Electronic device including hinge structure

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first housing; a second housing connected to the first housing; a sensor module comprising a sensor and disposed in at least one of the first housing and the second housing; and a hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; wherein the hinge structure comprises: a first rotating member connected to the first housing and rotating together with the first housing around a first rotation axis; a second rotating member connected to the second housing and rotating together with the second housing around a second rotation axis; a first arm member coupled to the first arm axis to rotate around a first arm axis and coupled to the rotation of the first rotating member, wherein the first arm axis is different from the first rotation axis; a second arm member coupled to the second arm axis to rotate around the second arm axis and coupled to the rotation of the second rotating member, wherein the second arm axis is different from the second rotation axis; A magnet assembly comprising a magnet and a first arm member and a second arm member, wherein at least a portion thereof faces the sensor; and wherein the distance or relative position between the magnet and the sensor may be configured to change in correspondence with the rotational movement of the first housing and the second housing. In addition to this, various embodiments identified through the specification are possible.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to electronic devices including a hinge structure. Background Technology

[0002] Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, can provide various functions, such as making calls, playing videos, and browsing the internet, based on various types of applications. Users may want to utilize the aforementioned various functions through a larger screen. However, as the screen of a portable electronic device increases, portability may decrease. Accordingly, foldable electronic devices are being developed that include a flexible display in which some areas are deformed into a curved or flat surface. The foldable electronic device may include a hinge structure to fold or unfold the flexible display.

[0003] The hinge structure of the foldable electronic device can be connected to adjacent housings so that each adjacent housing rotates at a certain angle. As the adjacent housings rotate, the flexible display can be unfolded or folded. The foldable electronic device can detect the folded or unfolded state and provide various user interfaces based on each state. The problem to be solved

[0004] A foldable electronic device can determine the state of the electronic device using a magnet and a sensor that detects the magnetic field of the magnet (e.g., a Hall sensor) and perform various operations in response. The magnet may be placed in the hinge housing, and the sensor may be placed in the housing. When placed in this manner, the distance between the magnet and the sensor may be large, so the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet detected by the sensor may be small, and there may be limitations in precise sensing of the state of the electronic device.

[0005] The various embodiments disclosed in this document aim to provide an electronic device capable of precise sensing of the state of the electronic device (e.g., folding angle) by placing a magnet and a sensor in close proximity. means of solving the problem

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document comprises: a first housing; a second housing connected to the first housing; a sensor module comprising a sensor and disposed in at least one of the first housing and the second housing; and a hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; wherein the hinge structure comprises: a first rotating member connected to the first housing and rotating together with the first housing around a first rotation axis; a second rotating member connected to the second housing and rotating together with the second housing around a second rotation axis; a first arm member coupled to the first arm axis to rotate around a first arm axis and coupled to the rotation of the first rotating member, wherein the first arm axis is different from the first rotation axis; a second arm member coupled to the second arm axis to rotate around the second arm axis and coupled to the rotation of the second rotating member, wherein the second arm axis is different from the second rotation axis; A magnet assembly comprising a magnet and a first arm member and a second arm member, wherein at least a portion thereof faces the sensor; and the distance or relative position between the magnet and the sensor may be configured to change in correspondence with the rotational movement of the first housing and the second housing.

[0007] An electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document comprises: a first housing; a second housing connected to the first housing; a flexible display extending from the first housing to the second housing; a hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; and a sensor disposed in the first housing and configured to detect the strength or direction of a magnetic field; wherein the hinge structure comprises: a fixed member; a first rotating member rotatably coupled to the fixed member about a first rotation axis and connected to the first housing to rotate together with the first housing; a second rotating member rotatably coupled to the fixed member about a second rotation axis and connected to the second housing to rotate together with the second housing; a first arm axis rotatably coupled to the fixed member and parallel to the first rotation axis; and a second arm axis rotatably coupled to the fixed member and parallel to the second rotation axis. A first arm member coupled to the first arm axis and rotating together with the first arm axis, wherein the first arm member includes a first cam surrounding the first arm axis; a second arm member coupled to the second arm axis and rotating together with the second arm axis, wherein the second arm member includes a second cam surrounding the second arm axis; a cam member coupled to the first arm axis and the second arm axis and capable of linear movement in the axial direction, wherein the cam member includes a third cam engaging with the first cam and a fourth cam engaging with the second cam; a first elastic member coupled to the first arm axis and providing an elastic force in the axial direction to the cam member; a second elastic member coupled to the second arm axis and providing an elastic force in the axial direction to the cam member; and a magnet assembly including a magnet and coupled to the first arm member so as to partially face the sensor;The device may include, wherein in the folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device, the first arm member is rotationally coupled with the first rotating member but rotates along different paths, the second arm member is rotationally coupled with the second rotating member but rotates along different paths, and the distance between the magnet and the sensor may be configured to change in correspondence with the folding and unfolding operations. Effects of the invention

[0008] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may have a magnet and a sensor placed in close proximity so that the strength of the magnetic field detected by the sensor can be sufficiently large and precise sensing can be possible.

[0009] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document can reduce the magnetization of the hinge structure by fixing the magnet using a magnet bracket made of a non-metallic material.

[0010] In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0011] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2a illustrates the unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2b illustrates an intermediate folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2c illustrates a fully folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates a hinge structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates a hinge structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a first arm member and a magnet assembly of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a first arm member and a magnet assembly of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates a housing and hinge structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates the rotational movement of a rotating member of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 illustrates the rotational movement of the arm member and the rotating member of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates the rotational movement of the arm member and the rotating member of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 illustrates a part of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates a housing and a sensor module of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates a housing and a sensor module of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a part of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 16 illustrates an operation in which the distance between a magnet and a sensor changes in response to the state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0012] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a hinge housing (130), a display (140), and a hinge structure (200).

[0015] In one embodiment, the first housing (110) may be connected to the second housing (120) using a hinge structure (200). The first housing (110) may include a first plate (111) on which a display (140) is placed and a first frame (112) surrounding at least a portion of the first plate (111). For example, the first frame (112) may form a portion of the surface (e.g., side) of the electronic device (100). For example, at least a portion of the first region (141) of the display (140) and at least a portion of the folding region (143) of the display (140) may be placed on the first plate (111). A first rotating member (210) of the hinge structure (200) may be connected to the first plate (111).

[0016] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing (110) may be bonded to the first region (141) of the display (140). Alternatively, a portion of the front edge of the first housing (110) may be bonded to the edge of the first region (141) of the display (140). In this regard, an adhesive layer may be disposed between the first plate (111) of the first housing (110) and the first region (141) of the display (140).

[0017] In one embodiment, the first housing (110) may be provided with at least a portion of its interior in a hollow form. A first circuit board (151), a first battery (153), and a camera module (156) may be disposed inside the first housing (110). The first circuit board (151) and the first battery (153) may be electrically connected to a second circuit board (152) and a second battery (154) disposed inside the second housing (120) via a flexible substrate (not shown). For example, the flexible substrate (not shown) may extend from a portion of the first housing (110) across the hinge housing (130) to a portion of the second housing (120). A portion of the flexible substrate (not shown) may be located inside the hinge housing (130). For example, a processor and memory may be disposed on the first circuit board (151). For example, the first battery (153) and the first circuit board (151) can be placed on the first plate (111).

[0018] In one embodiment, the first housing (110) may be formed with at least a portion of a metal material or provided with at least a portion of a non-metal material. The first housing (110) may be formed of a material having a certain degree of rigidity so as to support at least a portion of the display (140). In one embodiment, the portion of the first housing (110) facing the second housing (120) may include a recessed portion (114) having at least a certain curvature so that a hinge housing (130) can be placed therein.

[0019] In various embodiments, the first housing (110) may include a first decorative member (113) surrounding the edge of the display (140) and a first rear cover (119) facing the first plate (111) to form the surface of the electronic device (100). For example, the first decorative member (113) may be positioned to cover the edge portion of the first region (141) of the display (140) and the edge of a portion of the folding region (143). For example, the first rear cover (119) may form the rear of the electronic device (100) in an unfolded state (e.g., see FIG. 2a), and the display (140) may form the front of the electronic device.

[0020] In one embodiment, the second housing (120) may be connected to the first housing (110) via a hinge structure (200). The second housing (120) may include a second plate (121) on which a display (140) is mounted and a second frame (122) surrounding at least a portion of the second plate (121). For example, the second frame (122) may form a portion of the surface (e.g., side) of the electronic device (100). For example, at least a portion of the second region (142) and at least a portion of the folding region (143) may be disposed on the second plate (121). A second rotating member (220) of the hinge structure (200) may be connected to the second plate (121).

[0021] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the second housing (120) may be bonded to the second region (142) of the display (140). Alternatively, a portion of the front edge of the second housing (120) may be bonded to the edge of the second region (142) of the display (140). In this regard, an adhesive layer may be disposed between the second plate (121) of the second housing (120) and the second region (142) of the display (140).

[0022] In one embodiment, the second housing (120) may be provided with at least a portion of its interior in a hollow form. A second circuit board (152) and a second battery (154) may be disposed inside the second housing (120). The second circuit board (152) and the second battery (154) may be electrically connected to a first circuit board (151) and / or a first battery (153) disposed inside the first housing (110) via a flexible substrate (not shown). For example, the second battery (154) and the second circuit board (152) may be disposed on a second plate (121).

[0023] In one embodiment, the second housing (120) may be formed with at least a portion of a metal material or provided with at least a portion of a non-metal material. The second housing (120) may be formed of a material having a certain degree of rigidity so as to support at least a portion of the display (140). In one embodiment, the portion of the second housing (120) facing the first housing (110) may include a recessed portion (124) having at least a certain curvature so that a hinge housing (130) can be placed therein.

[0024] In various embodiments, the second housing (120) may include a second decorative member (123) surrounding the edge of the display (140) and a second rear cover (129) facing the second plate (121) to form the surface of the electronic device (100). For example, the second decorative member (123) may be positioned to cover the edge portion of the second region (142) of the display (140) and the edge of a portion of the folding region (143). For example, the second rear cover (129) may form the rear of the electronic device (100) in an unfolded state (e.g., see FIG. 2a), and the display (140) may form the front of the electronic device.

[0025] In one embodiment, the hinge housing (130) may be disposed in the recessed portions (114, 124) of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), respectively. The hinge housing (130) may be provided in a shape that extends long in the y-axis direction overall. A boss for fixing the hinge structure (200) may be disposed in a portion of the inner surface of the hinge housing (130).

[0026] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the display (140) may have flexibility. For example, the display (140) may include a first area (141) in which at least a portion is placed on a first housing (110), a second area (142) in which at least a portion is placed on a second housing (120), and a folding area (143) located between the first area (141) and the second area (142).

[0027] In one embodiment, the first region (141) and the second region (142) are formed as flat surfaces, and the folding region (143) may be formed such that at least a portion thereof can be deformed into a flat or curved surface. For example, the first region (141) and the second region (142) may remain flat regardless of the state of the electronic device (100), and the folding region (143) may be deformed into a curved or flat surface in response to the state of the electronic device (100).

[0028] In one embodiment, the hinge structure (200) may include a first rotating member (210) connected to a first housing (110) and a second rotating member (220) connected to a second housing (120). The hinge structure (200) may be configured such that the first rotating member (210) and the second rotating member (220) can rotate about their respective rotation axes (e.g., an axis parallel to the y-axis direction). The first rotating member (210) can rotate together with the first housing (110), and the second rotating member (220) can rotate together with the second housing (120). For example, when the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are folded or unfolded, the first rotating member (210) and the second rotating member (220) can rotate about their respective rotation axes.

[0030] FIG. 2a is a drawing showing the unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2b is a drawing showing the intermediate folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2c is a drawing showing the fully folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may be provided with a structure in which a first housing (110) and a second housing (120) can rotate in opposite directions around their respective rotation axes (R1, R2) through a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure (200) of FIG. 1). The electronic device (100) may perform a folding operation (e.g., a deformation operation in the order of FIG. 2a, 2b, and 2c) or an unfolding operation (e.g., a deformation operation in the order of FIG. 2c, 2b, and 2a). For example, in a folding operation performed from an unfolded state (state of FIG. 2a) based on FIGS. 2a to 2c, the first housing (110) may rotate counterclockwise and the second housing (120) may rotate clockwise.

