Electronic device including flexible display

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure can include a first housing, a second housing, a hinge module rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display disposed from one surface of the first housing across an area where the hinge module is disposed to one surface of the second housing. The hinge module can include a ratchet hinge accommodating at least a portion of a pair of rotation shafts and provided with a cam surface having a cam shape in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotation shafts, a roller in contact with the cam surface and disposed to rotate in response to the cam shape, at least one elastic member having an elastic material, disposed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotation shafts, and configured to deliver an elastic force to the roller, and a ratchet bracket including the pair of rotation shafts and defining a space for receiving the roller and the elastic member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electronic device, for example, an electronic device having a foldable flexible display. Background Technology

[0002] The ever-evolving field of electronic information and communication technologies integrates multiple functions into a single electronic device or portable communication device. For example, smartphones package the functions of an audio player, imaging device, and calendar, along with communication capabilities. Furthermore, even more diverse functions can be achieved by installing applications on them.

[0003] Users of portable communication devices or electronic devices can access networks to search, filter, and obtain more information, rather than simply using the device's built-in functions or information (e.g., applications). Direct network access (e.g., wired communication) may enable fast and stable communication establishment, but its availability may be limited to a fixed location or space. Wireless communication, on the other hand, has no location or spatial limitations when connected to a network, and its transmission speed or stability is close to that of direct access. In the near future, wireless communication is expected to establish communication faster and more stably than direct access.

[0004] With the increasing prevalence of smartphones and other personal / portable communication devices, user demand for portability and ease of use is growing. For example, touchscreen displays can serve not only as visual information output devices but also as virtual keyboards, replacing mechanical input devices (e.g., button input devices). This allows for more compact portable communication or electronic devices while offering further enhanced usability (e.g., larger screens). Flexible displays (e.g., foldable or rollable displays) will emerge commercially, promising even greater portability and ease of use for electronic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] In foldable or rollable electronic devices, mechanical stability can be difficult to guarantee because the structure of the electronic devices is implemented to move relative to each other (e.g., slide, rotate, or pivot). For example, it may be difficult to simultaneously guarantee a portable and stable operating structure.

[0007] An electronic device that can be folded so that different areas of the display can face each other or be away from each other can be provided.

[0008] An electronic device may be provided that has a foldable display and is capable of relative movement (e.g., pivoting or sliding) of its structure (e.g., housing).

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an electronic device capable of stably maintaining the folded or unfolded position of a flexible display.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] According to an example embodiment, an electronic device includes: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge module pivotally connecting the first housing and the second housing; and a flexible display disposed from a surface of the first housing through a region where the hinge module is disposed to a surface of the second housing. The hinge module may include: a pawl hinge at least partially receiving a pair of rotational axes and including a cam-shaped cam surface formed in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axes of the pair of rotational axes; a roller contacting the cam surface and configured to rotate corresponding to the cam shape; at least one elastic member comprising an elastic material, disposed in the direction perpendicular to the rotational axes of the pair of rotational axes and configured to provide elastic force to the roller; and a pawl support including the pair of rotational axes and providing space for receiving the roller and the at least one elastic member.

[0012] According to an example embodiment, an electronic device includes: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge module pivotally connecting the first housing and the second housing; and a flexible display disposed from a surface of the first housing through a region provided with the hinge module to a surface of the second housing. The hinge module may include: a pawl hinge having a cam-shaped cam surface; a pawl support including a pair of rotating shafts pivotally connected to the pawl hinge; rollers slidably contacting the cam surface and configured to rotate corresponding to the cam shape; at least one elastic member comprising an elastic material, disposed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating shafts and configured to provide elastic force to the rollers; a hinge support rotatably supporting the ends of the pair of rotating shafts; a pair of rotating supports rotatably mounted on the hinge support; and a sliding member mounted in either the first housing or the second housing and slidably coupled to the rotating supports.

[0013] Beneficial effects

[0014] As can be seen from the foregoing description, according to various example embodiments, in a foldable or deployable electronic device with a flexible display (e.g., a foldable electronic device), multiple housings can be stably and simultaneously pivoted on a hinge module.

[0015] According to various example embodiments, in such foldable electronic devices, the pivoting of multiple housings is performed symmetrically with respect to the hinge module, such that the loads induced during deformation (e.g., folding or unfolding) can be uniformly distributed over the entire flexible area of ​​the flexible display. Therefore, load concentration on specific areas of the flexible display can be prevented and / or reduced, thereby improving the reliability and / or durability of the flexible display.

[0016] According to various example embodiments, this foldable electronic device can be held fixed at any angular position between multiple housings via the pawl hinge and pawl assembly of the interlocking hinge module. Furthermore, a braking sensation (e.g., tactile feedback or haptic feedback) can be provided to the user, allowing the user to recognize that an operation has been completed when the electronic device reaches an unfolded or folded position.

[0017] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the unfolded positions of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a view showing the folded position of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0021] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example connection structure of a first housing and a second housing in an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example structure in an electronic device according to various embodiments in which a hinge module is placed;

[0024] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example hinge module of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0025] Figure 7 This illustrates various embodiments. Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of the hinge module;

[0026] Figure 8This is a perspective view showing an exemplary assembled hinge module of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing an example first hinge bracket of an electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing a portion of an example first rotating bracket and / or a second rotating bracket of an electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments;

[0029] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing an example pawl hinge and pawl bracket of an electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments;

[0030] Figure 12 It is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the pivot axis and / or rotation axis of an electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments;

[0031] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing an exemplary assembled ratchet assembly of an electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments;

[0032] Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view showing an example ratchet assembly of an electronic device and / or hinge module according to an embodiment;

[0033] Figure 15 This is a perspective view illustrating example operations of unfolding and folding of a hinge module according to various embodiments;

[0034] Figure 16 This is a projected view illustrating an example connection relationship between a pawl hinge and a pawl assembly according to various embodiments;

[0035] Figure 17 It is according to various embodiments along Figure 15 A cross-sectional view taken from line "BA";

[0036] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating an example roller rolling along the cam surface of a hinge module according to various embodiments;

[0037] Figure 19 This is a perspective view illustrating example operations of folding of an electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments;

[0038] Figure 20 This illustrates the operation of folding the electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments. Figure 19 A 3D view of the hinge module cut by the line "CA";

[0039] Figure 21 This illustrates the operation of folding the electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments. Figure 19 A 3D view of the hinge module cut by the line "CB";

[0040] Figure 22 This illustrates the operation of folding the electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments. Figure 19 A 3D view of the hinge module cut by the line "CC";

[0041] Figure 23 It is a perspective view showing the folding position of an electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments;

[0042] Figure 24 This illustrates the folding position of the electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments, along... Figure 23 A 3D view of the hinge module cut by the line "CA";

[0043] Figure 25 This illustrates the folding position of the electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments, along... Figure 23 A 3D view of the hinge module cut by the line "CB";

[0044] Figure 26 This illustrates the folding position of the electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments, along... Figure 23 A 3D view of the hinge module cut by the line "CC";

[0045] Figure 27 It is a perspective view showing the unfolded position of an electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments;

[0046] Figure 28 This illustrates the arrangement of the electronic device and / or hinge module in the deployed position according to various embodiments. Figure 27 A 3D view of the hinge module cut by the line "CA";

[0047] Figure 29 This illustrates the arrangement of the electronic device and / or hinge module in the deployed position according to various embodiments. Figure 27 A 3D view of the hinge module cut by the line "CB";

[0048] Figure 30 This illustrates the arrangement of the electronic device and / or hinge module in the deployed position according to various embodiments. Figure 27 A 3D view of the hinge module cut by the line "CC"; and

[0049] Figure 31 and Figure 32This is a diagram illustrating an example interlocking part, a second rotating part, and a pawl part of an electronic device and / or hinge module according to various embodiments.

[0050] Throughout all the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals will be understood to refer to similar parts, components, and structures. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The electronic device according to various embodiments can be one of a variety of types of electronic devices. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer equipment, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

[0052] It should be understood that the various embodiments of this disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to the particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or substitutions to the corresponding embodiments. Regarding the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It should be understood that, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more things. As used herein, each of phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include all possible combinations of items enumerated together in the corresponding phrases within these phrases. As used herein, terms such as “first” and “second” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish corresponding components from another component without limiting the components in other respects (e.g., importance or order). It should be understood that if an element (e.g., the first element) is referred to as being "connected" to, "attached to" another element (e.g., the second element), "connected to" another element (e.g., the second element), or "linked to" another element (e.g., the second element), with or without the terms "operably" or "communically," it means that the element can be connected to the other element directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or via a third element.

[0053] As used herein, the term "module" can include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms such as "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuit." A module can be a single integral component or its smallest unit or part adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to embodiments, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0054] Various embodiments as described herein can be implemented as software (e.g., a program) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal or external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor of a machine (e.g., an electronic device) can invoke at least one of the instructions stored in the storage medium and run it under the processor's control, with or without one or more other components. This causes the machine to be run to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Machine-readable storage media can be provided in the form of non-transitory storage media. The term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0055] According to embodiments, methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or via an app store (e.g., the Play Store). TM The computer program product may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). If distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, the memory of an app store's server, or the memory of a relay server.

[0056] According to various embodiments, each of the above-described components (e.g., a module or program) may include a single entity or multiple entities. Some of the multiple entities may be separately located in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as the multiple components were performed by their corresponding components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the unfolded position of an electronic device 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the folded positions of an electronic device 100 according to various embodiments.

[0058] In describing various embodiments of this disclosure, a pair of housings (e.g., a first housing 101 and a second housing 102) are pivotally coupled to a hinge module (e.g., Figure 3 (Hinge module 204 in the image). However, it should be noted that the electronic device 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include three or more housings. As used herein, a “housing structure pair” may, for example, refer to two pivotally connected housings among three or more housings.

[0059] In the following detailed description, "+X / -X direction", "+Y / -Y direction" or "+Z / -Z direction" may be mentioned. It should be noted that this is based on... Figure 1 or Figure 2 The Cartesian coordinate system described below is used to describe the width direction X, length direction Y, or thickness direction Z of the housing 101. For example, various changes can be made to the above definitions according to embodiments or when another structure of the electronic device 100 is used as a reference. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, "front surface" or "rear surface" may be mentioned for the electronic device 100 or housings 101 and 102, and regardless of the relative positions of housings 101 and 102 (e.g., unfolded position or folded position), a... Figure 1 The surface of the flexible display 103 can be defined as the front surface of the electronic device 100 (or housing 101 and 102), while the surface opposite to the surface on which the flexible display 103 is disposed can be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device 100 (or housing 101 and 102).

[0060] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electronic device 100 may include a pair of housings 101 and 102, a flexible display 103, and a hinge module (e.g.,) pivotally connecting the housings 101 and 102. Figure 3The hinge module 204. The electronic device 100 may also include hinge covers (one or more) 199 disposed at the top and / or bottom. The hinge covers (one or more) 199 may be substantially disposed between the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 and may not be visually exposed to the outside. In embodiments, the hinge covers (one or more) 199 may isolate the internal space of the electronic device 100 from the external space. According to embodiments, the hinge covers (one or more) 199 may be visually exposed to the outside when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded position, and may be visually hidden when the electronic device 100 is in the folded position.

