Portable communication device including hinge structure

Abstract

To provide a portable communication device including a hinge structure.SOLUTION: A portable communication device includes: a first rotary member configured to rotate with reference to a first axis; a second rotary member configured to rotate with reference to a second axis; a first arm part configured to rotate with reference to the first axis; a second arm part configured to rotate with reference to the second axis; a first rotary bracket including a first rail and configured to rotate with reference to a third axis while the first arm part is rotating with reference to the first axis; a second rotary bracket including a second rail and configured to rotate with reference to a fourth axis while the second arm part is rotating with reference to the second axis; and a fixing bracket configured so that at least a part of the first rotary bracket and at least a part of the second rotary bracket are placed. The fixing bracket includes: a first rail groove configured to allow the first rail to move therein; and a second rail groove configured to allow the second rail to move therein.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable communication device that includes a hinge structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Portable electronic devices such as smartphones provide various functions such as calling, video playback, and internet searches through various applications. Users prefer to use these various functions on a larger screen. However, the larger the screen, the less portable it becomes. Therefore, foldable portable electronic devices that utilize a foldable structure to improve portability have been developed.

[0003] The above information is provided solely as background information for understanding the disclosure, and no determination has been made, nor is any assertion made, as to whether it is applicable as prior art to the present invention.

[0004] In a foldable electronic device, a hinge structure is connected to an adjacent housing structure, and the hinge structure is arranged to support and rotate the housing structure while the housing structure rotates at a certain angle. Various structures need to be arranged to support the hinge movement of the housing structure. However, in a foldable electronic device having a relatively narrow folding area, the space in which various structures should be arranged is narrow, making it difficult to arrange various structures for supporting the hinge movement. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable communication device including a hinge structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A portable communication device according to one aspect of the present invention, which has been made to achieve the above object, includes a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion, a hinge structure connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and a flexible display disposed on the first housing portion, the hinge structure, and the second housing portion, wherein the hinge structure includes a first rotating member configured to rotate about a first axis, a second rotating member configured to rotate about a second axis, a first arm portion configured to rotate about the first axis, and a second rotating member configured to rotate about the second axis. a first rotating bracket including a first rail and configured to rotate about a third axis while the first arm portion rotates about the first axis; a second rotating bracket including a second rail and configured to rotate about a fourth axis while the second arm portion rotates about the second axis; and a fixed bracket configured to mount at least a portion of the first rotating bracket and at least a portion of the second rotating bracket, wherein the fixed bracket includes a first rail groove in which the first rail is configured to move and a second rail groove in which the second rail is configured to move.

[0007] The hinge structure may include a first shaft gear fastened to the first rotating member and a second shaft gear fastened to the second rotating member. The hinge structure may include a first rotating cam configured to rotate along the first shaft gear and a second rotating cam configured to rotate along the second shaft gear. The first arm portion may include a first fixed cam facing the first rotating cam, and the second arm portion may include a second fixed cam facing the second rotating cam. The hinge structure may include a first elastic body supporting the first rotating cam and a second elastic body supporting the second rotating cam. The first elastic body may be disposed on the first rotating member, and the second elastic body may be disposed on the second rotating member. The hinge structure may include a first idle gear disposed between the first shaft gear and the second shaft gear and configured to be coupled to the first shaft gear, and a second idle gear disposed between the first idle gear and the second shaft gear and configured to be coupled to the first idle gear and the second shaft gear. The hinge structure may include a first fixed portion configured to connect a portion of the first rotating bracket and a portion of the first arm portion, and a second fixed portion configured to connect a portion of the second rotating bracket and a portion of the second arm portion. The first fixed portion may move together with the first arm portion while the first arm portion rotates about the first axis, and the second fixed portion may move together with the second arm portion while the second arm portion rotates about the second axis. The first rotating bracket may be coupled to the first housing portion and the second rotating bracket may be coupled to the second housing portion.

