Hinge structure and electronic device including the same

Abstract

A hinge structure and an electronic device including the same are provided. The hinge structure includes a first rotation bracket rotating about a first virtual axis and a second rotation bracket rotating about a second virtual axis. The hinge structure further includes a fixed bracket including the first rotation bracket and the second rotation bracket fixed thereto. The hinge structure further includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member, a first arm, and a second arm. In addition, the hinge structure includes a cam portion including a concave-convex structure. A first elastic body is mounted on the first rotation member and supports at least one side of the cam portion, and a second elastic body is mounted on the second rotation member and supports at least an opposite side of the cam portion. The hinge structure further includes a support bracket supporting the first elastic body and the second elastic body.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 2020103475154 (invention title: hinge structure and electronic device including hinge structure), filed on April 28, 2020. The application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0050282, filed on April 30, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an electronic device including a hinge structure. Background Technology

[0004] Portable electronic devices such as smartphones can provide various functions, such as phone calls, video playback, and internet searches, based on various types of applications. Users may want to use these functions on a wider screen. However, as screen size increases, portability may decrease. Therefore, foldable portable electronic devices that utilize foldable structures to increase portability have been developed.

[0005] The above information is provided for background information purposes only to aid in understanding this disclosure. There is no determination or assertion as to whether any of the above content can be used as prior art in relation to this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In foldable electronic devices, a hinge structure can be connected to an adjacent housing structure, and the hinge structure can perform rotational movement while supporting the housing structure during a predetermined rotation angle. Various structures are required to support the hinge movement of the housing structure. However, foldable electronic devices with relatively narrow folding areas have limited space for arranging various structures, making it difficult to arrange the diverse structures needed to support the hinge movement.

[0007] The aspects of this disclosure will at least solve the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages, and provide at least the following advantages. Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure is to provide a hinge structure for optimizing the arrangement of structures related to hinge movement, and an electronic device including the hinge structure.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide a hinge structure having various functions related to hinge movement, and an electronic device including the hinge structure.

[0009] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the hinge structure includes: a first rotating bracket that rotates about a first virtual axis within a first range; a second rotating bracket that rotates about a second virtual axis within a second range; a fixed bracket on which the first and second rotating brackets are fixed; a first rotating member that rotates about a first axis different from the first virtual axis; a second rotating member that rotates about a second axis different from the second virtual axis; a first arm that includes a first base, a first connecting portion disposed on one side of the first base and connected to the first rotating bracket, a first insertion portion mounted on one side of the first rotating member, and a first rotating cam configured to abut the first insertion portion; a second arm that includes a second base, a second connecting portion disposed on one side of the second base and connected to the second rotating bracket, a second insertion portion mounted on one side of the second rotating member, and a second rotating cam configured to abut the second insertion portion; a cam portion having a concave-convex structure corresponding to the first and second rotating cams; a first elastic body mounted on the first rotating member and supporting at least one side of the cam portion in the direction toward the first arm; a second elastic body mounted on the second rotating member and supporting at least the opposite side of the cam portion in the direction toward the second arm; and a support bracket that supports the first and second elastic bodies.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge structure connecting the first housing and the second housing and supporting hinge movement of the first housing or the second housing, a hinge housing surrounding the hinge structure, and a flexible display disposed on the first housing and the second housing. At least a portion of the flexible display is attached to at least a portion of the upper side of the first housing or at least a portion of the upper side of the second housing, and at least a portion of the central portion of the flexible display is configured to have a specific gap with the hinge structure. The hinge structure includes: a first rotating bracket coupled to the first housing and rotating about a first virtual axis within a first range; a second rotating bracket coupled to the second housing and rotating about a second virtual axis within a second range; a fixed bracket having the first rotating bracket and the second rotating bracket fixed to the fixed bracket; a first arm connected to the first rotating bracket on one side and having a first rotating cam formed on its opposite side; a second arm connected to the second rotating bracket on one side and having a second rotating cam formed on its opposite side; and a cam portion having a concave-convex structure corresponding to the first rotating cam and the second rotating cam.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device includes: a first rotating member that rotates about a first axis; a second rotating member that rotates about a second axis; a first arm having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a first cam structure, wherein the first connecting portion is connected to the first rotating member, and the second connecting portion is connected to the second rotating member; a second arm having a third connecting portion, a fourth connecting portion, and a second cam structure; a cam member including a first cam engaging with the first cam structure and a second cam engaging with the second cam structure; a first elastic body connected to the first rotating member and applying an elastic force to the cam member; a second elastic body connected to the second rotating member and applying an elastic force to the cam member; a first rotating bracket having a first sliding hole and a first track; a second rotating bracket having a second sliding hole and a second track; and a fixed bracket having a first guide groove corresponding to the first track and a second guide groove corresponding to the second track. The first sliding hole of the first rotating bracket is connected to the second connecting portion via a first fixed portion, and the second sliding hole of the second rotating bracket is connected to the fourth connecting portion via a second fixed portion. The first fixing part slides in the first sliding hole to correspond to the rotation of the first arm, and the second fixing part slides in the second sliding hole to correspond to the rotation of the second arm. The first rotating bracket rotates about a third axis, and the second rotating bracket rotates about a fourth axis.

[0012] Other aspects, advantages and salient features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which discloses various embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Before proceeding with the detailed description below, it may be advantageous to clarify the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout the patent document: the terms “comprising” and “including” and their derivatives mean including but not limited to; the term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or; the phrases “associated with” and “associated with” and their derivatives may mean including, comprising, interconnected with, containing, being contained in, connected to or connected to, coupled to or coupled to, communicable with, cooperating with, intertwined, juxtaposed, adjacent to, bound to or bound to, having, having the properties of, etc.; the term “controller” means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation, such device may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or software, or some combination of at least two of them. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller can be centralized or distributed, local or remote.

[0014] Furthermore, the various functions described below can be implemented or supported by one or more computer programs, each computer program being formed by computer-readable program code and embodied in a computer-readable medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, associated data, or portions thereof suitable for implementation in appropriate computer-readable program code. The phrase "computer-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable medium" includes any type of medium accessible by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of storage. "Non-transitory" computer-readable media does not include wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit transient electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media includes media that permanently store data as well as media that store data and can subsequently be overwritten, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable storage devices.

[0015] Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout the patent document. Those skilled in the art will understand that, in many, if not most, cases, these definitions apply to the prior and future use of the words and phrases thus defined. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts:

[0017] Figure 1A A perspective view of an electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments is shown;

[0018] Figure 1B A view of the exterior of an example electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 A view showing an example of a hinge structure and hinge housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 3 A view of one side of a hinge structure applied to an electronic device according to various embodiments is shown;

[0021] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the hinge structure;

[0022] Figure 5 A view of a cam structure with a hinge structure according to various embodiments is shown;

[0023] Figure 6 A view of the stop connection structure of the hinge structure according to various embodiments is shown;

[0024] Figure 7 A view showing a first state of some components of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0025] Figure 8 A view showing a first specified angle state of a first hinge structure according to various embodiments;

[0026] Figure 9 A view showing a second specified angle state of a first hinge structure according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 10 A second-state view of some structures of an electronic device according to various embodiments is shown;

[0028] Figure 11 A view of an additional structure of the first hinge structure according to various embodiments is shown;

[0029] Figure 12 A view showing an example of an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment is provided;

[0030] Figure 13 A view showing another example of the folded state of the electronic device according to an embodiment is illustrated;

[0031] Figure 14 Views of the hinge housing and hinge structure according to various embodiments are shown; and

[0032] Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 An exploded perspective view of the hinge structure shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following discussion Figures 1A to 15 The various embodiments used to describe the principles of this disclosure in this patent document are merely exemplary and should not be construed in any way as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged system or apparatus.

[0034] In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments, but includes various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Regarding the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar elements.

[0035] In this disclosure, the expressions “have,” “may have,” “include,” and “contain,” or “may include” and “may contain” indicate the presence of a corresponding feature (e.g., such as a value, function, operation, or component) and do not exclude the presence of other functions.

[0036] In this disclosure, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and / or B,” or “one or more of A and / or B” can include all possible combinations of the items listed together. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” can refer to all of the following: (1) including at least one A; (2) including at least one B; or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

[0037] As used in various embodiments, terms such as “first” and “second”, or “first” and “second”, can be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not otherwise limit the component (e.g., importance and / or order). For example, “first user equipment” and “second user equipment” indicate different user equipment, regardless of order or priority. For example, a first element may be referred to as a second element without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0038] It will be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "(operationally or communicatively) coupled to / coupled to another element (e.g., a second element)" or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it can be directly coupled to / coupled to that other element or directly connected to that other element, or coupled to / or coupled to / connected to that other element via an intermediate element (e.g., a third element). Conversely, when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "directly coupled to or directly coupled to" another element (e.g., a second element) or "directly connected to" that other element (e.g., a second element), it should be understood that there is no intermediate element (e.g., a third element) between that element and the other element.

[0039] Depending on the context, the term "configured as (or set to)" as used in this disclosure may be used interchangeably with the terms "suitable for," "capable of," "designed to," "adapted to," "used as," or "capable of." The term "configured as (or set to)" cannot simply mean "specifically designed for..." in hardware. Rather, a device described as "configured as..." may indicate that the device is "capable" of operating with another device or other component. For example, "processor configured (or set to) perform A, B, and C" may, for example, but not limited to, refer to a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the respective operations or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or application processor) for performing the respective operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a storage device.

[0040] The terminology used in this disclosure is used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Unless otherwise stated, singular terms may include plural forms. Unless otherwise defined herein, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. It will be further understood that, unless expressly defined in the various embodiments of this disclosure, terms defined in dictionaries and generally used should also be interpreted as conventions in the relevant art, rather than in an idealized or overly formal manner. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this disclosure, it should not be construed as excluding embodiments of this disclosure.

[0041] Electronic devices according to various embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of the following: such as smartphones, tablet PCs, mobile phones, video phones, e-book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbooks, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices. According to various embodiments, wearable devices may include at least one of the following: accessory type (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted devices (HMDs)), fabric or clothing integrated type (e.g., electronic clothing), body attachment type (e.g., pads or tattoos), or bio-implantable type (e.g., implantable circuitry).

[0042] In the following description, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this disclosure, the term "user" may refer to a person using the electronic device, or it may refer to the device using the electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

[0043] Figure 1A A perspective view of an electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments is shown. Figure 1B A view of the exterior of an electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments is shown.

[0044] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 1B The electronic device 100 (or foldable electronic device) according to the embodiment may include: a housing 101, which includes a first housing 110 and a second housing 120; a display 160 (e.g., a flexible display); and a hinge housing 150 having a hinge structure 200 disposed therein. Figure 1A A perspective view of the electronic device 100 in a first state (e.g., a flat state or an unfolded state) is shown. Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the electronic device 100 in a second state (e.g., a folded state). Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 100 may also include a first cover 119 covering the rear side of the first housing 110 and a second cover 129 covering the rear side of the second housing 120.

[0045] According to various embodiments, depending on the arrangement, the first housing 110 may be configured to be continuous with the second housing 120 (e.g., when the central portion 163 of the display 160 is unfolded to a flat position or when the housing 101 is in a flat position), or it may be configured to be arranged side by side with the second housing 120. Alternatively, when the central portion 163 of the display 160 is folded, one side of the first housing 110 may be configured to face the second housing 120.

[0046] For example, at least a portion of the first housing 110 may be made of a metallic material, or at least a portion of the first housing 110 may be made of a non-metallic material. For example, the first housing 110 may be made of a material having a predetermined rigidity to support at least a portion of the display 160. A region of the display 160 (e.g., a portion of the upper portion 161 and the central portion 163 of the display 160) may be disposed on at least a portion of the front side of the first housing 110. At least a portion of the first housing 110 may be coupled to the upper portion 161 of the display 160. Alternatively, at least a portion of the periphery of the front side of the first housing 110 may be coupled to the periphery of the upper portion 161 of the display 160. In another case, one side of the upper portion of the front side of the first housing 110 may be coupled to one side of the upper portion 161 of the display 160. In this regard, a first adhesive layer 167a may be disposed in at least a portion of the region between the first housing 110 and the upper portion 161 of the display 160. The first housing 110 may have an empty space therein, or it may be connected to the first cover 119 to form an empty space therein. Electronic components for driving the display 160 (e.g., printed circuit boards and components such as at least one processor, at least one memory, and a battery mounted on the printed circuit board) can be placed in an empty space.