[0032] In one embodiment, an axial direction parallel to the rotation axes (R1, R2) of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), respectively, may be defined. The axial direction may be defined as the extension direction of the folding area (143) of the display (140). For example, the axial direction may be defined as the long side direction of the folding area (143). For example, the axial direction may mean a direction parallel to the y-axis.

[0033] To describe the state of an electronic device (100) according to various embodiments disclosed in this document, a first edge (P1) and a second edge (P2) of the electronic device (100) parallel to the axial direction may be defined, and a third edge (P3) and a fourth edge (P4) of the electronic device (100) perpendicular to the axial direction may be defined. For example, the first edge (P1) and the third edge (P3) may include a part of the first frame of the first housing (110) (e.g., the first frame (112) of FIG. 1). For example, the second edge (P2) and the fourth edge (P4) may include a part of the second frame of the second housing (120) (e.g., the second frame (122) of FIG. 1).

[0034] Hereinafter, the unfolded state of the electronic device (100) will be described with reference to FIG. 2a.

[0035] The unfolded state may mean a state in which the folding area (143) of the display (140) is substantially flat. For example, the unfolded state may include a state in which the first area (141) and the second area (142) of the display (140) are formed as a plane facing the same direction. For example, the unfolded state may include a state in which the first normal vector (n1) of the first area (141) of the display (140) and the second normal vector (n2) of the second area (142) are parallel. For example, the unfolded state may include a state in which the third edge (P3) and the fourth edge (P4) form substantially a straight line. For example, the unfolded state may include a state in which the third edge (P3) and the fourth edge (P4) form 180 degrees.

[0036] Hereinafter, the intermediate folded state of the electronic device (100) will be described with reference to FIG. 2b.

[0037] An intermediate folded state (or, intermediate state) may mean any state between an unfolded state and a fully folded state. For example, an intermediate folded state may be interpreted as states excluding the fully folded state among a plurality of folded states. An intermediate folded state may include a state in which the folding area (143) of the display (140) is a curved surface. For example, an intermediate folded state may include a state in which the first normal vector (n1) of the first area (141) and the second normal vector (n2) of the second area (142) form a predetermined angle other than 180 degrees. For example, an intermediate folded state may include a state in which the third edge (P3) and the fourth edge (P4) form a predetermined angle other than 180 degrees.

[0038] Hereinafter, the fully folded state of the electronic device (100) will be described with reference to FIG. 2c.

[0039] The fully folded state may mean a state in which the first edge (P1) and the second edge (P2) are substantially in contact among a plurality of folded states. For example, the curved surface formed by the folding region (143) in the fully folded state may have a greater curvature than the curved surface formed by the folding region (143) in the intermediate folded state.

[0040] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2c, in the fully folded state, the third edge (P3) and the fourth edge (P4) may be partially separated. However, the arrangement of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) in the fully folded state is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Depending on various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may be provided with a structure in which the third edge (P3) and the fourth edge (P4) are substantially in contact in the fully folded state. For example, in the fully folded state, the third edge (P3) and the fourth edge (P4) may face each other while being parallel.

[0041] In various embodiments, the intermediate folded state of the electronic device (100) may be interpreted as including any states defined between the unfolded state and the fully folded state. For example, the intermediate folded state may include states where the indentation angle between the third edge (P3) and the fourth edge (P4) is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0042] In various embodiments, the hinge housing (130) may form at least a portion of the exterior (or surface) of the electronic device (100) in the intermediate folded state and the fully folded state. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c, the hinge housing (130) may be visually exposed through the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) when the electronic device (100) is in the intermediate folded state or the fully folded state.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a hinge structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates a hinge structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 3 may be a front view of the hinge structure (200). FIG. 4 may be a rear view of the hinge structure (200). FIG. 5 may be a perspective view of the disassembled hinge structure (200) viewed from the rear direction.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a hinge structure (200) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIGS. 1, 2a to 2c) according to one embodiment may include a first rotating member (210), a second rotating member (220), a fixed member (230), an interlocking structure, a friction structure, and a magnet assembly (280).

[0047] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, an axial direction may be defined for the hinge structure (200). The axial direction may be a direction parallel to the extension direction of the first rotation axis (R1) and the second rotation axis (R2). For example, the first axial direction (①) may be a direction toward the fixed member (230) and the second axial direction (②) may be a direction toward the opposite of the first axial direction (①) (or a direction toward the axis bracket (247)).

[0048] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the fixed member (230) may be fixedly positioned inside a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (130) of FIG. 1). A first rotating member (210) and a second rotating member (220) may be rotatably coupled to a portion of the fixed member (230). A first arm shaft (241) and a second arm shaft (242) may be rotatably coupled to another portion of the fixed member (230).

[0049] In one embodiment, the fixed member (230) may include a first guide rail (231) for guiding the rotation of the first rotating member (210). For example, the first guide rail (231) may accommodate a first guide portion (213) of the first rotating member (210). The first guide rail (231) may form a rotation axis (e.g., the first rotation axis (R1) of FIG. 8) or a rotation path of the first rotating member (210).

[0050] In one embodiment, the fixed member (230) may include a second guide rail (233) for guiding the rotation of the second rotating member (220). For example, the second guide rail (233) may accommodate a second guide portion (223) of the second rotating member (220). The second guide rail (233) may form a rotation axis (e.g., the second rotation axis (R2) of FIG. 8) or a rotation path of the second rotating member (220).

[0051] In one embodiment, the first rotating member (210) may be configured to rotate along a predetermined path relative to a fixed member (230) fixedly positioned in a hinge housing (e.g., hinge housing (130) in FIG. 1) when the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1) is folded or unfolded.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first rotating member (210) may include a first connecting portion (211) rotatably coupled to a fixed member (230) and a first extension portion (212) connected to a first housing (110). The first extension portion (212) may be coupled to the first housing (110) to move together with the first housing (110). For example, the first extension portion (212) may rotate around a first rotation axis (R1) together with the first housing (110) when the electronic device (100) is folded or unfolded.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first rotating member (210) may include a first guide portion (213) formed in the first coupling portion (211). The first guide portion (213) may form a rotation path of the first rotating member (210) together with the first guide rail (231). In one embodiment, the first guide portion (213) may be formed to protrude axially from the first coupling portion (211). For example, at least a portion of the first guide portion (213) may be received by the first guide rail (231).

[0054] In one embodiment, the second rotating member (220) may be configured to rotate along a predetermined path relative to a fixed member (230) fixedly positioned in a hinge housing (e.g., hinge housing (130) in FIG. 1) when the second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1) is folded or unfolded.

[0055] In one embodiment, the second rotating member (220) may include a second connecting portion (221) rotatably coupled to a fixed member (230) and a second extension portion (222) connected to a second housing (120). The second extension portion (222) may be coupled to the second housing (120) to move together with the second housing (120). For example, the second extension portion (222) may rotate around a second rotation axis (R2) together with the second housing (120) when the electronic device is folded or unfolded.

[0056] In one embodiment, the second rotating member (220) may include a second guide portion (223) formed in the second coupling portion (221). The second guide portion (223) may form a rotation path of the second rotating member (220) together with the second guide rail (233). In one embodiment, the second guide portion (223) may be formed to protrude axially from the second coupling portion (221). For example, at least a portion of the second guide portion (223) may be received by the second guide rail (233).

[0057] In one embodiment, the interlocking structure of the hinge structure (200) can interlock the first rotating member (210) and the second rotating member (220) so that when the electronic device (100) is folded or unfolded, the first rotating member (210) and the second rotating member (220) can rotate by the same angle in opposite directions. The interlocking structure may include a first arm shaft (241), a first arm member (250), a second arm shaft (242), a second arm member (260), a gear member (243), an axle bracket (247), and a stopper (248).

[0058] In one embodiment, the first arm shaft (241) may be rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230). For example, at least a portion of one end of the first arm shaft (241) (e.g., the first axial end (①)) may be rotatably coupled to a portion of the fixed member (230). For example, the first axial end (①) of the first arm shaft (241) may be rotatably inserted into a recess (235) (or opening) formed in the fixed member (230).

[0059] In one embodiment, a first fixing ring (293a) may be attached to the second axial end (②) of the first arm shaft (241). The first fixing ring (293a) may prevent the first arm shaft (241) from detaching from the shaft bracket (247). A first supporting ring (292a) may be attached to the second axial end (②) of the first arm shaft (241). The first supporting ring (292a) may rotate together with the first arm shaft (241) in the same direction as the rotation direction of the first arm shaft (241) and may be configured to support a center bar (not shown) in an unfolded state. For example, a fixing member (230), a stopper (248), a first arm member (250), a cam member (270), a first elastic member (291a), an axis bracket (247), a first support ring (292a), and a first fixing ring (293a) may be coupled to the first arm shaft (241) along the second axis direction (②).

[0060] In one embodiment, the first arm member (250) may be coupled to the first arm axis (241) so as to rotate about the first arm axis (241). The first arm member (250) may be coupled to the first rotating member (210) so as to rotate about the first arm axis (241) while sliding relative to the first rotating member (210) when the first rotating member (210) rotates. The first arm member (250) may include a first sliding pin (252) coupled to the first rotating member (210). For example, the first arm member (250) may be slidably coupled to the first rotating member (210) through the first sliding pin (252).

[0061] In one embodiment, the first sliding pin (252) can be inserted into the first sliding groove (215) of the first rotating member (210) and the first pin hole (254) of the first arm member (250) to allow the first arm member (250) to be slidably connected to the first rotating member (210). A fixing ring (294a) may be attached to the end of the first sliding pin (252). According to one embodiment, when the first rotating member (210) rotates about the first rotation axis (R1), the first arm member (250) rotates about the first arm axis (241) and, at the same time, can slide relative to the first rotating member (210). For example, the first arm member (250) can slide while the first sliding pin (252) is received in the first sliding groove (215) of the first rotating member (210).

[0062] In one embodiment, the second arm shaft (242) may be rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230). For example, at least a portion of one end of the second arm shaft (242) (e.g., the first axial end (①)) may be rotatably coupled to a portion of the fixed member (230). For example, the first axial end (①) of the second arm shaft (242) may be rotatably inserted into a recess (235) (or opening) formed in the fixed member (230).

[0063] In one embodiment, a second fixing ring (293b) may be attached to the second axial end (②) of the second arm shaft (242). The second fixing ring (293b) may prevent the second arm shaft (242) from detaching from the shaft bracket (247). A second supporting ring (292b) may be attached to the second axial end (②) of the second arm shaft (242). The second supporting ring (292b) may rotate together with the second arm shaft (242) in the same direction as the rotation direction of the second arm shaft (242) and may be configured to support a center bar (not shown) in an unfolded state. For example, a fixing member (230), a stopper (248), a second arm member (260), a cam member (270), a second elastic member (291b), an axis bracket (247), a second support ring (292b), and a second fixing ring (293b) may be coupled to the second arm axis (242) along the second axis direction (②).

[0064] In one embodiment, the second arm member (260) may be coupled to the second arm axis (242) so as to rotate about the second arm axis (242). The second arm member (260) may be coupled to the second rotating member (220) so as to rotate about the second arm axis (242) while sliding relative to the second rotating member (220) when the second rotating member (220) rotates. The second arm member (260) may include a second sliding pin (262) coupled to the second rotating member (220). For example, the second arm member (260) may be slidably coupled to the second rotating member (220) through the second sliding pin (262).

[0065] In one embodiment, the second sliding pin (262) can be inserted into the second sliding groove (225) of the second rotating member (220) and the second pin hole (264) of the second arm member (260) to allow the second arm member (260) to be slidably connected to the second rotating member (220). A fixing ring (294b) may be attached to the end of the second sliding pin (262). According to one embodiment, when the second rotating member (220) rotates around the second rotation axis (R2), the second arm member (260) rotates around the second arm axis (242) and, at the same time, can slide relative to the second rotating member (220). For example, the second arm member (260) can slide while the second sliding pin (262) is received in the second sliding groove (225) of the second rotating member (220).

