of hinge members 1620 and 1630, a plurality of guide members 1641 and 1643, and a plurality of gears. They may include 1651, 1653, and 1655.

The hinge housings 1611 and 1613 may include an upper housing 1611 and a lower housing 1613. The upper housing 1611 and the lower housing 1613 may be coupled to each other with a predetermined space, and at least a portion of the plurality of hinge members 1620 and 1630, and the plurality of guide members 1641 in the space , 1643) and the plurality of gears 1651, 1653, and 1655 may be disposed. The upper housing 1611 may include a plurality of screw holes 1611a, 1611b, 1611c, 1611d penetrating from front to rear, and when the lower housing 1613 is combined with the upper housing 1611, The screw holes 1611a, 1611b, 1611c, 1611d may include screw receiving grooves 1613a, 1613b, 1613c, 1613d capable of accommodating screw members 1671, 1673, 1675, 1677. For example, the upper housing 1611 has a first screw hole 1611a, a second screw hole 1611b, a third screw hole 1611c, and a fourth screw hole 1611d penetrating from the front to the rear. The lower housing 1613 may include each of the first screw hole 1611a, the second screw hole 1611b, the third screw hole 1611c, and the fourth screw hole 1611d. A first screw receiving groove 1613a, a second screw receiving groove 1613b, a third screw receiving groove 1613c, and a fourth screw receiving groove 1613d formed in the aligned positions may be included.

Each of the plurality of hinge members 1620 and 1630 extends from the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 (for example, the sliding parts 411) and the sliding parts 1621 and 1631, and the housing of the foldable electronic device ( Example: Connecting parts 1623, 1633 connected to the first part (eg, the first part 211) or the second part (eg, the second part 213) of the housing 210 (eg, the connecting part (413)) may be included. For example, among the plurality of hinge members 1620 and 1630, the first hinge member 1620 extends from the first sliding part 1621 and the first sliding part 1621 and is connected to the first part of the housing. A first connection part 1623 is included, and a second hinge member 1630 of the plurality of hinge members 1620 and 1630 extends from the second sliding part 1631 and the second sliding part 1631 And a second connection part 1633 connected to the second part of the housing. In the illustrated drawing, the hinge module 1600 shows a state including the first hinge member 1620 and the second hinge member 1630, but the hinge member 1620 included in the hinge module 1600 , 1630) is not limited thereto. The hinge module 1600 may include at least two of the hinge members 1620 and 1630, and a connection part of at least one hinge member (for example, the first hinge member 1620) (for example, a first connection part ( 1623)) is connected to the first part, the connection part (eg, the second connection part 1633) of at least one other hinge member (eg, the second hinge member 1630) is connected to the second part. I can.

The sliding parts (1621, 1631) are inserted into the space between the guide members (1641, 1643) and the lower housing (1613) to slide between the guide members (1641, 1643) and the lower housing (1613). I can. For example, the rear surfaces of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 may slide on the front surface of the lower housing 1613 facing each other, and the front surfaces of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 are the guide members 1641 facing each other. , 1643) can slide on the rear. As the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 slide, the hinge module 1600 may rotate the first part or the second part connected to the connection parts 1623 and 1633. When the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 slide between the guide members 1641 and 1643 and the lower housing 1613, the guide members 1641 and 1643 and the lower housing 1613 are separated from the sliding parts ( 1621, 1631) can be firmly held and frictional force can be generated so that the user can stop at the desired position.

According to an embodiment, the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 may have a half ring shape. According to an embodiment, the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 and the guide members 1641 and 1643 may include curved surfaces in which surfaces facing each other have substantially the same curvature. For example, a front surface of the first sliding part 1621 and a rear surface of the first guide member 1641 may include curved surfaces having substantially the same curvature, and the front surface of the second sliding part 1631 The rear surface of the second guide member 1643 may include curved surfaces having substantially the same curvature. In addition, the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 and the lower housing 1613 may include curved surfaces in which surfaces facing each other have substantially the same curvature. For example, a rear surface of the first sliding part 1621 and a front surface of the lower housing 1613 may include curved surfaces having substantially the same curvature, and the rear surface and the lower surface of the second sliding part 1631 The front surface of the housing 1613 may include curved surfaces having substantially the same curvature.