[0047] According to various embodiments, the edges of the first housing 110 (e.g., the three edges other than the edge facing the second housing 120) may protrude a specific height above the bottom surface of the central portion of the first housing 110 to surround at least one edge of the display 160. Alternatively, sidewalls may be provided at at least one edge of the first housing 110 to face at least one edge of the display 160. For example, sidewalls may be formed on the three edges of the first housing 110 other than the edge facing the second housing 120 to have a specified height. The edge portion of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120 may include a recess, at least a portion of which has a predetermined curvature, such that at least a portion of the hinge housing 150 is disposed therein. For example, the first housing 110 may include a first step 111 and a second step 112 on the edge portion facing the second housing 120, the first step 111 accommodating a portion of the hinge housing 150 on which a first hinge structure 200a is mounted, and the second step 112 accommodating a portion of the hinge housing 150 on which a second hinge structure 200b is mounted.

[0048] According to various embodiments, depending on the arrangement, the second housing 120 may be arranged side-by-side with the first housing 110, or it may be arranged such that at least one side of the second housing 120 faces one side of the first housing 110 (e.g., the side where the display 160 is located). The second housing 120 may be made of the same material as the first housing 110. The second housing 120 may be arranged horizontally or vertically symmetrical with the first housing 110, and the remaining area of ​​the display 160 other than the area located on the first housing 110 (the opposite sides of the lower portion 162 and the central portion 163 of the display 160) may be located on the front side of the second housing 120. At least a portion of the second housing 120 may be coupled to the lower portion 162 of the display 160. Alternatively, the periphery of the front side of the second housing 120 may be coupled to the periphery of the lower portion 162 of the display 160. In another case, one side of a portion of the front side of the second housing 120 may be coupled to one side of the lower portion 162 of the display 160. In this respect, the second adhesive layer 167b may be disposed in at least a portion of the area between the second housing 120 and the lower portion 162 of the display 160. Similar to the first housing 110, the second housing 120 may have an empty space therein, or may be connected to the second cover 129 to form an empty space. Electronic components for driving the display 160 may be disposed in the empty space.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the edges of the second housing 120 (e.g., the three edges other than the edge facing the first housing 110) may protrude a specified height above the bottom surface of the central portion of the second housing 120 to surround the opposite edge of the display 160. Alternatively, similar to the sidewalls formed on the first housing 110, sidewalls may be provided on at least one edge of the second housing 120 to face at least one edge of the display 160. For example, sidewalls may be formed on the three edges of the second housing 120 other than the edge facing the first housing 110 to have a specified height.

[0050] The edge portion of the second housing 120 facing the first housing 110 may include a recess, at least a portion of which has a predetermined curvature, such that at least a portion of the hinge housing 150 is disposed therein. For example, the second housing 120 may include a third step 121 and a fourth step 122 on the edge portion facing the first housing 110, wherein the third step 121 accommodates a portion of the hinge housing 150 on which a first hinge structure 200a is mounted, and the fourth step 122 accommodates a portion of the hinge housing 150 on which a second hinge structure 200b is mounted.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include at least one sensor disposed on one side of the first housing 110 or the second housing 120 and associated with the operation of a specific function of the electronic device 100. The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an iris sensor, an image sensor (or a camera), or a fingerprint sensor.

[0052] According to various embodiments, depending on whether the electronic device 101 is folded or flat, the hinge housing 150 may (e.g., in the flat state of housing 101) be hidden by one side of the first housing 110 and one side of the second housing 120, or may (e.g., in the folded state of housing 101) be exposed to the outside. For example, as Figure 1A As shown, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are arranged side by side, the hinge housing 150 can be hidden by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. Figure 1B As shown, when one side of the first housing 110 and one side of the second housing 120 face each other, at least a portion of the hinge housing 150 can be exposed to the outside from between one edge of the first housing 110 and one edge of the second housing 120 (e.g., the edges of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 facing each other in a flat state).

[0053] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the display 160 may be flexible. According to embodiments, the display 160 may include: an upper portion 161 or a first region disposed on a first housing 110, a lower portion 162 or a second region disposed on a second housing 120, and a central portion 163 or a central region adjacent to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. According to various embodiments, the entire display 160 may be flexible. Alternatively, at least a portion of the central portion 163 of the display 160 may be flexible. The central portion 163 of the display 160 may be configured such that the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are not coupled to it. For example, the central portion 163 of the display 160 may be configured to be spaced apart from the front sides of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 by a predetermined distance. The upper portion 161 of the display 160 may be coupled to at least a portion of the first housing 110, and the lower portion 162 of the display 160 may be coupled to at least a portion of the second housing 120. In this regard, the first adhesive layer 167a may be disposed in at least a portion of the area between the display 160 and the first housing 110, and the second adhesive layer 167b may be disposed in at least a portion of the area between the display 160 and the second housing 120. The first adhesive layer 167a and the second adhesive layer 167b may be disposed only on the periphery of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0054] Figure 2A view showing an example of the hinge structure and hinge housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments is provided.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a plurality of hinge structures. Figure 2 The diagram shows the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b disposed on the hinge housing 150. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and three or more hinge structures may be disposed on the hinge housing 150 as needed.

[0056] The first hinge structure 200a may be disposed on one side of the hinge housing 150 (e.g., relative to the left side of the figure shown). The first hinge structure 200a may be connected to the left side of the first housing 110a and the left side of the second housing 120, and may rotate within a specified range about the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The first hinge structure 200a may be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the central portion of the hinge housing 150 to the second hinge structure 200b.

[0057] The second hinge structure 200b may be disposed on the opposite side of the hinge housing 150 (e.g., relative to the right side of the illustrated figure). The second hinge structure 200b may connect to the right side of the first housing 110a and the right side of the second housing 120, and may rotate within a specified range about the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The second hinge structure 200b may be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the central portion of the hinge housing 150 to the first hinge structure 200a. The second hinge structure 200b may include the same structure and construction as the first hinge structure 200a. However, the position of the second hinge structure 200b may differ from the position of the first hinge structure 200a.

[0058] The hinge housing 150 may have a semi-cylindrical shape with an internal empty space, or it may have the shape of a longitudinal half of a tube with opposite ends closed. According to various embodiments, the hinge housing 150 may include a flat bottom 151_3, and a first rib 151_1 and a second rib 151_2 formed on opposite sides of the bottom 151_3 and having a predetermined curvature. The first rib 151_1 and the second rib 151_2 may be symmetrically arranged on opposite sides of the bottom 151_3. Referring to the figures shown, the hinge housing 150 may have a width that gradually decreases from its central portion toward the left and right sides. The hinge housing 150 may have at least one partition wall 158 formed therein, and the at least one partition wall 158 may divide the internal space of the hinge housing 150 into a plurality of spaces. At least a portion of the first hinge structure 200a and at least a portion of the second hinge structure 200b may be mounted in spaces separated from each other. The hinge housing 150 may have a screen wall 151a formed at its left end and a screen wall 151b formed at its right end. Each of the screen walls 151a and 151b may also protrude upwards beyond the outer perimeter to prevent the interior of the hinge housing 150 from being seen from the outside. The hinge housing 150 may be made of the same material as the first hinge structure 200a or the second hinge structure 200b.

[0059] Figure 3 A view of one side of a hinge structure applied to an electronic device according to various embodiments is shown.

[0060] Reference Figure 3 The hinge structure 200a or 200b can be any one of the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b described above. The hinge structure 200a or 200b may include a support structure 210, an arm braking structure 220, a gear structure 230, and a brake support structure 240.

[0061] The central portion of the support structure 210 can be fixed to the hinge housing 150, and the opposing wings of the support structure 210 (e.g., rotating supports) can be coupled to the arm brake structure 220 when coupled to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0062] One side of the arm brake structure 220 can be connected to the bracket structure 210 via fixing parts 251 and 252, and the mounting angle can be changed when the arm brake structure slides along the side of the bracket structure 210 according to the hinge movement. The arm brake structure 220 may include a cam structure, which can engage with a cam part 241 provided in the brake support structure 240, and can provide dynamics during the hinge movement of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0063] The gear structure 230 can be disposed between the support structure 210 and the arm brake structure 220. When the first housing 110 rotates, the gear structure 230 can transmit force to allow the second housing 120 to rotate together. In this respect, the gear structure 230 may include multiple shaft gears and idler gears.

[0064] The brake support structure 240 can be fixed inside the hinge housing 150 and can provide a specified pressure to the arm brake structure 220. In this regard, the brake support structure 240 may include at least one elastomer and can push the cam portion 241 toward the arm brake structure 220 based on the elastic force of the elastomer, and the cam portion 241 can support cam operation when engaged with the rotary cam structure of the arm brake structure 220.

[0065] As described above, the hinge structure 200a or 200b according to the embodiment may include a support structure 210 coupled to and supporting the folding or unfolding of a display 160 placed thereon, a support structure 220 connected to and providing kinetic feedback, a gear structure 230 supporting the simultaneous operation of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and a brake support structure 240 supporting the arm brake structure 220 and having the shaft of the gear structure 230 fixed thereon. The hinge structure 200a or 200b can achieve the folding or unfolding of the display 160 by rotating about a virtual axis formed above the surface of the support structure 210. The hinge structure 200a or 200b may provide kinetic feedback based on a cam structure and may support the simultaneous hinge movement of the housings 110 and 120 based on the gear structure 230 to suppress the torsion of the housings 110 and 120. Furthermore, the hinge structure 200a or 200b can not only support the flat or folded states of the housings 110 and 120, but also support the mounted state at a specified angle (e.g., 30 degrees or 60 degrees) (e.g., the angle between the front side of the first housing 110 and the front side of the second housing 120).

[0066] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the hinge structure.

[0067] In the following description, the first hinge structure of hinge structures 200a and 200b will be used as an example. References will follow. Figure 4 The first hinge structure 200a described may have the same structure and construction as the second hinge structure 200b described above.

[0068] Reference Figure 4The first hinge structure 200a may include a fixed bracket 213, a first rotating bracket 211, a second rotating bracket 212, a first fixing part 251, a second fixing part 252, a first arm 221, a second arm 222, a first rotating member 231 that rotates about a first rotating axis different from the first virtual axis 11, a second rotating member 232 that rotates about a second rotating axis different from the second virtual axis 12, a stop member 236, a cam part 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a support bracket 243, a first idler wheel 233, a second idler wheel 234, a support plate 235, and a plurality of fixing clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, and 249_2. At least a portion of the aforementioned components of the first hinge structure 200a may be made of a metal material having a predetermined stiffness. Alternatively, the first hinge structure 200a may also be made of a material such as reinforced plastic or resin, as needed.

[0069] At least a portion of the shape of the lower surface of the fixed bracket 213 (e.g., the surface facing the -z-axis direction) may include a curved surface. For example, the lower surface of the fixed bracket 213 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the interior of the hinge housing 150. The upper surface of the fixed bracket 213 (e.g., the surface facing the z-axis direction) may have a flat shape, and guide grooves 213a and 213b coupled to the rotating brackets 211 and 212 may be formed on the upper surface of the fixed bracket 213. According to an embodiment, the fixing bracket 213 may have a cross-section, at least a portion of which forms an arc shape along a direction from an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the z-axis) to a lower surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z-axis). The fixing bracket 213 may include a first guide groove 213a, into which a first track 211_3 of a first rotating bracket 211 is inserted along a second direction (e.g., the -y-axis direction). The fixing bracket 213 may also include a second guide groove 213b, into which a second track 212_3 of a second rotating bracket 212 is inserted along a first direction (e.g., the y-axis direction). Compared to the second guide groove 213b, the first guide groove 213a may be configured to be offset in the y-axis direction. Compared to the first guide groove 213a, the second guide groove 213b may be configured to be offset in the -y-axis direction. The first guide groove 213a may rotate about a first virtual axis 11, and the second guide groove 213b may rotate about a second virtual axis 12. The first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 can be formed in the space above the upper surface of the fixed bracket 213 (e.g., the surface facing the z-axis direction). The first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 can be formed to be spaced apart from each other at a specified interval. According to an embodiment, the fixed bracket 213 may include a first mounting recess 213_2a and a second mounting recess 213_2b, which are formed on a side of the fixed bracket 213 disposed along a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). One end of the first rotating member 231 (e.g., at least a portion of the first mounting portion 231_3) can be mounted in the first mounting recess 213_2a, and one end of the second rotating member 232 (e.g., at least a portion of the second mounting portion 232_3) can be mounted in the second mounting recess 213_2b.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the mounting bracket 213 may include a first mounting hole 213_1a and a second mounting hole 213_1b for securing the mounting bracket 213 to the hinge housing 150. In the electronic device 100, the mounting bracket 213 may be secured to the hinge housing 150 using connecting members (e.g., screws, etc.). According to embodiments, the first mounting hole 213_1a and the second mounting hole 213_1b may be symmetrically arranged diagonally on the upper surface of the mounting bracket 213 (e.g., the surface facing the z-axis) to more securely and stably secure the mounting bracket 213 to the hinge housing 150.

