Electronic device including hinge device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380044107.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-07-01
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-10
AI Technical Summary
In foldable electronic devices, the flexible display is prone to wrinkles during folding and deploying, and the design of the hinge device is difficult to be effectively arranged inside the thinned electronic device, resulting in reduced operating reliability and increased component mobility.
The hinge device design includes a hinge bracket, a slide rail and a rotary body. Through the linear movement of the slide rail and the rotation of the rotary body, the smooth deformation of the flexible display during the folding and deployment process is achieved, reducing compression force, and improving operating reliability.
It effectively reduces wrinkles and surface quality deterioration of flexible displays, improves the operating reliability of electronic devices, and reduces surface quality problems after frequent operations.
Smart Images

Figure CN119301937A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a hinge device. Background Art
[0002] As the functional gap between electronic devices of each manufacturer is significantly reduced, in order to meet the purchasing expectations of consumers, electronic devices are gradually becoming thinner, their rigidity is increasing, and their design aspects are being strengthened. At the same time, electronic devices are being improved to distinguish their functional elements. These electronic devices are gradually becoming various shapes, breaking away from the uniform rectangular shape. For example, the electronic device may include a deformable foldable electronic device, in which at least two shells are foldably connected to each other, so as to be conveniently carried and provide a large screen display when in use. The foldable electronic device may include a hinge device configured to connect at least two shells, and may require an improved hinge mechanism in which the bending of the flexible display is taken into account. Summary of the invention
[0003] Technical issues
[0004] The electronic device may include a foldable electronic device including a first housing and a second housing, the second housing being foldably connected to the first housing by at least one hinge device (e.g., a hinge module or a hinge structure). The first housing and the second housing may be operated by at least one hinge device during transition to a folded state and / or an unfolded state. The foldable electronic device may be operated in an inward folding method and / or an outward folding method by rotating the first housing and the second housing relative to each other within a specified range from 0 degrees to 360 degrees via at least one hinge device.
[0005] A foldable electronic device may include a flexible display that is arranged to span a first shell and a second shell in an unfolded state. In the folded state, the flexible display may have a folding area that is deformed into a specified shape. For example, the first shell and the second shell need to be designed to rotate around a rotation axis that is positioned separately from the folding axis of the flexible display so that the folding area of the flexible display can be deformed into a curved shape. According to the folding operation, the folding area of the flexible display can be deformed into various curved shapes (such as a "U" shape or a teardrop shape) in the internal space of the electronic device. In this case, when a fixed rotation axis is configured only considering the position of the flexible display in the folded / unfolded state, the flexible display may be compressed when transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state, and therefore, wrinkling of the display may occur.
[0006] In addition, in the flexible display, when the folding area is deformed into a water drop shape (e.g., a dumbbell shape) in the folded state, the rotating body rotatably connected relative to the housing can support the hinge plate, and the rotating body can be pivotally and rotatably connected to the arm, which is rotatably connected to at least one hinge device. Therefore, in the folded state, the hinge plate and the housing can be configured to support the rear surface of the flexible display through other surfaces that are not parallel to each other.
[0007] However, a configuration in which the assembly structure for the pivotal rotation of the rotating body and the arm is arranged to operate outside the hinge device may make it difficult to ensure an effective layout space in the internal space of an electronic device that is gradually becoming thinner, and may increase the unexpected mobility of each component due to design / assembly deviations between the components, thereby reducing the operational reliability of the electronic device.
[0008] The present disclosure provides an electronic device including a hinge device, which advantageously improves the operational reliability of a flexible display.
[0009] The present disclosure provides an electronic device including a hinge device that helps to reduce the mobility of each component thereof.
[0010] The present disclosure provides an electronic device including a hinge device capable of reducing surface quality degradation even after frequent operations.
[0011] The problems to be solved in the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems and can be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0012] Solutions to the problem
[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a first shell; a second shell; a hinge device configured to connect the first shell and the second shell and be foldable relative to a folding axis; and a flexible display supported by the first shell and the second shell, wherein the hinge device includes: a hinge bracket; a first slide rail movably disposed at the hinge bracket on a first side of the folding axis; a second slide rail movably disposed at the hinge bracket on a second side of the folding axis; a first rotating body rotatably disposed on the first slide rail; and a second rotating body rotatably disposed on the second slide rail, wherein the first slide rail and the second slide rail are configured to move a specified linear distance relative to the hinge bracket when the electronic device is transformed from a folded state to an unfolded state or when the electronic device is transformed from an unfolded state to a folded state.
[0014] The first rotating body may be connected to the first housing, may be rotatably coupled to the first slide rail, and may be configured to rotate about a first rotation axis. The second rotating body may be connected to the second housing, may be rotatably coupled to the second slide rail, and may be configured to rotate about a second rotation axis. Moreover, when the electronic device is transformed from a folded state to an unfolded state or when the electronic device is transformed from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first rotation axis may be moved by movement of the first slide rail and the second rotation axis may be moved by movement of the second slide rail.
[0015] The first rotation axis may be located at the same position relative to the folding axis in the folded state and the unfolded state, and the second rotation axis may be located at the same position relative to the folding axis in the folded state and the unfolded state.
[0016] The first slide rail and the second slide rail may each have a maximum linear movement distance corresponding to a specified intermediate folding angle of the hinge device.
[0017] The specified intermediate fold angle may be 45 degrees.
[0018] The flexible display may include a folding area, and the intermediate folding angle may be based on a deformed shape of the folding area in a folded state.
[0019] The hinge bracket may include a first track receiving portion and a second track receiving portion, wherein the first slide rail may include a guide groove having a specified length, wherein the guide groove of the first slide rail may be connected to the first track receiving portion so that the first slide rail can be linearly moved, and the second slide rail may include a guide groove having a specified length, wherein the guide groove of the second slide rail may be connected to the second track receiving portion so that the second slide rail can be linearly moved.
[0020] The first rotating body may include a curved rotating portion including a first guide rail, and the second rotating body may include a curved rotating portion including a second guide rail, wherein the first slide rail includes a first curved guide rib arranged on its outer surface, and the first rotating body is rotatably connected to the first slide rail by inserting the first curved guide rib into the first guide rail, wherein the second slide rail includes a second curved guide rib arranged on its outer surface, and the second rotating body is rotatably connected to the second slide rail by inserting the second curved guide rib into the second guide rail.
[0021] The electronic device may further include: a first supporting rotating body having one end rotatably connected to the hinge bracket and another end rotatably connected to the first rotating body; and a second supporting rotating body having one end rotatably connected to the hinge bracket and another end rotatably connected to the second rotating body.
[0022] The electronic device may further include: a first hinge plate coupled to the first supporting rotating body; and a second hinge plate coupled to the second supporting rotating body, wherein in an unfolded state, the first housing, the first hinge plate, the second housing, and the second hinge plate form a plane.
[0023] In the folded state, the first housing and the first hinge plate may form a first plane, and the second housing and the second hinge plate may form a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are different.
[0024] The electronic device may further include: a first shell bracket configured to fix the first rotating body to the first shell; and a second shell bracket configured to fix the second rotating body to the second shell, wherein the first supporting rotating body is rotatably fixed to the first shell bracket, and wherein the second supporting rotating body is rotatably fixed to the second shell bracket.
[0025] In the folded state, the folded area of the flexible display can be deformed into a water drop shape.
[0026] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a hinge device for a foldable electronic device having a folding axis includes: a hinge bracket; a first slide rail, movably disposed at the hinge bracket on a first side of the folding axis; a second slide rail, movably disposed at the hinge bracket on a second side of the folding axis; a first rotating body, disposed on the first slide rail to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; and a second rotating body, disposed on the second slide rail to be rotatable around a second rotation axis, wherein, when the electronic device is transformed from a folded state to an unfolded state or when the electronic device is transformed from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first rotation axis moves by movement of the first slide rail and the second rotation axis moves by movement of the second slide rail.
[0027] The first slide rail and the second slide rail may be configured to be linearly movable.
[0028] The first rotation axis may be located at the same position relative to the folding axis in the folded state and the unfolded state, and the second rotation axis may be located at the same position relative to the folding axis in the folded state and the unfolded state.
[0029] The first slide rail and the second slide rail may each have a maximum linear movement distance corresponding to a specified intermediate folding angle of the hinge device.
[0030] The intermediate folding angle may be determined according to a deformed shape of the display of the foldable electronic device in a folded state.
[0031] The first rotating body may include a curved rotating portion including a first guide rail, and the second rotating body may include a curved rotating portion including a second guide rail, wherein the first slide rail includes a first curved guide rib arranged on its outer surface, and the first rotating body is rotatably connected to the first slide rail by inserting the first curved guide rib into the first guide rail, wherein the second slide rail includes a second curved guide rib arranged on its outer surface, and the second rotating body is rotatably connected to the second slide rail by inserting the second curved guide rib into the second guide rail.
