KR20230168085A - Hinge module and electronic device including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge module configured to rotatably couple a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device is coupled to a hinge bracket and the first housing and pivots or rotates about a first folding axis. A first rotating member disposed on the hinge bracket in a possible state, a second rotating member coupled to the second housing and disposed on the hinge bracket in a pivotable or rotatable state about a second folding axis, A cam member disposed to be linearly movable on the hinge bracket while facing at least a portion of the first rotation member and the second rotation member, and the cam in a direction to come into close contact with the first rotation member and the second rotation member. It includes an elastic member that provides elastic force to the member, wherein the first rotating member and the second rotating member each include an inclined surface in contact with the cam member, and the cam member receives the elastic force of the elastic member to at least partially It may be configured to contact the inclined surface of the first rotating member or the inclined surface of the second rotating member. In addition, various embodiments may be possible.

Description

Hinge module and electronic device including the same {HINGE MODULE AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME}

One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an electronic device, for example, a hinge module and/or an electronic device including the same.

Electronic devices refer to devices that perform specific functions according to installed programs, such as home appliances, electronic notebooks, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, tablet PCs, video/audio devices, desktop/laptop computers, or vehicle navigation devices. It can mean. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as sound or video. As the degree of integration of electronic devices increases and high-speed, high-capacity wireless communication becomes more common, recently, various functions can be installed in a single electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal. For example, not only communication functions, but also entertainment functions such as games, multimedia functions such as music/video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, schedule management, and electronic wallet functions are being integrated into a single electronic device.

As the use of personal or portable communication devices such as smart phones becomes widespread, user demands for portability and ease of use are increasing. For example, a touch screen display is a screen, for example, an output device that outputs visual information, and can provide a virtual keypad that replaces a mechanical input device (for example, a button-type input device). As a result, portable communication devices or electronic devices can be miniaturized while providing the same or improved usability (eg, larger screen). On the other hand, as flexible displays, for example foldable or rollable, are commercialized, the portability and ease of use of electronic devices are expected to further improve. . Electronic devices including flexible displays can be carried with a plurality of different structures (e.g., housings) in a folded or rolled state, and can provide a large screen in an unfolded state, improving portability and convenience of use. It can be improved.

The above information may be provided as background technology for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may apply as prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

Efforts are ongoing to ensure the reliability of electronic devices in structures in which a plurality of different structures move relative to each other, for example, in electronic devices that can be deformed between a folded (or rolled) state and an unfolded state. there is. For example, the durability of the display can be ensured to provide stable screen quality even after repeated deformation, and the electronic device includes a mechanical structure that can smoothly maintain the deformation operation or stably maintain the stationary state after the operation. can do. However, due to manufacturing tolerances given to mechanical parts or wear due to repeated deformation operations, relative displacement or movement may occur between mechanical structures even if there is no actual deformation action. Unintended relative displacement or movement in the design or manufacture of an electronic device may reduce user satisfaction with the reliability or emotional quality of the product, even if it does not have a practical effect on the operation of the electronic device.

One embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a hinge module and/or an electronic device including the same that provides a stable coupling structure despite manufacturing tolerances or repeated deformation operations.

One embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a hinge module and/or an electronic device including the same that can improve emotional quality or user satisfaction by suppressing unintended relative displacement.

Additional aspects according to various embodiments will be set forth throughout the detailed description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description or may be understood through the examples of implementations presented.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device includes a first housing, a position folded facing the first housing (hereinafter referred to as 'first position'), and a position unfolded at a specified angle from the first housing (hereinafter referred to as ' a second housing configured to rotate between the 'second position'), a first region disposed in the first housing, a second region disposed in the second housing, and disposed between the first region and the second region. a display including a folding area, and at least one hinge module disposed between the first housing and the second housing to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing, the hinge module , a hinge bracket, a first rotating member coupled to the first housing and disposed on the hinge bracket in a state capable of pivoting or rotating about a first folding axis, coupled to the second housing and rotating around a second folding axis. a second rotation member disposed on the hinge bracket in a state that can be pivoted or rotatable about the center, a cam member disposed on the hinge bracket in a state facing the first rotation member and at least a portion of the second rotation member, and a first rotation member. In the direction of action, it includes an elastic member that provides an elastic force to the cam member, and the cam member receives the elastic force of the elastic member and at least partially contacts the inclined surface of the first rotating member or the inclined surface of the second rotating member. It can be configured to do so.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge module configured to rotatably couple a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device is coupled to a hinge bracket and the first housing and pivots or rotates about a first folding axis. A first rotating member disposed on the hinge bracket in a possible state, a second rotating member coupled to the second housing and disposed on the hinge bracket in a pivotable or rotatable state about a second folding axis, A cam member disposed to be linearly movable on the hinge bracket while facing at least a portion of the first rotation member and the second rotation member, and the cam in a direction to come into close contact with the first rotation member and the second rotation member. and an elastic member that provides elastic force to the member, wherein the first rotating member and the second rotating member each include an inclined surface in contact with the cam member, and the cam member provides the first rotating member based on the elastic force of the elastic member. 1 It may be configured to press the inclined surfaces at least a portion of the rotation member in a direction intersecting the first folding axis or at least a portion of the second rotation member in a direction intersecting the second folding axis.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the point where the rotating member(s) contacts on the hinge bracket may be substantially fixed with respect to the folding axis(s). For example, relative displacement other than rotation (or rotation) of the housing(s) and/or rotation member(s) due to the folding or unfolding operation of the electronic device on the hinge bracket may be suppressed. As a result, a stable coupling or rotation structure can be maintained despite manufacturing tolerances or repeated deformation operations. In one embodiment, as unintended relative displacement is suppressed during the design or manufacturing process, the hinge module and/or electronic device including the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can improve user satisfaction while providing improved emotional quality. there is. In addition, various effects that can be directly or indirectly identified through this document may be provided.

The above-described or other aspects, configurations and/or advantages of one embodiment of the present disclosure may become clearer through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment, according to various embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an unfolded state of a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a folded state of the hinge module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the hinge structure of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the hinge bracket of Figure 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the rotating member(s) of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a view showing the rotating member(s) of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as seen from a first direction.
FIG. 11 is a view showing the rotating member(s) of FIG. 9 viewed from a second direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a rotating member cut along line B-B' of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the cam member(s) of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 is a view showing the cam member(s) of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from a first direction.
FIG. 15 is a view showing the cam member(s) of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from a second direction.
FIG. 16 is a view showing the cam member cut along line C-C' of FIG. 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a rotation member and a cam member in a folded state of the electronic device of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a rotation member and a cam member when the electronic device of FIG. 2 is folded or unfolded according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a rotation member and a cam member in an unfolded state of the electronic device of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 20 is a cutaway view of the hinge module along line S1 of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and is a view showing the arrangement of the hinge bracket and the rotation member.
FIG. 21 is a view showing the hinge module cut along line B-B' of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 22 is a diagram showing the unfolded state of the hinge module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 23 is a diagram showing a folded state of the hinge module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
24 to 27 are diagrams showing modified example(s) of the hinge module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Throughout the accompanying drawings, like parts, components and/or structures may be assigned similar reference numbers.

The following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings may provide an understanding of various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, including the claims and corresponding content. The example embodiments disclosed in the following description include numerous specific details to aid understanding, but are considered to be one of many example embodiments. Therefore, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that various changes and modifications to the various implementations described in this document can be made without departing from the scope and technical idea of the disclosure. Additionally, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to a referential meaning and may be used to clearly and consistently describe an embodiment of the present disclosure. Accordingly, to those skilled in the art, it is self-evident that the following description of various implementations of public notices is provided for illustrative purposes and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of rights and public notices stipulating equivalents.

Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" shall be understood to include plural meanings. Thus, for example, “component surface” may be understood to include one or more of the surfaces of the component.

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 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or a second network 199. It is possible to communicate with at least one of the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through (e.g., a long-distance wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, an audio output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, and a sensor module ( 176), interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196 , or may include an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 178) may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) are integrated into one component (e.g., display module 160). It can be.

The processor 120, for example, executes software (e.g., program 140) to operate at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120. It can be controlled and various data processing or calculations can be performed. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or computation, the processor 120 stores commands or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in volatile memory 132. The commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 can be processed, and the resulting data can be stored in the non-volatile memory 134. According to one embodiment, the processor 120 is a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor), or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural network processing unit) that can operate independently or together with the main processor 121. (NPU; neural processing unit), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and a secondary processor 123, the secondary processor 123 may be set to use lower power than the main processor 121 or be specialized for a designated function. You can. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 or as part of it.

The auxiliary processor 123 may, for example, act on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or while the main processor 121 is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. ), together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) At least some of the functions or states related to can be controlled. According to one embodiment, coprocessor 123 (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190). there is. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (eg, neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be created through machine learning. For example, such learning may be performed in the electronic device 101 itself on which the artificial intelligence model is performed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server 108). Learning algorithms may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but It is not limited. An artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. Artificial neural networks include deep neural network (DNN), convolutional neural network (CNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), restricted boltzmann machine (RBM), belief deep network (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), It may be one of deep Q-networks or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to hardware structures, artificial intelligence models may additionally or alternatively include software structures.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component (eg, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176) of the electronic device 101. Data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program 140) and instructions related thereto. Memory 130 may include volatile memory 132 or non-volatile 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 application 146.

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

The sound output module 155 may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. Speakers can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording playback. 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 module 160 can visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of force generated by the touch.

The audio module 170 can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires sound through the input module 150, the sound output module 155, or an external electronic device (e.g. : Sound can be output through the electronic device 102 (e.g., speaker or headphone).

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

The interface 177 may support one or more designated protocols that can be used to connect the electronic device 101 to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 102) directly or wirelessly. According to one 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 one 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 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimulation (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimulation that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

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

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

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

The communication module 190 is a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102, the electronic device 104, or the server 108). can support the establishment of and communication through established communication channels. Communication module 190 operates independently of processor 120 (e.g., an application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 190 is a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., 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 (e.g., : LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module) may be included. Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module is a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., legacy It can communicate with external electronic devices through telecommunication networks such as cellular networks, 5G networks, next-generation communication networks, the Internet, or computer networks (e.g., LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or may be implemented as a plurality of separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 uses subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 196 to communicate within a communication network such as the first network 198 or the second network 199. The electronic device 101 can be confirmed or authenticated.

The wireless communication module 192 may support 5G networks after 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies, for example, NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology provides high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and access to multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low latency). -latency communications)) can be supported. The wireless communication module 192 may support high frequency bands (eg, mmWave bands), for example, to achieve high data rates. The wireless communication module 192 uses various technologies to secure performance in high frequency bands, for example, beamforming, massive array multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), and full-dimensional multiplexing. It can support technologies such as input/output (FD-MIMO: full dimensional MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., second network 199). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 supports Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mmTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing URLLC. Example: Downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each of 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) can be supported.

The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside (eg, an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module may include an antenna including a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (eg, PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (eg, an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for the communication method used in the communication network, such as the first network 198 or the second network 199, is connected to the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190. can be selected. Signals 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, in addition to the radiator, other components (eg, radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 197.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, a mmWave antenna module includes a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (e.g., bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band); And a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to the second side (e.g., top or side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band. can do.

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

According to one embodiment, commands 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 external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be of the same or different type as the electronic device 101. According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices 102, 104, or 108. For example, when the electronic device 101 needs to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may perform the function or service instead of executing the function or service on its own. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least part of the function or service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology can be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be of various types. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.