The sliding parts 1621 and 1631 may include openings 1621a and 1631a elongated in a direction in which the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 slide in the center. For example, the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 have an opening 1621a opened from a first position spaced apart a predetermined distance from the side facing the connection parts 1623 and 1633 to a second position spaced apart a predetermined distance from the other side. , 1631a).

According to an embodiment, the connection parts 1623 and 1633 of the hinge members 1620 and 1630 may include at least one through hole 1623a, 1623b, 1633a, and 1633b formed to penetrate from the front to the rear. A screw member may be inserted into at least one through hole 1623a, 1623b, 1633a, 1633b formed in the connection parts 1623 and 1633, and may be connected to the first part or the second part through the screw member. have.

Each of the plurality of guide members 1641 and 1643 may include a fastening part fastened to the lower housing 1613 and a guide part extending from the fastening part and spaced apart from the lower housing 1613 by a predetermined distance. The fastening portion may have a substantially plate shape. The guide portion may have a width wider than that of the fastening portion. For example, a part of the side surface of the guide part may be connected to the side surface of the fastening part. The guide portion may include side portions having a width of a predetermined size in both directions with respect to the center connected to the fastening portion. The side portions may form a specified angle with the fastening portion. For example, the side portions may be inclined upward from both sides of the central portion toward the fastening portion. Accordingly, when the fastening portions of the guide members 1641 and 1643 are fastened to the lower housing 1613, the side portions of the guides spaced apart from the lower housing 1613 by a predetermined distance are inclined upward in the fastening direction. , The sliding movement of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 sliding along the rear surfaces of the side portions may be guided in an upward inclined direction of the side portions.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the guide portion of the guide members 1641 and 1643 may include a protrusion 1643b (or detent) formed on a surface facing the sliding parts 1621 and 1631. For example, the protrusion 1643b may be formed to protrude a predetermined size from the rear surface of the guide unit on the rear surface of the guide unit facing the front surfaces of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631. The protrusion 1643b may apply pressure when the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 slide along the guide part.

According to an embodiment, when the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 slide in the first direction along the guide part, the protrusion 1643b slides a certain distance (for example, the When the foldable electronic device is unfolded at a predetermined angle), it may be inserted into the groove 1631c formed by being recessed on the front surfaces of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631. For example, in the sliding operation of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631, if the protrusion 1643b is inserted into the groove 1631c formed in the sliding parts 1621 and 1631, the sliding operation may be restricted.

According to an embodiment, when the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 slide in the second direction along the guide part, the protrusion 1643b slides a predetermined distance (the foldable When the electronic device is folded at a predetermined angle), it may be caught by the inclined surface 1631d formed at the ends of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631. For example, during the sliding operation of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631, if the protrusion 1643b is caught on the inclined surface 1631d formed at the ends of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631, the sliding operation may be restricted.

Each of the plurality of guide members 1641 and 1643 may be coupled to the lower housing 1613 to form a space spaced apart from the lower housing 1613 by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 may be inserted between the guide members 1641 and 1643 (eg, side portions of the guide part) and the lower housing 1613 to perform sliding movement. Each of the plurality of guide members 1641 and 1643 may include screw holes 1641a and 1643a penetrating from front to rear. For example, the fastening portion of the first guide member 1641 among the plurality of guide members 1641 and 1643 may include a fifth screw hole 1641a penetrating from the front to the rear, and the plurality of guide members ( Among the 1641 and 1643, the fastening portion of the second guide member 1643 may include a sixth screw hole 1643a penetrating from the front to the rear.

According to an embodiment, the screw holes 1641a and 1643a formed in the guide members 1641 and 1643 are the screw holes 1611a, 1611b, 1611c and 1611d formed in the upper housing 1611 and the lower housing It may be disposed at a position aligned with the screw receiving grooves 1613a, 1613b, 1613c, and 1613d formed in the 1613. For example, the fifth screw hole 1641a formed in the first guide member 1641 is the second screw hole 1611b formed in the upper housing 1611 and the second screw hole 1611b formed in the lower housing 1613. The sixth screw hole 1643a is disposed at a position aligned with the screw receiving groove 1613b, and formed in the second guide member 1643, the third screw hole 1611c formed in the upper housing 1611, and It may be disposed at a position aligned with the third screw receiving groove 1613c formed in the lower housing 1613. Accordingly, the first guide member 1641 has a second screw member 1673 inserted into the second screw hole 1611b formed in the upper housing 1611 and is formed in the first guide member 1641. By passing through the fifth screw hole 1641a and being accommodated in the second screw receiving groove 1613b formed in the lower housing 1613, it may be fastened to the lower housing 1613. In addition, the second guide member 1643 includes a third screw member 1675 inserted into the third screw hole 1611c formed in the upper housing 1611 and is formed in the second guide member 1643. 6 By passing through the screw hole 1643a and being received in the third screw receiving groove 1613c formed in the lower housing 1613, it may be fastened to the lower housing 1613.