[0032] The hinge device may also include: a first supporting rotating body having one end rotatably connected to the hinge bracket and the other end rotatably connected to the first rotating body; and a second supporting rotating body having one end rotatably connected to the hinge bracket and the other end rotatably connected to the second rotating body.
[0033] Advantageous Effects of the Invention
[0034] The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may have an assembly structure in which the rotation axis linearly reciprocates in a specified direction when the housing rotates by means of a slide rail arranged as a direct component of the hinge device, thereby reducing undesirable mobility generated during operation and improving the operational reliability of the electronic device. In addition, this assembly structure may advantageously reduce the surface quality degradation of the flexible display even after frequent folding operations.
[0035] Furthermore, various effects directly or indirectly recognized by this document can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] In conjunction with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar elements.
[0037] Figure 1a 1 are front views, side views, top views, and bottom views of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0038] Figure 1b is a rear view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0039] Figure 2a 1 and 2 are front, side, top and bottom views of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0040] Figure 2b is a rear view of a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0041] Figure 3a is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0042] Figure 3b An arrangement structure of a hinge device in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.
[0043] Figure 4a is an exploded perspective view of a hinge device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0044] Figure 4b is a perspective view of a combined hinge device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0045] Figure 5a is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0046] Figure 5b is a plan view of a hinge bracket according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0047] Figure 5c According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 5b A cross-sectional view of the articulated bracket as viewed along line 5c-5c.
[0048] Figure 5d According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 5b A cross-sectional view of the articulated bracket as viewed along line 5d-5d.
[0049] Figure 6a is a perspective view of a slide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0050] Figure 6b According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 6a A cross-sectional view of the slide rail as viewed along line 6b-6b.
[0051] Figure 7a is a perspective view of a rotating body according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0052] Figure 7b is a side view of a rotating body according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0053] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a supporting rotating body according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0054] Figure 9a is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0055] Figure 9b is a configuration diagram of a hinge device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0056] Fig.9c The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the unfolded state along the Figure 9bA cross-sectional view of the hinge device observed along line (a)-(a).
[0057] Figure 9d The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the unfolded state along the Figure 9b A cross-sectional view of the hinge device observed along line (b)-(b).
[0058] Fig.9e The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the unfolded state along the Figure 9b A cross-sectional view of the hinge device observed along line (c)-(c).
[0059] Figure 9f yes Fig.9e 9d of the area 9d, showing a state in which the rotating body and the slide rail are coupled to each other in the unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0060] Figure 9g The rotation axis of the rotating body in the deployed state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.
[0061] Fig.10a is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device in an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0062] Fig.10b is a configuration diagram of a hinge device in an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0063] Fig.10c According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the Figure 9b A cross-sectional view of the hinge device observed along line (a)-(a).
[0064] Fig.10d According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the Figure 9b A cross-sectional view of the hinge device observed along line (b)-(b).
[0065] Fig.10e According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the Figure 9b A cross-sectional view of the hinge device observed along line (c)-(c).
[0066] Fig.10f yes Fig.10e 10d of the area 10d, showing a state in which the rotating body and the slide rail are coupled to each other in an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0067] Figure 10g The movement of the rotation axis of the rotating body in the intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.
[0068] Fig.11a is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0069] Fig.11b is a configuration diagram of a hinge device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0070] Fig.11c 1. The folded state is shown from the corresponding Figure 9b A cross-sectional view of the hinge device observed along line (a)-(a).
[0071] Fig.11d 1. The folded state is shown from the corresponding Figure 9b A cross-sectional view of the hinge device observed along line (b)-(b).
[0072] Fig.11e 1. The folded state is shown from the corresponding Figure 9b A cross-sectional view of the hinge device observed along line (c)-(c).
[0073] Fig.11f In the folded state, the Fig.11e The state where the rotating body and the slide rail are coupled to each other in the region 11d.
[0074] Figure 11g The movement of the rotation axis of the rotating body in the folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0075] Figure 1a and Figure 1b 2 are diagrams respectively illustrating a front view and a rear view of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments. Figure 2a and Figure 2b are diagrams respectively illustrating a front view and a rear view of a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
[0076] refer to Figures 1a to 2b The electronic device 200 may include a pair of housings 210 and 220 (eg, a foldable housing structure), the pair of housings being connected by a hinge device (eg, Figure 3aThe hinge devices 400 and 400-1 (e.g., hinge modules) are rotatably coupled to each other with reference to the folding axis A so as to be folded relative to each other; the first display 230 (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) is disposed through the paired housings 210 and 220; and / or the second display 300 (e.g., a sub-display) is disposed through the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, at least one hinge device (e.g., Figure 3a At least a portion of the hinge device 400 and 400-1) may be set to be invisible from the outside through the first shell 210 and the second shell 220, and may be set to be invisible from the outside through the hinge shell 310 covering the foldable portion. According to an embodiment, the hinge device (for example, Figure 3a The hinge device 400 and 400-1) may include: a hinge module including a gear assembly including a plurality of gears and a plurality of hinge cams coupled to a hinge shaft rotated by the gear assembly and performing a cam interlocking operation; and hinge plates for connecting the hinge module to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. In the present disclosure, a surface on which the first display 230 is provided may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device 200, and a surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as a rear surface of the electronic device 200. In addition, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device 200.
[0077] According to various embodiments, the paired housings 210 and 220 may include a hinge device (eg, Figure 3a The hinge device 400 and 400-1) are provided with a first housing 210 and a second housing 220 which are foldably arranged relative to each other. According to an embodiment, the shape and coupling of the paired housings 210 and 220 are not limited to Figures 1a to 2b , and the paired shells 210 and 220 may be implemented by combinations and / or couplings of other shapes or components. According to an embodiment, the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 may be disposed on opposite sides about the folding axis A, and may have shapes that are completely symmetrical to each other with respect to the folding axis A. According to an embodiment, the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 may be folded asymmetrically about the folding axis A. According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 may vary depending on whether the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.
[0078] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200, the first housing 210 may include: a first surface 211 connected to a hinge device (eg, Figure 3aThe second housing 220 may include a hinge device 400 and 400-1) and is arranged to be oriented to the front surface of the electronic device 200; a second surface 212, the second surface being oriented in a direction opposite to the first surface 211; and / or a first side member 213, the first side member surrounding at least a portion of the first space between the first surface 211 and the second surface 212. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 200, the second housing 220 may include: a third surface 221, the third surface being connected to the hinge device (e.g., Figure 3a The hinge device 400 and 400-1) and is arranged to be oriented to the front surface of the electronic device 200; the fourth surface 222, which is oriented in a direction opposite to the third surface 221; and / or the second side member 223, which surrounds at least a portion of the second space between the third surface 221 and the fourth surface 222. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first surface 211 and the third surface 221 may be oriented in substantially the same direction, and in the folded state, the first surface 211 and the third surface 221 may at least partially face each other. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a recess 201 formed by structural coupling of the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 to accommodate the first display 230. According to an embodiment, the recess 201 may have substantially the same shape as the first display 230. According to an embodiment, the first housing 210 may include a first protective frame 213a (e.g., a first decorative member) coupled to the first side member 213 when viewed from above the first display 230, and arranged to overlap with the edge of the first display 230 so as to cover the edge of the first display 230 to allow the edge to be invisible from the outside. According to an embodiment, the first protective frame 213a may be formed integrally with the first side member 213. According to an embodiment, the second housing 220 may include a second protective frame 223a (e.g., a first decorative member) coupled to the second side member 223 when viewed from above the first display 230, and arranged to overlap with the edge of the first display 230 so as to cover the edge of the first display 230 to allow the edge to be invisible from the outside. According to an embodiment, the second protective frame 223a may be formed integrally with the first side member 223. In an embodiment, the first protective frame 213a and the second protective frame 223a may be omitted.
[0079] According to various embodiments, the hinge housing 310 (eg, a hinge cover) may be disposed between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, and may be disposed to cover a hinge device (eg, a hinge cover) disposed on the hinge housing 310. Figure 3aAccording to an embodiment, the hinge housing 310 may be hidden from the outside or exposed to the outside by a portion of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 according to the unfolded state, the folded state or the intermediate state of the electronic device 200. For example, when the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing 310 may be covered by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 and is not substantially exposed. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing 310 may be exposed to the outside between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, in the intermediate state where the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are folded to each other at a predetermined angle (folded at a specific angle), the hinge housing 310 may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device 200 between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220. For example, the area of the hinge housing 310 exposed to the outside may be smaller than the area in the case where the electronic device 200 is completely folded. According to an embodiment, the hinge housing 310 may include a curved surface.
[0080] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state (eg, Figure 1a and Figure 1b ), the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 may meet at an angle of about 180 degrees, and the first area 230a, the second area 230b and the folding area 230c of the first display 230 may form the same plane and be arranged to be oriented in substantially the same direction (e.g., z-axis direction). In an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state, the first shell 210 may be rotated at an angle of about 360 degrees relative to the second shell 220, and may be folded outward (outward folding scheme) so that the second surface 212 and the fourth surface 222 face each other.