The various embodiments of this document and the terms used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various changes, equivalents, or replacements of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numbers may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the above items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. 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 phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish one element from another, and may be used to distinguish such elements in other respects, such as importance or order) is not limited. One (e.g. first) component is said to be “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g. second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively”. Where mentioned, it means that any of the components can be connected to the other components directly (e.g. wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

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

Various embodiments of the present document are software (e.g., a program) that includes one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) that can be read by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). It can be implemented as: For example, a processor (eg, processor) of a device (eg, electronic device) may call at least one instruction among one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. This allows the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. A storage medium that can be read by a device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term refers to cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium. There is no distinction between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an application store (e.g. Play Store ^TM ) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (e.g. downloaded or uploaded) directly between smartphones) or online. In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the above-described components may include a single or plural entity, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately arranged in other components. . According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations described above may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (eg, modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component of the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or , or one or more other operations may be added.

In the detailed description below, the length direction, width direction and/or thickness direction of the electronic device may be mentioned, with the length direction being the 'Y-axis direction', the width direction being the 'X-axis direction', and/or the thickness direction. can be defined as 'Z-axis direction'. In some embodiments, the direction in which a component is oriented may be referred to as 'yin/yang (-/+)' in addition to the Cartesian coordinate system illustrated in the drawing. For example, the front of an electronic device or housing can be defined as a 'side facing the +Z direction', and the back side can be defined as a 'side facing the -Z direction'. In some embodiments, the electronic device or housing side may include an area facing the +X direction, an area facing the +Y direction, an area facing the -X direction, and/or an area facing the -Y direction. In another embodiment, 'X-axis direction' may mean including both '-X direction' and '+X direction'. Note that this is based on the Cartesian coordinate system described in the drawings for brevity of explanation, and that the description of directions or components does not limit one embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the direction in which the front or rear faces are different depending on whether the electronic device is unfolded or folded, and the direction mentioned above may be interpreted differently depending on the user's holding habits.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of the electronic device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device 200 according to one embodiment includes a first housing 210, a second housing 220, and a space provided by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. It may include a disposed flexible or foldable display 230 (hereinafter, “display 230” for short) (e.g., display module 160 of FIG. 1).

According to one embodiment, the surface on which the display 230 is placed may be defined as the front surface (eg, first surface 210a) of the electronic device 200. The front of the electronic device 200 may be formed at least in part by a substantially transparent front plate (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coating layers). And, the opposite side of the front is the electronic device 200. It can be defined as the back side (e.g., the second side 210b). The back side of the electronic device 200 may be formed by a substantially opaque back plate (hereinafter referred to as 'rear cover'). The back side The cover may be formed, for example, by coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g. aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these materials. , the surface surrounding the space between the front and back can be defined as the side of the electronic device 200. The side is combined with the front plate and the back cover and includes a side bezel structure (or “side members”). In some embodiments, the back cover and side bezel structures may be integrally formed and include the same material (eg, a metallic material such as aluminum).

The electronic device 200 includes a display 230, audio modules 241, 243, and 245, a sensor module 255, a camera device (251, 253)(s), a key input device (211, 212, 213), and It may include at least one of the connector holes 214. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may omit at least one of the components (e.g., key input devices 211, 212, and 213) or may additionally include another component (e.g., a light emitting element). there is.

According to various embodiments, the display 230 may be a display in which at least some areas can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. According to one embodiment, the display 230 has a folding area 231c, a first area disposed on one side of the folding area 231c (e.g., above the folding area 231c shown in FIG. 2). 231a) and a second area 231b disposed on the other side (e.g., below the folding area 231c shown in FIG. 2). For example, the first area 231a may be an area placed in the first housing 210, and the second area 231b may be an area placed in the second housing. However, the division of the areas of the display 230 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the display 230 may be divided into a plurality of areas (for example, four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the area of the display 230 may be divided by the folding area 231c or the folding axis A, but in other embodiments, the display 230 may be divided into different folding areas ( 231c) or the area may be divided based on another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis perpendicular to the folding axis (A)).

According to various embodiments, the audio modules 241, 243, and 245 may include a microphone hole 241 and speaker holes 243 and 245. A microphone for acquiring external sound may be placed inside the microphone hole 241, and in some embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be placed to detect the direction of the sound. The speaker holes 243 and 245 may include an external speaker hole 243 and a receiver hole 245 for calls. In some embodiments, the speaker holes 243 and 245 and the microphone hole 241 may be implemented as one hole, or a speaker may be included without the speaker holes 243 and 245 (e.g., piezo speaker). The positions and numbers of the microphone hole 241 and speaker holes 243 and 245 may vary depending on the embodiment.

According to various embodiments, the camera devices 251 and 253(s) include a first camera device 251 disposed on the first side 210a of the first housing 210 of the electronic device 200, and a first It may include a second camera device 253 disposed on two sides 210b. In addition, the electronic device 200 may further include a flash (not shown). The camera devices 251 and 253 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. A flash (not shown) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module 255 may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the internal operating state of the electronic device 200 or the external environmental state. Although not shown in the drawing, the electronic device 200 includes a sensor module other than the sensor module 255 provided on the second side 210b of the first housing 210 (e.g., the sensor module 176 in FIG. 1). may be included additionally or alternatively. The electronic device 200 includes a sensor module, such as a proximity sensor, fingerprint sensor, HRM sensor, gesture sensor, gyro sensor, barometric pressure sensor, magnetic sensor, acceleration sensor, grip sensor, color sensor, IR (infrared) sensor, It may include at least one of a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

According to various embodiments, the key input devices 211, 212, and 213 may be disposed on the side of a foldable housing (eg, the first housing 210 or the second housing 220). In another embodiment, the electronic device 200 may not include some or all of the above-mentioned key input devices 211, 212, and 213, and the key input devices not included may include soft keys, etc. on the display 230. It can be implemented in different forms. In some embodiments, a key input device may be configured such that key input is implemented by a sensor module (eg, a gesture sensor).

According to various embodiments, the connector hole 214 accommodates a connector (e.g., a USB connector) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device, or, in addition or alternatively, to an external electronic device and audio. It may be configured to accommodate a connector for transmitting and receiving signals.

According to various embodiments, a first housing 210, a second housing 220, a first rear cover 240, a second rear cover 250, and a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge of FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 described later) A foldable housing can be implemented by combining the structures 340 and 400. The foldable housing of the electronic device 200 is not limited to the shape and combination shown in FIG. 2, and may be implemented by combining and/or combining other shapes or parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing 210 and the first rear cover 240 may be formed integrally, and the second housing 220 and the second rear cover 250 may be formed integrally. You can. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, 'housing' may mean a combination and/or combined configuration of various other parts not mentioned. For example, the first area 213a of the display 230 may be described as forming one surface of the first housing 210, and in another embodiment, the first area 213a of the display 230 may be It may be described as being placed or attached to one surface of the first housing 210.

According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 is connected to a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structures 340 and 400 of FIG. 3 or 4, which will be described later), and has a first surface 210a facing in a first direction. , and may include a second surface 210b facing in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing 220 is connected to a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structures 340 and 400 of FIG. 3 or 4, which will be described later), and has a third surface 220a facing in a third direction, and a third surface 220a facing in the third direction. It includes a fourth surface 220b facing in a fourth direction opposite to , and can rotate or rotate with respect to the first housing 210 about the hinge structure (or folding axis A).

According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are disposed on both sides (or upper/lower sides) about the folding axis (A) and are entirely symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A). It can have a shape. The first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are configured to determine whether the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or a partially unfolded (or partially folded) intermediate state. The angle or distance between each other may vary depending on whether the status is different. According to one embodiment, the first housing 210, unlike the second housing 220, additionally includes various sensors, but may have a mutually symmetrical shape in other areas.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be formed of a metallic material or a non-metallic material having a selected level of rigidity to support the display 230. At least a portion formed of the metal material may be provided as a ground plane or a radiating conductor of the electronic device 200, and when provided as a ground plane, it may be used on a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board of FIG. 3). It may be electrically connected to the ground line formed at (331)).

According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 240 is disposed on one side of the folding axis A (e.g., the upper side in FIG. 2) on the rear of the electronic device 200 and has a substantially rectangular shape, for example. It may have a periphery, and the periphery may be wrapped by the first housing 210 (and/or the side bezel structure). Similarly, the second rear cover 250 is disposed on the other side (e.g., the lower side in FIG. 2) of the folding axis A at the rear of the electronic device 200 and is located on the second housing 220 (and/or The edge may be wrapped by a side bezel structure).

According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 240 and the second rear cover 250 may have a substantially symmetrical shape about the folding axis (A). However, the first rear cover 240 and the second rear cover 250 do not necessarily have symmetrical shapes, and in another embodiment, the electronic device 200 includes the first rear cover 240 and the second rear cover 250 of various shapes. It may include a second rear cover 250. In another embodiment, the first rear cover 240 may be formed integrally with the first housing 210, and the second rear cover 250 may be formed integrally with the second housing 220.

According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 240, the second rear cover 250, the first housing 210, and the second housing 220 are various parts of the electronic device 200 (e.g., FIG. A space in which the printed circuit boards 331 and 332 or batteries 333 and 334 of 3 can be placed can be formed. According to one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear of the electronic device 200. For example, at least a portion of the sub-display 239 may be visually exposed through the first rear cover 240. In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear cover 240. In various embodiments, the component or sensor may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera, and/or a flash. In addition, although not separately shown in the drawing, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear cover 250.

According to various embodiments, the front camera 251 exposed to the front of the electronic device 200 through one or more openings or the rear camera 253 exposed through the first rear cover 240 may be one or more It may include lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. A flash (not shown) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (eg, an infrared camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be placed on one side of the electronic device 200.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may change to a folded status or an unfolded status. For example, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are positioned between a first position facing each other and a second position spread out by a specified angle from the first position (e.g., the state shown in FIG. 2). can meet about. In FIG. 2, the first housing 210 shown in a dotted line illustrates the folded state of the electronic device 200, and in the first position (e.g., folded state), the first housing 210 and the second housing ( 220 may be arranged to at least partially face each other, the first area 231a and the second area 231b of the display 230 may be positioned to face each other, and the folding area 231c may be transformed into a curved shape. In Figure 2, a state in which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are unfolded to form an angle of approximately 180 degrees is illustrated. In one embodiment, the 'unfolded state' refers to a state in which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are unfolded by a specified angle from the folded state. This may refer to a state in which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are rotated or moved. According to one embodiment, when unfolded at a specified angle (e.g., approximately 180 degrees), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be positioned side by side on one side of each other, and the display 230 may be substantially flat.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 is configured to 'in-fold' in which the first area 231a and the second area 231b are folded to face each other, and the first area 231a and the second area 231b are folded to face each other. It can be implemented in two ways: 'out-folding', in which the second area 231b is folded to face opposite directions. For example, in the in-folded state, the first area 231a and the second area 231b can be substantially hidden, and in the fully unfolded state, the first area 231a ) and the second area 231b may be arranged to face substantially the same direction. For example, in an out-folding state, the first region 231a and the second region 231b are arranged facing opposite directions and exposed to the outside, and in a fully unfolded state, the first region 231a is exposed to the outside. and the second area 231b may be arranged to face substantially the same direction.