[0061] According to the embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the electronic device 100 (e.g., the first housing 101 and the second housing 102) is in the unfolded position, the flexible display 103 can output an image substantially in one direction (e.g., the +Z direction) over its entire area. Figure 2 As shown, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded position, the first region A1 of the flexible display 103 can be configured to face the +Z direction, while the second region A2 of the flexible display 103 can be configured to face the -Z direction. For example, the flexible display 103 may include regions (e.g., the first region A1 and the second region A2) configured to face away from each other in the folded position of the electronic device 100. For example, the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 may pivot between a position in which they are extended side-by-side and a position in which they are folded and facing each other. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 103 may include a folding region A3, and in the folded position of the electronic device 100, the folding region A3 may be substantially positioned in the +X direction. For example, in the position where the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 are folded and facing each other, the flexible display 103 may be visually exposed to the outside.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the first housing 101 and / or the second housing 102 may receive the flexible display 103 in the front surface and include rear plates 101b and 102b disposed on the rear surface (e.g., Figure 3The first rear panel 201b and the second rear panel 202b are mentioned. The electronic device 100 may include multiple electronic components disposed in the space between the flexible display 103 and the rear panels 101b and 102b, such as circuit boards, various sensor modules, batteries, audio input / output modules, camera modules, haptic modules, antennas, and / or connection terminals. A first housing 101 may be coupled to a hinge module 204 to pivot about a first pivot axis P1, and a second housing 102 may be coupled to the hinge module 204 to pivot about a second pivot axis P2. According to an embodiment, the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 may be configured to be substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to the hinge module 204. According to an embodiment, when the first housing 101 pivots about the hinge module 204, the second housing 102 may pivot in the opposite direction to the first housing 101, thereby causing the electronic device to fold or unfold.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 103 may include a first region A1 disposed on one surface of a first housing 101, a folding region A3 disposed corresponding to a hinge module 204, and / or a second region A2 disposed on one surface of a second housing 102. For example, the flexible display 103 can extend from one surface of the first housing 101 through the region where the hinge module 204 is disposed to one surface of the second housing 102. Essentially, the first region A1 can be fixed to the first housing 101, and the second region A2 can be fixed to the second housing 102. The folding region A3 may be composed of a multi-bar assembly (e.g., Figure 3 The flexible display 103 is supported by a multi-bar assembly 206. For example, the multi-bar assembly 206 may be disposed on the front surface of the electronic device 100 between the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, thereby supporting the flexible display 103 (e.g., the folding area A3). According to an embodiment, the flexible display 103 can output an image over substantially the entire area of ​​the front surface of the electronic device 100.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the width D1 measured along the X direction from the side surface of the first housing 101, through the location where the hinge module 204 is provided, to the side surface of the second housing 102 in the unfolded position can be substantially the same on the front surface (e.g., flexible display 103) and the rear surface of the electronic device 100. The width D2 measured along the X direction from the side surface of the first housing 101, through the location where the hinge module 204 is provided, to the side surface of the second housing 102 in the folded position can be smaller on the rear surface of the electronic device 100 compared to the front surface (e.g., flexible display 103). Since the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the flexible display 103 are fixed to the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, and the width measured along the X direction remains substantially constant in the flexible display 103, the width measured along the X direction on the rear surface of the electronic device 100 can vary. For example, a change in the width measured along the X direction on the rear surface of the electronic device 100 can be achieved as a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device 100 (e.g., the area indicated by "V1" and / or "V2") contracts or expands. According to an embodiment, a change in the width measured along the X direction on the rear surface of the electronic device 100 can be achieved as the first housing 101 and / or the second housing 102 slides on the hinge module 204. According to an embodiment, as the first housing 101 and / or the second housing 102 slides on the hinge module 204, and the area indicated by "V1" and / or "V2" contracts or expands on the rear surface of the electronic device 100 corresponding to the sliding of the first housing 101 and / or the second housing 102, the width measured along the X direction can vary.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the variation in the length of the rear surface of the electronic device 100, as it is folded or unfolded, can be proportional to the spacing between the flexible display 103 of the electronic device 100 and the rear surface. For example, as the thickness of the electronic device 100, measured in the Z direction, increases, the variation in the length of the rear surface of the electronic device 100, as it is folded or unfolded, may increase.

[0066] According to embodiments, the electronic device 100 (e.g., a first housing 101 and / or a second housing 102) may include at least one sensor region S1 and S2 in which at least one sensor module is provided. For example, the electronic device 100 may include a first sensor region S1 provided on the front or side surface of the first housing 101 and / or a second sensor region S2 provided on the front surface. For example, a fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed in the first sensor region S1. The fingerprint recognition sensor may include, for example, an optical fingerprint recognition sensor or an ultrasonic fingerprint recognition sensor and may be disposed on the side surface of the first housing 101 (or the second housing 102) or inside the flexible display 103. The electronic device 100 may include a sensor module provided in the second sensor region S2, such as a camera module, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator light. The sensor module in the second sensor region S2 may be disposed inside the flexible display 103.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a notch protruding from the second sensor region S2 into the first region A1 of the flexible display 103. The notch may be a structure forming a first housing 101 (or a second housing 102), and at least a portion of the sensor module may be disposed within the notch. The notch may be polygonal, circular, or elliptical. In an embodiment, the flexible display 103 may include a transparent area in the second sensor region S2 that allows external light to enter the interior. For example, an optical sensor, such as a camera module or a proximity sensor, may be disposed in the sensor module corresponding to the transparent area of ​​the flexible display 103. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 (e.g., sensor regions S1 and S2 or sensor modules) is not limited to the above-described configuration and may include additional sensor regions or additional sensor modules depending on the functions provided in the electronic device 100 or the function of each sensor module. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may not include some of the sensor modules mentioned above.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a camera module 121 disposed on a rear surface (e.g., the rear surface of the second housing 102). According to an embodiment, the camera module 121 can be interpreted as one of a sensor module and may include multiple cameras, at least one infrared (IR) projector, at least one IR receiver, or a flash. A user can use the camera module 121 provided on the rear surface of the electronic device 100 (e.g., the second housing 102) to capture objects. According to an embodiment, the camera module 121 may be disposed in different locations (e.g., locations indicated by reference numerals "123a" or "123b"), and the electronic device 100 may also be configured with... Figure 1 The different locations indicated in the text include additional camera modules or sensor modules.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include at least one key input device 111a and 111b disposed on a side surface of a first housing 101 (and / or a second housing 102). The key input devices 111a and 111b may include, for example, volume control keys 111a and / or a power key 111b, and according to an embodiment, the shown key input devices 111a and 111b may be omitted, or additional key input devices may be provided. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may also include soft keys provided via a flexible display 103.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include at least one connector hole 113a and 113b formed on a side surface of the electronic device 100 (e.g., the side surface, top surface, and / or bottom surface of the first housing 101 and / or the second housing 102). The connector holes 113a and 113b may include, for example, a first connector hole 113a for charging / data cable connection and a second connector hole 113b for audio device (e.g., headphones) connection. According to an embodiment, the data cable may, for example, be a cable provided by the audio device. For example, the electronic device 100 may not include the second connector hole 113b and may connect to the audio device via the first connector hole 113a. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may not include connector holes 113a and 113b. For example, the electronic device 100 may wirelessly connect to another electronic device 100 or an additional device (e.g., headphones) via features including wireless charging, Bluetooth communication, Wi-Fi Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA).

[0071] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a plurality of audio output ports 115a and 115b and a plurality of audio input ports 117a and 117b. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio output ports 115a and 115b may be formed on the top and bottom of a first housing 101 (and / or a second housing 102), respectively. According to an embodiment, the audio output ports 115a and 115b may be formed on the side surfaces of the first housing 101 and the second housing 102, respectively. The audio input ports 117a and 117b may be formed on the top and bottom of the electronic device 100 (e.g., the first housing 101), respectively. The electronic device 100 can obtain external audio through the plurality of audio input ports 117a and 117b, thereby performing functions such as audio beamforming, active noise cancellation (ANC), echo cancellation (EC), noise suppression (NS), and / or feedforward (FF) in audio call or audio recording modes. According to an embodiment, audio input holes (not shown) may be further formed in the rear surface of the first housing 101 (and / or the second housing 102). The electronic device 100 can acquire external audio in capture mode via the audio input holes formed in the rear surface of the first housing 101. Since the number and orientation of the audio input holes 117a and 117b are diverse, the electronic device 100 can provide better performance in audio beamforming, active noise cancellation (ANC), echo cancellation (EC), noise suppression (NS), and / or feedforward (FF).

[0072] According to an embodiment, in the unfolded position, the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 can be configured to form a specified angle between them, for example, 180 degrees. When the electronic device 100 is unfolded to the specified angle, the flexible display 103 can output an image in the +Z direction over substantially the entire area. According to an embodiment, the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 can be tilted between a position where they are folded to face each other and a position at the specified angle. In the tilted unfolded position, the first area A1 and the second area A2 of the flexible display 103 can output images in different directions. For example, when tilted and unfolded, the electronic device 100 can provide an image to two users sitting facing each other. When outputting an image in the tilted unfolded position, the image output from the first area A1 and the image output from the second area A2 can be the same as or different from each other.

[0073] According to an embodiment, in the folded position, the flexible display 103 can be substantially visually exposed to the outside. For example, the electronic device 100 can use the first area A1, the second area A2, and / or the folding area A3 to output images. According to an embodiment, in standby mode, the electronic device 100 can deactivate the screen of the flexible display 103 and activate partial areas according to specified settings. For example, in standby mode, the electronic device 100 can at least partially activate the first area A1 to output everyday information, such as time or weather. According to an embodiment, in standby mode, the electronic device 100 can activate at least one of the first area A1, the second area A2, and / or the folding area A3 to provide visual information about the operating status or display notification information, such as messages or news.

[0074] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is folded or unfolded, the radius of curvature of the folding region A3 of the flexible display 103 changes. For example, as the electronic device 100 gradually unfolds from its folded position, the radius of curvature of the folding region A3 gradually increases. During the folding or unfolding operation, the electronic device 100 can adjust the image output through the folding region A3. For example, the electronic device 100 can compensate for the distortion of the output image caused by the deformation of the folding region A3 by adjusting the aspect ratio of the image in the folding region A3 according to the change in the radius of curvature.

[0075] Figure 3 This illustrates an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an electronic device (100). Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example structure in an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments, in which a first housing 101 and a second housing 102 are connected.

[0076] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Electronic devices 200 (e.g., Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The electronic device 100 may include: a first housing 201 (e.g., Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 First housing 101); second housing 202 (e.g., Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The second housing 102), which is pivotally connected to the first housing 201; and at least one hinge module 204 and / or flexible display 203 (e.g., Figure 1 and / or Figure 2The flexible display 103 is pivotally connected to the first housing 201 and the second housing 202. The flexible display 203 can be disposed from one surface (e.g., the front surface) of the first housing 201 through the area where the hinge module 204 is provided to one surface (e.g., the front surface) of the second housing 202.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the first housing 201 may include a first housing member 201a and a first rear plate 201b coupled to the first housing member 201a. The second housing 202 may include a second housing member 202a and a second rear plate 202b coupled to the second housing member 202a. The first housing 201 and the second housing 202 may have substantially the same structure and may differ partially depending on the electronic components disposed therein. For example, when Figure 1 When the camera module 121 is disposed in one of the first housing 201 and the second housing 202, there may be slight differences in the shape of the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 (e.g., the first rear plate 201b and the second rear plate 202b) or in the mechanical structure of the first housing member 201a and the second housing member 202a. Such differences between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 may vary depending on the product actually manufactured.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the first housing member 201a can substantially form the external appearance of the electronic device 200 (e.g., the first housing 201) and may include a first side frame structure 211 and a first support plate 213. The first side frame structure 211 may be a side surface forming the first housing 201 (e.g., Figure 1 The first side frame structure 211 has a frame shape (left side surface), top and / or bottom, and is open in a direction adjacent to the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the first side frame structure 211 may include metal and / or polymer. For example, the first side frame structure 211 may at least partially comprise metal and / or conductive material, thereby acting as an antenna of the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, the first side frame structure 211 may include various coatings for decorating the external appearance of the electronic device 200 or providing an electrically insulating structure.