[0071] The first rotating bracket 211 may include a first bracket body 211_1, a first sliding hole 211_2 formed at one end of the first bracket body 211_1 (e.g., the end facing the x-axis direction), a first track 211_3 formed at the opposite end of the first bracket body 211_1 (e.g., the end facing the -y-axis direction), and a first housing connection hole 211_4 for connecting the first rotating bracket 211 to the first housing 110.

[0072] The first support body 211_1 can be formed as an integral "L" shape. The upper surface of the first support body 211_1 (e.g., a surface facing the z-axis direction) can be formed as flat. Relative to the figures shown, the first sliding hole 211_2 can be provided in the downward direction (e.g., the -z-axis direction) at the right end of the first support body 211_1 (e.g., the end facing the x-axis direction), and the first track 211_3 can be provided on the lower surface (e.g., the surface facing the -z-axis direction) of the opposite end (e.g., the end facing the -y-axis direction) of the first support body 211_1.

[0073] The first sliding hole 211_2 can be provided at one end of the first support body 211_1 (e.g., the end facing the x-axis direction) and can also be provided at the bottom of the first support body 211_1. The first sliding hole 211_2 can be formed to be longer in a first direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) than in a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). Therefore, the first fixing part 251 inserted into the first sliding hole 211_2 can slide in the first sliding hole 211_2 in either the first direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) or the second direction (e.g., the -y-axis). The first sliding hole 211_2 can be configured to face the surface of the first arm 221 facing a fourth direction (e.g., the surface facing the -x-axis direction). At least a portion of the first sliding hole 211_2 can be aligned with the first connecting part 221_2 of the first arm 221. Therefore, at least a portion of the first fixing part 251 can be provided in the first sliding hole 211_2 and the first connecting part 221_2.

[0074] The first track 211_3 can be disposed at the opposite end of the first support body 211_1 facing the second direction (e.g., the end facing the -y axis direction), and can also be disposed at the bottom of the first support body 211_1. The first track 211_3 can be an arc shape with a predetermined interior angle. The first track 211_3 can be inserted into a first guide groove 213a formed on the fixed bracket 213, and can rotate along the first guide groove 213a within a specified angular range. According to an embodiment, the first track 211_3 can rotate, for example, within a range of -10 degrees to 100 degrees (or 0 degrees to 90 degrees). The first track 211_3 can perform rotational movement between the y-axis and z-axis about a first virtual axis 11 formed by the first guide groove 213a.

[0075] The first housing connection hole 211_4 may be formed adjacent to the edge of the first support body 211_1 (e.g., the edge facing the y-axis direction) and may pass through the upper surface (e.g., the surface facing the z-axis direction) and lower surface (e.g., the surface facing the -z-axis direction) of the first support body 211_1. In the illustrated figures, the formation of two first housing connection holes 211_4 in the first support body 211_1 has been illustrated by way of example. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The connecting member may secure the first rotating support 211 to the first housing 110 by connecting with a boss on the first housing 110 when fastened to the first housing connection hole 211_4.

[0076] The second rotating bracket 212 may include a second bracket body 212_1, a second sliding hole 212_2 formed at one end of the second bracket body 212_1 (e.g., the end facing the x-axis direction), a second track 212_3 formed at the opposite end of the second bracket body 212_1 (e.g., the end facing the y-axis direction), and a second housing connection hole 212_4 for coupling the second rotating bracket 212 to the second housing 120.

[0077] The second support body 212_1 can have a shape substantially the same as the first support body 211_1. Therefore, the upper surface of the second support body 212_1 (e.g., a surface configured to face the z-axis direction) can be formed to be flat.

[0078] The second sliding hole 212_2 can be located at the right end of the second support body 212_1 (e.g., the end facing the x-axis direction) and can also be located at the bottom of the second support body 212_1. The second sliding hole 212_2 can be configured to be symmetrical to the first sliding hole 211_2 relative to the fixed support 213. The second sliding hole 212_2 can have the same shape as the first sliding hole 211_2.

[0079] The second track 212_3 can be disposed at the opposite end of the second support body 212_1 facing the first direction (e.g., the end facing the y-axis direction), and can also be disposed at the bottom of the second support body 212_1. The second track 212_3 can have a shape substantially the same as the first track 211_3, and can be inserted into the second track recess 213b. The second track 212_3 can rotate about the second virtual axis 12 within a specified angular range, for example, within the range of 80 degrees to 190 degrees (or 90 degrees to 180 degrees). For example, the second track 212_3 can perform rotational movement within the range between the -y axis and the z axis.

[0080] The second housing connection hole 212_4 can be formed adjacent to the edge of the second support body 212_1 (e.g., the edge facing the -y axis direction) and can be formed through the upper surface (e.g., the surface facing the z axis direction) and the lower surface (e.g., the surface facing the -z axis direction) of the second support body 212_1.

[0081] The first fixing part 251 may have a pin shape having a predetermined length in one direction. The first fixing part 251 may be formed to be at least longer than the sum of the length of the first sliding hole 211_2 and the length of the first connecting part 221_2 of the first arm 221. The opposite sides of the first fixing part 251 can be fixed after the first fixing part 251 is inserted into the first sliding hole 211_2 and the first connecting part 221_2. The first fixing part 251 may have a smaller diameter than the first connecting part 221_2. The first fixing part 251 may be located in the first sliding hole 211_2 and can slide in the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction.

[0082] The second fixing part 252 may have a shape substantially the same as the first fixing part 251. The second fixing part 252 may be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the fixing bracket 213 and the first fixing part 251, and at least a portion of the second fixing part may be fixedly inserted into the second sliding hole 212_2 and the second connecting part 222_2. One side of the second fixing part 252 may slide in the second sliding hole 212_2 along the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction.

[0083] The first arm 221 can be fastened to the first rotating bracket 211 via the first fixing part 251, and can rotate together with the first rotating bracket 211 within a specified angle range during hinge movement. According to an embodiment, the first arm 221 may include a first base 221_1, a first connecting part 221_2, a first insertion part 221_3, and a first rotating cam 221_4.

[0084] The upper surface of the first base 221_1 (e.g., a surface oriented towards the z-axis) can be formed to be flat. The first connecting portion 221_2 can be provided on the lower surface (e.g., a surface oriented towards the -z-axis) of the upper edge portion (e.g., the end facing the y-axis) of the first base 221_1. The first connecting portion 221_2 may include a hole opening in a fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction). The first fixing portion 251 can be fixedly mounted in the first connecting portion 221_2.

[0085] The first insertion portion 221_3 may be disposed on the lower surface (e.g., the surface facing the -z axis direction) of the lower edge portion (e.g., the end facing the -y axis direction) of the first base 221_1. The first insertion portion 221_3 may include a hole that opens in a fourth direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) and has a cross-section that is at least partially angled. At least a portion of the first rotating member 231 may be mounted in the first insertion portion 221_3. The first rotating cam 221_4 may be disposed on one side of the first insertion portion 221_3 (e.g., the end facing the x axis direction).

[0086] The first rotary cam 221_4 may include at least one ridge and valley disposed in a direction along which the first rotary member 231 is inserted into the first insertion portion 221_3 and protrudes from the first insertion portion 221_3. According to an embodiment, the ridge and valley may include a flat region with a predetermined length at one end. Therefore, when the first rotary cam 221_4 rotates in a state engaged with the first fixed cam 241_1a of the cam portion 241, the portion where one end of the ridge of the first rotary cam 221_4 contacts one end of the ridge of the first fixed cam 241_1a can form a specified width. With the portion where one end of the ridge of the first rotary cam 221_4 contacts one end of the ridge of the first fixed cam 241_1a forming a specified width, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be more securely maintained in a mounting state at a predetermined angle in their corresponding portions, and mounting states within a variety of angle ranges can be provided.

[0087] The second arm 222 may have a structure substantially the same as the first arm 221. For example, the second arm 222 may include a second base 222_1, a second connecting portion 222_2, a second insertion portion 222_3, and a second rotating cam 222_4. The second base 222_1 may be configured symmetrically with the first base 221_1, and the second connecting portion 222_2 may be fastened to one side of the second fixing portion 252. The second rotating member 232 may be inserted into the second insertion portion 222_3, and the second rotating cam 222_4 may be configured to engage with the second fixing cam 241_1b of the cam portion 241.

[0088] The first rotating member 231 may have one end mounted in a first mounting recess 213_2a formed on the fixed bracket 213. The first rotating member 231 may engage with the first idler wheel 233. The first rotating member 231 may be configured to pass through the stop member 236, the first insertion portion 221_3, the first rotating cam 221_4, the first fixed cam 241_1a of the cam portion 241, and the first elastic body 242a. The first rotating member 231 may be fixed to the support bracket 243. The first rotating member 231 may include a first shaft 231_1, a first shaft gear 231_2, and a first mounting portion 231_3.

[0089] The length of the first shaft 231_1 is sufficient to pass through the stop 236, the first insertion portion 221_3, the first rotary cam 221_4, the first fixed cam 241_1a, the first elastic body 242a, and the first support bracket hole 243_2a of the support bracket 243. The first shaft 231_1 can be connected to the first rotary cam 221_4 and can have an angled cross-section in the y-axis direction to rotate the first rotary cam 221_4 when rotated by external pressure. For example, the first shaft 231_1 may include a plurality of surfaces that are flat along the length direction (e.g., the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction). Accordingly, the inner wall of the first insertion portion 221_3 where the first rotary cam 221_4 is disposed can have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the first shaft 231_1. The first shaft gear 231_2 can be disposed on the first shaft 231_1, thereby biased in a fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction). The first shaft gear 231_2 can engage with the first idler gear 233.

[0090] The first mounting portion 231_3 can protrude from the surface of the first shaft gear 231_2 facing the fourth direction (e.g., the surface facing the -x-axis direction). At least a portion of the first mounting portion 231_3 can pass through a guide hole formed in the support plate 235 and can be mounted in the first mounting recess 213_2a formed on the fixed bracket 213. The first fixing portion 251 can fix the first rotating bracket 211 and the first arm 221, and therefore, the first mounting portion 231_3 can be firmly fixed to the first mounting recess 213_2a to prevent the first shaft 231_1 from separating or twisting.

[0091] One end of the second rotating member 232 can be installed in the second mounting recess 213_2b formed on the fixed bracket 213. The second rotating member 232 can engage with the second idler wheel 234. The second rotating member 232 can be configured to pass through the stop member 236, the second insertion portion 222_3, the second rotating cam 222_4, the second fixed cam 241_1b of the cam portion 241, and the second elastic body 242b. The second rotating member 232 can be fixed to the support bracket 243 at its opposite end. The second rotating member 232 may include a second shaft 232_1, a second shaft gear 232_2, and a second mounting portion 232_3.

[0092] The length of the second shaft 232_1 is sufficient to pass through the stop 236, the second insertion portion 222_3, the second rotary cam 222_4, the second fixed cam 241_1b, the second elastic body 242b, and the second support bracket hole 243_2b of the support bracket 243. The second shaft 232_1 may have substantially the same shape and size as the first shaft 231_1. The second shaft 232_1 may be positioned at a predetermined length spaced from the first shaft 231_1. The second shaft gear 232_2 may have the same shape and size as the first shaft gear 231_2 and may be disposed on the second shaft 232_1. The position of the second shaft gear 232_2 may be symmetrical to the position of the first shaft gear 231_2. At least a portion of the second mounting portion 232_3 may have the same shape and size as the first mounting portion 231_3 and may be mounted in the second mounting recess 213_2b. During this process, at least a portion of the second mounting portion 232_3 can pass through the guide hole of the support plate 235 and can be installed in the second mounting recess 213_2b. During the process of fixing the second rotating bracket 212 and the second arm 222 with the second fixing portion 252, the second mounting portion 232_3 can be more securely installed in the second mounting recess 213_2b.

