Foldable device

Abstract

An electronic device including a hinge assembly is provided. An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge assembly coupling the first housing and the second housing such that the second housing is rotatable relative to the first housing, and a flexible display disposed from one region of the first housing across the hinge assembly to at least one region of the second housing. The hinge assembly comprises a first support, a second support, a fixing support, a first shaft, a second shaft, a first arm part, a second arm part and a supporting part. The support portion supports at least one area of the flexible display when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, and is spaced apart from the flexible display as the electronic device rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a foldable electronic device including a hinge assembly. Background Art

[0002] With the development of digital technology, electronic devices are provided in various forms, such as smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs) or personal digital assistants (PDAs). The electronic device is also developed so that it is portable or worn by the user to improve portability and user accessibility.

[0003] Recently, portable electronic devices such as smart phones or desktop PCs have been manufactured to be lighter and thinner for ease of carrying, and have been developed in various fields for ease of use. In particular, although a foldable electronic device with a flexible display provides a relatively larger screen than a typical bar-shaped electronic device, since its size is reduced when folded, portability can be improved, thereby satisfying consumer preferences.

[0004] A foldable electronic device may include a flexible display and a plurality of housings. The plurality of housings and the flexible display may be connected in a state supported by a hinge assembly, and the housing may be rotated within a specific range according to a user's operation. By rotating the plurality of housings, the electronic device may be switched from a folded state to an unfolded state, or from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0005] Various structures need to be provided to allow the hinge assembly to rotate the housing. However, since in a foldable electronic device having a narrow folding area, a space in which the various structures can be provided is narrow, it may be difficult to provide the various structures. Therefore, a method of reducing the size of the hinge assembly by integrating various structures is proposed. However, in the case of the above method, some areas of the flexible display may not be supported by the hinge assembly during the folding of the foldable electronic device. Therefore, it is difficult to prevent some areas of the flexible display from sagging or being damaged. Summary of the invention

[0006] Solution to the problem

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to address the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages, and to provide at least the advantages described below.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes: a first shell; a second shell; a hinge assembly that connects the first shell and the second shell so that the second shell can rotate relative to the first shell; and a flexible display that is arranged to reach at least one area of ​​the second shell from one area of ​​the first shell across the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes: a first bracket that is connected to at least one area of ​​the first shell to rotate around a virtual first rotation axis; a second bracket that is connected to at least one area of ​​the second shell to rotate around a virtual second rotation axis; a fixed bracket that supports the first bracket and the second bracket; a first axis that rotates around a third rotation axis different from the virtual first rotation axis; a second axis that is adjacent to the first axis to rotate around a fourth rotation axis different from the virtual second rotation axis; a first arm that is connected to the first axis to rotate around the third rotation axis and has a side connected to at least one area of ​​the first bracket; a second arm that is connected to the second axis to rotate around the fourth rotation axis and has a side connected to at least one area of ​​the second bracket; and a support portion that is located between the first arm and the second arm. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support portion supports at least one area of ​​the flexible display, and as the electronic device rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support portion may be spaced apart from the flexible display.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the hinge assembly includes a hinge housing and at least one hinge structure disposed in the hinge housing. The hinge structure includes: a first bracket that rotates around a virtual first rotation axis; a second bracket that is adjacent to the first bracket and rotates around a virtual second rotation axis different from the virtual first rotation axis; a fixed bracket that supports the first bracket and the second bracket; a first shaft that rotates around a third rotation axis different from the virtual first rotation axis and has a first gear coupled thereto; a second shaft that is adjacent to the first shaft to rotate around a fourth rotation axis different from the virtual second rotation axis and has a second gear coupled thereto; an axis bracket that supports the first shaft and the second shaft; a first idler that is gear-coupled to the first gear; a second idler that is gear-coupled to the first idler and the second gear; a first arm that is coupled to the first shaft to rotate around the third rotation axis and has a side coupled to at least one region of the first bracket; a second arm that is coupled to the second shaft to rotate around the fourth rotation axis and has a side connected to at least one region of the second bracket; and a support that moves up and down with the rotation of the first arm and the second arm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment;

[0012] Figure 2A is an exploded view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment;

[0013] Figure 2B shows a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0014] Figure 3 A hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0015] Figure 4 A hinge structure constituting a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment is shown;

[0016] Figure 5 According to the embodiment Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a hinge structure;

[0017] Fig. 6A shows a configuration of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 6B shows a configuration of a hinge structure when an electronic device is rotated from an unfolded state to a folded state according to an embodiment;

[0019] Figure 6C shows the structure of the hinge structure when the electronic device is in a folded state according to the embodiment;

[0020] Figure 7 1. The fixing part and the elements of the pawl structure of the hinge structure according to the embodiment are shown;

[0021] Figure 8 shows the coupling relationship between elements of the arm structure and the pawl structure of the hinge structure according to the embodiment;

[0022] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view showing elements of a hinge structure according to an embodiment;

[0023] Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment;

[0024] Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment;

[0025] Fig.11A is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in an unfolded state according to another embodiment;

[0026] Fig. 11Bis a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment;

[0027] Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment;

[0028] Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment;

[0029] Fig.13A is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in an unfolded state according to another embodiment; and

[0030] Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in a folded state according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device having a structure capable of supporting a flexible display even during a folding process to prevent some areas of the flexible display from sagging or being damaged during folding of the foldable electronic device.

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments. Figure 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input device 150, a sound output device 155, a display device 160, an audio module 170, a sensor module 176, an interface 177, a haptic module 179, a camera module 180, a power management module 188, a battery 189, a communication module 190, a user identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the display device 160 or the camera module 180) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the components may be implemented as a single integrated circuit.For example, the sensor module 176 (eg, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illumination sensor) may be implemented to be embedded in the display device 160 (eg, a display).

[0033] The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) into the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the result data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may include a main processor 121 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) and an auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is independent of or combined with the main processor 121 in operation. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or adapted to be specifically used for a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121 , or as part of the main processor 121 .

[0034] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., display device 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101 (not the main processor 121), or when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., display device 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190) among the components of the electronic device 101 together with the main processor 121. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123.

[0035] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a nonvolatile memory 134.

[0036] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0037] The input device 150 may receive commands or data from outside the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user) to be used by other components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120). The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0038] The sound output device 155 can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output device 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records, and the receiver can be used for incoming calls. Depending on the embodiment, the receiver can be implemented as a separate part from the speaker, or as a part of the speaker.

[0039] The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the holographic device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display device 160 may include a touch circuit adapted to detect a touch or a sensor circuit (e.g., a pressure sensor) adapted to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0040] The audio module 170 may convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain sound via the input device 150, or output sound via the sound output device 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0041] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0042] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols to be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0043] The connection end 178 may include a connector, wherein the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) via the connector. According to an embodiment, the connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0044] The haptic module 179 may convert the electrical signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electrical stimulation that can be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0045] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to embodiments, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0046] The power management module 188 may manage power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0047] The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0048] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently from the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module 190 may include a wireless communication module 192 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module 194 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or these various types of communication modules can be implemented as multiple components separated from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 can identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0049] The antenna module 197 may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas. In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module 190 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). A signal or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197.

[0050] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0051] According to an embodiment, a command or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 and the electronic device 104 may be a device of the same type as the electronic device 101, or a device of a different type from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically execute a function or service or should execute a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service instead of executing the function or service, or the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service in addition to executing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute the requested at least part of the function or service, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request with or without further processing the result. To this end, for example, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, or client-server computing technology may be used.

[0052] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those electronic devices described above.

[0053] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalent forms or alternative forms for corresponding embodiments. For the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that the nouns in the singular form corresponding to the term may include one or more things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C" and "at least one of A, B or C" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding one of the multiple phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “combined with another element (e.g., the second element)”, “combined to another element (e.g., the second element)”, “connected with another element (e.g., the second element)”, or “connected to another element (e.g., the second element)” when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are used or when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are not used, it means that the element may be directly (e.g., wired) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0054] As used herein, the term "module" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or the smallest unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, according to an embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0055] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under the control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute the at least one instruction with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, the term "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0056] The methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be released in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be downloaded via an application store (e.g., PlayStore). TM ) The computer program product may be published (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online, or the computer program product may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If published online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0057] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) in the above-mentioned components may include a single entity or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components in the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each component in the multiple components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding component in the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or in a heuristic manner, or one or more operations in the operations may be run or omitted in different orders, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0058] Figure 2A is an exploded view of the electronic device 101 in an unfolded state according to an embodiment, and Figure 2B is an exploded view of the electronic device 101 in a folded state according to an embodiment.

[0059] Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The electronic device 101 includes a foldable housing 210 (“housing”), a flexible display 220 , a hinge assembly 300 , and a cover 230 (“back cover”), wherein the foldable housing 210 includes a first housing 211 and a second housing 212 .

[0060] The first housing 211 and the second housing 212 may form a space in which electronic components (e.g., a PCB, a battery, or a processor) of the electronic device 101 may be disposed, and may form a side of the electronic device 101. Various types of components for performing various functions of the electronic device 101 may be disposed in the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. For example, electronic components such as a front camera, a receiver, or a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) may be disposed in the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. The above-mentioned electronic components may be exposed to the front of the electronic device 101 through at least one opening or recess provided on the flexible display 220.

[0061] When the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state, the first shell 211 and the second shell 212 can be arranged parallel to each other. In the process of switching the electronic device 101 from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first shell 211 can rotate (or turn) relative to the second shell 212 so that one surface of the first shell 211 faces one surface of the second shell 212.

[0062] The first housing 211 and the second housing 212 may constitute a recess for accommodating the flexible display 220, and the flexible display 220 may be supported by the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 by being mounted to the recess. The flexible display 220 may be supported by a first support plate 221 and / or a second support plate 222 located between the flexible display 220 and the first housing 211 and the second housing 212, details of which will be described below. The first housing 211 and the second housing 212 may be composed of a metal material and / or a non-metal material having a certain rigidity to support the flexible display 220.

[0063] When the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state, the flexible display 220 can be disposed on the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 to configure the front side of the electronic device 101 (for example, Figure 2A In other words, the flexible display 220 may be provided by extending from one area of ​​the first housing 211 across the hinge assembly 300 to at least one area of ​​the second housing 212. The flexible display 220 may be provided on the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 by being mounted on a recess formed by the first housing 211 and the second housing 212.

[0064] The flexible display 220 may include a first region 220a corresponding to at least one region of the first housing 211, a second region 220b corresponding to at least one region of the second housing 212, and a folding region 220c located between the first and second regions 220a and 220b and having flexible characteristics.

[0065] The first area 220a, the second area 220b and the folding area 220c of the flexible display 220 may also be configured to have flexible characteristics. When the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state, the first area 220a, the folding area 220c and the second area 220b may be arranged in parallel to face the same direction (for example, Figure 2A Alternatively, when the electronic device 101 is in the folded state, the folding region 220c may be bent so that the first region 220a and the second region 220b are disposed to face each other.