[0079] According to an embodiment, a first support plate 213 may be disposed in the space between the flexible display 203 and the first rear plate 201b and connected to the first side bezel structure 211. According to an embodiment, the first support plate 213 may be integrally formed with the first side bezel structure 211 and may comprise the same material as the first side bezel structure 211, such as metal and / or polymer. According to an embodiment, the first support plate 213 may comprise metal and / or conductive material to provide an electromagnetic shielding structure within the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, the first support plate 213 may comprise metal and / or conductive material to act as a ground conductor providing a reference potential within the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 103 (e.g., the first region A1) may be positioned on the outer surface of the first support plate 213.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the first back plate 201b may be made of laminated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of these. According to an embodiment, the first back plate 201b may be substantially integrally formed with the first housing member 201a (e.g., the first side bezel structure 211). According to an embodiment, the first back plate 201b may at least partially include a curved region. For example, the edge portion of the first back plate 201b adjacent to the first side bezel structure 211 may include a portion that curves and extends seamlessly toward the front surface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., the surface where the flexible display 203 is disposed). In an embodiment, the first back plate 201b may be configured to be inclined relative to a first region A1 of the flexible display 103. For example, if the first back plate 201b is located at a first height from the first region A1 of the flexible display 203 at its edge adjacent to the second housing 202, it may be located at a second height lower than the first height at its end in the -X direction.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the space between the first support plate 213 and the first rear plate 201b can be at least partially surrounded by the first side frame structure 211. Although not shown, the electronic device 200 can accommodate various electronic components, such as printed circuit boards, batteries, haptic modules, camera modules, sensor modules, and / or connection terminals, in the space between the first support plate 213 and the first rear plate 201b. For example, the first support plate 213 can be used as a structure to prevent and / or obstruct other electronic components of the electronic device 200 from contacting the flexible display 203. Some electronic components accommodated in the electronic device 200 (e.g., camera modules, etc.) Figure 1The camera module 121) may be partially exposed to the external space. Here, "exposed to the external space" may, for example, include components that are isolated from the external space but are visually exposed and / or components that are exposed for direct contact by the user. The processor, memory, and / or interface may be placed on a printed circuit board.

[0082] The processor may include various processing circuits, including one or more of the following: for example, a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphics processing device, an image signal processing unit, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. The battery may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device 200. The battery may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable rechargeable battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery may be configured to be substantially coplanar with the printed circuit board, for example, located between a first support plate and a first rear plate. The battery may be integrally or removably disposed within the electronic device 200.

[0083] According to embodiments, an additional support plate and / or an antenna (not shown) may be provided in the space between the first support plate 213 and the first rear plate 201b. The additional support plate may enhance the mechanical rigidity of the electronic device 200 and may provide an electromagnetic shielding structure between electronic components within the electronic device 200. The antenna may be disposed between the first support plate 213 (and / or the additional support plate not shown) and the first rear plate 201b. The antenna may include, for example, a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetically secure transmission (MST) antenna, thereby performing short-range communication with external devices or wirelessly sending / receiving power required for charging. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the antenna structure may be formed by a portion or combination of the first side frame structure 211 and / or the first support plate 213.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the second housing 202 may include a second housing member 202a (e.g., a second side frame structure 221 and a second support plate 223) and a second rear plate 202b, and since it may have a structure similar to that of the first housing 201, its detailed description will be omitted. According to an embodiment, as mentioned above, due to the electrical components disposed in the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202, for example... Figure 1 The key input devices 111a and 111b, sensor areas S1 and S2 and / or camera module 121 may be different from each other, so the second housing 202 may be partially different from the first housing 201 in shape or structure.

[0085] According to an embodiment, hinge module 204 can pivotally connect the second housing 202 to the first housing 201. According to an embodiment, the first housing 201 can be connected to hinge module 204 to pivot about a first pivot axis P1, and the second housing 202 can be connected to hinge module 204 to pivot about a second pivot axis P2. For example, the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 in the unfolded position can pivot relative to each other in opposite directions and be folded. The first housing 201 and the second housing 202 in the folded position can pivot relative to each other in opposite directions and be unfolded up to a specified angle. Here, the "specified angle" can be, for example, approximately 180 degrees.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the hinge module 204 can interlock the pivoting of the second housing 202 with the pivoting of the first housing 201. For example, when the first housing 201 is about the first pivot axis P1 in a first direction (e.g., in...), Figure 3 When pivoting (observed in the state shown, clockwise), the hinge module 204 can cause the second housing 202 to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., in...). Figure 3 (Observed in the state shown, it rotates counterclockwise) Pivoting. According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivots, the hinge module 204 can provide friction. For example, when a user applies a certain degree of external force, the hinge module 204 can cause the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 to pivot, while if no external force is applied, the hinge module 204 can keep the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 fixed. In an embodiment, the hinge module 204 may use a pawl structure (e.g., Figure 5 The pawl portion 204c is used to hold the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 fixed at a specified angle (e.g., folded 0-degree position, unfolded 180-degree position and / or unfolded at an angle of about 120 degrees to about 160 degrees).

[0087] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 103 may include a display panel 231 and a display protective layer 233. The display panel 231 may include a light-emitting layer formed between transparent substrates, and the transparent substrates may include electronic circuitry, such as touch sensors. For example, the display panel 231 may be formed of, for example, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) or micro-LEDs to output visual information and may detect direct contact of the user with the display panel 231 or movement of the user within a certain distance. The display protective layer 233 may attach the display panel 231 to a first housing 201 and / or a second housing 202, may include an elastic material, and may be used as a buffer material between the display panel 231 and mechanical structures (e.g., the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202).

[0088] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 203 may include a first region A1 mounted or fixed to a first housing 201, a second region A2 disposed in a second housing 202, and a folding region A3 connecting the first region A1 and the second region A2. The folding region A3 may be configured to substantially correspond to the region where the hinge module 204 is disposed, and may be integrated with the electronic device 200 (e.g., Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 The electronic device 200 is folded or unfolded to transform into a flat or curved shape. When the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded position, the flexible display 203 can use substantially the entire area to output an image in one direction. When the electronic device 200 is in the folded position, the flexible display 203 can use a first area A1 and a second area A2 to output an image in different directions.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may further include a first sliding plate 205a and a second sliding plate 205b. The first sliding plate 205a may be positioned on a first housing member 201a (e.g., a first support plate 213), and a portion of the hinge module 204 may be coupled to slide between the first support plate 213 and the first sliding plate 205a. The second sliding plate 205b may be positioned on a second housing member 202a (e.g., a second support plate 223), and a portion of the hinge module 204 may be coupled to slide between the second support plate 223 and the second sliding plate 205b. For example, the first sliding plate 205a and the second sliding plate 205b may connect the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 to the hinge module 204, thereby guiding or supporting the sliding of the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may not include the first sliding plate 205a and / or the second sliding plate 205b.

[0090] According to an embodiment, electronic device 200 (e.g., Figure 1 and / or Figure 2The electronic device 100 may also include a multi-bar assembly 206. The multi-bar assembly 206 may be positioned corresponding to the area where the hinge module 204 is located and may connect to the first support plate 213 and the second support plate 223. For example, the multi-bar assembly 206 may be configured to support a folding area A3 of the flexible display 203. According to an embodiment, the multi-bar assembly 206 may include a plurality (e.g., five) of bars or rods extending in one direction. The bars or rods of the multi-bar assembly 206 may have a circular, elliptical, or polygonal cross-section and may be arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the electronic device 200 (e.g., the axis of rotation (P1 or P2)). According to an embodiment, the plurality of bars or rods may be arranged along the width direction (X-axis) of the electronic device 200 to be pivotally connected to another adjacent bar or rod. As the bars or rods pivot relative to another adjacent bar or rod, the multi-bar assembly 206 may be deformed into a planar shape or a curved shape. For example, when the electronic device 200 is folded or unfolded, the multi-link assembly 206 can support the folding area A3 of the flexible display 203 while deformation occurs corresponding to the folding area A3. When an external object or user comes into contact with the folding area A3 in the unfolded position of the electronic device 200, the multi-link assembly 206 can support the folding area A3, thereby suppressing deformation of the folding area A3.

[0091] Figure 5 This illustrates a hinge module 204 disposed in an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A diagram of an example structure in an electronic device 100.

[0092] Together Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Refer to together Figure 5 The hinge module 204 may include a first rotating part 204a, an interlocking part 204b, a pawl part 204c, and / or a second rotating part 204d. The first rotating part 204a is part that substantially realizes or guides the rotation of the first housing 101 and / or the second housing 202, and the pivot axis P1 or P2 may be configured by the structure of the first rotating part 204a. The interlocking part 204b may use multiple (e.g., one or two pairs) gears (e.g., ...). Figure 7The gears 372 are arranged in a structure that meshes sequentially with each other to interlock the first housing 201 (e.g., first housing member 201a) and the second housing 202 (e.g., second housing member 202a). For example, in the gears of the interlocking part 204b, the first gear rotates as the first housing 201 pivots, and in the gears of the interlocking part 204b, the second gear can rotate in a direction different from the first gear (e.g., in the opposite direction) as the second housing 202 pivots. For example, the first gear and the second gear can be spur gears and can mesh with each other to interlock the pivoting of the first housing 201 and the pivoting of the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the axis of rotation of the first gear (e.g., the first axis of rotation R1) and the axis of rotation of the second gear (e.g., the second axis of rotation R2) can be arranged parallel to the pivoting axis P1 or P2 at a position spaced apart from the pivoting axis P1 or P2.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the pawl portion 204c can maintain a specified angle between the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivots and notify the user of the unfolded position and / or folded position. For example, when the user applies a certain amount of external force, the hinge module 204 can cause the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 to pivot and use the cam structure provided in the pawl portion 204c to keep the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 fixed at the specified angle position. As another example, when the user applies a certain amount of external force, the hinge module 204 can allow the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 to pivot and, upon reaching the unfolded position and / or folded position, indicate to the user that the operation has been completed through a braking sensation (e.g., an operating sensation).

[0094] According to an embodiment, the second rotating part 204d, together with the first rotating part 204a, can realize or guide the rotational operation of the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202. According to an embodiment, the second rotating part 204d can stably maintain the pivoting of the hinge module 204 and the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202. The second rotating part 204d can be integrally formed with the interlocking part 204b and can pivot about the rotation axes R1 and / or R2 of the rotating part 204d and / or the interlocking part 204b. For example, a slide bar (e.g., ...) can be formed at the end of the second rotating part 204d. Figure 6 The slide bar 376 is used to compensate for the length difference between the rotation axes R1 and / or R2 of the second rotating part 204d and the pivot axis P1 or P2 of the first rotating part 204a. Therefore, the second rotating part 204d can pivot stably together with the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202, which rotate about the pivot axis P1 or P2. As another example, a slide bar (e.g., movable within the second rotating part 204d) can be formed at the end of the second rotating part 204d. Figure 6 The sliding rod 376 suppresses relative angular displacement between the second rotating part 204d and the first housing 201 and / or between the second rotating part 204d and the second housing 202. Therefore, the second rotating part 204d can pivot substantially together with the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 without relative angular displacement, thereby providing a stable connection structure between the hinge module 204 and the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the first rotating portion 204a and the second rotating portion 204d can be at least partially positioned between the first support plate 213 and the first sliding plate 205a and / or between the second support plate 223 and the second sliding plate 205b. For example, a surface contact structure can be provided between the rotating portions (e.g., the first rotating portion 204a and / or the second rotating portion 204d) and the housing (e.g., the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202) to suppress relative angular displacement between the second rotating portion 204d and the first housing 201 and / or between the second rotating portion 204d and the second housing 202.