[0008] The portable communication device may further include a hinge housing configured to receive at least a portion of the hinge structure. When the housing is in an unfolded state, the hinge housing is shielded by one side of the first housing portion and one side of the second housing portion, and when the housing is in a folded state, a portion of the hinge housing can be exposed by an edge of the first housing portion and an edge of the second housing portion. The fixing bracket may be secured to the hinge housing. At least a portion of the flexible display may be bent as the first rotating bracket rotates about the third axis and the second rotating bracket rotates about the fourth axis. The third axis may be located between the first axis and a first portion of the flexible display corresponding to the first housing portion, and the fourth axis may be located between the second axis and a second portion of the flexible display corresponding to the second housing portion. A first distance between the first axis and the second axis may be greater than a second distance between the third axis and the fourth axis. When the flexible display is in the unfolded state, a first shortest distance from the third axis to a top surface of the flexible display may be shorter than a second shortest distance from the first axis to the top surface of the flexible display. The first rotating bracket may be configured to rotate along a first direction while the housing is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, and the second rotating bracket may be configured to rotate along a second direction opposite to the first direction while the housing is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state. The first rail may have an arc shape to move along the first rail groove while the first rotating bracket rotates about the third axis, and the second rail may have an arc shape to move along the second rail groove while the second rotating bracket rotates about the fourth axis.

[0009] Other aspects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the drawings, discloses various embodiments of the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The present invention addresses at least the problems and / or drawbacks mentioned above and provides at least the advantages described below. Various embodiments can provide a hinge structure and an electronic device including the same that can optimize the arrangement of structures related to hinge operation. Various embodiments can provide a hinge structure and an electronic device including the same that have various functions related to hinge operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1a] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments; [Figure 1b] 1 illustrates an example of the appearance of an electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a hinge structure and a hinge housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are views illustrating one surface of a hinge structure applied to an electronic device according to various embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating cam structures of hinge structures according to various embodiments. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating stopper connection structures of hinge structures according to various embodiments. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a first state of a configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments. [Figure 8] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a first designated angle state of a first hinge structure according to various embodiments. [Figure 9] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating a second designated angle state of a first hinge structure according to various embodiments. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a second state of a partial structure of an electronic device according to various embodiments. [Figure 11] 10A-10C are diagrams illustrating additional structures of a first hinge structure according to various embodiments. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another example of a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A-10C illustrate other examples of hinge housings and hinge structures according to various embodiments. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure shown in FIG. 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] For a more complete understanding of the contents and advantages of the present invention, like reference numerals are provided with the drawings in which like parts are indicated. Prior to the detailed description below, definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this specification are provided. The terms "include," "comprise," and their derivatives mean including without limitation, and the term "or" is inclusive and / or. The terms "by" and "related to," and their derivatives, include, include, include, include, interconnect, contain, encompass, be contained within, connect to, connect with, communicate, cooperate, intervene, juxtapose, approximate, be bound by, have the characteristics of, or have. The term "controller" refers to any device, system, or portion thereof that controls at least one operation, and such device may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of at least two of these. The functionality associated with a particular controller may be centralized or distributed, either locally or remotely.

[0013] Furthermore, various functions described below are implemented or supported by one or more computer programs configured as computer-readable program code and embodied in a computer-readable recording medium. The terms "application program" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, procedures, functions, individuals, classes, instances, associated data, or portions thereof configured to be implemented in an appropriate computer-readable program. "Computer-readable program code" includes all types of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable recording medium" includes all types of computer-accessible media, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drives, compact discs (CDs), video digital discs (DVDs), or other types of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable recording media exclude wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit transient electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable recording media include media on which data is permanently stored, such as rewritable optical disks or erasable memory devices, and media on which data can be stored and subsequently overwritten.

[0014] Definitions for particular words and phrases are provided throughout this specification, and those of skill in the art should understand that in many, if not most, cases, such definitions apply to both prior and future uses of the words and phrases so defined.

[0015] 1a-15 described below and the various embodiments used to explain the principles of the present invention herein are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the principles of the present subject matter may be implemented in any suitably arranged system or device.

