Hinge module and electronic device including same

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge module configured to rotatably couple a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device to each other may include: a hinge bracket; a first rotating member coupled to the first housing and arranged in the hinge bracket to pivot or be rotatable about a first folding axis; a second rotating member coupled to the second housing and arranged in the hinge bracket to pivot or be rotatable about a second folding axis; a cam member disposed in the hinge bracket to be linearly movable while facing at least a portion of the first and second rotating members; and an elastic member providing an elastic force to the cam member in a direction in which the cam member is brought into close contact with the first rotating member and the second rotating member, in which each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member includes an inclined surface in contact with the cam member, and the cam member is configured to be provided with an elastic force by the elastic member and at least partially in contact with the inclined surface of the first rotating member or the inclined surface of the second rotating member. Various other embodiments are also possible.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a hinge module and / or an electronic device including the hinge module. Background Art

[0002] An electronic device refers to a device that performs a specific function according to an installed program, such as a household appliance, an electronic notebook, a portable multimedia player, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet PC, a video / audio device, a desktop / laptop computer, or a vehicle navigation system. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as sound or images. In recent years, the integration of electronic devices has increased, and ultra-high-speed, large-capacity wireless communications have become more common, so a single electronic device such as a mobile communication terminal can be equipped with an increasing number of various functions. For example, a single electronic device can be integrated with not only a communication function, but also one or more of an entertainment function such as a game, a multimedia function such as music / video playback, a communication and security function for mobile banking, a schedule management function, or an electronic wallet function.

[0003] As personal or portable communication devices such as smart phones are widely used, users have an increasing demand for portability and ease of use. For example, a touch screen display can be used as an output device for outputting, for example, visual information on a screen, and a touch screen display can also provide a virtual keypad to replace a mechanical input device (e.g., a button-type input device). As a result, a portable communication device or an electronic device can provide the same or improved usability (e.g., a larger screen) while being miniaturized. On the other hand, with the commercialization of flexible displays (e.g., foldable or rollable displays), it is expected that the portability and ease of use of electronic devices will be further improved. An electronic device including a flexible display can be carried in a folded or rolled-up state of a plurality of different structures (e.g., a housing), and a large screen is provided in an unfolded state of one or more of the plurality of different structures, thereby improving portability and ease of use.

[0004] The above information is presented only as background information to assist in understanding the present disclosure. No determination is made and no assertion is made as to whether any of the above content is applicable to the prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical Solution

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing, a display, and at least one hinge module, the second housing being configured to pivot between a position where the second housing is folded to face the first housing (hereinafter, "first position") and a position where the second housing is unfolded from the first housing at a specified angle (hereinafter, "second position"), the display including a first area disposed on the first housing, a second area disposed on the second housing, and a folding area disposed between the first area and the second area, the at least one hinge module being disposed between the first housing and the second housing and pivotably connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other. The hinge module may include a hinge bracket, a first rotating member coupled to the first housing and pivotally or rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket around a first folding axis, a second rotating member coupled to the second housing and pivotally or rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket around a second folding axis, a cam member disposed on the hinge bracket and facing at least a portion of the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and an elastic member providing an elastic force to the cam member in a first acting direction. The cam member may be configured to at least partially contact an inclined surface of the first rotating member or an inclined surface of the second rotating member when receiving the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge module configured to pivotally couple a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device to each other may include a hinge bracket, a first rotating member coupled to the first housing and pivotally or rotatably arranged on the hinge bracket around a first folding axis, a second rotating member coupled to the second housing and pivotally or rotatably arranged on the hinge bracket around a second folding axis, a cam member disposed on the hinge bracket to be linearly movable and facing at least a portion of the first rotating member and at least a portion of the second rotating member, and an elastic member, the elastic member being configured to provide an elastic force to the cam member in a direction in which the cam member is directed toward at least one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member or in contact with at least one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member. Each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member may include an inclined surface contacting the cam member, and the cam member may be configured to press at least a portion of the first rotating member in a direction intersecting the first folding axis, or press at least a portion of the second rotating member in a direction intersecting the second folding axis when the cam member receives the elastic force of the elastic member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The above and other aspects, configurations and / or advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating electronic devices in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0010] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge module in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge module in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Diagram of the arrangement of the hinge structure.

[0016] Figure 8 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A perspective view of a hinge bracket.

[0017] Fig. 9 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A perspective view of a rotating member.

[0018] Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a first direction Figure 4 Figure 2. Rotating component of the vehicle.

[0019] Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a second direction. Fig. 9 Figure 2. Rotating component of the vehicle.

[0020] Fig.12 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a rotating member cut by line BB'.

[0021] Fig.13 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A perspective view of a cam member.

[0022] Fig.14 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a first direction Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a cam member.

[0023] Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a second direction. Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a cam member.

[0024] Fig.16 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown along Fig.15 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a cam member cut along line C-C'.

[0025] Fig.17 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a rotating member and a cam member in a folded state of an electronic device.

[0026] Fig.18 The embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in the folded or unfolded Figure 2 A diagram of the arrangement of a rotating member and a cam member during operation of an electronic device.

[0027] Fig.19 The present invention is shown in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a rotating member and a cam member in an unfolded state of an electronic device.

[0028] Fig. 20 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown along Figure 6 0 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge module taken along line S1, wherein a hinge bracket and a rotating member are provided.

[0029] Fig.21 The embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown along Figure 5 Figure 2. A diagram of the hinge module cut along line BB'.

[0030] Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating a hinge module in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.23 is a diagram illustrating a hinge module in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 24 to Figure 27 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of a hinge module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig.28 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals may be given to like parts, components and / or structures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] There are ongoing efforts to improve the reliability of structures in which multiple different parts move relative to each other, for example, electronic devices that are deformable between a folded state (or rolled state) and an unfolded state. For example, the durability of the display may also be improved to provide a stable screen quality despite repeated deformations, and the electronic device may include a mechanical structure that enables the deformation (folding or unfolding) operation to be smooth and / or stably maintain a stationary state after the folding or unfolding operation. However, manufacturing tolerances imparted to the mechanical components or wear caused by repeated deformation operations may result in unexpected and undesirable relative displacements or movements between the various mechanical components that are not part of the intended deformation operation. Unexpected relative displacements or movements in the design or manufacture of the electronic device may reduce user satisfaction with the reliability or perceived quality of the product, even though the unexpected displacements or movements may have no substantial effect on the operation of the electronic device.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure, which aim to solve at least the above problems and / or disadvantages and provide at least the following advantages, may provide a hinge module and / or an electronic device including the hinge module, which provides a stable connection structure that is resistant to manufacturing tolerances or repeated deformation operations.

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a hinge module and / or an electronic device including the same, which improves perceived quality or user satisfaction by suppressing unintended relative displacement.

[0038] Additional aspects according to various embodiments will be presented in detail below, and in part will be apparent from the description or understood from the presented implementations.

[0039] The following description of the accompanying drawings can provide an understanding of various illustrative implementations of the present disclosure including the claims and their equivalents. Although the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the following description contain various specific details to aid understanding, they are considered to be one of various exemplary embodiments. Therefore, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the various implementations described in the specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations will be avoided.

[0040] The terms and words used in the following description and claims may be used to clearly and consistently describe the embodiments of the present disclosure without being limited to the meanings of their references. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various implementations of the present disclosure is provided for the purpose of explanation and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure and its equivalents.

[0041] It should be understood that singular forms such as "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" can be understood to include one or more surfaces of a component.

[0042] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with at least one of the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, a sound output module 155, a display module 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a connection terminal 178, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a user identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., the connection terminal 178) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the above-described components (eg, sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (eg, display module 160).

[0043] The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the resultant data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is independent of or combined with the main processor 121 in operation. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or adapted to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or as part of the main processor 121.

[0044] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the display module 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) together with the main processor 121. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., a camera module 180 or a communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. For example, such learning may be performed by the electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is executed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, for example. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), or a deep Q network or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure in addition to a hardware structure.

[0045] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a nonvolatile memory 134.

[0046] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0047] The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101 from outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0048] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. Depending on the embodiment, the receiver can be implemented as a separate part from the speaker, or as part of the speaker.

[0049] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the holographic device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0050] The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain sound via the input module 150, or output sound via the sound output module 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0051] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0052] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols to be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0053] The connection end 178 may include a connector, wherein the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) via the connector. According to an embodiment, the connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0054] The haptic module 179 may convert the electric signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electric stimulation that can be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

[0055] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0056] The power management module 188 may manage power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0057] The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0058] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently from the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multiple components (e.g., multiple chips) separated from each other. The wireless communication module 192 may identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0059] The wireless communication module 192 may support 5G networks after 4G networks and next generation communication technologies (e.g., new radio (NR) access technologies). NR access technologies may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 may support high frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 192 may support various technologies for ensuring performance on high frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive multiple input multiple output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. The wireless communication module 192 may support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., a second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support a peak data rate for implementing eMBB (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater), loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or less), or U-plane delay for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for a round trip).

[0060] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include an antenna including a radiation element formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). A signal or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiation element may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a millimeter wave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the millimeter wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas), wherein the RFIC is disposed on a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave band), and the plurality of antennas are disposed on a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high frequency band.

[0062] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general purpose input output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transfer signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0063] According to an embodiment, a command or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 or the electronic device 104 may be a device of the same type as the electronic device 101, or a device of a different type from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically execute a function or service or should execute a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service instead of executing the function or service, or the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service in addition to executing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request with or without further processing the result. To this end, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, mobile edge computing (MEC) technology, or client-server computing technology, for example, may be used. The electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies.

[0064] The electronic device according to the embodiment may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those electronic devices described above.

[0065] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms or alternative forms for the corresponding embodiments. For the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that the nouns in the singular form corresponding to the term may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding one of the multiple phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “coupled with another element (e.g., the second element)”, “coupled to another element (e.g., the second element)”, “connected with another element (e.g., the second element)”, or “connected to another element (e.g., the second element)” with or without the terms “operably” or “communicatively” being used, it means that the element may be directly (e.g., wired) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0066] As used in connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," "circuit," etc.). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or a minimum unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0067] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory or an external memory) that can be read by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, under the control of a processor, a processor (e.g., a processor) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute the at least one instruction with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, the term "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be released in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be downloaded via an application store (e.g., Play Store TM ) the computer program product may be published (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online, or the computer program product may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If published online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a forwarding server).