[0066] In one embodiment, the gear member (243) may include a first gear (244) disposed on the outer surface of a first arm shaft (241), a second gear (245) disposed on the outer surface of a second arm shaft (242), and a connecting gear (246) that connects the first gear (244) and the second gear (245) so as to interlock. The gear member (243) may interlock the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) so that the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) rotate by the same angle in opposite directions. For example, the gear member (243) can rotate the other of the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) by a first angle in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) when one of the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) rotates by a first angle in the first direction (e.g., clockwise). For example, the connecting gear (246) may include an even number of gears to interlock the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) so that they rotate in opposite directions to each other.

[0067] In one embodiment, the shaft bracket (247) may be fixedly positioned inside the hinge housing (130). The shaft bracket (247) may be positioned at the second axial end (②) of the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242). The shaft bracket (247) may be configured to support rotation of the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) together with the fixing member (230). For example, both ends of the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) may be supported by the shaft bracket (247) and the fixing member (230) (e.g., recess (235)).

[0068] In one embodiment, the shaft bracket (247) may support the second axial (②) end of the first elastic member (291a) and the second elastic member (291b). For example, the first elastic member (291a) and the second elastic member (291b) may be compressed when their respective second axial (②) end is supported by the shaft bracket (247) and pressed in the second axial (②). In one embodiment, a through hole (not shown) into which the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) are inserted may be formed in at least a part of the shaft bracket (247).

[0069] In one embodiment, the stopper (248) may be fixedly positioned inside the hinge housing (130). The stopper (248) may limit the rotational range of the first arm member (250) and the second arm member (260). For example, at least a portion of the stopper (248) may be located between the first arm member (250) and the second arm member (260). In one embodiment, a through hole (not shown) into which the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) are inserted may be formed in at least a portion of the stopper (248).

[0070] In one embodiment, the friction structure of the hinge structure (200) may be configured to provide a torque corresponding to the restoring force of the display (e.g., the display (140) of FIGS. 2a to 2c). For example, in an intermediate folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b) or a fully folded state (e.g., FIG. 2c) where a portion of the display (140) is curved, the restoring force of the display (140) may act on the first rotating member (210) and the second rotating member (220), respectively. For example, the restoring force of the display (140) may refer to a force that causes the portion forming the curved surface to return to a flat surface. The friction structure may be configured to provide a friction torque capable of counteracting the restoring force.

[0071] In one embodiment, the friction structure may include a first cam (251), a second cam (261), a cam member (270), a first elastic member (291a), and a second elastic member (291b). The friction structure according to one embodiment may be configured to provide friction torque by having some of the structures coupled to the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) rotate together with the arm shafts (241, 242) or move linearly in an axial direction along the arm shafts (241, 242), and other parts be fixed to the arm shafts (241, 242).

[0072] For example, when the first arm axis (241) rotates, the first arm member (250) may be configured to rotate together with the first arm axis (241) and not move linearly in the axial direction. When the second arm axis (242) rotates, the second arm member (260) may be configured to rotate together with the second arm axis (242) and not move linearly in the axial direction. For example, each of the first arm member (250) and the second arm member (260) may rotate with their axial positions fixed on the first arm axis (241) and the second arm axis (242).

[0073] For example, when the first arm axis (241) and the second arm axis (242) rotate, the cam member (270) may be configured not to rotate together with the first arm axis (241) and the second arm axis (242), but to move linearly in the axial direction along the first arm axis (241) and the second arm axis (242). For example, when the first arm axis (241) rotates, the first elastic member (291a) may be compressed or stretched in the axial direction by the axial movement of the cam member (270). When the second arm axis (242) rotates, the second elastic member (291b) may be compressed or stretched by the axial movement of the cam member (270).

[0074] For example, when the first arm shaft (241) rotates, the first fixing ring (293a) may rotate with the first arm shaft (241) or not rotate without moving in the axial direction. When the second arm shaft (242) rotates, the second fixing ring (293b) may rotate with the second arm shaft (242) or not rotate without moving in the axial direction. For example, when the first arm shaft (241) rotates, the first supporting ring (292a) may rotate with the first arm shaft (241) without moving in the axial direction. When the second arm shaft (242) rotates, the second supporting ring (292b) may rotate with the second arm shaft (242) without moving in the axial direction.

[0075] In one embodiment, the first cam (251) may be formed on the first arm member (250). For example, the first cam (251) may be formed on the first arm member (250) to surround the outer surface of the first arm shaft (241) that penetrates the first arm member (250). The first cam (251) may engage with the third cam (271) of the cam member (270). When the first arm shaft (241) rotates, the first cam (251) may rotate together with the first arm shaft (241) without moving in the axial direction. For example, the first cam (251) may rotate relative to the third cam (271) by the rotation of the first arm shaft (241).

[0076] In one embodiment, the second cam (261) may be formed on the second arm member (260). For example, the second cam (261) may be formed on the second arm member (260) to surround the outer surface of the second arm shaft (242) that penetrates the second arm member (260). The second cam (261) may engage with the fourth cam (272) of the cam member (270). When the second arm shaft (242) rotates, the second cam (261) may rotate together with the second arm shaft (242) without moving in the axial direction. For example, the second cam (261) may rotate relative to the fourth cam (272) by the rotation of the second arm shaft (242).

[0077] In one embodiment, the cam member (270) may be configured such that the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) pass through at least a portion thereof. The cam member (270) may be configured to move axially without rotating together with the arm shafts (241, 242) when the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) rotate.

[0078] In one embodiment, the cam member (270) may include a first portion (270a) through which a first arm shaft (241) passes, a second portion (270b) through which a second arm shaft (242) passes, and a connecting portion (270c) connecting the first portion (270a) and the second portion (270b). A third cam (271) that engages with the first cam (251) of the first arm member (250) may be formed in the first portion (270a). A fourth cam (272) that engages with the second cam (261) of the second arm member (260) may be formed in the second portion (270b). For example, a third cam (271) may be formed in the first part (270a) to surround the first arm axis (241), and a fourth cam (272) may be formed in the second part (270b) to surround the second arm axis (242).

[0079] In one embodiment, the cam member (270) may move in the second axial direction (②) by the rotation of the first cam (251) and the second cam (261) and compress the first elastic member (291a) and the second elastic member (291b), or be pressed in the first axial direction (①) by the elastic force of the first elastic member (291a) and the second elastic member (291b). For example, when the protrusions of the first cam (251) and the second cam (261) are positioned in the recesses of the third cam (271) and the fourth cam (272), respectively, and the first cam (251) and the second cam (261) are rotated relative to the third cam (271) and the fourth cam (272), the protrusion of the first cam (251) comes into contact with the protrusion of the third cam (271), and the protrusion of the second cam (261) comes into contact with the protrusion of the fourth cam (272), thereby moving the cam member (270) in the second axial direction (②).

[0080] In one embodiment, the first elastic member (291a) may be positioned between the cam member (270) and the shaft bracket (247). The first elastic member (291a) may be coupled to the first arm shaft (241). For example, a portion of the first arm shaft (241) may be inserted into the interior of the first elastic member (291a). The first elastic member (291a) may include a coil spring capable of axial tension or compression.

[0081] In one embodiment, the first elastic member (291a) may be compressed or stretched in response to the rotation of the first arm member (250). For example, the first elastic member (291a) may be compressed when the cam member (270) moves in the second axial direction (②), and the compressed first elastic member (291a) may press the cam member (270) in the first axial direction (①). According to one embodiment, by applying an elastic force in the first axial direction (①) to the cam member (270) by the compressed first elastic member (291a), the frictional force between the first cam (251) of the first arm member (250) and the third cam (271) of the cam member (270) may be increased.

[0082] In one embodiment, the second elastic member (291b) may be positioned between the cam member (270) and the shaft bracket (247). The second elastic member (291b) may be coupled to the second arm shaft (242). For example, a portion of the second arm shaft (242) may be inserted into the interior of the second elastic member (291b). The second elastic member (291b) may include a coil spring capable of axial tension or compression.

[0083] In one embodiment, the second elastic member (291b) may be compressed or stretched in response to the rotation of the second arm member (260). For example, the second elastic member (291b) may be compressed when the cam member (270) moves in the second axial direction (②), and the compressed second elastic member (291b) may press the cam member (270) in the second axial direction (②). According to one embodiment, by applying an elastic force in the second axial direction (②) to the cam member (270) by the compressed second elastic member (291b), the frictional force between the second cam (261) of the second arm member (260) and the fourth cam (272) of the cam member (270) may be increased.

[0084] In one embodiment, the magnet assembly (280) may be configured to interact with other components of the electronic device (100) (e.g., the sensor module (160) of FIGS. 12 to 15) so that the processor of the electronic device (100) (e.g., the processor (320) of FIG. 17) can determine the state of the electronic device (100). For example, the magnet assembly (280) may include a magnet (281), and the processor (320) can determine the state of the electronic device (100) based on the distance between the sensor module (160) and the magnet (281). The change in the distance between the sensor module (160) and the magnet (281) according to the arrangement structure of the sensor module (160) and the state of the electronic device (100) will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 10 to 16.

[0085] In one embodiment, the magnet assembly (280) may be disposed on the arm members (250, 260). For example, the magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to at least one of the first arm member (250) and the second arm member (260). According to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to the first arm member (250). The magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to the first arm member (250) such that the magnet (281) is exposed in the rear direction of the hinge structure (200) (e.g., the -z-axis direction in FIG. 1). For example, referring together with FIG. 1, the magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to the first arm member (250) such that the magnet (281) is positioned toward the hinge housing (130) or the first plate (111). The magnet assembly (280) may rotate together with the first arm member (250) when the electronic device (100) is folded or unfolded. FIG. 6 to FIG. 16 are described below based on a structure in which the magnet assembly (280) is positioned on the first arm member (250), but the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited thereto. For example, the magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to the second arm member (260), or may be coupled to the first arm member (250) and the second arm member (260), respectively. The arrangement structure of the magnet assembly (280) will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7.

[0087] FIG. 6 illustrates a first arm member and a magnet assembly of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a first arm member and a magnet assembly of a hinge structure according to one embodiment.

[0088] FIG. 6 may be a drawing showing the state in which the magnet assembly (280) is combined with the first arm member (250). FIG. 7 may be a drawing showing the state in which the magnet assembly (280) is separated from the first arm member (250) and the state in which the magnet assembly (280) is disassembled.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a hinge structure (200) according to one embodiment may include a first arm member (250) and a magnet assembly (280) coupled to the first arm member (250). FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment in which the magnet assembly (280) is coupled to the first arm member (250), but as described above, the position of the magnet assembly (280) is not limited thereto.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first arm member (250) may include a first coupling portion (250a) in which a first cam (251) is formed, a second coupling portion (250b) in which a first pin hole (254) is formed, and a third coupling portion (250c) connecting the first coupling portion (250a) and the second coupling portion (250b).

[0091] In one embodiment, the first coupling portion (250a) may be coupled to the first arm shaft (241). For example, a through hole (253) into which the first arm shaft (241) is inserted may be formed in the first coupling portion (250a). In one embodiment, a first cam (251) may be formed in the first coupling portion (250a). For example, the first cam (251) may be formed along the periphery of the through hole (253). The first arm member (250) may be formed such that when the first arm shaft (241) is inserted into the through hole (253), the first cam (251) surrounds the first arm shaft (241).

[0092] In one embodiment, the second coupling portion (250b) may be slidably coupled to the first rotating member (210). For example, a first pin hole (254) into which a first sliding pin (252) is inserted may be formed in the second coupling portion (250b). Referring together to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first sliding pin (252) may pass through the first pin hole (254) of the second coupling portion (250b) and the first sliding groove (215) of the first rotating member (210).

[0093] In one embodiment, the third coupling portion (250c) may be located between the first coupling portion (250a) and the second coupling portion (250b). For example, the third coupling portion (250c) may extend from the first coupling portion (250a) toward the second coupling portion (250b). A magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to the third coupling portion (250c). For example, a seating portion (255) on which the magnet assembly (280) is seated may be formed in the third coupling portion (250c). For example, a coupling hole (256) into which at least a portion of the magnet assembly (280) is inserted may be formed in the seating portion (255) of the third coupling portion (250c).