[0016] Hereinafter, specific examples of embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in this specification to a specific embodiment, and it should be understood that it also includes various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of this specification. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar components.

[0017] In this specification, the terms "have," "can have," "include," or "can include" indicate the presence of a relevant feature (e.g., a value, function, operation, or component such as a part) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0018] As used herein, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and / or B," or "one or more of A and / or B" include all possible combinations of the listed items. For example, "A or B," "at least one of A and B," or "at least one of A or B" refer to (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B.

[0019] As used herein, terms such as "first," "second," "primary," or "secondary" are used to modify various components without regard to order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the corresponding components. For example, a first user device and a second user device refer to different user devices without regard to order or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights described herein, a first component may be named a second component, and similarly, a second component may be named instead of the first component.

[0020] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "operatively or communicatively coupled with" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component is directly coupled to the other component or coupled through another component (e.g., a third component). On the other hand, when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that there is no other component (e.g., a third component) between the component and the other component.

[0021] As used herein, the phrase "configured to" is used interchangeably with terms such as "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of," depending on the context. The term "configured to" does not necessarily mean "specifically designed to" hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "device configured to" means that the device, together with other devices or components, is "capable of." For example, the phrase "a processor configured to perform A, B, and C" may refer to either a dedicated processor for performing the corresponding operations (e.g., an embedded processor) or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform the corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0022] The terms used in this specification are merely used to describe particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular term includes the plural term unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art described herein. Terms used herein that are defined in a general dictionary should be interpreted in the same or similar sense as the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein. In some cases, even terms defined in this specification should not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of this specification.

[0023] The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop personal computer (PC), a laptop personal computer, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a textile or clothing integrated type (e.g., electronic clothing), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a biologically implanted type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

[0024] Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the term "user" refers to a person who uses an electronic device or a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses the electronic device.

[0025] FIG. 1a is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments, and FIG. 1b is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of an electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments.

[0026] 1a and 1b, an electronic device 100 (or a foldable electronic device) according to one embodiment includes a housing 101 including a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, a display 160 (e.g., a flexible display), and a hinge housing 150 in which a hinge structure 200 (or hinge structure) is disposed. FIG. 1a is a perspective view showing the electronic device 100 in a first state (e.g., a flat state, an unfolded state, or an unfolded state), and FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing the electronic device 100 in a second state (e.g., a folded state or a folded state). Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 100 further includes a first cover 119 covering a rear portion of the first housing 110 and a second cover 129 covering a rear portion of the second housing 120.

[0027] In various embodiments, the first housing 110 may be positioned contiguous with the second housing 120 (e.g., when the central portion 163 of the display 160 is laid flat or when the housing 101 is in an unfolded state) or side-by-side with the second housing 120. Alternatively, when the central portion 163 of the display 160 is folded, one side of the first housing 110 faces one side of the second housing 120.