According to an embodiment, the screw holes 1641a and 1643a formed in the guide members 1641 and 1643 are in the direction of the connection parts 1623 and 1633 from the center of the fastening portion of the guide members 1641 and 1643 ( Example: It may be formed at an eccentric position in a direction opposite to the portion to which the guide portions are connected. For example, a screw member (for example, a second screw member 1673 and a third screw member 1675) for fixing the guide members 1641 and 1643 to the lower housing 1613 is provided with the guide members 1641 and 1643. The guide members 1641 and 1643 may be fixed at an eccentric position other than the center of the fastening part of the. In this case, since the screw member presses the guide members 1641 and 1643 at an eccentric position rather than at the center of the fastening part, when the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 slide, the connection part ( A friction force in a region adjacent to the 1623 and 1633 may be greater than a friction force in a region adjacent to the center of the lower housing 1613. Accordingly, when the user fully unfolds the foldable electronic device or unfolds the foldable electronic device so that the first and second regions of the flexible display form a specific angle, the connection parts 1623 and 1633 are adjacent to each other. Due to the frictional force in the area, the flexible display can be maintained at an angle desired by the user. In addition, since the screw member is inserted at an eccentric position other than the center of the fastening portion of the guide members 1641 and 1643, it may be advantageous to secure a space for accommodating the flexible display.

According to an embodiment, the screw member (for example, the second screw member 1673 and the third screw member 1675) does not press the guide members 1641 and 1643 at the center of the fastening portion, but at an eccentric position. Due to the pressing, the distance between the guide members 1641 and 1643 and the lower housing 1613 may decrease as the distance between the guide members 1641 and 1643 and the region adjacent to the connection parts 1623 and 1633 become closer.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 may have a thickness of a second portion located opposite the first portion than a thickness of the first portion in which the connection parts 1623 and 1633 extend. Accordingly, the screw member (for example, the second screw member 1673 and the third screw member 1675) presses the guide members 1641 and 1643 at an eccentric position, so that the guide members 1641 and 1643 and the A structure that decreases as the separation distance between the lower housings 1613 gets closer to the area adjacent to the connection parts 1623 and 1633, and the thickness of the second portion of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 is thicker than the first portion As a result, it may be easier when the foldable electronic device is unfolded than when it is folded. For example, when the foldable electronic device is folded, the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 slide in the direction of the connection parts 1623 and 1633, in which case the second part of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 As the space between the guide members 1641 and 1643 and the lower housing 1613 moves in a direction that gradually narrows, the user applies a greater force. However, when the foldable electronic device is unfolded, the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 slide in a direction opposite to the connection parts 1623 and 1633, and at this time, the second sliding parts 1621 and 1631 As the portion moves in a direction in which the space between the guide members 1641 and 1643 and the lower housing 1613 gradually widens, the user can open the foldable electronic device with a smaller force. In addition, when the foldable electronic device is folded, the second portion of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 is in an area where the distance between the guide members 1641 and 1643 and the lower housing 1613 is less than a certain size. Since it may be fixed due to frictional force, it may be easy to maintain the flexible display at an angle desired by the user.

According to an embodiment, the lower housing 1613 may include a limiting portion protruding and formed on a front surface facing the sliding parts 1621 and 1631. The limiting part is inserted into the openings 1621a and 1631a formed in the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 to guide the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 so that they do not come off when sliding, and the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 Can limit the sliding movement of For example, when the foldable electronic device is folded, a side wall formed by the openings 1621a and 1631a of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 may be caught by a vertical surface of the limiting portion, thereby restricting movement. On the contrary, when the foldable electronic device is unfolded, the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 may be restricted from moving because the other side wall formed by the openings 1621a and 1631a is caught on the side surfaces of the guide members 1641 and 1643. I can.