[0081] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device 200 is in a folded state (eg, Figure 2a and Figure 2b, the first surface 211 of the first shell 210 and the third surface 221 of the second shell 220 may be arranged to face each other. In this case, the first area 230a and the second area 230b of the first display 230 may form a narrow angle (e.g., a range between 0 degrees and approximately 10 degrees) through the folding area 230c, and may be arranged to face each other. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area 230c may be deformed into a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in an intermediate state, the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 may be arranged at a predetermined angle (a specific angle). In this case, the first area 230a and the second area 230b of the first display 230 may form an angle greater than that in the folded state and less than that in the unfolded state, and the curvature of the folding area 230c may be lower than that in the folded state, and may be higher than that in the unfolded state. In an embodiment, the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 may form a hinge device (e.g., Figure 3a The hinge device 400 and 400-1) allows the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 to stop at a specified folding angle (free stop function) between the folded state and the unfolded state. In an embodiment, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 can be connected by the hinge device (for example, Figure 3a The hinge devices 400 and 400-1) are continuously operated while being pressed in the unfolding direction or the folding direction with reference to a specified deflection angle.
[0082] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include at least one of at least one display 230 and 300, an input device 215, sound output devices 227 and 228, sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226, camera modules 216a, 216b, and 225, a key input device 219, an indicator (not shown), or a connector port 229 provided on the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220. In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may omit at least one of the elements, or may additionally include at least one other element.
[0083] According to various embodiments, at least one display 230 and 300 may include: a first display 230 (eg, a flexible display) configured to be connected to a display screen through a hinge device (eg, Figure 3aThe hinge device 400 and 400-1 of the electronic device 200 are supported by the third surface 221 of the second housing 220 from the first surface 211 of the first housing 210; and the second display 300 is set to be at least partially visible from the outside through the fourth surface 222 in the space in the second housing 220. In an embodiment, the second display 300 may be set to be visible from the outside through the second surface 212 in the space in the first housing 210. According to an embodiment, the first display 230 may be mainly used in the opened state of the electronic device 200, and the second display 300 may be mainly used in the folded state of the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, in the intermediate state, the electronic device 200 may control the first display 230 and / or the second display 300 to be used based on the folding angle between the first housing 210 and the second housing 220.
[0084] According to various embodiments, the first display 230 may be disposed in a receiving space formed by the pair of shells 210 and 220. For example, the first display 200 may be disposed in a recess 201 formed by the pair of shells 210 and 220, and may be configured to substantially occupy most of the front surface of the electronic device 200 in the unfolded state. According to an embodiment, the first display 230 may include a flexible display having at least one area that can be deformed into a flat or curved surface. According to an embodiment, the first display 230 may include a first area 230a facing the first shell 210 and a second area 230b facing the second shell 220. According to an embodiment, the first display 230 may include a folding area 230c including a portion of the first area 230a and a portion of the second area 230b relative to the folding axis A. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area 230c may include a portion corresponding to a hinge device (e.g., Figure 3a According to an embodiment, the division of the area of the first display 230 corresponds only to the paired housings 210 and 220 and the hinge device (eg, Figure 3a The first display 230 may be physically divided by the paired housings 210 and 220 and the hinge device (eg, Figure 3a The hinge devices 400 and 400-1) are basically displayed as a seamless full screen. According to an embodiment, the first region 230a and the second region 230b may have shapes that are completely symmetrical or partially asymmetrical with respect to the folding region 230c.
[0085] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a first back cover 240 disposed on the second surface 212 of the first housing 210 and a second back cover 250 disposed on the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first back cover 240 may be formed integrally with the first side member 213. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the second back cover 250 may be formed integrally with the second side member 223. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first back cover 240 and the second back cover 250 may be substantially formed of a transparent plate (e.g., a polymer plate or a glass plate including various coding layers) or an opaque plate. According to an embodiment, the first back cover 240 may be formed of, for example, an opaque plate such as coded or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS) or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. According to an embodiment, the second back cover 250 may be substantially formed of, for example, a transparent plate such as glass or a polymer. Therefore, the second display 300 may be arranged to be visible from the outside through the second back cover 250 in the space in the second housing 220.
[0086] According to various embodiments, the input device 215 may include a microphone. In an embodiment, the input device 215 may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of the sound. According to an embodiment, the sound output devices 227 and 228 may include a speaker. According to an embodiment, the sound output devices 227 and 228 may include a call receiver 227 disposed through the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220 and an external speaker 228 disposed through at least a portion of the second side member 223 of the second housing 220. In an embodiment, the input device 215, the sound output devices 227 and 228, and the connector 229 may be disposed in a space of the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220, and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed through the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220. In an embodiment, the hole formed through the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220 may be used in common for the input device 215 and the sound output devices 227 and 228. In an embodiment, the sound output devices 227 and 228 may include speakers (eg, piezoelectric speakers) that operate without including holes formed through the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220 .
[0087] According to various embodiments, the camera modules 216a, 216b, and 225 may include a first camera module 216a disposed on the first surface 211 of the first housing 210, a second camera module 216b disposed on the second surface 212 of the first housing 210, and / or a third camera module 225 disposed on the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a flash 218 disposed around the second camera module 216b. According to an embodiment, the flash 218 may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, the camera modules 216a, 216b, and 225 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In an embodiment, at least one of the camera modules 216a, 216b, and 225 may include two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lens lenses) and an image sensor, and may be arranged together on one surface of the first housing 210 and / or the second housing 220.
[0088] According to various embodiments, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226 may generate data values or electrical signals corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226 may include a first sensor module 217a disposed on the first surface 211 of the first housing 210, a second sensor module 217b disposed on the second surface 212 of the first housing 210, and / or a third sensor module 226 disposed on the fourth surface 222 of the second housing 220. In an embodiment, the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226 may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an illumination sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR)).
[0089] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may further include a sensor module not shown, such as at least one of an atmospheric sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. In an embodiment, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be provided to pass through at least one of the first side member 213 of the first housing 210 and / or the second side member 223 of the second housing 220.
[0090] According to various embodiments, the key input device 219 may be provided to be exposed to the outside through the first side member 213 of the first housing 210. In an embodiment, the key input device 219 may be provided to be exposed to the outside through the second side member 223 of the second housing 220. In an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may not include some or all of the key input devices 219, and the key input device 219 not included may be implemented in another shape, such as a soft key on at least one display 230 and 300. In an embodiment, the key input device 219 may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display 230 and 300.
[0091] According to various embodiments, the connector port 229 may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting data and / or power to an external electronic device and / or receiving data and / or power from an external electronic device. In an embodiment, the connector port 229 may perform the function of transmitting or receiving an audio signal to or from an external electronic device together, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., a headphone jack) for performing the function of transmitting or receiving an audio signal to or from an external electronic device.
[0092] According to various embodiments, at least one of the camera modules 216a, 216b, and 225, at least one of the sensor modules 217a, 217b, and 226, and / or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display 230 and 300. For example, at least one of the camera modules 216a and 225, at least one of the sensor modules 217a and 217b, and 226, and / or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display 230 and 300. For example, at least one of the camera modules 216a and 225, at least one of the sensor modules 217a and 226, and / or an indicator may be arranged below an activation area (display area) of at least one of the displays 230 and 300 in a space in at least one of the housings 210 and 220, and may be arranged to contact the external environment through a transparent area or an opening perforated to a cover member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the first display 230 and / or the second back cover 250). According to an embodiment, an area where at least one of the displays 230 and 300 and at least one of the camera modules 216a and 225 face each other may be formed as a transmissive area having a predetermined transmittance as a portion of an area where content is displayed. According to an embodiment, the transmissive region may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. The transmissive region may include an area overlapping with an effective area (e.g., a viewing angle area) of at least one camera module 216a and 225, wherein an image is formed on an image sensor in the effective area, and the light used to generate the image passes through the effective area. For example, the transmissive region of the display 230 and 300 may include an area where the density of pixels is lower than the density of pixels in the surrounding area. For example, the transmissive region may be replaced with an opening. For example, at least one camera module 216a and 225 may include an under-display camera (UDC) or an under-panel camera (UPC). In an embodiment, some camera modules or sensor modules 271a and 226 may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display. For example, the area facing the sensor modules 217a and 226 and / or camera modules 216a and 225 arranged below the display 230 and 300 (e.g., a display panel) corresponds to a camera under the display (UDC) structure, and a perforated opening is not necessarily required.
[0093] Figure 3a is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3b An arrangement structure of a hinge device in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.
[0094] Reference Figure 3a and Figure 3bThe electronic device 200 may include a first display 230 (e.g., a flexible display), a second display 300, at least one hinge device 400 and 400-1 and a pair of support members 261 and 262, at least one substrate 270 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)), a first shell 210, a second shell 220, a first back cover 240 and / or a second back cover 250.