[0028] For example, at least a portion of the first housing 110 is made of a metal material, or at least a portion of a non-metal material. For example, the first housing 110 is made of a material having a certain rigidity to support at least a portion of the display 160. A region of the display 160 (e.g., a portion of the upper portion 161 and center portion 163 of the display 160) is disposed on at least a portion of the front surface of the first housing 110. At least a portion of the first housing 110 is adhered to the upper portion 161 of the display 160. Alternatively, at least a portion of an edge of the front surface of the first housing 110 is adhered to an edge of the upper portion 161 of the display 160. Alternatively, one side of the upper portion of the front surface of the first housing 110 is adhered to one side of the upper portion 161 of the display 160. In this regard, a first adhesive layer 167a is disposed at least partially between the first housing 110 and the upper portion 161 of the display 160. At least a portion of the inside of the first housing 110 is hollow, or is connected to the first cover 119 and is hollow, and electronic elements necessary for driving the display 160 (e.g., elements such as a printed circuit board, at least one processor mounted on the printed circuit board, at least one memory, a battery, etc.) are arranged therein.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the edge ends of the first housing 110 (e.g., the edges of the remaining three edges excluding the edge facing the second housing 120) protrude a specified height from the bottom surface of the center of the housing to surround at least one edge of the display 160. Alternatively, at least a portion of the edge ends of the first housing 110 has a sidewall at least a portion of which faces the edge of the display 160. The sidewall formed on at least a portion of the edge of the first housing 110 is formed to have a specified height from the remaining three edges excluding the edge facing the second housing 120. The edge portion of the first housing 110 facing the second housing 120 includes a recessed portion, at least a portion of which has a certain curvature, so that at least a portion of the hinge housing 150 can be disposed therein. For example, the first housing 110 includes a first step portion 111 on which a portion of the hinge housing 150 having the first hinge structure 200a attached thereto is placed at the edge portion facing the second housing 120, and a second step portion 112 on which a portion of the hinge housing 150 having the second hinge structure 200b attached thereto is placed.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the second housing 120 is disposed next to the first housing 110 or has at least one surface facing one surface of the first housing 110 (e.g., the surface on which the display 160 is disposed). The second housing 120 is made of the same material as the first housing 110. The second housing 120 is disposed symmetrically to the first housing 110 in the left-right or top-bottom direction, and is disposed on its front surface to support at least a portion of a region of the display 160 other than the region disposed on the first housing 110 (e.g., the other side of the lower portion 162 and center portion 163 of the display 160). At least a portion of the second housing 120 is bonded to the lower portion 162 of the display 160. Alternatively, an edge of the front surface of the second housing 120 is bonded to an edge of the lower portion 162 of the display 160. Alternatively, one side of the lower portion of the front surface of the second housing 120 is bonded to one side of the lower portion 162 of the display 160. In this regard, a second adhesive layer 167b is disposed at least partially between the second housing 120 and the lower portion 162 of the display 160. At least a portion of the inside of the second housing 120 is hollow, similar to the first housing 110, or is connected to the second cover 129 and hollow, and electronic elements required to drive the display 160 are disposed therein.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the edge ends of the second housing 120 (e.g., the remaining three edge ends excluding the edge facing the first housing 110) protrude by a specified height from the bottom surface of the center of the second housing 120 so as to surround the other edge of the display 160. Alternatively, at least a portion of the edge ends of the second housing 120 has a sidewall that faces at least a portion of the edge of the display 160, similar to the sidewall formed on the first housing 110. The sidewall formed on at least a portion of the edge of the second housing 120 is formed to have a specified height from the remaining three edges excluding the edge facing the first housing 110.

[0032] The portion of the second housing 120 facing the first housing 110 includes a recessed portion having at least a certain curvature so that the hinge housing 150 is disposed therein. For example, the second housing 120 includes, at an edge portion facing the first housing 110, a third step portion 121 on which a portion of the hinge housing 150 having the first hinge structure 200a attached thereto is placed, and a fourth step portion 122 on which a portion of the hinge housing 150 having the second hinge structure 200b attached thereto is placed.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 includes at least one sensor disposed on one side of the first housing 110 or the second housing 120 and associated with a specific functional operation of the electronic device 100. The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris sensor, an image sensor (or camera), or a fingerprint sensor.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the hinge housing 150 is either covered by one side of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 (e.g., when the housing 101 is unfolded) or exposed to the outside (e.g., when the housing 101 is folded) depending on whether the electronic device 100 is folded or unfolded. For example, as shown in FIG. 1a, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are arranged side by side, the hinge housing 150 is covered by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. As shown in FIG. 1b, when one side of the first housing 110 and one side of the second housing 120 are arranged to face each other, the hinge housing 150 is arranged so that at least a portion of the hinge housing 150 is exposed to the outside at an edge of one side of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 (e.g., an edge where the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 face each other in the unfolded state).