The plurality of gears 1651, 1653, and 1655 may be disposed between the plurality of hinge members 1620 and 1630. In the illustrated drawing, the plurality of gears 1651, 1653, 1655 shows a state including a first gear 1651, a second gear 1653, and a third gear 1655, but the number of gears It is not limited.

The plurality of gears 1651, 1653, and 1655 may gear-couple the plurality of hinge members 1620 and 1630. For example, among the plurality of gears 1651, 1653, 1655, a gear tooth of the first gear 1651 is a gear tooth 1621b formed on the side of the first sliding part 1621 of the first hinge member 1620 The gear teeth of the second gear 1653 of the plurality of gears 1651, 1653, 1655 are engaged with the gear teeth 1631b formed on the side of the second sliding part 1631 of the second hinge member 1630. In addition, the gear teeth of the first gear 1651 and the gear teeth of the second gear 1653 may mesh with the gear teeth of the third gear 1655 among the plurality of gears 1651, 1653 and 1655. Accordingly, the first hinge member 1620 and the second hinge member 1630 rotate at the same time by the first gear 1651, the second gear 1653, and the third gear 1655 (or Sliding). In this case, the first hinge member 1620 and the second hinge member 1630 may slide in opposite directions to each other. For example, when the gears 1651, 1653, 1655 rotate, the first sliding part 1621 connected to the first gear 1651 and involved in the rotation of the first part is clockwise (or Counterclockwise), the second sliding part 1631 connected to the second gear 1653 and involved in the rotation of the second part may slide in a counterclockwise (or clockwise) direction. Accordingly, the first part and the second part rotate in a direction facing each other to fold the foldable electronic device, or the first part and the second part rotate in a direction away from each other to rotate the foldable electronic device Can unfold.

According to an embodiment, among the plurality of gears 1651, 1653, 1655, gears connected to the hinge members 1620, 1630 (for example, the first gear 1651 and the second gear 1653) The silver may include through holes 1651a and 1653a formed through the center. For example, the first gear 1651 connected to the first hinge member 1620 includes a first through hole 1651a formed through the center, and is connected to the second hinge member 1630 The second gear 1653 may include a second through hole 1653a formed through a central portion.

According to an embodiment, a through hole formed in each of the gears (eg, the first gear 1651 and the second gear 1653) (eg, the first through hole 1651a and the second through hole 1653a) In the gear shaft (gear shaft) (1661, 1663) may be inserted and arranged. For example, the first gear shaft 1661 is inserted into the first through hole 1651a formed in the first gear 1651, and the second through hole 1653a formed in the second gear 1653 is 2 The gear shaft 1663 may be inserted.

The gear shaft (for example, the first gear shaft 1661 and the second gear shaft 1663) can control the rotational force of the inserted gears (for example, the first gear 1651 and the second gear 1653). I can. For example, the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 may control the rotational force (torque) of the gears 1651 and 1653 by applying pressure from the inner center of the gears 1661 and 1653 in an outward direction. According to an embodiment, the thickness of the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 is the inner diameter of the gears 1661 and 1653 (for example, the diameter of the through-holes 1651a and 1653a into which the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 are inserted) ), the rotational force (torque) at which the gears 1651 and 1653 rotate may increase. That is, the hinge members 1620 and 1630 connected to the gears 1651 and 1653 by controlling the rotational force (torque) of the gears 1651 and 1653 through the adjustment of the thickness of the gear shafts 1661 and 1663. ) May be controlled, and consequently, control of the opening/closing angle of the foldable electronic device (eg, implementing a free stop function) may be possible. In addition, since the elasticity and frictional force of the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 may vary depending on the material (for example, stainless steel) of the gear shafts 1661 and 1663, depending on the material of the gear shafts 1661, 1663 The rotational force (torque) of the gears 1651 and 1653 may be controlled.

According to an embodiment, the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 may have a cylindrical shape that penetrates from the front to the rear of the center and is opened in one direction. Accordingly, when the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 are inserted into the through holes 1651a and 1653a formed in the gears 1651 and 1653, they can be contracted, and when the insertion is completed, they are expanded and the gears 1651, 1653) can be applied in the outer direction from the inner center.