[0066] At least one of the first area 220a or the second area 220b of the flexible display 220 may be attached to the surface of the first housing 211 and the surface of the second housing 212. The flexible display 220 may be connected to the surface of the first housing 211 and the surface of the second housing 212 by support plates 221 and 222 located between the flexible display 220 and the first housing 211 and the second housing 212.

[0067] The support plates 221 and 222 may include a first support plate 221 attached to at least one area of ​​the first housing 211 to support a first area 220a of the flexible display 220 and a second support plate 222 attached to at least one area of ​​the second housing 212 to support a second area 220b of the flexible display 220. The first support plate 221 may be attached to at least a portion of the first area 220a of the flexible display 220 to support the flexible display 220. Similarly, the second support plate 222 may be attached to at least a portion of the second area 220b of the flexible display 220 to support the flexible display 220. The first support plate 221 and the second support plate 222 may be formed of a material having rigidity to support the flexible display 220.

[0068] The hinge assembly 300 may couple the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 and may allow the second housing 212 to rotate around the first housing 211 within a specific rotation range, or vice versa, may allow the first housing 211 to rotate around the second housing 212 within a specific rotation range.

[0069] A recess may be configured in a region where the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 are coupled so that the hinge assembly 300 is disposed between the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. The recess may be configured in the shape of a groove having a specific cover.

[0070] The hinge assembly 300 includes a hinge housing 300 c. The hinge housing 300 c may be visible to the outside of the electronic device 101 or may be hidden by the foldable housing 210 according to the state of the electronic device 101.

[0071] like Figure 2A As shown, when the electronic device 101 is in the unfolded state, the hinge housing 300 c is hidden by the foldable housing 210 and is therefore not visible to the outside of the electronic device 101 .

[0072] like Figure 2B As shown, when the electronic device 101 is in the folded state, the hinge housing 300 c is visible to the outside of the electronic device 101 due to the rotation of the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 .

[0073] The cover 230 may be located at the lower ends of the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 (eg, Figure 2A The cover 230 may include a first cover coupled to the first housing 211 and a second cover coupled to the second housing 212. The first cover and the first housing 211 may be integrally constructed, and the second cover and the second housing 212 may also be integrally constructed.

[0074] Figure 3A hinge assembly 300 of the electronic device 101 according to an embodiment is shown.

[0075] Reference Figure 3 , the electronic device 101 includes a hinge assembly 300. The hinge assembly 300 includes a hinge housing 300c and at least one hinge structure 300a and 300b disposed on the hinge housing 300c.

[0076] The hinge housing 300c may include a groove (or recess) on which at least one hinge structure 300a and 300b may be disposed. At least one hinge structure 300a and 300b may be disposed in the groove of the hinge assembly 300, and at least one hinge structure 300a and 300b may be supported by the hinge housing 300c.

[0077] The hinge assembly 300 may include a region (eg, Figure 3 The first hinge structure 300a is provided in the left area of ​​the hinge housing 300 and another area (eg, Figure 3 The first hinge structure 300a may be disposed in the left area of ​​the hinge housing 300c, and thus may be coupled (or connected) to an area of ​​the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. The second hinge structure 300b may be disposed in the right area of ​​the hinge housing 300c, and thus may be coupled (or connected) to the first housing 211 and the second housing 212. The first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b may be disposed in the right area of ​​the hinge housing 300c, and thus may be coupled (or connected) to the first housing and the second housing. The first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b may rotate within a specific angle range around a virtual first rotation axis L1 constructed in the hinge housing 300c and a virtual second rotation axis L2 parallel to the virtual first rotation axis L1.

[0078] One area of ​​the first hinge structure 300a and one area of ​​the second hinge structure 300b can rotate around the first rotation axis L1, and another area of ​​the first hinge structure 300a and another area of ​​the second hinge structure 300b can rotate around the virtual second rotation axis L2. That is, the first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b can be folded around the virtual first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2, the details of which will be described below. However, the hinge assembly 300 is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment, and the hinge assembly 300 may include three or more hinge structures (e.g., 300a and 300b).

[0079] The hinge assembly 300 may further include a hinge plate 300d disposed between the first hinge structure 300a and the second hinge structure 300b. The hinge plate 300d may be supported by the hinge housing 300c, and the hinge plate 300d may support some areas of the flexible display 220. The hinge plate 300d may be made of a metal or non-metal material having a certain rigidity to support the flexible display 220.

[0080] Figure 4 A first hinge structure 300 a and a second hinge structure 300 b constituting a hinge assembly of an electronic device according to an embodiment are shown.

[0081] Reference Figure 4 The first hinge structure 300 a and the second hinge structure 300 b include a bracket structure 310 , an arm structure 320 , a rotating structure 330 , a detent structure 340 and a supporting portion 350 .

[0082] The support structure 310 includes a plurality of supports 311 and 312 coupled to the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 and a fixed support 313 supporting the plurality of supports 311 and 312. During the process of the electronic device 101 rotating from the folded state to the unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state, the plurality of supports 311 and 312 coupled to the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 may rotate together with the first housing 211 and the second housing 212.

[0083] The arm structure 320 includes an arm that is coupled to some parts (e.g., an axis) of the rotating structure 330 and can rotate within a specific range (e.g., 0° to 90° or 10° to 80°). The aforementioned arm can be coupled to an area of ​​the support of the support structure 310, and thus can slide relative to the support during the rotation of the electronic device, as described below.

[0084] The rotating structure 330 includes a plurality of shafts 331 and 332, a plurality of gears 331a and 332a coupled to the plurality of shafts 331 and 332, a plurality of idler gears 333 and 334 coupled to the plurality of gears 331a and 332a, and a shaft support supporting the plurality of shafts 331 and 332. As the plurality of shafts 331 and 332, the plurality of gears 331a and 332a, and the plurality of idler gears 333 and 334 rotate in a meshing manner, the rotating structure 330 may allow the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 to rotate by the same rotation angle. The arm portions 321 and 322 of the arm structure 320 may be coupled to the shafts 331 and 332 of the rotating structure 330. Through the above structure, by rotating the electronic device from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the arm portion may rotate around a rotation axis (or a rotation axis) different from the brackets 311 and 312 of the bracket structure 310.

[0085] The pawl structure 340 includes a pawl plate 341 and a plurality of springs 342 and 343, wherein a pawl portion is constructed on the pawl plate 341. The pawl portion may be configured to protrude from an area of ​​the pawl plate 341 facing the aforementioned arm portion. The pawl portion may be configured to have a concave-convex shape corresponding to a cam portion constructed in an area of ​​the arm portions 321 and 322. When the electronic device is in a folded state, the pawl portion may engage with the cam portion of the arm portions 321 and 322 to fix the movement of the arm portions 321 and 322. The plurality of springs 342 and 343 may be disposed between the pawl plate 341 and the shaft bracket of the rotating structure 330 in a compressed state so that the pawl plate 341 contacts an area of ​​the arm portions 321 and 322.

[0086] The support portion 350 is disposed in an empty space between the plurality of arms 321 and 322 and the plurality of shafts 331 and 332. The support portion 350 may be moved up and down (eg, between the flexible display and the hinge housing 300c) due to the rotation of the plurality of arms 321 and 322. Figure 2A Move in the direction of +y axis to -y axis or from -y axis to +y axis).

[0087] In the process of rotating the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, the support portion 350 can move in the direction of the flexible display due to the rotation of the multiple arms. As a result, the support portion 350 can be located on the back of the flexible display to support an area of ​​the flexible display. The support portion 350 can contact at least one area on the back of the flexible display to support the flexible display. The support portion 350 can be separated from the flexible display by a very small distance to support an area of ​​the flexible display. The first support plate 221 and / or the second support plate 222 can be attached to at least one area of ​​the flexible display by an adhesive member (e.g., an adhesive). In the above case, the support portion 350 can support at least one area on the back of the first support plate 221 and / or the second support plate 222.

[0088] On the contrary, during the process of the electronic device rotating from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support portion 350 may be spaced apart from the flexible display so as not to affect the travel trajectory of the flexible display.

[0089] Figure 5 According to the embodiment Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the first hinge structure 300a and / or the second hinge structure 300b.

[0090] Reference Figure 5 The hinge structure 300 a and / or 300 b includes a bracket structure 310 , an arm structure 320 , a rotating structure 330 , a pawl structure 340 , a supporting portion 350 , a stopper 360 , an elastic member 361 and / or a screw 362 . Figure 5At least one component of the first hinge structure 300a and / or the second hinge structure 300b may be connected to Figure 4 At least one component is the same or similar, and redundant description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0091] The support structure 310 includes a first support 311 , a second support 312 and a fixing support 313 .

[0092] The fixing bracket 313 may be disposed adjacent to the hinge housing 300c to support the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312. The first groove 313a and the second groove 313b may be configured on an upper surface of the fixing bracket 313 (eg, Figure 5 The first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 may be connected to the fixing bracket 313 through the first groove 313a and the second groove 313b. The first groove 313a and the second groove 313b may be configured as an arc with a specific curvature, the first bracket 311 may be connected to the first groove 313a, and the second bracket 312 may be connected to the second groove 313b.

[0093] Although the first groove 313a and the second groove 313b may be configured to have the same curvature arc, the first groove 313a and the second groove 313b may be configured to have different curvature arcs. The first groove 313a may be configured in an area of ​​the fixing bracket 313 adjacent to the first bracket 311 (eg, Figure 5 The second groove 313b may be configured in another region of the fixing bracket 313 adjacent to the second bracket 312 (eg, Figure 5 A plurality of gear holes 313d and a plurality of shaft holes 313e may be configured on one side of the fixing bracket 313 (eg, Figure 5 The first idler gear 333 and the second idler gear 334 described below can be fixed to the first shift device 331 and the second shift device 332 on one side of the fixed bracket 313 through the above-mentioned gear hole 313d and the shaft hole 313e.

[0094] The first bracket 311 includes a first rail portion 311a, a first sliding hole 311b, and a plurality of coupling holes 311c. The first rail portion 311a may be configured to protrude in one area of ​​the first bracket 311. The first rail portion 311a described above may be configured to have a shape corresponding to the first groove 313a of the fixed bracket 313, and the first bracket 311 may be coupled to the first groove 313a of the fixed bracket 313 through the first rail portion 311a. The first sliding hole 311b may be configured in an area of ​​the first bracket 311 adjacent to the first arm portion 321, and the first bracket 311 and the first arm portion 321 may be coupled by passing through the first sliding hole 311b and the first fixing portion 323 of the first arm portion 321. As described below, as the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first fixing portion 323 may slide in the first sliding hole 311b.

[0095] A plurality of coupling holes 311 c may be configured on a surface (eg, Figure 5 The first bracket 311 is connected to the first housing 211 and the first bracket 311 is connected to the first housing 211 through a plurality of coupling holes 311c. The first bracket 311 connected to the first housing 211 can slide along the first groove 313a of the fixing bracket 313 as the first housing 211 rotates, and can rotate around a virtual first rotation axis L1.