[0093] When pressure is applied that causes the first arm 221 and the second arm 222 to exceed a specified angular range, the stop 236 can support the corresponding pressure to prevent the first arm 221 and the second arm 222 from rotating by a specified angle or a larger angle. The stop 236 may include a stop body 236_1, a first shaft insertion hole 236a into which the first shaft 231_1 of the first rotating member 231 is inserted, and a second shaft insertion hole 236b into which the second shaft 232_1 of the second rotating member 232 is inserted.

[0094] According to various embodiments, the stop body 236_1 may be formed to further protrude beyond the surfaces of the first shaft insertion hole 236a and the second shaft insertion hole 236b in a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). When the first arm 221 rotates, the stop body 236_1 may be configured to limit the rotation range of one side of the first arm 221 (e.g., the surface of the first insertion portion 221_3 facing the fourth direction (e.g., the surface facing the -x-axis direction)), and when the second arm 222 rotates, the stop body 236_1 may be configured to limit the rotation range of one side of the second arm 222 (e.g., the surface of the second insertion portion 222_3 facing the fourth direction (e.g., the surface facing the -x-axis direction)).

[0095] One side of the first shaft insertion hole 236a (e.g., the surface facing the x-axis direction) can be configured to face the fourth-direction-facing surface of the first insertion portion 221_3 of the first arm 221 (e.g., the surface facing the -x-axis direction), and one side of the second shaft insertion hole 236b (e.g., the surface facing the x-axis direction) can be configured to face the fourth-direction-facing surface of the second insertion portion 222_3 of the second arm 222 (e.g., the surface facing the -x-axis direction). The third-direction-facing surface of the stop body 236_1 (e.g., the surface facing the x-axis direction) can be configured to face the fourth-direction-facing surface of the cam body 241_1 of the cam portion 241 (e.g., the surface facing the -x-axis direction).

[0096] The cam portion 241 may include a cam body 241_1, a first fixed cam 241_1a, a second fixed cam 241_1b, a first cam hole 241_2a, and a second cam hole 241_2b. The cam body 241_1 may have a predetermined length, and the first fixed cam 241_1a and the second fixed cam 241_1b may be disposed at opposite edges of the cam body 241_1. The surface of the cam body 241_1 facing a fourth direction (e.g., a surface facing the -x-axis direction) may be configured to face the stop body 236_1, which faces a third direction surface (e.g., a surface facing the x-axis direction). The first fixed cam 241_1a may include ridges and valleys disposed along a fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction), and the first cam hole 241_2a through which the first rotating member 231 passes may be formed in the first fixed cam 241_1a. The first fixed cam 241_1a may engage with the first rotating cam 221_4. One side of the first elastic body 242a can contact the third-direction-facing surface of the first fixed cam 241_1a (e.g., the surface facing the x-axis direction). The second fixed cam 241_1b can be arranged in the same direction as the first fixed cam 241_1a, and can be configured to be spaced apart from the first fixed cam 241_1a by the length of the cam body 241_1 along the y-axis direction. The second fixed cam 241_1b can engage with the second rotary cam 222_4, and the second elastic body 242b can contact the third-direction-facing surface of the second fixed cam 241_1b (e.g., the surface facing the x-axis direction). The second cam hole 241_2b through which the second rotating member 232 passes can be formed at the center of the second fixed cam 241_1b.

[0097] According to various embodiments, when the first arm 221 and the second arm 222 rotate within a predetermined angle range, the cam portion 241 can move rearward along a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) via the first rotating cam 221_4 and the second rotating cam 222_4. When the ridges and valleys of the cams engage with each other, the cam portion 241 can move along a fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction) to return to its initial position via the elastic force of the first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b.

[0098] The first elastic body 242a may have a helical spring shape with an internal empty space. The first shaft 231_1 of the first rotating member 231, passing through the first fixed cam 241_1a, may be inserted into the first elastic body 242a. The first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b may be disposed between the cam portion 241 and the support bracket 243, and may act to push the cam portion 241 relative to the fixed support bracket 243 in a fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction). The second elastic body 242b may be configured to be spaced apart from the first elastic body 242a by a specified interval, and may be configured to contact the third-direction-facing surface of the second fixed cam 241_1b (e.g., the surface facing the x-axis direction).

[0099] The support bracket 243 may include a support portion 243_1, a first support bracket hole 243_2a, and a second support bracket hole 243_2b. The support portion 243_1 may include a through hole 243_1a formed through the support portion 243_1 in a vertical direction (e.g., the -z-axis direction starting from a point on the z-axis). The through hole 243_1a can be used to fix the support bracket 243 to the hinge housing 150. The first support bracket hole 243_2a may be configured to protrude from one side of the support portion 243_1 and can support one side of the first elastic body 242a. Furthermore, one end of the first rotating member 231 may be inserted into the first support bracket hole 243_2a. The second support bracket hole 243_2b may be located at a predetermined distance spaced from the first support bracket hole 243_2a. The second support bracket hole 243_2b may be configured to protrude from the opposite side of the support portion 243_1 and can support one side of the second elastic body 242b. In addition, one end of the second rotating member 232 can be inserted into the second support bracket hole 243_2b.

[0100] The first idler gear 233 may be disposed between the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second shaft gear 232_2, and may engage with the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second idler gear 234. The first idler gear 233 may include a protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 235 and a protrusion fixed to the fourth-direction-facing surface (e.g., the surface facing the -x-axis direction) of the stop member 236.

[0101] The second idler wheel 234 may be disposed between the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second shaft gear 232_2, and may engage with the first idler wheel 233 and the second shaft gear 232_2. The second idler wheel 234 may be formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the first idler wheel 233. The second idler wheel 234 may include a protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 235 and a protrusion fixed to the fourth-direction-facing surface (e.g., the surface facing the -x-axis direction) of the stop 236. In this regard, the stop 236 may have a recess or hole on the fourth-direction-facing surface (e.g., the surface facing the -x-axis direction) in which the protrusions of the first idler wheel 233 and the second idler wheel 234 are mounted.

[0102] The support plate 235 can be disposed between the fixed bracket 213 and the rotating members 231 and 232, and can be configured to prevent the rotating members 231 and 232 from separating from the idler wheels 233 and 234. In this regard, the support plate 235 may include a plurality of guide holes. For example, the support plate 235 may include: a guide hole through which the first mounting portion 231_3 of the first rotating member 231 passes; a guide hole through which the second mounting portion 232_3 of the second rotating member 231 passes; and a guide hole (or guide recess) in which the protrusion of the first idler wheel 233 and the protrusion of the second idler wheel 234 are mounted.

[0103] Multiple retaining clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, and 249_2 can secure one or more components included in the first hinge structure 200a to prevent the components from separating from their corresponding positions and to allow the corresponding components to rotate. The multiple retaining clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, and 249_2 may include, for example, C-shaped clips. The plurality of fixing clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, and 249_2 may include, for example: a first fixing clip 291_1 for fixing the first fixing part 251 to a third-direction-facing surface (e.g., a surface facing the x-axis) of the first connecting part 221_2; a second fixing clip 291_2 for fixing the second fixing part 252 to a third-direction-facing surface (e.g., a surface facing the x-axis) of the second connecting part 222_2; and a third fixing clip 292_1 coupled to the first mounting part 231_3 to prevent the first rotating member 231 from being first Mounting part 231_1 is separated from support plate 235; fourth fixing clip 292_2 is coupled to second mounting part 232_3 to prevent second mounting part 232_3 of second rotating member 232 from separating from support plate 235; fifth fixing clip 249_1 is coupled to one end of first rotating member 231 to prevent first rotating member 231 from separating from first support bracket hole 243_2a of support bracket 243; and sixth fixing clip 249_2 is coupled to one end of second rotating member 232 to prevent second rotating member 232 from separating from second support bracket hole 243_2b of support bracket 243.

[0104] Figure 5 A view of a cam structure with a hinge structure according to various embodiments is shown.

[0105] Reference Figure 5 The cam structure of the hinge structure according to the embodiment may include a first arm 221, a cam portion 241, and a second arm 222. As described above, the first arm 221 may include a first base 221_1, a first connecting portion 221_2, a first insertion portion 221_3, and a first rotary cam 221_4, and the second arm 222 may include a second base 222_1, a second connecting portion 222_2, a second insertion portion 222_3, and a second rotary cam 222_4. The second rotary cam 222_4 (or the first rotary cam 221_4) may include at least one ridge 222_4a and a valley 222_4b. The top of the ridge 222_4a may include a flat region with a predetermined width. Similar to the top of the ridge 222_4a, the bottom of the valley 222_4b may include a flat region with a predetermined width. The size and shape of the flat region at the top of the ridge 222_4a may be the same as or similar to the size and shape of the flat region at the bottom of the valley 222_4b.

[0106] The upper surface of the first base 221_1 of the first arm 221 can be formed as a flat surface and can be configured to be adjacent to the first support body 211_1 of the first rotating support 211. When the electronic device 100 is in a first state (e.g., flat state) or a second state (e.g., folded state), the first base 221_1 can be arranged side by side with the first support body 211_1. Alternatively, the upper surface of the first base 221_1 can have the same height as the upper surface of the first support body 211_1. The second base 222_1 of the second arm 221 can be configured to be adjacent to the second support body 212_1 of the second rotating support 212. When the electronic device 100 is in a first state (e.g., flat state) or a second state (e.g., folded state), the upper surface of the second base 222_1 can have the same height as the upper surface of the second support body 212_1.

[0107] The cam portion 241 may include a cam body 241_1, a first fixed cam 241_1a, and a second fixed cam 241_1b. The first fixed cam 241_1a may be configured to engage with a first rotating cam 221_4 of the first arm 221. The first fixed cam 241_1a may have a first cam hole 241_2a formed therein. A portion of the first rotating member 231 may be inserted into the first cam hole 241_2a of the first fixed cam 241_1a. The first fixed cam 241_1a may include ridges and valleys corresponding to the shape of the first rotating cam 221_4. The ridge may include a flat area of ​​a specified length at the top, and the valley may include a flat area of ​​a specified length at the bottom. The second fixed cam 241_1b may be formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the first fixed cam 241_1a, and may have a second cam hole 241_2b formed therein, and at least a portion of the second rotating member 232 may be inserted into the second cam hole 241_2b. The second fixed cam 241_1b can be configured to engage with the second rotary cam 222_4. The shapes of the ridges and valleys of the second fixed cam 241_1b can be configured to correspond to the shapes of the ridges and valleys of the second rotary cam 222_4.

[0108] Figure 6 A view of the stop connection structure of the hinge structure according to various embodiments is shown.

[0109] Reference Figure 6 The stop connection structure of the hinge structure according to the embodiment may include a first arm 221, a second arm 222, a first rotating member 231, a second rotating member 232 and a stop member 236.

[0110] As referenced above Figure 4As described, the first rotating member 231 may include a first shaft 231_1, a first shaft gear 231_2, and a first mounting portion 231_3 arranged continuously. The first shaft 231_1 may have a specified length such that a stop 236, a first insertion portion 221_3, a first rotating cam 221_4, a cam portion 241, and a first elastic body 242a are mounted on the first shaft 231_1. With respect to the rotation of the first arm 221, at least a portion of the exterior of the first shaft 231_1 may have an angled shape (e.g., a polygonal cross-sectional shape or a shape with multiple faces). The first shaft 231_1 may have a first fixing groove 231_1a at its end (e.g., the end on the opposite side of the first mounting portion 231_3), into which a fixing clip (e.g., a fifth fixing clip 249_1) is inserted to fix the first shaft 231_1 to the support bracket 243. The second fixing groove 231_1a can be provided on one side of the first mounting part 231_3, and the fixing clip (e.g., the third fixing clip 292_1) can be inserted into the second fixing groove 231_1a to prevent the first mounting part 231_3 inserted and installed in the first mounting recess 213_2a from separating from the support plate 235.