[0095] According to various embodiments, the first display 230 may include a display panel 235 (e.g., a flexible display panel) and a support plate 236 disposed below the display panel 235. According to one embodiment, the first display 230 may include a pair of reinforcing plates 237 and 238 disposed below the support plate 236. In some embodiments, the pair of reinforcing plates 237 and 238 may be omitted. According to one embodiment, the display panel 235 may include a first area corresponding to the first display 230 (e.g., Figure 1a a first panel area 235a extending from the first panel area 235a and corresponding to the second area of the first display 230 (eg, Figure 1a The second panel area 235b of the second area 230b in the first display 230 and the folding area (eg, Figure 1a According to one embodiment, the support plate 236 may be disposed between the display panel 235 and a pair of support members 261 and 262, and may be formed to have a material and shape for providing a planar support structure to the first panel area 235a and the second panel area 235b and for providing a bendable structure to advantageously provide flexibility to the third panel area 235c. According to one embodiment, the support plate 236 may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., metal) or a non-conductive material (e.g., polymer or fiber reinforced plastic (FRP)). According to one embodiment, a pair of reinforcing plates 237 and 238 may be disposed between the support plate 236 and a pair of support members 261 and 262, and may include a first reinforcing plate 237 disposed to correspond to at least a portion of the first panel area 235a and the third panel area 235c, and a second reinforcing plate 238 disposed to correspond to at least a portion of the second panel area 235b and the third panel area 235c. According to an embodiment, the pair of reinforcing plates 237 and 238 may be formed of a metal material (eg, SUS) to advantageously reinforce the ground connection structure and rigidity of the first display 230 .
[0096] According to various embodiments, the second display 300 may be disposed in the space between the second housing 220 and the second back cover 250. According to an embodiment, the second display 300 may be visible from the outside through substantially the entire area of the second back cover 250 while being in the space between the second housing 220 and the second back cover 250.
[0097] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first support member 261 may be foldably coupled to the second support member 262 through at least one hinge device 400 and 400-1. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include at least one wiring member 263 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) that is provided from at least a portion of the first support member 261 to a portion of the second support member 262 across at least one hinge device 400 and 400-1. According to one embodiment, the first support member 261 may extend from the first side member 213, or may be structurally combined with the first side member 213. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a first space (e.g., a first space) provided by the first support member 261 and the first back cover 240. Figure 1a According to one embodiment, the first housing 210 (e.g., the first housing structure) may be configured by a combination of the first side member 213, the first support member 261, and the first back cover 240. According to one embodiment, the second support member 262 may extend from the second side member 223, or may be structurally combined with the second side member 223. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a second space (e.g., Figure 1a According to one embodiment, the second shell 220 (e.g., the second shell structure) may be configured by a combination of a second side member 223, a second support member 262, and a second back cover 250. According to one embodiment, at least one wiring member 263 and / or at least a portion of at least one hinge device 400 and 400-1 may be configured to be supported by at least a portion of a pair of support members 261 and 262. According to one embodiment, at least one wiring member 263 may be disposed in a direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) that intersects the first support member 261 and the second support member 262. According to one embodiment, at least one wiring member 263 may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., Figure 1a It has a length in the direction of the y-axis or folding axis A) (e.g., the x-axis direction).
[0098] According to various embodiments, at least one substrate 270 may include a first substrate 271 disposed in the first space 2101 and a second substrate 272 disposed in the second space 2201. According to an embodiment, the first substrate 271 and the second substrate 272 may include a plurality of electronic components arranged to implement various functions of the electronic device 200. According to an embodiment, the first substrate 271 and the second substrate 272 may be electrically connected by at least one wiring member 263.
[0099] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include at least one battery 291 and 292. According to an embodiment, the at least one battery 291 and 292 may include a first battery 291 disposed in the first space 2101 of the first housing 210 and electrically connected to the first substrate 271, and a second battery disposed in the second space 2201 of the second housing 220 and electrically connected to the second substrate 272. According to an embodiment, the first support member 261 and the second support member 262 may further include at least one expansion hole for the first battery 291 and the second battery 292.
[0100] According to various embodiments, the first housing 210 may include a first rotation support surface 214, and the second housing 220 may include a second rotation support surface 224 corresponding to the first rotation support surface 214. According to one embodiment, the first rotation support surface 214 and the second rotation support surface 224 may include a curved surface corresponding to (naturally connected to) the curved outer surface of the hinge housing 310. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state, the first rotation support surface 214 and the second rotation support surface 224 may cover the hinge housing 310 to prevent the hinge housing 310 from being exposed from the rear surface of the electronic device 200 or only expose a portion of the hinge housing 310. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in the folded state, the first rotation support surface 214 and the second rotation support surface 224 may rotate along the curved outer surface of the hinge housing 310 and at least partially expose the hinge housing 310 from the rear surface of the electronic device 200.
[0101] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include at least one antenna 276 disposed in the first space 2101. According to one embodiment, at least one antenna 276 may be disposed on the first battery 291 and the first back cover 240 in the first space 2101. According to one embodiment, at least one antenna 276 may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. According to one embodiment, at least one antenna 276 may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly send / receive power required for charging. In some embodiments, the antenna structure may be formed by at least a portion of the first side member 213 or the second side member 223 and / or a portion of the first support member 261 and the second support member 262, or a combination thereof.
[0102] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may further include at least one electronic component assembly 274 and 275 and / or additional support members 263 and 273 disposed in the first space 2101 and / or the second space 2201. For example, the at least one electronic component assembly may include an interface connector port assembly 274 or a speaker assembly 275.
[0103] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a first waterproof member (WP1) disposed between the first reinforcing plate 237 and the first supporting member 261 and a second waterproof member (WP2) disposed between the second reinforcing plate 238 and the second supporting member 262. According to one embodiment, the first waterproof member (WP1) may provide at least one first waterproof space when disposed between the first reinforcing plate 237 and the first supporting member 261. According to one embodiment, the at least one first waterproof space may accommodate an area corresponding to at least one electronic component (e.g., a camera module or a sensor module) disposed to be supported by the first supporting member 261. According to one embodiment, the second waterproof member (WP2) may provide a second waterproof space when disposed between the second reinforcing plate 238 and the second supporting member 262. According to one embodiment, the second waterproof space may accommodate at least a portion of a bent portion folded toward the rear surface of the first display 230. For example, the second waterproof space may extend from the display panel of the first display 230 and may be disposed to surround at least a portion of the bent portion folded toward the rear surface thereof. Therefore, a control circuit (eg, a display driver IC (DDI)) and a plurality of electronic components disposed in the bent portion may be disposed in the second waterproof space to be protected from external moisture and / or foreign substances.
[0104] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a waterproof tape 241 disposed between the first rear cover 240 and the first housing 210. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a joint member 251 disposed between the second rear cover 250 and the second housing 220. In some embodiments, the joint member 251 may be disposed between the second display 300 and the second housing 220. In some embodiments, the waterproof tape 241 may be replaced with the joint member 251, and the joint member 251 may be replaced with the waterproof tape 241.
[0105] According to various embodiments, at least one hinge device 400 and 400-1 may include a first hinge device 400 and a second hinge device 400-1 respectively disposed at one end and the other end in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F). According to an embodiment, the first hinge device 400 and the second hinge device 400-1 may have substantially the same configuration. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a connection module 400-2 disposed between the first hinge device 400 and the second hinge device 400-1. According to an embodiment, the connection module 400-2 may be arranged by a combination of one or more gears and / or a combination of one or more connecting rods. In some embodiments, the connection module 400-2 may be replaced with the first hinge device 400. In some embodiments, at least one hinge device 400 and 400-1 may be disposed at one position or three or more positions at a specified interval along a direction parallel to the folding axis (F). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 200 may include a first hinge plate 311 and a second hinge plate 312 connected by at least one hinge device 400 and 400-1. According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate 311 may form the same plane as the first housing 210 in the unfolded state, and the second hinge plate 312 may form the same plane as the second housing 220 in the unfolded state. According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the flexible display 230 may be deformed into a water drop shape by at least one hinge device 400 and 400-1 and accommodated in the internal space of the electronic device 200. According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the first hinge plate 311 and the second hinge plate 312 may move to support the folding area (e.g., Figure 1a In the folded state, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 can move to support a substantially undeformed flat portion of the flexible display 230 (eg, Figure 1a Therefore, in the folded state, the first hinge plate 311 may not form the same plane as the first housing 210, and the second hinge plate 312 may not form the same plane as the second housing 220.
[0106] At least one hinge device 400 and 40-1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to cause the folding region 230c to deform into a specified shape (e.g., a water drop shape) in the folded state of the flexible display 230. For example, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may need to be designed to rotate about a rotation axis (e.g., a rotation axis) relative to a position different from the folding axis (F) of the flexible display 230. Figure 4b The first shell 210 and the second shell 220 are rotated about the rotation axis (A1, A2) in the flexible display 230 so that the folding area 230c of the flexible display 230 can be deformed into a curved shape. In this case, if the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 rotate about the fixed rotation axis, the folding area 230c of the flexible display 230 that needs to form a water drop shape may be compressed during the folding operation, and therefore, wrinkling of the display may occur. In order to solve the wrinkling problem, when a transition from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state is performed by the hinge device 400 or 400-1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotation axis (A1, A2) of the first shell 210 and the second shell 220 can move at least a length, by which the compression force applied to the flexible display 230 is reduced, thereby promoting smooth deformation of the folding area 230c.