According to various embodiments, the display 230 may include a display panel and a window member, and may be formed of a flexible material. Although not separately shown, the display 230 or display panel includes a light-emitting layer, a substrate(s) encapsulating the light-emitting layer, an electrode or wiring layer, and/or an adhesive layer(s) for bonding different adjacent layers. Those skilled in the art will easily understand that it includes various layers (layer(s)) such as . According to one embodiment, a window member, for example, a thin film plate, may serve as a protective film to protect the display panel. As a protective film, the thin film plate protects the display panel from external shock and is resistant to scratches, and a material that reduces wrinkles in the folding area 231c even during repeated folding and unfolding of the housings 210 and 220 can be used. there is. These window members may include clear polyimide (CPI) or ultra thin glass (UTG).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 includes protection member 206(s) disposed on at least a portion of the edge of the display 230 on the front side (e.g., the first side 210a or the third side 220a). Alternatively, it may further include decorative covers (219, 229)(s). The protective member 206 or decorative covers 219, 229 may prevent at least a portion of an edge of the display 230 from contacting a mechanical structure (e.g., the first housing 210 or the second housing 220). It can provide a decorative effect on the exterior of the electronic device 200. In some embodiments, the edge of the folding area 231c, for example, at the point indicated by 'H', is in close contact with the display 230. A low-density elastic material such as a sponge is provided to allow deformation of the folding region 231c and at least partially block foreign substances from entering the electronic device 200.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 300 (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, in various embodiments, the electronic device 300 includes a display 330 (e.g., the display 230 of FIG. 2) and a foldable housing (e.g., a first housing 321 and a second housing). (322), or the housing (210, 220) (s) of Figure 2), printed circuit board (331, 332), hinge structure (340), flexible connection member (350), hinge cover (360), antenna module ( 370) and a rear cover 380 (e.g., the rear covers 240 and 250(s) of FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the electronic device 300 may include at least one protective member 306 and/or at least one decorative cover 319, 329, where the protective member 306 and/or the decorative cover 319 , 329) may be disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the circumference of the display 330 (eg, the display 230 of FIG. 2).

According to various embodiments, the display 330 may be exposed through a significant portion of the front of the electronic device 300. In some embodiments, the shape of the display 330 may be substantially the same as the outer shape of the front of the electronic device 300.

According to various embodiments, the foldable housing of the electronic device 300 includes a first housing 321 (e.g., the first housing 210 in FIG. 2) and a second housing 322 (e.g., the first housing 210 in FIG. 2). 2 housing 220). According to one embodiment, the first housing 321 includes a first surface 321a, a second surface 321b facing in the opposite direction to the first surface 321a (e.g., the first surface 210a in FIG. 2). (e.g., the second side 210b of FIG. 2), and the second housing 322 includes a third side 322a (e.g., the third side 220a of FIG. 2), and the third side 322a. It may include a fourth surface 322b (eg, fourth surface 220b in FIG. 2) facing in the opposite direction. The electronic device 300 or the foldable housings 321 and 322 may additionally or alternatively include a bracket assembly 325. The bracket assembly 325 may include a first bracket assembly 323 disposed in the first housing 321 and a second bracket assembly 324 disposed in the second housing 322. At least a portion of the bracket assembly 325, for example, at least a portion of the first bracket assembly 323 and at least a portion of the second bracket assembly 324 may serve as a plate for supporting the hinge structure 340. .

According to various embodiments, various electrical elements may be disposed on the printed circuit boards 331 and 332. For example, the printed circuit boards 331 and 332 include a processor (e.g., processor 120 in FIG. 1), a memory (e.g., memory 130 in FIG. 1), and/or an interface (e.g., interface in FIG. 1). (177)) can be installed. The processor may include, for example, one or more of a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. Memory may include, for example, volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. For example, the interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device 300 to an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, SD card/MMC connector, or audio connector.

According to various embodiments, the printed circuit boards 331 and 332 include a first printed circuit board 331 disposed on the first bracket assembly 323 side and a second printed circuit disposed on the second bracket assembly 324 side. It may include a substrate 332. The first printed circuit board 331 and the second printed circuit board 332 include foldable housings 321 and 322, a bracket assembly 325, and a first rear cover 381 (e.g., the first rear cover in FIG. 2). It may be disposed inside the space formed by the cover 240) and/or the second rear cover 382 (e.g., the second rear cover 250 in FIG. 2). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device 300 may be separately arranged on the first printed circuit board 331 and the second printed circuit board 332. For example, a processor (e.g., processor 120 of FIG. 1) is disposed on the first printed circuit board 331, and an audio interface (e.g., interface 177 of FIG. 1) is disposed on the second printed circuit board 332. ) can be placed.

According to various embodiments, batteries 333 and 334 (e.g., battery 189 in FIG. 1) for supplying power to the electronic device 300 may be disposed adjacent to the printed circuit boards 331 and 332. . At least a portion of the batteries 333 and 334 may be disposed, for example, on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit boards 331 and 332. According to one embodiment, the first battery 333 may be disposed adjacent to the first printed circuit board 331, and the second battery 334 may be disposed adjacent to the second printed circuit board 332. The batteries 333 and 334 are devices for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device 300 and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. You can. The batteries 333 and 334 may be integrally placed inside the foldable housings 321 and 322, or may be placed detachably from the foldable housings 321 and 322.

According to various embodiments, the hinge structure 340 provides at least one folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A in Figure 2 or the folding axes A1 and A2 in Figures 5 and 6), and provides a foldable It may be configured to rotatably connect or couple the housings 321 and 322 and/or the bracket assembly 325. The hinge structure 340 may include a first hinge structure 341 disposed on the first printed circuit board 331 side and a second hinge structure 342 disposed on the second printed circuit board 332 side. . The hinge structure 340 may be disposed between the first printed circuit board 331 and the second printed circuit board 332. In one embodiment, the first hinge structure 341 is coupled to the first bracket assembly 323 and the second hinge structure 342 is coupled to the second bracket assembly 324 such that the first printed circuit board 331 ) and the second printed circuit board 332. According to one embodiment, the hinge structure 340 may be substantially integrated with at least a portion of the first bracket assembly 323 and at least a portion of the second bracket assembly 324.

According to various embodiments, the 'housing structure' includes a foldable housing (321, 322), and at least one component disposed inside the foldable housing (321, 322) is assembled and/or combined. It can refer to something that has happened. The housing structure may include a first housing structure and a second housing structure. For example, at least one component among the first housing 321, the first bracket assembly 323 disposed inside the first housing 321, the first printed circuit board 331, and the first battery 333 The assembled configuration may be referred to as a 'first housing structure'. As another example, at least one of the second housing 322, the second bracket assembly 324 disposed inside the second housing 322, the second printed circuit board 332, and the second battery 334 is configured. The assembled configuration may be referred to as a 'second housing structure'. However, it should be noted that the 'first housing structure and the second housing structure' here are not limited to the addition of the above-described components, and various other components may be additionally included or omitted.

According to various embodiments, the flexible connection member 350 may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit (FPCB). The flexible connection member 350 can connect various electrical elements disposed on the first printed circuit board 331 and the second printed circuit board 332. To this end, the flexible connection member 350 may be arranged to cross the ‘first housing structure’ and the ‘second housing structure’. According to one embodiment, the flexible connection member 350 may be disposed across at least a portion of the hinge structure 340. According to one embodiment, the flexible connection member 350 is connected to the first printed circuit board 331 and the second printed circuit board across the hinge structure 340, for example, along a direction parallel to the y-axis of FIG. 3. It can be configured to connect (332). For another example, the flexible connection member 350 may be extended or disposed through the openings 341h and 342h formed in the hinge structure 340. At this time, a portion (e.g., first part 350a) of the flexible connection member 350 is disposed to span one side (e.g., top) of the first hinge structure 341, and the flexible connection member 350 Another part (eg, the second part 350b) may be arranged to span one side (eg, the top) of the second hinge structure 342. In addition, another part (e.g., third part 350c) of the flexible connection member 350 may be disposed on the other side (e.g., lower part) of the first hinge structure 341 and the second hinge structure 342. . At a position adjacent to the first hinge structure 341 and the second hinge structure 342, at least a portion of the first hinge structure 341, at least a portion of the second hinge structure 342, and at least a portion of the hinge cover 360 A space (hereinafter referred to as 'wiring space') surrounded by may be formed. According to one embodiment, at least a portion (eg, third portion 350c) of the flexible connection member 350 may be disposed in the wiring space.

According to various embodiments, the hinge cover 360 may be configured to accommodate or surround at least a portion of the hinge structure 340 or the wiring space. In some embodiments, the hinge cover 360 forms a wiring space together with the hinge structure 340, and protects a component disposed within the wiring space (e.g., at least a portion 350c of the flexible connection member 350) from external impact. can be protected from According to one embodiment, the hinge cover 360 may be disposed between the first housing 321 and the second housing 322. In the in-folding type electronic device 300, the hinge cover 360 may be at least partially concealed by the foldable housings 321 and 322. For example, in the folded state, the hinge cover 360 is connected to the rear of the first housing 321 (e.g., the first rear cover 381) and the rear of the second housing 322 (e.g., the second rear cover ( 382)), it can be visually exposed to the external space, and in the unfolded state, it can be substantially accommodated inside the first housing 321 or the second housing 322 and visually hidden.

According to various embodiments, the antenna module 370 (eg, the antenna module 197 in FIG. 1) may be disposed between the rear cover 380 and the batteries 333 and 334. For example, the antenna module 370 includes a first antenna module 371 disposed at least partially between the first battery 333 and the first rear cover 381 on the first housing 321 side, and a 2 The housing 322 side may include a second antenna module 372 at least partially disposed between the second battery 334 and the second rear cover 382. The antenna module 370 includes, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna, thereby enabling short-range communication with an external device or providing power required for charging. It can be transmitted and received wirelessly. In another embodiment, the antenna structure may be formed by a portion or a combination of the side bezel structure and/or bracket assembly of the foldable housings 321 and 322.

According to various embodiments, the rear cover 380 may include a first rear cover 381 and a second rear cover 382. The rear cover 380 is combined with the foldable housings 321 and 322 to display the above-described components (e.g., printed circuit boards 331 and 332, batteries 333 and 334) disposed within the foldable housings 321 and 322. ), flexible connection member 350, and antenna module 370) can be protected. For example, the rear cover 380 may be formed substantially integrally with the foldable housings 321 and 322.

According to various embodiments, the protective member 306 and/or decorative covers 319, 329 (e.g., protective member 206 and/or decorative covers 219, 229 of FIG. 2) are positioned at an edge of the display 330. At least some of it can be protected. In one embodiment, the protection member 306 is disposed between an edge of the display 330 and the inner wall of the first housing 321 and/or between an edge of the display 330 and the inner wall of the second housing 322 to display the display. It is possible to prevent the edge of 330 from directly contacting the inner walls of the foldable housings 321 and 322. According to one embodiment, the protection member 306 is, in the folded state, the second housing 322 (e.g., the second housing in FIG. 2) before the display 330 (e.g., the first area 231a in FIG. 2). By contacting (220)) and/or by contacting the first housing 321 before the second area 231b of the display 330, the display 330 can be protected. In one embodiment, the protection member 306 may prevent the first area 231a and the second area 231b of the display 330 from directly contacting each other in the folded state. In another embodiment, the decorative cover 319 is disposed on at least one of the first housing 321 and the second housing 322 and may be disposed to cover a portion of the edge of the display 330.