[0069] According to various embodiments, each of the above-mentioned components (e.g., a module or a program) may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately arranged in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding one of the multiple components performing one or more functions before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, a program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or in a heuristic manner, or one or more of the operations may be run or omitted in a different order, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0070] In the following detailed description, the length direction, width direction and / or thickness direction of the electronic device may be mentioned. The length direction may be defined as the "Y-axis direction", the width direction may be defined as the "X-axis direction", and / or the thickness direction may be defined as the "Z-axis direction". In some embodiments, with respect to the direction in which the component points, "negative / positive (- / +)" may be mentioned together with the Cartesian coordinate system shown in the accompanying drawings. For example, the front surface of the electronic device or housing may be defined as the "surface facing the +Z direction", and its rear surface may be defined as the "surface facing the -Z direction". In some embodiments, one side of the electronic device or housing may include an area facing the +X direction, an area facing the +Y direction, an area facing the -X direction, and / or an area facing the -Y direction. In another embodiment, the "X-axis direction" may mean including both the "-X direction" and the "+X direction". For the sake of brevity of description, this is based on the Cartesian coordinate system shown in the accompanying drawings, and it should be noted that the description of these directions or components does not limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the above-mentioned direction to which the front surface or rear surface points may vary according to the unfolded or folded state of the electronic device, and the above-mentioned direction may be interpreted differently according to the user's gripping habits.

[0071] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an electronic device 200 in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 The electronic device 200 according to the embodiment may include a first housing 210, a second housing 220, and a flexible or foldable display 230 (hereinafter, referred to as “display 230”) provided in a space provided by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 (for example, Figure 1 display module 160).

[0073] According to an embodiment, the surface on which the display 230 is set may be defined as the front surface (e.g., the first surface 210a) of the electronic device 200. The front surface of the electronic device 200 may be formed by a substantially transparent front plate (e.g., a glass plate or a polymer plate including various coatings) at least in part. The surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as the rear surface (e.g., the second surface 210b) of the electronic device 200. The rear surface of the electronic device 200 may be formed by a substantially opaque rear plate (hereinafter, referred to as a "rear cover"). The rear cover may be formed by, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS) or magnesium) or a combination of at least two of these materials. The surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device 200. The side surface may be coupled to the front plate and the rear cover, and may be formed by a side frame structure (or "side member") including metal and / or polymer. In a certain embodiment, the rear cover and the side frame structure may be integrally formed and include the same material (e.g., a metal material such as aluminum).

[0074] The electronic device 200 may include at least one of a display 230, audio modules 241, 243, and 245, a sensor module 255, a camera device 251 and / or 253, key input devices 211, 212, and 213, or a connector hole 214. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may not provide at least one of the components (e.g., key input devices 211, 212, and 213), or additionally include other components (e.g., a light emitting element).

[0075] According to various embodiments, the display 230 may be deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface in at least a partial area thereof. According to an embodiment, the display 230 may include a folding area 231c, a folding area 231c disposed on one side (e.g., Figure 2 The first region 231a is provided on the folding region 231c as shown, and the other side of the folding region 231c (for example, Figure 2 The first area 231a may be an area provided in, for example, the first housing 210, and the second area 231b may be an area provided in, for example, the second housing 220. However, Figure 2 The area division of the display 230 shown is exemplary, and a plurality of (eg, two or four or more) areas may be defined according to the structure or function of the display 230. For example, although Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the display 230 can be divided into multiple areas by the folding area 231c or the folding axis A, but in another embodiment, the display 230 can be divided into multiple areas relative to another folding area 231c or another folding axis (for example, an axis perpendicular to the folding axis A).

[0076] According to various embodiments, the audio modules 241, 243, and 245 may include a microphone hole 241 and speaker holes 243 and 245. A microphone for obtaining external sound may be provided in the microphone hole 241. In a certain embodiment, a plurality of microphones may be provided to detect the direction of the sound. The speaker holes 243 and 245 may include an external speaker hole 243 and a receiver hole 245 for calling. In a certain embodiment, the speaker holes 243 and 245 and the microphone hole 241 may be implemented as a single hole, or a speaker (e.g., a piezoelectric speaker) may be included without the speaker holes 243 and 245. The positions and quantities of the microphone hole 241 and the speaker holes 243 and 245 may vary according to the embodiment.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the camera device 251 or / and 253 may include a first camera device 251 disposed on the first surface 210a of the first housing 210 and a second camera device 253 disposed on the second surface 210b. The electronic device 200 may include a flash (not shown). The camera devices 251 and 253 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (not shown) may include, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) or a xenon lamp.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the sensor module 255 may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the electronic device 200. Although not shown, the electronic device 200 may additionally or alternatively include a sensor module (e.g., sensor module 176) other than the sensor module 255 provided on the second surface 210b of the first housing 210. The electronic device 200 may include, for example, at least one of a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a heart rate monitor (HRM) sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an air pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor as a sensor module.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the key input devices 211, 212, and 213 may be arranged on a side surface of a foldable housing (e.g., the first housing 210 or the second housing 220). In another embodiment, the electronic device 200 may not include some or any one of the above key input devices 211, 212, and 213, and the key input devices not included may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys on the display 230. In a certain embodiment, the key input device may be configured to implement key input through a sensor module (e.g., a gesture sensor).

[0080] According to various embodiments, the connector hole 214 can be configured to accommodate a connector (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) connector) for sending power and / or data to and receiving power and / or data from an external electronic device, or a connector for sending audio signals to and receiving audio signals from an external electronic device.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the foldable housing may be connected by coupling the first housing 210, the second housing 220, the first rear cover 240, the second rear cover 250, and a hinge structure (eg, a hinge structure to be described later). Figure 3 or Figure 4 The foldable housing of the electronic device 200 may be implemented in other shapes or by combining and / or connecting components, not limited to Figure 2 The shapes and connections shown. For example, in another embodiment, the first shell 210 and the first back cover 240 can be formed integrally, and the second shell 220 and the second back cover 250 can be formed integrally. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the term "shell" may refer to a combination and / or connection configuration of various other unmentioned components. For example, the first area 213a of the display 230 can be described as forming a surface of the first shell 210. In another embodiment, the first area 213a of the display 230 can be described as being disposed or attached on a surface of the first shell 210.

[0082] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 may be connected to a hinge structure (eg, Figure 3 or Figure 4 The hinge structure 340 or 400 includes a first surface 210a facing a first direction and a second surface 210b facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing 220 may be connected to the hinge structure (eg, Figure 3 or Figure 4 The hinge structure 340 or 400 includes a third surface 220a facing a third direction and a fourth surface 220b facing a fourth direction opposite to the third surface, and rotates or pivots relative to the first shell 210 around the hinge structure (or folding axis A).

[0083] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be disposed on both sides (or above / below) of the folding axis A and may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis A. The angle or distance between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be different depending on whether the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state (e.g., a partially unfolded or partially folded state). According to an embodiment, although the first housing 210 additionally includes various sensors unlike the second housing 220, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be symmetrical with each other in other areas.

[0084] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be formed of a metal material or a non-metal material having a selected rigidity to support the display 230. The at least a portion formed of the metal material may be provided as a ground plane or a radiating conductor of the electronic device 200, and when provided as a ground plane, may be electrically connected to a PCB (e.g., Figure 3 Ground trace on PCB 331).

[0085] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 240 may be disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 200 on one side of the folding axis A (eg, Figure 2 The second rear cover 250 may be disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 200 on the other side of the folding axis A (eg, Figure 2 ), and has a boundary surrounded by the second shell 220 (and / or the side frame structure).

[0086] According to various embodiments, the first back cover 240 and the second back cover 250 may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis A. However, the first back cover 240 and the second back cover 250 are not necessarily symmetrical in shape, and in another embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include the first back cover 240 and the second back cover 250 of various shapes. In another embodiment, the first back cover 240 may be integrally formed with the first housing 210, and the second back cover 250 may be integrally formed with the second housing 220.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover 240, the second rear cover 250, the first housing 210, and the second housing 220 may form a housing in which various components (eg, Figure 3PCBs 331 and 332 or batteries 333 and 334) are provided. According to an embodiment, one or more components may be disposed on the rear surface of the electronic device 200 or visually exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device 200. For example, at least a portion of the sub-display 239 may be visually exposed through the first rear cover 240. In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear cover 240. In various embodiments, the components or sensors may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera, and / or a flash. In addition, although not shown separately in the drawings, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear cover 250.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the front camera 251 exposed from the front surface of the electronic device 200 through one or more openings or the rear camera 253 exposed through the first rear cover 240 may include one or more lenses, image sensors and / or image signal processors. A flash (not shown) may include, for example, an LED or a xenon lamp. In a certain embodiment, two or more lenses (e.g., an IR camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and an image sensor may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device 200.

[0089] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 can be switched to a folded state or an unfolded state. For example, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 can be in a first position where they face each other and in a second position where they are unfolded at a specified angle from the first position (e.g., Figure 2 The state shown in FIG. Figure 2 , the first housing 210 indicated by the dotted line is an example in the folded state of the electronic device 200. At the first position (e.g., folded state), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be disposed to at least partially face each other, the first area 231a and the second area 231b of the display 230 may be positioned to face each other, and the folded area 231c may be deformed into a curved surface. Figure 2 An example is shown in which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are unfolded to form an angle of about 180 degrees. According to an embodiment, the "expanded state" may refer to a state in which the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are pivoted or moved at a specified angle from the folded state. In the unfolded state at a specified angle (e.g., about 180 degrees), the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be positioned side by side with each other on one side of the other housing, and the display 230 may be in the shape of a substantially flat plate.

[0090] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may be implemented in two ways: an "inner fold" in which the first region 231a and the second region 231b are folded to face each other and an "outer fold" in which the first region 231a and the second region 231b are folded to face opposite directions. In the case of the inner fold, for example, the first region 231a and the second region 231b may be substantially hidden in the folded state and face substantially the same direction in the fully unfolded state. In the case of the outer fold, for example, the first region 231a and the second region 231b may be arranged to face opposite directions and be exposed to the outside in the folded state, and arranged to face substantially the same direction in the fully unfolded state.

[0091] According to various embodiments, the display 230 may include a display panel and a window member, and is formed of a flexible material. Although not shown separately, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the display 230 or display panel includes various layers, such as a light-emitting layer, a substrate encapsulating the light-emitting layer, an electrode layer or a wiring layer, and / or an adhesive layer combining adjacent different layers. According to an embodiment, a window member (e.g., a film plate) can be used as a protective film to protect the display panel. The film plate as a protective film can use a material that protects the display panel from external impact, is scratch-resistant, and can reduce wrinkles in the folding area 231c even under repeated folding and unfolding operations of the housings 210 and 220. The window member may include a transparent polyimide (CPI) or ultra-thin glass (UTG).

[0092] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may further include a protective member 206 or a decorative cover 219 or / and 229 provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the display 230 on the front surface (e.g., the first surface 210a or the third surface 220a). The protective member 206 or the decorative covers 219 and 229 may prevent the at least a portion of the periphery of the display 230 from contacting the mechanical structure (e.g., the first housing 210 or the second housing 220), and provide a decorative effect on the exterior of the electronic device 200. In a certain embodiment, a low-density elastic material (such as a sponge) that is closely adhered to the display 230 may be provided at an edge of the folding region 231c (e.g., at a point indicated by "H") to at least partially prevent foreign matter from being introduced into the electronic device 200 while allowing the folding region 231c to deform.