[0107] Figure 4a is an exploded perspective view of a hinge device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4b is a perspective view of a combined hinge device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0108] Reference Figure 4a and Figure 4b The hinge device 400 may include: a hinge bracket 410; a first slide rail 421, which is configured to be able to move a specified reciprocating distance around a folding axis (F) relative to one side of the hinge bracket 410; a second slide rail 422, which is configured to be able to move a specified reciprocating distance relative to the other side of the hinge bracket 410; a first rotating body 431, which is rotatably connected to the first slide rail 421; a second rotating body 432, which is rotatably connected to the second slide rail 422; a first housing bracket 451, which is configured to fix the first rotating body 431 to a first housing (e.g. Figure 3a The second housing bracket 452 is configured to fix the second rotating body 432 to the second housing (eg Figure 3a 41, having one end rotatably connected to the hinge bracket 410 and the other end rotatably connected to the first housing bracket 451; and a second support rotating body 442, having one end rotatably connected to the hinge bracket 410 and the other end rotatably connected to the second housing bracket 452. According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (e.g. Figure 3aThe first hinge plate 311 in the embodiment may be fixed to the first support rotating body 441, and the second hinge plate (eg Figure 3a The second hinge plate 312 in the embodiment may be fixed to the second support rotating body 442. At least one of the above components may be formed of a polymer material and / or a metal material.
[0109] According to various embodiments, the hinge bracket 410 may include a bracket body 4101 having a specified shape. According to one embodiment, in the bracket body 4101, the hinge bracket 410 may include a first rail receiving portion 411 and a second rail receiving portion 414, the first rail receiving portion 411 being disposed on one side of the folding axis (F) and configured to movably receive the first slide rail 421, and the second rail receiving portion 414 being disposed on the other side of the folding axis (F) and configured to movably receive the second slide rail 422. According to one embodiment, the hinge bracket 410 may include a first receiving portion 412 and a second receiving portion 415, the first receiving portion 412 being disposed on the left and right sides of the first rail receiving portion 411 (i.e., on either side of the first rail receiving portion 411) and configured to receive at least a portion of the first rotating body 431, and the second receiving portion 415 being disposed on the left and right sides of the second rail receiving portion 414 (i.e., on either side of the second rail receiving portion 414) and configured to receive at least a portion of the second rotating body 432. According to an embodiment, the first receiving portion 412 and the second receiving portion 415 receive only the portion of the first rotating body 431 and the portion of the second rotating body 432 that are disturbed during the rotational movement of the first rotating body 431 and the second rotating body 432, and the first rotating body 431 and the second rotating body 432 are not directly rotatably connected to the first receiving portion 412 and the second receiving portion 415. According to an embodiment, in the bracket body 4101, the hinge bracket 410 may include a third receiving portion 413 configured to rotatably receive the first supporting rotating body 442 and a fourth receiving portion 416 configured to rotatably receive the second supporting rotating body 442.
[0110] According to various embodiments, the first rotating body 431 may include a rotating body body 4311 and a pair of rotating parts 4312 extending from the rotating body body 4311 at a predetermined interval. According to one embodiment, the pair of rotating parts 4312 may be rotatably coupled to the first slide rail 421 and at least partially received in the first receiving part 412 of the hinge bracket 410 during the rotational movement. According to one embodiment, the second rotating body 432 may also include a rotating body body 4321 and a pair of rotating parts 4322 extending from the rotating body body 4321 at a predetermined interval. According to one embodiment, the pair of rotating parts 4322 may be rotatably coupled to the second slide rail 422 and at least partially received in the second receiving part 415 of the hinge bracket 410 during the rotational movement.
[0111] According to various embodiments, the first housing bracket 451 may include a fixed body 4511 fixed to the rotating body body 4311 of the first rotating body 431, a bracket rotating portion 4512 provided at one end of the fixed body 4511 and rotatably coupled to the second rotating portion 4412 of the first supporting rotating body 441, and a guide slit 4513 (e.g., a long hole) provided at the other end of the fixed body 4511 and having a length for guiding a hinge pin 4613 of the first arm 461 to be described later. According to one embodiment, the second housing bracket 452 may also include a fixed body 4521 fixed to the rotating body body 4321 of the second rotating body 432, a bracket rotating portion 4522 provided at one end of the fixed body 4521 and rotatably coupled to the second rotating portion 4422 of the second supporting rotating body 442, and a guide slit 4523 (e.g., a long hole) provided at the other end of the fixed body 4521 and having a length for guiding a hinge pin 4623 of the second arm 462 to be described later. In some embodiments, the first housing bracket 451 and the second housing bracket 452 may be omitted, and the bracket rotating parts 4512 and 4522 and the guide slits 4513 and 4523 may be respectively provided on the rotating body main body 4311 of the first rotating body 431 and the rotating body main body 4321 of the second rotating body 432. In some embodiments, the first housing bracket 451 and the second housing bracket 452 may be replaced with corresponding parts of the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 formed by structural changes.
[0112] According to various embodiments, the first support rotating body 441 may include a first rotating portion 4411 rotatably coupled to the third receiving portion 413 of the hinge bracket 410 and a second rotating portion 4412 rotatably coupled to the bracket rotating portion 4512 of the first housing bracket 451. According to one embodiment, the second support rotating body 442 may also include a first rotating portion 4421 rotatably coupled to the fourth receiving portion 416 of the hinge bracket 410 and a second rotating portion 4422 rotatably coupled to the bracket rotating portion 4522 of the second housing bracket 452. According to one embodiment, the first support rotating body 441 may be rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket 410 and the first housing bracket 451 by a pair of rotating portions 4411 and 4412, thereby receiving the rotation and movement of the first rotation axis (A1) of the first rotating body 431 moved by the first slide rail 421 while rotating. According to one embodiment, the second supporting rotating body 442 can be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket 410 and the second shell bracket 452 through a pair of rotating parts 4421 and 4422, thereby receiving the rotation and movement of the second rotation axis (A2) of the second rotating body 432 moved by the second slide rail 422 while rotating.
[0113] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 may include a gear assembly and a cam assembly connected to the hinge device 400. According to one embodiment, the gear assembly may include a first shaft (HS1), a second shaft (HS2), and at least two idler wheels 473, the first shaft (HS1) being arranged to penetrate at least a portion of the hinge bracket 410 and including a first gear 471, the second shaft (HS2) being arranged to penetrate at least a portion of the hinge bracket 410 and including a second gear 472, and at least two idler wheels 473 being arranged between the first gear 471 and the second gear 472. According to one embodiment, at least two idler wheels 473 may be gear-coupled to the first gear 471 and the second gear 473 (e.g., the gears are coupled in a row) so that the first shaft (HS1) and the second shaft (HS2) rotate to have the same amount of rotation. Through this gear assembly, when the electronic device 200 is folded or unfolded, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 may be folded or unfolded at the same angle to each other. According to one embodiment, four or more idler wheels 473 provided in an even number may also be arranged. In some embodiments, the gear assembly may be provided separately from the hinge bracket 410 .