[0096] In the following description, it will be mentioned as necessary. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Electronic devices 100 and 200 and / or Figure 5 The hinge module 204. In the following examples, components that are the same as those in the above embodiments or that are easily understood from the description of the above embodiments are indicated by or without the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may not be repeated.

[0097] Figure 6 This illustrates an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an example hinge module 204 in an electronic device 100. Figure 7 This illustrates various embodiments. Figure 6 Exploded perspective view of hinge module 204. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the assembled hinge module 204 of an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments.

[0098] According to an embodiment, hinge module 204 (e.g., Figure 5 The hinge module 204 may include a first rotating part 204a, an interlocking part 204b, a pawl part 204c and / or a second rotating part 204d. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The construction of the first rotating part 204a, the interlocking part 204b, the pawl part 204c and / or the second rotating part 204d can be the same as... Figure 5 The first rotating part 204a, the interlocking part 204b, the pawl part 204c and / or the second rotating part 204d have completely or partially identical structures.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the hinge module 204 may include hinge supports (e.g., a first hinge support 301a and a second hinge support 301b) and rotating supports (e.g., a first rotating support 302a and a second rotating support 302b). It is slidably coupled to an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The housing of electronic device 200 (e.g., Figure 3 In the structure of the first housing 201 and the second housing 202, the hinge module 204 may further include sliding members (e.g., the first sliding member 329a and the second sliding member 329b), pawl hinge 308, pawl support (e.g., the first pawl support 304a and the second pawl support 304b), and pawl assembly (e.g., the first pawl assembly 305a and the second pawl assembly 305b).

[0100] According to an embodiment, the first sliding member 329a can be configured to face the first support plate (e.g., Figure 3 At least a portion of the first support plate 213, and may be connected with the first sliding plate (e.g., Figure 3 The first sliding plate 205a) is connected. The second sliding member 329b can be configured to face the second support plate (e.g., ...). Figure 3 At least a portion of the second support plate 223, and may be connected with the second sliding plate (e.g., Figure 3 The second sliding plate 205b is connected. The sliding members 329a and 329b may include a first member 308a interlocked with the rotating brackets 302a and 302b and a second member 308b extending from the first member 308a and interlocked at least partially with the pawl bar 376 of the pawl brackets 304a and 304b.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the first member 308a of sliding members 329a and 329b can be positioned (e.g., mounted or fixed) in the housings 201 and 202 of the electronic device 200 and slidably coupled to the rotating supports 302a and 302b. For example, the first member 308a of sliding members 329a and 329b can be slidably received in a guide hole 321b formed in the rotating supports 302a and 302b. According to an embodiment, the first member 308a of sliding members 329a and 329b may include a sliding rib 329c and thus can be coupled to the rotating supports 302a and 302b substantially in line or in surface contact.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the second member 308b of the sliding members 329a and 329b can be positioned (e.g., mounted or fixed) in the housings 201 and 202 of the electronic device 200 and slidably coupled to the pawl supports 304a and 304b. The second member 308b of the sliding members 329a and 329b may include a groove 327b formed in a position corresponding to the slide bar 376 of the pawl supports 304a and 304b. The groove 327b may have a track extending substantially in the X-axis direction and may be opened in the Y direction perpendicular to the direction in which the guide hole 321b of the rotating supports 302a and 302b is opened. For example, the slide bar 376 of the pawl supports 304a and 304b may be slidably received in the groove 327b.

[0103] According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 are pivoted by an external force, the sliding movement (or guided sliding movement) of the sliding members 329a and 329b can enhance the operational stability and mechanical reliability of the electronic device 200, thereby preventing relative angular displacement between the sliding members 329a and 329b and the pawl supports 304a and 304b. For example, when the housings 201 and 202 and the rotating supports 302a and 302b pivot, the pawl supports 304a and 304b interlock with the rotating supports 302a and 302b, thereby causing the gear 372 formed in the pawl supports 304a and 304b to rotate. The first member 308a of the sliding members 329a and 329b slides along the guide hole 321b of the rotating supports 302a and 302b and can guide the housings 201 and 202 to maintain a substantially constant path. The second member 308b of the sliding members 329a and 329b can guide the sliding movement of the slide bar 376 connected to the pawl supports 304a and 304b. Therefore, instead of pivoting on the pawl supports 304a and 304b, the sliding members 329a and 329b engage with them and slide, thereby transmitting the external force applied to the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 to the gears 372, thus causing them to rotate without significant wear.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the hinge bracket may include a first hinge bracket 301a and a second hinge bracket 301b. The first hinge bracket 301a may be located in a multi-bar assembly of the electronic device 200 (e.g., Figure 3 On the multi-link assembly 206), the second hinge bracket 301b may be located on the multi-link assembly 206 at a position spaced apart from the first hinge bracket 301a. For example, at least one of the first hinge bracket 301a and the second hinge bracket 301b may provide a means of positioning the hinge module 204 on the multi-link assembly 206. Referring below to... Figure 9 Describe the structure of the first hinge bracket 301a.

[0105] Figure 9 This illustrates an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 A perspective view of the first hinge bracket of the hinge module 204.

[0106] Reference Figure 9 The first hinge bracket 301a can provide a first rotational space 311a and a second rotational space 311b that are separate from each other. The first rotational space 311a can refer to the space in which the first rotational bracket 302a is rotatably received or positioned, and the second rotational space 311b can refer to the space in which the second rotational bracket 302b is rotatably received or positioned. At least one first rotational track 315a extending to form a curved trajectory can be provided on the inner wall of the first rotational space 311a. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of first rotational tracks 315a can project from the inner wall of the first rotational space 311a in the length direction (e.g., in the -Y direction and / or +Y direction). When projected and viewed along the Y-axis direction, the pair of first rotational tracks 315a can be aligned with each other. According to an embodiment, when projected and viewed along the Y-axis direction, the pair of first rotational tracks 315a can have concentric different radii of curvature. The second rotational space 311b can be positioned on the first hinge bracket 301a in the -Y direction relative to the first rotational space 311a. At least one second rotational track 315b extending to form a curved trajectory may be provided on the inner wall of the second rotational space 311b. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of second rotational tracks 315b may project from the inner wall of the second rotational space 311b in the longitudinal direction (e.g., in the -Y direction and / or +Y direction). When projected and viewed along the Y-axis direction, the pair of second rotational tracks 315b may be aligned with each other. According to an embodiment, when projected and viewed along the Y-axis direction, the pair of second rotational tracks 315b may have concentric different radii of curvature.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the center (e.g., the center of the radius of curvature) of the curved trajectory formed by the first rotating track 315a and / or the second rotating track 315b can be located at... Figure 3 The first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 are located on the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2. For example, the positions of the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 can be determined by the curvature trajectory of the first rotation track 315a and / or the second rotation track 315b and the center of the radius of curvature of the first rotation track 315a and / or the second rotation track 315b. According to an embodiment, when projected and observed along the Y-axis direction, if the center of the radius of curvature of the first rotation track 315a is aligned with the center of the radius of curvature of the second rotation track 315b, then the first pivot axis P1 and the second pivot axis P2 can be the same. In an embodiment, when projected and observed along the Y-axis direction, if the positions of the centers of the radius of curvature of the first rotation track 315a and the centers of the radius of curvature of the second rotation track 315b are different from each other, then multiple pivot axes can be formed at positions spaced apart from each other.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the first hinge bracket 301a may include a first shaft hole 313a and a second shaft hole 313b. For example, the first shaft hole 313a and the second shaft hole 313b may be formed parallel to each other on the Y-direction-facing end surface of the first hinge bracket 301a. According to an embodiment, the first hinge bracket 301a may include a fastening hole 319 formed on its top surface (e.g., the surface facing the +Z direction). The fastening hole 319 may include, for example, threads formed on its inner wall, and may provide means for placing the first hinge bracket 301a on the multi-bar assembly 206. According to an embodiment, the multi-bar assembly 206 may include a fastening boss corresponding to the fastening hole 319.

[0109] Return to reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8The second hinge bracket 301b can be configured to face the first hinge bracket 301a in the Y direction and can be positioned on the multi-bar assembly 206. For example, the second hinge bracket 301b may include a mounting or fixing means similar to the fastening hole 319 of the first hinge bracket 301a. According to an embodiment, the second hinge bracket 301b may include a shaft hole similar to the first shaft hole 313a and / or the second shaft hole 313b. For example, in the Y direction, the shaft hole provided in the second hinge bracket 301b can be configured to face either the first shaft hole 313a or the second shaft hole 313b. According to an embodiment, the first hinge bracket 301a and the second hinge bracket 301b can be positioned on the same rod or bar of a plurality of rods or bars included in the multi-bar assembly 206. According to an embodiment, the multi-bar assembly 206 may include an odd number, such as 5 or 7 rods or bars, and the first hinge bracket 301a and the second hinge bracket 301b can be mounted on a rod or bar disposed intermediately in the X direction.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the rotating support may include a first rotating support 302a and a second rotating support 302b. The first rotating support 302a and / or the second rotating support 302b may include a sliding frame 321a coupled to the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202, and a rotating arm 323 extending from the sliding frame 321a. The sliding frame 321a may be located within the housing (e.g., Figure 3 In the first housing 201 or the second housing 202, as shown in the example embodiment, the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 are slidably coupled to the hinge module 204, and the sliding frame 321a can be slidably coupled to the first housing 201 or the second housing 202. For example, the sliding frame 321a may form a guide hole 321b extending in the X direction, and the first sliding member 329a may be slidably received in the guide hole 321b. The first sliding member 329a may be substantially positioned in the first housing 201 (e.g., Figure 3 The first support plate 213 and / or the first sliding plate 205a) are positioned between the guide hole 321b, which may be, for example, polygonal or closed curve in shape, and the first sliding member 329a may be constrained in a slidable state within the guide hole 321b. According to an embodiment, the second sliding member 329b may be slidably constrained within the guide hole 321b of the second rotating bracket 302b and may be positioned within the second housing 202. For example, the second sliding member 329b may be located within the second housing 202. Figure 3 It is located between the second support plate 223 and / or the second sliding plate 205b, and can slide in the guide hole 321b of the second rotating bracket 302b.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the rotating arm 323 of the first rotating bracket 302a and / or the second rotating bracket 302b can be rotatably connected to the first hinge bracket 301a. For example, the rotating arm 323 of the first rotating bracket 302a can be rotatably received in the first rotating space 311a, and the rotating arm 323 of the second rotating bracket 302b can be rotatably received in the second rotating space 311b. When connected to the first hinge bracket 301a, the first rotating bracket 302a and the second rotating bracket 302b can be arranged in a straight line along the X direction. (Refer to the following...) Figure 10 The rotating arm 323 of the rotating supports 302a and 302b is described in more detail.

[0112] Figure 10 This illustrates an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments (e.g., Figures 3 to 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 The first rotating bracket 302a of the hinge module 204 (e.g., Figure 6 A perspective view of a portion of the first rotating bracket 302a and / or the second rotating bracket 302b.