In the detailed description below, we will look at the hinge structure or the structure of the hinge module. When examining the hinge structure or the structure of the hinge module, the configurations of the electronic devices 200 and 300 of FIGS. 2 and 3 may be referred to.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge structure 400 (eg, hinge structure 340 of FIG. 4 ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the unfolded state of the hinge module 400a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a folded state of the hinge module 400a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the hinge structure 400 of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

4 to 7, the hinge structure 400 (e.g., the hinge structure 340 of FIG. 3) may include a hinge module 400a(s) and an interlocking hinge module 400b, and may include a first The housings 210 and 321 and the second housings 220 and 322 may be rotatable or rotatable with respect to each other. According to one embodiment, the hinge module 400a(s) and/or the interlocking hinge module 400b are disposed on the inner surface of the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover 360 in FIG. 3) to substantially conceal it from the external environment. It can be. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of hinge modules 400a correspond to both ends of the folding area (e.g., the folding area 231c in FIG. 2) in the direction of the folding axis A of FIG. 2 (e.g., the are disposed, and at least one interlocking hinge module 400b may be disposed between a pair of hinge modules 400a. Depending on the embodiment, one of the hinge modules 400a may be omitted, or an additional hinge module or an additional interlocking hinge module may be further disposed. In one embodiment, the hinge module 400a may provide a pair of folding axes A1 and A2, and the folding axes A1 and A2 may be arranged parallel to each other at a specified interval. According to one embodiment, the distance between the folding axes A1 and A2 may determine the radius of curvature of the folding area 231c in the folded state. For example, the folding axes A1 and A2 may be arranged at designated intervals so that the folding area 231c can have an appropriate radius of curvature even in the folded state.

According to one embodiment, the hinge module 400a may include a hinge bracket 401, rotation members 402a and 402b, a cam member 403, and/or an elastic member 441. The configuration of the hinge module 400a will be looked at with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, but the more specific shape or structure of the hinge bracket 401, rotation members 402a, 402b, and/or cam member 403 will be discussed. Various embodiments will be examined in more detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 16. According to one embodiment, the hinge bracket 401 may be fastened or fixed to the inner surface of the hinge cover 360 and may include guide curved surfaces (eg, guide curved surfaces 411 in FIG. 8). Depending on the embodiment, the hinge bracket 401 may be provided integrally with the hinge cover 360, and the guide curved surface (e.g., the guide curved surface 411 in FIG. 8) may be, for example, the rotating member 402a, It is possible to guide the rotation or rotation of the rotating members 402a and 402b while surrounding them (402b). The rotation members 402a and 402b are part of the hinge module 400a and may be respectively coupled to different housings among the first housings 210 and 321 and the second housings 220 and 322. In one embodiment, the rotating members 402a and 402b include a rotating body 421 disposed on one surface, and the rotating body 421 may be disposed wrapped around one of the guide curved surfaces 411. . For example, the rotation members 402a and 402b or the rotation body 421 may rotate about one of the folding axes A1 and A2 under the guidance of the guide curved surface 411. For example, the rotating body 421 includes an arc-shaped outer peripheral surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 421 may be arranged to be in sliding contact with the guide curved surface 411. In one embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 421 may be substantially a curved surface of an arc trajectory centered on one of the folding axes A1 and A2. In one embodiment, the hinge bracket 401 may include first guide protrusions (e.g., first guide protrusions 413 in FIG. 8)(s) disposed at a specified distance from the guide curved surface 411 and may rotate. A first guide groove (e.g., the first guide groove 421d in FIG. 12) in the shape of an arc centered on one of the folding axes A1 and A2 may be formed on one side of the body 421. . For example, the rotation members 402a and 402b may be rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket 401 while the first guide protrusion 413 is accommodated in the first guide groove 421d. Accordingly, the first guide protrusion 413 and/or the first guide groove 421d restrains the rotating members 402a and 402b(s) on the hinge bracket 401 while rotating the rotating member 402a with respect to the hinge bracket 401. , 402b) can guide the rotation of (s).

According to one embodiment, the cam member 403 is disposed on the hinge bracket 401 to be linearly movable along the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2 (s). In the direction, it faces the inner wall of the hinge bracket 401 (e.g., the first guide protrusion 413 in FIG. 8) with a portion (e.g., the rotating body 421) of the rotating members 402a and 402b(s) therebetween. It can be placed to see. For example, the rotation body 421 of the rotation members 402a and 402b may be disposed between one of the cams 431 of the cam member 403 and one of the first guide protrusions 413. . The cam member 403 (or cam 431) includes a guide protrusion similar to the first guide protrusion 413 (e.g., guide protrusion 431a in FIG. 13), and the rotating body 421 is positioned on the other side. It may include a guide groove (eg, guide groove 421a in FIG. 9) of an arcuate trajectory centered on one of the folding axes A1 and A2. For example, the guide protrusion 431a included in the cam member 403 may be at least partially accommodated in the guide groove 421a of the rotating body 421, and the rotating body 421 may have a first guide protrusion 413. ) and the guide protrusion 431a may be restrained in a rotatable state on the hinge bracket 401.

According to one embodiment, the elastic member 441 may be disposed on the hinge bracket 401 to press the cam member 403 (e.g., cam 431) in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2(s). . For example, the cam member 403 is provided with the elastic force of the elastic member 441 (e.g., elastic force acting in the direction of arrow BF in FIG. 15 or FIG. 21) to rotate the rotating members 402a and 402b (e.g., It may be in close contact with the rotating body 421, and the rotating body 421 may be in close contact with the inner wall of the hinge bracket 401 (eg, the inner wall on which the first guide protrusion 413 is disposed). In the illustrated embodiment, a configuration is illustrated where elastic members 441 are provided to correspond to the cams 431 or the rotating bodies 421, but the elastic force on the cam members 403 along the directions of the folding axes A1 and A2 is illustrated. If provided, the number, shape and/or position of the elastic members 441 may be appropriately changed depending on the structure of the hinge module 400a.

According to one embodiment, the folding axes A1 and A2 may be substantially set by disposing the rotating members 402a and 402b on the hinge bracket 401. For example, as the first rotating member 402a of the rotating members 402a and 402b is disposed on the hinge bracket 401, it is positioned at the center of the radius of curvature of the guide curved surface 411 or the center of the radius of curvature of the guide groove 421a. The first folding axis A1 may be set, and the second folding axis A2 may be set as the second rotating member 402b among the rotating members 402a and 402b is disposed on the hinge bracket 401. Depending on the embodiment, the first rotation member 402a may be included in either the first hinge structure 341 and/or the second hinge structure 342 of FIG. 3, and the second rotation member 402b may be included in FIG. It may be included in another one of the first hinge structure 341 and/or the second hinge structure 342 of 3. For example, the rotation members 402a and 402b can replace one of the hinge structures 341 and 342 by having a larger size than the shape shown. In one embodiment, the rotation members 402a and 402b may be implemented as a portion of any one of the hinge structures 341 and 342 by having a larger size than the shape shown.

According to one embodiment, depending on the unfolded or folded state, the first rotating member 402a and the second rotating member 402b may be arranged side by side or facing each other. However, this is mentioned as an example of the hinge module 400a of FIGS. 5 and 6, and the first rotation member 402a is in a folded state when the actual electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 200 or 300 of FIGS. 2 or 3) is folded. ) and the second rotation member 402b may be arranged to face each other with the first hinge structure 341 and/or the second hinge structure 342 of FIG. 3 interposed therebetween. For example, in the actual electronic devices 200 and 300, the first rotation member 402a and the second rotation member 402b are connected to the first hinge structure 341, the second hinge structure 342, and/or the display 330. They may be arranged to face each other with a portion (eg, the folding area 231c of FIG. 2) in between.

In one embodiment, the interlocking hinge module 400b rotates the first housing 321 and the second housing 322 when either the first housing 321 or the second housing 322 rotates with respect to the hinge structure 400. Another one of (322) can be rotated. For example, the rotational motion of the first housings 210 and 321 and the second housings 220 and 322 may be linked to each other by the interlocking hinge module 400b. According to one embodiment, the interlocking hinge module 400b includes a slide bracket 405 fastened or fixed to the inner surface of the hinge cover 360, and a pair of slide brackets 405 rotatably or rotatably disposed on the slide bracket 405. It may include a slider 407 arranged to be linearly movable along the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2(s) on the third rotation members 406a and 406b and the slide bracket 405. Depending on the embodiment, the slide bracket 405 may be provided integrally with the hinge cover 360 or may extend from the hinge bracket 401 along the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2(s). For example, the slide bracket 405 may be formed integrally with at least one of the hinge brackets 401. According to one embodiment, the slide bracket 405 may guide the linear movement of the slider 407. In one embodiment, the third rotation members 406a and 406b are respectively coupled to different housings among the first housings 210 and 321 and the second housings 210 and 322 to move one of the folding axes A1 and A2. It can rotate or pivot around one thing. A slide protrusion 461 may be provided at one end of the third rotation member (406a, 406b)(s), and the third rotation member (406a, 406b) may be positioned around one of the folding axes (A1, A2). As it rotates, the slide protrusion 461 may move along an arc trajectory on the slide bracket 405.

According to one embodiment, the slider 407 may include slide holes 471 that each accommodate one of the slide protrusions 461, and the slide holes 471 correspond to the folding axes A1 and A2 (s). ) and/or in an oblique direction with respect to an arcuate trajectory centered on the folding axis (A1, A2)(s). In one embodiment, the slide protrusion 461 is slidably coupled to one of the slide holes 471, thereby allowing linear movement of the slider 407 and rotation of the third rotation members 406a and 406b(s). These can be converted to each other. For example, due to the inclined trajectory of the slide hole 471, the slider 407 moves on the slide bracket 405 when at least one of the third rotation members 406a and 406b rotates on the slide bracket 405. Can move linearly. In another embodiment, the third rotation member (406a, 406b)(s) may rotate on the slide bracket (405) as the slider (407) moves linearly on the slide bracket (405). For example, the inclined trajectory of the slide holes 471 may be set so that the third rotation members 406a and 406b rotate in a direction that brings them closer to or farther away from each other when the slider 407 moves linearly. In one embodiment, the first housings 210, 321 and the second housings 220, 322 are connected through this interlocking hinge module 400b, so that they can rotate in opposite directions relative to each other between the folded position and the unfolded position. You can.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the hinge bracket 401 of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the hinge bracket 401 may include guide curved surfaces 411(s), first guide protrusions 413(s), and/or guide slits 419. The guide curved surface 411 is, for example, an arc-shaped curved surface centered on one of the folding axes (e.g., the folding axes A1 and A2 in FIG. 5), and is used for the rotation of the rotation members 402a and 402b. can guide or support. For example, when a pair of folding axes A1 and A2 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other, the hinge bracket 401 may include a pair of guide curved surfaces 411. In one embodiment, the first guide protrusion 413 is disposed between the guide curved surface 411 and the folding axes A1 and A2 (s) and is spaced apart from the guide curved surface 411 and folds the folding axes A1 and A2. (s) may extend along the direction. The guide slit 419 may extend along the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2 (s) between the guide curved surfaces 411 and may be connected to a support protrusion of the cam member 403 to be described later (e.g., a support protrusion in FIG. 13 (439)) can be accommodated in a slide movable manner. For example, the guide slit 419 may support or guide the linear movement of the cam member 403.