[0096] The second bracket 312 includes a second rail portion 312a, a second sliding hole 312b, and a plurality of coupling holes 312c. The second rail portion 312a may be configured to protrude in one area of ​​the second bracket 312. The second rail portion 312a may be configured to be shaped to correspond to the second groove 313b of the fixed bracket 313, and the second bracket 312 may be coupled to the second groove 313b of the fixed bracket 313 through the second rail portion 312a. The second sliding hole 312b may be configured in an area of ​​the second bracket 312 adjacent to the second arm portion 322, and the second bracket 312 and the second arm portion 322 may be connected by a second fixing portion 324 passing through the second sliding hole 312b and the second arm portion 322. As described below, as the electronic device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second fixing portion 324 may slide in the second sliding hole 312b.

[0097] A plurality of coupling holes 312c may be configured on the second bracket 312 facing the second housing (eg, Figure 2A A surface of the second housing 212 (eg, Figure 5The second bracket 312 is connected to the second housing through a plurality of coupling holes 312c. The second bracket 312 connected to the second housing can slide along the second groove 313b of the fixing bracket 313 as the second housing rotates, and can rotate around the virtual second rotation axis L2. In this case, the virtual first rotation axis L1 and the virtual second rotation axis L2 are parallel, and when the electronic device is in a folded state, the virtual first rotation axis L1 and the virtual second rotation axis L2 can be constructed in a plane parallel to the flexible display.

[0098] The arm structure 320 may include a first arm portion 321 and a second arm portion 322 .

[0099] The first arm portion 321 may include a first cam portion 321a, a first support rib 321b, a first insertion hole 321c, and a first through hole 321d. The first insertion hole 321c may be configured at a lower end (eg, Figure 5 The first arm portion 321 is located in a region of the -y direction), and the first shaft 331 may be inserted into the first insertion hole 321c to couple the first arm portion 321 and the first shaft 331.

[0100] Since the first arm 321 and the first shaft 331 are coupled, the first arm 321 can rotate around the rotation axis of the first shaft 331. The first cam portion 321a can be configured in a region adjacent to the first insertion hole 321c, and can be configured to move in the direction of the pawl plate 341 (e.g., Figure 5 The first cam portion 321a may be configured to have a concave-convex shape in which a plurality of peaks and valleys are repeated, and the first cam portion 321a may be configured to engage with a pawl portion 341a configured in the pawl plate 341 to provide a detent feeling to the first arm portion 321.

[0101] In addition, since the first cam portion 321a can be configured to engage with the pawl portion 341a configured in the pawl plate 341, the first arm portion 321 can be fixed at a specific rotation angle and / or a specific rotation angle range. As a result, the movement of the electronic device can be fixed at a specific rotation angle and / or a specific rotation angle range (for example, a range from 30° to 150°). The first support rib 321b can be configured to protrude from an area of ​​the first arm portion 321, and when the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first support rib 321b can be extended in an upward direction (for example, Figure 5 The first through hole 321d may be configured in a region (eg, Figure 5The first fixing portion 323 passing through the first sliding hole 311b may pass through the first through hole 321d to couple the first bracket 311 and the first arm portion 321.

[0102] The first washer 325 may be fixed to one end of the first fixing portion 323 passing through the first through hole 321d, so that the first fixing portion 323 is fixed to the first arm portion 321. Alternatively, the first washer 325 may be fixed to the other end of the first fixing portion 323, so that the first fixing portion 323 is fixed to the first bracket 311. Additionally or alternatively, a protrusion may be constructed in one area of ​​the first bracket 311 (or the first arm portion 321), and a coupling groove corresponding to the protrusion may be constructed in one area of ​​the first arm portion 321 (or the first bracket 311), so that the first bracket 311 and the first arm portion 321 are coupled to the protrusion through the coupling groove. In the process of the electronic device rotating from the folded state to the unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first arm portion 321 coupled to the first bracket 311 may rotate around a rotation axis different from the rotation axis of the first bracket 311 while sliding relative to the first bracket 311.

[0103] The second arm portion 322 may include a second cam portion 322a, a second support rib 322b, a second insertion hole 322c, and a second through hole 322d. The second insertion hole 322c may be configured at the lower end of the second arm portion 322 (eg, Figure 5 The second arm portion 322a may be configured in a region adjacent to the second insertion hole 322c, and the second shaft 332 may be inserted into the second insertion hole 322c to couple the second arm portion 322 and the second shaft 332. Since the second arm portion 322 and the second shaft 332 are coupled, the second arm portion 322 may rotate around the rotation axis of the second shaft 332. The second cam portion 322a may be configured in a region adjacent to the second insertion hole 322c, and may be configured to move in a direction of the pawl plate 341 (e.g., Figure 5 Similar to the first cam portion 321a, the second cam portion 322a may be configured in a concave-convex shape in which a plurality of peaks and valleys are repeated, and the second cam portion 322a may be configured to engage with a pawl portion 341b configured in the pawl plate 341 to provide a braking feel to the second arm portion 322.

[0104] In addition, since the second cam portion 322a can be configured to engage with the pawl portion 341b configured in the pawl plate 341, the second arm portion 322 can be fixed at a specific rotation angle and / or a specific rotation angle range. As a result, the movement of the electronic device can be fixed at a specific rotation angle and / or a specific rotation angle range (for example, a range from 30° to 150°). The second support rib 322b can be configured to protrude from an area of ​​the second arm portion 322, and when the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second support rib 322b can be extended in an upward direction (for example, Figure 5 The second through hole 322d may be configured in an area on the opposite side of the second insertion hole 322c. The second fixing portion 324 passing through the second sliding hole 312b may pass through the second through hole 322d to couple the second bracket 312 and the second arm portion 322. The second washer 326 may be fixed to one end of the second fixing portion 324 passing through the second through hole 322d, so that the second fixing portion 324 is fixed to the second arm portion 322. Alternatively, the second washer 326 may be fixed to the other end of the second fixing portion 324, so that the second fixing portion 324 is fixed to the second bracket 312. Additionally or alternatively, a protrusion may be configured in one area of ​​the second bracket 312 (or the second arm portion 322), and a coupling groove corresponding to the protrusion may be configured in one area of ​​the second arm portion 322 (or the second bracket 312), so that the second bracket 312 and the second arm portion 322 are coupled to the protrusion through the coupling groove. During the process of rotating the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second arm 322 connected to the second bracket 312 can rotate around a rotation axis different from the rotation axis of the first bracket 312 while sliding relative to the second bracket 312.

[0105] The rotating structure 330 includes a first shaft 331 coupled to a first gear 331 a , a second shaft 332 coupled to a second gear 332 a , a first idler gear 333 , a second idler gear 334 , a shaft support 335 , and a gear cover 336 .

[0106] One end of the first shaft 331 may be fastened to the shaft hole 313e of the fixing bracket 313, and the other end of the first shaft 331 may pass through the first shaft insertion hole 335a of the shaft bracket 335. The first arm 321 may be coupled to one region of the first shaft 331, and the first arm 321 may rotate around the first shaft 331 as a rotation axis.

[0107] The second shaft 332 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the first shaft 331. One end of the second shaft 332 may be fastened to the shaft hole 313e of the fixing bracket 313, and the other end of the second shaft 332 may pass through the second shaft insertion hole 335b of the shaft bracket 335. The second arm 322 may be coupled to one region of the second shaft 332, and the second arm 322 may rotate around the second shaft 332 as a rotation axis.

[0108] The first idler wheel 333 and the second idler wheel 334 may be disposed between the first gear 331a coupled to the first shaft 331 and the second gear 332a coupled to the second shaft 332. The first idler wheel 333 and the second idler wheel 334 may be fastened to the plurality of gear holes 313d of the fixed bracket 313, and the first idler wheel 333 and the second idler wheel 334 may rotate by meshing with each other so that the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322 rotate by the same rotation angle. The first idler wheel 333 may rotate by meshing with the first gear 331a and the second idler wheel 334, and the second idler wheel 334 may rotate by meshing with the first idler wheel 333 and the second gear 332a. As the above-mentioned first gear 331a, the second gear 332a, the first idler wheel 333 and the second idler wheel 334 rotate by the same rotation angle by meshing with each other, the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 may rotate by the same rotation angle in opposite directions. For example, when the first shaft 331 rotates counterclockwise (e.g., from Figure 5 When the second axis 332 is rotated 30° clockwise (for example, from the +x axis to the +y axis), the second axis 332 can rotate clockwise (for example, from Figure 5 As the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 rotate by the same rotation angle, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 coupled to the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 may rotate by the same rotation angle.

[0109] The shaft support 335 may include a first shaft insertion hole 335a into which the first shaft 331 is inserted and a second shaft insertion hole 335b into which the second shaft 332 is inserted. The shaft support 335 may be disposed within the hinge housing 300c to support the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 inserted into the shaft support 335 through the first shaft insertion hole 335a and the second shaft insertion hole 335b.

[0110] The first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 may be inserted into the gear cover 336 to protect the first gear 331a, the second gear 332a, the first idler gear 333 and the second idler gear 334. The gear cover 336 may prevent the first gear 331a, the second gear 332a, the first idler gear 333 and the second idler gear 334 from being damaged by external forces, and may prevent foreign matter from entering the first gear 331a, the second gear 332a, the first idler gear 333 and the second idler gear 334.

[0111] The pawl structure 340 may include a pawl plate 341 , a first spring 342 , and a second spring 343 .

[0112] The third shaft insertion hole 341c into which the first shaft 331 is inserted may be configured in one area of ​​the pawl plate 341, and the fourth shaft insertion hole 341d into which the second shaft 332 is inserted may be configured in another area of ​​the pawl plate 341. The pawl plate 341 may be connected to the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 through the third shaft insertion hole 341c and the fourth shaft insertion hole 341d. The pawl plate 341 may include a first pawl portion 341a configured to protrude in the direction of the first cam portion 321a of the first arm 321 and a second pawl portion 341b configured to protrude in the direction of the second cam portion 322a of the second arm 322. The first pawl portion 341a and the second pawl portion 341b may be configured in a concave-convex structure in which at least one peak and valley appear repeatedly. The first pawl portion 341a may be configured to engage with the first cam portion 321a, so that when the electronic device is in the folded state or the unfolded state, a braking feeling may be provided to the first arm portion 321 and the movement of the first arm portion 321 may be fixed at a specific rotation angle. Similarly, the second pawl portion 341b may be configured to engage with the second cam portion 322a, so that when the electronic device is in the folded state or the unfolded state, a braking feeling may be provided to the second arm portion 322 and the movement of the second arm portion 322 may be fixed at a specific rotation angle.