[0113] and Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Refer to together Figure 10 The rotating arm 323 may include at least one rotating groove 325 extending from the end of the sliding frame 321a and formed in a surface facing the -Y direction and / or +Y direction. The rotating groove 325 may have a shape and track corresponding to the first rotating track 315a and / or the second rotating track 315b. According to an embodiment, the first rotating track 315a and / or the second rotating track 315b may be received in the rotating groove 325 for sliding within the rotating groove 325. The first rotating support 302a and / or the second rotating support 302b may be substantially connected to the first hinge support 301a via the rotating arm 323 and the first rotating track 315a and / or the rotating arm 323 and the second rotating track 315b and guided by the rotating groove 325, the first rotating track 315a and / or the second rotating track 315b to pivot on the first hinge support 301a.

[0114] Return to reference Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The first rotating bracket 302a and the second rotating bracket 302b can be mounted on the first hinge bracket 301a for pivoting. For example, the first rotating bracket 302a and the second rotating bracket 302b can be coupled to the first hinge bracket 301a to substantially form Figure 5The first rotating part 204a. According to an embodiment, the first rotating track 315a and the second rotating track 315b may have different centers of curvature radius. For example, the pivot axis of the first rotating support 302a (e.g., the first pivot axis P1) and the pivot axis of the second rotating support 302b (e.g., the second pivot axis P2) may be parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the first rotating track 315a and the second rotating track 315b may have the same center of curvature radius. For example, the pivot axes of the first rotating support 302a and the second rotating support 302b (e.g., pivot axes P1 or P2) may be the same. When assembled in the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202, the first rotating support 302a and the second rotating support 302b can rotate on the first hinge support 301a within an angular range of approximately 90 degrees. According to an embodiment, the first rotating track 315a and the second rotating track 315b may have trajectories with an angular range exceeding 90 degrees (e.g., approximately 100 degrees). For example, when assembled in the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202, the first rotating bracket 302a and the second rotating bracket 302b can pivot on the first hinge bracket 301a within a specified angular range (e.g., an angular range of approximately 90 degrees) while being engaged with the first hinge bracket 301a.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the hinge module 204 may include a pawl hinge 308 and pawl supports 304a and 304b pivotally connected to the pawl hinge 308. The pawl hinge 308 may be positioned (e.g., mounted or secured) in a multi-bar assembly of the electronic device 200 (e.g., Figure 3 On the multi-bar assembly 206), and the pawl supports 304a and 304b may include a first pawl support 304a and / or a second pawl support 304b. Further reference is made below. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The structure of the pawl hinge 308 and the pawl supports 304a and 304b are described in more detail.

[0116] Figure 11 This illustrates an electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 A perspective view of an example pawl hinge 308 and an example pawl support (e.g., a second pawl support 304b) of the hinge module 204. Figure 12 This illustrates an electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., Figures 3 to 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6A diagram showing the positional relationship between the pivot axis P1 or P2 and / or the rotation axis R1 or R2 of the hinge module 204.

[0117] Together Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Let's refer to it together. Figure 11 The pawl hinge 308 can be mounted or secured to a multi-bar assembly (e.g., Figure 3 The pawl supports 304a and 304b are pivotally connected to both sides of the pawl hinge 308. For example, the pawl hinge 308 can pivotally connect the second pawl support 304b to the first pawl support 304a. The first pawl support 304a can be connected to one side of the pawl hinge 308 to pivot about a rotation axis R1, and the second pawl support 304b can be connected to the other side of the pawl hinge 308 to pivot about a second rotation axis R2. For example, the first pawl support 304a and the second pawl support 304b in the unfolded position can be folded by pivoting relative to each other in opposite directions. The first pawl support 304a and the second pawl support 304b in the folded position can be pivoted relative to each other in opposite directions to unfold to a specified angle.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the pawl hinge 308 may include: a hinge frame 381; receiving grooves 382 formed at both ends of the hinge frame 381; a cam surface formed in a cam shape along the outer surface of the hinge frame 381; and a fastening hole 384 for engagement with a multi-link assembly 206. The hinge frame 381 may be generally cylindrical and may have a fastening hole 384 formed in a top (or bottom) surface (e.g., a surface facing the Z direction) of the hinge frame 381. The fastening hole 384 may include, for example, threads formed on an inner wall and may provide means for placing the hinge frame 381 onto the multi-link assembly 206. According to an embodiment, the multi-link assembly 206 may include a fastening boss corresponding to the fastening hole 384.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the receiving groove 382 may be formed in the end surface of the hinge frame 381 facing the length direction of the hinge frame, for example, the Y direction. The receiving groove 382 may at least partially receive a pair of rotating shafts 373 of the pawl supports 304a and 304b arranged parallel in the Y direction. For example, a pair of receiving grooves 382 are formed at both ends of the hinge frame 381 and may at least partially receive the first rotating shaft 373 of the first pawl support 304a and the second rotating shaft 373 of the second pawl support 304b. The cam surface 383 may be disposed in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction, which is the length direction of the hinge frame 381. According to an embodiment, the cam surface 383 may be formed on both side surfaces of the hinge frame 381 along the length direction of the hinge frame 381, and at least a portion thereof may include a curved surface for cam operation. The cam surface 383 may perform cam motion when in contact with the outer diameter of the roller 352, and because the contact area with the roller 352 is increased, a stable braking or torque feel can be provided.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the first pawl support 304a and the second pawl support 304b can be positioned to face each other relative to the pawl hinge 308. The second pawl support 304b is described below, and the configuration of the second pawl support 304b can be applied to the first pawl support 304a.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the first pawl support 304a and / or the second pawl support 304b may include a support frame 371 having an open side, a rotation shaft 373 extending from the end surface of the support frame 371 to face the Y direction, and a gear 372 positioned adjacent to the rotation shaft 373. According to an embodiment, the first pawl support 304a and / or the second pawl support 304b may further include: a slide bar 376 extending from opposite sides of the end surface of the support frame 371 to face the Y direction; and a guide recess 374 disposed within the support frame 371 and guiding the movement of the pawl assembly 305a or 305b.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the support frame 371 is a frame with an open side and may have an opening in a direction adjacent to the pawl hinge 308. For example, the support frame 371 may be shaped as follows: or When the pawl hinge 308 is engaged on the open side, the support frame 371 can be substantially shaped into a rectangular closed loop. The pawl assembly 305a or 305b can be positioned within the internal space S formed as the support frame 371 and the pawl hinge 308.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the rotation shaft 373 may be disposed adjacent to the open side of the support frame 371 and protrude from the support frame 371 in the Y direction. Multiple rotation shafts 373 may be disposed in different regions of the support frame 371 and may be spaced apart on the same line so as to be inserted into multiple receiving slots 382 of the pawl hinge 308. According to an embodiment, the gear 372 may include, for example, a spur gear formed around at least a portion of the rotation shaft 373. According to an embodiment, when the first pawl support 304a and the second pawl support 304b are coupled to both sides of the pawl hinge 308, the spur gears of the first pawl support 304a and the second pawl support 304b may mesh with each other. For example, when the rotation shaft 373 of the first pawl support 304a (e.g., rotation axis R1) rotates in one direction (e.g., clockwise), the rotation shaft 373 of the second pawl support 304b (e.g., rotation axis R2) may rotate in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise).

[0124] According to an embodiment, the guide recess 374 may extend in the X direction on a surface facing the interior space S of the support frame 371 and may guide the sliding movement of the pawl assembly 305a or 305b received in the interior space S of the support frame 371. For example, the guide recess 374 may be polygonal or closed-curve, and the retainer 351a or 351b of the pawl assembly 305a or 305b may be slidably constrained in the guide recess 374. According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 are pivoted by an external force, the pawl supports 304a and 304b and the pawl assemblies 305a and 305b connected thereto may pivot on the pawl hinge 308. When the pawl assemblies 305a and 305b pivot, a variable elastic force (e.g., tensile or compressive force) may be provided by the elastic member 353. The guide recess 374 can guide the tension provided by the roller 352 of the pawl assembly 305a or 305b to the cam surface 383 to be transmitted horizontally through the elastic force.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the slide bar 376 may be formed to protrude from a hinge arm 375 that protrudes outward from the support frame 371. The slide bar 376 may be slidably received in a sliding hole 327b in a second member 308b formed in sliding members 329a and 329b. The hinge arm 375 is formed to extend in an X direction opposite to the direction of the guide recess 374 and / or gear 372 forming the support frame 371, and the slide bar 376 is formed to extend from the hinge arm 375 in a Y direction.

[0126] Together Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Let's refer to it together. Figure 12It should be noted that the rectangular coordinate system mentioned in the description of relative movement is based on the width direction (X-axis) and / or thickness direction (Z-axis) of the first housing 201 (e.g., the first support plate 213).

[0127] According to an embodiment, the first housing and the second housing (e.g., Figure 3 The first housing 201 and the second housing 202 in the embodiment pivot substantially about a pivot axis P1 or P2, and the pawl support 304a or 304b can be slidably disposed on the first housing 201 or the second housing 202 and pivot about a rotation axis R1 or R2. According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivots, the flexible display 203 (e.g., Figure 1 or Figure 2 A portion of the flexible display 103 (e.g., Figure 12 The folding area A3 can be deformed into a curved shape around the hinge module 204 (e.g., the second hinge bracket 301b). Figure 12 In this context, the first pivot axis P1 can be substantially formed by a first rotational track (e.g., Figure 9 The first rotational orbit 315a) provides the center of the radius of curvature of the trajectory T1. The second pivot axis P2 can be substantially derived from the second rotational orbit (e.g., Figure 9 The second rotating track 315b) provides the center of the radius of curvature of the trajectory T2. In an embodiment, the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 can be interlocked using gears 372 that mesh with each other. When the gears 372 are appropriately sized in this interlocking structure, they can have sufficient mechanical strength.

[0128] According to an embodiment, when the pawl supports 304a and 304b pivot together with the rotation axis 373, the pawl supports 304a and 304b can remain substantially parallel to the rotation supports 302a and 302b and / or the support plates 213 and 223. To enable the pawl supports 304a or 304b to pivot while remaining substantially parallel to the support plates 213 or 223, in the event that the pivot axis P1 or P2 of the housing 201 or 202 is not aligned with the rotation axis (e.g., rotation axis R1 or R2) of the pawl supports 304a or 304b, the pawl supports 304a or 304b (e.g., slide bar 376) can interlock with the rotation supports 302a or 302b and can withstand changes in the spacing between the pawl supports 304a or 304b and the support plates 213 or 223.

[0129] According to an embodiment, in order to identify the rotation radii of the pawl supports 304a and 304b and the rotation radii of the rotating supports 302a and 302b, the connection can be... Figure 12 The first pivot axis P1 and the point f1 of the slide bar 376 of the first pawl support 304a (for example, Figure 8 The straight line connecting point f1) is set as L1, and point f2 (e.g., connecting the rotation axis R1 and the first rotation bracket 302a or 302b) can be set as L2. Figure 8 The straight line at point f2 (the region parallel to the slide bar 376 in the Y direction) is set as L2. For example, when the electronic device is in the unfolded position, points f1 and f2 can be set to coincide in the Y direction. When the electronic device changes from the unfolded position to the folded position, the straight line L1 rotating about the first pivot axis P1 and the straight line L2 rotating about the rotation axis R1 have different paths, such that the distance d between points f1 and f2 can gradually increase. According to the embodiment, in order to match the change in distance between the pawl bracket 304a or 304b and the support plate 213 or 223 when the housings 201 and 202 pivot or rotate, the slide bar 376 of the pawl bracket 304a or 304b can slide in the groove 327b of the sliding member 329a or 329b. The slide bar 376 can move in the groove 327b of the second member 308b substantially along a trajectory corresponding to the change in distance between the pawl bracket 304a or 304b and the support plate 213 or 223. Therefore, the bracket 304a or 304b can pivot while remaining parallel to the support plate 213 or 223.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the pawl assembly 305a or 305b may be located in the internal space S formed by the connection of the pawl hinge 308 and the pawl support 304a or 304b, and may include a retainer 351a or 351b, a roller 352, an elastic member 353, and a pin 354. Further reference is made below. Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 The pawl assemblies 305a and 305b are described in more detail.