[0094] In one embodiment, the magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to a third coupling portion (250c) of the first arm member (250). For example, the magnet assembly (280) may be fixedly positioned at the third coupling portion (250c). The magnet assembly (280) may include a magnet bracket (282), a magnet (281), a first adhesive member (284), and a second adhesive member (283).

[0095] In one embodiment, the magnet bracket (282) may be coupled to the first arm member (250). For example, the magnet bracket (282) may be coupled to the seating portion (255) of the third coupling portion (250c). The magnet bracket (282) may include a receiving portion (282a) in which at least a portion of the magnet (281) is received, and a protruding portion (282b) protruding from the receiving portion (282a).

[0096] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the magnet (281) may be disposed within the receiving portion (282a). For example, a receiving space (2821) in which the magnet (281) is received may be formed within the receiving portion (282a). The receiving space (2821) may be formed with a size and / or shape substantially corresponding to the magnet (281). The receiving portion (282a) may be seated on the seating portion (255) of the third coupling portion (250c). For example, the receiving portion (282a) may be attached to the seating portion (255) through a first adhesive member (284). In various embodiments, the first adhesive member (284) may include double-sided tape or a bond.

[0097] In one embodiment, the protruding portion (282b) may protrude from the bottom surface of the receiving portion (282a) toward the first arm member (250). The protruding portion (282b) may penetrate the seating portion (255) by being inserted into the coupling hole (256) of the third coupling portion (250c). For example, the protruding portion (282b) may be fused to the third coupling portion (250c). According to one embodiment, the magnet bracket (282) may be coupled to the first arm member (250) such that the receiving portion (282a) is seated on the seating portion (255) and the protruding portion (282b) penetrates the coupling hole (256). An opening (2841) may be formed in the second adhesive member (283) that is aligned with the coupling hole (256) so that the protruding portion (282b) penetrates.

[0098] In one embodiment, the magnet bracket (282) may be formed of a non-metallic material to prevent the first arm member (250) from becoming magnetic as it comes into contact with the magnet (281). For example, if the first arm member (250) is formed of a metal material, the first arm member (250) (or hinge structure (200)) may become magnetized when the magnet (281) comes into contact with the first arm member (250). According to one embodiment, the magnet bracket (282) is formed of a non-metallic material so that the magnetization of the first arm member (250) (or hinge structure (200)) by the magnet (281) can be reduced. However, the material of the first arm member (250) and / or the magnet bracket (282) is not limited to the above.

[0099] In one embodiment, the magnet (281) may be fixedly positioned inside the receiving portion (282a). For example, the magnet (281) may be attached to the receiving space (2821) via a second adhesive member (283). The magnet (281) may be received in the receiving portion (282a) such that one side is exposed to the outside of the magnet bracket (282). For example, the other side facing the opposite direction of the one side may be attached to the bottom surface inside the receiving space (2821) via the second adhesive member (283). According to one embodiment, the magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to a third coupling part (250c) such that one side of the magnet (281) faces the back direction of the hinge structure (200) (e.g., the -z-axis direction of FIG. 1) or the first plate (e.g., the first plate (111) of FIG. 1) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1).

[0100] Although not illustrated, the magnet assembly (280) may further include a shielding member (not illustrated). The shielding member may be placed inside the receiving portion (282a). For example, the shielding member may be located between the bottom surface inside the receiving space (2821) and the magnet (281), or between the second adhesive member (283) and the magnet (281). In various embodiments, the shielding member may partially shield the magnet (281) so that the magnetic force of the magnet (281) is reduced from being emitted toward the first arm member (250) and is emitted toward the opposite direction of the first arm member (250) (e.g., upward with respect to FIG. 7).

[0101] According to various embodiments, the magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to the second arm member (260). When the magnet assembly (280) is coupled to the second arm member (260), the structure and / or configuration of the first arm member (250) described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 may be applied in the same way to the second arm member (260).

[0103] FIG. 8 illustrates a housing and hinge structure of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0104] FIG. 8 may be a drawing in which a display (e.g., the display (140) of FIG. 1) is omitted to illustrate the coupling structure between the housing (110, 120) and the hinge structure (200). For example, FIG. 8 may be a drawing in which the hinge structure (200) and the housing (110, 120) are shown when the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 8, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a hinge housing (130), and a hinge structure (200). The hinge housing (130) may be located between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). The hinge structure (200) may rotatably connect the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).

[0106] In one embodiment, the hinge structure (200) may include a fixed member (230), a first rotating member (210), a second rotating member (220), a first arm member (250), a second arm member (260), a first arm axis (241), a second arm axis (242), and a magnet assembly (280). For example, the components of the hinge structure (200) illustrated in FIG. 8 may be identical or similar to some of the components of the hinge structure (200) illustrated in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, and redundant descriptions are omitted below.

[0107] In one embodiment, the fixed member (230) may be fixed between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). For example, the fixed member (230) may be fixedly positioned inside the hinge housing (130). The first rotating member (210) and the second rotating member (220) may be rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230). The fixed member (230) may be positioned between the rotating members (210, 220) and the hinge housing (130). For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (100), the fixed member (230) may be partially obscured by being positioned below (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) the first rotating member (210) and the second rotating member (220).

[0108] In one embodiment, the first rotating member (210) may be rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230) around the first rotation axis (R1). The first rotating member (210) may be connected or coupled to the first plate (111) to rotate together with the first housing (110). For example, the first rotating member (210) may be screw-coupled to the first plate (111), and a plurality of fastening holes for screw coupling may be formed in the first rotating member (210). When the electronic device (100) is folded or unfolded, the first rotating member (210) may rotate together with the first housing (110) around the first rotation axis (R1).

[0109] In one embodiment, the second rotating member (220) may be rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230) around the second rotation axis (R2). The second rotating member (220) may be connected to or coupled to the second plate (121) to rotate together with the second housing (120). For example, the second rotating member (220) may be screw-coupled to the second plate (121), and a plurality of fastening holes for screw coupling may be formed in the second rotating member (220). When the electronic device (100) is folded or unfolded, the second rotating member (220) may rotate together with the second housing (120) around the second rotation axis (R2). The relative rotational movement of the rotating members (210, 220) with respect to the fixed member (230) will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0110] In one embodiment, the first rotation axis (R1) of the first rotation member (210) and the second rotation axis (R2) of the second rotation member (220) may be parallel to each other. The first rotation axis (R1) and the second rotation axis (R2) may be substantially parallel to the arm axes (241, 242). As shown in FIG. 8, when viewing the plate (111, 121) of the electronic device (100) from above (e.g., in the +z-axis direction), the first rotation axis (R1) and the second rotation axis (R2) may be located between the first arm axis (241) and the second arm axis (242).

[0111] In one embodiment, the first arm member (250) can rotate together with the first arm axis (241), and the first arm axis (241) can be rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230). For example, the rotation center of the first arm member (250) may be the first arm axis (241). The first arm member (250) may connect the first rotating member (210) and the first arm axis (241) so that the first rotating member (210) and the first arm axis (241) rotate in conjunction with each other. According to one embodiment, the first rotating member (210) and the first arm member (250) may each have rotation paths formed differently by rotating around the first rotation axis (R1) and the first arm axis (241), respectively.

[0112] In one embodiment, the second arm member (260) can rotate together with the second arm axis (242), and the second arm axis (242) can be rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230). For example, the rotation center of the second arm member (260) may be the second arm axis (242). The second arm member (260) may connect the second rotating member (220) and the second arm axis (242) so that the second rotating member (220) and the second arm axis (242) rotate in conjunction with each other. According to one embodiment, the second rotating member (220) and the second arm member (260) may each have rotation paths formed differently by rotating around the second rotation axis (R2) and the second arm axis (242), respectively. The rotational movement of the rotating member (210, 220) and the arm member (250, 260) will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.

[0113] In one embodiment, the magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to the first arm member (250) such that when the electronic device (100) views the plate (111, 121) from above, the protruding portion (282b) of the magnet bracket (e.g., magnet bracket (282) of FIGS. 6 and 7) is visible. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 together, the magnet assembly (280) may be positioned so that one side of the magnet (e.g., magnet (281) of FIGS. 6 and 7) faces the first plate (111). Although not illustrated, a sensor module (not illustrated) (e.g., sensor module (160) of FIGS. 11 to 16) that is partially aligned with the magnet (281) may be disposed on the first plate (111) of the first housing (110). The arrangement structure of the magnet (281) and the sensor module (160) will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 15.

[0115] FIG. 9 illustrates the rotational movement of a rotating member of a hinge structure according to one embodiment.

[0116] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the AA' and BB' cross-sections of the hinge structure (200) shown in FIG. 3.

[0117] FIG. 9(a) may be a drawing showing a hinge structure (200) in an unfolded state, FIG. 9(b) may be a drawing showing a hinge structure (200) in an intermediate folded state, and FIG. 9(c) may be a drawing showing a hinge structure (200) in a fully folded state.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 9, a hinge structure (200) according to one embodiment may include a fixed member (230), a first rotating member (210) rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230) around a first rotation axis (R1), and a second rotating member (220) rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230) around a second rotation axis (R2).

[0119] In one embodiment, a first guide rail (231) and a second guide rail (233) may be formed in the fixed member (230). In one embodiment, the first guide rail (231) may be formed substantially in the shape of an arc. For example, the center of the arc of the first guide rail (231) may be the first rotation axis (R1). For example, the first guide rail (231) may guide the first rotating member (210) to rotate along a rotation path centered on the first rotation axis (R1). In one embodiment, the second guide rail (233) may be formed substantially in the shape of an arc. For example, the center of the arc of the second guide rail (233) may be the second rotation axis (R2). For example, the second guide rail (233) may guide the second rotating member (220) to rotate along a rotation path centered on the second rotation axis (R2).

[0120] In one embodiment, the first rotating member (210) may include a first extension portion (212) and a first coupling portion (211). The first coupling portion (211) may be substantially cylindrical in shape. For example, the cross-section of the first coupling portion (211) may be substantially arc-shaped. In one embodiment, the first rotating member (210) may rotate about a first rotation axis (R1) with the first guide portion (213) of the first coupling portion (211) being received in the first guide rail (231) of the fixed member (230). For example, when the first extension portion (212) is folded or unfolded together with the first housing (110), the first rotating member (210) may rotate along an arc-shaped rotation path centered on the first rotation axis (R1).

[0121] In one embodiment, the second rotating member (220) may include a second extension portion (222) and a second connecting portion (221). The second connecting portion (221) may be substantially cylindrical in shape. For example, the cross-section of the second connecting portion (221) may be substantially arc-shaped. In one embodiment, the second rotating member (220) may rotate about a second rotation axis (R2) with the second guide portion (223) accommodated in the second guide rail (233). For example, when the second extension portion (222) is folded or unfolded together with the second housing (120), the second rotating member (220) may rotate along an arc-shaped rotation path centered on the second rotation axis (R2).

[0122] In one embodiment, the first rotation axis (R1) and the second rotation axis (R2) may each be parallel to the axial direction of the hinge structure (200). In one embodiment, the first rotation axis (R1) and the second rotation axis (R2) may be formed at a position spaced apart in the z-axis direction (e.g., the z-axis direction of FIGS. 1 to 2c) relative to the first extension portion (212) of the first rotation member (210) and the second extension portion (222) of the second rotation member (220).

[0123] Referring to FIG. 9(a), the first extension part (212) can limit the direction in which the first rotating member (210) can rotate to one when unfolded. For example, the first end of the first guide rail (231) can be open, and the other second end can be covered by the first extension part (212). Thus, the first rotating member (210) can rotate clockwise around the first rotation axis (R1) with respect to the drawing during the folding operation, and cannot rotate counterclockwise during the unfolding operation.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 9(a), the second extension part (222) can limit the direction in which the second rotating member (220) can rotate to one when unfolded. For example, the third end of the second guide rail (233) can be open, and the other fourth end can be covered by the second extension part (222). Thus, the second rotating member (220) can rotate counterclockwise around the second rotation axis (R2) with respect to the drawing during the folding operation, and cannot rotate clockwise during the unfolding operation.