According to an embodiment, the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 may have a protruding shape protruding from at least one of the front and rear surfaces to a predetermined size. The protrusions of the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 may be connected to the hinge housings 1611 and 1613, and due to the connection structure between the protrusions and the hinge housings 1611 and 1613, the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 When the gears 1661 and 1653 into which are inserted rotates, the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 may not rotate. Accordingly, when the gears 1661 and 1653 rotate, the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 do not rotate, so that the gears 1661 and 1653 and the gear shafts 1661 and 1663 are in contact with each other. Frictional force may be generated at

20 is a view for explaining an arrangement position of a sliding part included in a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20, the arrangement positions of the sliding parts 1621 and 1631 of the hinge modules 1620 and 1630 are at the arrangement positions of the plurality of gears 1651, 1653 and 1655 connected to the sliding parts 1621 and 1631. Can be determined based on According to an embodiment, a first gear 1651 connected to the first sliding part 1621 and a second gear 1653 connected to the second sliding part 1631 are the first gear 1651 and the second gear 1653. 2 The arrangement position may be determined according to the arrangement position of the third gear 1655 connecting the gear 1653, and when the arrangement positions of the first gear 1651 and the second gear 1653 are determined, the first Arrangement positions of the first sliding part 1621 connected to the gear 1651 and the second sliding part 1631 connected to the second gear 1653 may also be determined. That is, by changing the arrangement positions of the gears 1651, 1653, and 1655, the arrangement positions of the first hinge module 1620 and the second hinge module 1630 may be moved (1911, 1913).

According to an embodiment, when the third gear 1655 is moved to the left (or right) while the diameters of the gears 1651, 1653, and 1655 are fixed, the third gear 1655 The first gear 1651 and/or the second gear 1653 meshed with each other may be disposed by moving to the left (or right) according to the moving direction of the arrangement position of the third gear 1655. When the third gear 1655 is moved to the left and disposed, the first gear 1651 and the second gear 1653 may be disposed to move in a direction closer to each other, and the third gear 1655 When arranged by moving to the right, the first gear 1651 and the second gear 1653 may be arranged to move away from each other.

According to an embodiment, when the first gear 1651 and the second gear 1653 are arranged to move in a direction closer to each other or away from each other, the first gear 1651 and the second gear 1653 The first hinge module 1620 and the second hinge module 1630 connected to each may also be disposed in a direction closer to each other or in a direction away from each other. When the first hinge module 1620 and the second hinge module 1630 are disposed in a direction closer to each other, the distance d between the first hinge module 1620 and the second hinge module 1630 ( 1930 is reduced, and when the first hinge module 1620 and the second hinge module 1630 are disposed in a direction away from each other, the distance between the first hinge module 1620 and the second hinge module 1630 (d) (1930) may increase. The distance (d) 1930 between the first hinge module 1620 and the second hinge module 1630 may be a space in which a flexible display (eg, the flexible display 250) can be accommodated.

21 is a view for explaining another form of a guide member according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a hinge module to which the guide member of FIG. 21 is coupled according to an embodiment of the present invention.

21 and 22, the guide member 2100 (for example, the guide members 1641 and 1643) is a lower housing (for example, the lower housing 1613) of the hinge module (for example, the hinge module 1600) and It may include a fastening part 2110 to be fastened and a guide part 2130 guiding a sliding movement of the sliding parts (eg, sliding parts 1621 and 1631) of the hinge module. In FIGS. 16 to 19 described above, the guide members 1641 and 1643 are integrally formed, but in FIGS. 21 and 22 the fastening part 2110 and the guide part 2130 of the guide member 2100 Indicates a state that is provided separately.

The fastening part 2110 may have a substantially plate shape. The fastening part 2110 may include a screw hole 2111 (eg, screw holes 1641a and 1643a) formed to penetrate from the front to the rear. The screw holes 2111 formed in the fastening part 2110 are screw holes (eg, screw holes 1611a, 1611b, 1611c, 1611d) formed in the upper housing (eg, the upper housing 1611) of the hinge module, and the It may be disposed at a position aligned with the screw grooves (eg, screw receiving grooves 1613a, 1613b, 1613c, 1613d) formed in the lower housing. Accordingly, the guide member 2100 passes through the screw hole 2111 formed in the guide member 2100 by a screw member (for example, screw members 1671, 1675) inserted into the screw hole formed in the upper housing. By being accommodated in the screw receiving groove formed in the lower housing, it may be fastened to the lower housing.