[0113] The spacing between one peak and another peak or one valley and another valley of the first pawl portion 341a can be greater than the spacing between one peak and another peak or one valley and another valley of the first cam portion 321a, so that even in the state where the first pawl portion 341a and the first cam portion 321a are engaged, the first arm portion 321 can rotate within a specific rotation range. However, the shape of the first pawl portion 341a is not limited to the above embodiment. The spacing between the peaks or valleys of the first pawl portion 341a can be configured to be the same as the spacing between the peaks or valleys of the first cam portion 321a, or the spacing between the peaks or valleys of the first cam portion 321a can be configured to be greater than the spacing between the peaks or valleys of the first pawl portion 341a.

[0114] Similarly, the spacing between one peak and another peak or between one valley and another valley of the second pawl portion 341b can be larger than the spacing between one peak and another peak or between one valley and another valley of the second cam portion 322a, so that even in the state where the second pawl portion 341b and the second cam portion 322a are engaged, the second arm portion 322 can rotate within a specific rotation range. However, the shape of the second pawl portion 341b is not limited to the above embodiment. The spacing between the peaks or valleys of the second pawl portion 341b can be configured to be the same as the spacing between the peaks or valleys of the second cam portion 322a, or the spacing between the peaks or valleys of the second cam portion 322a can be configured to be larger than the spacing between the peaks or valleys of the second pawl portion 341b.

[0115] The first spring 342 may be provided to surround an area of ​​the first shaft 331, and the second spring 343 may be provided to surround an area of ​​the second shaft 332. The first spring 342 and the second spring 343 may be provided to be compressed between the pawl plate 341 and the shaft bracket 335 so that the pawl plate 341 is in close contact in the direction of the first arm 321 and the second arm 322. When the pawl plate 341 is in close contact in the direction of the first arm 321 and the second arm 322, the state in which the first pawl portion 341a and the first cam portion 321a are meshed and the state in which the second pawl portion 341b and the second cam portion 322a are meshed may be maintained.

[0116] When the peak of the first pawl portion 341a contacts the peak of the first cam portion 321a or the peak of the second pawl portion 341b contacts the peak of the second cam portion 322a due to the rotation of the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322, the pawl plate 341 may be moved in one direction (e.g., Figure 5 The first cam portion 321a and the first pawl portion 341a and / or the second cam portion 322a and the second pawl portion 341b are temporarily spaced apart. As the pawl plate 341 moves in one direction, the first spring 342 and the second spring 343 may be compressed. When the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322 are further rotated by a specific angle, the pawl plate 341 may move again in the direction of the first cam portion 321a and / or the second cam portion 322a due to the elastic restoring force of the first spring 342 and the second spring 343. As a result, the first cam portion 321a and the second cam portion 322a may be set to a state in which they are again engaged with the first pawl portion 341a and the second pawl portion 341b, respectively, thereby maintaining a state in which the first cam portion 321a and the first pawl portion 341a are engaged while the second cam portion 322a and the second pawl portion 341b are engaged.

[0117] A flat linear region may be constructed in at least one region (e.g., top region) of the peak of the first cam portion 321a, the peak of the second cam portion 322a, the peak of the first pawl portion 341a, and / or the peak of the second pawl portion 341b. Similarly, a flat linear region may also be constructed in at least one region of the valley of the first cam portion 321a, the valley of the second cam portion 322a, the valley of the first pawl portion 341a, and / or the valley of the second pawl portion 341b. A linear region constructed in one region of a peak and a linear region constructed in one region of a valley may be constructed to be substantially the same or similar. When the linear region is constructed in the peaks and valleys of the first cam portion 321a, the second cam portion 322a, the first pawl portion 341a, and the second pawl portion 341b, the movement of the first arm portion 321 and / or the second arm portion 322 may be fixed within a specific rotation angle (e.g., 30 or 60°) and / or a specific rotation angle range (e.g., a rotation angle range of 30° to 150°). When the movement of the first arm 321 and / or the second arm 322 is fixed at a specific rotation angle, the movement of the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 of the electronic device may be fixed at a specific rotation angle.

[0118] The support portion 350 may be provided to form an empty space between the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322 and the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support portion 350 may support an area of ​​the flexible display that is not supported by the first arm portion 321 and / or the second arm portion 322. The support portion 350 may be provided in an upward direction (e.g., Figure 5 During the rotation of the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b may contact an area of ​​the support portion 350, and the support portion 350 may move in an upward direction (for example, in the +y direction) with the rotation of the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322 by means of the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b. Figure 5 Move in the direction from -y axis to +y axis).

[0119] The stopper 360 may be located at the lower end of the support portion 350 (eg, Figure 5The fifth shaft insertion hole 360a may be configured in a region of the stopper 360, and the sixth shaft insertion hole 360b may be configured in a region on the opposite side of the fifth shaft insertion hole 360a. The first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 may be inserted through the fifth shaft insertion hole 360a and the sixth shaft insertion hole 360b, and the first shaft 331, the second shaft 332, and the stopper 360 may be coupled by the above structure. The through hole 360c may be configured in a region of the upper end of the stopper 360 (e.g., Figure 5 360c), and the raised area 351 of the support portion 350 can be inserted in the downward direction of the stopper 360 by passing through the through hole 360c.

[0120] The screw 362 may be coupled to the protruding area 351 inserted into the lower end of the stopper 360, and the elastic member 361 may be disposed between the screw 362 and the stopper 360. The elastic member 361 may be a spring, but is not limited thereto. The elastic member 361 may contact an area of ​​the stopper 360, and during the process of the electronic device rotating from the folded state to the unfolded state, the elastic member 361 may be compressed while the support portion 350 moves upward. Conversely, during the process of the electronic device rotating from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support portion 350 may move in a downward direction (e.g., Figure 5 -y direction).

[0121] The first hinge structure 300a and / or the second hinge structure 300b may further include a first auxiliary member 363 and a second auxiliary member 364. The first auxiliary member 363 may be fastened to one end of the first shaft 331 adjacent to the shaft bracket 335, and the second auxiliary member 364 may be fastened to one end of the second shaft 332 adjacent to the shaft bracket 335. The third washer 331b may be fastened to one end of the first shaft 331, so that the first shaft 331 may be fixed to the first auxiliary member 363. Similarly, the fourth washer 332b may be fastened to one end of the second shaft 332, so that the second shaft 332 may be fixed to the second auxiliary member 364. A nut may be fastened to one end of the first shaft 331 so that the first shaft 331 is fixed to the first auxiliary member 363, and / or a nut may be fastened to one end of the second shaft 332 so that the second shaft 332 is fixed to the second auxiliary member 364.

[0122] The first auxiliary member 363 may include a third support rib 363a, and the third support rib 363a may be configured to protrude from one area of ​​the first auxiliary member 363. Similarly, the second auxiliary member 364 may include a fourth support rib 364a, and the fourth support rib 364a may be configured to protrude from one area of ​​the second auxiliary member 364. The first auxiliary member 363 may be rotated by the same rotation angle as the first arm portion 321 through the first shaft 331, and the second auxiliary member 364 may be rotated by the same rotation angle as the second arm portion 322 through the second shaft 332. When the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the third support rib 363a and the fourth support rib 364a may allow the support portion 350 to move in an upward direction together with the first support rib 321b of the first arm portion 321 and the second support rib 322b of the second arm portion 322.

[0123] Fig. 6A A structure of a hinge structure 300 a is shown when the electronic device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. Figure 6B A structure of a hinge structure 300 a is shown when the electronic device is rotated from an unfolded state to a folded state according to an embodiment. Figure 6C A structure of a hinge structure 300 a is shown when the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment.

[0124] Will refer to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The movements of the first arm 321 , the second arm 322 , the first bracket 311 , and the second bracket 312 due to the rotation of the electronic device are described.

[0125] Reference Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C The electronic device 101 includes a hinge structure 300a. The hinge structure 300a may include a first bracket 311, a second bracket 312, a fixed bracket 313, a first arm 321, a second arm 322, a first fixed portion 323, a second fixed portion 324, a support portion 350, a first shaft 331, a second shaft 332, a first idler wheel 333, a second idler wheel 334, a shaft bracket 335, a first auxiliary member 363 and a second auxiliary member 364, wherein the first shaft 331 is connected to a first gear 331a and a first spring 342, and the second shaft 332 is connected to a second gear 332a and a second spring 343. At least one component of the hinge structure 300a may be connected to the hinge structure 300a. Figures 3 to 5 At least one component is the same or similar.

[0126] The first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 may be mounted to the first groove 313a and the second groove 313b configured in the fixed bracket 313 so as to be supported by the fixed bracket 313. The first bracket 311 may include a first rail portion 311a configured in a shape corresponding to the first groove 313a, and the second bracket 312 may include a second rail portion 312a configured in a shape corresponding to the second groove 313b. The first bracket 311 may rotate by sliding through the first rail portion 311a in the first groove 313a, and the second bracket 312 may rotate by sliding through the second rail portion 312a in the second groove 313b.

[0127] The first bracket 311 may be coupled to at least one area of ​​the first housing 211 to rotate with the first housing 211. Similarly, the second bracket 312 may be coupled to at least one area of ​​the second housing 212 to rotate with the second housing 212. Through the above structure, the first bracket 311 can rotate within a specific range around the virtual first rotation axis L1, and the second bracket 312 can rotate within a specific range around the virtual second rotation axis L2 adjacent to the first rotation axis L1. The first bracket 311 can rotate within an angle range from 0° to an angle (e.g., 90°) at which the electronic device is in a folded state relative to the +x axis, and the second bracket 312 can rotate within an angle range from 180° to an angle at which the electronic device is in a folded state relative to the +x axis. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 can be arranged to be horizontal to each other, and when the electronic device is in a folded state, the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 can be arranged to face each other.

[0128] The first arm 321 may be coupled to a region of the first shaft 331 to rotate together with the first shaft 331. The second arm 322 may be coupled to a region of the second shaft 332 adjacent to the first shaft 331 to rotate together with the second shaft 332. Due to the above-mentioned coupling structure, the first arm 321 may rotate around a rotation axis L3 (hereinafter referred to as the "third rotation axis") of the first shaft 331. In addition, the second arm 322 may rotate around a rotation axis L4 (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth rotation axis") of the second shaft 332. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 may be disposed horizontally to each other, and when the electronic device is in the folded state, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 may be disposed to face each other.

[0129] The first arm 321 and the second arm 322 may rotate at the same angle through the first gear 331 a of the first shaft 331 , the second gear 332 a of the second shaft 332 , the first idler gear 333 and the second idler gear 334 .

[0130] When the first shaft 331 rotates a specific angle, the first gear 331a may also rotate the same angle. The rotation of the first gear 331a may be transmitted to the first idler gear 333 meshed with the first gear 331a, and the rotation transmitted to the first idler gear 333 may be transmitted to the second gear 332a through the second idler gear 334 meshed with the first idler gear 333. Due to the rotation transmitted to the second gear 332a, the second shaft 332 may also rotate a specific angle. Through the above process, the first arm portion 321 coupled to the first shaft 331 and the second arm portion 322 coupled to the second shaft 332 may rotate the same angle.