[0093] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electronic device 300 (eg, Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an electronic device 200 ).

[0094] Reference Figure 3 In various embodiments, the electronic device 300 may include a display 330 (eg, Figure 2display 230), a foldable housing (eg, a first housing 321 and a second housing 322, or Figure 2 210 and / or 220), PCBs 331 and 332, a hinge structure 340, a flexible connection member 350, a hinge cover 360, an antenna module 370, and a rear cover 380 (eg, Figure 2 In an embodiment, the electronic device 300 may include at least one protective member 306 and / or at least one decorative cover 319 and 329. The protective member 306 and / or the decorative cover 319 and 329 may be adjacent to the display 330 (eg, Figure 2 The display 230 is provided at least partially around the periphery thereof.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the display 330 may be exposed through most of the front surface of the electronic device 300. In a certain embodiment, the display 330 may be formed in a shape substantially the same as a shape of an outer periphery of the front surface of the electronic device 300.

[0096] According to various embodiments, the foldable housing of the electronic device 300 may include a first housing 321 (eg, Figure 2 The first housing 210 and the second housing 322 (eg, Figure 2 According to an embodiment, the first housing 321 may include a first surface 321a (eg, Figure 2 and a second surface 321 b (eg, Figure 2 The second housing 322 may include a third surface 322a (eg, Figure 2 and a fourth surface 322b (eg, Figure 2 The electronic device 300 or the foldable shells 321 and 322 may additionally or alternatively include a bracket assembly 325. The bracket assembly 325 may include a first bracket assembly 323 disposed in the first shell 321 and a second bracket assembly 324 disposed in the second shell 322. At least a portion of the bracket assembly 325, such as at least a portion of the first bracket assembly 323 and at least a portion of the second bracket assembly 324, may be used as a plate supporting the hinge structure 340.

[0097] According to various embodiments, various electrical components may be disposed on the PCBs 331 and 332. For example, a processor (eg, Figure 1 processor 120), memory (e.g., Figure 1 Memory 130) and / or interfaces (e.g., Figure 1The interface 177) may be mounted on PCBs 331 and 332. The processor may include, for example, at least one of a CPU, an AP, a GPU, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a CP. The memory may include, for example, a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, an HDMI, a USB interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device 300 to an external electronic device, and include a USB connector, an SD card / multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

[0098] According to various embodiments, the PCBs 331 and 332 may include a first PCB 331 disposed on the side of the first bracket assembly 323 and a second PCB 332 disposed on the side of the second bracket assembly 324. The first PCB 331 and the second PCB 332 may be disposed on a foldable housing 321 and 322, a bracket assembly 325, a first rear cover 381 (e.g., Figure 2 The first rear cover 240) and / or the second rear cover 382 (eg, Figure 2 Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device 300 may be separately disposed on the first PCB 331 and the second PCB 332. For example, a processor (eg, Figure 1 The processor 120) may be disposed on the first PCB 331, and the audio interface (eg, Figure 1 The interface 177 ) may be provided on the second PCB 332 .

[0099] According to various embodiments, batteries 333 and 334 (e.g., Figure 1 The battery 189 of the electronic device 300 may be disposed adjacent to the PCBs 331 and 332 to supply power to the electronic device 300. At least some of the batteries 333 and 334 may be disposed on a plane substantially the same as, for example, the PCBs 331 and 332. According to an embodiment, the first battery 333 may be disposed adjacent to the first PCB 331, and the second battery 334 may be disposed adjacent to the second PCB 332. The batteries 333 and 334 as devices for supplying power to at least one component in the electronic device 300 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The batteries 333 and 334 may be built into the foldable housings 321 and 322, or may be detachable from the foldable housings 321 and 322.

[0100] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure 340 may be a hinge structure that provides at least one folding axis (eg, Figure 2 Folding axis A or Figure 5 and Figure 6The hinge structure 340 is a hinge structure 341 and a hinge structure 342 that are provided on the first PCB 331 side and the second PCB 332 side. The hinge structure 340 may be provided between the first PCB 331 and the second PCB 332. In an embodiment, when the first hinge structure 341 is coupled to the first bracket assembly 323 and the second hinge structure 342 is coupled to the second bracket assembly 324, the hinge structure 340 may be provided between the first PCB 331 and the second PCB 332. According to an embodiment, the hinge structure 340 may be substantially integrated with at least a portion of the first bracket assembly 323 and at least a portion of the second bracket assembly 324.

[0101] According to various embodiments, the "shell structure" may include foldable shells 321 and 322, and refers to an assembly and / or combination of at least one component disposed inside the foldable shells 321 and 322. The shell structure may include a first shell structure and a second shell structure. For example, an assembly including at least one of a first shell 321, a first bracket assembly 323 disposed inside the first shell 321, a first PCB 331, or a first battery 333 may be referred to as a "first shell structure". In another example, an assembly including at least one of a second shell 322, a second bracket assembly 324 disposed inside the second shell 322, a second PCB 332, or a second battery 334 may be referred to as a "second shell structure". However, it should be noted that the "first shell structure and the second shell structure" may additionally include various other components, or some components may not be provided, and are not limited to adding the above components.

[0102] According to various embodiments, the flexible connection member 350 may be, for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The flexible connection member 350 may connect various electrical components disposed on the first PCB 331 and the second PCB 332. To this end, the flexible connection member 350 may be disposed to intersect the "first housing structure" and the "second housing structure". According to an embodiment, the flexible connection member 350 may be disposed to intersect at least a portion of the hinge structure 340. According to an embodiment, the flexible connection member 350 may be configured, for example, to extend parallel to the hinge structure 340. Figure 3The direction of the y-axis of the first PCB 331 and the second PCB 332 are connected across the hinge structure 340. In another example, the flexible connection member 350 may extend or be disposed to pass through the openings 341h and 342h formed in the hinge structure 340. Here, one portion (e.g., the first portion 350a) of the flexible connection member 350 may be disposed to cross one side (e.g., above) of the first hinge structure 341, and another portion (e.g., the second portion 350b) of the flexible connection member 350 may be disposed to cross one side (e.g., above) of the second hinge structure 342. Another portion (e.g., the third portion 350c) of the flexible connection member 350 may be disposed on the other side (below) of the first hinge structure 341 and the second hinge structure 342. A space (hereinafter, referred to as a "wiring space") surrounded by at least a portion of the first hinge structure 341, at least a portion of the second hinge structure 342, and at least a portion of the hinge cover 360 may be formed at a position adjacent to the first hinge structure 341 and the second hinge structure 342. According to an embodiment, at least a portion (eg, the third portion 350 c ) of the flexible connection member 350 may be disposed within the wiring space.

[0103] According to various embodiments, the hinge cover 360 may be configured to accommodate or surround at least a portion of the hinge structure 340 or the wiring space. In a certain embodiment, the hinge cover 360 may form a wiring space together with the hinge structure 340, and protect the components (e.g., at least a portion 350c of the flexible connection member 350) disposed in the wiring space from external impact. According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 360 may be disposed between the first housing 321 and the second housing 322. In the inner folding electronic device 300, the hinge cover 360 may be at least partially hidden by the foldable housings 321 and 322. For example, the hinge cover 360 may be visually exposed to the external space between the rear surface (e.g., the first rear cover 381) of the first housing 321 and the rear surface (e.g., the second rear cover 382) of the second housing 322 in the folded state, and may be substantially contained inside the first housing 321 or the second housing 322 in the unfolded state to be visually hidden.

[0104] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 370 (eg, Figure 1The antenna module 197 of the back cover 380 may be disposed between the back cover 380 and the batteries 333 and 334. For example, the antenna module 370 may include a first antenna module 371 and a second antenna module 372, the first antenna module 371 being at least partially disposed between the first battery 333 and the first back cover 381 on the first housing 321 side, and the second antenna module 372 being at least partially disposed between the second battery 334 and the second back cover 382 on the second housing 322 side. The antenna module 370 may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna to perform short-range communication with an external device or to wirelessly transmit power required for charging to an external device and to wirelessly receive power required for charging from an external device. In another embodiment, the antenna structure may be formed by a portion or combination of the side frame structure and / or the bracket assembly of the foldable housings 321 and 322.

[0105] According to various embodiments, the back cover 380 may include a first back cover 381 and a second back cover 382. The back cover 380 may be coupled to the foldable housings 321 and 322 to protect the above-mentioned components (e.g., PCBs 331 and 332, batteries 333 and 334, flexible connection members 350, and antenna modules 370) disposed in the foldable housings 321 and 322. For example, the back cover 380 may be substantially integrally formed with the foldable housings 321 and 322.

[0106] According to various embodiments, the protective member 306 and / or the decorative covers 319 and 329 (eg, Figure 2 The protective member 206 and / or the decorative covers 219 and 229) may protect at least a portion of the periphery of the display 330. In an embodiment, the protective member 306 may be disposed between the periphery of the display 330 and the inner wall of the first shell 321 and / or between the periphery of the display 330 and the inner wall of the second shell 322 to prevent the periphery of the display 330 from directly contacting the inner walls of the foldable shells 321 and 322. According to an embodiment, in the folded state, the protective member 306 may be larger than the display 330 (e.g., Figure 2 The first area 231a of the first housing 322 (eg, Figure 2 The protective member 306 may prevent direct contact between the first area 231a and the second area 231b of the display 330 in the folded state. In another embodiment, the decorative cover 319 may be provided in at least one of the first housing 321 or the second housing 322 and is provided to cover a portion of the periphery of the display 330.

[0107] The structure of the hinge structure or hinge module will be described in detail below. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Configuration of the electronic devices 200 and 300.

[0108] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hinge structure 400 (eg, Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the hinge structure 340 ). Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge module 400 a in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a hinge module 400 a in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram of an arrangement of a hinge structure 400 .