[0131] Figure 13 This illustrates an electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., Figures 3 to 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 A perspective view of the assembled ratchet assembly 305a or 305b of the hinge module 204. Figure 14 This illustrates an electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., Figures 3 to 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 Exploded perspective view of the pawl assembly 305a or 305b of the hinge module 204.

[0132] Figure 15 This illustrates a hinge module unfolded according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 6 A perspective view of an example operation of folding the hinge module 204. Figure 16This is a projected view showing the connection relationship between the pawl hinge 308 and the pawl assemblies 305a and 305b according to various embodiments. Figure 17 It is according to various embodiments along Figure 15 The cross-sectional view of hinge module 204 is taken from line “BA”. Figure 18 This illustrates a hinge module (e.g., according to various embodiments) along a hinge. Figure 6 The cam surface of the hinge module 204 (e.g., Figure 16 The cam surface 383) rotating rollers (e.g., Figure 16 The figure shows the roller 354.

[0133] Together Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Let's refer to it together. Figure 13 and Figure 14 Pawl assemblies 305a and 305b can be received within the internal space S formed by pawl supports 304a and 304b, thereby pivoting as pawl supports 304a and 304b pivot. Pawl assemblies 305a and 305b may include a first pawl assembly 305a or 305b and a second pawl assembly 305a or 305b. According to an embodiment, the first pawl assembly 305a or 305b and the second pawl assembly 305a or 305b can be positioned to face each other relative to the pawl hinge 308. For example, a first pawl assembly 305a (e.g., a first retainer 351a, a roller 352, an elastic member (e.g., a material comprising an elastic material or a material configured to provide elastic forces such as tensile or compressive forces) 353 and a pin 354) connected to a first pawl support 304a may pivot about a first axis of rotation R1, while a second pawl assembly 305b (e.g., a second retainer 351b, a roller 352, an elastic member 353 and a pin 354) connected to a second pawl support 304b may pivot about a second axis of rotation R2.

[0134] According to an embodiment, retainers 351a and 351b may include a first retainer 351a coupled to a first pawl support 304a and a second retainer 351b coupled to a second pawl support 304b. Retainers 351a and 351b may receive a roller 352 and support a resilient member 353. For example, retainers 351a and 351b may include a first portion 3511 facing a pawl hinge 308 and a second portion 3512 opposite to the first portion 3511, and the first portion 3511 may include an arm 3513 projecting toward the pawl hinge 308 to receive the roller 352. The first portion 3511 may be shaped as follows: or Arm 3513 may include a hole into which the end of pin 354 is inserted, and pin 354 forms the central axis of roller 352. Roller 352, received in first portion 3511, can rotate about pin 354.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the second portion 3512 may include a plurality of protrusions 3514 facing away from the pawl hinge 308 to support a plurality of elastic members 353. The elastic members 353 may be shaped as helical springs, and the protrusions 3514 may be inserted into the helical springs to reduce the ability of the helical springs to disengage between the pawl supports 304a or 304b and the retainers 351a or 351b. According to an embodiment, one side of the helical spring may be supported by the protrusions 3514, while the other side may be supported by protrusions (not shown) formed inside the pawl supports 304a or 304b. However, various design changes can be made to the shape of the elastic members and the support structure.

[0136] According to an embodiment, retainer 351a or 351b may include moving members 3515 at both opposite ends (e.g., on opposite surfaces of roller 352 in first portion 3511). Moving member 3515 may include a protrusion slidably constrained in guide recess 374 of pawl support 304a or 304b.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the roller 352 may include a hole capable of receiving the pin 354 and may be provided in a shape including a curved surface. For example, the curved surface may have a shape corresponding to the cam surface 383 of the pawl hinge 308. As another example, the outer surface of the roller 352 may be cylindrical or polygonal, including the curved surface.

[0138] Reference Figure 15 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 gradually pivots from the unfolded position to the folded position, the pawl brackets 304a or 304b, which are coupled to interlock with the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202, can rotate about the rotation axis R1 or R2 by rotating the gear 372. The gears of the pawl brackets 304a and 304b rotate together, and the rollers 352 of the pawl assemblies 305a and 305b can rotate along the cam surface 383 of the pawl hinge 308 and slidably contact it.

[0139] According to an embodiment, roller 352 can be mounted in retainer 351a or 351b to rotate about the central axis of pin 354. For example, the outer surface of roller 352 can rotate when in sliding contact with cam surface 383. Roller 352 can extend along the length direction (e.g., Y direction) of pawl hinge 308 such that it can rotate in contact with substantially the entire cam surface 383. For example, roller 352 can have any of the following: a non-circular curved structure, a curved surface with multiple curvatures, or a polygonal structure. The outer surface of roller 352 can generate frictional force when rotating along cam surface 383. The frictional force generated by the outer surface of roller 352 and cam surface 383 can be aggravated by the elastic force of elastic member 353 pressing the outer surface of roller 352 against cam surface 383. By elastic force, at least a portion of roller 352 can maintain an overlapping shape with cam surface during rotation (e.g., a first overlapping structure OR1, a second overlapping structure OR2, or a third overlapping structure OR3).

[0140] According to an embodiment, because the pawl hinge 308 and the pawl assemblies 305a and 305b are interlocked, the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 can be fixed at any angular position, and when an external force of a specified strength or higher is applied, the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 can be pivoted. According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 are gradually pivoted from the unfolded position to the folded position (or when the first housing 201 and / or the first housing 202 are gradually pivoted from the folded position to the unfolded position), the degree of overlap of the overlapping shape continuously increases and then decreases, thereby providing the user with a folding or unfolding feel of the electronic device.

[0141] According to an embodiment, in the extended position of the pawl supports 304a and 304b relative to the pawl hinge 308, the first overlapping structure OR1 between the roller 352 and the cam surface 383 can strongly maintain the extended position (e.g., maintain a force that extends 180 degrees or more) and provide the user with a braking sensation (e.g., tactile feedback or haptic feedback) that allows the user to identify the completion of the operation. According to an embodiment, in the intermediate position between the extended and folded positions of the pawl supports 304a and 304b relative to the pawl hinge 308, the second overlapping structure OR2 between the roller 352 and the cam surface 383 can maintain the intermediate position as the degree of overlap continuously decreases or increases, and provide the user with a braking sensation (e.g., tactile feedback or haptic feedback). According to an embodiment, in the folded position of the pawl supports 304a and 304b relative to the pawl hinge 308, the third overlapping structure OR3 between the roller 352 and the cam surface 383 can strongly maintain the folded position and provide the user with a braking sensation (e.g., tactile feedback) that allows the user to identify the completion of the operation. According to an embodiment, the cams in the hinge module (e.g., reference cam and rotary cam) are arranged along the Y-direction and can generate a contact area between the cams for rotation in the Y-direction. Therefore, as electronics and / or hinge modules become thinner, the contact area forming a radius around the Y-axis decreases, and lifespan and torque may decrease. According to the illustrated embodiment, in hinge module 204, pawl hinge 308 and roller 352 are arranged to contact each other in the X direction perpendicular to the Y direction, and the cam surface 383 of pawl hinge 308 corresponding to the reference cam and the outer surface of roller 352 corresponding to the rotary cam are positioned to contact each other in the direction perpendicular to the Y direction, thereby increasing the contact area regardless of the thinning of the electronic device and / or hinge module. Hinge module 204 according to this disclosure can also have improved lifespan and torque even in thinner electronic devices or hinge modules.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the elastic member 353 can be configured such that the free field is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction. Multiple elastic members (e.g., springs or arrangements providing rebound tension, resistance, force, or compression) 353 can be arranged, and multiple elastic members 353 can be arranged along the length direction (Y direction) of the roller 352 and / or the cam surface 383. The multiple elastic members 353 can be arranged parallel to each other along the length direction or other directions of the roller 352, such that the outer surface of the roller 352 can transmit the elastic force to substantially the entire cam surface 383. Embodiments of this disclosure can enhance torque by increasing the number of elastic members 353, even by increasing the length of the free field of the elastic member 353 in the Y direction.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the roller 352 may comprise an injection-molded material with lower strength compared to metal. For example, the roller 352 may be made of at least one of PEEK, PC, PVC, PTFE, POM, PE, or PP. As another example, the interior of the roller 352 may be made of an injection-molded material and / or a metal material, while the exterior (e.g., the surface) may be made of an elastic material. The elastic material may comprise at least one of rubber, polyurethane, and silicone. The roller 352 made of an injection-molded material has a lower specific gravity than metal, thus being lightweight, and provides a smooth operating feel when it rotates in contact with the cam surface 383.

[0144] Figure 19 This illustrates an electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 A perspective view of an example operation of folding the hinge module 204. Figure 20 This illustrates various embodiments of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 During the folding operation of the hinge module 204), along Figure 19 A 3D view of hinge module 204 cut by line “CA”. Figure 21 This illustrates various embodiments of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 During the folding operation of the hinge module 204), along Figure 19 A 3D view of hinge module 204 cut by line “CB”.

[0145] Figure 22 This illustrates various embodiments of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 During the folding operation of the hinge module 204), along Figure 19 The three-dimensional view of hinge module 204 cut by the line "CC".

[0146] and Figure 1 and Figure 7 Refer to together Figure 19 , Figure 20 , Figure 21 and Figure 22As the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 gradually pivot from the unfolded position to the folded position, the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 can slide in a direction closer to the hinge module 204 (e.g., pivot axis P1 or P2). According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivots, sliding members 329a and 329b can slide on rotating supports 302a and 302b, simultaneously guiding the sliding movement of the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202. Sliding members 329a and 329b can move substantially linearly on rotating supports 302a and 302b. Since sliding members 329a and 329b are respectively connected to the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202, if the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 gradually pivots from the unfolded position to the folded position, it can slide in a direction closer to the hinge module 204.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may have different rear surface lengths in its unfolded and folded positions (e.g., in...). Figure 1 (The length measured in the X direction). As the sliding members 329a and 329b slide on the rotating supports 302a and 302b, the change in length can be achieved on the rear surface of the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, as the length changes on the rear surface of the electronic device 200, the exposure of a portion of the rear surface of the electronic device 200 (e.g., the area indicated by "V1" and / or "V2") to the outside can be reduced or increased.

[0148] According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivots, the direction of linear movement of the slide rod 376 on the sliding members 329a and 329b can be opposite to the direction of linear movement of the sliding members 329a and 329b on the rotating supports 302a and 302b. For example, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 gradually pivots from the unfolded position to the folded position, the direction of movement of the first member 308a of the first sliding member 329a in the guide hole 321b of the first rotating support 302a or 302b can be the direction LA towards the pivot axis P1 or P2. In this case, the direction of movement of the slide rod 376 of the first pawl support 304a in the groove 327b of the first sliding member 329a can be the direction LB opposite to the direction LA.