The fastening part 2110 may include a groove 2113 formed by being recessed in the rear surface. The groove 2113 may be formed long in the width direction of the fastening part 2110. The guide part 2130 may be inserted into the groove 2113. According to an embodiment, the guide part 2130 may have a cylindrical shape, and the groove 2113 may have a semi-cylindrical shape.

When the fastening part 2110 is coupled to the lower housing, the guide part 2130 may be inserted into the groove 2113 formed in the fastening part 2110 and positioned on the front surface of the sliding part. In this case, the fastening part 2110 may press the guide part 2130 inserted into the groove 2113 in the direction of the sliding part. That is, the fastening part 2110 may apply pressure to the guide part 2130, and the friction force between the guide part 2130 and the sliding part may increase by the pressure. Since such frictional force can act as a force to control the sliding motion of the sliding part, as a result, it is possible to control the opening/closing angle of the foldable electronic device.

As described above, according to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200) includes a first part (eg, a first part 211) and a second part (eg, a second part). A housing (eg, housing 210) including a part 213), a flexible display (eg, flexible display 250) mounted on the first part and the second part, and on the first part A first area (eg, first area 251) of the flexible display mounted and a second area (eg, second area 253) mounted on the second part substantially form the same plane. And at least one hinge module (eg, a hinge module 1600) for rotating the first region or the second region so that the first region or the second region faces each other, , The hinge module includes a first sliding part (eg, a first sliding part 1621) and a first connecting part extending from the first sliding part and connected to the first part (eg, a first connecting part 1623). ) Including a first hinge member (for example, the first hinge member 1620), a second sliding part (for example, the second sliding part 1631), and extending from the second sliding part and connected to the second part. A second hinge member (eg, second hinge member 1630) including a second connecting part (eg, second connecting part 1633), a first guide member (eg, first guide member 1641), A second guide member (for example, the second guide member 1643), a first gear connected to the first sliding part (for example, the first gear 1651), and a second gear connected to the second sliding part (for example, A second gear (1653)), a third gear (eg, a third gear (1655)) connecting the first gear and the second gear, and a lower housing (eg, lower housing (1613)) and an upper housing ( Example: through the coupling of the upper housing 1611), at least a part of the first hinge member, at least a part of the second hinge member, the first guide member, the first 2 The lower housing includes a guide member, the first gear, the second gear, and a hinge housing covering the third gear, wherein the first guide member is spaced apart from the lower housing by a predetermined distance to form a first space. And the second guide member is fastened to the lower housing to form a second space by being spaced apart from the lower housing by a predetermined distance, and the first sliding part is inserted into the first space and Sliding motion in a first direction between the lower housings, and the second sliding part is inserted into the second space to slide in a second direction opposite to the first direction between the second guide member and the lower housing You can exercise.

According to various embodiments, the first sliding part includes an opening (eg, opening 1621a) formed elongated in the first direction in the center, and the lower housing protrudes on a surface facing the first sliding part. And a limiting portion that is formed and inserted into the opening, and when the first region and the second region of the flexible display are in the second state, the first sliding part has one side wall formed by the opening. Movement may be restricted by being caught by the restriction.

According to various embodiments, the first guide member includes a screw hole (for example, a screw hole 1641a) at a position eccentric from the center toward the first connection part, and the screw member is inserted into the screw hole to The first guide member and the lower housing may be fastened.

According to various embodiments, the first guide member includes a protrusion (for example, a protrusion 1643b) formed on a surface facing the first sliding part, and the first sliding part faces the first guide member. A groove (for example, a groove 1631c) formed on a surface of the first sliding part is included, and when the protrusion is inserted into the groove when the first sliding part slides, the sliding movement may be restricted.

According to various embodiments, the first sliding part further includes an inclined surface (eg, 1631d) formed at an end thereof, and when the protrusion is caught on the inclined surface during the sliding movement, the sliding movement may be restricted.

According to various embodiments, the first gear includes a through hole (eg, through hole 1651a) formed to penetrate from front to rear, and a gear shaft (eg, gear shaft 1662) is inserted into the through hole. Can be.

According to various embodiments, the gear shaft may have a cylindrical shape that penetrates from the front to the rear of the center and is opened in one direction.