[0126] FIG. 10 illustrates the rotational movement of an arm member and a rotating member of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates the rotational movement of an arm member and a rotating member of a hinge structure according to one embodiment.

[0127] FIGS. 10(a) and FIGS. 11(a) are drawings illustrating a hinge structure (200) in an unfolded state. FIGS. 10(b) and FIGS. 11(b) are drawings illustrating a hinge structure (200) in an intermediate folded state. FIGS. 10(c) and FIGS. 11(c) are drawings illustrating a hinge structure (200) in a fully folded state.

[0128] FIG. 10 may be a drawing in which the fixing member (230) of the hinge structure (200) is omitted. FIG. 11 may be a drawing of the hinge structure (200) viewed from direction D of FIG. 8.

[0129] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, a hinge structure (200) according to one embodiment may include a rotating member (210, 220), a fixed member (230), an arm member (250, 260), an arm shaft (241, 242), and a magnet assembly (280).

[0130] The components of the hinge structure (200) shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 may be identical or similar to some of the components of the hinge structure (200) shown in FIGS. 3 to 9, and redundant descriptions below are omitted.

[0131] According to one embodiment, when the hinge structure (200) is folded or unfolded, the rotating member (210, 220) and the arm member (250, 260) may rotate around different axes. For example, the rotating member (210, 220) and the arm member (250, 260) may rotate along different rotation paths. Due to the difference in the rotation paths of the rotating member (210, 220) and the arm member (250, 260), when the hinge structure (200) is folded or unfolded, the arm member (250, 260) may slide relative to the rotating member (210, 220).

[0132] In one embodiment, the first rotating member (210) may rotate in a first rotational direction around a first rotational axis (R1) (e.g., see FIG. 9). For example, the first rotating member (210) may rotate clockwise in a folding motion and counterclockwise in an unfolding motion. As illustrated in FIG. 11, to describe the rotational path of the first rotating member (210), the point where the first sliding pin (252) is located on the first sliding groove (215) of the first rotating member (210) with respect to the unfolded state may be defined as the first point (P_1). In the folding and unfolding motions, the first point (P_1) of the first rotating member (210) may move along the first rotational path (r_1).

[0133] In one embodiment, the first arm member (250) and the first sliding pin (252) can rotate around a first arm axis (241) located spaced apart from the first rotation axis (R1). For example, the first arm member (250) and the first sliding pin (252) can rotate clockwise in a folding operation and counterclockwise in an unfolding operation. For example, the first sliding pin (252) can be located at a first point (P_1) in the unfolded state and at a position spaced apart from the first point (P_1) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction in the folding state. In the folding and unfolding operations, the first sliding pin (252) can move along a second rotation path (r_2).

[0134] In one embodiment, the first rotation path (r_1) and the second rotation path (r_2) may be different. For example, the first rotation axis (R1) and the first arm axis (241) may be parallel to each other but may not coincide, and accordingly, the rotation trajectories of the first rotation member (210) and the first arm member (250) may be formed differently from each other.

[0135] In one embodiment, the first arm member (250) and the first sliding pin (252) can slide relative to the first rotating member (210) during the folding and unfolding movements of the hinge structure (200). The sliding movement of the first sliding pin (252) and the first arm member (250) can be guided by the first sliding pin (252), which is pressed into the first arm member (250), being received in the first sliding groove (215) of the first rotating member (210). For example, when the hinge structure (200) is folded or unfolded, the first sliding pin (252) can slide along the first sliding groove (215) and at the same time rotate along the second rotation path (r_2) around the first arm axis (241). As illustrated in FIG. 11, when a folding operation is performed from an unfolded state, the distance between the first sliding pin (252) and the first point (P_1) may increase. When an unfolding operation is performed from a fully folded state, the distance between the first sliding pin (252) and the first point (P_1) may decrease.

[0136] In one embodiment, the second rotating member (220) may rotate in a second rotational direction around a second rotational axis (R2) (e.g., see FIG. 9). For example, the second rotating member (220) may rotate counterclockwise in a folding motion and rotate clockwise in an unfolding motion. As illustrated in FIG. 11, to describe the rotational path of the second rotating member (220), the point where the second sliding pin (262) is located on the second sliding groove (225) of the second rotating member (220) with respect to the unfolded state may be defined as the second point (P_2). In the folding and unfolding motions, the second point (P_2) of the second rotating member (220) may move along a third rotational path (r_3).

[0137] In one embodiment, the second arm member (260) and the second sliding pin (262) can rotate around a second arm axis (242) located spaced apart from the second rotation axis (R2). For example, the second arm member (260) and the second sliding pin (262) can rotate counterclockwise in a folding motion and rotate clockwise in an unfolding motion. For example, the second sliding pin (262) can be located at a second point (P_2) in the unfolded state and at a position spaced apart from the second point (P_2) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction in the folding state. In the folding and unfolding motions, the second sliding pin (262) can move along a fourth rotation path (r_4).

[0138] In one embodiment, the third rotation path (r_3) and the fourth rotation path (r_4) may be different. For example, the second rotation axis (R2) and the second arm axis (242) may be parallel to each other but may not coincide, and accordingly, the rotation trajectories of the second rotation member (220) and the second arm member (260) may be formed differently from each other.

[0139] In one embodiment, the second arm member (260) and the second sliding pin (262) can slide relative to the second rotating member (220) during the folding and unfolding movements of the hinge structure (200). The sliding movement of the second sliding pin (262) and the second arm member (260) can be guided by the second sliding pin (262), which is pressed into the second arm member (260), being received in the second sliding groove (225) of the second rotating member (220). For example, when the hinge structure (200) is folded or unfolded, the second sliding pin (262) can slide along the second sliding groove (225) and at the same time rotate along the fourth rotation path (r_4)) around the second arm axis (242). As illustrated in FIG. 11, when a folding operation is performed from an unfolded state, the distance between the second sliding pin (262) and the second point (P_2) may increase. When an unfolding operation is performed from a fully folded state, the distance between the second sliding pin (262) and the second point (P_2) may decrease.

[0140] According to one embodiment, as the rotating member (210, 220) and the arm member (250, 260) rotate around different axes, a change in relative position between the rotating member (210, 220) and the arm member (250, 260) may occur when folding and unfolding movements are performed. For example, an angle difference may occur between the rotating member (210, 220) and the arm member (250, 260) in correspondence with the state of the hinge structure (200).

[0141] Referring to FIG. 10, to explain the angular difference, a virtual first extension line (L1) extending from a part of the rotating member (210, 220) in a direction perpendicular to the arm axis (241, 242) or the rotation axis (R1, R2) and a virtual second extension line (L2) extending from a part of the arm member (250, 260) in a direction perpendicular to the arm axis (241, 242) or the rotation axis (R1, R2) may be defined. In the unfolded state of the hinge structure (200), the first extension line (L1) and the second extension line (L2) may be substantially parallel (Fig. 10 (a)). When a folding operation is performed from an unfolded state, the sliding pins (252, 262) slide along the sliding grooves (215, 225), so that the first extension line (L1) and the second extension line (L2) can form a designated interlocking angle (A1) (Fig. 10 (b)). The interlocking angle (A1) may increase and then decrease as the folding operation continues. In a fully folded state, the first extension line (L1) and the second extension line (L2) may be substantially parallel (Fig. 10 (c)).

[0142] In one embodiment, the magnet assembly (280) is coupled to the first arm member (250) and can rotate around the first arm axis (241) together with the first arm member (250). The first housing (110) of the electronic device (100) is connected to the first rotating member (210) and can rotate around the first rotation axis (R1) together with the first rotating member (210). A sensor (166) (e.g., a Hall sensor) for detecting the magnetic force of the magnet assembly (280) (e.g., magnet (281)) may be disposed in the first housing (110). The first housing (110) and the sensor (166) shown in FIG. 11 may be schematically represented to explain the position according to the rotational movement of the first rotating member (210) and the first arm member (250).

[0143] According to one embodiment, as the rotation center axes of the first rotating member (210) and the first arm member (250) are different from each other, a change in distance between the sensor (166) and the magnet assembly (280) may occur during folding and unfolding operations. For example, when folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device (100) (or hinge structure (200)) are performed, the first rotating member (210) and the first arm member (250) rotate along different rotation paths, and a partial angle difference occurs between them, thereby changing the distance between the magnet assembly (280) and the sensor (166). The sensor (166) can detect the degree to which the strength of the magnetic force of the magnet assembly (280) changes in response to a change in distance from the magnet assembly (280), and the processor of the electronic device (100) (e.g., the processor (320) of FIG. 17) can be configured to determine the state of the electronic device (100) based on the information detected by the sensor (166).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the magnet (281) included in the magnet assembly (280) may include multiple different polarities. For example, the magnet (281) may be formed such that multiple polarities (e.g., N pole and S pole) are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sensor (166) moves relative to the magnet assembly (280) (e.g., the x-axis direction of FIG. 1 or the direction in which the first sliding pin (252) moves relative to FIG. 11). However, the magnet (281) is not limited to the example described above and may be formed to include a single polarity according to various embodiments.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the sensor (166) can detect the degree of change in the strength of the magnetic force of the magnet assembly (280) and / or the direction of the magnetic force in response to a change in position relative to the magnet assembly (280). For example, the magnet (281) included in the magnet assembly (280) is formed such that a plurality of polarities (e.g., N pole and S pole) are arranged in a direction parallel to the direction in which the sensor (166) moves relative to the magnet assembly (280) (e.g., the x-axis direction of FIG. 1 or the direction in which the first sliding pin (252) moves relative to FIG. 11), and can detect the degree of change in the strength of the magnetic force of the magnet assembly (280) and / or the direction of the magnetic force in response to a change in position of the sensor (166) relative to the magnet (281).

[0147] FIG. 12 illustrates a part of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 illustrates a housing and a sensor module of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 illustrates a housing and a sensor module of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0148] FIG. 13 may be a drawing showing the sensor module (160) separated from the first housing (110), and FIG. 14 may be a drawing showing the sensor module (160) coupled to the first housing (110). FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 may be drawings showing an enlarged view of section E of FIG. 12.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a hinge housing (130), a first circuit board (151) (e.g., the first circuit board (151) of FIG. 1), a first battery (153) (e.g., the first battery (153) of FIG. 1), and a sensor module (160).

[0150] The components of the electronic device (100) illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 may be identical or similar to some of the components of the electronic device (100) illustrated in FIG. 1, and redundant descriptions below are omitted.

[0151] In one embodiment, the first housing (110) may include a first plate (111) and a first frame (112). The second housing (120) may include a second plate (121) and a second frame (122). For example, FIG. 12 may be a view of an electronic device (100) in which a first circuit board (151) and a first battery (153) are coupled to the first housing (110) with reference to FIG. 1, viewed from the -z-axis direction.

[0152] In one embodiment, the first plate (111) may include a first surface (111a) (e.g., a surface facing the -z-axis direction with respect to FIG. 1) on which the first circuit board (151) and the first battery (153) are placed, and a second surface (111b) (e.g., a surface facing the +z-axis direction with respect to FIG. 1) on which the first surface (111a) is opposite. For example, the first surface (111a) of the first plate (111) may mean a surface that partially faces the first rear cover (e.g., the first rear cover (119) of FIG. 1), and the second surface (111b) of the first plate (111) may mean a surface that partially faces the display (e.g., the display (140) of FIG. 1).

[0153] In one embodiment, the second plate (121) may include a third surface (121a) facing in the same direction as the first surface (111a) of the first plate (111) in the unfolded state, and a fourth surface (121b) facing in the opposite direction of the third surface (121a). Referring together to FIG. 1, a second circuit board (e.g., the second circuit board (152) of FIG. 1) and a second battery (e.g., the second battery (154) of FIG. 1) may be disposed on the third surface (121a) of the second plate (121). For example, the third surface (121a) of the second plate (121) may mean a surface that partially faces the second rear cover (e.g., the second rear cover (129) of FIG. 1), and the fourth surface (121b) of the second plate (121) may mean a surface that partially faces the display (e.g., the display (140) of FIG. 1).