In one embodiment, the hinge bracket 401 may further include receiving hole(s) 415 disposed adjacent to the guide curved surface 411. The receiving hole 415 is, for example, a space for receiving a part of the cam member 403 (e.g., cam 431) and/or an elastic member 441 to be described later, and is located inside from the edge of the hinge bracket 401. It may have the form of an extended incision area or an opening area. The inner wall of the hinge bracket 401 (hereinafter referred to as 'end wall 415a') provided at one end of the receiving hole 415 has a first guide protrusion 413 and a first guide protrusion 413 in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2(s). They are arranged to face each other and can support one end of the elastic member 441. For example, a portion of the rotating members 402a and 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421 in FIG. 4), a portion of the cam member 403 (e.g., the cam 431), and/or the elastic member 441 It is substantially disposed between the first guide protrusion 413 and the end wall 415a, and the elastic member 441 includes the cam member 403 and the rotation member 402a and 402b in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2(s). ) and/or an elastic force that contacts or adheres to the first guide protrusion 413 may be provided. In some embodiments, the hinge bracket 401 is a structure that contacts the rotating members 402a and 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421) before the first guide protrusion 413 in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2. It may be included, and in this case, the first guide protrusion 413 may not be in direct contact with the rotation members 402a and 402b in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2(s).

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the rotation members 402a and 402b (eg, the second rotation member 402b) of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a view showing the rotation members 402a and 402b(s) of FIG. 4 viewed from a first direction (e.g., a direction parallel to the folding axes A1 and A2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. . FIG. 11 is a view showing the rotation members 402a and 402b(s) of FIG. 9 viewed from a second direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the folding axes A1 and A2) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. . FIG. 12 is a view showing the rotation members 402a and 402b cut along line B-B' of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment, although the positions of the rotating bodies 421 are slightly different, the first rotating member 402a may be similar or substantially the same as the second rotating member 402b. Therefore, in FIGS. 9 to 12, the second rotating member 402b among the rotating members 402a and 402b is illustrated as an example, and the first rotating member 401a is described as an example of the second rotating member 402b. Anyone skilled in the art will be able to easily understand.

Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12 , the second rotation member 402b has a generally flat shape and may include a rotation body 421 formed on one surface. The rotating body 421 is substantially a semi-circular cylindrical shape, and has an arc or curved shape centered on one of the folding axes A1 and A2 (e.g., the second folding axis A2). It may include the outer circumferential surface of . In one embodiment, the rotating body 421 may include a guide groove 421a and a contact area 421c formed on a surface facing the cam 431 in the direction of the second folding axis A2. For example, the guide groove 421a extends along an arc trajectory centered on the second folding axis A2, and the contact area 421c is centered on the second folding axis A2 while the guide groove 421a ) may have an arcuate trajectory extending along the circumference. On the opposite side of the surface where the guide groove 421a is formed, the rotating body 421 may include a first guide groove 421d corresponding to the first guide protrusion 413, and the first guide groove 421d The shape may be substantially the same as the guide groove 421a.

According to one embodiment, the contact area 421c is connected to the cam member 403 (e.g., cam 431 in FIG. 4) when the second rotation member 402b rotates about the second folding axis A2. can be understood as a trajectory of sliding contact. In some embodiments, the second rotating member 402b can rotate about an angle of approximately 90 degrees on the hinge bracket 401, and the first rotating member 402a and the second rotating member 402b each rotate on the hinge bracket 401. ) By rotating on the foldable housings 321 and 322, the foldable housings 321 and 322 can be deformed between the folded state and the unfolded state. In some embodiments, the contact area 421c may be formed in an arc trajectory of approximately 90 degrees or more and approximately 130 degrees or less. For example, the pressing protrusion of the cam member 403 (e.g., the pressing protrusion 431b in FIG. 13) is substantially in sliding contact with the contact area 421c, and the pressing protrusion 431b has an angle extending in the circumferential direction. Depending on the range, the angle of the arc trace of the contact area 421c can be set. The angle range of the contact area 421c can be set in various ways depending on the design of the angle range in which the rotation members 402a and 402b rotate with respect to the cam member 403, and the angle range of the contact area 421c in the actual product is may be approximately 90 degrees or more and approximately 100 degrees or less.

According to one embodiment, the rotating members 402a and 402b (e.g., the second rotating member 402b) have a stop protruding from the contact area 421c in the direction of the folding axis A1 and A2 (s). It may further include a protrusion (421b). When looking along the direction of the folding axes A1, A2(s), the stop protrusion 421b may extend, for example, in an arcuate trajectory with an angular range smaller than the contact area 421c and, at a given position, contact the cam member. It may be in contact with the pressing protrusion (431b) of (403). For example, when the pressing protrusion 431b contacts the stopping protrusion 421b at the point indicated by 'SP' in FIG. 10, the elastic force of the elastic member 441 moves the second rotating member 402b in a counterclockwise direction. It can be converted into a driving force that rotates. According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the first housings 210 and 321 and the second housings 220 and 322 may be at least partially in contact, and in the structure coupled to the second housings 220 and 322, The second rotating member 402b operates in a direction that reduces the angle formed with the first rotating member 402a or in the direction that reduces the angle formed by the first housings 210, 321 and the second housings 220, 322 ( Example: In the state illustrated in FIG. 10, it may no longer be possible to rotate counterclockwise. For example, in the folded state, the pressing protrusion 431b contacts one end (e.g., a point indicated by 'SP') of the stop protrusion 421b, thereby causing the first housing 210, 321 and the second housing 220, The contact state of 322 and/or the folded state of the electronic devices 200 and 300 may be maintained stably.

According to one embodiment, the second rotation member 402b and/or the cam member 403 converts the elastic force of the elastic member 441 to connect the contact area 421c to the folding axes A1 and A2(s) ( Example: It can be applied in a direction that crosses the second folding axis (A2). For example, the elastic force of the elastic member 441 acts parallel to the folding axes A1 and A2(s), thereby substantially moving the cam member 403 (e.g., the cam 431) to the second rotating member 402b. It acts in the direction of close contact (e.g., the direction of the arrow 'TF1' in FIG. 12), but due to the structure of the rotary members 402a and 402b (s) and the cam member 403, the rotary members 402a and 402b (e.g. A direction that rotates the second rotating member 402b (e.g., see FIG. 10 and the description in the preceding paragraph referring thereto) and/or moves the contact area 421c away from the folding axes A1 and A2(s). It can be converted or distributed in a direction (e.g., the direction of the 'TF2' arrow in FIG. 12). In one embodiment, reference is made to a direction away from the folding axes (A1, A2)(s) regarding the “direction intersecting the folding axes (A1, A2)(s)”; however, embodiments of the present disclosure do not do this. Please note that it is not limited. For example, the inclination direction of the inclined surfaces IF1 and IF2 illustrated in the embodiment referring to FIG. 21 may be changed in various ways, and the elastic member 441 may be adjusted according to the inclination direction of the inclined surfaces IF1 and IF2. Some of the elastic force may be translated in a direction that brings the rotating members 402a, 402b(s) closer to the folding axes A1, A2(s).

According to one embodiment, the second rotating member 402b may further include a main inclined surface IF1 formed around the guide groove 421a on one surface of the rotating body 421. The main inclined surface IF1 may be at least a portion of the surface of the stop protrusion 421b, and depending on the embodiment, the entire contact area 421c may be provided as the main inclined surface IF1. In one embodiment, the main inclined surface IF1 is at a specified angle in the radial direction of the arc trajectory, approaching the cam member 403 or the elastic member 441 as it moves away from the folding axis (A1, A2)(s). It can be formed as inclined as IA). For example, at least a portion of the cam member 403 may be disposed between the folding axes A1, A2(s) and the main inclined surface IF1, and the cam member 403 may be positioned between the main inclined surface IF1 or the contact area. When in contact with 421c, at least a portion of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 moves the contact area 421c (e.g., main inclined surface IF1) in a direction (e.g., : Can be converted to the direction of the arrow 'TF2' in Figure 12).

According to one embodiment, the second rotating member 402b may further include a dummy groove 421e extending along the circumferential direction from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 421. Although not shown, the electronic devices 200 and 300 or the hinge module 400a may further include a dummy protrusion formed on the hinge cover 360 or the hinge bracket 401, and the dummy protrusion is a dummy groove 421e. By being accommodated in, it can be used as a structure that guides or supports the rotation of the second rotation member 402b together with the dummy groove 421e.

According to one embodiment, the first rotation member 402a is different from the second rotation member 402b in the position of the rotation body 421 in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2 (s), but the second rotation member 402a is different from the second rotation member 402b. As a configuration similar to or substantially the same as (402b), although the 'second rotating member 402b' is illustrated in the drawings referred to in the detailed description, it may be referred to as 'rotating members 402a, 402b(s)' and 2 The configuration of the first rotating member 402a may be understood through a detailed description of the rotating member 402b. In the detailed description below, when it is necessary to distinguish similar configurations provided to the first rotating member 402a and the second rotating member 402b, an ordinal number such as 'first' or 'second' may be written, Note that reference numbers in the drawings may be written identically.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the cam member 403(s) of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14 is a view showing the cam member 403(s) of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as seen from a first direction. FIG. 15 is a view showing the cam member 403(s) of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when viewed from a second direction. FIG. 16 is a view showing the cam member 403 cut along line C-C' of FIG. 15 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

13 to 16, the cam member 403 includes a pair of cams 431 corresponding to the rotating members 402a and 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421 in FIG. 9) and a hinge bracket ( 401) (e.g., the guide slit 419 in FIG. 8) may include a corresponding support protrusion 439. The support protrusion 439 extends in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2 (s) and may be at least partially disposed in the guide slit 419. For example, the cam member 403 may be arranged to be linearly movable in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2 on the hinge bracket 401 while being guided by the support protrusion 439. The cams 431 are disposed at positions spaced apart from each other on the cam member 403 and may be disposed to face any one of the rotation members 402a and 402b. For example, the cams 431 are disposed to substantially face one of the rotating bodies 421 and are at least partially in contact with or in close contact with one of the rotating bodies 421 by the elastic force of the elastic member 441. It can be. In some embodiments, the cams 431 are disposed opposite to the guide groove 421a or part of the arcuate trajectory of the contact area 421c, and are positioned oppositely to the contact area 421c according to the rotation of the rotary members 402a and 402b(s). ) and may come into sliding contact.

According to one embodiment, the hinge module 400a and/or the cam member 403 includes at least one guide protrusion 431a formed on the cam 431(s) on the surface facing the rotating body 421(s). It may include at least one pressing protrusion (431b). The guide protrusion 431a and/or the pressure protrusion 431b protrude from one surface of the cam 431(s) in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2(s), and the guide protrusion 431a is connected to the rotating member 402a, It is received in the guide groove 421a of 402b and the pressing protrusion 431b may be disposed corresponding to the contact area 421c. For example, the cam member 403 may contact the contact area 421c substantially through the pressing protrusion 431b. Since they are disposed correspondingly to the guide groove 421a or the contact area 421c, the guide protrusion 431a and the pressure protrusion 431b may have an arc trajectory centered on any one of the folding axes A1 and A2. , may extend in the circumferential direction in an angular range smaller than the guide groove 421a or the contact area 421c.