[0109] refer to Figures 4 to 7 , the hinge structure 400 (eg, Figure 3 The hinge structure 340 of the embodiment may include a hinge module 400a and an interlocking hinge module 400b. The hinge structure 400 may rotatably or pivotally couple the first housing 210 or 321 with the second housing 220 or 322. According to an embodiment, the hinge module 400a and / or the interlocking hinge module 400b may be disposed on a hinge cover (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge cover 360 is provided on the inner surface of the hinge cover 360 to be substantially hidden from the external environment. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of hinge modules 40a can be Figure 2 The folding axis A direction (eg, X-axis direction) and the folding area (eg, Figure 2 The two ends of the folding area 231c of the hinge module 400a are correspondingly arranged, and at least one interlocking hinge module 400b may be arranged between the pair of hinge modules 400a. According to an embodiment, any one of the hinge modules 400a may be omitted, or an additional hinge module or an additional interlocking hinge module may be further provided. In an embodiment, the hinge module 400a may provide a pair of folding axes A1 and A2, and the folding axes A1 and A2 may be arranged parallel to each other at a specified interval. According to an embodiment, the distance between the folding axes A1 and A2 may determine the radius of curvature of the folding area 231c in the folded state. For example, the folding axes A1 and A2 may be arranged at a specified interval so that the folding area 231c may have an appropriate radius of curvature even in the folded state.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the hinge module 400a may include a hinge bracket 401, rotating members 402a and 402b, a cam member 403 and / or an elastic member 441. Figures 4 to 7 The construction of the hinge module 400a will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 16 Various embodiments are described for more specific shapes or structures of the hinge bracket 401, the rotating members 402a and 402b, and / or the cam member 403. According to an embodiment, the hinge bracket 401 may be fastened or fixed to the inner surface of the hinge cover 360 and include a guide curved surface (e.g., Figure 8 In some embodiments, the hinge bracket 401 may be provided integrally with the hinge cover 360, and the guide curved surface (eg, Figure 8 The guide curved surface 411 of the hinge module 400a may guide the rotation or pivoting of the rotating members 402a and 402b, for example, while rotating around the rotating members 402a and 402b. The rotating members 402a and 402b may be part of the hinge module 400a and are respectively connected to different first shells 210 or 321 and second shells 220 or 322. In an embodiment, the rotating members 402a and 402b may include a rotating body 421 disposed on one surface thereof, and the rotating body 421 may be disposed around one of the guide curved surfaces 411. For example, the rotating members 402a and 402b or the rotating body 421 may rotate around one of the folding axes A1 and A2 under the guidance of the guide curved surface 411. For example, the rotating body 421 may include an arcuate outer peripheral surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 421 may be disposed to slidably contact the guide curved surface 411. In an embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 421 may be a curved surface of an arc track substantially centered on any one of the folding axes A1 and A2. In an embodiment, the hinge bracket 401 may include a first guide protrusion (eg, Figure 8 The first guide protrusion 413 is formed into an arc-shaped first guide groove (eg, Fig.12 The first guide groove 421d of the rotating body 421 may be formed on one surface of the rotating body 421. For example, the rotating members 402a and 402b may be rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket 401, wherein the first guide protrusion 413 is accommodated in the first guide groove 421d. Therefore, the first guide protrusion 413 and / or the first guide groove 421d may guide the rotation of the rotating member 402a or / and 402b relative to the hinge bracket 401 while restricting the rotating member 402a or / and 402b on the hinge bracket 401.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the cam member 403 may be provided on the hinge bracket 401 to be linearly movable along the directions of the folding axes A1 and A2, and disposed to face the inner wall (eg, Figure 8The cam member 403 (or the cam 431) may include a guide protrusion similar to the first guide protrusion 413, wherein a portion of the rotating member 402a or / and 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421) is interposed therebetween. For example, the rotating body 421 of the rotating member 402a or 402b may be disposed between any one of the cams 431 of the cam member 403 and any one of the first guide protrusions 413. The cam member 403 (or the cam 431) may include a guide protrusion similar to the first guide protrusion 413 (e.g., Fig.13 The rotating body 421 may include a guide protrusion 431a on the other surface thereof, and a guide groove (eg, Fig. 9 For example, the guide protrusion 431a included in the cam member 403 may be at least partially accommodated in the guide groove 421a of the rotating body 421, and the rotating body 421 may be rotatably constrained on the hinge bracket 401 by the first guide protrusion 413 and the guide protrusion 431a.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the elastic member 441 may be provided on the hinge bracket 401 to press the cam member 403 (eg, the cam 431) in the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2. For example, the cam member 403 may receive the elastic force of the elastic member 441 (eg, along the Fig.15 or Fig.21 The elastic member 441 is provided to correspond to the configuration of the cam 431 or the rotating body 421, as an example, the number, shape and / or position of the elastic member 441 may be appropriately changed according to the structure of the hinge module 400a, as long as the elastic force can be applied to the cam member 403 along the direction of the folding axis A1 or A2.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the folding axes A1 and A2 may be substantially set by disposing the rotating members 402a and 402b on the hinge bracket 401. For example, as the first rotating member 402a of the rotating members 402a and 402b is disposed on the hinge bracket 401, the folding axis A1 may be disposed at the center of the curvature radius of the guide curved surface 411 or the center of the curvature radius of the guide groove 421a, and as the second rotating member 402b of the rotating members 402a and 402b is disposed on the hinge bracket 401, the second folding axis A2 may be disposed. According to an embodiment, the first rotating member 402a may be included in Figure 3 In any one of the first hinge structure 341 and / or the second hinge structure 342, and the second rotating member 402b may be included Figure 3 The rotating members 402a and 402b may be arranged in another of the first hinge structure 341 and / or the second hinge structure 342. For example, since the rotating members 402a and 402b have a larger size than shown, they may replace one of the hinge structures 341 and 342. In an embodiment, since the rotating members 402a and 402b have a larger size than shown, they may implement a portion of any one of the hinge structures 341 and 342.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the first rotating member 402a and the second rotating member 402b may be arranged side by side on their sides or face each other according to the unfolded state or the folded state. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In an actual electronic device (eg, Figure 2 or Figure 3 In the folded state of the electronic device 200 or 300), the first rotating member 402a and the second rotating member 402b may be arranged to face each other, wherein Figure 3 The first hinge structure 341 and / or the second hinge structure 342 are interposed therebetween. For example, in an actual electronic device 200 or 300, the first rotating member 402a and the second rotating member 402b may be arranged to face each other, wherein the first hinge structure 341, the second hinge structure 342 and / or a portion of the display 330 (e.g., Figure 2 The folding area 231c) is inserted therebetween.

[0115] In an embodiment, when any one of the first housing 321 and the second housing 322 pivots relative to the hinge structure 400, the interlocking hinge module 400b can pivot the other of the first housing 321 and the second housing 322. For example, the pivoting of the first housing 210 or 321 and the pivoting of the second housing 220 or 322 can be linked to each other by the interlocking hinge module 400b. According to an embodiment, the interlocking hinge module 400b may include a sliding bracket 405 fastened or fixed to the inner surface of the hinge cover 360, a pair of third rotating members 406a and 406b pivotably or rotatably disposed on the sliding bracket 405, and a slider 407 disposed to move linearly on the sliding bracket 405 along the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2. According to an embodiment, the sliding bracket 405 may be provided integrally with the hinge cover 360, or may extend from the hinge bracket 401 along the direction of the folding axes A1 and A2. For example, the sliding bracket 405 may be integrally formed with at least one of the hinge brackets 401. According to an embodiment, the sliding bracket 405 may guide the linear movement of the slider 407. In an embodiment, the third rotating members 406a and 406b may be respectively coupled to different first housings 210 or 321 and second housings 210 or 322, and rotate or pivot around any one of the folding axes A1 and A2. A sliding protrusion 461 may be provided at one end of the third rotating member 406a or / and 406b, and as the third rotating member 406a or / and 406b rotates around one of the folding axes A1 and A2, the sliding protrusion 461 may move along an arc track on the sliding bracket 405.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the slider 407 may include a plurality of sliding holes 471, each of which accommodates one of the sliding protrusions 461, and the sliding holes 471 may extend in an inclined direction relative to the folding axis A1 or / and A2 and / or an arc track centered on the folding axis A1 or / and A2. In an embodiment, when the sliding protrusion 461 is slidably coupled to one of the sliding holes 471, the linear movement of the slider 407 and the rotation of the third rotating member 406a or / and 406b may be mutually converted. For example, when at least one of the third rotating members 406a and 406b rotates on the sliding bracket 405, the slider 407 may be linearly movable on the sliding bracket 405 due to the inclined track of the sliding hole 471. In another embodiment, when the slider 407 moves linearly on the sliding bracket 405, the third rotating member 406a or / and 406b may rotate on the sliding bracket 405. For example, the inclined trajectory of the sliding hole 471 can be set to rotate the third rotating members 406a and 406b in a direction approaching or moving away from each other when the slider 407 moves linearly. In an embodiment, the first housing 210 or 321 and the second housing 220 or 322 can be connected by the interlocking hinge module 400b so that they pivot in opposite directions relative to each other between the folded position and the unfolded position.

[0117] Figure 8 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A perspective view of the hinge bracket 401.

[0118] refer to Figure 8 The hinge bracket 401 may include a guide curved surface 411, a first guide protrusion 413 and / or a guide slit 419. The guide curved surface 411, for example, is a first guide protrusion 413 and a guide slit 419. Figure 5 The hinge bracket 401 may include a pair of guide curved surfaces 411 when a pair of folding axes A1 and A2 are provided at positions spaced apart from each other. In an embodiment, a first guide protrusion 413 may be provided between the guide curved surfaces 411 and the folding axes A1 or / and A2, and extend from a position spaced apart from the guide curved surfaces 411 in the direction of the folding axes A1 or / and A2. The guide slit 419 may extend between the guide curved surfaces 411 in the direction of the folding axes A1 or / and A2, and may slidably accommodate a support protrusion (e.g., Fig.13 For example, the guide slit 419 may support or guide the linear movement of the cam member 403.

[0119] In an embodiment, the hinge bracket 401 may further include one or more receiving holes 415 disposed adjacent to the guide curved surface 411. The receiving hole 415 may be a space in which, for example, a portion of the cam member 403 (e.g., the cam 431) and / or the elastic member 441 described later is received, and may be in the form of a cutout area or an opening area extending inward from the periphery of the hinge bracket 401. An inner wall (hereinafter, referred to as "end wall 415a") provided at one end of the receiving hole 415 of the hinge bracket 401 may be disposed to face the first guide protrusion 413 in the direction of the folding axis A1 or / and A2, and to support one end of the elastic member 441. For example, a portion of the rotating member 402a or 402b (e.g., Figure 4 The rotating body 421 of the hinge bracket 401), a portion of the cam member 403 (e.g., the cam 431) and / or the elastic member 441 may be substantially disposed between the first guide protrusion 413 and the end wall 415a, and the elastic member 441 may provide an elastic force that causes the cam member 403, the rotating member 402a or 402b and / or the first guide protrusion 413 to contact or be in close contact in the direction of the folding axis A1 or / and A2. In a certain embodiment, the hinge bracket 401 may include a structure that contacts the rotating member 402a or 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421) earlier than the first guide protrusion 413 in the direction of the folding axis A1 or A2. In this case, the first guide protrusion 413 may not directly contact the rotating member 402a or 402b in the direction of the folding axis A1 or / and A2.

[0120] Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a rotating member 402 a or / and 402 b (eg, Figure 5 402b). Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a first direction (eg, a direction parallel to the folding axis A1 or A2). Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram of rotating members 402a and / or 402b. Fig.11 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a second direction (eg, a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A1 or A2). Fig. 9 FIG. 4 is a diagram of rotating members 402a and / or 402b. Fig.12 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.11 FIG. 4 is a diagram of the rotating member 402 a or 402 b cut along line BB′.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the first rotating member 402a may be similar or substantially identical to the second rotating member 402b except for a slight difference between the positions of the rotating bodies 421. Figures 9 to 12The second rotating member 402b of the rotating members 402a and 402b is shown and described by way of example, and those skilled in the art will easily understand the first rotating member 402a from the description of the second rotating member 402b.