[0154] In one embodiment, a portion of the second surface (111b) of the first plate (111) (e.g., the recessed portion (114) in FIG. 1) and a portion of the fourth surface (121b) of the second plate (121) (e.g., the recessed portion (124) in FIG. 1) may overlap with the hinge housing (130). Although not illustrated, the hinge structure (200) may be joined to the second surface (111b) of the first plate (111) and the fourth surface (121b) of the second plate (121) such that at least a portion overlaps with the hinge housing (130) (e.g., see FIG. 8). For example, the first rotating member (210) of the hinge structure (200) can be connected to the second surface (111b) of the first plate (111), and the second rotating member (220) of the hinge structure (200) can be connected to the fourth surface (121b) of the second plate (121).

[0155] In one embodiment, the sensor module (160) is placed in the first housing (110) and at least a portion may be electrically connected to the first circuit board (151). The sensor module (160) may include a flexible substrate (161) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) and a sensor (166) (e.g., a Hall sensor). For example, the flexible substrate (161) may be electrically connected to the first circuit board (151), and the sensor (166) may be placed (or mounted) in a portion of the flexible substrate (161) so as to be electrically connected to the flexible substrate (161).

[0156] In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (161) may be disposed on the first plate (111). For example, at least a portion of the flexible substrate (161) may be disposed on the first surface (111a) of the first plate (111). At least a portion of the flexible substrate (161) may extend from the first circuit board (151) across the first battery (153) toward the second housing (120) in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction). In various embodiments, the flexible substrate (161) may be configured such that a portion is located on the first surface (111a) and another portion penetrates the first plate (111) and is located on the second surface (111b).

[0157] In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (161) may include a first portion (162) on which a connector (165) is placed, a second portion (163) on which a sensor (166) is placed, and a third portion (164) connecting the first portion (162) and the second portion (163). For example, the first portion (162) may be placed on a first circuit board (151), the second portion (163) may be placed in a sensor hole (111h) formed in a first plate (111), and the third portion (164) may extend from the first portion (162) to the second portion (163). For example, the third portion (164) may partially extend across the first battery (153).

[0158] In one embodiment, the first portion (162) may include a first area (162a) where the connector (165) is placed (or mounted) and a second area (162b) facing in the opposite direction of the first area (162a). The second portion (163) may include a third area (163a) where the sensor (166) is placed (or mounted) and a fourth area (163b) facing in the opposite direction of the third area (163a). The flexible substrate (161) may be placed on the first plate (111) such that the first area (162a) and the third area (163a) face the first surface (111a) of the first plate (111). For example, the flexible substrate (161) may be positioned on the first plate (111) such that the second region (162b) of the first part (162) and the fourth region (163b) of the second part (163) face in the same direction as the first surface (111a) of the first plate (111) (e.g., the -z-axis direction with respect to FIG. 12).

[0159] Hereinafter, the arrangement structure of the sensor module (160) will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and FIGS. 14. For example, FIG. 14 may be a drawing of the first housing (110) to which the sensor module (160) is attached, viewed from the first surface (111a) direction and the second surface (111b) direction, respectively.

[0160] In one embodiment, the sensor module (160) may be fixedly positioned in the first housing (110). For example, the sensor module (160) may rotate together with the first housing (110) during the folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device (100) as the flexible substrate (161) is fixedly positioned in the first plate (111).

[0161] In one embodiment, the first plate (111) may include a sensor hole (111h) penetrating the first surface (111a) and the second surface (111b) of the first plate (111). For example, the sensor hole (111h) may be formed in an area adjacent to the hinge housing (130) on the first plate (111). Although not illustrated, the sensor hole (111h) may overlap with the hinge structure (200) and may partially face the first arm member (250) of the hinge structure (200) (e.g., see FIG. 8). The sensor hole (111h) may partially overlap with the second portion (163) of the flexible substrate (161). For example, the sensor hole (111h) may be aligned in the z-axis direction with the second part (163) of the flexible substrate (161), and at least a portion of the sensor (166) placed in the second part (163) may be located inside the sensor hole (111h).

[0162] In one embodiment, a flexible substrate (161) may be placed on the first surface (111a) of the first plate (111) such that the second portion (163) partially overlaps with the sensor hole (111h). With reference to FIG. 14, when the first surface (111a) of the first plate (111) is viewed from above (e.g., when the first plate (111) is viewed in the -z-axis direction), the sensor hole (111h) may be obscured by the second portion (163) (the fourth region (163b)). When the second surface (111b) of the first plate (111) is viewed from above (e.g., when the first plate (111) is viewed in the +z-axis direction), at least a portion of the second portion (163) (or the third region (163a)) may overlap with the sensor hole (111h), and the sensor (166) may be located inside the sensor hole (111h). In various embodiments, the second portion (163) may be adhered to the first surface (111a) of the first plate (111) through an adhesive member (not shown). For example, an adhesive member may be placed (or applied) to the third area (163a) of the second portion (163), and the third area (163a) may be adhered to the area surrounding the sensor hole (111h) of the first surface (111a).

[0163] In one embodiment, the sensor (166) may be visually exposed on the second surface (111b) of the first plate (111) through the sensor hole (111h). For example, when the second surface (111b) is viewed from above, the sensor (166) may be visually exposed through the sensor hole (111h). Although not illustrated, when the hinge structure (200) is coupled to the housing (110, 120), the sensor (166) may partially face the magnet assembly (280) placed on the first arm member (250) through the sensor hole (111h). The arrangement structure of the sensor (166) and the magnet assembly (280) will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 15.

[0165] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a part of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0166] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the CC' cross-section of the electronic device (100) illustrated in FIG. 8. For example, FIG. 15 may be a drawing illustrating a cross-section in substantially the same direction as the FF' cross-section of the electronic device (100) illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 15, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may include a first housing (110), a hinge housing (130), a sensor module (160), and a hinge structure (200). In one embodiment, the hinge structure (200) may include a first arm member (250) and a magnet assembly (280), and the magnet assembly (280) may include a magnet bracket (282), a magnet (281), a first adhesive member (284), and a second adhesive member (283).

[0168] Some of the components of the electronic device (100) shown in FIG. 15 may be identical or similar to some of the components of the electronic device (100) shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 14, and redundant descriptions below are omitted.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the magnet assembly (280) can move together with the first arm member (250) as the first arm member (250) rotates during folding and unfolding movements. The magnet assembly (280) can be positioned on the first arm member (250) such that the magnet (281) faces the sensor (166) of the sensor module (160). For example, the magnet bracket (282) can be coupled to the first arm member (250) such that the receiving portion (282a) faces the second surface (111b) of the first plate (111) and the protruding portion (282b) penetrates a part of the first arm member (250).

[0170] In one embodiment, the magnet bracket (282) may receive a magnet (281) in a receiving portion (282a). The receiving portion (282a) may be attached to a portion of the first arm member (250) through a first adhesive member (284). The magnet (281) may be positioned so that one side (e.g., a side facing the -z-axis direction) faces the second side (111b) or sensor hole (111h) of the first plate (111). For example, the one side of the magnet (281) may be exposed to the outside of the receiving portion (282a) so as to face the sensor (166). The magnet (281) may be fixedly positioned inside the receiving portion (282a). For example, the magnet (281) may be attached to the receiving portion (282a) through a second adhesive member (283).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (160) may move together with the first housing (110) as the first housing (110) rotates during folding and unfolding movements. For example, the center of rotation of the first housing (110) and the center of rotation of the first arm member (250) may be different from each other (e.g., see FIG. 11). Accordingly, when the electronic device (100) is folded or unfolded, a relative positional change may occur between the sensor (166) of the sensor module (160) and the magnet (281) of the magnet assembly (280).

[0172] In one embodiment, the sensor module (160) may include a flexible substrate (161) and a sensor (166) disposed on at least a portion of the flexible substrate (161). The flexible substrate (161) may be disposed on a first plate (111) of a first housing (110). For example, the flexible substrate (161) may be disposed on a first surface (111a) of the first plate (111). The sensor (166) may be disposed (or mounted) on a second portion (163) of the flexible substrate (161). For example, the sensor (166) may be disposed on a third region (163a) of the second portion (163) so as to partially face the magnet assembly (280).

[0173] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the sensor (166) may be located inside the sensor hole (111h) and may face the magnet assembly (280) through the sensor hole (111h). A second portion (163) of the flexible substrate (161) may be adhered to the first surface (111a) of the first plate (111) to cover the sensor hole (111h), and the sensor (166) may be accommodated inside the sensor hole (111h). For example, the second portion (163) may have a third region (163a) adhered to the second surface (111b) through an adhesive member (169). As illustrated in FIG. 16, the second part (163) can be positioned on the second surface (111b) so as to overlap with the sensor hole (111h) in the z-axis direction, and accordingly, the sensor (166) can be positioned to pass through the sensor hole (111h) and face the magnet assembly (280).

[0174] In one embodiment, the sensor (166) may be a magnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor) that detects the magnitude and / or direction of a magnetic field. The sensor (166) may detect at least one of the strength and direction of the magnetic field of the magnet (281), or detect a change in the magnetic field at a specific point. For example, the distance between the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) may change depending on the state of the electronic device (100), and the sensor (166) may detect a change in the strength and / or direction of the magnetic field of the magnet (281) in response to the change in distance.

[0175] In various embodiments, the electronic device (100) (e.g., the processor (320) of FIG. 17) may detect or obtain information about the state of the electronic device (100) based on the strength and / or direction of the magnetic field of the magnet (281) detected by the sensor (166). For example, the processor (320) may detect the folding angle of the electronic device (100) using the strength or direction of the magnetic field detected by the sensor (166). In various embodiments, the folding angle may be an angle indicating the degree to which the electronic device (100) is folded or unfolded. For example, the folding angle may mean an angle between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), or an angle between the first area (e.g., the first area (141) of FIG. 1) and the second area (e.g., the second area (142) of FIG. 1) based on the folding area (e.g., the folding area (143) of FIG. 1) of the display (e.g., the display (140) of FIG. 1).

[0176] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can precisely sense the state information or folding angle of the electronic device (100) by positioning the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) close to each other. For example, if the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) are positioned far apart from each other, the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet (281) detected by the sensor (166) is reduced, and there may be limitations in precise sensing. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can precisely detect the state information or folding angle of the electronic device (100) because the amount of displacement of the magnetic field of the magnet (281) detected by the sensor (166) is large, as the sensor (166) is positioned close to the magnet (281) in a position facing it directly.

[0178] FIG. 16 illustrates an operation in which the distance between a magnet and a sensor changes in response to the state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0179] Referring to FIG. 16, an electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may be capable of being deformed or switched between an unfolded state (S1) (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 2a), an intermediate state (S2) (e.g., the intermediate folded state of FIG. 2b), and a folded state (S3) (e.g., the fully folded state of FIG. 2c). As described above, the electronic device (100) may be folded or unfolded by the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) rotating relative to the hinge structure (200). At this time, the rotating member (210, 220) of the hinge structure (200) rotates together with the housing (110, 120) around a virtual rotation axis (R1, R2), and the arm member (250, 260) of the hinge structure (200) can rotate around an arm axis (241, 242) (e.g., see FIG. 11).

[0180] In one embodiment, the magnet (281) may be fixed to the first arm member (250) via a magnet bracket (282). The sensor (166) may be placed on a flexible substrate (161) fixed to the first plate (111). The sensor (166) may be located inside a sensor hole (111h) formed in the first plate (111) and may face the magnet assembly (280) through the sensor hole (111h).

[0181] In one embodiment, the relative position of the magnet assembly (280) (or magnet (281)) to the sensor (166) may change in response to the state of the electronic device (100). For example, as the state of the electronic device (100) changes, the distance between the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) and / or the position of the sensor (166) to the magnet (281) may change. With the sensor (166) and the flexible substrate (161) placed on the first plate (111), they may move together with the first housing (110) as the first housing (110) (the first plate (111) and the first rear cover (119)) rotates around the first rotation axis (R1). The magnet assembly (280) can move together with the first arm member (250) as the first arm member (250) rotates around the first arm axis (241) while the first arm member (250) is positioned on the first arm member (250). Accordingly, in the folding or unfolding operation of the electronic device (100), the displacement (distance or direction) of the magnet (281) and the displacement of the sensor (166) may be different from each other.