[0114] According to various embodiments, the cam assembly may include: a first cam structure body 481 and a second cam structure body 482, arranged so that the first shaft (HS1) and the second shaft (HS2) pass therethrough in sequence; and at least one spring (S) disposed between the two cam structure bodies 481 and 482 to press the cam structure bodies 481 and 482 outward. According to one embodiment, the cam assembly may further include a support structure body 483, which is disposed adjacent to the second cam structure 482 so that the first shaft (HS1) and the second shaft (HS2) pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the support structure body 483 may be omitted. According to one embodiment, the cam assembly may include a first arm 461, which includes a first cam structure 4611 cam-coupled to the first cam structure body 481 and a second cam structure 4612 spaced apart from the first cam structure 4611 and cam-coupled to the second cam structure body 482. According to an embodiment, the first arm 461 may be provided so that the first shaft (HS1) passes through the first cam structure 4611 and the second cam structure 4612, and a portion of the first cam structure body 481 and a portion of the second cam structure body 482 may be inserted in the space 4601 between the first cam structure 4611 and the second cam structure 4612. According to an embodiment, the first arm 461 may be provided so that the hinge pin 4613 provided in a partial region thereof may move along the guide slit 4513 of the first housing bracket 451. For example, when the first housing bracket 451 rotates around the first rotation axis (A1) together with the first housing 210, the first arm 461 may also rotate together with the first shaft (HS1), and the first cam structure body 481 and the second cam structure body 482 provided on the first shaft (HS1) to be movable only in the axial direction (e.g., the ±y-axis direction) may retreat while being pressed by the spring (S). As a result, the first housing 210 may be provided with a stopper during operation, with a retaining force to maintain the state at a predetermined intermediate angle, or with a pressing force in a folding direction or an unfolding direction when rotated at an angle equal to or greater than a specified inflection point angle. According to one embodiment, the cam assembly may include a second arm 462, the second arm 462 including a first cam structure 4621 cam-coupled to the first cam structure body 481 and a second cam structure 4622 spaced apart from the first cam structure 4621 and cam-coupled to the second cam structure body 482. According to one embodiment, the second arm 462 may be configured so that the second shaft (HS2) passes through the first cam structure 4621 and the second cam structure 4622, and a portion of the first cam structure body 481 and a portion of the second cam structure body 482 may be inserted in a space 4601 between the first cam structure 4621 and the second cam structure 4622.According to one embodiment, the second arm 462 may be arranged so that a hinge pin 4623 disposed in a partial region thereof may move along the guide slit 4523 of the second housing bracket 452. For example, when the second housing bracket 452 rotates around the second rotation axis (A2) together with the second housing 220, the second arm 462 may also rotate together with the second shaft (HS2), and the first cam structure 481 and the second cam structure 482 disposed on the second shaft (HS2) to be movable only in the axial direction (e.g., the ±y-axis direction) may retreat while being pressed by the spring (S). As a result, the second housing 220 may be provided with a stopper during operation, with a retaining force to maintain the state at a predetermined intermediate angle, or with a pressing force in the folding direction or the unfolding direction when rotating at an angle equal to or greater than a specified inflection point angle. For example, since the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are folded or unfolded at the same angle at the same time through the gear assembly, the first arm 461 and the second arm 462 may also perform operations equally.
[0115] According to various embodiments, the first arm 461 can rotate around the first axis (HS1), and the first rotating body 431 can rotate around a rotation axis (A1) different from the rotation axis of the first axis (HS1). Therefore, during the folding or unfolding operation of the first housing 210, the first arm 461 rotating together with the first rotating body 431 can be moved along the guide slit 4513 set to pass through the first housing bracket 451 through the hinge pin 4613. Similarly, the second arm 462 can also be moved along the guide slit 4523 set to pass through the second housing bracket 452 through the hinge pin 4623. For example, since the first rotation axis (A1) and the second rotation axis (A2) of the rotating bodies 431 and 432 move during the folding or unfolding operation, the guide slits 4513 and 4523 can have a sufficient length to correspond to the movement of the rotation axes (A1, A2).
[0116] According to various embodiments, the first shell 210 may be fixed to the first shell bracket 451, and the second shell 220 may be fixed to the second shell bracket 452. According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate 311 may be fixed to the first support rotating body 441, and the second hinge plate 312 may be fixed to the second support rotating body 442. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first shell 210, the first hinge plate 311, the second hinge plate 312, and the second shell 220 may form the same plane to support the flexible display 230. According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the first shell 210 may be rotated around the first rotation axis (A1) by the first rotating body 431 to support the first flat area (e.g., Figure 1aThe second housing 220 may be rotated around the second rotation axis (A2) by the second rotating body 432 to support the second flat area (eg, Figure 1a According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the first hinge plate 311 and the second hinge plate 312 can be further folded inwardly toward each other by the first supporting rotating body 441 and the second supporting rotating body 442, thereby supporting the folding area (e.g., Figure 1a According to one embodiment, the first rotation axis (A1) and the second rotation axis (A2) can be moved from a first point (e.g., Figure 10g The first point (P1) in the image is moved to the second point (e.g. Figure 10g ), thereby reducing the compressive force applied to the flexible display 230 and reducing unintentional deformation (eg, wrinkling) of the flexible display 230.
[0117] Figure 5a is a perspective view of a hinge bracket according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5b is a plan view of a hinge bracket according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5c According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 5b A cross-sectional view of the hinge bracket observed along line 5c-5c. Figure 5d According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 5b A cross-sectional view of the hinge bracket observed along line 5d-5d.
[0118] Reference Figure 5a to Figure 5d In the bracket body 4101, the hinge bracket 410 may include a first track receiving portion (eg Figure 4a The hinge bracket 410 may include a first rail receiving portion 411 and a second rail receiving portion 414, wherein the first rail receiving portion is disposed on one side of the folding axis (F) and is configured to movably receive the first slide rail 421, and the second rail receiving portion 414 is disposed on the other side of the folding axis (F) and is configured to movably receive the second slide rail 422. According to one embodiment, the hinge bracket 410 may include a first receiving portion 412 and a second receiving portion 415, wherein the first receiving portion 412 is disposed on the left and right sides of the first rail receiving portion 411 and is configured to receive the first rotating body (e.g. Figure 4a The second receiving portion 415 is disposed on the left and right sides of the second track receiving portion 414 and is configured to receive the second rotating body (eg Figure 4aAccording to one embodiment, in the bracket body 4101, the hinge bracket 410 may include a bracket configured to rotatably receive the first support rotating body (eg Figure 4a The third receiving portion 413 of the first supporting rotating body 441) and the third receiving portion 413 configured to rotatably receive the second supporting rotating body (eg Figure 4a The fourth receiving portion 416 of the second supporting rotating body 442).
[0119] According to various embodiments, in the bracket body 4101, the hinge bracket 410 may include a curved guide rib (eg, Figure 5c The guide rib 4131 in the fourth receiving portion 416 and the curved guide rib (eg Figure 5c According to one embodiment, the second supporting rotating body (eg Figure 8 The second support rotating body 442 in the embodiment may be rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket 410 so that the guide rib 4161 is inserted into the first rotating portion (eg, Figure 8 The guide rail (e.g., Figure 8 For example, the first supporting rotating body (eg, Figure 4a The first supporting rotating body 441) in the embodiment may also be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket 410 in substantially the same manner.
[0120] Figure 6a is a perspective view of a slide rail according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6b According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 6a A cross-sectional view of the slide rail as viewed along line 6b-6b.
[0121] Reference Figure 6a and Figure 6b , the second slide rail 422 may include a body 4221 and a guide groove 4222 formed to a specified length from one side of the body 4221. According to one embodiment, the second slide rail 422 may include curved guide ribs 4223 provided on both sides of the body 4221. According to one embodiment, the second slide rail 442 may be slidably coupled to the second rail receiving portion (e.g., the second receiving portion) of the hinge bracket 410 by fitting the guide groove 4222 around the second receiving portion. Figure 5a The curved guide rib 4223 may also be inserted into the second rotating body (eg, Figure 7a The rotating part (e.g., the second rotating body 432) of Figure 7a The guide rail (e.g., Figure 7aThe second slide rail 422 may be coupled to the second rail receiving groove 414 of the hinge bracket 410 to reciprocate linearly relative thereto, and the second rotating body 432 may be rotatably coupled to the second slide rail 422. For example, a first slide rail (e.g., Figure 4a The first slide rail 421 in the embodiment of the present invention and the first rotating body (eg, Figure 4a The first rotating body 431) in can also be connected to each other in substantially the same manner.
[0122] Figure 7a is a perspective view of a rotating body according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7b is a side view of a rotating body according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0123] Reference Figure 7a and Figure 7b The second rotating body 432 may include a second housing bracket (eg Figure 4a The second housing support 452 in the embodiment includes a rotating body 4321 and a pair of rotating parts 4322 extending from the rotating body 4321 and spaced apart at a specified interval. According to one embodiment, the pair of rotating parts 4322 may be formed to be connected to the second slide rail (eg Figure 6a The curved shape may correspond to the shape of the second slide rail 422 in the embodiment of the present invention, and may include a curved guide rail 4323 configured to receive a guide rib (eg, Figure 6a According to one embodiment, the rotating portion 4322 may include a capture flange 4324 disposed on one end thereof, so that when the second rotating body 432 rotates by a specified amount, the capture flange 4324 is captured on the hinge bracket (e.g. Figure 5a The hinge bracket 410 in the embodiment of the present invention is placed on the hinge bracket 410 in the embodiment of the present invention, thereby limiting its rotation amount. For example, this rotation amount can be substantially the same as the rotation amount of the second housing 220 when it is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state.
[0124] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a supporting rotating body according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0125] Reference Figure 8 The second support rotating body 442 may include a first rotating portion 4421 and a second rotating portion 4422 formed integrally with the first rotating portion 4421. According to one embodiment, the first rotating portion 4421 may include a portion for receiving a portion of the hinge bracket (eg Figure 5a The fourth receiving portion (eg, Figure 5a The guide rib (eg, Figure 5c According to one embodiment, the second rotating portion 4422 may include a guide rail 4421a for receiving a second housing bracket (eg, Figure 4a The support rotating portion (eg, Figure 4a The guide rail 4422a of the guide rib (not numbered) on the bracket rotating part 4522 in the second support rotating body 442 is connected to the hinge bracket 410 through the first rotating part 4421, and can be rotatably connected to the second housing bracket 452 through the second rotating part 4422. By the rotatable connection of the two rotating parts 4421 and 4422, the second hinge plate (for example, Figure 3a The second hinge plate 312 in the housing 220 can be folded further inward than the housing 220, thereby advantageously supporting a flexible display (eg Figure 3a The flexible display 230 in FIG. 1 is deformed into a folding area (eg, Figure 1a According to one embodiment, the first supporting rotating body (eg Figure 4a The first support rotating body 441 in the embodiment may be rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket 410 and the first housing bracket (eg Figure 4a The first shell support 451 in the embodiment.