[0149] According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivot, the slide bar 376 can slide within the groove 327b of the sliding member 329a or 329b. When the pivot axis of the pawl bracket 304a or 304b (e.g., Figure 12 The rotation axis R1 or R2) and the pivot axis (e.g., of the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202) are related. Figure 12 When the pivot axes P1 or P2 are not aligned, the slide bars 376 of the pawl supports 304a and 304b can move closer to or further away from the hinge support (e.g., the first hinge support 301a) during the pivoting of the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202, so that the slide bars 376 of the pawl supports 304a and 304b can remain parallel to the support plates 213 and 223.

[0150] According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivot, the flexible display 203 (e.g., Figure 1 or Figure 2 A portion of the flexible display 103 (e.g., Figure 3 The folding area A3 can be deformed into a curved shape around the hinge module 204 (e.g., the second hinge bracket 301b). As described above, the length of the flexible display 203 does not change substantially during the deformation operation, and as the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 slide, it may be possible to prevent and / or reduce the application of tensile or compressive forces to the flexible display 203 in the X-axis direction.

[0151] According to an embodiment, as the electronic device 200 gradually deforms from an unfolded position to a folded position, the regions of the first housing 201, the second housing 202, the sliding members 329a and 329b, and / or the pawl supports 304a and 304b adjacent to the hinge module 204 can be moved in three dimensions in a direction that gradually approaches the pivot axis P1 or P2 (or the rotation axis R1 or R2). While the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivot, the rotating supports 302a or 302b are rotated by a rotating track (e.g., Figure 9 Guided by the rotating track 315a or 315b, it pivots about the pivot axis P1 or P2. While the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivot, the pawl support 304a or 304b can rotate about the rotation axis R1 or R2 by rotating the gear 372. The slide bar 376 of the pawl support 304a or 304b can be held in place with the support plate (e.g., Figure 3 The support plate 213 or 223 moves parallel to the sliding member 329a or 329b in a direction (e.g., direction LB) that approaches the outer end of the sliding member 329a or 329b.

[0152] According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivots, the gears 372 of the pawl supports 304a and 304b can mesh with each other, such that one can rotate in one direction while the other can rotate in the opposite direction. According to an embodiment, when an external force is applied causing at least one of the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 to pivot in one direction on the hinge module 204, the other of the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 can pivot in the opposite direction by interlocking with the gears 372. For example, as an external force is applied, the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 can pivot relative to each other in opposite directions, thereby unfolding or folding.

[0153] According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivots, the gears of the pawl supports 304a and 304b rotate together, and the rollers 352 of the pawl assemblies 305a and 305b can rotate along the cam surface 383 of the pawl hinge 308 and slidably contact each other. The outer surface of the rollers 352 can generate frictional force when rotating along the polygonal cam surface 383. The frictional force generated by the outer surface of the rollers 352 and the cam surface 383 can be amplified by the elastic force of the elastic member 353 pressing the outer surface of the rollers 352 against the cam surface 383. With the pawl hinge 308 and the pawl assemblies 305a and 305b interlocked, the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 can be fixed at any angular position, and when an external force of a specified strength or higher is applied, the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 can be pivoted.

[0154] Figure 23 This illustrates an electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 A perspective view of the folding position of the hinge module 204. Figure 24 This illustrates various embodiments of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 The hinge module 204) folds at the folding position along Figure 23 A 3D view of hinge module 204 cut by line “CA”. Figure 25 This illustrates various embodiments of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 The hinge module 204) folds at the folding position along Figure 23A 3D view of hinge module 204 cut by line “CB”. Figure 26 This illustrates various embodiments of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 The hinge module 204) folds at the folding position along Figure 23 The three-dimensional view of hinge module 204 cut by the line "CC".

[0155] and Figure 23 , Figure 24 , Figure 25 and Figure 26 Refer to together Figure 1 and Figure 7 Compared to the unfolded position of the electronic device, in the folded position of the electronic device, housings 201 and 202, support plates 213 and 223, and / or rotating brackets 302a and 302b can be moved closer to the hinge module 204 (e.g., pivot axis P1 or P2 (rotation axis R1 or R2)). According to an embodiment, in the folded position of the electronic device, the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 can face each other. According to an embodiment, as the sliding members 329a and 329b move in conjunction with the housings 201 and 202, the sliding movement of the sliding members 329a and 329b on the rotating brackets 302a and 302b in the folded position of the electronic device is completed, and therefore can be positioned closer to the pivot axis P1 or P2 compared to the unfolded position of the electronic device.

[0156] According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivots, the direction of linear movement (e.g., direction LB) of the slide bar 376 on the sliding members 329a and 329b can be opposite to the direction of linear movement (e.g., direction LA) of the sliding members 329a and 329b on the rotating supports 302a and 302b. For example, in the folded position of the electronic device, the first member 308a of the first sliding member 329a can be positioned in the region within the guide hole 32b closest to the hinge module 204, while the slide bar 376 of the first pawl support 304a can be positioned in the region within the groove 327b furthest from the hinge module.

[0157] According to an embodiment, in the folded position of the electronic device, the rotation of the roller 352 of the pawl assembly 305a or 305b along the cam surface 383 of the pawl hinge 308 can be accomplished, and the outer surfaces of the roller 352 of the first pawl support 304a and the second pawl support 304b can be configured to face each other. The frictional force generated by the outer surface of the roller 352 and the cam surface 383 can be amplified by the elastic force of the elastic member 353 pressing the outer surface of the roller 352 against the cam surface 383. Through the interlocking pawl hinge 308 and the pawl assemblies 305a and 305b, a braking sensation (e.g., a sense of operation) can be provided to the user so that the user recognizes that the operation has been completed when the electronic device reaches the folded position.

[0158] Figure 27 This illustrates an electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the unfolded position of the hinge module 204. Figure 28 This illustrates various embodiments of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 The unfolded position of the hinge module 204) along Figure 27 A 3D view of hinge module 204 cut by line “CA”. Figure 29 This illustrates various embodiments of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 The hinge module 204) folds out along the unfolded position. Figure 27 A 3D view of hinge module 204 cut by line “CB”. Figure 30 This illustrates various embodiments of an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6 The hinge module 204) folds out along the unfolded position. Figure 27 The three-dimensional view of hinge module 204 cut by the line "CC".

[0159] and Figure 24 , Figure 25 , Figure 26 and Figure 27 Refer to together Figure 1 and Figure 7Compared to the folded position of the electronic device, in the unfolded position of the electronic device, the housings 201 and 202, support plates 213 and 223, and / or rotating brackets 302a and 302b can be moved further away from the hinge module 204 (e.g., pivot axis P1 or P2 (rotation axis R1 or R2)). According to an embodiment, in the unfolded position of the electronic device, the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 can be positioned parallel to each other, facing the same direction. According to an embodiment, as the sliding members 329a and 329b move in conjunction with the housings 201 and 202, the sliding movement of the sliding members 329a and 329b on the rotating brackets 302a and 302b in the unfolded position of the electronic device is completed, and therefore can be positioned further away from the pivot axis P1 or P2 compared to the folded position of the electronic device.

[0160] According to an embodiment, when the first housing 201 and / or the second housing 202 pivots, the direction of linear movement (e.g., direction LB) of the slide bar 376 on the sliding members 329a and 329b can be opposite to the direction of linear movement (e.g., direction LA) of the sliding members 329a and 329b on the rotating supports 302a and 302b. For example, in the deployed position of the electronic device, the first member 308a of the first sliding member 329a can be positioned in the region farthest from the hinge module 204 within the guide hole 321b, while the slide bar 376 of the first pawl support 304a can be positioned in the region closest to the hinge module 204 within the groove 327b.

[0161] According to an embodiment, in the deployed position of the electronic device, the rotation of the roller 352 of the pawl assembly 305a or 305b along the cam surface 383 of the pawl hinge 308 can be accomplished, and the roller 352 of the first pawl support 304a and the roller 352 of the second pawl support 304b can be positioned parallel to each other, wherein the pawl hinge 308 is disposed between the roller 352 of the first pawl support 304a and the roller 352 of the second pawl support 304b. The frictional force generated by the outer surface of the roller 352 and the cam surface 383 can be amplified by the elastic force of the elastic member 353 pressing the outer surface of the roller 352 against the cam surface 383. By interlocking the pawl hinge 308 and the pawl assemblies 305a and 305b, a braking sensation (e.g., an operational sensation) can be provided to the user so that the user recognizes that the operation has been completed when the electronic device reaches the deployed position.

[0162] Figure 31 and Figure 32 This illustrates an electronic device according to various embodiments (e.g., Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Electronic devices 200) and / or hinge modules (e.g., Figure 6The figure shows the interlocking part 204b, the second rotating part 204c, and the pawl part 204d of the hinge module 204.

[0163] According to an embodiment, the hinge module 204 may include an interlocking part 204b, a second rotating part 204c, and a pawl part 204d. Figure 31 and Figure 32 The structure of the hinge module 204 can be with Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The hinge module 204 has a structure that is all or partly the same or similar to that of the other hinge module.

[0164] According to an embodiment, the pawl hinge 308 can be mounted or secured to a multi-bar assembly (e.g., Figure 3 The pawl assembly 206 is mounted on the multi-bar assembly 206, and the pawl supports 304a and 304b can be pivotally connected to both sides of the pawl hinge 308. The pawl assemblies 305a and 305b can be received in the internal space S formed by the pawl supports 304a and 304b, thereby pivoting as the pawl supports 304a and 304b pivot. According to an embodiment, the hinge module 204 can be mounted in an electronic device and can be configured according to a first housing (e.g., Figure 5 The first housing 201) or the second housing (e.g., Figure 5 Various design changes can be made to the arrangement of the components of the second housing 202.

[0165] Reference Figure 32 The retainers 351a and 351b, roller 352, and elastic member 353 of the pawl assemblies 305a and 305b may have the same characteristics as... Figure 5 The structures shown are designed differently. For example, the shapes of the first pawl bracket 304a and the first elastic member 353a in the first housing 201, as well as the shapes of the second pawl bracket 304b and the second elastic member 353b in the second housing 202, can be changed differently to correspond to the mounting space of the first housing 201 or the second housing 202. Figure 32In the embodiment, pawl supports 304a and 304b include a frame extending along the X direction and a frame extending along the Y direction, and the lengths of one side and the other side of the frame extending along the X direction are different from each other. To correspond to this, the lengths of the elastic members 353a and 353b installed in the pawl supports 304a and 304b can be designed to be different from each other. In this embodiment, since the components disposed inside the first housing 201 and the second housing 202 are different, the shapes of the first pawl support 304a and the second pawl support 304b can be designed to be different from each other to avoid areas where components are disposed. To correspond to this, the arrangement and shape of the first elastic member 353a and the second elastic member 353b can also be changed to be different.

[0166] According to an example embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 3 to 5 The electronic device 200 includes: a first housing (e.g., Figure 3 First housing 201); second housing (e.g., Figure 3 The second housing 202); hinge module (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge module 204, which pivotally connects the first housing and the second housing; and the flexible display (e.g., Figure 3 The flexible display (203) is disposed from the surface of the first housing through a region where a hinge module is provided to the surface of the second housing. The hinge module may include: a pawl hinge (e.g., Figure 7 The pawl hinge 308 at least partially receives a pair of rotating shafts (e.g., Figure 7 The rotation axis 373) and the rotation axis relative to the rotation axis (e.g., Figure 7 The rotation axis R1 or R2) includes a cam-shaped cam surface (e.g., in the direction perpendicular to the cam surface) in rotational direction. Figure 7 Cam surface 383); rollers (e.g., Figure 7 Roller 352), which contacts the cam surface and is configured to rotate in accordance with the shape of the cam; at least one elastic member (e.g., Figure 7 The elastic member 353), comprising an elastic material and disposed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft and configured to transmit elastic force to the roller; and a pawl support (e.g., Figure 7 The pawl support 304a or 304b includes a pair of shafts and defines a space configured to receive rollers and at least one resilient member (e.g., Figure 7 Space S).