[0182] In one embodiment, the distance between the magnet (281) and the sensor (166) and / or the position of the sensor (166) relative to the magnet (281) may differ in each state of the electronic device (100). Hereinafter, the distance between the magnet (281) and the sensor (166) may mean the distance between the center of the magnet (281) and the center of the sensor (166) when viewing a cross-section of the electronic device (100), and the position of the sensor (166) relative to the magnet (281) may mean the direction in which the center of the sensor (166) is located relative to the center of the magnet (281) (e.g., left, right).

[0183] In one embodiment, the distance between the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) may be greater in the folded state (S3) than in the unfolded state (S1), and when the electronic device (100) is transformed from the unfolded state (S1) to the folded state (S3), the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) may move closer together and then move further apart again after a certain state. The strength of the magnetic field (e.g., magnetic flux density) of the magnet (281) detected by the sensor (166) may vary depending on the distance between the sensor (166) and the magnet (281). For example, the strength of the magnetic field (magnetic flux density) may gradually increase as the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) get closer together, and gradually decrease as the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) get further apart.

[0184] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state (S1), the distance between the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) may be a first distance (D1), and the sensor (166) may be located to the left of the center of the magnet (281). For example, the first distance (D1) may be about 2.1 to 2.3 mm, preferably about 2.22 mm, but is not limited thereto. As a folding operation is performed from the unfolded state (S1), the sensor (166) may move in a direction that approaches the center of the magnet (281), and at a designated folding angle, after the center of the sensor (166) is aligned with the center of the magnet (281), as the electronic device (100) continues to fold (e.g., as the folding angle decreases), the sensor (166) may be moved to the right of the center of the magnet (281). For example, the folding angle may mean the angle between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) as described above.

[0185] According to one embodiment, in an intermediate state (S2), the distance between the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) may be a second distance (D2), and the sensor (166) may be located to the right of the center of the magnet (281). The second distance (D2) may be smaller than the first distance (D1). For example, the second distance (D2) may be about 0.9 to 1.1 mm, preferably about 1.03 mm, but is not limited thereto. The intermediate state (S2) illustrated in FIG. 16 may be referred to as any of the multiple intermediate folded states between the unfolded state (S1) and the folded state (S3). Based on FIG. 16, the intermediate state (S2) may mean a state in which the first housing (110) is rotated about 60 degrees counterclockwise from the unfolded state (S1).

[0186] According to one embodiment, in the folded state (S3), the distance between the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) may be a third distance (D3), and the sensor (166) may be located to the right of the center of the magnet (281). The third distance (D3) may be greater than the first distance (D1). For example, the third distance (D3) may be about 2.5 to 2.7 mm, preferably about 2.6 mm, but is not limited thereto. Based on FIG. 16, the folded state (S3) may mean a state in which the first housing (110) is rotated about 90 degrees counterclockwise from the unfolded state (S1).

[0187] According to various embodiments, the intermediate folding state can be understood to include a plurality of states in which the distance between the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) is between a first distance (D1) and a third distance (D3).

[0188] An electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can determine the state of the electronic device (100) (e.g., folding angle) based on magnetic flux density (or magnetic field strength) detected by a sensor (166). The electronic device (100) can determine the state of the electronic device (100) using parameter information regarding the stored folding angle. For example, a processor of the electronic device (100) (e.g., processor (320) of FIG. 17) can detect the magnetic field strength using the sensor (166) and calculate a folding angle corresponding to the detected magnetic field strength using parameter information regarding the folding angle stored in a memory (e.g., memory (330) of FIG. 17).

[0189] According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the magnet (281) can move in the x-axis direction relative to the sensor (166) with respect to the unfolded state (S1). However, it is not limited thereto, and in various embodiments, the magnet (281) may move in the y-axis direction relative to the sensor (166) with respect to the unfolded state (S1), and based on this, the strength of the magnetic field may be detected and a folding angle corresponding to the detected strength of the magnetic field may be calculated.

[0190] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may perform a specified operation based on the calculated folding angle. For example, the processor (320) may be configured to control the screen displayed on the display (140) in response to the folding angle. In another example, the processor (320) may be configured to determine whether to execute a specific application based on the folding angle, or to determine the format in which a specific application is displayed on the display (140).

[0192] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 17, in a network environment (300), an electronic device (301) may communicate with an electronic device (302) through a first network (398) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (304) or a server (308) through a second network (399) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may communicate with the electronic device (304) through the server (308). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (301) may include a processor (320), memory (330), input module (350), sound output module (355), display module (360), audio module (370), sensor module (376), interface (377), connection terminal (378), haptic module (379), camera module (380), power management module (388), battery (389), communication module (390), subscriber identification module (396), or antenna module (397). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (378)) may be omitted from the electronic device (301), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (376), camera module (380), or antenna module (397)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (360)).

[0194] The processor (320) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (301) connected to the processor (320) by executing software (e.g., a program (340)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (320) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (376) or a communication module (390)) in volatile memory (332), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (332), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (334). According to one embodiment, the processor (320) may include a main processor (321) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (323) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (301) includes a main processor (321) and an auxiliary processor (323), the auxiliary processor (323) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (321) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (323) may be implemented separately from the main processor (321) or as part thereof.

[0195] The auxiliary processor (323) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (301) (e.g., display module (360), sensor module (376), or communication module (390)) on behalf of the main processor (321) while the main processor (321) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (321) while the main processor (321) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (323) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (380) or communication module (390)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (323) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (301) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (308)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0196] The memory (330) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (301) (e.g., processor (320) or sensor module (376)). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program (340)) and input data or output data for related commands. The memory (330) may include volatile memory (332) or non-volatile memory (334).

[0197] The program (340) may be stored as software in memory (330) and may include, for example, an operating system (342), middleware (344), or an application (346).

[0198] The input module (350) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (301) (e.g., processor (320)) from outside the electronic device (301) (e.g., user). The input module (350) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0199] The sound output module (355) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (301). The sound output module (355) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0200] The display module (360) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (301). The display module (360) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (360) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0201] The audio module (370) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (370) can acquire sound through the input module (350) or output sound through the sound output module (355) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (302)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (301).

[0202] The sensor module (376) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (301) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (376) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0203] The interface (377) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (301) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (302)). According to one embodiment, the interface (377) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0204] The connection terminal (378) may include a connector through which the electronic device (301) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (302)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (378) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0205] The haptic module (379) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (379) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0206] The camera module (380) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (380) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0207] The power management module (388) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (301). According to one embodiment, the power management module (388) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0208] The battery (389) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (301). According to one embodiment, the battery (389) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0209] The communication module (390) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (301) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (302), electronic device (304), or server (308)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (390) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (320) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (390) may include a wireless communication module (392) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (394) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (304) through a first network (398) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (399) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (392) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (301) within a communication network such as the first network (398) or the second network (399) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (396).

[0210] The wireless communication module (392) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (392) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (392) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (392) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (301), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (304)), or network system (e.g., second network (399)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (392) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0211] An antenna module (397) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (397) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (397) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (398) or a second network (399), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (390). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (390) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (397).

[0212] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (397) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0213] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0214] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (301) and an external electronic device (304) through a server (308) connected to a second network (399). Each of the external electronic devices (302, or 304) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (301). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (301) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (302, 304, or 308). For example, if the electronic device (301) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (301) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (301). The electronic device (301) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (301) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (304) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (308) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (304) or the server (308) may be included within a second network (399).The electronic device (301) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0216] An electronic device (100) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document comprises: a first housing (110); a second housing (120) connected to the first housing (110); a sensor module (160) comprising a sensor (166) and disposed in at least one of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120); and a hinge structure (200) rotatably connecting the first housing (110) and the second housing (120); wherein the hinge structure (200) comprises: a first rotating member (210) connected to the first housing (110) and rotating around a first rotation axis (R1) together with the first housing (110); and a second rotating member (220) connected to the second housing (120) and rotating around a second rotation axis (R2) together with the second housing (120). A first arm member (250) coupled to the first arm shaft (241) to rotate around the first arm shaft (241) and linked to the rotation of the first rotation member (210), wherein the first arm shaft (241) is different from the first rotation shaft (R1); a second arm member (260) coupled to the second arm shaft (242) to rotate around the second arm shaft (242) and linked to the rotation of the second rotation member (220), wherein the second arm shaft (242) is different from the second rotation shaft (R2); A magnet assembly (280) comprising a magnet (281) and disposed on at least one of the first arm member (250) and the second arm member (260) such that at least a portion faces the sensor (166); and the distance or relative position between the magnet (281) and the sensor (166) may be configured to change in response to rotational movement of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).

[0217] In various embodiments, the hinge structure (200) further comprises a fixed member (230); the first rotating member (210) is rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230) around the first rotation axis (R1); the second rotating member (220) is rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230) around the second rotation axis (R2); the first arm axis (241) and the second arm axis (242) are rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230); the first arm member (250) is configured to rotate together with the first arm axis (241); and the second arm member (260) is configured to rotate together with the second arm axis (242).

[0218] In various embodiments, the magnet assembly (280) is disposed on the first arm member (250), and the sensor module (160) is disposed on the first housing (110) to correspond to the magnet assembly (280), and the magnet assembly (280) is configured to rotate around the first arm axis (241) together with the first arm member (250), and the sensor module (160) is configured to rotate around the first rotation axis (R1) together with the first housing (110).

[0219] In various embodiments, the magnet assembly (280) further includes a magnet bracket (282) on which the magnet (281) is placed, and the magnet bracket (282) may be fixedly placed on the first arm member (250).

[0220] In various embodiments, the magnet bracket (282) may include a non-metal or non-magnetic material.

[0221] In various embodiments, the magnet bracket (282) includes a receiving portion (282a) in which at least a portion of the magnet (281) is received, and a protruding portion (282b) extending from the receiving portion (282a), and the protruding portion (282b) can penetrate at least a portion of the first arm member (250) and be coupled to the first arm member (250).

[0222] In various embodiments, the first arm member (250) includes a first sliding pin (252) received in a first sliding groove (215) formed in the first rotating member (210), and the second arm member (260) includes a second sliding pin (262) received in a second sliding groove (225) formed in the second rotating member (220), and the first sliding pin (252) is configured to slide within the first sliding groove (215) as the first arm member (250) and the first rotating member (210) each rotate about the first arm axis (241) and the first rotating axis (R1), respectively, and the second sliding pin (262) is configured to slide within the second sliding groove (225) as the second arm member (260) and the second rotating member (220) each rotate about the second arm axis (242) and the second rotating axis (R2), respectively. It can be composed.

[0223] In various embodiments, the first arm member (250) or the second arm member (260) comprises a first coupling portion (250a) to which the first arm shaft (241) or the second arm shaft (242) is coupled, a second coupling portion (250b) to which the first sliding pin (252) or the second sliding pin (262) is coupled, and a third coupling portion (250c) connecting the first coupling portion (250a) and the second coupling portion (250b), and the magnet assembly (280) may be coupled to the third coupling portion (250c).

[0224] In various embodiments, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) further comprise a display (140) disposed therein; wherein the first housing (110) comprises a first plate (111) on which a part of the display (140) is disposed and a first frame (112) surrounding the first plate (111), and the second housing (120) comprises a second plate (121) on which another part of the display (140) is disposed and a second frame (122) surrounding the second plate (121), and the hinge structure (200) comprises the first housing (110) and the second such that at least a part of the first rotating member (210) and the first arm member (250) overlaps with the first plate (111), and at least a part of the second rotating member (220) and the second arm member (260) overlaps with the second plate (121). It can be connected to the housing (120).

[0225] In various embodiments, the magnet assembly (280) is disposed on the first arm member (250), and the sensor module (160) further comprises a flexible substrate (161) to which at least a portion is attached to the first plate (111), and the sensor (166) may be disposed in a portion of the flexible substrate (161) so as to face the magnet assembly (280).