[0126] Figure 9a is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9b is a configuration diagram of a hinge device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9c to Figure 9e The various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the unfolded state along the Figure 9b Cross-sectional views of the hinge device observed along lines (a)-(a), (b)-(b) and (c)-(c). Figure 9f yes Fig.9e 9d of the area 9d, showing a state in which the rotating body and the slide rail are coupled to each other in the unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9g The rotation axis of the rotating body in the deployed state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.
[0127] Reference Figure 9a to Figure 9g, when the electronic device 200 is in the unfolded state, the first housing 210, the first hinge plate 311, the second hinge plate 312, and the second housing 220 may form the same plane, thereby supporting the rear surface of the flexible display 230. According to an embodiment, the first rotating body 431 may be rotatably coupled to the first slide rail 421, which is slidably coupled to the hinge bracket 410, and the second rotating body 432 may be maintained in a state of being coupled to the second slide rail 422, which is linearly slidably coupled to the hinge bracket 410. According to an embodiment, the first slide rail 421 may be linearly slidably coupled to the hinge bracket 410. According to an embodiment, the first supporting plate 441 may maintain a state in which the first rotating portion 4411 is rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket 410 and the second rotating portion 4412 is rotatably coupled to the first housing bracket 451. According to an embodiment, the second support plate 442 may maintain a state in which the first rotating portion 4421 is rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket 410 and the second rotating portion 4422 is rotatably coupled to the second housing bracket 452. In this case, in the first housing 210, the first rotation axis (A1) of the first rotating body 431 fixed by the first housing bracket 451 may be located at a first point (P1) near the rear surface of the flexible display 230. In the second housing 220, the second rotation axis (A2) of the second rotating body 432 fixed by the second housing bracket 452 may also be located near the rear surface of the flexible display 230.
[0128] exist Figure 9g , line (L1) represents a rotation trajectory formed by the movement of one end of the first shell 210 relative to the first rotation axis (A1) only in consideration of the folding / unfolding operation of the first shell 210, and line (L2) represents a rotation trajectory formed by the movement of one end of the first shell 210, so that the folding area 230c of the flexible display 230 can be naturally folded into a water drop shape (for example, to alleviate the compression force applied according to the folding operation of the flexible display). For example, line (L1) and line (L2) can become coincident in a fully unfolded state, and during the transition from the unfolded state to the folded state, the gap between line (L1) and line (L2) can gradually increase until a specified intermediate folding angle (for example, an inflection point angle) is formed, and then when fully folded from the specified intermediate folding angle, line (L1) and line (L2) can become coincident again while the gap between them is gradually reduced. For example, the specified folding angle can be about 45 degrees. However, without limitation thereto, the specified intermediate folding angle can be changed according to various shapes of the folding area of the flexible display 230 deformed in the folded state.
[0129] Fig.10a is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device in an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.10bis a configuration diagram of a hinge device in an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10c to Figure 10e 1 and 2 respectively in the intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9b Cross-sectional views of the hinge device observed at positions corresponding to lines (a)-(a), (b)-(b) and (c)-(c). Fig.10f yes Fig.10e 10d of the area 10d, showing a state in which the rotating body and the slide rail are coupled to each other in an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10g The movement of the rotation axis of the rotating body in the intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.
[0130] Reference Figure 10a to Figure 10g , the electronic device 200 can move in the direction in which the first housing 210 is folded, and can be transformed into an intermediate state having a specified intermediate folding angle (θ). In this case, according to the folding operation of the first housing 210, the first rotating body 431 can also rotate around the first rotation axis (A1) along the first slide rail 421 rotatably connected to the hinge bracket 410. According to an embodiment, the folding area 230c of the flexible display 230 can be subjected to a compressive force while being folded into a water drop shape, and therefore, the first slide rail 421 can be linearly moved from the hinge bracket by a specified length. For example, the first rotating body 431 can rotate along the first slide rail 421, and at the same time, the first slide rail 421 can be linearly moved along the first rail receiving portion 411 of the hinge bracket 410. Through the combined operation of the first rotating body 431 and the first slide rail 421, the first rotation axis (A1) can be moved from the first point (P1) to the second point (P2), so that the compressive force generated by the folding of the folding area of the flexible display 230 can be alleviated. For example, the second point (P2) of the first rotation axis (A1) may overlap with the flexible display 230, or may be higher than the upper surface of the flexible display 230. According to one embodiment, the second rotation axis (A2) of the second rotating body 432 may also be moved to another designated point by substantially the same operation. According to one embodiment, when the designated intermediate folding angle (θ) of the flexible display 230 is 45 degrees, the distance between the line (L1) and the line (L2) according to the rotation trajectory of the first shell 210 may be the largest. In some embodiments, the intermediate folding angle (θ) may be determined according to the curved shape of the folding region 230c of the flexible display 230.
[0131] Fig.11a is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.11b is a configuration diagram of a hinge device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 11c to Figure 11g 1 and 2 respectively in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 9b Cross-sectional views of the hinge device observed at positions corresponding to lines (a)-(a), (b)-(b) and (c)-(c). Fig.11f In the folded state, the Fig.11e The state where the rotating body and the slide rail are coupled to each other in the region 11d. Figure 11g The movement of the rotation axis of the rotating body in the folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.
[0132] Reference Figures 11a to 11g , when the flexible display 230 is transformed from a specified folding angle (θ) to a fully folded state, the first rotating body 431 may rotate around the first rotation axis (A1) along the first slide rail 421 rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket 410 according to the folding of the first shell 210. In this case, the compressive force applied to the folding area of the flexible display 230 may be gradually reduced, and the first slide rail 421 may return to its original position along the first track receiving portion 411 of the hinge bracket 410. For example, the first rotating body 431 may continuously rotate along the first slide rail 421, and at the same time, the first slide rail 421 may linearly move along the first track receiving portion 411 of the hinge bracket 410 to return to its original position. Through the combined operation of the first rotating body 431 and the first slide rail 421, the first rotation axis (A1) may move from the second point (P2) to the first point (P1). According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the flexible display 230 may include a teardrop shape formed by a folding area 230c and reverse bending areas 230d and 230e bent in a direction opposite to the folding area 230c, the folding area 230c being supported by the first hinge plate 311 and the second hinge plate 312, and the reverse bending areas 230d and 230e being located at positions corresponding to the boundary areas between the first hinge plate 311 and the second hinge plate 312 and the first shell 210 and the second shell 220, respectively.
[0133] According to various embodiments, when the flexible display 230 is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state, the compressive force on the flexible display 230 may be repeatedly increased and decreased based on a specified intermediate folding angle (θ) (e.g., about 45 degrees), and the compressive force may be relieved by the movement of the first slide rail 421 and the second slide rail 422. Therefore, wrinkles of the flexible display 230 that may occur during operation may be advantageously reduced.
[0134] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (eg Figure 1a The electronic device 200 in the embodiment may include: a first housing (eg Figure 1a The first shell 210 in the embodiment; the second shell (eg Figure 1a The second housing 220 in the embodiment; a hinge device (eg Figure 4aThe hinge device 400 is configured to connect the first shell and the second shell relative to the folding axis (e.g. Figure 1a foldable along a folding axis (F) in the middle; and flexible displays (e.g. Figure 1a The flexible display 230 in the embodiment is configured to be supported by the first shell and the second shell, wherein the hinge device includes: a hinge bracket (e.g. Figure 4a The hinge bracket 410 in the first slide rail (eg Figure 4a The first slide rail 421 in the embodiment is movably arranged at the hinge bracket and on one side of the folding axis; the second slide rail (e.g. Figure 4a The second slide rail 422 in the folding mechanism is movably arranged at the hinge bracket and on the other side of the folding axis; the first rotating body (eg Figure 4a The first rotating body 431 in the embodiment is rotatably disposed on the first slide rail; and the second rotating body (e.g. Figure 4a The second rotating body 432 in the embodiment is rotatably arranged on the second slide rail, wherein when the electronic device is transformed from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first slide rail and the second slide rail move a specified linear distance relative to the hinge bracket.
[0135] According to various embodiments, the first rotating body can be connected to the first shell and configured to rotate around the first rotation axis through the first slide rail, the second rotating body can be connected to the second shell and configured to rotate around the second rotation axis through the second slide rail, and when the electronic device is transformed from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first rotation axis can be moved by movement of the first slide rail, and the second rotation axis can be moved by movement of the second slide rail.