[0122] refer to Figures 9 to 12 , the second rotating member 402b may be integrally formed as a flat plate and include a rotating body 421 formed on one surface thereof. The rotating body 421 may be substantially semi-cylindrical in shape and include an outer peripheral surface in the form of an arc or a curved surface centered on any one of the folding axes A1 and A2 (e.g., the second folding axis A2). In an embodiment, the rotating body 421 may include a guide groove 421a and a contact area 421c, which are formed on a surface facing the cam 431 in the direction of the second folding axis A2. The guide groove 421a may extend along an arc track centered on, for example, the second folding axis A2, and the contact area 421c may have an arc track centered on the second folding axis A2 and extending along the periphery of the guide groove 421a. The rotating body 421 may include a first guide groove 421d corresponding to the first guide groove 413 on a surface opposite to the surface on which the guide groove 421a is formed, and the shape of the first guide groove 421d may be substantially the same as that of the guide groove 421a.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the contact area 421c may be understood as the contact area of ​​the cam member 403 (eg, Figure 4 In one embodiment, the second rotating member 402b may be rotated about 90 degrees on the hinge bracket 401, and as each of the first rotating member 402a and the second rotating member 402b rotates on the hinge bracket 401, the foldable housings 321 and 322 may be deformed between a folded state and an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the contact area 421c may be formed as an arcuate track of about 90 degrees or more and about 130 degrees or less. For example, the pressing protrusion of the cam member 403 (e.g., Fig.13 The pressing protrusion 431b) can slidably contact the contact area 421c, and the angle of the arc track of the contact area 421c can be set according to the angle range of the pressing protrusion 431b extending in the circumferential direction. The angle range of the contact area 421c can be set in various ways according to the design of the angle range of rotation of the rotating members 402a and 402b relative to the cam member 403, and in actual products can be equal to or greater than about 90 degrees and equal to or less than about 100 degrees.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the rotating member 402a or / and 402b (for example, the second rotating member 402b) may further include a stop protrusion protruding from the contact area 421c in the direction of the folding axis A1 or / and A2. When viewed along the direction of the folding axis A1 or / and A2, the stop protrusion 421b may, for example, extend in an arc-shaped trajectory with a smaller angle range than the contact area 421c, and contact the pressing protrusion 431b of the cam member 403 at a specified position. For example, when the pressing protrusion 431b is at Fig.10 When the second rotating member 402a contacts the stop protrusion 421b at the point indicated by "SP" in the figure, the elastic force of the elastic member 441 can be converted into a driving force to rotate the second rotating member 402b in the counterclockwise direction. According to an embodiment, the first shell 210 or 321 and the second shell 220 or 322 can at least partially contact each other in a folded state, and in a structure in which the second rotating member 402b is connected to the second shell 220 or 322, the second rotating member 402b can no longer rotate in a direction in which the angle with the first rotating member 402a is reduced, or no longer in a direction in which the angle between the first shell 210 or 321 and the second shell 220 or 322 is reduced (for example, Fig.10 For example, when the pressing protrusion 431b contacts one end of the stopping protrusion 421b (e.g., a point indicated by “SP”) in the folded state, the contact state between the first shell 210 or 321 and the second shell 220 or 322 and / or the folded state of the electronic device 200 or 300 can be stably maintained.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the second rotating member 402b and / or the cam member 403 may convert the elastic force of the elastic member 441 so that the contact area 421c may act in a direction intersecting the folding axis A1 or / and A2. For example, although the elastic force of the elastic member 441 acts parallel to the folding axis A1 or / and A2 and thus in the direction in which the cam member 403 (e.g., the cam 431) contacts the second rotating member 402b (e.g., along Fig.12 The elastic force may also act in the direction of rotation of the rotating member 402a or 402b (eg, the second rotating member 402b) through the rotation of the rotating member 402 or / and 402b and the cam member 403 (eg, reference Fig.10 And reference Fig.10 Description of the preceding paragraph) and / or the direction in which the contact area 421c is away from the folding axis A1 and / or A2 (for example, Fig.12 Although in the embodiments, the direction away from the folding axis A1 and / or A2 is referred to as “the direction intersecting the folding axis A1 and / or A2”, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction intersecting the folding axis A1 and / or A2 is referred to as “the direction intersecting the folding axis A1 and / or A2”. Fig.21 The inclination directions of the inclined surfaces IF1 and IF2 shown in the embodiment may be changed, and a part of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 may be converted in a direction to bring the rotating member 402a or / and 402b closer to the folding axis A1 or / and A2.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the second rotating member 402b may further include a main inclined surface IF1 formed around the guide groove 421a on one surface of the rotating body 421. According to an embodiment, the main inclined surface IF1 may be at least a portion of the surface of the stop protrusion 421b, and the entire contact area 421c may be provided as the main inclined surface IF1. In an embodiment, the main inclined surface IF1 may be formed to be inclined at a specified angle IA in a direction approaching the cam member 403 or the elastic member 441 as it moves away from the folding axis A1 or / and A2 in the radial direction of the arc trajectory. For example, at least a portion of the cam member 403 may be disposed between the folding axis A1 or / and A2 and the main inclined surface IF1, and when the cam member 403 contacts the main inclined surface IF1 or the contact area 421c, at least a portion of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 may be in a direction (for example, the main inclined surface IF1) that moves the contact area 421c (for example, the main inclined surface IF1) away from the folding axis A1 or / and A2. Fig.12 The direction of the arrow in "TF2") is used for conversion.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the second rotating member 402b may further include a dummy groove 421e extending in a circumferential direction from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 421. Although not shown, the electronic device 200 or 300 or the hinge module 400a may further include a dummy protrusion formed on the hinge cover 360 or the hinge bracket 401, and since the dummy protrusion is accommodated in the dummy groove 421e, the dummy protrusion may be used together with the dummy groove 421e as a structure for guiding or supporting the rotation of the second rotating member 402b.

[0128] According to an embodiment, although the first rotating member 402a is different from the second rotating member 402b in terms of the position of the rotating body 421 in the direction of the folding axis A1 or / and A2, the configuration of the first rotating member 402a is similar to or substantially the same as the configuration of the second rotating member 402b. Although the "second rotating member 402b" is illustrated in the drawings referred to in the detailed description, it may be referred to as "rotating member 402a or / and 402b", and the configuration of the first rotating member 402a may be understood from the detailed description of the second rotating member 402b. In the following detailed description, it will be noted that when it is necessary to distinguish similar components provided to each of the first rotating member 402a and the second rotating member 402b, ordinal numbers such as "first" or "second" may be used, and the same reference numerals as in the drawings may be used together.

[0129] Fig.13 The present invention is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 A perspective view of the cam member 403. Fig.14 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a first direction Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram of a cam member 403 . Fig.15 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present disclosure viewed from a second direction. Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram of a cam member 403 . Fig.16 is a diagram showing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.15 FIG. 4 is a diagram of the cam member 403 cut along line CC'.

[0130] refer to Figures 13 to 16 , the cam member 403 may include a member configured to rotate with the rotating members 402a and 402b (eg, Fig. 9 A pair of cams 431 in contact with the rotating body 421 and a pair of cams 431 in contact with the hinge bracket 401 (for example, Figure 8 The support protrusion 439 corresponding to the guide slit 419 of the folding axis A1 or / and A2 may be provided. The support protrusion 439 may extend in the direction of the folding axis A1 or / and A2 and may be at least partially provided in the guide slit 419. For example, the cam member 403 may be provided to be linearly movable in the direction of the folding axis A1 or / and A2 on the hinge bracket 401 under the guidance of the support protrusion 439. The cam 431 may be provided at positions spaced apart from each other on the cam member 403 and may be provided to face any one of the rotating members 402a and 402b. For example, the cam 431 may be provided to substantially face any one of the rotating bodies 421 and may at least partially contact or be in close contact with any one of the rotating bodies 421 by the elastic force of the elastic member 441. In some embodiments, the cam 431 may be provided to face a portion of the arc track of the guide groove 421a or the contact area 421c and may slidably contact the contact area 421c according to the rotation of the rotating members 402a or / and 402b.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the hinge module 400a and / or the cam member 403 may include at least one guide protrusion 431a and at least one pressing protrusion 431b formed on the cam 431 on the surface facing the rotating body 421. The guide protrusion 431a and / or the pressing protrusion 431b may protrude from one surface of the cam 431 in the direction of the folding axis A1 or / and A2, the guide protrusion 431a may be accommodated in the guide groove 421a of the rotating member 402a or 402b, and the pressing protrusion 431b may be provided corresponding to the contact area 421c. For example, the cam member 403 may substantially contact the contact area 421c through the pressing protrusion 431b. Since the guide protrusion 431a and the pressing protrusion 431b are arranged corresponding to the guide groove 421a or the contact area 421c, the guide protrusion 431a and the pressing protrusion 431b can have an arc trajectory centered on either one of the folding axes A1 and A2, and extend in the circumferential direction with a smaller angle range than the guide groove 421a or the contact area 421c.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the surface facing the contact area 421c in the direction of the folding axis A1 or / and A2 (e.g., the surface of the pressing protrusion 431b) may include an inclined or secondary inclined surface IF2 inclined at a specified angle IA relative to the folding axis A1 or / and A2. The secondary inclined surface IF2 may be formed to be inclined at a specified angle IA in a direction away from the rotating member 402a or 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421) as it moves away from the folding axis A1 or / and A2 in the radial direction of the arc track. In an embodiment, the rotating member 402a or 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421) may be at least partially disposed between the cam 431 (e.g., the pressing protrusion 431b) and the hinge bracket 401. In an embodiment, when a portion of the rotating member 402a or 402b is disposed between the cam 431 and the hinge bracket 401, the secondary inclined surface IF2 may be substantially disposed between the main inclined surface IF1 (e.g., the rotating body 421) of the rotating member 402a or 402b and the folding axis A1 or A2. For example, the secondary inclined surface IF2 can distribute or convert the elastic force of the elastic member 441 in the arrow direction TF1 and / or the arrow direction TF2 by pressing the primary inclined surface IF1. The arrow direction TF1 may be, for example, a direction in which the cam 431 is in close contact with the rotating member 402a or 402b (for example, the rotating body 421), and the arrow direction TF2 may be, for example, a direction intersecting with a direction in which the elastic member 441 provides the elastic force, and may be a direction in which the primary inclined surface IF1 moves away from the folding axis A1 or A2.

[0133] Fig.17 The present invention is shown in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the rotating member 402 a or 402 b and the cam member 403 in the folded state of the electronic device 200 . Fig.18 The present invention is shown in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement of a rotating member 402 a or 402 b and a cam member 403 in a folding or unfolding operation of an electronic device 200 . Fig.19 The present invention is shown in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the rotating member 402 a or 402 b and the cam member 403 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200 .