[0111] Similar to the first rotating member 231, the second rotating member 232 may include a second shaft 232_1, a second shaft gear 232_2, and a second mounting portion 232_3, which are continuously arranged. The second shaft 232_1 may be arranged similarly or identically to the first shaft 231_1. The second shaft 232_1 may have a third fixing groove 232_1a at its end (e.g., the end on the opposite side of the second mounting portion 232_3), into which a fixing clip (e.g., a sixth fixing clip 249_2) is inserted to fix the second shaft 232_1 to the support bracket 243. A fourth fixing groove 232_3a may be provided on one side of the second mounting portion 232_3, and a fixing clip (e.g., a fourth fixing clip 292_2) may be inserted into the fourth fixing groove 232_3a to prevent the second mounting portion 232_3, which is inserted into and mounted in the second mounting recess 213_2b, from separating from the support plate 235.

[0112] The stop 236 may include a stop body 236_1, a first shaft insertion hole 236a, and a second shaft insertion hole 236b. The first shaft insertion hole 236a may be disposed between a first shaft gear 231_2 and a first arm 221 mounted on a first shaft body 231_1. The second shaft insertion hole 236b may be disposed between a second shaft gear 232_2 and a second arm 222 mounted on a second shaft body 232_1. The stop body 236_1 may include: a first stop 236_2a, which is configured to support one side 221_1a of the first arm 221 when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state; and a second stop 236_2b, which is configured to support one side 222_1a of the second arm 222 when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state. According to an embodiment, the stop body 236_1 may include: a third stop 236_2c, which is configured to support the opposite side 221_1b of the first arm 221 when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state; and a fourth stop 236_2d, which is configured to support the opposite side 222_1b of the second arm 222 when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state. Based on the structure of the stop 236 described above, the first arm 221 and the second arm 222 can be supported so as not to rotate further in the rotation direction in a flat or folded state.

[0113] Figure 7 A view showing a first state of some components of an electronic device according to various embodiments is provided.

[0114] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 7 Some components of the electronic device may include a first hinge structure 200a and a display 160, and the first hinge structure 200a and the display 160 may have a first state (e.g., a flat state).

[0115] As described above, the first hinge structure 200a may include a first rotating bracket 211, a second rotating bracket 212, a fixed bracket 213, a first arm 221, a second arm 222, a gear structure 230 including a shaft gear and an idler gear comprising a first rotating member 231 and a second rotating member 232, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a first rotating member 231, a second rotating member 232, and a support bracket 243. The first rotating bracket 211 may be connected to the first arm 221 via a first fixing portion 251. The second rotating bracket 212 may be connected to the second arm 222 via a second fixing portion 252.

[0116] The display 160 can remain in a flat state when the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 are held in a flat state. The first arm 221 can rotate around the first rotating member 231 within a specified angular range. The second arm 222 can rotate around the second rotating member 232 within a specified angular range. The first rotating bracket 211 can rotate around the first virtual axis 11 within an angular range similar to or the same as that of the first arm 221. The second rotating bracket 212 can rotate around the second virtual axis 12 within an angular range the same as or the same as that of the second arm 222. The first virtual axis 11 can be formed at a position higher than the first rotating member 231 in the direction toward the display 160. The second virtual axis 12 can be formed at a position higher than the second rotating member 232 in the direction toward the display 160. The interval between the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 can be shorter than the interval between the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232. According to various embodiments, the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 can be formed side by side on a horizontal axis. According to an embodiment, the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 may be formed at the same height as the display 160, or may be formed above the display 160 (e.g., in the air above the display 160).

[0117] When the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 are held in a flat state, the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotating bracket 211 and the second bracket body 212_1 of the second rotating bracket 212 can be arranged side by side. According to an embodiment, the upper surfaces of the first bracket body 211_1 and the second bracket body 212_1 can be arranged facing upwards in the same way as shown in the attached drawings. According to an embodiment, when the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 are held in a flat state, the first arm 221 and the second arm 222 can also be arranged side by side. Therefore, the first base 221_1 of the first arm 221 and the second base 222_1 of the second arm 222 can both face the same direction (e.g., upwards relative to the attached drawings). Therefore, the first bracket body 211_1, the second bracket body 212_1, the first base 221_1, and the second base 222_1 can all be arranged side by side relative to a horizontal axis, and can all face the same upward direction relative to the attached drawings. The first support body 211_1, the second support body 212_1, the first base 221_1, and the second base 222_1 can support the rear surface of the display 160 without any height difference between them.

[0118] According to various embodiments, a predetermined gap Gap_1 can be formed between the flexible central portion 163 of the display 160 and the hinge structures 200a and 200b. An adhesive layer can be provided on the peripheral region (e.g., upper portion 161 or lower portion 162) outside the central portion 163 of the display 160.

[0119] Figure 8 A view of a first specified angle state of a first hinge structure according to various embodiments is shown.

[0120] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 8 The first hinge structure 200a may include a first specified angle state. As described above, the first hinge structure 200a may include a first rotating bracket 211, a second rotating bracket 212, a fixed bracket 213, a first arm 221, a second arm 222, a gear structure 230, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a first rotating member 231, a second rotating member 232, and a support bracket 243. The first rotating bracket 211 can be connected to the first arm 221 via a first fixing portion 251. The rotating bracket 212 can be connected to the second arm 222 via a second fixing portion 252.

[0121] The first rotating bracket 211 is fixed to the first housing (e.g., Figure 1A The first housing 110) or the second rotating bracket 212 is fixed to the second housing (e.g., Figure 1A The second housing 120 can be rotated by a predetermined angle from a point on the horizontal axis 801 shown in the figure along the direction of the vertical axis 803 by external pressure. For example, the first rotating bracket 211 connected to the first housing 110 can be rotated from the horizontal axis 801 (e.g., Figure 4 A point on the -y-axis or y-axis (e.g., the vertical axis 803) begins at the vertical axis. Figure 4The first rotating member 231 rotates by a first angle (e.g., 30 degrees) about the first virtual axis 11 in the direction of the z-axis (e.g., from right to the vertical axis 803 relative to the illustrated figure). When the first rotating support 211 rotates by the first angle under external pressure, the corresponding pressure can be transmitted to the first arm 221 through the first fixing part 251. Therefore, the first arm 221 can rotate by the first rotating member 231 about the first rotating member 231 in the direction of the vertical axis 803 on the horizontal axis 801. In this operation, the force depending on the rotational motion can be transmitted to the first rotating cam 221_4 and the first insertion part 221_3. The first rotating member 231, which is inserted into the first insertion part 221_3 on one side, can rotate with the rotation of the first insertion part 221_3, and the first shaft gear 231_2 of the first rotating member 231 can rotate according to the rotation of the first rotating member 231. The first idler gear 233 and the second idler gear 234, which are engaged with each other, can rotate according to the rotation of the first shaft gear 231_2. Therefore, the second shaft gear 232_2 can rotate, and the second rotating member 232 can rotate accordingly. The second insertion part 222_3 can rotate according to the rotation of the second rotating member 232, the second arm 222 can rotate according to the rotation of the second insertion part 222_3, and the second rotating bracket 212 connected to the second arm 222 via the second fixing part 252 can rotate according to the rotation of the second arm 222.

[0122] As described above, the first hinge structure 200a can have a structure in which the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 rotate simultaneously under external pressure (or force). Therefore, even if external pressure is applied to the second housing 120 connected to the second rotating bracket 212, or if external pressure is applied to both the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 simultaneously, the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 can still rotate simultaneously. When the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100 of this disclosure rotate simultaneously, the torsion of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be suppressed, and precise hinge movement can be performed.

[0123] According to various embodiments, when the first arm 221 and the second arm 222 rotate at a first specified angle, the ridges of the first rotating cam 221_4 and the second rotating cam 222_4 can remain in contact with the top of the ridge of the first fixed cam 241_1a and the top of the ridge of the second fixed cam 241_1a.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the first virtual axis 11 of the first rotating bracket 211 and the second virtual axis 12 of the second rotating bracket 212 can be disposed between the first rotating member 231 of the first arm 221 and the second rotating member 232 of the second arm 222. Therefore, the rotation amount of the first rotating bracket 211 can be different from the rotation amount of the first arm 221. Consequently, the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotating bracket 211 can protrude further upward relative to the horizontal axis 801 beyond the upper surface of the first base 221_1 of the first arm 221. When the first rotating bracket 211 and the first arm 221 are connected by the first fixing part 251, the first fixing part 251 can slide a predetermined distance along the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first rotating bracket 211 when the first rotating bracket 211 rotates. Similarly, the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 can rotate to protrude further relative to the horizontal axis 801 beyond the upper surface of the second base 222_1. Furthermore, since the second rotating bracket 212 and the second arm 222 are connected by the second fixing member, while the second rotating bracket 212 rotates, the second fixing part 252 can slide a predetermined distance along the second sliding hole 212_2 of the second rotating bracket 212.

[0125] Figure 9 A view showing a second specified angle state of a first hinge structure according to various embodiments is shown.

[0126] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 9 The first hinge structure 200a may include a second specified angle state. The first hinge structure 200a may include, for example, a first rotating bracket 211, a second rotating bracket 212, a fixed bracket 213, a first arm 221, a second arm 222, a gear structure 230, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a first rotating member 231, a second rotating member 232, and a support bracket 243. The first rotating bracket 211 can be connected to the first arm 221 via a first fixing portion 251, and the second rotating bracket 212 can be connected to the second arm 222 via a second fixing portion 252.

[0127] First housing (e.g., Figure 1A The first housing 110) or the second housing (e.g., Figure 1AThe second housing 120 can be subjected to external pressure (or force) and rotate by a second angle (e.g., 60 degrees) relative to the illustrated figure, starting from a point on the horizontal axis 801 along the direction of the vertical axis 803. For example, when external pressure or force is transmitted to the first housing 110 or the second housing 120, the first rotating bracket 211 or the second rotating bracket 212 can rotate by a second angle (e.g., 60 degrees) from a point on the horizontal axis 801 along the direction of the vertical axis 803 about the first virtual axis 11 or the second virtual axis 12 (e.g., from the right side toward the vertical axis 803 relative to the illustrated figure). During the execution of the above operations, the applied force can be transmitted to each other through the first arm 221 or the second arm 222, and the first rotating member 231, the second rotating member 232, the gear structure 230, the first rotating bracket 211, the second rotating bracket 212, the first arm 221, and the second arm 222 can rotate simultaneously.

[0128] When the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 rotate at a second angle, the first fixing part 251 and the second fixing part 252 can slide in the first sliding hole 211_2 and the second sliding hole 212_2 to be closer to the fixed bracket 213 than when the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 rotate at a first angle. During the above operation, the first track 211_3 of the first rotating bracket 211 can rotate to the right and outward relative to the drawing shown, and the second track 212_3 of the second rotating bracket 212 can rotate to the left and outward relative to the drawing shown, from the center of the fixed bracket 213. Since the rotation axes of the first rotating bracket 211 and the first arm 221 are different from each other, and the rotation axes of the second rotating bracket 212 and the second arm 222 are different from each other, the distance between the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 and the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 can be made shorter than the distance between the upper surface of the first base 221_1 and the upper surface of the second base 222_1 when close to the fixed bracket 213.

[0129] Figure 10 A second-state view of some structures of an electronic device according to various embodiments is shown.

[0130] Reference Figure 1A and Figure 10The electronic device 100 may include a first hinge structure 200a and a display 160. A second state of the first hinge structure 200a may include a folded state. The first hinge structure 200a may include, for example, a fixed bracket 213, a first rotating bracket 211, a second rotating bracket 212, a first arm 221, a second arm 222, a first fixing part 251, a second fixing part 252, a first rotating member 231, a second rotating member 232, a gear structure 230 including a shaft gear of the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, and a support bracket 243.

[0131] In the above structure, the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 can be arranged facing each other. Since the edges of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are adjacent to each other relative to the illustrated figures, the first rotating bracket 211 can rotate about the first virtual axis 11 and can tilt to the left at a specified angle relative to the vertical axis 803 in the illustrated figures. Furthermore, the second rotating bracket 212 can rotate about the second virtual axis 12 and can tilt to the right at a specified angle relative to the vertical axis 803. The first virtual axis 11 can be the central axis of rotation of the first track 211_3, and the second virtual axis 12 can be the central axis of rotation of the second track 212_3. The first arm 221 can rotate about the first rotating member 231 and can be placed side-by-side with the first rotating bracket 211; the second arm 222 can rotate about the second rotating member 232 and can be placed side-by-side with the second rotating member 232. Therefore, the central portion of the display 160 can be bent into a "U" shape, and the remaining area can remain flat.