[0035] According to various embodiments, the display 160 is provided with at least a portion thereof being flexible. According to one embodiment, the display 160 includes an upper portion 161 or a first region disposed on the first housing 110, a lower portion 162 or a second region disposed on the second housing 120, and a central portion 163 or a center region where the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are adjacent to each other. According to various embodiments, the entire display 160 is flexible. Alternatively, at least a portion of the central portion 163 of the display 160 is provided with flexibility. The central portion 163 of the display 160 is disposed so that the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are not adhered to each other. For example, the central portion 163 of the display 160 is disposed so as to be spaced a certain distance from the front surfaces of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The upper portion 161 of the display 160 is adhered to at least a portion of the first housing 110, and the lower portion 162 of the display 160 is adhered to at least a portion of the second housing 120. In this regard, a first adhesive layer 167a is disposed in at least a portion of the area between the display 160 and the first housing 110, and a second adhesive layer 167b is disposed in at least a portion of the area between the display 160 and the second housing 120. The first adhesive layer 167a and the second adhesive layer 167b are disposed only on the edges of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hinge structure and a hinge housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0037] 2, an electronic device according to an embodiment includes a plurality of hinge structures. In the illustrated drawing, a first hinge structure 200a and a second hinge structure 200b are arranged on a hinge housing 150. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and three or more hinge structures may be arranged on the hinge housing 150 as needed.

[0038] The first hinge structure 200a is disposed on one side (e.g., the left side in the illustrated drawing) of the hinge housing 150. The first hinge structure 200a is coupled to the left side of the first housing 110 and the left side of the second housing 120, and rotates within a specified range based on the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The first hinge structure 200a is disposed symmetrically to the second hinge structure 200b based on the center of the hinge housing 150.

[0039] The second hinge structure 200b is disposed on the other side of the hinge housing 150 (for example, on the right side in the illustrated drawing). The second hinge structure 200b is coupled to the right side of the first housing 110 and the right side of the second housing 120, and rotates within a specified range based on the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The second hinge structure 200b is disposed symmetrically to the first hinge structure 200a based on the center of the hinge housing 150. The second hinge structure 200b has the same structure and configuration as the first hinge structure 200a, but is disposed in a different position.

[0040] The hinge housing 150 may have a semi-cylindrical shape with an open interior or a boat-like shape formed by cutting a pipe with both ends closed in the lengthwise direction. According to various embodiments, the hinge housing 150 includes a flat bottom 151_3 and a first rib 151_1 and a second rib 151_2 formed with a constant curvature on both sides of the bottom 151_3. The first rib 151_1 and the second rib 151_2 are symmetrically disposed on both sides of the bottom 151_3. The width of the hinge housing 150 gradually decreases from the center toward the left and right ends based on the illustrated drawing. At least one partition 158 is formed inside the hinge housing 150 to separate the interior spaces of the hinge housing 150. At least a portion of the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b are placed in the separated spaces, respectively. Shielding walls 151a and 151b are formed on the left and right sides of the hinge housing 150, protruding from the periphery to prevent the inside of the hinge housing 150 from being observed from the outside. The hinge housing 150 is made of the same material as the first hinge structure 200a or the second hinge structure 200b.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a view showing one side of a hinge structure applied to an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0042] 3, the hinge structure (200a, 200b) is either the first hinge structure 200a or the second hinge structure 200b described above. The hinge structure (200a, 200b) includes a bracket structure 210, an arm detent structure 220, a gear structure 230, and a detent support structure 240.

[0043] The bracket structure 210 has a center portion fixed to the hinge housing 150, and both wings (for example, rotating brackets) are coupled to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and are also coupled to the arm detent structure 220.

[0044] The arm detent structure 220 is connected at one side to the bracket structure 210 by fixing portions (251, 252), and the installation angle is changed by sliding along the side of the bracket structure 210 through hinge operation. The arm detent structure 220 includes a cam structure that engages with a cam portion 241 disposed on the detent support structure 240 to provide a detent feeling when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 hinge.

[0045] The gear structure 230 is disposed between the bracket structure 210 and the arm detent structure 220. The gear structure 230 transmits force so that when the first housing 110 rotates, the second housing 120 rotates together. In this regard, the gear structure 230 includes a plurality of shaft gears and idle gears.