[0134] refer to Figures 17 to 19 When the rotating member 402a or / and 402b rotates around any one of the folding axes A1 and A2 (eg, the second folding axis A2), the cam member 403 (eg, the pressing protrusion 431b) may slidably contact a surface of the rotating body 421 (eg, Fig. 9 or Fig.10 The area where the pressing protrusion 431b slides in contact with the rotating body 421 may be substantially an arc-shaped track centered on any one of the folding axes A1 and A2.

[0135] refer to Fig.17 When the electronic device 200 is folded, the pressing protrusion 431b may contact one end of the stopping protrusion 421b, for example, Fig.10 , thereby inhibiting the unfolding of the foldable housings 210 and 220 or 321 and 322. For example, when the user does not unfold the electronic device 200, the pressing protrusion 431b and the stopping protrusion 421b can stably maintain the folded state of the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, in the folded state, the secondary inclined surface IF2 can press the main inclined surface IF1 in a direction in which at least a portion of the rotating member 402a or 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421) is away from the folding axis A1 or A2. Here, "at least a portion of the rotating body 421" may include a point where the pressing protrusion 431b contacts the rotating body 421. Therefore, at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 421 may contact a specified position (e.g., the guide curved surface 411) of the hinge bracket 401. In an embodiment, the point where the rotating body 421 contacts the hinge bracket 401 may be maintained at a substantially fixed position relative to the folding axis A1 or A2, thereby suppressing displacement of the rotating body 421 relative to another structure in addition to rotation about the folding axis A1 or A2. Referring to Fig. 20 Various embodiments of the contact point between the rotating body 421 and the hinge bracket 401 and / or a configuration for suppressing the relative displacement of the rotating body 421 are described in more detail.

[0136] Reference Fig.18In the operation of gradually unfolding the foldable housings 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 from the folded state, the pressing protrusion 431b may slidably contact the contact area 421c (e.g., the stop protrusion 421b) on one surface of the rotating body 421. In an embodiment, the main inclined surface IF1 of the stop protrusion 421b may be inclined at a specified angle (e.g., by Fig.12 The angle indicated by "IA" in the figure) may be a substantially flat surface in the circumferential direction or the arc direction. For example, the foldable shells 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 may be unfolded at any angle in an intermediate state between the folded state and the unfolded state. According to an embodiment, the pressing protrusion 431b and the stopping protrusion 421b may keep the foldable shells 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 in the unfolded state in the intermediate state at any angle by providing static friction. In the operation of unfolding (or folding) the foldable shells 210 and 220 or 321 and 322, the secondary inclined surface IF2 may press the primary inclined surface IF1, thereby Fig.16 A portion of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 is converted in the direction of the arrow TF2. For example, the contact point between the rotating body 421 and the hinge bracket 401 in the unfolding operation can be substantially the same as the contact point in the folded state with respect to the folding axis A1 or A2, and in addition to the rotation about the folding axis A1 or A2, the displacement of the rotating member 402a or 402b or the rotating body 421 relative to another structure (for example, the hinge bracket 401) can be suppressed.

[0137] Reference Fig.19 , the pressing protrusion 431b may contact the other end of the stopping protrusion 421b, thereby inhibiting the unfolding of the electronic device 200 in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200. For example, the pressing protrusion 431b may inhibit the folding of the foldable shells 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 by receiving the elastic force of the elastic member 441 while contacting the other end of the stopping protrusion 421b. When an external force greater than the elastic force of the elastic member 441 is applied (for example, user manipulation), the stopping protrusion 421b may gradually move to the folded position while retracting the pressing protrusion 431b. The folding operation of the foldable shells 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 may be performed substantially in the opposite direction of the unfolding operation, which can be seen from the reference Fig.18 The embodiments are easily understood.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the cam member 403 (e.g., the pressing protrusion 431b) may contact the main inclined surface IF1 in the folded state of the electronic device 300. For example, at least in the folded state, the relative displacement of the rotating body 421, the rotating member 402a or 402b and / or the housings 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 may be suppressed, and suppressing the unexpected relative displacement may improve user satisfaction. In an embodiment, the main inclined surface IF1 may be formed in the entire track or section where the contact area 421c extends. For example, during the rotation of the foldable housings 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 between the folded state and the unfolded state, in addition to the rotation, the relative displacement of the rotating body 421, the rotating member 402a or 402b and / or the housings 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 may be suppressed. In an example, the main inclined surface IF1 may be formed in a portion of the track or section where the contact area 421c extends. In this case, in the section where the cam member 403 (eg, the pressing protrusion 431 b ) contacts the main inclined surface IF1 , relative displacement of the rotating body 421 , the rotating member 402 a or 402 b , and / or the housings 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 may be suppressed.

[0139] Fig. 20 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 6 1 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge module 400a taken along line S1, illustrating the arrangement of the hinge bracket 401 and the rotating member 402a or 402b. Fig.21 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 5 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hinge module 400a taken along line BB'.

[0140] refer to Fig. 20 and Fig.21 , in the direction of the folding axis A1 or A2, one surface of the rotating member 402a or 402b (e.g., the rotating body 421) may be arranged to face the cam member 403 (e.g., the cam 431), and the other surface of the rotating body 421 may be arranged to face the inner wall of the hinge bracket 401. When the elastic force of the elastic member 441 is applied, the main inclined surface IF1 and the secondary inclined surface IF2 may convert at least a portion of the elastic force in the arrow direction TF2. For example, the rotating member 402a or 402b may contact the hinge bracket 401 and / or the cam member 403 at a point indicated by "CP" (hereinafter, referred to as "contact point CP") by the force applied in the arrow direction TF2. When the portion of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 is converted in the arrow direction TF2, the contact point CP may be maintained at a substantially fixed position relative to the folding axis A1 or A2 and / or the hinge bracket 401.

[0141] According to an embodiment, due to the manufacturing tolerance allowed by the hinge bracket 401 or the rotating member 402a or 402b and / or the wear caused by repeated rotation, a certain degree of gap may be generated between the hinge bracket 401 and the rotating member 402a or 402b and / or between the cam member 403 and the rotating member 402a or 402b. In addition to the expected movement (e.g., rotation for folding / unfolding), the gap allows the displacement of the rotating member 402a or 402b relative to the folding axis A1 or A2 or another structure (e.g., the hinge bracket). The embodiments of the present disclosure can suppress the relative displacement of the rotating member 402a or 402b by converting the elastic force of the elastic member 441 in the arrow direction TF2 using the inclined surface IF1 of the rotating member 402a or 402b, thereby substantially fixing the contact point CP on the hinge bracket 401 and / or relative to the folding axis A1 or A2. For example, the perceived quality of the electronic device 200 or 300 by the user can be improved by suppressing, reducing or eliminating the movement of the foldable housings 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 that was not intended in design or manufacture. In addition, suppressing, reducing or eliminating the unexpected movement of the foldable housing can increase the life of the electronic device by reducing the amount of wear or damage to the electronic device over time.

[0142] According to an embodiment, a region where the rotating member 402a or 402b directly contacts another structure in the direction of the folding axis A1 or A2 (e.g., the end surface of the first guide protrusion 413 or the secondary inclined surface IF2 of the cam member 403) may generate friction in the folding or unfolding operation. Considering the smoothness of the folding operation (or unfolding operation) or the static friction for maintaining the inclination angle (e.g., the intermediate state) of the foldable housings 210 and 220 or 321 and 322, the size of the region in contact with or facing the direction of the folding axis A1 or A2 may be controlled. For example, when the end surface of the first guide protrusion 413 is a structure in contact with the rotating body 421, the hinge bracket 401 may further include a friction protrusion or ridge 413a protruding or extending from the end surface of the first guide protrusion 413 in the direction of the folding axis A1 or A2. For example, when the first guide protrusion 413 is a structure that directly contacts the rotating body 421, the friction protrusion 413a may be provided on the first guide protrusion 413, so that the friction between the hinge bracket 401 and the rotating member 402a or 402b can be controlled. Although not shown, the secondary inclined surface IF2 of the cam member 403 may be omitted, and a structure similar to the friction protrusion 413a may be provided on the cam member 403 to contact the main inclined surface IF1. In another embodiment, the cam member 403 may include a secondary inclined surface IF2, and a protrusion similar to the friction protrusion 413a may be formed on the secondary inclined surface IF2 to adjust the contact area between the cam member 403 and the rotating body 421.

[0143] Fig. 22 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hinge module (eg, Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram of a hinge module 400 a). Fig.23 is a diagram illustrating a hinge module 400 a in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] Fig. 22 and Fig.23 The cam member 403 (eg, the pressing protrusion 431 b ) and the rotating body 421 (eg, Fig.10 421c) and the resulting elastic force conversion, wherein the pressing point BP on the hinge bracket 401 can remain substantially constant regardless of the rotational position of the rotating member 402a or 402b. In an embodiment, the main inclined surface (e.g., Fig.21 The main inclined surface IF1 of the embodiment can be provided on most of the contact area 421c, and a part of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 can be converted in the arrow direction TF2. In the embodiment, when the rotating body 421 is cut in the radial direction of the arc track, the main inclined surface IF1 can be inclined closer to the elastic member 441 or the cam member 403 as it moves away from the folding axis A1 or A2, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 For example, the arrow direction TF2 in which a part of the elastic force is converted and actually applied can be basically the radial direction of the trajectory of the contact area 421c (or the guide groove 421a) or the straight line direction passing through the folding axis A1 or A2 and the pressing point BP, and can also be the direction in which the rotating body 421 contacts the guide surface 411.

[0145] Figure 24 to Figure 27 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hinge module (eg, Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram of a modified example of the hinge module 400 a).

[0146] According to an embodiment, the other surface of the rotating body 421 may be in contact or in close contact with the inner wall of the hinge bracket 401 (e.g., the inner wall on which the first guide protrusion 413 is provided) by the elastic force of the elastic member 441. The first guide protrusion 413 may be provided on the inner wall of the hinge bracket 401 at a position spaced apart from the guide curved surface 411 and accommodated in the first guide groove 421d of the rotating body 421, thereby guiding or supporting the rotation of the rotating member 402a or 402b. Figure 24 to Figure 26Since at least one inclined surface 411a and 411b is provided on the inner wall of the hinge bracket 401 or the end surface of the first guide protrusion 413, and at least one other inclined surface 421f and 421g corresponding thereto is provided on the other surface of the rotating body 421, a part of the elastic force of the elastic member 441 can be converted. The force converted by the inclined surfaces 411a, 411b, 421f and 421g can contact the point of the rotating body 421 on the hinge bracket 401 (for example, Fig. 20 The contact point CP) is substantially fixed at a designated position. The inclined surfaces 411a and 411b of the hinge bracket 401 may be at least partially disposed between the inclined surfaces 421f and 421g of the rotating body 421 and the folding axes A1 and A2, and press or closely contact the inclined surfaces 421f and 421g of the rotating body 421.