According to various embodiments, the first guide member includes a fastening part (for example, fastening part 2110) fastened to the lower housing, and when the fastening part is fastened to the lower housing, the rear surface of the fastening part and the first 1 It may include a guide part (for example, a guide part 2130) which is located on the front surface of the sliding part and guides the sliding movement of the first sliding part.

Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be devices of various types. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (eg, a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present document is not limited to the above-described devices.

Various embodiments of the present document and terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the corresponding embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of the items unless clearly indicated otherwise in a related context. In this document, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "A Each of phrases such as "at least one of, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first", "second" may be used simply to distinguish the component from other corresponding components, and the components are described in other aspects (eg, importance or Order) is not limited. Some (eg, a first) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (eg, a second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively”. When mentioned, it means that any of the above components may be connected to the other components directly (eg by wire), wirelessly, or via a third component.

The term "module" used in this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic blocks, parts, or circuits. The module may be an integrally configured component or a minimum unit of the component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document include one or more stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory 136 or external memory 138) readable by a machine (eg, electronic device 101). It may be implemented as software (eg, program 140) including instructions. For example, the processor (eg, the processor 120) of the device (eg, the electronic device 101) may call and execute at least one command among one or more commands stored from a storage medium. This makes it possible for the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one command invoked. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here,'non-transient' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term refers to the case where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium. It does not distinguish between temporary storage cases.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided by being included in a computer program product. Computer program products can be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. The computer program product is distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store (e.g. Play Store ^TM ) or two user devices ( It can be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between, e.g. smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a storage medium that can be read by a device such as a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a memory of a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, module or program) of the above-described components may include a singular number or a plurality of entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations among the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (eg, a module or a program) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components in the same or similar to that performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component are sequentially, parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically executed, or one or more of the above operations are executed in a different order or omitted. Or one or more other actions may be added.

Claims (20)