[0131] The first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2 may be configured between the third rotation axis L3 and the fourth rotation axis L4. In addition, since the first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2 are configured in the upper end region of the third rotation axis L3 and the fourth rotation axis L4 (for example, Fig. 6A In the +y direction), the first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2 can be configured on the flexible display. That is, the first bracket 311, the second bracket 312, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 can rotate around different rotation axes within a specific angle range.

[0132] The first bracket 311 may be coupled to a region of the first arm 321 through the first fixing portion 323 , and the second bracket 312 may be coupled to a region of the second arm 322 through the second fixing portion 324 .

[0133] The first sliding hole 311b may be configured in a region of the first bracket 311 adjacent to the first arm 321, and the first fixing portion 323 may pass through the first sliding hole 311b to couple the first bracket 311 and the first arm 321. Similarly, the second sliding hole 312b may be configured in a region of the second arm 322 adjacent to the second bracket 312, and the second fixing portion 324 may pass through the second sliding hole 312b to couple the second bracket 312 and the second arm 322.

[0134] As the first bracket 311 rotates together with the first housing, the first fixing portion 323 can slide in the first sliding hole 311b. Due to the sliding of the first fixing portion 323, the first arm portion 321 connected to the first bracket 311 through the first fixing portion 323 can also slide together. Similarly, due to the rotation of the second housing, the second fixing portion 324 can slide in the second sliding hole 312b. Due to the sliding of the second fixing portion 324, the second arm portion 322 connected to the second bracket 312 through the second fixing portion 324 can also slide together.

[0135] Reference Fig. 6AWhen the electronic device is in an unfolded state in which the first bracket 311, the second bracket 312, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 are arranged on the same plane, the first fixing portion 323 can be arranged outside the first sliding hole 311b, and the second fixing portion 324 can be arranged outside the second sliding hole 312b.

[0136] Reference Figure 6B In the process of rotating the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first housing and the second housing can be rotated by a first angle (for example, 30° relative to the +x axis or -x axis) by a user's operation or an external force. When the first housing and the second housing rotate, the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 connected to the first housing and the second housing can also rotate by the first angle.

[0137] The first bracket 311 is rotated counterclockwise (for example, from Figure 5 During the rotation of the first arm 321 (in the direction from the +x axis to the +y axis), the first fixing portion 323 can slide a specific distance in the inward direction from the outer side of the first sliding hole 311b. Due to the sliding of the first fixing portion 323, the first arm 321 can rotate counterclockwise by a second angle greater than the first angle. Similarly, due to the sliding of the second fixing portion 324, the second arm 322 can rotate clockwise by a second angle.

[0138] Reference Figure 6C , when the electronic device is in the folded state, the first bracket 311 and the first arm 321 and the second bracket 312 and the second arm 322 can be respectively arranged to face each other in one plane. The first bracket 311, the second bracket 312, the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 can be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the +x axis, or have an angle (e.g., 80° to 100°) at which the electronic device is in the folded state. When the electronic device is in the folded state, the first fixing portion 323 can be arranged in the first sliding hole 311b, and the second fixing portion 324 can also be arranged in the second sliding hole 312b.

[0139] That is, during the process of the electronic device rotating from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first fixing portion 323 may slide inward from the outside of the first sliding hole 311b, and conversely, during the process of the electronic device rotating from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first fixing portion 323 may slide outward from the inside of the first sliding hole 311b. In this case, the second fixing portion 324 may slide in the same manner as the first fixing portion 323.

[0140] In the process that the first bracket 311 and the second bracket 312 rotate around the virtual first rotation axis L1 and the second rotation axis L2 by the operation of the user or the external force, the first fixing portion 323 and the second fixing portion 324 can slide in the first sliding hole 311b and the second sliding hole 312b respectively. Due to the sliding of the first fixing portion 323 and the second fixing portion 324, the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322 can rotate around the third rotation axis L3 and the fourth rotation axis L4. As a result, due to the rotation of the first bracket 311, the first arm portion 321 can rotate around a rotation axis (e.g., the third rotation axis L3) different from the first bracket 311. Similarly, due to the rotation of the second bracket 312, the second arm portion 322 can rotate around a rotation axis (e.g., the fourth rotation axis L4) different from the second bracket 312.

[0141] Figure 7 1 and 2 show the elements of the first fixing portion 323 or the second fixing portion 324 and the pawl structure 340 of the hinge structure 300a according to the embodiment. Figure 7 Elements of the first fixing portion 323 , the second fixing portion 324 , the first coupling arm portion 321 , the second coupling arm portion 322 , the first bracket 311 , the second bracket 312 , and the pawl structure 340 are described.

[0142] Reference Figure 7 The hinge structure 300a of the electronic device 101 includes a first bracket 311, a second bracket 312, a fixed bracket 313, a first arm 321, a second arm 322, a first fixed portion 323, a second fixed portion 324, a first shaft 331 connected to a first gear 331a, a second shaft 332 connected to a second gear 332a, a first idler wheel 333, a second idler wheel 334, a pawl structure 340, a support portion 350, a first auxiliary member 363 and a second auxiliary member 364. Figure 7 At least one component of the hinge structure 300a may be Figure 5 At least one component is the same or similar, and redundant description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0143] The first bracket 311 and the first arm 321 may be coupled by a first fixing portion 323 that passes through a region of the first bracket 311 and the first arm 321. The second bracket 312 and the second arm 322 may be coupled by a second fixing portion 324 that passes through a region of the second bracket 312 and the second arm 322. The first fixing portion 323 and the second fixing portion 324 may be configured to extend in a longitudinal direction (e.g., Figure 7 The pin shape extends in the +x direction.

[0144] The hinge structure 300a may further include a first elastic body 323a and a second elastic body 324a. The first elastic body 323a and the second elastic body 324a may be springs or coil springs, but are not limited thereto.

[0145] The first elastic body 323a may be provided along the outer peripheral surface of the first fixing portion 323, and may be provided between the first arm 321 and the first gasket 325 in a compressed state. Some areas of the first elastic body 323a may pass through some areas of the first arm 321, and may be provided between the first arm 321 and the first gasket 325. When the first elastic body 323a is provided between the first arm 321 and the first gasket 325 in a compressed state, a friction force may be generated between the first arm 321 and the first bracket 311. Due to the friction force generated between the first arm 321 and the first bracket 311, a torque may be generated in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first arm 321, and due to the generated torque, the movement of the first arm 321 may be fixed. That is, in the process in which the electronic device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state without a separate additional component by using the first elastic body 323a, the hinge structure 300a may fix the movement of the first arm 321 in a free stop manner.

[0146] The second elastic body 324a may be disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the second fixing portion 324, and may be disposed between the second arm 322 and the second gasket 326 in a compressed state. Some areas of the second elastic body 324a may pass through some areas of the second arm 322, and may be disposed between the second arm 322 and the second gasket 326. When the second elastic body 324a is disposed between the second arm 322 and the second gasket 326 in a compressed state, a friction force may be generated between the second arm 322 and the second bracket 312. Due to the friction force generated between the second arm 322 and the second bracket 312, a torque may be generated in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the second arm 322, and due to the generated torque, the movement of the second arm 322 may be fixed. That is, the hinge structure 300a may fix the movement of the second arm 322 in a process in which the electronic device rotates from a folded state to an unfolded state or from an unfolded state to a folded state without a separate additional component by using the second elastic body 324a.

[0147] The pawl structure 340 of the hinge structure 300 a may include a pawl plate 341 , a first spring 342 , and a second spring 343 .

[0148] The shaft insertion hole (e.g., the third shaft insertion hole 341c and / or the fourth shaft insertion hole 341d) may be configured in at least one area of ​​the pawl plate 341 so that the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 are connected to the pawl plate 341. Additionally or alternatively, the diameter of the shaft insertion hole may be configured to be larger than the diameter of the second shaft 332 so that the first shaft 331 and the second shaft 332 may be freely rotated in a state of being coupled to the pawl plate 341. The pawl plate 341 may include a first pawl portion 341a configured to protrude in the longitudinal direction of the first shaft 331 and a second pawl portion 341b configured to protrude in the longitudinal direction of the second shaft 332. The first pawl portion 341a can be configured to engage with the first cam portion 321a of the first arm 321, and the second pawl portion 341b can be configured to engage with the second cam portion 322a of the second arm 322, so that the first pawl portion 341a and the second pawl portion 341b can provide a braking feel to the first arm 321 and the second arm 322.

[0149] The first spring 342 may be coupled to the first shaft 331 so as to be located between the pawl plate 341 and the shaft bracket 335 supporting the first shaft 331. The second spring 343 may be coupled to the second shaft 332 adjacent to the first shaft 331 so as to be located between the pawl plate 341 and the shaft bracket 335 supporting the second shaft 332.

[0150] The first spring 342 and the second spring 343 may be provided to the shaft support 335 and the pawl plate 341 in a compressed state, and due to the elastic restoring force of the first spring 342 and the second spring 343, pressure may be applied to the shaft support 335 in a direction opposite to the pawl plate 341. Due to the elastic restoring force of the first spring 342 and the second spring 343, the first pawl portion 341a and the second pawl portion 341b of the pawl plate 341 may maintain a state of being engaged with the first cam portion 321a of the first arm 321 and the second cam portion 322a of the second arm 322. As the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 rotate, the pawl plate 341 may be temporarily spaced apart from the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 in the direction of the shaft support 335. The first spring 342 and the second spring 343 may be compressed due to the pawl plate 341 being spaced apart. Due to the elastic restoring force of the compressed first spring 342 and the second spring 343 , the pawl plate 341 may move again in the direction of the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322 .

[0151] That is, even if the pawl plate 341 is temporarily spaced apart from the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322, the pawl plate 341 can contact the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322 again through the first spring 342 and the second spring 343. The pawl structure 340 can maintain the meshing state between the first pawl portion 341a and the first cam portion 321a and between the second pawl portion 341b and the second cam portion 322a through the above structure.

[0152] Figure 8 The coupling relationship between some elements of the first arm structure 321 and / or the second arm structure 322 of the hinge structure 300 a according to the embodiment and the pawl structure 341 is shown.

[0153] Reference Figure 8 The hinge structure 300 a and / or 300 b of the electronic device 101 includes a first arm portion 321 , a second arm portion 322 and a pawl plate 341 .

[0154] The first arm 321 may include a first cam portion 321a and a first supporting rib 321b, and the second arm 322 may include a second cam portion 322a and a second supporting rib 322b. The first supporting rib 321b of the first arm 321 and the second supporting rib 322b of the second arm 322 may allow the support portion 350 to move in an upward direction.