[0147] refer to Fig. 27 , a pair of cams 503 may be provided to face the two surfaces of the rotating body 421. For example, a guide groove 421a and a stop protrusion 421b may be provided on each of the two surfaces of the rotating body 421, and a Fig.13 The guide protrusion 431 a and the cam 503 pressing the protrusion 431 b may be disposed to face each other with the rotating body 421 interposed therebetween in the direction of the folding axis A1 or A2.

[0148] Fig.28 is an electronic device 500 (eg, Figures 1 to 3 or Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of an electronic device 101, 200 or 300).

[0149] Fig.28 The electronic device 500 shown may include Figure 4 The hinge structure 400. For example, Fig.28 The electronic device 500 shown can be used by Figure 4 Hinge structure 400 replacement Figure 3 The hinge structure 340 in the electronic device 300 is implemented. Fig.28 When referring to the embodiment shown (eg, electronic device 500), reference may be made to Figure 3 The electronic device 300 and / or Figure 4 The hinge structure 400 and Figure 3 The electronic device 300 and / or Figure 4 Components that are similar or substantially the same as those in the hinge structure 400 may be given the same reference numerals or omitted, and their detailed descriptions may also be omitted.

[0150] refer to Fig.28The hinge structure 400 may include a pair of hinge modules 400a and an interlocking hinge module 400b disposed between the hinge modules 400a. For example, the hinge module 400a and the interlocking hinge module 400b may be arranged along a folding axis (eg, Figure 1 or Figure 5 In an embodiment, when a pair of hinge modules 400a is provided, the hinge modules 400a may be disposed adjacent to the periphery of the housings 321 and 322 on the folding axes A, A1, or / and A2.

[0151] According to an embodiment, the rotating members 402a and 402b of the hinge module 400a may be arranged or coupled on different second surfaces 321b and fourth surfaces 322b of the housings 321 and 322. For example, the housings 321 and 322 may rotate or pivot relative to the hinge structure 400 according to the rotation of the rotating members 402a and 402b. In the unfolded state, the rotating members 402a and 402b may be arranged side by side on one side of another rotating member and substantially face each other in the folded state. In an embodiment, a portion of the bracket assembly 323 or / and 324 and / or a portion of the display 330 may be arranged between the rotating members 402a and 402b in the folded state. In an embodiment, the rotating members 402a and 402b may be formed integrally with different bracket assemblies 323 and 324. For example, although an example is described in which the rotating members 402 a and 402 b are structures separate from the bracket assemblies 323 and 324 , the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, the rotating members 402 a and 402 b may be implemented as a part of the bracket assemblies 323 and 324 .

[0152] In the above-described embodiments, although the “rotating member” is generally described with reference to the second rotating member 402b, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, except for some differences in relative position and direction of force application (e.g., direction of conversion of elastic force), the first rotating member 402a is similar or substantially the same as the second rotating member 402b. For example, the construction of the first rotating member 402a can be readily understood from the above-described embodiments showing the second rotating member 402b. In various embodiments, the foldable housings 210 and 220 or 321 and 322 or the rotating members 402a and 402b can be connected by interlocking hinge modules (e.g., Figure 4 The interlocking hinge modules 400b) rotate in opposite directions relative to each other. Although not directly disclosed, the use of a slider (e.g., Figure 4 The interlocking structure of the slider 407) can be replaced by a structure in which a plurality of gears are combined.

[0153] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the contact point of the rotating member on the hinge bracket can be basically fixed relative to the folding axis. For example, in addition to rotation (or pivoting), the relative displacement of the housing and / or the rotating member on the hinge bracket according to the folding or unfolding operation of the electronic device can be suppressed. Therefore, despite manufacturing tolerances or repeated deformation operations, a stable connection structure or rotation structure can be maintained. In an embodiment, since unintentional relative displacement during the design or manufacturing process is suppressed, the hinge module and / or the electronic device including the hinge module according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can improve user satisfaction while providing improved emotional quality. In addition, various effects directly or indirectly identified through this document can be provided.

[0154] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (eg, Figures 1 to 3 The electronic devices 101, 200 and 300 may include: a first housing (eg, Figure 2 or Figure 3 a first housing 210 or 321); a second housing (eg, Figure 2 or Figure 3 The second housing 220 or 322 is configured to pivot between a position where the second housing is folded to face the first housing (hereinafter, the "first position") and a position where the second housing is unfolded from the first housing at a specific angle (hereinafter, the "second position"); a display (e.g., Figure 2 or Figure 3 The display 230 or 330 includes a first area (eg, Figure 2 a first area 231a of the second housing, a second area (eg, Figure 2 The second area 231b) and the folding area (eg, Figure 2 folding area 231c); and at least one hinge module (eg, Figure 3 The hinge structure 340 or Figure 4 The hinge module 400a is disposed between the first housing and the second housing and pivotally connects the first housing and the second housing to each other. The hinge module may include: a hinge bracket (eg, Figure 4 A hinge bracket 401; a first rotating member (eg, Figure 4 or Figure 5 The first rotating member 402a is connected to the first housing and rotates around a first folding axis (eg, Figure 2 Folding axis A or Figure 5 The first folding axis A1 of the hinge bracket can be pivotally or rotatably arranged on the hinge bracket; the second rotating member (for example, Figure 4 or Figure 5 The second rotating member 402b is connected to the second housing and rotates around the second folding axis (eg, Figure 2 Folding axis A or Figure 5 The second folding axis A2 of the hinge bracket can be pivotally or rotatably arranged on the hinge bracket; the cam member (for example, Figure 4 or Figure 6 A cam member 403 is disposed on the hinge bracket and faces at least a portion of the first rotating member and the second rotating member; and an elastic member (eg, Figure 4 or Figure 6 The elastic member 441 is in a first direction of action (eg, substantially parallel to Fig.21 The cam member may be configured to at least partially contact the inclined surface of the first rotating member (eg, Fig.12 The main inclined surface IF1 of the rotating member or the inclined surface of the second rotating member (eg, Fig.12 main inclined surface IF1).

[0155] According to an embodiment, the elastic member may be configured to move in a second action direction (eg, Fig. 22 or Fig.23 The first rotating member and the second rotating member are pressed in the arrow direction TF2).

[0156] According to an embodiment, the elastic member can be configured to provide an elastic force to the cam member in a direction parallel to the first folding axis or the second folding axis, and the cam member can be configured to press at least a portion of the first rotating member in a direction away from the first folding axis, or to press at least a portion of the second rotating member in a direction away from the second folding axis.

[0157] According to an embodiment, the hinge module may further include a first contact area (eg, Fig. 9 or 10) and a second contact area (eg, a contact area 421c) which is an area formed on the second rotating member and in contact with the cam member and which is an arcuate trace centered on the second folding axis. Fig. 9 or 10 contact area 421c), and the first contact area or the second contact area can be formed to be at least partially inclined relative to the first folding axis or the second folding axis (for example, with Fig.12 A specific angle of IA tilt).

[0158] According to an embodiment, the cam member can be configured to convert the elastic force of the elastic member in a direction away from the first folding axis in the first contact area or in a direction away from the second folding axis in the second contact area by pressing the first rotating member or the second rotating member at least at a first position within the pivot angle range of the second shell.

[0159] According to an embodiment, as the first contact area or the second contact area moves away from the first folding axis or the second folding axis in the radial direction of the arc trace, the first contact area or the second contact area can be formed to be inclined in a direction approaching the cam member or the elastic member, and the cam member can be configured to slidingly contact the first contact area or the second contact area.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the hinge module may include at least one pressing protrusion (eg, Fig.13 The pressing protrusion 431b) and the inclined surface as a part of the surface of the pressing protrusion that slidably contacts the first contact area or the second contact area (for example, Fig.16 or Fig.21 The secondary inclined surface IF2).

[0161] According to an embodiment, the hinge module may further include at least one stopping protrusion (eg, Fig. 9 The pressing protrusion may at least partially contact the stopping protrusion at a first position within the pivot angle range of the second shell.

[0162] According to an embodiment, the hinge module may further include guide grooves (eg, Fig. 9 The guide groove 421a) and the guide protrusion (eg, Fig.13 The guide protrusions 431a of the hinge bracket are each accommodated in any one of the guide grooves, and the first rotating member and the second rotating member can be configured to pivot or rotate on the hinge bracket under the guidance of the guide grooves and the guide protrusions.

[0163] According to an embodiment, the hinge module may further include contact areas formed in the first rotating member and the second rotating member, respectively, and extending from the periphery of the guide groove in an arc-shaped trace centered on either one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis, and a pressing protrusion protruding from one surface of the cam member, each pressing protrusion being configured to slidably contact either one of the contact areas according to the rotation of the first rotating member and the second rotating member. The contact area may be formed to be at least partially inclined relative to the first folding axis or the second folding axis.

[0164] According to an embodiment, the electronic device and / or the hinge module may include: a sliding bracket (eg, Figure 4 A pair of third rotating members (eg, Figure 4 The third rotating members 406a and 406b are each connected to any one of the first shell and the second shell, and are pivotally or rotatably arranged on the sliding bracket around any one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis, and include a sliding protrusion (for example, Figure 4 The sliding block is provided to be linearly movable along the direction of the first folding axis or the second folding axis on the sliding bracket, extends along an inclined curved trajectory, and includes sliding holes, each of which accommodates any one of the sliding protrusions. The sliding block can be configured to pivot another of the third rotating members according to the pivoting of any one of the third rotating members while linearly moving on the sliding bracket.

[0165] According to an embodiment, the sliding bracket may extend from the hinge bracket.

[0166] According to an embodiment, the hinge module may include at least one guide curved surface (eg, Figure 4 or Figure 8 A guide curved surface 411), a first guide protrusion (eg, Fig. 9 ), and a first guide groove ( 413 ) formed in the first rotating member and the second rotating member, respectively, and having an arc-shaped trajectory centered on either one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis. Fig.12 The hinge bracket includes a first guide groove 421d, and as the first guide protrusion is movably received in the first guide groove, the first guide protrusion may rotatably fasten the first rotating member and the second rotating member to the hinge bracket.

[0167] According to an embodiment, the electronic device and / or the hinge module may further include a first inclined surface forming a portion of the first guide groove (eg, Fig.25 or Fig.26 The inclined surface indicated by “421g” in FIG. 1 ) and a second inclined surface (eg, in FIG. 1 ) that forms a portion of the surface of the first guide protrusion and at least partially contacts the first inclined surface. Fig.25 or Fig.26). The second inclined surface may be at least partially disposed between the first inclined surface and the first folding axis or between the first inclined surface and the second folding axis.

[0168] According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the first inclined surface and at least a portion of the second inclined surface may be configured to be in close contact with each other by an elastic force of the elastic member.