[0136] According to various embodiments, the first rotation axis may be located at the same point in the folded state and the unfolded state, and the second rotation axis may be located at the same point in the folded state and the unfolded state.
[0137] According to various embodiments, the first slide rail and the second slide rail may have a maximum linear movement distance at a designated intermediate folding angle.
[0138] According to various embodiments, the specified intermediate fold angle may include 45 degrees.
[0139] According to various embodiments, the intermediate folding angle may be determined according to a deformed shape of the folding region in the folded state.
[0140] According to various embodiments, the first slide rail and / or the second slide rail may include a guide groove having a specified length and coupled to a rail receiving portion provided in the hinge bracket so that the first slide rail and / or the second slide rail may be linearly movable.
[0141] According to various embodiments, the first rotating body and / or the second rotating body may include a curved rotating portion, the first sliding rail and / or the second sliding rail may include a curved guide rib arranged on an outer surface thereof, and the first rotating body and / or the second rotating body may be rotatably connected by inserting the guide rib into the guide rail.
[0142] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a first supporting rotating body and a second supporting rotating body, the first supporting rotating body having one end rotatably connected to the hinge bracket and the other end rotatably connected to the first rotating body, and the second supporting rotating body having one end rotatably connected to the hinge bracket and the other end rotatably connected to the second rotating body.
[0143] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a first hinge plate coupled to a first supporting rotator and a second hinge plate coupled to a second supporting rotator, wherein in an unfolded state, the first housing, the first hinge plate, the second housing and the second hinge plate form the same plane.
[0144] According to various embodiments, in the folded state, the first housing and the first hinge plate may form different planes, and the second housing and the second hinge plate may form different planes.
[0145] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a first shell bracket and a second shell bracket, the first shell bracket is configured to fix a first rotating body and a second shell, and the second shell bracket is configured to fix a second rotating body and a second shell, wherein the first supporting rotating body is rotatably fixed to the first shell bracket, and the second supporting rotating body is rotatably fixed to the second shell bracket.
[0146] According to various embodiments, in the folded state, the folded area of the flexible display may be deformed into a water drop shape.
[0147] According to various embodiments, a foldable electronic device (eg Figure 1a A hinge device (eg, Figure 4a The hinge device 400 in the embodiment may include: a hinge bracket (eg Figure 4a The hinge bracket 410 in the first slide rail (eg Figure 4a The first slide rail 421 in the embodiment is movably arranged at the hinge bracket and on one side of the folding axis; the second slide rail (e.g. Figure 4a The second slide rail 422 in the folding mechanism is movably arranged at the hinge bracket and on the other side of the folding axis; the first rotating body (eg Figure 4a The first rotating body 431 in the embodiment is arranged on the first slide rail to rotate around the first rotation axis (e.g. Figure 4b A first rotation axis (A1) in the middle) is rotatable; and a second rotating body (eg Figure 4aThe second rotating body 432 in the embodiment is arranged on the second slide rail to rotate around the second rotation axis (e.g. Figure 4b The second rotation axis (A2) in the electronic device is rotatable, wherein when the electronic device is transformed from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first rotation axis moves by movement of the first slide rail and the second rotation axis moves by movement of the second slide rail.
[0148] According to various embodiments, the first slide rail and the second slide rail may be linearly movable.
[0149] According to various embodiments, the first rotation axis may be located at the same point in the folded state and the unfolded state, and the second rotation axis may be located at the same point in the folded state and the unfolded state.
[0150] According to various embodiments, the first slide rail and the second slide rail may have a maximum linear movement distance at a designated intermediate folding angle.
[0151] According to various embodiments, the intermediate folding angle may be determined according to a deformed shape of the folding region in the folded state.
[0152] According to various embodiments, the first rotating body and / or the second rotating body may include a curved rotating portion, the first sliding rail and / or the second sliding rail may include a curved guide rib arranged on an outer surface thereof, and the first rotating body and / or the second rotating body may be rotatably connected to the guide rib by inserting the guide rib into its guide rail.
[0153] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a first supporting rotating body and a second supporting rotating body, the first supporting rotating body having one end rotatably connected to the hinge bracket and the other end rotatably connected to the first rotating body, and the second supporting rotating body having one end rotatably connected to the hinge bracket and the other end rotatably connected to the second rotating body.
[0154] The embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure provided in the specification and the drawings are presented only as specific examples to easily explain the technical content according to the embodiments provided in the present disclosure and to help understand the embodiments provided in the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments in the present disclosure should be interpreted as, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, all changes or modifications obtained from the technical ideas of the various embodiments in the present disclosure are included in the scope of the various embodiments in the present disclosure.
Claims
1. An electronic device, comprising: a first shell; a second shell; a hinge device configured to connect the first shell and the second shell and be foldable relative to a folding axis; as well as a flexible display supported by the first shell and the second shell, The hinge device comprises: Hinge bracket; a first slide rail movably disposed at the hinge bracket on a first side of the folding axis; a second slide rail movably disposed at the hinge bracket on a second side of the folding axis; a first rotating body, rotatably disposed on the first slide rail; and a second rotating body rotatably disposed on the second slide rail, and The first slide rail and the second slide rail are configured to move a specified linear distance relative to the hinge bracket when the electronic device is transformed from a folded state to an unfolded state or when the electronic device is transformed from the unfolded state to the folded state.
2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first rotating body is connected to the first housing, rotatably coupled to the first slide rail, and configured to rotate about a first rotation axis, wherein the second rotating body is connected to the second housing, rotatably coupled to the second slide rail, and configured to rotate about a second rotation axis, and in, When the electronic device is transformed from the folded state to the unfolded state or when the electronic device is transformed from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotation axis is moved by movement of the first slide rail and the second rotation axis is moved by movement of the second slide rail.
3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first rotation axis is located at the same position relative to the folding axis in the folded state and the unfolded state, and The second rotation axis is located at the same position relative to the folding axis in the folded state and the unfolded state. 4 . The electronic device according to claim 3 , wherein the first slide rail and the second slide rail each have a maximum linear moving distance corresponding to a specified intermediate folding angle of the hinge device. The electronic device of claim 4 , wherein the specified intermediate folding angle comprises 45 degrees. 6 . The electronic device of claim 4 , wherein the flexible display comprises a folding region, and the intermediate folding angle is based on a deformed shape of the folding region in the folded state.
7. The electronic device according to claim 1, The hinge bracket includes a first track receiving portion and a second track receiving portion, wherein the first slide rail includes a guide groove having a specified length, wherein the guide groove of the first slide rail is coupled to the first rail receiving portion so that the first slide rail is linearly movable, and The second slide rail includes a guide groove having a specified length, wherein the guide groove of the second slide rail is coupled to the second rail receiving portion so that the second slide rail is linearly movable.
8. The electronic device according to claim 1, The first rotating body includes a curved rotating portion including a first guide rail, and the second rotating body includes a curved rotating portion including a second guide rail, wherein the first slide rail includes a first curved guide rib provided on an outer surface thereof, the first rotating body is rotatably coupled to the first slide rail by inserting the first curved guide rib into the first guide rail, and The second slide rail includes a second curved guide rib disposed on an outer surface thereof, and the second rotating body is rotatably coupled to the second slide rail by inserting the second curved guide rib into the second guide rail.
9. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first supporting rotating body having one end rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket and another end rotatably coupled to the first rotating body; and The second supporting rotating body has one end rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket and the other end rotatably coupled to the second rotating body.
10. The electronic device according to claim 9, further comprising: a first hinge plate coupled to the first supporting rotating body; and a second hinge plate, coupled to the second supporting rotating body, Wherein in the unfolded state, the first shell, the first hinge plate, the second shell and the second hinge plate form a plane.
11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: In the folded state, the first housing and the first hinge plate form a first plane, and the second housing and the second hinge plate form a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are different.
12. The electronic device according to claim 9, further comprising: a first housing bracket configured to fix the first rotating body to the first housing; and a second housing bracket configured to fix the second rotating body to the second housing, wherein the first support rotating body is rotatably fixed to the first housing bracket, and The second supporting rotating body is rotatably fixed to the second housing bracket. 13 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein in the folded state, the folded area of the flexible display is deformed into a water drop shape.
14. A hinge device for a foldable electronic device having a folding axis, the hinge device comprising: Hinge bracket; a first slide rail movably disposed at the hinge bracket on a first side of the folding axis; a second slide rail movably disposed at the hinge bracket on a second side of the folding axis; a first rotating body, disposed on the first slide rail so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis; as well as a second rotating body, disposed on the second slide rail so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis, When the electronic device is transformed from a folded state to an unfolded state or when the electronic device is transformed from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotation axis moves by movement of the first slide rail and the second rotation axis moves by movement of the second slide rail. 15 . The hinge device according to claim 14 , wherein the first slide rail and the second slide rail are configured to be linearly movable.