[0132] When the first rotating bracket 211 and the first arm 221 are placed vertically (or tilted to the left at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical axis 803), the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotating bracket 211 and the upper surface of the first base 221_1 of the first arm 221 can be arranged side by side without any height difference between them. Because the lengths of the first rotating bracket 211 and the first arm 221 are different, the first fixing part 251 can be located at the lower edge of the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first rotating bracket 211. When the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, the first fixing part 251 can be located at the upper edge of the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first rotating bracket 211. Similarly, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the second fixing part 252 can be located at the lower edge of the second sliding hole 212_2.

[0133] When the electronic device 100 changes from a first state to a second state (e.g., a folded state), the first rotating bracket 211 can rotate outward and to the right relative to the central portion of the fixed bracket 213, relative to the illustrated figure. When the electronic device 100 changes from the second state to the first state (e.g., a flat state), the first rotating bracket 211 can rotate in a direction from the right side of the fixed bracket 213 to its central portion relative to the illustrated figure. According to an embodiment, the second rotating bracket 212 can rotate outward and to the left relative to the central portion of the fixed bracket 213, relative to the illustrated figure, while the electronic device 100 changes from the first state to the second state (e.g., a folded state). When the electronic device 100 changes from the second state to the first state (e.g., a flat state), the second rotating bracket 212 can rotate in a direction from the left side of the fixed bracket 213 to its central portion relative to the illustrated figure. When the electronic device 100 is held in the folded state, the ridge and valley of the cam portion 241 can engage with the valley and ridge of the rotating cam provided on the first arm 221 and the second arm 222. Therefore, the first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b can return from the compressed state in the first specified angle state and the second specified angle state to the initial state (e.g., the released state).

[0134] Figure 11 A view of an additional structure of the first hinge structure according to various embodiments is shown.

[0135] Reference Figure 11 The first hinge structure 200a (or the second hinge structure 200b) may include a fixed bracket 213, a first rotating bracket 211, a second rotating bracket 212, a first arm 221, a second arm 222, a first fixing part 251, a second fixing part 252, a first rotating member 231, a second rotating member 232, a gear structure 230 including a shaft gear and an idler gear of the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232, a cam part 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, and a support bracket 243. Additionally or alternatively, at least one washer and an annular plate 237 may also be added.

[0136] At least one washer may include, for example, a first washer 238_1a and a second washer 238_1b mounted on the first rotating member 231. The first washer 238_1a may be disposed between the cam portion 241 (one side of which is mounted on the first rotating member 231) and the annular plate 237. The second washer 238_1b may be disposed between the annular plate 237 and the first elastomer 242a.

[0137] According to an embodiment, at least one washer may include, for example, a third washer 238_2a and a fourth washer 238_2b mounted on the second rotating member 232. The third washer 238_2a may be disposed between the cam portion 241 (which is mounted on the second rotating member 232 on its opposite side) and the annular plate 237. The fourth washer 238_2b may be disposed between the annular plate 237 and the second elastomer 242b.

[0138] The annular plate 237 may include a guide hole into which the first rotating member 231 inserts and a guide hole into which the second rotating member 232 inserts. The annular plate 237 may be disposed between the first washer 238_1a and the second washer 238_1b, and between the third washer 238_2a and the fourth washer 238_2b. The annular plate 237 may serve as a support during the period when friction is generated by the washers 238_1a, 238_1b, 238_2a, and 238_2b, and may provide friction through the washers 238_1a, 238_1b, 238_2a, and 238_2b to enable the first hinge structure 200a to be mounted at various angles of the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232.

[0139] According to various embodiments, a third elastic body 251a and a fifth washer 251b may be additionally mounted on the first fixing part 251, and a first fixing clip 291_1 for fixing the first fixing part 251 to the first arm 221 may be provided. The fifth washer 251b may be disposed between the third elastic body 251a and the first fixing clip 291_1. The third elastic body 251a may be used to more firmly contact one end of the first arm 221 (e.g., the first connecting part 221_2) with one end of the first rotating bracket 211 (e.g., the first sliding hole 211_2). The fifth washer 251b may increase the friction during the contact between the first rotating bracket 211 and the first arm 221, thereby enabling the first hinge structure 200a to be mounted at various angles. Similar to the above structure, the second fixing part 252 may additionally include a fourth elastic body 252a and a sixth washer 252b, and a second fixing clip 291_2 for fixing the second fixing part 252 may be disposed on one side of the second arm 222.

[0140] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure 200 may include a first rotating bracket 211 that rotates about a first virtual axis 11 within a first range, a second rotating bracket 212 that rotates about a second virtual axis 12 within a second range, a fixed bracket 213 having the first and second rotating brackets fixed thereon, a first rotating member that rotates about a first rotating axis different from the first virtual axis, a second rotating member that rotates about a second rotating axis different from the second virtual axis, a first arm 221 including a first base 221_1, a first connecting portion 221_2 disposed on one side of the first base and connected to the first rotating bracket, a first insertion portion 221_3 mounted on one side of the first rotating member, and a first rotating cam 2 disposed adjacent to the first insertion portion. 21_4, comprising a second arm 222 of a second base 222_1, a second connecting portion 222_2 disposed on one side of the second base and connected to a second rotating bracket, a second insertion portion 222_3 mounted on one side of the second rotating member 232, a second rotating cam 222_4 disposed adjacent to the second insertion portion, a cam portion 241 having a concave-convex structure corresponding to the first rotating cam and the second rotating cam, a first elastic body 242a mounted on the first rotating member and supporting at least one side of the cam portion in the direction toward the first arm, a second elastic body 242b mounted on the second rotating member and supporting at least the opposite side of the cam portion in the direction toward the second arm, and a support bracket 243 supporting the first elastic body and the second elastic body.

[0141] According to various embodiments, the first rotating bracket can rotate in a direction from the center of the fixed bracket to its outside when changing from a horizontal state to a vertical state, the first rotating bracket can rotate in a direction from the outside of the fixed bracket to its center when changing from a vertical state to a horizontal state, and the second rotating bracket can rotate simultaneously in the opposite direction when the first rotating bracket rotates.

[0142] According to various embodiments, when the first rotating bracket changes from a horizontal state to a vertical state, the first fixing part fixing the first arm can move in a direction from the outside to the inside of the first sliding hole. When the first rotating bracket changes from a vertical state to a horizontal state, the first fixing part fixing the first arm can move in a direction from the inside to the outside of the first sliding hole, and the second fixing part can operate in the same manner as the first fixing part.

[0143] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a first fixing clip 291_1 and a second fixing clip 291_2, wherein the first fixing clip 291_1 is disposed at one end of the first fixing part and fixes the first fixing part to the first arm, and the second fixing clip 291_2 is disposed at one end of the second fixing part and fixes the second fixing part to the second arm.

[0144] According to various embodiments, the first rotating member may include: a first insertion portion 231_3, which is mounted on one side of the fixed bracket; a first shaft 231_1, which is fixed to one side of the support bracket; and a first shaft gear 231_2, which is disposed between the first insertion portion and the first shaft. The second rotating member may include: a second insertion portion 232_3, which is mounted on one side of the fixed bracket; a second shaft 232_1, which is fixed to one side of the support bracket; and a second shaft gear 232_2, which is disposed between the second insertion portion and the second shaft.

[0145] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may also include a first idler wheel 233 that engages with the first shaft gear and a second idler wheel 234 that engages with the first idler wheel and the second shaft gear.

[0146] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may also include a support plate 235, which includes a guide hole into which a first insertion portion and a second insertion portion are inserted, and the guide hole secures one side of the first idler wheel to one side of the second idler wheel.

[0147] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a third fixing clip 292_1 and a fourth fixing clip 292_2, wherein the third fixing clip 292_1 is disposed at one end of the first insertion portion to prevent the first insertion portion from separating from the support plate, and the fourth fixing clip 292_2 is disposed at one end of the second insertion portion to prevent the second insertion portion from separating from the support plate.

[0148] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include a stop 236 mounted on one side of the first rotating member and one side of the second rotating member, and facing the side of the first insertion portion and the side of the second insertion portion to prevent the first arm and the second arm from rotating at a specified angle or greater.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a fifth fixing clip 249_1 and a sixth fixing clip 249_2, wherein the fifth fixing clip 249_1 is disposed at one end of the first rotating member to prevent the first rotating member from separating from the support bracket, and the sixth fixing clip 249_2 is disposed at one end of the second rotating member to prevent the second rotating member from separating from the support bracket.

[0150] According to various embodiments, the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis can be formed between the first rotating member and the second rotating member.

[0151] According to various embodiments, the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis can be formed at a specified height above the first rotating member and the second rotating member.

[0152] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of the following: an annular plate 237 disposed between the cam portion and the first elastic body or the second elastic body; a first washer 238_1a disposed between the cam portion and the annular plate and mounted on the first rotating member; and a second washer 238_2a disposed between the cam portion and the annular plate and mounted on the second rotating member.

[0153] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a third washer 238_1b and a fourth washer 238_2b, the third washer 238_1b being disposed between the annular plate and the first elastic body and mounted on the first rotating member, and the fourth washer 238_2b being disposed between the annular plate and the second elastic body and mounted on the second rotating member.

[0154] According to various embodiments, the top of the ridge 222_4a of the first or second rotary cam may include a flat area with a specified width, and the bottom of the valley 222_4b of the first or second rotary cam may include a flat area with a specified width.

[0155] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a third elastic body 251a and a fourth elastic body 252a, wherein the third elastic body 251a is disposed between the first fixing part and the first fixing clip, and the fourth elastic body 252a is disposed between the second fixing part and the second fixing clip.

[0156] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a fifth washer 251b disposed between the third elastic body and the first fixing clip and a sixth washer 252b disposed between the fourth elastic body and the second fixing clip.

[0157] According to various embodiments, the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232 can be mounted on one side of the fixed bracket, thereby being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval.

[0158] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include a first fixing part 251 and a second fixing part 252, wherein the first fixing part 251 is fixed to the first connecting part 221_2 through a first sliding hole 211_2 formed on one side of the first rotating bracket and slides along the first sliding hole, and the second fixing part 252 is fixed to the second connecting part 222_2 through a second sliding hole 212_2 formed on one side of the second rotating bracket and slides along the second sliding hole.

[0159] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a first housing 110, a second housing 120, a hinge structure 200 connecting the first and second housings and supporting hinge movement of the first or second housing, a hinge housing 150 surrounding the hinge structure, and a display 160 disposed on the first and second housings. At least an upper portion 161 or a lower portion 162 of the flexible display may be attached to at least a portion of the upper side of the first housing or at least a portion of the upper side of the second housing, and at least a portion of the central portion 163 of the flexible display is configured to have a specific gap with the hinge structure. The hinge structure may include: a first rotating bracket connected to a first housing and rotating about a first virtual axis within a first range; a second rotating bracket connected to a second housing and rotating about a second virtual axis within a second range; a fixed bracket having the first rotating bracket and the second rotating bracket fixed to the fixed bracket; a first arm connected to the first rotating bracket on one side and having a first rotating cam formed on its opposite side; a second arm connected to the second rotating bracket on one side and having a second rotating cam formed on its opposite side; and a cam portion having a concave-convex structure corresponding to the first rotating cam and the second rotating cam.

[0160] According to various embodiments, when the first rotating bracket changes from a horizontal state to a vertical state, the first fixing part that fixes the first arm can move in a direction from the outside of the first sliding hole to its inside. When the first rotating bracket changes from a vertical state to a horizontal state, the first fixing part that fixes the first arm can move in a direction from the inside of the first sliding hole to its outside. The second fixing part can operate in the same manner as the first fixing part.

[0161] Figure 12 A view showing an example of an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment is provided.