According to one embodiment, the surface facing the contact area 421c in the direction of the folding axes A1, A2(s), for example the surface of the pressing protrusion 431b, is in the direction of the folding axes A1, A2(s). It may include a sub-inclined surface (IF2) inclined by a specified angle (IA). Minor slope IF2 is directed away from the rotating members 402a, 402b (e.g. rotating body 421), for example, away from the folding axis (A1, A2)(s) in the radial direction of the arc trajectory. It can be formed to be inclined by a specified angle (IA). In one embodiment, the rotating members 402a, 402b (e.g., rotating body 421) may be disposed at least partially between the cam 431 (e.g., pressing protrusion 431b) and the hinge bracket 401. . In one embodiment, when a portion of the rotating members 402a, 402b is disposed between the cam 431 and the hinge bracket 401, the minor inclined surface IF2 is substantially aligned with the rotating members 402a, 402b (e.g., rotating members 402a, 402b). It may be disposed between the main inclined surface IF1 of the body 421 and the folding axes A1 and A2. For example, the secondary inclined surface IF2 may distribute or convert the elastic force of the elastic member 441 in the direction of arrow TF1 and/or TF2 by pressing the main inclined surface IF1. The direction of arrow TF1 is, for example, a direction in which the cams 431 are brought into close contact with the rotating members 402a and 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421), and the direction of arrow TF2 is, for example, the direction in which the elastic member 441 exerts elastic force. It may be a direction crossing the direction providing the main inclined surface IF1 away from the folding axes A1 and A2.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the rotation members 402a and 402b and the cam member 403 in a folded state of the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the rotation members 402a and 402b and the cam member 403 when the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 is folded or unfolded according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the rotation members 402a and 402b and the cam member 403 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

17 to 19, when the rotation members 402a and 402b(s) rotate about one of the folding axes A1 and A2 (e.g., the second folding axis A2), the cam The member 403 (eg, the pressing protrusion 431b) may be in sliding contact with one surface of the rotating body 421 (eg, the contact area 421c in FIG. 9 or 10). The area where the pressing protrusion 431b slides on the rotating body 421 may be substantially an arcuate trajectory centered on one of the folding axes A1 and A2.

Referring to FIG. 17, when the electronic device 200 is folded, the pressing protrusion 431b contacts one end of the stop protrusion 421b, for example, the point indicated by 'SP' in FIG. 10, thereby making the electronic device 200 foldable. The housing (210, 220, 321, 322) can be prevented from unfolding. For example, if the user does not unfold the electronic device 200, the pressing protrusion 431b and the stopping protrusion 421b can stably maintain the folded state of the electronic device 200. According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the sub-inclined surface IF2 is oriented to direct at least a portion of the rotating members 402a, 402b, for example, the rotating body 421 away from the folding axes A1, A2. The main slope (IF1) can be pressurized. Here, 'at least a portion of the rotating body 421' may include a point where the pressing protrusion 431b contacts the rotating body 421. Accordingly, at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 421 may be in contact with a designated position of the hinge bracket 401 (eg, guide curved surface 411). In one embodiment, the point where the rotating body 421 contacts the hinge bracket 401 may be maintained in a substantially fixed position with respect to the folding axes A1 and A2, and thus the folding axes A1 and A2. In addition to rotation about the center, displacement of the rotating body 421 with respect to other structures can be suppressed. Various embodiments of the contact point between the rotating body 421 and the hinge bracket 401 and/or the configuration for suppressing the relative displacement of the rotating body 421 will be examined in more detail with reference to FIG. 20. will be.

Referring to FIG. 18, in the operation of gradually unfolding the foldable housings 210, 220, 321, and 322 from the folded state, the pressing protrusion 431b slides on the contact area 421c (e.g., the stop protrusion 421b). It can move on one surface of the rotating body 421 while making contact. In one embodiment, the main inclined surface IF1 of the stop protrusion 421b is inclined by a specified angle (e.g., the angle indicated by 'IA' in FIG. 12) with respect to the folding axes A1 and A2 in the radial direction of the arc trajectory. It may be substantially flat in the circumferential direction or arc direction. For example, in an intermediate state between a folded state and an unfolded state, the foldable housings 210, 220, 321, and 322 may be unfolded at an arbitrary angle. According to one embodiment, the pressing protrusion 431b and the stopping protrusion 421b provide static friction, thereby maintaining the foldable housings 210, 220, 321, and 322 in an intermediate state and unfolded at an arbitrary angle. . In the unfolding operation (or folding operation) of the foldable housings 210, 220, 321, and 322, the minor inclined surface IF2 presses the main inclined surface IF1, thereby exerting a portion of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 in FIG. 16 The arrow TF2 direction can be converted. For example, based on the folding axes A1 and A2, the point where the rotating body 421 and the hinge bracket 401 come into contact in the unfolding operation may be substantially the same as the point of contact in the folded state, In addition to the rotating motion about the folding axes A1 and A2, displacement of the rotating members 402a and 402b or the rotating body 421 with respect to other structures (eg, the hinge bracket 401) may be suppressed.

Referring to FIG. 19 , when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, the pressing protrusion 431b may contact the other end of the stopping protrusion 421b to prevent the electronic device 200 from being folded. For example, by receiving the elastic force of the elastic member 441 while in contact with the other end of the stop protrusion 421b, the pressing protrusion 431b prevents the foldable housings 210, 220, 321, and 322 from being folded. It can be suppressed, and when an external force (e.g., user manipulation) greater than the elastic force of the elastic member 441 acts, the stop protrusion 421b can gradually move to the folded position while retracting the pressing protrusion 431b. The folding operation of the foldable housings 210, 220, 321, and 322 is substantially performed in the reverse direction of the unfolding operation, and can be easily understood through the embodiment referring to FIG. 18.

According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 300 is folded, the cam member 403 (eg, the pressing protrusion 431b) may contact the main inclined surface IF1. For example, at least in the folded state, relative displacement of the rotating body 421, rotating members 402a, 402b, and/or housings 210, 220, 321, 322 may be suppressed, and unintended relative displacement may be suppressed. This can improve user satisfaction. In one embodiment, the main inclined surface IF1 may be formed throughout the trace or section over which the contact area 421c extends. For example, while the foldable housing 210, 220, 321, 322 rotates between the folded state and the unfolded state, the rotating body 421, the rotating member 402a, 402b, and/or the housing, excluding the rotating motion, The relative displacement of the fields 210, 220, 321, and 322 can be suppressed. In one embodiment, the main inclined surface IF1 may be formed on a portion of a trajectory or section along which the contact area 421c extends, in which case the cam member 403 (e.g., the pressure protrusion 431b) may be formed on the main inclined surface IF1. In the section in contact with (IF1), the relative displacement of the rotating body 421, the rotating members 402a and 402b, and/or the housings 210, 220, 321, and 322 may be suppressed.

FIG. 20 is a cutaway view of the hinge module 400a along line S1 of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the arrangement of the hinge bracket 401 and the rotation members 402a and 402b. . FIG. 21 is a view showing the hinge module 400a cut along line B-B' of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

20 and 21, in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2, one surface of the rotating members 402a and 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421) is the cam member 403 (e.g., the cam 431). ), and the other surface of the rotating body 421 may be arranged to face the inner wall of the hinge bracket 401. When the elastic force of the elastic member 441 acts, the main inclined surface IF1 and the secondary inclined surface IF2 may convert at least a portion of the elastic force in the direction indicated by arrow TF2. For example, by a force acting in the direction of arrow TF2, the rotating members 402a, 402b are connected to the hinge bracket 401 and the /or may contact the cam member 403. As part of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 is translated in the direction of arrow TF2, the contact point CP(s) with respect to the folding axes A1, A2 and/or with respect to the hinge bracket 401 is in a substantially fixed position. can be maintained.

According to one embodiment, the hinge bracket 401 and the rotating members 402a and 402b may be damaged due to manufacturing tolerances allowed for the hinge bracket 401 or the rotating members 402a and 402b and/or wear due to repeated rotating movements. A certain amount of gap may be generated between and/or between the cam member 403 and the rotation members 402a and 402b. This spacing may allow for displacement of the rotational members 402a, 402b relative to the folding axis A1, A2 or other structures (e.g. hinge brackets) in addition to the intended motion (e.g. rotational motion for folding/unfolding). there is. One embodiment of the present disclosure converts the elastic force of the elastic member 441 in the direction of arrow TF2 using the inclined surfaces IF1 of the rotating members 402a and 402b, thereby making the contact points CP on the hinge bracket 401. And/or relative displacement of the rotating members 402a and 402b can be suppressed by substantially fixing them to the folding axes A1 and A2. For example, the emotional quality of the electronic devices 200 and 300 can be improved by suppressing movement of the foldable housings 210, 220, 321, and 322 that were not intended for design or manufacturing.

According to one embodiment, areas in which the rotating members 402a and 402b directly contact other structures in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2 (e.g., the end surface of the first guide protrusion 413 or the cam member 403) The sub-inclined surface IF2) may generate frictional force during the folding or unfolding operation of the electronic devices 200 and 300. In consideration of the smoothness of the folding operation (or unfolding operation) or the static friction force for maintaining the inclination angle (e.g., intermediate state) of the foldable housing (210, 220, 321, 322), the direction of the folding axis (A1, A2) The area of the areas facing or touching can be controlled. For example, when the end surface of the first guide protrusion 413 is in contact with the rotating body 421, the hinge bracket 401 is folded (A1, A2) on the end surface of the first guide protrusion 413. It may further include a friction protrusion 413a protruding in the axial direction. For example, when the first guide protrusion 413 is a structure in direct contact with the rotating body 421, a friction protrusion 413a is provided on the first guide protrusion 413 to connect the hinge bracket 401 and the rotating member ( The friction force between 402a and 402b) can be adjusted. Although not shown, the minor inclined surface IF2 of the cam member 403 may be omitted, and a structure similar to this friction protrusion 413a may be provided on the cam member 403 to contact the main inclined surface IF1. . In another embodiment, the cam member 403 includes a sub-inclined surface IF2, but a protrusion similar to the friction protrusion 413a is formed on the sub-inclined surface IF2, thereby forming a space between the cam member 403 and the rotating body 421. The contact area can be adjusted.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an unfolded state of a hinge module (eg, the hinge module 400a of FIG. 4) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a folded state of the hinge module 400a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

22 and 23 show the actual contact point (e.g., pressure point BP) of the cam member 403 (e.g., pressure protrusion 431b) and the rotating body 421 (e.g., contact area 421c in FIG. 10). )(s) and the resulting conversion of elastic force, the pressure point BP on the hinge bracket 401 can be maintained substantially constant regardless of the rotational positions of the rotating members 402a and 402b. In one embodiment, a major inclined surface (e.g., major inclined surface IF1 in FIG. 21) may be provided in most of the contact area 421c, and a portion of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 may be converted in the direction of arrow TF2. there is. In one embodiment, when the rotating body 421 is cut in the radial direction of the arc trajectory, the main inclined surface IF1 is closer to the elastic member 441 or the cam member 403 as the point further away from the folding axes A1 and A2 is. It has been seen with reference to FIG. 12 that the shape is inclined in the direction of setting. For example, the direction of arrow TF2, in which part of the elastic force is converted and actually acts, is substantially the radial direction of the trajectory of the contact area 421c (or guide groove 421a), or the folding axis A1, A2 and the pressure point BP. It may be a straight line passing, and may be a direction that brings the rotating body 421 into close contact with the guide curved surface 411.

FIGS. 24 to 27 are diagrams showing modified example(s) of a hinge module (eg, the hinge module 400a of FIG. 4 ) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to one embodiment, the other surface of the rotating body 421 may contact or come into close contact with the inner wall of the hinge bracket 401 (e.g., the inner wall on which the first guide protrusion 413 is disposed) due to the elastic force of the elastic member 441. You can. A first guide protrusion 413 is provided on the inner wall of the hinge bracket 401 at a position spaced apart from the guide curved surface 411 and is received in the first guide groove 421d of the rotating body 421, thereby forming the rotating members 402a and 402b. ) can guide or support the rotation. 24 to 26, at least one inclined surface 411a, 411b is provided on the inner wall of the hinge bracket 401 or the end surface of the first guide protrusion 413, and at least one other inclined surface corresponding thereto ( By providing 421f and 421g on the other surface of the rotating body 421, part of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 can be converted. The force converted by the inclined surfaces 411a, 411b, 421f, and 421g is applied to the contact point (e.g., contact point CP in FIG. 20) of the rotating body 421 on the hinge bracket 401 at a designated position. can be practically fixed to. The inclined surfaces 411a and 411b of the hinge bracket 401 are at least partially disposed between the inclined surfaces 421f and 421g of the rotating body 421 and the folding axes A1 and A2 to form an inclined surface of the rotating body 421 ( 421f, 421g) can be pressed or brought into close contact.