In the foldable electronic device,
A housing including a first part and a second part;
A flexible display mounted on the first part and the second part; And
A first state in which a first region of the flexible display mounted on the first part and a second region mounted on the second part form substantially the same plane, or the first region and the second region mutually It includes a hinge structure for rotating the first region or the second region to be in a second state facing,
The hinge structure,
A hinge member including a sliding part and a connection part extending from the sliding part and connected to the first part or the second part;
Guide member; And
Including a hinge housing covering the hinge member and the guide member,
The guide member is fastened with the hinge housing to form a space spaced apart from the hinge housing by a predetermined distance,
The sliding part is inserted into the space to slide between the guide member and the hinge housing. The method according to claim 1,
The sliding part and the guide member include curved surfaces in which surfaces facing each other have substantially the same curvature,
The sliding part and the hinge housing include curved surfaces in which surfaces facing each other have substantially the same curvature. The method according to claim 1,
The sliding part includes an opening formed elongated in the sliding motion direction in the center,
The hinge housing is formed to protrude on a surface facing the sliding part and includes a limiting portion inserted into the opening,
When the first area and the second area of the flexible display are in the second state, the sliding part is a foldable electronic device in which a side wall formed by the opening is caught by the limiting portion to limit movement. The method according to claim 1,
The guide member includes a screw hole at a position eccentric from the center toward the connection part, and the screw member is inserted into the screw hole to fasten the guide member and the hinge housing. The method according to claim 1,
When the first and second regions of the flexible display are in the first state, one end of the sliding part is pulled out of the space to support the flexible display. The method according to claim 1,
A first support plate attached to the flexible display such that at least a portion of the first region overlaps between the first part and the first region; And
Further comprising a second support plate attached to the flexible display such that at least a portion of the second region overlaps between the second part and the second region,
The first support plate includes a first support portion protruding in a direction of the first part and fastened to the first part, and is spaced apart from the first part by a predetermined distance by the first support portion,
The second support plate includes a second support part protruding in a direction of the second part and fastened to the second part, and spaced apart from the second part by a predetermined distance by the second support part. The method according to claim 1,
The sliding part includes a first protrusion formed on a surface facing the hinge housing,
The hinge housing includes a second protrusion formed on a surface facing the sliding part,
The first protrusion is caught by the second protrusion when the first region or the second region is rotated so that the first region and the second region form a specified angle. The method according to claim 1,
The sliding part includes a protrusion formed on a surface facing the guide member,
The guide member includes a groove formed on a surface facing the sliding part,
The protrusion is inserted into the groove when the first region or the second region is rotated so that the first region and the second region form a specified angle. The method according to claim 1,
The hinge structure includes a first hinge structure for rotating the first area about a first axis and a second hinge structure for rotating the second area about a second axis,
In the first hinge structure, a first connection part included in the first hinge structure is connected to the first part,
In the second hinge structure, a second connection part included in the second hinge structure is connected to the second part,
The first axis and the second axis are separated by a predetermined distance from the foldable electronic device. The method of claim 9,
Further comprising a gear disposed between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure,
The first sliding part included in the first hinge structure includes a first gear part formed on a side surface in a direction in which the gear is arranged and fastened with the gear,
The second sliding part included in the second hinge structure includes a second gear part formed on a side surface in a direction in which the gear is arranged and fastened with the gear,
When the first sliding part slides in a first direction, the second sliding part slides in a second direction different from the first direction. The method according to claim 1,
Further comprising a gear disposed adjacent to the hinge structure,
The sliding part is a foldable electronic device including a gear part formed on a side surface in a direction in which the gear is arranged and coupled to the gear. The method of claim 11,
Further comprising a rotation limiting unit disposed in a direction opposite to the position where the sliding part is disposed based on the gear,
The rotation limiting portion includes a locking portion protruding and formed on a surface facing the gear,
The locking part rotates when the first area or the second area rotates, and then is caught by the locking part so that the first area and the second area form a specified angle. In the foldable electronic device,
A housing including a first part and a second part;
A flexible display mounted on the first part and the second part; And
A first state in which a first region of the flexible display mounted on the first part and a second region mounted on the second part form substantially the same plane, or the first region and the second region mutually At least one hinge module for rotating the first region or the second region to be in a second state facing,
The hinge module,
A first hinge member including a first sliding part and a first connection part extending from the first sliding part and connected to the first part;
A second hinge member including a second sliding part and a second connection part extending from the second sliding part and connected to the second part;
A first guide member;
A second guide member;
A first gear connected to the first sliding part;
A second gear connected to the second sliding part;
A third gear connecting the first gear and the second gear; And
Through the combination of the lower housing and the upper housing, at least a part of the first hinge member, at least a part of the second hinge member, the first guide member, the second guide member, the first gear, the second gear, And a hinge housing covering the third gear,
The first guide member is fastened to the lower housing to form a first space spaced apart from the lower housing by a predetermined distance,
The second guide member is fastened to the lower housing to form a second space spaced apart from the lower housing by a predetermined distance,
The first sliding part is inserted into the first space to slide in a first direction between the first guide member and the lower housing,
The second sliding part is inserted into the second space and slides between the second guide member and the lower housing in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The method of claim 13,
The first sliding part includes an opening formed elongated in the first direction in the center,
The lower housing includes a limiting portion formed to protrude on a surface facing the first sliding part and inserted into the opening,
When the first area and the second area of the flexible display are in the second state, the first sliding part is restricted in movement due to a side wall formed by the opening being caught by the limiting portion. The method of claim 13,
The first guide member includes a screw hole at a position eccentric from the center toward the first connection part, and the screw member is inserted into the screw hole to fasten the first guide member and the lower housing . The method of claim 13,
The first guide member includes a protrusion formed on a surface facing the first sliding part,
The first sliding part includes a groove formed on a surface facing the first guide member,
When the first sliding part performs a sliding movement, when the protrusion is inserted into the groove, the sliding movement is restricted. The method of claim 16,
The first sliding part further includes an inclined surface formed at an end thereof, and when the protrusion is caught on the inclined surface during the sliding movement, the sliding movement is restricted. The method of claim 13,
The first gear includes a through hole formed to penetrate from the front to the rear,
A foldable electronic device in which a gear shaft is inserted into the through hole. The method of claim 18,
The gear shaft is a foldable electronic device having a cylindrical shape that penetrates from the front to the rear of the center and is opened in one direction. The method of claim 13,
The first guide member,
A fastening part fastened to the lower housing; And
When the fastening part is fastened to the lower housing, a foldable electronic device comprising a guide part positioned on a rear surface of the fastening part and a front surface of the first sliding part to guide the sliding movement of the first sliding part.

Images