[0169] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method is provided for connecting an electronic device (eg, Figures 1 to 3 The first housing (eg, Figure 2 or Figure 3 The first housing 210 or 321 and the second housing (eg, Figure 2 or Figure 3 The hinge modules (eg, the second housing 220 or 322) are pivotally coupled to each other. Figure 3 The hinge structure 340 or Figure 4 The hinge module 400a may include: a hinge bracket (eg, Figure 4 A hinge bracket 401; a first rotating member (eg, Figure 4 or Figure 5 The first rotating member 402a is coupled to the first housing and rotates about a first folding axis (eg, Figure 5 The folding axis A or the first folding axis A1) is pivotally or rotatably arranged on the hinge bracket; the second rotating member (for example, Figure 4 or Figure 5 The second rotating member 402b is coupled to the second housing and rotates about a second folding axis (eg, Figure 5 The folding axis A or the second folding axis A2) is pivotally or rotatably arranged on the hinge bracket; the cam member (for example, Figure 4 or Figure 6 The cam member 403 is arranged on the hinge bracket to be linearly movable and faces at least a portion of the first rotating member and the second rotating member; and an elastic member (eg, Figure 4 or Figure 6 The elastic member 441 provides elastic force to the cam member in a direction in which the first rotating member and the second rotating member are in close contact with each other. Each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member may include an inclined surface (eg, Fig.16 or Fig.21 The cam member may be configured to press at least a portion of the first rotating member in a direction intersecting the first folding axis, or to press at least a portion of the second rotating member in a direction intersecting the second folding axis, based on the elastic force of the elastic member.

[0170] According to an embodiment, the cam member may at least partially contact an inclined surface between an inclined surface of the first rotating member and the first folding axis or between an inclined surface of the second rotating member and the second folding axis.

[0171] According to an embodiment, the hinge module may further include a first contact area (eg, Fig. 9 or 10) and a second contact area (eg, Fig. 9 or Fig.10 The inclined surface may be provided in at least a portion of the first contact region or the second contact region.

[0172] According to an embodiment, the first contact area or the second contact area may be formed in an arc-shaped trajectory equal to or greater than 90 degrees and equal to or less than 100 degrees.

[0173] According to an embodiment, the hinge module may further include: a guide groove (eg, Fig. 9 The guide groove 421a is formed in the first rotating member and the second rotating member, respectively, and has an arc track centered on either one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis; the guide protrusion (for example, Fig.13 The guide protrusions 431a are formed on one surface of the cam member and received in any one of the guide grooves to guide the pivoting or rotation of the first rotating member and the second rotating member; the contact areas are formed in the first rotating member and the second rotating member, respectively, and extend from the periphery of the guide groove in an arc-shaped trajectory centered on any one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis; the pressing protrusions (for example, Fig.13 The pressing protrusions 431b) protrude from one surface of the cam member, each configured to slidably contact any one of the contact regions according to the rotation of the first rotation member and the second rotation member. The contact region may at least partially include an inclined surface.

[0174] According to an embodiment, as the first and second rotating members rotate, the pressing protrusion may be configured to be positioned between the first folding axis and the inclined surface of either one of the contact regions or between the second folding axis and the inclined surface of the other one of the contact regions.

[0175] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may not include a display. For example, the electronic device may include a foldable keyboard or any other electronic device that does not include a display.

[0176] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described by way of example, it will be understood that the various embodiments are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in form and specific configuration without departing from the overall perspective of the present disclosure including the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, additional embodiments may be implemented by selectively combining components of the above-described different embodiments.

[0177] It will be understood that the above-mentioned embodiments and their technical features can be combined with each other in each combination unless there is a conflict between two embodiments or features. That is, each combination of two or more of the above-mentioned embodiments is contemplated and included in the present disclosure. One or more features from any embodiment can be combined in any other embodiment and provide corresponding one or more advantages.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: a first shell; a second housing configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein the second housing is folded to face the first housing and the second housing is unfolded from the first housing at a specified angle; A display comprising a first area disposed on the first housing, a second area disposed on the second housing, and a folding area disposed between the first area and the second area; as well as at least one hinge module disposed between the first housing and the second housing and pivotably connecting the first housing and the second housing to each other, The hinge module comprises: Hinge bracket; a first rotating member coupled to the first housing and pivotably or rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket about a first folding axis; a second rotating member coupled to the second housing and pivotably or rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket about a second folding axis; a cam member disposed on the hinge bracket and facing at least a portion of the first rotating member and the second rotating member; and an elastic member configured to provide an elastic force to the cam member in a first action direction, and Wherein, when the cam member receives the elastic force provided by the elastic member, the cam member is configured to at least partially contact the inclined surface of the first rotating member or the inclined surface of the second rotating member.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is configured to provide the elastic force to the cam member in a direction parallel to the first folding axis or the second folding axis, and The cam member is configured to press at least a portion of the first rotating member in a direction away from the first folding axis, or to press at least a portion of the second rotating member in a direction away from the second folding axis.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The hinge module further comprises: a first contact region of an arc-shaped trajectory centered on the first folding axis, the first contact region being a region formed on the first rotating member and configured to contact the cam member; and a second contact region of an arc-shaped trajectory centered on the second folding axis, the second contact region being a region formed on the second rotating member and configured to contact the cam member, and The first contact area or the second contact area is formed to be at least partially inclined relative to the first folding axis or the second folding axis, respectively.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The cam member is configured to convert the elastic force of the elastic member in a direction in which the first contact area is away from the first folding axis or in a direction in which the second contact area is away from the second folding axis by pressing the first rotating member or the second rotating member at least at the first position within a pivot angle range of the second housing.

5. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The first contact area or the second contact area is formed to be inclined in a direction approaching the cam member or the elastic member as the first contact area or the second contact area is away from the first folding axis or the second folding axis in a radial direction of the arcuate trajectory, and Wherein, the cam member is configured to slidably contact the first contact area or the second contact area.

6. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The hinge module further comprises: at least one pressing protrusion protruding from one surface of the cam member; and an inclined surface that slidably contacts the first contact area or the second contact area as a part of a surface of the pressing protrusion; Optionally, Wherein, the hinge module further includes at least one stopping protrusion formed in the first contact area or the second contact area, and Wherein, within the pivot angle range of the second housing, one of the at least one pressing protrusions at least partially contacts one of the at least one stopping protrusions at the first position.

7. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The hinge module further comprises: at least one guide groove formed in each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member and having an arc-shaped trajectory centered on either one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis; and at least one guide protrusion formed on one surface of the cam member, each of the at least one guide protrusion being received in any one of the at least one guide groove, and The first rotating member and the second rotating member are configured to pivot or rotate on the hinge bracket under the guidance of the at least one guide groove and the at least one guide protrusion.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: The hinge module further comprises: at least one contact area formed in each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member and extending from the periphery of the guide groove in an arc-shaped trajectory centered on any one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis; and at least one pressing protrusion protruding from one surface of the cam member, each of the at least one pressing protrusion being configured to slidingly contact any one of the at least one contact area when the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate, and The at least one contact area is formed to be at least partially inclined relative to the first folding axis or the second folding axis.

9. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: A sliding bracket extending along the direction of the first folding axis or the second folding axis; a pair of third rotating members, each of which is coupled to any one of the first housing and the second housing, and is pivotably or rotatably disposed on the sliding bracket about any one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis, and each of the third rotating members comprises a sliding protrusion configured to move in an arcuate trajectory on the sliding bracket; as well as a slider, arranged to be linearly movable on the sliding bracket along the direction of the first folding axis or the second folding axis, extending along an inclined curved trajectory, and comprising a plurality of sliding holes, each of which is configured to accommodate any one of the sliding protrusions of the third rotating member, wherein the slider is configured to: according to the pivoting of any one of the third rotating members, cause another of the third rotating members to pivot while linearly moving on the sliding bracket; and Optionally, the sliding bracket extends from the hinge bracket.

10. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The hinge module further comprises: at least one guide curved surface formed on an inner surface of the hinge bracket and configured to guide rotation of the first rotating member and the second rotating member; at least one first guide protrusion disposed inside the guide curved surface and extending in the direction of the first folding axis or the second folding axis; and at least one first guide groove formed in the first rotating member and the second rotating member and having an arc-shaped trajectory centered on either one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis, and Wherein, as the at least one first guide protrusion is movably received in the at least one first guide groove, the at least one first guide protrusion rotatably fastens the first rotating member and the second rotating member on the hinge bracket.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, further comprising: a first inclined surface forming a portion of the at least one first guide groove; as well as a second inclined surface forming a portion of a surface of the at least one first guide protrusion and at least partially contacting the first inclined surface, wherein the second inclined surface is at least partially disposed between the first inclined surface and the first folding axis or between the first inclined surface and the second folding axis; as well as Optionally, at least a portion of the first inclined surface and at least a portion of the second inclined surface are configured to be in close contact with each other by the elastic force of the elastic member.

12. A hinge module configured to pivotally couple a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device to each other, the hinge module comprising: Hinge bracket; a first rotating member coupled to the first housing and pivotably or rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket about a first folding axis; a second rotating member coupled to the second housing and pivotably or rotatably disposed on the hinge bracket about a second folding axis; a cam member, arranged on the hinge bracket to be linearly movable, facing at least a portion of the first rotating member and at least a portion of the second rotating member; as well as an elastic member configured to provide an elastic force to the cam member in a direction in which the cam member contacts at least one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member, wherein each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member includes an inclined surface configured to contact the cam member, and When the cam member receives the elastic force provided by the elastic member, the cam member is configured to press at least a portion of the first rotating member in a direction intersecting the first folding axis, or to press at least a portion of the second rotating member in a direction intersecting the second folding axis.

13. The hinge module according to claim 12, wherein: The cam member is configured to at least partially contact the inclined surface between the inclined surface of the first rotating member and the first folding axis or between the inclined surface of the second rotating member and the second folding axis.

14. The hinge module according to claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising: a first contact region which is an arcuate trajectory formed on the first rotating member and contacts the cam member and is centered on the first folding axis; as well as a second contact region which is an arcuate trajectory formed on the second rotating member and contacts the cam member and has the second folding axis as its center, and wherein the inclined surface is provided in at least a portion of the first contact area or the second contact area; as well as Optionally, the first contact area or the second contact area is formed in an arc track equal to or greater than 90 degrees and equal to or less than 100 degrees.

15. The hinge module according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising: at least one guide groove formed in each of the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and wherein each of the at least one guide groove has an arc-shaped trajectory centered on any one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis; at least one guide protrusion configured to guide the pivoting or rotation of the first rotating member and the second rotating member by being each formed on one surface of the cam member and received in any one of the at least one guide groove; at least one contact area formed in the first rotating member and the second rotating member, respectively, and extending from the periphery of the at least one guide groove in an arc-shaped trajectory centered on any one of the first folding axis and the second folding axis; and at least one pressing protrusion protruding from one surface of the cam member, each pressing protrusion being configured to slidingly contact any one of the at least one contact area according to rotation of the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and wherein said at least one contact region at least partially comprises said inclined surface; and Optionally, as the first rotating member and the second rotating member rotate, the at least one pressing protrusion is configured to be positioned between the first folding axis and the inclined surface of any one of the at least one contact areas, or between the second folding axis and the inclined surface of another of the at least one contact areas.

Images