[0046] The detent support structure 240 is fixed to the inside of the hinge housing 150 and applies a specified pressure to the arm detent structure 220. In this regard, the detent support structure 240 includes at least one elastic body, and the elastic force of the elastic body is used to push the cam portion 241 toward the arm detent structure 220, whereby the cam portion 241 engages with the rotating cam structure of the arm detent structure 220, thereby assisting the cam action.

[0047] As described above, the hinge structure (200a, 200b) according to one embodiment includes a bracket structure 210 that is coupled to the hinge housing 150 and the housings (110, 120) and assists in folding or unfolding the display 160 placed on top, an arm detent structure 220 that is connected to the bracket structure 210 and provides a detent feeling, a gear structure 230 that assists in simultaneous movement of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and a detent support structure 240 that supports the arm detent structure 220 and to which the axis of the gear structure 230 is fixed. Based on this, the hinge structures (200a, 200b) rotate about a virtual axis formed above the surface of the bracket structure 210 to fold or unfold the display 160, provide a detent feeling based on the cam structure, and support simultaneous hinge movement of the housings (110, 120) based on the gear structure 230 to suppress distortion of the housings (110, 120). In addition, the hinge structures (200a, 200b) support not only the unfolded or folded state of the housings (110, 120) but also a fixed state at a specified angle, for example, 30 degrees or 60 degrees (for example, the intersection angle between the front face of the first housing 110 and the front face of the second housing 120).

[0048] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of FIG.

[0049] In the following description, the first hinge structure of the hinge structures (200a, 200b) will be taken as an example. The structure and configuration of the first hinge structure 200a described in FIG. 4 are the same as those of the second hinge structure 200b described above.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 4, the first hinge structure 200a includes a fixed bracket 213, a first rotating bracket 211, a second rotating bracket 212, a first fixed portion 251, a second fixed portion 252, a first arm portion 221, a second arm portion 222, a first rotating member 231 that rotates around a first rotation axis different from the first imaginary axis 11, a second rotating member 232 that rotates around a second rotation axis different from the second imaginary axis 12, a stopper 236, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a support bracket 243, a first idle gear 233, a second idle gear 234, a support plate 235, and a plurality of fixing clips (291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, 249_2). The first hinge structure 200a is at least partially made of a metal material to provide a certain level of rigidity, or may be made of reinforced plastic, resin, or other suitable material, as required.

[0051] At least a portion of the shape of the lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket 213 includes a curved surface. For example, the lower surface of the fixed bracket 213 is formed to correspond to the inner shape of the hinge housing 150. The upper surface (e.g., the surface in the z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket 213 is formed to have a flat shape, and rail grooves (213a, 213b) are formed therein to couple the rotating brackets (211, 212). According to one embodiment, the fixed bracket 213 includes a first rail groove 213a in which at least a portion of the cross section is arc-shaped from the upper surface (e.g., the surface in the z-axis direction) to the lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z-axis direction), and into which the first rail 211_3 of the first rotating bracket 211 is inserted from the first direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) to the second direction (e.g., the -y-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the fixed bracket 213 has at least a portion of its cross section arc-shaped from its upper surface (e.g., the surface in the z-axis direction) to its lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z-axis direction), and includes a second rail groove 213b into which the second rail 212_3 of the second rotating bracket 212 is inserted from the second direction (e.g., the -y-axis direction) to the first direction (e.g., the y-axis direction). The first rail groove 213a is offset in the y-axis direction compared to the second rail groove 213b, and the second rail groove 213b is offset in the -y-axis direction compared to the first rail groove 213a. The first rail groove 213a rotates about a first virtual axis 11, and the second rail groove 213b rotates about a second virtual axis 12. The first imaginary axis 11 and the second imaginary axis 12 are formed above (air) an upper surface (e.g., a surface in the z-axis direction) of the fixing bracket 213, and the first imaginary axis 11 and the second imaginary axis 12 are formed to be spaced apart by a specified interval. According to one embodiment, the fixing bracket 213 is formed on a side portion disposed in a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) and includes a first mounting groove 213_2a in which one end of the first rotating member 231 (e.g., at least a part of the first mounting portion 231_3) is mounted, and a second mounting groove 213_2b in which one end of the second rotating member 232 (e.g., at least a part of the second mounting portion 232_3) is mounted.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the fixing bracket 213 includes a first fixing hole 213_1a and a second fixing hole 213_1b used to fix the fixing bracket 213 to the hinge housing 150. The electronic device 100 fixes the fixing bracket 213 to the hinge housing 150 using a connecting member (e.g., a screw, etc.). According to one embodiment, the first fixing hole 213_1a and the second fixing hole 213_1b are arranged diagonally symmetrically on an upper surface (e.g., a surface in the z-axis direction) of the fixing bracket 213 to fix the fixing bracket 213 to the hinge housing 150 more firmly and stably.