[0155] The first cam portion 321a of the first arm portion 321 and the second cam portion 322a of the second arm portion 322 may be configured as a concave-convex structure in which peaks (e.g., Figure 8 A) and valley (e.g., Figure 8 B). The first arm 321 and the second arm 322 may be coupled to the pawl plate 341, and thus may be arranged such that the first cam portion 321a is engaged with the first pawl portion 341a and the second cam portion 322a is engaged with the second pawl portion 341b.

[0156] The pawl plate 341 may include a first pawl portion 341a configured to protrude in the direction of the first cam portion 321a of the first arm portion 321 and a second pawl portion 341b configured to protrude in the direction of the second cam portion 322a of the second arm portion 322. The first pawl portion 341a and the second pawl portion 341b may be configured in a concave-convex structure in which a peak (e.g., Figure 8 a) and valley (e.g., Figure 8 The peaks and valleys of the first pawl portion 341a may be configured to correspond to the peaks and valleys of the first cam portion 321a, and the peaks and valleys of the second pawl portion 341b may be configured to correspond to the peaks and valleys of the second cam portion 322a. The peaks of the first pawl portion 341a (e.g., Figure 8a) and the valley of the first cam portion 321a (eg, Figure 8 B) can be arranged to correspond to each other, and the valley of the first pawl portion 341a (for example, Figure 8 b) and the peak of the first cam portion 321a (eg, Figure 8 A) can be arranged to correspond to each other so that the first pawl portion 341a and the first cam portion 321a are engaged with each other. Similarly, the peak of the second pawl portion 341b and the valley of the second cam portion 322a can be arranged to correspond to each other, and the valley of the second pawl portion 341b and the peak of the second cam portion 322a can be arranged to correspond to each other so that the second pawl portion 341b and the second cam portion 322a are engaged with each other.

[0157] When the first cam portion 321a and the first pawl portion 341a are engaged and the second cam portion 322a and the second pawl portion 341b are engaged, the pawl plate 341 can provide a braking feeling to the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322. The spacing between the peaks and peaks (or valleys and valleys) of the first pawl portion 341a can be configured to be longer than the spacing between the peaks and peaks (or valleys and valleys) of the first cam portion 321a, so that even if the first cam portion 321a is in a state of engagement with the first pawl portion 341a, the first cam portion 321a rotates within a specific angle range. Additionally or alternatively, the spacing between the peaks and peaks (or valleys and valleys) of the first pawl portion 341a can be configured to be equal to the spacing between the peaks and peaks (or valleys and valleys) of the first cam portion 321a, or can be configured to be shorter than the spacing between the peaks and peaks (or valleys and valleys) of the first cam portion 321a. In the process of the electronic device rotating from the folded state to the unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state, there may be a situation where the peak of the first cam portion 321a of the first arm portion 321 is engaged with the peak of the first pawl portion 341a, so that the first arm portion 321 and the pawl plate 341 are temporarily spaced apart. In the process of the peak of the first cam portion 321a exceeding the peak of the first pawl portion 341a, the first pawl portion 341a can provide a braking feeling to the first arm portion 321. Additionally or alternatively, the second pawl portion 341b can also provide a braking feeling to the second arm portion 322 in the same or similar manner as the first pawl portion 341a.

[0158] The first pawl portion 341 a and the second pawl portion 341 b may not only provide a braking feeling to the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 , but also fix the movement of the first arm 321 and the second arm 322 .

[0159] A flat linear region may be constructed in at least one region (e.g., top region) of the peak of the first cam portion 321a, the peak of the second cam portion 322a, the peak of the first pawl portion 341a, and / or the peak of the second pawl portion 341b. Similarly, a flat linear region may also be constructed in at least one region of the valley of the first cam portion 321a, the valley of the second cam portion 322a, the valley of the first pawl portion 341a, and / or the valley of the second pawl portion 341b. A linear region constructed in one region of a peak and a linear region constructed in one region of a valley may be constructed to be substantially the same or similar. As described above, when linear regions are constructed in the peaks and valleys of the first cam portion 321a, the second cam portion 322a, the first pawl portion 341a, and the second pawl portion 341b, the movement of the first arm portion 321 and / or the second arm portion 322 may be fixed at a specific rotation angle (e.g., 30° or 60°). When the movement of the first arm 321 and / or the second arm 322 is fixed at a specific rotation angle, the movement of the first housing 211 and the second housing 212 of the electronic device may be fixed at a specific rotation angle.

[0160] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view showing elements of a hinge structure 300 a according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 The hinge structure 300a shows a state where the support portion 350 is removed.

[0161] Reference Fig. 9 The hinge structure 300a of the electronic device 101 includes a first bracket 311, a second bracket 312, a first arm 321, a second arm 322, a first fixing portion 323, a second fixing portion 324, a first shaft 331 connected to a first gear 331a, a second shaft 332 connected to a second gear 332a, and a first idler gear 333. A second idler gear 334, a shaft bracket 335, a first spring 342, a second spring 343, a stopper 360, a first auxiliary member 363, and a second auxiliary member 364. Fig. 9 At least one component of the hinge structure 300a may be Figure 5 At least one of the components is the same or similar, and a redundant description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0162] The first arm portion 321 may include a first support rib 321b, and the second arm portion 322 may include a second support rib 322b. The first support rib 321b may be configured to protrude from one region of the first arm portion 321. In addition, the second support rib 322b may be configured to protrude from one region of the second arm portion 322. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the first support rib 321b may be configured to protrude from the first arm portion 321 in the direction of the stopper 360 located between the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322. Similarly, the second support rib 322b may be configured to protrude from the second arm portion 322 in the direction of the stopper 360.

[0163] The first support rib 321b may be integrally configured with the first arm portion 321 and may rotate with the rotation of the first arm portion 321. In addition, the second support rib 322b may be integrally configured with the second arm portion 322 and may rotate with the rotation of the second arm portion 322. When the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b rotate together with the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322, the support portion 350 provided on the stopper 360 may be moved in an upward direction (e.g., Fig. 9 During the rotation of the electronic device from the folded state to the unfolded state, at least one region of the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b may contact an area of ​​the support portion (eg, the back side of the support portion 350).

[0164] According to an embodiment, when the first arm portion 321 rotates clockwise (eg, Fig. 9 When the first support rib 321b rotates in the direction of ①), the first support rib 321b can move the support portion 350 in the upward direction. On the other hand, when the second arm portion 322 rotates counterclockwise (for example, Fig. 9 ②), the second supporting rib 322b may move the supporting portion 350 in an upward direction.

[0165] The first auxiliary member 363 may be coupled to one end of the first shaft 331 adjacent to the first arm portion 321, and the second auxiliary member 364 may be coupled to one end of the second shaft 332 adjacent to the second arm portion 322. The first auxiliary member 363 may be coupled to the first shaft 331 to rotate together with the first shaft 331. The second auxiliary member 364 may be coupled to the second shaft 332 to rotate together with the second shaft 332.

[0166] The first auxiliary member 363 may include a third support rib 363a configured to protrude from one area of ​​the first auxiliary member 363. In addition, the second auxiliary member 364 may include a fourth support rib 364a configured to protrude from one area of ​​the second auxiliary member 364. The third support rib 363a may be disposed at a position parallel to the first support rib 321b of the first arm 321, and the fourth support rib 364a may be disposed at a position parallel to the second support rib 322b of the second arm 322. The third support rib 363a may be spaced apart from the first support rib 321b to rotate at the same rotation angle as the first support rib 321b with the rotation of the first shaft 331. The fourth support rib 364a may be spaced apart from the second support rib 322b to rotate at the same rotation angle as the second support rib 322b with the rotation of the second shaft 332.

[0167] Similar to the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b, the third support rib 363a and the fourth support rib 364a can move the support portion in an upward direction during the process of the electronic device rotating from the folded state to the unfolded state. During the process of the electronic device rotating from the folded state to the unfolded state, the third support rib 363a and the fourth support rib 364a can contact an area of ​​the support portion. When the first shaft 331 is rotated clockwise (e.g., Fig. 9 When the second shaft 332 rotates in the direction of ①), the third supporting rib 363a can move the supporting portion in the upward direction. Fig. 9 When the fourth supporting rib 364a rotates in the direction ②), the supporting portion can be moved in the upward direction.

[0168] That is, in the process that the electronic device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state through the first support rib 321b, the second support rib 322b, the third support rib 363a and the fourth support rib 364a, the hinge structure 300a can move the support portion in the upward direction. Therefore, the support portion can contact the back surface of the flexible display 220, thereby preventing the flexible display from sagging and / or being damaged when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

[0169] Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure 300 a when the electronic device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure 300 a when the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment. Fig. 10A Can show Fig. 6A A cross section of the hinge structure 300a taken along the direction AA′, Fig. 10B Can show Figure 6C A cross section of the hinge structure 300 a taken along direction AA′.

[0170] Reference Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B , the electronic device includes a flexible display 220, a first support plate 221 supporting the flexible display 220, a second support plate 222, and a hinge structure 300a.

[0171] The hinge structure 300 a may include a first bracket 311 , a second bracket 312 , a first arm 321 , a second arm 322 , a support portion 350 , a stopper 360 , an elastic member 361 , and a screw 362 .

[0172] As described above, when the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the support portion 350 can move in the direction of the back side of the flexible display 220 by means of the first support rib 321b of the first arm portion 321 and the second support rib 322b of the second arm portion 322. Through the above process, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support portion 350 can support an area of ​​the flexible display 220 that is not supported by the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322, such as Fig. 10A shown.

[0173] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the gap (e.g. Fig. 10A g) may be configured between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 321b of the first arm portion 321 and / or the second support rib 322b of the second arm portion 322. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, since a gap is configured between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 321b and / or the second support rib 322b, the support portion 350 may be prevented from moving at least a certain distance in the direction of the flexible display 220. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the gap between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b may be configured to be larger than the raised area of ​​the shaft bracket 335 (for example, Fig. 12A The fixing area E1 of the stopper 360 or the raised area of ​​the stopper 360 (for example, Fig.13A The gap between the fixing area E2 of the support portion 350 and the fixing rib 352 configured in one area of ​​the support portion 350. As a result, the support portion 350 can be prevented from moving in an upward direction (e.g., Fig. 10A That is, by constructing a gap between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 321b and / or the second support rib 322b, the hinge structure 300a can prevent the flexible display 220 from being damaged by the support portion 350 when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

[0174] The stopper 360 may be located at the lower end of the support portion 350 (eg, Fig. 10AThe through hole 360c may be configured in one area of ​​the stopper 360. The protruding area 351 of the support portion 350 may be located at the lower end of the stopper 360 by passing through the through hole 360c, and the screw 362 may be connected to the protruding area 351 of the support portion 350 passing through the through hole 360c. The outer circumferential surface of one end of the screw 362 facing the protruding area 351 may be configured to be larger than the outer circumferential surface of the protruding area 351, so that the elastic member 361 is disposed between the stopper 360 and the screw 362. The elastic member 361 may be a spring, but is not limited thereto.