[0162] Reference Figure 12When the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100 are in a folded state, as shown, a gap_2 can be formed in the region where the hinge housing 150 is coupled to the first housing 110 or the second housing 120. The gap_2 may be caused by the height of the sidewall of the hinge housing 150, and when the hinge structure 200 is in a folded state, the gap_2 of the hinge housing 150 can be observed from the outside. The gap_2 can be formed to prevent the hinge housing 150 from hindering the hinge movement of the hinge structure 200 when the hinge structure 200 is folded or unfolded. Therefore, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the gap_2 can be observed between the hinge housing 150 and the hinge structure 200. The observation of the gap_2 can be a factor that reduces the appearance integrity of the electronic device 100. For example, a portion of the hinge structure 200 disposed inside can be observed from the outside through the gap_2.

[0163] Figure 13 A view showing another example of the folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0164] Reference Figure 13 When the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are in a folded state, the ends of the sides 158a and 158b of the hinge housing 150 can be formed to be higher than the ends of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 by a specified height in the direction of the vertical axis 803. Therefore, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the hinge housing 150 can be observed only from the outside, and no individual gap can be observed at the boundary between the hinge housing 150 and the housings 110 and 120. Therefore, since the ends of the sides 158a and 158b of the hinge housing 150 are formed at a position higher than the ends of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 by a specified height in the direction of the vertical axis 803, the first receiving groove 221_9 and the second receiving groove 222_9 can be provided on predetermined areas of the first arm 221 and the second arm 222 to prevent collision with the first arm 221 and the second arm 222. The first receiving groove 221_9 and the second receiving groove 222_9 may include, for example, a first receiving groove 221_9 disposed at one end of the first arm 221 and a second receiving groove 222_9 disposed at one end of the second arm 222. When the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, the first side portion 158a of the hinge housing 150 may be accommodated in the first receiving groove 221_9, and the second side portion 158b of the hinge housing 150 may be accommodated in the second receiving groove 222_9.

[0165] According to various embodiments, since the ends of the sides 158a and 158b of the hinge housing 150 are formed at a specified height higher than the ends of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 in the direction of the vertical axis 803, the third receiving groove 211_9 and the fourth receiving groove 212_9 can be provided on the second rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212. The third receiving groove 211_9 can be formed on the central portion of the first rotating bracket 211 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 The first track 211_3 is shown between the first housing connection hole 211_4. Similarly, the fourth receiving groove 212_9 can be formed on the central portion of the second rotating support 212 (e.g., in...). Figure 4 (The second track 212_3 shown is between the second housing connection hole 212_4). When the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, the first side portion 158a can be accommodated in the third receiving groove 211_9, and the second side portion 158b can be accommodated in the fourth receiving groove 212_9.

[0166] According to the above structure, the height of the sides 158a and 158b of the hinge housing 150 along the vertical axis 803 can be greater than the height of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 in the direction opposite to the vertical axis 803. For example, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first side 158a can be located inside the first housing 110 and can be positioned higher than the lower end of the first housing 110. When viewed along the horizontal axis 801, at least a portion of the first side 158a can overlap with one end of the first housing 110. Similarly, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the second side 158b can be located inside the second housing 120 and can be positioned higher than the lower end of the second housing 120. When viewed along the horizontal axis 801, at least a portion of the second side 158b can overlap with one end of the second housing 120.

[0167] Figure 14 Views of the hinge housing and hinge structure according to various embodiments are shown. Figure 15 It shows Figure 14 An exploded perspective view of the hinge structure is shown.

[0168] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 According to the embodiment, the third hinge structure 200c and the fourth hinge structure 200d can be disposed on the hinge housing 150.

[0169] The third hinge structure 200c can be disposed on one side of the hinge housing 150 (e.g., relative to the left side of the figure shown). The third hinge structure 200c can be connected to the first housing 110 (e.g., Figure 1AThe left side of the first housing 110) and the second housing 120 (e.g., Figure 1A The second housing 120 is coupled to the left side and can rotate within a specified range about the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The third hinge structure 200c can be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the central portion of the hinge housing 150 to the fourth hinge structure 200d.

[0170] The fourth hinge structure 200d can be disposed on the opposite side of the hinge housing 150 (e.g., the right side relative to the figure shown). The fourth hinge structure 200d can be disposed with respect to the first housing 110 (e.g., Figure 1A The right side of the first housing 110) and the second housing 120 (e.g., Figure 1A The fourth hinge structure 200d is coupled to the right side of the second housing 120 and can rotate within a specified range about the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The fourth hinge structure 200d can be configured to be symmetrical with respect to the central portion of the hinge housing 150 to the third hinge structure 200c. The fourth hinge structure 200d may include the same structure and construction as the third hinge structure 200c. However, the position of the fourth hinge structure 200d may differ from that of the third hinge structure 200c.

[0171] The hinge housing 150 may have a semi-cylindrical shape with an internal empty space, or it may have the shape of half of a longitudinal tube with opposite ends closed. The hinge housing 150 may have the same shape as described above. Figure 2 The hinge housing described above has the same structure and can be made by referring to the above. Figure 2 The hinge housing described is made of the same material.

[0172] The third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) may include a fixed bracket 1513, a first rotating bracket 1511, a second rotating bracket 1512, a first fixing part 1551, a second fixing part 1552, a first arm 1521, a second arm 1522, a first rotating member 1531, a second rotating member 1532, a cam part 1541, a first elastic body 1542a, a second elastic body 1542b, a support bracket 1543, a first idler wheel 1533, a second idler wheel 1534, a support plate 1535, and a plurality of fixing clips 1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1, and 1549_2. At least some of the aforementioned components of the third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) may be made of a metallic material with a predetermined stiffness. Alternatively, the third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) may include materials such as reinforced plastic or resin as needed.

[0173] At least a portion of the shape of the lower surface of the fixed bracket 1513 (e.g., the surface facing the -z-axis direction) may include a curved surface. For example, the lower surface of the fixed bracket 1513 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the interior of the hinge housing 150. The upper surface of the fixed bracket 1513 (e.g., the surface facing the z-axis direction) may have a flat shape, and guide grooves 1513a and 1513b coupled to the rotating brackets 1511 and 1512 may be formed on the upper surface of the fixed bracket 1513. The guide grooves 1513a and 1513b may have a shape similar to the one referenced above. Figure 4 The guide slots 213a and 213b described have the same shape and arrangement. Therefore, the first rotating bracket 1511 and the second rotating bracket 1512, which are inserted into the guide slots 1513a and 1513b, can be in accordance with the above-mentioned reference. Figure 4 The first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 described rotate in the same manner.

[0174] According to various embodiments, the fixing bracket 1513 may include a protrusion 1513_1 projecting in a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), and at least a portion of the opposite sides of the protrusion 1513_1 (the side facing the y-axis direction and the side facing the -y-axis direction) may be formed as a curved surface. At least a portion of the first arm 1521 and at least a portion of the cam portion 1541 may be mounted on one side of the protrusion 1513_1, and at least a portion of the second arm 1522 and at least a portion of the cam portion 1541 may be mounted on the opposite side of the protrusion 1513_1. A first mounting recess 1513_2a and a second mounting recess 1513_2b may be provided on the side of the fixing bracket 1513 facing a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) and located on the opposite side of the protrusion 1513_1. One side of the first rotating member 1531 and one side of the second rotating member 1532 may be respectively provided in the first mounting recess 1513_2a and the second mounting recess 1513_2b. Alternatively, the side of the first rotating member 1531 that passes through the support bracket 1543, the first elastic body 1542a, and the cam portion 1541 can be installed in the first mounting recess 1513_2a, and the side of the second rotating member 1532 that passes through the support bracket 1543 that is opposite to it, the second elastic body 1542b, and the cam portion 1541 can be installed in the second mounting recess 1513_2b.

[0175] The structures of the first rotating support 1511 and the second rotating support 1512 can be the same as those described above. Figure 4 The first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 described herein have the same or similar structures. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket bodies of the first rotating bracket 1511 and the second rotating bracket 1512 may be formed to be wider than those described above. Figure 4The first support body 211_1 and the second support body 212_1 are described.

[0176] The first fixing part 1551 may have a pin shape having a predetermined length in one direction. The first fixing part 1551 may pass through at least the sliding hole of the first rotating bracket 1511, and may be installed in the connecting part of the first arm 1521 and fixed in a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) by the first fixing clip 1591_1. One side of the first fixing part 1551 may slide in the sliding hole of the first rotating bracket 1511 in the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction.

[0177] The second fixing part 1552 may have a shape substantially the same as the first fixing part 1551. The second fixing part 1552 may be configured to be symmetrical to the first fixing part 1551 relative to the fixing bracket 1513, and at least a portion of the second fixing part 1552 may be fixedly inserted into the sliding hole of the second rotating bracket 1512 and the connecting portion of the second arm 1522 along a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). One side of the second fixing part 1552 may slide in the sliding hole of the second rotating bracket 1512 along the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction.

[0178] The first arm 1521 can be fastened to the first rotating bracket 1511 via the first fixing part 1551, and can rotate together with the first rotating bracket 1511 within a specified angle range during hinge movement. According to an embodiment, the first arm 1521 may include a first insertion part 1521_3 and a first rotating cam 1521_4, and may include the components referenced above. Figure 4 The components described correspond to the first base 221_1 and the first connecting part 221_2.

[0179] The first rotary cam 1521_4 may include at least one ridge and valley arranged in such a direction that the first rotary member 1531 is inserted into and protrudes from the first insertion portion 1521_3. According to an embodiment, the ridge and valley may include a flat region of predetermined length at one end. At least a portion of the first rotary cam 1521_4 and the first insertion portion 1521_3 may be mounted on one side of the protrusion 1513_1 of the fixing bracket 1513.

[0180] The second arm 1522 may have a substantially the same structure as the first arm 1521. For example, the second arm 1522 may include a second insertion portion 1522_3 and a second rotary cam 1522_4. The second rotating member 1532 may be inserted into the second insertion portion 1522_3, and the second rotary cam 1522_4 may be configured to engage with the opposite side of the cam portion 1541.

[0181] One end of the first rotating member 1531 passing through the support bracket 1543, the first elastic body 1542a, one side of the cam portion 1541, and the first insertion portion 1521-3 can be installed in the first mounting recess 1513_2a formed on the fixed bracket 1513. One side of the first rotating member 1531 can be fixed by the third fixing clip 1592_1, and the opposite side of the first rotating member 1531 can engage with the first idler wheel 1533 and can be fixed to the support plate 1535 by the fifth fixing clip 1549_1. The first rotating member 1531 may include a first shaft 1531_1, a first shaft gear 1531_2, and a first mounting portion 1531_3.

[0182] The first shaft 1531_1 can be configured to pass through one side of the support bracket 1543, the first elastic body 1542a, the first insertion portion 1521_3, the first rotary cam 1521_4, and one side of the cam portion 1541 in a fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction). A first shaft gear 1531_2 can be disposed on the first shaft 1531_1, thereby being biased in a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). The first shaft gear 1531_2 can be configured to engage with the first idler gear 1533.

[0183] The first mounting portion 1531-3 can be formed to protrude from a third-direction surface (e.g., a surface facing the x-axis) of the first shaft gear 1531-2. At least a portion of the first mounting portion 1531-3 can pass through a guide hole formed in the support plate 1535, and the first mounting portion 1531-3 can be fixed to the support plate 1535 by the fifth fixing clip 1549-1 to prevent the first shaft 1531-1 from separating or twisting.

[0184] One end of the second rotating member 1532 passing through the support bracket 1543, the second elastic body 1542b, one side of the cam portion 1541, and the second insertion portion 1522_3 can be installed in the second mounting recess 1513_2b formed on the fixed bracket 1513. One side of the second rotating member 1532 can be fixed by the fourth fixing clip 1592_2, and the opposite side of the second rotating member 1532 can engage with the second idler wheel 1534 and can be fixed to the support plate 1535 by the sixth fixing clip 1549_2. The second rotating member 1532 may include a second shaft 1532_1, a second shaft gear 1532_2, and a second mounting portion 1532_3.

[0185] The second shaft 1532_1 may have substantially the same shape and size as the first shaft 1531_1. The second shaft 1532_1 may be positioned at a predetermined length interval from the first shaft 1531_1. The second shaft gear 1532_2 may have the same shape and size as the first shaft gear 1531_2 and may be mounted on the second shaft 1532_1. The position of the second shaft gear 1532_2 may be symmetrical to the position of the first shaft gear 1531_2. At least a portion of the second mounting portion 1532_3 may have the same shape and size as the first mounting portion 1531_3. In this process, at least a portion of the second mounting portion 1532_3 may pass through the guide hole of the support plate 1535 and may be fixed by the sixth fixing clip 1549_2.