[0053] The first rotating bracket 211 includes a first bracket body 211_1, a first sliding hole 211_2 formed at one side end (e.g., the end in the x-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1, a first rail 211_3 formed at the other side end (e.g., the end in the -y-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1, and a first housing connecting hole 211_4 used for connecting to the first housing 110.

[0054] The first bracket body 211_1 is generally L-shaped. An upper surface (e.g., a surface disposed in the z-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1 is flat. With reference to the illustrated drawing, a first sliding hole 211_2 is disposed in a lower direction (e.g., a -z-axis direction) at a right end (e.g., an end in the x-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1, and a first rail 211_3 is disposed in a lower surface (e.g., a surface disposed in the -z-axis direction) at one end (e.g., an end in the -y-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1.

[0055] The first sliding hole 211_2 is disposed at the other end (e.g., end in the x-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1 and at a lower part of the first bracket body 211_1. The first sliding hole 211_2 is formed so that its length in a first direction (e.g., y-axis direction) is longer than its length in a third direction (e.g., x-axis direction). This allows the first fixing portion 251 inserted into the first sliding hole 211_2 to slide in either the first direction (e.g., y-axis direction) or the second direction (e.g., −y-axis direction) within the first sliding hole 211_2. The first sliding hole 211_2 is disposed so as to face a surface of the first arm portion 221 in the fourth direction (e.g., a surface disposed in the −x-axis direction). At least a partial region of the first sliding hole 211_2 is aligned with the first connecting portion 221_2 of the first arm portion 221. As a result, at least a portion of the first fixed portion 251 is disposed inside the first slide hole 211_2 and the first connecting portion 221_2.

[0056] The first rail 211_3 is disposed at an end of the first bracket body 211_1 in the second direction (for example, an end in the -y-axis direction) and at a lower portion of the first bracket body 211_1. The first rail 211_3 is formed in an arc shape with a certain angle. The first rail 211_3 is inserted into a first rail groove 213a disposed in the fixed bracket 213 and rotates along the first rail groove 213a within a specified angle range. According to one embodiment, the rotation range of the first rail 211_3 is, for example, a range of -10 degrees to 100 degrees (or a range of 0 degrees to 90 degrees). The first rail 211_3 rotates between the y-axis and the z-axis with respect to a first virtual axis 11 formed by the first rail groove 213a.

[0057] The first housing coupling hole 211_4 is formed on one side (e.g., one side end facing the y-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1 and penetrates a first direction surface (e.g., a surface facing the y-axis direction) and a second direction surface (e.g., a surface facing the -y-axis direction). In the illustrated drawings, two first housing coupling holes 211_4 are formed on the first bracket body 211_1, but the present invention is not limited to this number. A coupling member is at least partially fastened to the first housing coupling holes 211_4 and coupled to a boss or the like provided on the first housing 110 to fix the first rotating bracket 211 to the first housing 110.

[0058] The second rotating bracket 212 includes a second bracket body 212_1, a second sliding hole 212_2 formed at one side end (e.g., the end in the x-axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1, a second rail 212_3 formed at the other side end (e.g., the end in the y-axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1, and a second housing connecting hole 212_4 used for connecting to the second housing 120.