[0226] In various embodiments, the circuit board (151) is further included in the first housing (110) and electrically connected to the sensor module (160); the first plate (111) includes a first surface (111a) on which the circuit board (151) is placed and a second surface (111b) facing opposite the first surface (111a) on which the display (140) is placed, and the flexible substrate (161) may be located on the first surface (111a).

[0227] In various embodiments, the first arm member (250) is positioned on the second surface (111b) of the first plate (111), and the sensor (166) can face the magnet assembly (280) through a sensor hole (111h) formed in a part of the first plate (111).

[0228] In various embodiments, at least a portion of the flexible substrate (161) is positioned to overlap with the sensor hole (111h) on the first surface (111a), and at least a portion of the sensor (166) can be accommodated inside the sensor hole (111h).

[0229] In various embodiments, the sensor (166) is configured to detect the strength or direction of the magnetic field of the magnet (281) and may include a magnetic sensor or a Hall sensor.

[0230] In various embodiments, the electronic device (100) comprises a fully folded state (S3) in which a first edge (P1) of the first housing (110) parallel to the axial direction and a second edge (P2) of the second housing (120) are in contact, an unfolded state (S1) in which a third edge (P3) of the first housing (110) perpendicular to the axial direction and a fourth edge (P4) of the second housing (120) form substantially the same straight line, and an intermediate folded state (S2) defined as any state between the unfolded state (S1) and the fully folded state (S3), and the distance between the sensor (166) and the magnet (281) is a first distance (D1) in the unfolded state (S1), a second distance (D2) in the intermediate folded state (S2), a third distance (D3) in the fully folded state (S3), and the first distance (D1), the second The distance (D2) and the third distance (D3) may be different from each other.

[0231] In various embodiments, the sensor (166) is configured to be located on one side relative to the center of the magnet (281) in the unfolded state (S1) and on the other side relative to the center of the magnet (281) in the fully folded state (S3), and the third distance (D3) may be greater than the first distance (D1) and the second distance (D2).

[0232] In various embodiments, the electronic device (100) is configured to calculate the folding angle of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) based on the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet (281) detected by the sensor (166), and the folding angle may be defined as the angle between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).

[0233] An electronic device (100) according to one embodiment disclosed in this document comprises: a first housing (110); a second housing (120) connected to the first housing (110); a flexible display (140) extending from the first housing (110) to the second housing (120); a hinge structure (200) rotatably connecting the first housing (110) and the second housing (120); and a sensor (166) disposed in the first housing (110) and configured to detect the strength or direction of a magnetic field; wherein the hinge structure (200) comprises: a fixed member (230); and a first rotating member (210) rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230) around a first rotation axis (R1) and connected to the first housing (110) to rotate together with the first housing (110). A second rotating member (220) rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230) around a second rotation axis (R2) and connected to the second housing (120) to rotate together with the second housing (120); a first arm axis (241) rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230) and parallel to the first rotation axis (R1); a second arm axis (242) rotatably coupled to the fixed member (230) and parallel to the second rotation axis (R2); a first arm member (250) coupled to the first arm axis (241) and rotating together with the first arm axis (241), wherein the first arm member (250) includes a first cam (251) surrounding the first arm axis (241); A second arm member (260) coupled to the second arm shaft (242) and rotating together with the second arm shaft (242), the second arm member (260) includes a second cam (261) surrounding the second arm shaft (242);A cam member (270) coupled to the first arm shaft (241) and the second arm shaft (242) and capable of linear movement in the axial direction, wherein the cam member (270) includes a third cam (271) engaged with the first cam (251) and a fourth cam (272) engaged with the second cam (261); a first elastic member (291a) coupled to the first arm shaft (241) and providing elastic force in the axial direction to the cam member (270); and a second elastic member (291b) coupled to the second arm shaft (242) and providing elastic force in the axial direction to the cam member (270). The device includes a magnet assembly (280) comprising a magnet (281) and coupled to the first arm member (250) so as to partially face the sensor (166); wherein, in the folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device (100), the first arm member (250) is rotatably coupled with the first rotating member (210) but rotates along different paths, the second arm member (260) is rotatably coupled with the second rotating member (220) but rotates along different paths, and the distance between the magnet (281) and the sensor (166) may be configured to change in response to the folding and unfolding operations.

[0234] In various embodiments, the magnet assembly (280) further includes a magnet bracket (282) coupled to the first arm member (250), and the magnet (281) can be accommodated in the receiving space (2821) of the magnet bracket (282).

[0235] In various embodiments, the first arm member (250) may partially comprise a metallic material, and the portion of the magnet bracket (282) that contacts the first arm member (250) may be formed of a non-metal or non-magnetic material.

[0237] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be a device of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0238] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of phrases such as "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 "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., first) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationally,” it means that said component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0239] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0240] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (340)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (336) or external memory (338)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (301)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (320)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (301)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0241] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or an application store (e.g., Play Store). ™ It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0242] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations among the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components 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 one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

Claim 1 An electronic device comprises: a first housing; a second housing connected to the first housing; a sensor module including a sensor and disposed in at least one of the first housing and the second housing; and a hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; wherein the hinge structure comprises: a first rotating member connected to the first housing and rotating together with the first housing around a first rotation axis; a second rotating member connected to the second housing and rotating together with the second housing around a second rotation axis; a first arm member coupled to the first arm axis to rotate around a first arm axis and coupled to the rotation of the first rotating member, wherein the first arm axis is different from the first rotation axis; and a second arm member coupled to the second arm axis to rotate around a second arm axis and coupled to the rotation of the second rotating member, wherein the second arm axis is different from the second rotation axis. An electronic device comprising: a magnet assembly including a magnet, wherein at least a portion thereof is disposed on at least one of the first arm member and the second arm member such that the magnet faces the sensor; and wherein the distance or relative position between the magnet and the sensor is configured to change in response to rotational movement of the first housing and the second housing. Claim 2 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge structure further comprises a fixed member; wherein the first rotating member is rotatably coupled to the fixed member about the first rotation axis, the second rotating member is rotatably coupled to the fixed member about the second rotation axis, the first arm axis and the second arm axis are rotatably coupled to the fixed member, the first arm member is configured to rotate together with the first arm axis, and the second arm member is configured to rotate together with the second arm axis. Claim 3 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the magnet assembly is disposed on the first arm member, the sensor module is disposed on the first housing so as to correspond to the magnet assembly, the magnet assembly is configured to rotate together with the first arm member around the first arm axis, and the sensor module is configured to rotate together with the first housing around the first rotation axis. Claim 4 An electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the magnet assembly further comprises a magnet bracket on which the magnet is disposed, and the magnet bracket is fixedly disposed on the first arm member. Claim 5 An electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the magnet bracket comprises a non-metal material or a non-magnetic material. Claim 6 An electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the magnet bracket comprises a receiving portion in which at least a portion of the magnet is received and a protruding portion extending from the receiving portion, and the protruding portion penetrates at least a portion of the first arm member and is coupled to the first arm member. Claim 7 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first arm member comprises a first sliding pin received in a first sliding groove formed in the first rotating member, and the second arm member comprises a second sliding pin received in a second sliding groove formed in the second rotating member, and the first sliding pin is configured to slide within the first sliding groove as the first arm member and the first rotating member rotate around the first arm axis and the first rotating axis, respectively, and the second sliding pin is configured to slide within the second sliding groove as the second arm member and the second rotating member rotate around the second arm axis and the second rotating axis, respectively. Claim 8 An electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the first arm member or the second arm member comprises a first coupling portion to which the first arm shaft or the second arm shaft is coupled, a second coupling portion to which the first sliding pin or the second sliding pin is coupled, and a third coupling portion connecting the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion, and the magnet assembly is coupled to the third coupling portion. Claim 9 An electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display disposed in the first housing and the second housing; wherein the first housing comprises a first plate on which a portion of the display is disposed and a first frame surrounding the first plate, and the second housing comprises a second plate on which another portion of the display is disposed and a second frame surrounding the second plate, and the hinge structure is connected to the first housing and the second housing such that at least a portion of the first rotating member and the first arm member overlaps with the first plate, and at least a portion of the second rotating member and the second arm member overlaps with the second plate. Claim 10 An electronic device according to claim 9, wherein the magnet assembly is disposed on the first arm member, and the sensor module further comprises a flexible substrate to which at least a portion is attached to the first plate, and the sensor is disposed in a portion of the flexible substrate to face the magnet assembly. Claim 11 An electronic device according to claim 10, further comprising: a circuit board disposed in the first housing and electrically connected to the sensor module; wherein the first plate comprises a first surface on which the circuit board is disposed and a second surface facing opposite the first surface on which the display is disposed, and the flexible substrate is located on the first surface. Claim 12 An electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the first arm member is located on the second surface of the first plate, and the sensor faces the magnet assembly through a sensor hole formed in a part of the first plate. Claim 13 An electronic device according to claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the flexible substrate is positioned to overlap with the sensor hole on the first surface, and at least a portion of the sensor is accommodated inside the sensor hole. Claim 14 An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the strength or direction of the magnetic field of the magnet and includes a magnetic sensor or a Hall sensor. Claim 15 The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises a fully folded state in which a first edge of the first housing parallel to the axial direction and a second edge of the second housing are in contact, an unfolded state in which a third edge of the first housing perpendicular to the axial direction and a fourth edge of the second housing form substantially the same straight line, and an intermediate folded state defined as any state between the unfolded state and the fully folded state, wherein the distance between the sensor and the magnet is a first distance in the unfolded state, a second distance in the intermediate folded state, and a third distance in the fully folded state, and the first distance, the second distance and the third distance are different from each other. Claim 16 An electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the sensor is configured to be located on one side with respect to the center of the magnet in the unfolded state and on the other side with respect to the center of the magnet in the fully folded state, and the third distance is greater than the first distance and the second distance. Claim 17 The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to calculate the folding angle of the first housing and the second housing based on the strength of the magnetic field of the magnet detected by the sensor, and the folding angle is defined as the angle between the first housing and the second housing. Claim 18 An electronic device comprises: a first housing; a second housing connected to the first housing; a flexible display extending from the first housing to the second housing; and a hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing. and a sensor disposed in the first housing and configured to detect the strength or direction of a magnetic field; wherein the hinge structure comprises: a fixed member; a first rotating member rotatably coupled to the fixed member about a first rotation axis and connected to the first housing to rotate together with the first housing; a second rotating member rotatably coupled to the fixed member about a second rotation axis and connected to the second housing to rotate together with the second housing; a first arm axis rotatably coupled to the fixed member and parallel to the first rotation axis; a second arm axis rotatably coupled to the fixed member and parallel to the second rotation axis; a first arm member coupled to the first arm axis and rotating together with the first arm axis, wherein the first arm member includes a first cam surrounding the first arm axis; a second arm member coupled to the second arm axis and rotating together with the second arm axis, wherein the second arm member includes a second cam surrounding the second arm axis; the first arm axis and the second arm A cam member coupled to an axis and capable of linear movement in the axial direction, wherein the cam member includes a third cam engaged with the first cam and a fourth cam engaged with the second cam; a first elastic member coupled to the first arm axis and providing an elastic force in the axial direction to the cam member; a second elastic member coupled to the second arm axis and providing an elastic force in the axial direction to the cam member; and a magnet assembly including a magnet and coupled to the first arm member so as to partially face the sensor.An electronic device comprising, wherein in the folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device, the first arm member is rotationally coupled with the first rotating member but rotates along different paths, the second arm member is rotationally coupled with the second rotating member but rotates along different paths, and the distance between the magnet and the sensor is configured to change in correspondence with the folding and unfolding operations. Claim 19 An electronic device according to claim 18, wherein the magnet assembly further comprises a magnet bracket coupled to the first arm member, and the magnet is accommodated in a receiving space of the magnet bracket. Claim 20 An electronic device according to claim 19, wherein the first arm member comprises a partially metallic material, and the magnet bracket has a portion in contact with the first arm member formed of a non-metal or non-magnetic material.

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