Referring to FIG. 27, a pair of cams 503 may be provided to face both sides of the rotating body 421. For example, guide grooves 421a and stop protrusions 421b may be provided on both sides of the rotating body 421, respectively, and the cam 503 provided with guide protrusions 431a and pressing protrusions 431b in FIG. 13 They may be arranged to face each other in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2 with the rotating body 421 interposed therebetween.

FIG. 28 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 500 (e.g., the electronic devices 101, 200, and 300 of FIGS. 1 to 3 or 7) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The electronic device 500 illustrated in FIG. 28 may include the hinge structure 400 of FIG. 4 . For example, the electronic device 500 illustrated in FIG. 28 may be implemented by replacing the hinge structure 340 in the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3 with the hinge structure 400 of FIG. 4 . In describing the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 28 (e.g., electronic device 500), the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3 and/or the hinge structure 400 of FIG. 4 may be referred to, and the electronic device 300 of FIG. 3 For components that are similar or substantially the same as 300 and/or the hinge structure 400 of FIG. 4, the same reference numerals in the drawings may be assigned or omitted, and detailed descriptions thereof may also be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 28, the hinge structure 400 may include a pair of hinge modules 400a and an interlocking hinge module 400b disposed between the hinge modules 400a. For example, the hinge modules 400a and the interlocking hinge module 400b may be aligned along a folding axis (eg, folding axis (A, A1, A2)(s) in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5). In one embodiment, when a pair of hinge modules 400a is provided, the hinge modules 400a are disposed adjacent to the edges of the housings 321 and 322 on the folding axes A, A1 and A2(s). You can.

According to one embodiment, the rotating members 402a and 402b of the hinge module 400a may be disposed or coupled to different sides of the second side 321b or the fourth side 322b of the housings 321 and 322. there is. For example, as the rotation members 402a and 402b rotate, the housings 321 and 322 may rotate or rotate with respect to the hinge structure 400. In the unfolded state, the rotating members 402a and 402b may be arranged side by side on one side of each other, and in the folded state, they may be arranged to substantially face each other. In one embodiment, in the folded state, a portion of the bracket assemblies 323 and 324(s) and/or a portion of the display 330 may be disposed between the rotation members 402a and 402b. In one embodiment, the rotation members 402a and 402b may be formed integrally with another one of the bracket assemblies 323 and 324. For example, an example in which the rotating members 402a and 402b are separate structures of the bracket assemblies 323 and 324 is described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and according to the embodiment, the rotating members 402a and 402b are separate structures from the bracket assemblies 323 and 324. , 324).

In the above-described embodiment, the 'rotating member' is generally described with reference to the second rotating member 402b, but the first rotating member 402a is similar or substantially the same as the second rotating member 402b and has a relative position. However, those skilled in the art will be able to easily understand that there are some differences in the direction of force action (e.g., conversion direction of elastic force). For example, the configuration of the first rotating member 402a can be easily understood through the above-described embodiment(s) illustrating the second rotating member 402b. In various embodiments, the foldable housings 210, 220, 321, and 322 or the rotating members 402a and 402b rotate in opposite directions relative to each other by an interlocking hinge module (e.g., the interlocking hinge module 400b of FIG. 4). can do. Although not directly disclosed, the interlocking structure using a slider (eg, the slider 407 in FIG. 4) may be replaced with a structure in which a plurality of gears are combined.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic devices 101, 200, and 300 of FIGS. 1 and 3) includes a first housing (e.g., the first housing 210 of FIG. 2 or 3). 321)), a second housing configured to rotate between a folded position facing the first housing (hereinafter referred to as ‘first position’) and a position unfolded by a specified angle from the first housing (hereinafter referred to as ‘second position’) (e.g., the second housing 220, 322 in FIG. 2 or 3), a first area disposed in the first housing (e.g., the first area 231a in FIG. 2), and a first area disposed in the second housing. A display including a second area (e.g., the second area 231b in FIG. 2) and a folding area (e.g., the folding area 231c in FIG. 2) disposed between the first area and the second area. (e.g., the displays 230 and 330 of FIG. 2 or 3), and at least one hinge disposed between the first housing and the second housing to rotatably connect the first housing and the second housing. It includes a module (e.g., the hinge structure 340 of FIG. 3 or the hinge module 400a of FIG. 4), wherein the hinge module includes a hinge bracket (e.g., the hinge bracket 401 of FIG. 4) and the first housing. A first rotation member ( first rotating member (e.g., first rotating member 402a in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5), coupled to the second housing and connected to a second folding axis (e.g., folding axis A in FIG. 2 or second rotating member 402a in FIG. 5 A second rotation member (e.g., the second rotation member 402b in FIG. 4 or 5) disposed on the hinge bracket in a state that can rotate or rotate about the folding axis (A2), the first rotation member, and the A cam member (e.g., the cam member 403 in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6) disposed on the hinge bracket while facing at least a portion of the second rotation member, and a first acting direction (e.g., the folding axis in FIG. 21) and an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member 441 in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6) that provides an elastic force to the cam member in a direction substantially parallel to A2), and the cam member provides an elastic force of the elastic member. It may be configured to at least partially contact the inclined surface of the first rotating member (e.g., the main inclined surface IF1 in FIG. 12) or the inclined surface of the second rotating member (e.g., the main inclined surface IF1 in FIG. 12). there is.

According to one embodiment, the cam member, based on the elastic force of the elastic member, rotates the first rotating member in a second acting direction (e.g., the direction indicated by arrow TF2 in Figure 22 or Figure 23) that intersects the first acting direction. and may be configured to press the second rotating member.

According to one embodiment, the elastic member is configured to provide an elastic force to the cam member in a direction parallel to the first folding axis or the second folding axis, and the cam member is at least a portion of the first rotating member. It may be configured to press in a direction that moves away from the first folding axis or at least a portion of the second rotation member in a direction that moves away from the second folding axis.

According to one embodiment, the hinge module is an area formed on the first rotation member and in contact with the cam member, and includes a first contact area of an arcuate trajectory centered on the first folding axis (e.g., Figure 9 or Figure 9). a contact area 421c of 10), and an area formed on the second rotation member and in contact with the cam member, a second contact area of an arcuate trajectory centered on the second folding axis (e.g., FIG. 9 or FIG. 10 It further includes a contact area 421c), wherein the first contact area or the second contact area may be formed at least partially inclined with respect to the first folding axis or the second folding axis. (e.g., see FIG. formed inclined at a specified angle (IA) of 12)

According to one embodiment, at least at the first position in the angle range in which the second housing rotates, the cam member presses the first rotation member or the second rotation member to move the first contact area to the second rotation member. 1 may be configured to transform the elastic force of the elastic member in a direction that moves away from the folding axis, or in a direction that moves the second contact area away from the second folding axis.

According to one embodiment, in the radial direction of the arc trajectory, the first contact area or the second contact area moves closer to the cam member or the elastic member as it moves away from the first folding axis or the second folding axis. It is formed to be inclined in one direction, and the cam member may be configured to slide into contact with the first contact area or the second contact area.

According to one embodiment, the hinge module includes at least one pressing protrusion (e.g., pressing protrusion 431b in FIG. 13) protruding from one surface of the cam member, and a portion of the pressing protrusion surface, which makes the first contact. It may include an inclined surface (eg, sub-inclined surface IF2 of FIG. 16 or FIG. 21) that is in sliding contact with the area or the second contact area.

According to one embodiment, the hinge module further includes at least one detent protrusion (e.g., detent protrusion 421b in FIG. 9) formed on the first contact area or the second contact area, At least at the first position in the range of angles around which the second housing rotates, the pressing protrusion may at least partially contact the stopping protrusion.

According to one embodiment, the hinge module includes guide grooves (e.g., guide grooves 421a in FIG. 9) formed in each of the first and second rotation members, and is configured to include the first folding axis and the second rotation member. The guide grooves in an arcuate trajectory centered on one of the folding axes, and guide projections (e.g., guide projections 431a in FIG. 13) formed on one surface of the cam member and each accommodated in one of the guide grooves. The first rotation member and the second rotation member may be configured to pivot or rotate on the hinge bracket while being guided by the guide grooves and the guide protrusions.

According to one embodiment, the hinge module is a contact area formed on the first rotation member and the second rotation member, respectively, and has an arc trajectory centered on one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis. The contact areas extending around the guide grooves, and pressure protrusions protruding from one surface of the cam member, each contacting one of the contact areas as the first and second rotation members rotate. It may further include the pressing protrusions configured to make sliding contact, wherein the contact areas can be formed at least partially inclined with respect to the first folding axis or the second folding axis.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device and/or hinge module as described above includes a slide bracket extending along the first folding axis or the second folding axis direction (e.g., the slide bracket 405 in FIG. 4), A third rotation member is each coupled to one of the first housing and the second housing and disposed on the slide bracket in a state that can be rotated or rotated about one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis ( Example: a pair of third rotation members 406a and 406b in FIG. 4, each including a slide protrusion (e.g., slide protrusion 461 in FIG. 4) that moves along an arc trajectory on the slide bracket. 3 rotation members, a slider (e.g., slider 407 in FIG. 4) arranged to be linearly movable on the slide bracket along the first folding axis or the second folding axis direction, extending along an inclined curved trajectory; and the slider including slide holes each receiving one of the slide protrusions, and as any one of the third rotation members rotates, the slider moves linearly on the slide bracket and moves the third rotation member. It may be configured to rotate another one of the rotating members.

According to one embodiment, the slide bracket may extend from the hinge bracket.

According to one embodiment, the hinge module includes at least one guide curved surface formed on the inner surface of the hinge bracket to guide the rotation of the first rotation member and the second rotation member (e.g., in FIG. 4 or FIG. 8 Guide curved surface 411), first guide protrusions disposed on the inside of the guide curved surface and extending in the direction of the first folding axis or the second folding axis (e.g., the first guide protrusion 413 in FIG. 9) , and first guide grooves (e.g., first guide groove 421d in FIG. 12) formed in each of the first and second rotation members, either the first folding axis or the second folding axis. It includes the first guide grooves of an arcuate trajectory centered on, and the first guide protrusion is slidably accommodated in the first guide groove, so that the first rotation member and the second rotation member are rotatable. Can be coupled to the hinge bracket.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device and/or hinge module as described above includes a first inclined surface forming a part of the first guide groove (e.g., an inclined surface indicated as '421g' in Figure 25 or Figure 26), and Further comprising a second inclined surface (e.g., an inclined surface indicated as '411b' in Figure 25 or Figure 26) that forms a part of the first guide protrusion surface and is at least partially in contact with the first inclined surface, the second inclined surface may be disposed at least partially between the first inclined surface and the first folding axis or between the first inclined surface and the second folding axis.