[0186] Cam portion 1541 may have the same characteristics as the above reference. Figure 4 The cam portion 241 described has the same structure and shape. The cam portion 1541 can be disposed between the first arm 1521 and the second arm 1522 and the first elastic body 1542a and the second elastic body 1542b. At least a portion of the cam portion 1541 can be mounted on at least a portion of the protrusion 1513_1 of the fixed bracket 1513.

[0187] The first elastic body 1542a may have the shape of a helical spring with an internal cavity. The first shaft 1531_1 of the first rotating member 1531, which passes through the support bracket 1543, may be inserted into the first elastic body 1542a.

[0188] The shape and size of the second elastic body 1542b may be the same as or similar to the shape and size of the first elastic body 1542a. The second elastic body 1542b may have the shape of a helical spring with an internal cavity. The second shaft 1532_1 of the second rotating member 1532, which passes through the support bracket 1543, may be inserted into the second elastic body 1542b.

[0189] The first elastic body 1542a and the second elastic body 1542b can be disposed between the cam portion 1541 and the support bracket 1543, and can function to push the cam portion 1541 relative to the support bracket 1543 fixed to the hinge housing 150 in a fourth direction (e.g., the -x axis direction). The second elastic body 1542b can be disposed at a specified interval from the first elastic body 1542a.

[0190] The support bracket 1543 may include: a support portion that supports at least a portion of the first elastic body 1542a and at least a portion of the second elastic body 1542b; a guide hole through which the first shaft 1531_1 of the first rotating member 1531 and the second shaft 1532_1 of the second rotating member 1532 pass; and a mounting recess in which one side of the first idler wheel 1533 and one side of the second idler wheel 1534 are mounted.

[0191] The first idler gear 1533 may be disposed between the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the second shaft gear 1532_2, and may engage with the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the second idler gear 1534. The first idler gear 1533 may include a protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 1535, and may be fixed to a recess formed on the support bracket 1543, thereby being rotatable.

[0192] The second idler gear 1534 may be disposed between the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the second shaft gear 1532_2, and may engage with the first idler gear 1533 and the second shaft gear 1532_2. The second idler gear 1534 may be formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the first idler gear 1533. The second idler gear 1534 may include a protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 1535 and a protrusion inserted into a mounting recess formed on the support bracket 1543.

[0193] The support plate 1535 can be configured to prevent the rotating members 1531 and 1532 from separating from the idler wheels 1533 and 1534. In this regard, the support plate 1535 may include multiple guide holes. For example, the support plate 1535 may include: a guide hole through which a first mounting portion 1531_3 of the first rotating member 1531 passes; a guide hole through which a second mounting portion 1532_3 of the second rotating member 1532 passes; and guide holes (or guide recesses) for mounting the protrusions of the first idler wheel 1533 and the second idler wheel 1534.

[0194] Multiple retaining clips 1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1, and 1549_2 can secure one or more components included in the third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) to prevent these components from separating from their corresponding positions, and can allow the respective components to rotate. The multiple retaining clips 1591_1, 1592_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1, and 1549_2 can include, for example, C-shaped clips. The plurality of fixing clips 1591_1, 1592_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1, and 1549_2 may include, for example: a first fixing clip 1591_1 for fixing a first fixing part 1551 to a third-direction-facing surface (e.g., a surface facing the x-axis) of the first arm 1521; a second fixing clip 1591_2 for fixing a second fixing part 1552 to a third-direction-facing surface (e.g., a surface facing the x-axis) of the second arm 1522; and a third fixing clip 1592_1 coupled to one end of the first shaft 1531_1 of the first rotating member 1531 (e.g., ...). The fourth fixing clip 1592_2 is coupled to one end of the second shaft 1532_1 of the second rotating member 1532 (e.g., the end opposite to the setting point of the second mounting part 1532_3); the fifth fixing clip 1549_1 is configured to fix the first mounting part 1531_3 to the third-direction surface of the support plate 1535 (e.g., the surface facing the x-axis direction); the sixth fixing clip 1549_2 is configured to fix the second mounting part 1532_3 to the third-direction surface of the support plate 1535 (e.g., the surface facing the x-axis direction).

[0195] In the hinge structure described above in this invention (e.g., the third hinge structure 200c or the fourth hinge structure 200d), the gear structure can be located at a specified distance from the area where the rotating bracket and the fixed bracket are coupled.

[0196] An electronic device including a hinge structure according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a first rotating member that rotates about a first axis; a second rotating member that rotates about a second axis; a first arm having a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion, and a first cam structure, the first connecting portion being connected to the first rotating member, and the second connecting portion being connected to the second rotating member; a second arm having a third connecting portion, a fourth connecting portion, and a second cam structure; a cam member including a first cam engaging with the first cam structure and a second cam engaging with the second cam structure; a first elastic body connected to the first rotating member and applying an elastic force to the cam member; a second elastic body connected to the second rotating member and applying an elastic force to the cam member; a first rotating bracket having a first sliding hole and a first track; a second rotating bracket having a second sliding hole and a second track; and a fixed bracket having a first guide groove corresponding to the first track and a second guide groove corresponding to the second track. The first sliding hole and the second connecting portion of the first rotating bracket may be connected through the first fixed portion, and the second sliding hole and the fourth connecting portion of the second rotating bracket may be connected through the second fixed portion. The first fixing part can slide in the first sliding hole to correspond to the rotation of the first arm, and the second fixing part can slide in the second sliding hole to correspond to the rotation of the second arm. The first rotating bracket can rotate about a third axis, and the second rotating bracket can rotate about a fourth axis.

[0197] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a first housing and a second housing. The first housing may be connected to a first rotating bracket and can rotate about a third axis, and the second housing may be connected to a second rotating bracket and can rotate about a fourth axis.

[0198] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may also include a display placed on the first housing and the second housing, and when the electronic device is in a flat state, the first axis and the second axis may be formed below the display.

[0199] According to various embodiments, the third and fourth axes are formed at a position higher than the first and second axes in the direction toward the flexible display.

[0200] According to various embodiments, the interval between the first axis and the second axis can be greater than the interval between the third axis and the fourth axis.

[0201] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may also include at least one washer disposed between the first rotating member and the first elastomer, and between the second rotating member and the second elastomer.

[0202] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one of a first washer and a second washer, wherein the first washer is coupled to the first fixing portion and configured to pass through one end of the first connecting portion, and the second washer is coupled to the second fixing portion and configured to pass through one end of the second connecting portion.

[0203] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one of a first elastic member and a second elastic member, wherein the first elastic member is disposed between one end of the first fixing portion and the first washer, and the second elastic member is disposed between one end of the second fixing portion and the second washer.

[0204] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may also include a stop disposed between the first rotating member and a second connection portion of the first arm and between the second rotating member and a fourth connection portion of the second arm, the stop preventing the first arm and the second arm from rotating by a specified angle or greater.

[0205] Hinge structures and electronic devices including such hinge structures, according to various embodiments, can provide a variety of functions related to hinge movement in a relatively narrow arrangement area. For example, the hinge structure and electronic devices including such hinge structures according to embodiments enable multiple housings to rotate simultaneously, while providing kinetics and supporting various mounting angles during the hinge movement of the housings, thereby suppressing torsion of the housings.

[0206] According to embodiments, various other aspects and effects provided by the hinge structure according to various embodiments and the electronic device including the hinge structure may be mentioned.

[0207] Each component (e.g., a module or program module) according to various embodiments may consist of a single entity or multiple entities, and a portion of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted, or other sub-components may be included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, after being integrated into a single entity, some components (e.g., modules or program modules) may perform the functions performed by each corresponding component in the same or similar manner prior to integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by modules, programs, or other components may be performed using sequential, parallel, repetitive, or heuristic methods, or at least a portion of the operations may be performed in a different order or omitted. Alternatively, additional operations may be added.

[0208] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, various changes and modifications may be suggested to those skilled in the art. This disclosure is intended to cover such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable communication device, the portable communication device comprising: The housing includes a first housing (110) and a second housing (120). A flexible display (160), at least a portion of which is disposed above the first housing (110) and the second housing (120); as well as A hinge structure (200a) is connected to the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), the hinge structure (200a) comprising: The first arm (221) is configured to rotate about a first axis; The second arm (222) is configured to rotate about a second axis; The fixed bracket (213) includes a first bending guide groove (213a) and a second bending guide groove (213b). A first rotating bracket (211) includes a first curved track (211_3), wherein the first arm slides relative to the first rotating bracket (211) as the first arm (221) rotates about the first axis, and the first rotating bracket (211) is coupled to the fixed bracket (213) such that the first rotating bracket (211) rotates about the third axis (11) as the first arm (221) rotates about the first axis, sliding along the first curved guide groove (213a) via the first curved track (211_3); and The second rotating bracket (212) includes a second curved track (212_3), wherein the second arm (222) slides relative to the second rotating bracket (212) as the second arm (222) rotates about the second axis, and the second rotating bracket (212) is coupled to the fixed bracket (213) such that the second rotating bracket (212) rotates about the fourth axis (12) as the second arm (222) rotates about the second axis and slides along the second curved guide groove (213b) via the second curved track (212_3); In this embodiment, at least a portion (163) of the flexible display (160) is configured to bend as the first rotating support (211) rotates about the third axis (11) and the second rotating support (212) rotates about the fourth axis (12). When the flexible display (160) is in a flat state, the shortest distance from the third axis (11) to the upper surface of the portion (163) of the flexible display (160) is shorter than the shortest distance from the first axis to the upper surface of the portion (163).

2. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, In the unfolded state, when viewed in a direction parallel to the first axis, the first part of the first rotating bracket (211) faces the second part of the second rotating bracket (212).

3. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The first housing (110) is connected to the first rotating bracket (211) and is configured to rotate about the third axis (11) as the first arm (221) rotates about the first axis. The second housing (120) is connected to the second rotating bracket (212) and is configured to rotate about the fourth axis (12) as the second arm (222) rotates about the second axis.

4. The portable communication device according to claim 3, wherein, When the flexible display (160) is in a folded state, the third axis (11) is located between the first axis and the first part of the flexible display (160), and the fourth axis (12) is located between the second axis and the second part of the flexible display (160).

5. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The first distance between the first axis and the second axis is greater than the second distance between the third axis (11) and the fourth axis (12).

6. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The first rotating bracket (211) is configured to rotate relative to the center of the fixed bracket (213) in a first direction when the foldable state of the housing changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, and the second rotating bracket (212) is configured to rotate relative to the center of the fixed bracket (213) in a second direction when the foldable state of the housing changes from the unfolded state to the folded state.

7. The portable communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: A first gear (231_2) is connected to a first shaft (231_1) for rotation about the first shaft; and The second gear (232_2) is connected to the second shaft (232_1) to rotate about the second shaft.

8. The portable communication device according to claim 7, further comprising: A first idler gear (233) and a second idler gear (234) are disposed between the first gear (231_2) and the second gear (232_2).

9. The portable communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The first housing (110) is movably connected to the first arm (221), and During the rotation of the first housing (110) relative to the hinge structure (200a), the elastic force of the first elastic member (242a) caused by the first pressure applied by the first cam member (241) provides braking.

10. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge structure (200a) also includes: A first fixing part (251) is connected to the first arm (221); and The second fixing part (252) is connected to the second arm (222).

11. The portable communication device according to claim 10, wherein, The first arm (221) includes a first connecting portion (221_2) connected to the first fixing portion (251), and The second arm (222) includes a second connecting part (222_2) connected to the second fixing part (252).

12. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The first rotating bracket (211) includes a first sliding opening (211_2), and The second rotating bracket (212) includes a second sliding opening (212_2).

13. The portable communication device according to claim 12, further comprising: The first fixing part slides in the first sliding opening (211_2), and The second fixing part slides in the second sliding opening (212_2).

14. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The first rotating bracket (211) is connected to one side of the fixed bracket (213), and the second rotating bracket (212) is connected to the other side of the fixed bracket (213).

15. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein, When the flexible display (160) is in a folded and unfolded state, the distance between the upper surface of the first rotating bracket (211) and the upper surface of the second rotating bracket (212) is shorter than the distance between the upper surface of the first arm (221) and the upper surface of the second arm (222).

Images