[0167] According to an example embodiment, the electronic device may further include: a retainer (e.g., Figure 7The retainer 351a or 351b is rotatably connected to the roller and supports at least one elastic member to keep it in place.

[0168] According to an example embodiment, the pawl support may include: a guide recess (e.g., Figure 11 The guide recess 374 extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotation shaft. The retainer may include a movable member (e.g., Figure 14 The movable member 3515 includes a protrusion configured to slide along a guide recess.

[0169] According to an example embodiment, the retainer may include a first portion facing the pawl hinge (e.g., Figure 14 The first part 3511) and the second part facing away from the first part (e.g., Figure 14 The second part 3512). The first part may include an arm projecting toward the pawl hinge to receive the roller (e.g., Figure 14 The arm 3513), and the second part may include multiple protrusions (e.g., facing away from the pawl hinge to support multiple elastic members) Figure 14 (The protrusion 3514).

[0170] According to an example embodiment, a plurality of elastic members are arranged to correspond to the length of the rollers, such that the outer surface of the rollers transmits elastic force to substantially the entire surface of the cam.

[0171] According to an example embodiment, the roller may include an injection material with lower strength and / or specific gravity compared to metal.

[0172] According to an example embodiment, the pawl hinge may include: a hinge frame (e.g., Figure 11 The hinge frame 381); receiving slot (e.g., Figure 11 The receiving groove 382 is provided in each of the two opposite ends of the hinge frame and at least partially receives a pair of rotating shafts; and the fastening hole (e.g., Figure 11 The fastening hole 384 is configured to connect to an electronic device.

[0173] According to an example embodiment, the pawl support may include: a support frame (e.g., Figure 11 The support frame 371 has an open side; gears (e.g., Figure 11 Gear 372), which is disposed adjacent to the rotation shaft on one side of the end surface of the support frame; and slide bar (e.g., Figure 11 The slide bar 376 extends parallel to the axis of rotation on the opposite side of the end surface of the support frame.

[0174] According to an example embodiment, the gear may at least partially surround the outer surface of the rotating shaft.

[0175] According to an example embodiment, the second housing can be configured to pivot between a folded position of the second housing facing the first housing and a position where the second housing is unfolded from the first housing at a specified angle. In the position where the second housing is unfolded from the first housing at the specified angle, the outer surface of the elastic roller can be configured to overlap with a region of the cam surface.

[0176] According to an example embodiment, the hinge module may include: a first hinge support (e.g., Figure 7 The first hinge bracket 301a), which rotatably supports the ends of a pair of rotating shafts; a pair of rotating brackets (e.g., Figure 7 Rotary supports 302a and 302b), the pair of rotary supports being pivotally mounted on the first hinge support; and a sliding member (e.g., Figure 7 The sliding member 329a or 329b includes a protrusion mounted in either the first housing or the second housing and slidably connected to the rotating support.

[0177] According to an example embodiment, the rotating support can be configured to pivot about a pivot axis positioned at a location spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft, which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the gear shaft.

[0178] According to an example embodiment, the sliding member may include: a first member (e.g., Figure 7 The first component 308a) is connected to the guide hole of the rotating bracket (e.g., Figure 7 The guide hole 321b) is slidable; and the second component (e.g., Figure 7 The second component 308b), which extends from the first component and includes a sliding hole in which the slide bar of the pawl support is slidably oriented (e.g., Figure 7 (sliding hole 327b).

[0179] According to an example embodiment, as the second housing pivots about the first housing, the first member can move linearly along a first direction on the rotating support, and the slide bar can move linearly along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second member.

[0180] According to an example embodiment, the hinge module may further include a second hinge support that rotatably supports the opposite ends of a pair of rotating shafts.

[0181] According to an example embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 3 to 5 The electronic device 200 includes: a first housing (e.g., Figure 3 First housing 201); second housing (e.g., Figure 3The second housing 202); hinge module (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge module 204, which pivotally connects the first housing and the second housing; and the flexible display (e.g., Figure 3 The flexible display (203) is disposed from the surface of the first housing through a region where a hinge module is provided to the surface of the second housing. The hinge module may include: a pawl hinge (e.g., Figure 7 The ratchet hinge 308 has a cam-shaped cam surface (e.g., Figure 7 Cam surface 383); pawl support (e.g., Figure 7 The pawl holder 304a or 304b includes a pair of rotating shafts (e.g., Figure 7 The rotating shaft 373), and is pivotally connected to the pawl hinge; rollers (e.g., Figure 7 Roller 352), which slidably contacts the cam surface and is configured to rotate in accordance with the shape of the cam; at least one elastic member (e.g., Figure 7 The elastic member 353), the at least one elastic member being disposed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft and configured to transmit elastic force to the roller; and the hinge support (e.g., Figure 7 A first hinge bracket 301a and a second hinge bracket 301b), which rotatably supports the ends of a pair of rotating shafts; a pair of rotating brackets (e.g., Figure 7 Rotary supports 302a and 302b), the pair of rotary supports being pivotally mounted on a hinged support; and a sliding member (e.g., Figure 7 The sliding member 329a or 329b includes a protrusion mounted in either the first housing or the second housing and slidably coupled to the rotating support.

[0182] According to an example embodiment, the hinge module may further include: a retainer (e.g., Figure 7 The retainer (351a or 351b) rotatably supports the roller and is configured to slide along a guide recess formed in a pawl support. The direction of movement of the sliding member constrained in the guide recess can be perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft.

[0183] According to an example embodiment, the retainer may include a first portion facing the pawl hinge and a second portion facing away from the first portion. The first portion may include an arm projecting toward the pawl hinge to receive a roller, while the second portion may include a plurality of protrusions facing away from the pawl hinge configured to support a plurality of resilient members.

[0184] According to an example embodiment, a plurality of elastic members are arranged to correspond to the length of the rollers, such that the outer surface of the rollers transmits elastic force to substantially the entire surface of the cam.

[0185] According to an example embodiment, the second housing can be configured to pivot between a folded position of the second housing facing the first housing and a position where the second housing is unfolded from the first housing at a specified angle. In the position where the second housing is unfolded from the first housing at the specified angle, the outer surface of the elastic roller can be configured to overlap with a region of the cam surface.

[0186] According to an example embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., Figures 3 to 5 The electronic device 200 includes: a first housing (e.g., Figure 3 First housing 201); second housing (e.g., Figure 3 The second housing 202); hinge module (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge module 204, which pivotally connects the first housing and the second housing; and the foldable display (e.g., Figure 3 The foldable display (203) is disposed from the surface of the first housing through a region where a hinge module is provided to the surface of the second housing. The hinge module may include: a pawl support (e.g., Figure 7 The pawl holder 304a or 304b includes a pair of rotating shafts (e.g., Figure 7 The rotating shaft 373) and the guide recess (e.g., Figure 11 The guide recess 374); pawl hinge (e.g., Figure 7 The pawl hinge 308 is connected to interlock with the pawl support and has a cam-shaped cam surface (e.g., Figure 7 Cam surface 383); rollers (e.g., Figure 7 Roller 352), which slidably contacts the cam surface and is configured to rotate in accordance with the shape of the cam; retainer (e.g., Figure 7 The retainer 351a or 351b includes a sliding member (e.g., Figure 14 The sliding member 3515 includes a protrusion configured to slide along a guide recess and rotatably support a roller; and at least one elastic member (e.g., Figure 7 The elastic member 353, the at least one elastic member comprising a material formed to provide elastic force in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft and configured to transmit the elastic force to the roller.

[0187] While this disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that these exemplary embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will further understand that various changes, modifications, or alterations can be made to the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the true spirit and full scope of this disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: First shell; Second shell; A hinge module that pivotally connects the first housing and the second housing; as well as A flexible display, wherein the flexible display is disposed from the surface of the first housing through the region where the hinge module is provided to the surface of the second housing, wherein... The hinge module includes: A pawl hinge, the pawl hinge at least partially receiving a pair of rotating shafts and including a cam surface disposed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the pair of rotating shafts and formed in a cam shape extending in a direction parallel to the rotation axis; Rollers that contact the cam surface in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation and are configured to rotate in accordance with the shape of the cam; At least one elastic member, comprising an elastic material, and disposed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axes of the pair of rotation axes and configured to transmit elastic force to the rollers; and A pawl support, the pawl support including the pair of rotating shafts and defining a space for receiving the rollers and the at least one elastic member.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: A retainer, which is rotatably connected to the roller and supports the at least one elastic member to keep it in place.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The pawl support includes a guide recess extending along a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pair of rotation axes, and wherein the retainer includes a movable member comprising a protrusion configured to slide along the guide recess.

4. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein, The retainer includes a first portion facing the pawl hinge and a second portion facing away from the first portion, wherein the first portion includes an arm projecting toward the pawl hinge to receive the roller, and the second portion includes a plurality of protrusions facing away from the pawl hinge configured to support a plurality of resilient members.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of elastic members are arranged to correspond to the length of the rollers, such that the outer surface of the rollers can transmit elastic force to substantially the entire surface of the cam.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The rollers comprise an injection material with lower strength and / or specific gravity compared to metal.

7. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The ratchet hinge includes: Hinged frame; A receiving groove, wherein the receiving groove is disposed in each of the two opposite ends of the hinge frame and at least partially receives the pair of rotating shafts; and A fastening hole, which is configured to connect to the electronic device.

8. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The ratchet support includes: A support frame having an open side; A gear, the gear being disposed adjacent to the pair of rotating shafts on one side of the end surface of the support frame; and A slide bar extends parallel to the pair of rotation axes on opposite sides of the end surface of the support frame.

9. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, The gear at least partially surrounds the outer surface of the axis of rotation.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, The second housing is configured to pivot between a folded position of the second housing facing the first housing and a position of the second housing unfolded from the first housing at a specified angle, wherein, in the position of the second housing unfolded from the first housing at the specified angle, the outer surface of the roller receiving the elastic force is configured to overlap with the area of ​​the cam surface.

11. The electronic device according to claim 8, wherein, The hinge module includes: A first hinge bracket rotatably supports the ends of the pair of rotating shafts; A pair of rotating supports, the pair of rotating supports being pivotally mounted on the first hinge support; and A sliding member, the sliding member comprising a protrusion mounted in either the first housing or the second housing and slidably connected to the rotating support.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The rotating support is configured to pivot about a pivot axis positioned parallel to the rotation axis of the gear at a position spaced apart from the rotation axes of the pair of rotating shafts.

13. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The sliding member includes: A first component, configured to slide along a guide hole in the rotating support; and A second component extends from the first component and includes a sliding hole in which the slide bar of the pawl bracket is slidable.

14. The electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, As the second housing pivots about the first housing, the first member is configured to move linearly along a first direction on the rotating support, and the slide bar is configured to move linearly along a second direction opposite to the first direction on the second member.

15. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein, The hinge module further includes a second hinge bracket that rotatably supports the opposite ends of the pair of rotating shafts.

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