[0175] One end of the elastic member 361 may contact an area of ​​the stopper 360 (e.g., an area near the through hole 360c), and the other end may contact the screw 362 coupled to the protruding area of ​​the support portion 350. The elastic member 361 may be arranged at the support portion 350 in an upward direction (e.g., Fig. 10A +y direction) when moved, or can be restored to its original state due to elastic restoring force.

[0176] When the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the support portion 350 moves in the direction of the flexible display 220. The screw 362 coupled to the raised area 351 may also move in an upward direction (eg, Fig. 10A , and the elastic member 361 may be compressed due to the upward movement of the screw 362.

[0177] When the electronic device rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first arm portion 321 may rotate counterclockwise (eg, Fig. 10B direction②), and the second arm portion 322 can rotate clockwise (for example, Fig. 10B ①), so that the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b are spaced apart from the support portion 350. When the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b are spaced apart from the support portion 350, the pressure can be in the downward direction (for example, Fig. 10B Due to the pressure applied to the screw 362, the screw 362 and the support portion 350 coupled to the screw 362 may be moved in the downward direction (eg, Fig. 10B That is, during the rotation of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support portion 350 may be spaced apart from the flexible display 220 due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 361 between the stopper 360 and the screw 362.

[0178] Through the above-mentioned driving process, during the process of the electronic device rotating from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support portion 350 may not interrupt the rotation trajectory (or "travel trajectory") of the flexible display 220 or the first support plate 221 and the second support plate 222. On the other hand, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support portion 350 may support an area of ​​the flexible display 220 that is not supported by the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322, thereby preventing the flexible display 220 from being damaged or sagging.

[0179] Fig.11A is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when an electronic device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment. Fig.11A Can show Fig. 6A A cross section of the hinge structure 300a taken along the direction AA′, and Fig. 11B Can show Figure 6C A cross section taken along direction AA′.

[0180] Reference Fig.11A and Fig. 11B , the electronic device includes a flexible display 220, a first support plate 221 supporting the flexible display 220, a second support plate 222, and a hinge structure 300a.

[0181] The hinge structure 300 a may include a first bracket 311 , a second bracket 312 , a first arm 321 , a second arm 322 , a support portion 350 , a stopper 360 , and an elastic member 361 . Fig.11A and Fig. 11B At least one component of the hinge structure 300a may be Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B At least one of the components is the same or similar, and redundant description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0182] The hinge structure 300a can be connected with Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Different ways along the upward direction (e.g. Fig.11A +y direction) or in the downward direction (e.g. Fig.11A -y direction) to move the support part 350.

[0183] As described above, when the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the support portion 350 can move in the direction of the back side of the flexible display 220 by means of the first support rib 321b of the first arm portion 321 and the second support rib 322b of the second arm portion 322. Fig.11AAs shown, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support portion 350 may support an area of ​​the flexible display 220 that is not supported by the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322 .

[0184] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the gap (e.g. Fig.11A g) may be configured between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 321b of the first arm portion 321 and / or the second support rib 322b of the second arm portion 322. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, since a gap is configured between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 321b and / or the second support rib 322b, the support portion 350 may be prevented from moving at least a certain distance in the direction of the flexible display 220. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the gap between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 321b and / or the second support rib 322b may be configured to be larger than the raised area of ​​the shaft bracket 335 (for example, Fig. 12A The fixing area E1 of the stopper 360) or the protruding area of ​​the stopper 360 (for example, Fig.13A The gap between the fixing area E2 of the support portion 350 and the fixing rib 352 configured in one area of ​​the support portion 350. As a result, the support portion 350 can be prevented from being moved in an upward direction (e.g., Fig.11A That is, by constructing the gap between the support portion 350 and the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b, the hinge structure 300a can prevent the flexible display 220 from being damaged by the support portion 350 when the electronic device is in the unfolded state.

[0185] The stopper 360 may be located at the lower end (or rear surface) of the support portion 350, and a groove 360d may be configured in at least one region of the stopper 360. Due to the groove 360d configured at the stopper 360, an internal space may be configured in the stopper 360, and the raised region 351 of the support portion 350 may be located within the space.

[0186] The elastic member 361 may be a spring and may be located in the inner space of the stopper 360 configured by the groove 360d. One end of the elastic member 361 may be coupled to an area of ​​the support portion 350, and the other end of the elastic member 361 may be coupled to an area of ​​the inner space of the stopper 360. The elastic member 361 may be attached to an area of ​​the support portion 350 and / or an area of ​​the inner space of the stopper 360 by an adhesive. The elastic member 361 may be coupled to an area of ​​the support portion 350 and / or an area of ​​the inner space of the stopper 360 by a fixing member located in an area of ​​the support portion 350 and / or an area of ​​the inner space of the stopper 360. The protruding area 351 of the support portion 350 may be partially inserted into the elastic member 361 to guide the direction of movement (e.g., compression or extension) of the elastic member 361.

[0187] According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the support portion 350 moves in the direction of the flexible display 220 through the first support rib 321b and the second support rib 322b. The elastic member 361 coupled to one area of ​​the support portion 350 and one area of ​​the stopper 360 is extended due to the upward movement of the support portion 350.

[0188] When the electronic device is rotated from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first arm portion 321 may rotate counterclockwise (eg, Fig. 11B direction②), and the second arm portion 322 can rotate clockwise (for example, Fig. 11B The first supporting rib 321b and the second supporting rib 322b are rotated in the direction of ①) so that the first supporting rib 321b and the second supporting rib 322b are spaced apart from the supporting portion 350. When the first supporting rib 321b and the second supporting rib 322b are spaced apart from the supporting portion 350, the supporting portion 350 may be moved in the downward direction (for example, Fig. 11B −y direction) to be spaced apart from the flexible display 220.

[0189] That is, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support portion 350 can support an area of ​​the flexible display 220 that is not supported by the first arm portion 321 and the second arm portion 322, thereby preventing the flexible display 220 from being damaged or sagging. On the other hand, during the rotation of the electronic device from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support portion 350 can be spaced apart from the flexible display 220 due to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 361. Therefore, the support portion 350 can not interrupt the rotation trajectory ("travel trajectory") of the flexible display 220 or the first support plate 221 and the second support plate 222.

[0190] Fig. 12A is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when an electronic device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. Fig. 12Bis a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment. Fig. 12A It can be shown Fig. 6A A cross section of the hinge structure 300a taken along direction BB′, and Fig. 12B It can be shown Figure 6C A cross section of the hinge structure 300a taken along direction BB′.

[0191] Reference Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B The hinge structure 300b of the electronic device includes a second bracket 312, a fixed bracket 313, a second arm 322, a second fixed portion 324, a rotating structure 330, a support portion 350, a stopper 360, an elastic member 361 and a screw 362, wherein the second fixed portion 324 connects the second bracket 312 and the second arm 322, and the rotating structure 330 includes a second shaft 332, a second idler wheel 334 and a shaft bracket 335. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B At least one component of the hinge structure 300b may be Figure 5 , Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B At least one component is the same or similar. Redundant description will be omitted hereinafter.

[0192] The support portion 350 may be located on the stopper 360 and may include a raised area 351 and a fixing rib 352. The raised area 351 may be configured to extend in a downward direction (eg, Fig. 12A The fixing rib 352 may be configured to protrude in the downward direction of the support portion 350, and in a side view, the fixing rib 352 may be configured to be hook-shaped and bent in the direction of the shaft bracket 335.

[0193] The fixing rib 352 may be fixed to a region of the shaft bracket 335 to prevent the support portion 350 from rotating in an upward direction (eg, Fig. 12A +y direction) or in a flexible display (e.g. Figure 2A The flexible display 220 is moved at least a specific distance in a direction.

[0194] The shaft bracket 335 may include a fixing area E1. The fixing area E1 may be configured to protrude from an area of ​​the shaft bracket 335 in the direction of the stopper 360. Fig. 12B ) to the expanded state (see, for example, Fig. 12A), the support portion 350 may move in an upward direction, and due to the upward movement of the support portion 350 , the fixing rib 352 of the support portion 350 may contact the fixing area E1 of the shaft bracket 335 .

[0195] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hook-shaped fixing rib 352 may contact the lower area of ​​the fixing area E1, so that the fixing rib 352 of the support portion 350 is caught at the fixing area E1 of the shaft bracket 335. When the support portion 350 moves at least a certain distance in the upward direction, pressure may be applied to the flexible display provided at the upper end of the support portion 350 in the upward direction, and some areas of the flexible display may be damaged due to the pressure applied by the support portion 350. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the fixing rib 352 of the support portion 350 may be provided to contact the fixing area E1 of the shaft bracket 335 without a gap, so that the support portion 350 may be prevented from moving at least a certain distance in the upward direction.

[0196] As described above, when the electronic device is rotated from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support portion 350 may be moved in a downward direction (eg, Fig. 12B Therefore, the fixing rib 352 may be spaced apart from the fixing area E1 of the shaft bracket 335. As the fixing rib 352 is spaced apart from the fixing area E1 of the shaft bracket 335, the support portion 350 may move in the downward direction without being affected by the fixing area E1.

[0197] That is, the hinge structure 300 b may control the movement of the support part 350 through the fixing rib 352 of the support part 350 and the fixing area E1 of the shaft bracket 335 , so that the support part 350 moves in an upward direction within a specific range.

[0198] Fig.13A is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in an unfolded state according to another embodiment. Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view of a hinge structure when the electronic device is in a folded state according to an embodiment. Fig.13A It can be shown Fig. 6A A cross-sectional view of the hinge structure 300a taken along direction BB′, and Fig. 13B Can show Figure 6C sectional view of the hinge structure 300a taken along direction BB′.

[0199] Reference Fig.13A and Fig. 13BThe hinge structure 300b of the electronic device includes a second bracket 312, a fixed bracket 313, a second arm 322, a second fixed portion 324, a rotating structure 330, a support portion 350, a stopper 360, an elastic member 361 and a screw 362, wherein the second fixed portion 324 connects the second bracket 312 and the second arm 322, and the rotating structure 330 includes a second shaft 332 and a second idler wheel 334.

[0200] Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The hinge structure 300b can prevent the support portion 350 from being Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B The different ways in the upward direction (e.g. Fig.13A +y direction) moves. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B At least one component of the hinge structure 300b may be Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B At least one component is the same or similar, and redundant description will be omitted below.

[0201] The support portion 350 may be located on the stopper 360 and may include a raised area 351 and a fixing rib 352. The raised area 351 may be configured to extend in a downward direction (eg, Fig.13A The fixing rib 352 may be configured to protrude in the downward direction of the support portion 350 and, in a side view, may be configured to be a hook shape bent in the direction of the stopper 360.

[0202] The fixing rib 352 may be fixed to a region of the stopper 360 to prevent the support portion 350 from rotating in an upward direction (eg, Fig.13A The flexible display 220 may be moved in the +y direction) or in the direction of the flexible display 220 by at least a specific distance.