According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first inclined surface and at least a portion of the second inclined surface may be configured to come into close contact by the elastic force of the elastic member.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a first housing (e.g., the first housing 210, 321 of FIG. 2 or 3) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 101, 200, and 300 of FIGS. 1 to 3) )) and a second housing (e.g., the second housings 220 and 322 of FIG. 2 or 3) and a hinge module configured to rotatably couple them (e.g., the hinge structure 340 of FIG. 3 or the hinge of FIG. 4 The module 400a) is coupled to the first housing with a hinge bracket (e.g., the hinge bracket 401 in FIG. 4) and includes a first folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A in FIG. 2 or the first folding axis in FIG. 5). A first rotating member (e.g., the first rotating member 402a in Figure 4 or Figure 5) disposed on the hinge bracket in a state that can be rotated or rotated about the folding axis (A1), the first rotating member 2 A second rotation coupled to the housing and disposed on the hinge bracket so as to be pivotable or rotatable about a second folding axis (e.g., folding axis A in FIG. 2 or second folding axis A2 in FIG. 5). A member (e.g., the second rotating member 402b in FIG. 4 or 5), a cam member arranged to be linearly movable on the hinge bracket while facing at least a portion of the first rotating member and the second rotating member (e.g., the cam member 403 in FIG. 4 or 6), and an elastic member that provides elastic force to the cam member in a direction to bring it into close contact with the first and second rotation members (e.g., FIG. 4 or FIG. It includes an elastic member 441 of 6), and the first rotation member and the second rotation member each include an inclined surface (e.g., the main inclined surface IF1 in FIG. 16 or FIG. 21) in contact with the cam member. , the cam member moves at least a portion of the first rotation member in a direction intersecting the first folding axis or at least a portion of the second rotation member intersects the second folding axis based on the elastic force of the elastic member. It may be configured to press the inclined surfaces in one direction.

According to one embodiment, the cam member may at least partially contact the inclined surfaces between the inclined surface of the first rotating member and the first folding axis or between the inclined surface of the second rotating member and the second folding axis. there is.

According to one embodiment, the hinge module as described above is an area formed on the first rotation member and in contact with the cam member, and includes a first contact area of an arcuate trajectory centered on the first folding axis (e.g., FIG. 9 or a contact area 421c in FIG. 10), and an area formed on the second rotation member and in contact with the cam member, a second contact area of an arcuate trajectory centered on the second folding axis (e.g., in FIG. 9 or It may further include a contact area 421c in FIG. 10, and the inclined surface may be disposed in at least a portion of the first contact area or the second contact area.

According to one embodiment, the first contact area or the second contact area may be formed in an arc trajectory with an angle of 90 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less.

According to one embodiment, the hinge module as described above includes guide grooves (e.g., guide grooves 421a in FIG. 9) formed in each of the first and second rotation members, and includes the first folding axis and the second rotation member. The guide grooves in an arcuate trajectory centered on one of the second folding axes are formed on one surface of the cam member and are respectively accommodated in one of the guide grooves, thereby causing rotation of the first rotation member and the second rotation member. or guide protrusions (e.g., guide protrusions 431a in FIG. 13) configured to guide rotation, contact areas formed on the first and second rotation members, respectively, and the first folding axis and the second folding axis. The contact areas extend around the guide grooves in an arcuate trajectory centered on one of the axes, and the pressing protrusions (e.g., pressing protrusions 431b in FIG. 13) protruding from one surface of the cam member, It may further include the pressing protrusions configured to each slide into contact with one of the contact areas as the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate, and the contact areas may at least partially include the inclined surface.

According to one embodiment, as the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate, the pressing protrusions are between the first folding axis and an inclined surface of any one of the contact areas or between the second folding axis and the inclined surface of the contact area. It may be configured to be positioned between the inclined surfaces of another one of the contact areas.

Although the present disclosure has been described by way of example with respect to various embodiments, it should be understood that the various embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the format and detailed structure of the present disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents, without departing from the overall scope of the present disclosure. For example, component(s) of the different embodiments described above may be selectively combined to implement additional embodiments.

101, 200, 300: electronic device 210, 321: first housing
220, 322: second housing 230, 330: flexible display
340: Hinge structure 400a: Hinge module
400b: Interlocking hinge module 401: Hinge bracket
402a, 402b: rotation member 403: cam member
441: Elastic member IF1: Main slope
IF2: Minor slope

Claims (20)

In electronic devices,
first housing;
a second housing configured to rotate between a folded position facing the first housing (hereinafter referred to as ‘first position’) and a position unfolded by a specified angle from the first housing (hereinafter referred to as ‘second position’);
a display including a first area disposed in the first housing, a second area disposed in the second housing, and a folding area disposed between the first area and the second area; and
At least one hinge module is disposed between the first housing and the second housing and rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing,
The hinge module is,
hinge bracket;
a first rotating member coupled to the first housing and disposed on the hinge bracket in a rotatable state about a first folding axis;
a second rotation member coupled to the second housing and disposed on the hinge bracket in a state that can be pivoted or rotated about a second folding axis;
a cam member disposed on the hinge bracket facing at least a portion of the first rotation member and the second rotation member; and
an elastic member providing an elastic force to the cam member in a first direction of action;
The cam member is configured to contact the inclined surface of the first rotating member or the inclined surface of the second rotating member at least partially by receiving the elastic force of the elastic member.
The method of claim 1, wherein the elastic member is configured to provide an elastic force to the cam member in a direction parallel to the first folding axis or the second folding axis,
The cam member is configured to urge at least a portion of the first rotating member in a direction away from the first folding axis or to urge at least a portion of the second rotating member in a direction away from the second folding axis. Device.
The method of claim 1, wherein the hinge module:
a first contact area formed on the first rotation member and in contact with the cam member, the first contact area having an arcuate trajectory centered on the first folding axis; and
An area formed on the second rotation member and in contact with the cam member, further comprising a second contact area of an arcuate trajectory centered on the second folding axis,
The first contact area or the second contact area is at least partially inclined with respect to the first folding axis or the second folding axis.
The method of claim 3, wherein at least at the first position in the angle range around which the second housing rotates, the cam member presses the first rotation member or the second rotation member to move the first contact area to the second rotation member. 1 An electronic device configured to translate the elastic force of the elastic member in a direction away from the folding axis, or in a direction towards turning the second contact area away from the second folding axis.
The method of claim 3, wherein in the radial direction of the arc trajectory, the first contact area or the second contact area approaches the cam member or the elastic member as it moves away from the first folding axis or the second folding axis. It is formed slanted in the direction,
The cam member is configured to slide into contact with the first contact area or the second contact area.
The method of claim 3, wherein the hinge module:
at least one pressing protrusion protruding from one surface of the cam member; and
An electronic device comprising, as part of the pressing protrusion surface, an inclined surface in sliding contact with the first contact area or the second contact area.
The method of claim 6, wherein the hinge module further includes at least one detent protrusion formed on the first contact area or the second contact area,
The electronic device wherein the pressing protrusion is at least partially in contact with the stopping protrusion at least in the first position within the angle range in which the second housing rotates.
The method of claim 1, wherein the hinge module:
Guide grooves formed in each of the first rotation member and the second rotation member, the guide grooves having an arcuate trajectory centered on one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis; and
Further comprising guide protrusions formed on one surface of the cam member and each received in one of the guide grooves,
The first rotation member and the second rotation member are configured to pivot or rotate on the hinge bracket while being guided by the guide grooves and the guide protrusions.
The method of claim 8, wherein the hinge module:
Contact areas respectively formed on the first rotation member and the second rotation member, the contact areas extending around the guide grooves and having an arcuate trajectory centered on one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis. field; and
Pressing protrusions protruding from one surface of the cam member, the pressing protrusions configured to respectively slide into contact with any one of the contact areas as the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate,
The electronic device wherein the contact areas are at least partially inclined with respect to the first folding axis or the second folding axis.
According to claim 1,
a slide bracket extending along the first folding axis or the second folding axis direction;
A third rotation member is coupled to one of the first housing and the second housing and is disposed on the slide bracket in a state that can be rotated or rotated about one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis. A pair of third rotation members each including a slide protrusion moving along an arc trajectory on the slide bracket;
A slider arranged to be linearly movable along the first folding axis or the second folding axis direction on the slide bracket, extending along an inclined curved trajectory and including slide holes each accommodating one of the slide protrusions. Includes the slider that does,
As one of the third rotation members rotates, the slider moves linearly on the slide bracket and rotates the other one of the third rotation members.
The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the slide bracket extends from the hinge bracket.
The method of claim 1, wherein the hinge module:
at least one guide curved surface formed on an inner surface of the hinge bracket to guide rotation of the first and second rotation members;
first guide protrusions disposed inside the guide curved surface and extending in a direction of the first folding axis or the second folding axis; and
First guide grooves formed in each of the first rotation member and the second rotation member, including the first guide grooves of an arcuate trajectory centered on one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis,
An electronic device wherein the first guide protrusion is slidably accommodated in the first guide groove, thereby binding the first rotation member and the second rotation member to the hinge bracket in a rotatable state.
According to claim 12,
a first inclined surface forming part of the first guide groove; and
further comprising a second inclined surface forming part of the first guide protrusion surface and at least partially in contact with the first inclined surface;
The second inclined surface is at least partially disposed between the first inclined surface and the first folding axis or between the first inclined surface and the second folding axis.
The electronic device of claim 13, wherein at least a portion of the first inclined surface and at least a portion of the second inclined surface come into close contact with each other due to the elastic force of the elastic member.
In the hinge module configured to rotatably couple a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device,
hinge bracket;
a first rotating member coupled to the first housing and disposed on the hinge bracket in a rotatable state about a first folding axis;
a second rotation member coupled to the second housing and disposed on the hinge bracket in a state that can be pivoted or rotated about a second folding axis;
a cam member disposed to be linearly movable on the hinge bracket while facing at least a portion of the first and second rotation members; and
It includes an elastic member that provides elastic force to the cam member in a direction to bring it into close contact with the first and second rotation members,
The first rotation member and the second rotation member each include an inclined surface in contact with the cam member,
The cam member moves at least a portion of the first rotation member in a direction that intersects the first folding axis or moves at least a portion of the second rotation member in a direction that intersects the second folding axis based on the elastic force of the elastic member. A hinge module configured to pressurize the inclined surfaces.
16. The hinge of claim 15, wherein the cam member is at least partially in contact with the inclined surfaces between the inclined surface of the first rotating member and the first folding axis or between the inclined surface of the second rotating member and the second folding axis. module.
According to claim 15,
a first contact area formed on the first rotation member and in contact with the cam member, the first contact area having an arcuate trajectory centered on the first folding axis; and
An area formed on the second rotation member and in contact with the cam member, further comprising a second contact area of an arcuate trajectory centered on the second folding axis,
A hinge module wherein the inclined surface is disposed on at least a portion of the first contact area or the second contact area.
The hinge module of claim 17, wherein the first contact area or the second contact area is formed in an arc trace having an angle of 90 degrees or more and 100 degrees or less.
According to claim 15,
Guide grooves formed in each of the first rotation member and the second rotation member, the guide grooves having an arcuate trajectory centered on one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis;
Guide protrusions formed on one surface of the cam member and each accommodated in one of the guide grooves to guide the rotation or rotation of the first and second rotation members;
Contact areas respectively formed on the first rotation member and the second rotation member, the contact areas extending around the guide grooves and having an arcuate trajectory centered on one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis. field; and
Pressing protrusions protruding from one surface of the cam member, the pressing protrusions configured to respectively slide into contact with any one of the contact areas as the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate,
A hinge module wherein the contact areas at least partially include the inclined surface.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein as the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate, the pressing protrusions are between the first folding axis and an inclined surface of one of the contact areas or between the second folding axis and the inclined surface of the contact area. A hinge module configured to be positioned between inclined surfaces of one of the contact areas.

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