[0203] The stopper 360 may include a fixing area E2. The fixing area E2 may be configured to protrude from an area of ​​the stopper 360 in the direction of the shaft bracket 335. Fig. 13B The folded state shown is rotated to Fig.13A In the deployed state shown, the support portion 350 may move in an upward direction, and due to the upward movement of the support portion 350 , the fixing rib 352 of the support portion 350 may come into contact with the fixing area E2 of the stopper 360 .

[0204] When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the hook-shaped fixing rib 352 may contact the lower end of the fixing area E2 of the stopper 360, so that the fixing rib 352 of the support portion 350 is caught at the fixing area E2. When the support portion 350 moves at least a certain distance in the upward direction, some areas of the flexible display may be damaged due to the pressure applied by the support portion 350. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the fixing rib 352 of the support portion 350 may be arranged to contact the fixing area E2 of the stopper 360, thereby preventing the support portion 350 from moving at least a certain distance in the upward direction.

[0205] Additionally or alternatively, when the electronic device is rotated from the unfolded state to the folded state, as described above, the support portion 350 may be moved in a downward direction (eg, Fig. 13B Due to the movement of the support portion 350, the fixing rib 352 may be spaced apart from the fixing area E2 of the stopper 360. When the fixing rib 352 is spaced apart from the fixing area E2 of the stopper 360, the support portion 350 may move in the downward direction without being affected by the fixing area E2.

[0206] That is to say, Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B different, Fig.13A and Fig. 13B The hinge structure 300 b may control the movement of the support portion 350 through the fixing rib 352 of the support portion 350 and the fixing area E2 of the stopper 360 , so that the support portion 350 moves in an upward direction within a specific range.

[0207] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing, a hinge assembly, and a flexible display, wherein the hinge assembly couples the first housing and the second housing so that the second housing can rotate relative to the first housing, and the flexible display is arranged to cross the hinge assembly from one area of ​​the first housing to at least one area of ​​the second housing. The hinge assembly may include: a first bracket coupled to at least one area of ​​the first housing to rotate around a virtual first rotation axis; a second bracket coupled to at least one area of ​​the second housing to rotate around a virtual second rotation axis; a fixed bracket supporting the first bracket and the second bracket; a first shaft that rotates around a third rotation axis different from the virtual first rotation axis; a second shaft adjacent to the first shaft to rotate around a fourth rotation axis different from the virtual second rotation axis; a first arm coupled to the first shaft to rotate around the third rotation axis and having a side coupled to at least one area of ​​the first bracket; a second arm coupled to the second shaft to rotate around the fourth rotation axis and having a side coupled to at least one area of ​​the second bracket; and a support portion located between the first arm and the second arm. When the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the support portion may support at least one area of ​​the flexible display, and as the electronic device rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support portion may be spaced apart from the flexible display.

[0208] The first arm may include a first support rib that supports at least one region of the support portion when the electronic device is in a folded state. The second arm may include a second support rib that supports at least one region of the support portion when the electronic device is in a folded state.

[0209] As the electronic device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first support rib and the second support rib may move the support portion in the direction of the flexible display.

[0210] The electronic device may further include: a first auxiliary member coupled to the first shaft to rotate about a third rotation axis and including a third support rib; and a second auxiliary member coupled to the second shaft to rotate about a fourth rotation axis and including a fourth support rib.

[0211] The electronic device may further include: a stopper having a through hole through which the raised area of ​​the support portion passes; a screw coupled to the raised area of ​​the support portion; and an elastic member located between the stopper and the screw and in contact with at least one area of ​​the stopper.

[0212] As the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the elastic member may be compressed.

[0213] As the electronic device is rotated from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support portion may be spaced apart from the flexible display due to a restoring force of the elastic member.

[0214] The electronic device may also include: a stopper located at a lower end of the support portion and having a groove constructed in at least one area; and an elastic member located in the groove and having one side fixed to at least one area of ​​the support portion and the other side fixed to at least one area of ​​the stopper.

[0215] As the electronic device is rotated from the folded state to the unfolded state, the elastic member may stretch in the direction of the flexible display.

[0216] The support portion may further include a fixing rib configured to protrude in a downward direction of the support portion.

[0217] The electronic device may include a shaft support supporting the first shaft and the second shaft. As the electronic device rotates from the folded state to the unfolded state, the fixing rib may contact an area of ​​the stopper or an area of ​​the shaft support, thereby preventing the support portion from moving beyond a certain height.

[0218] The electronic device may further include a pawl plate including a pawl portion configured in a concavo-convex structure to protrude in a direction of the first arm portion and the second arm portion.

[0219] A first cam portion corresponding to the pawl portion may be constructed in a region of the first arm portion. A second cam portion corresponding to the pawl portion may be constructed in a region of the second arm portion.

[0220] The electronic device may further include a first gear coupled to the first shaft, a second gear coupled to the second shaft, a first idler gear meshed with the first gear, and a second idler gear meshed with the first idler gear and the second gear.

[0221] The first sliding hole may be configured in a region of the first bracket corresponding to the first arm portion. The second sliding hole may be configured in a region of the second bracket corresponding to the second arm portion.

[0222] The first bracket and the first arm may be coupled by a first fixing portion passing through a first sliding hole and one region of the first arm, and the second bracket and the second arm may be coupled by a second fixing portion passing through a second sliding hole and one region of the second arm.

[0223] As the electronic device rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first fixing portion can slide from the outer area of ​​the first sliding hole to the inner area. As the electronic device rotates from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second fixing portion can slide from the outer area of ​​the second sliding hole to the inner area.

[0224] According to an embodiment, the hinge assembly may include a hinge housing and at least one hinge structure disposed in the hinge housing. The at least one hinge structure may include: a first bracket that rotates around a virtual first rotation axis; a second bracket that is adjacent to the first bracket and rotates around a virtual second rotation axis different from the virtual first rotation axis; a fixed bracket that supports the first bracket and the second bracket; a first shaft that rotates around a third rotation axis different from the virtual first rotation axis and has a first gear coupled thereto; a second shaft that is adjacent to the first shaft to rotate around a fourth rotation axis different from the virtual second rotation axis and has a second gear coupled thereto; an axis bracket that supports the first shaft and the second shaft; a first idler that is gear-coupled to the first gear; a second idler that is gear-coupled to the first idler and the second gear; a first arm that is coupled to the first shaft to rotate around the third rotation axis and has a side coupled to at least one region of the first bracket; a second arm that is coupled to the second shaft to rotate around the fourth rotation axis and has a side coupled to at least one region of the second bracket; and a support that moves up and down with the rotation of the first arm and the second arm.

[0225] The first arm may include a first support rib that supports at least one area of ​​the support portion when the first arm and the second arm are in a horizontal state. The second arm may include a second support rib that supports at least one area of ​​the support portion when the first arm and the second arm are in a horizontal state. The hinge assembly may also include: a stopper having a through hole, wherein the protruding area of ​​the support portion passes through the through hole; a screw coupled to the protruding area of ​​the support portion; and an elastic member located between the stopper and the screw and in contact with at least one area of ​​the stopper.

[0226] According to the embodiment, the electronic device can reduce the size of the hinge assembly by integrating various structures for rotating the housing.

[0227] According to an embodiment, even when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the electronic device can support the flexible display without affecting the traveling trajectory of the flexible display.

[0228] According to the embodiments, the electronic device can prevent the flexible display from being damaged during use of the electronic device, and can make the flexible display flatter than a conventional flexible display.

[0229] In the above-mentioned specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the components included in the present disclosure are expressed in singular or plural form according to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. However, the singular or plural form (i.e., terminology and / or expression) is selected for the situation disclosed for ease of explanation, and therefore the various embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to single or multiple components. Therefore, the components expressed in plural form can also be expressed in singular form, and vice versa.

[0230] While the present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A foldable device (101), comprising: A housing, comprising a first housing (211) and a second housing (212); A hinge structure (330) coupled to the first housing (211) and the second housing (212) and accommodated in a hinge housing (300c); as well as A flexible display (220) is accommodated in the first housing (211) and the second housing (212); Wherein, the hinge structure (330) comprises: A first bracket (311) coupled to the first housing and configured to rotate about a first axis (L1); a second bracket (312) coupled to the second housing and configured to rotate about a second axis (L2); Characterized in that the hinge structure (330) further comprises: a first arm portion (321), the first arm portion (321) being coupled to the first bracket (311) and comprising a first supporting rib (321b) protruding from a region of the first arm portion (321); a second arm portion (322), the second arm portion (322) being coupled to the second bracket (312) and comprising a second supporting rib (322b) protruding from a region of the second arm portion (322); a support portion (350) at least partially disposed between the first arm portion (321) and the second arm portion (322); and a stopper (360); and an elastic member (361), wherein the elastic member contacts an area of ​​the stopper (360) and is arranged so that: during the process of the foldable device changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the elastic member is deformed while the support portion (350) moves in a first direction opposite to the hinge housing (300c) through the first support rib (321b) of the first arm portion (321) and the second support rib (322b) of the second arm portion (322), wherein the support portion (350) is configured to support at least one area of ​​the flexible display (220) when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, and Wherein, during the process of the foldable device changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, the support portion (350) moves along a second direction opposite to the first direction through the elastic restoring force of the elastic member (361).

2. The foldable device according to claim 1, wherein: The support portion (350) includes a raised area (351) and a fixing rib (352), and the fixing rib (352) of the support portion (350) is configured to prevent the support portion (350) from moving at least a specific distance in the direction of the flexible display during the process of unfolding the foldable device from the folded state to the unfolded state.

3. The foldable device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the first arm portion (321) supports a first portion of the support portion (350), and when the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the second arm portion (322) supports a second portion of the support portion (350).

4. A foldable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The stopper (360) includes a through hole (360c), and at least a portion of the raised area (351) of the support portion (350) is inserted in the second direction of the stopper (360) by passing through the through hole (360c).

5. The foldable device according to claim 4, wherein: The hinge structure (330) further includes a screw (362) coupled to the raised area (351) of the support portion (350), wherein the screw (362) is inserted into a lower end of the raised area (351) of the support portion (350).

6. The foldable device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: One end of the elastic member (361) contacts an adjacent area of ​​the through hole (360c) of the stopper (360).

7. The foldable device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The other end of the elastic member (361) is in contact with the screw (362).

8. The foldable device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The elastic member (361) is configured to be disposed between the stopper (360) and the screw (362).

9. A foldable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The elastic member (361) is a spring.

10. A foldable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: When the foldable device is in the unfolded state, the first supporting rib (321b) of the first arm portion (321) and the second supporting rib (322b) of the second arm portion (322) are in contact with the supporting portion (350).

11. The foldable device according to claim 10, wherein: When the foldable device is folded, the first supporting rib (321b) and the second supporting rib (322b) are spaced apart from the supporting portion (350).

12. A foldable device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The stopper (360) is located at the lower end of the support portion (350).

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