[0059] The second bracket body 212_1 is provided to have substantially the same shape as the first bracket body 211_1, so that the upper surface (for example, the surface disposed in the z-axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1 is formed flat.

[0060] The second sliding hole 212_2 is disposed at the right end (for example, the end in the x-axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1 and at the bottom of the second bracket body 212_1. The second sliding hole 212_2 is disposed symmetrically with the first sliding hole 211_2 with respect to the fixed bracket 213. The second sliding hole 212_2 has the same shape as the first sliding hole 211_2.

[0061] The second rail 212_3 is disposed at an end of the second bracket body 212_1 in the first direction (for example, an end in the y-axis direction) and at a lower portion of the second bracket body 212_1. The second rail 212_3 is provided in substantially the same shape as the first rail 211_3 and is inserted into the second rail groove 213b. The second rail 212_3 rotates within a specified angle range, for example, 80 degrees to 190 degrees (or 90 degrees to 180 degrees), with the second virtual axis 12 as the reference. For example, the second rail 212_3 rotates within a range between the -y-axis and the z-axis.

[0062] The second housing connecting hole 212_4 is formed on one side (e.g., one side end facing the -y-axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1 and is formed to penetrate the first direction surface (e.g., the y-axis direction surface) and the second direction surface (e.g., the -y-axis direction surface).

[0063] The first fixing portion 251 is pin-shaped and has a certain length in one direction. The first fixing portion 251 is formed to be at least longer than the sum of the hole length of the first sliding hole 211_2 and the hole length of the first connecting portion 221_2 of the first arm portion 221. After the first fixing portion 251 is inserted into the first sliding hole 211_2 and the first connecting portion 221_2, each of the two ends of the fixing portion 251 is fixed. The diameter of the first fixing portion 251 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the first connecting portion 221_2. The first fixing portion 251 is positioned within the first sliding hole 211_2 and slides in the y-axis or -y-axis direction.

[0064] The second fixing portion 252 has substantially the same shape as the first fixing portion 251. The second fixing portion 252 is disposed symmetrically to the first fixing portion 251 with respect to the fixing bracket 213, and at least a portion of the second fixing portion 252 is inserted and fixed into the second sliding hole 212_2 and the second connecting portion 222_2. One side of the second fixing portion 252 slides in the y-axis or -y-axis direction within the second sliding hole 212_2.

[0065] The first arm portion 221 is fastened to the first rotating bracket 211 by a first fixing portion 251, and rotates within a specified angle range in cooperation with the first rotating bracket 211 when a hinge operation is performed. According to an embodiment, the first arm portion 221 includes a first basic body 221_1, a first connecting portion 221_2, a first inserting portion 221_3, and a first rotating cam 221_4.

[0066] The first basic body 221_1 has a flat upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the z-axis). A first connecting part 221_2 is disposed on a lower surface (e.g., a surface facing the -z-axis direction) of an upper end (e.g., an end of the y-axis) of the first basic body 221_1. The first connecting part 221_2 includes a hole that opens in a fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction). A first fixing part 251 is placed and fixed on the first connecting part 221_2.

[0067] A first insertion part 221_3 is disposed on a lower surface (e.g., a surface in the -z-axis direction) of a lower end (e.g., an end in the -y-axis direction) of the first basic body 221_1. The first insertion part 221_3 includes a hole that opens in the fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction) and has at least a portion of an angular cross section. At least a portion of the first rotating member 231 is placed on the first insertion part 221_3. A first rotating cam 221_4 is disposed on one side (e.g., an end in the x-axis direction) of the first insertion part 221_3.

[0068] The first rotating cam 221_4 includes at least one peak and a valley disposed on a side of the first inserting portion 221_3 where the first rotating member 231 is inserted and protrudes. According to an embodiment, the ends of the peak and the valley include flat regions having a predetermined length. As a result, while the first rotating cam 221_4 rotates in engagement with the first fixed cam 241_1a of the cam portion 241, a section of a predetermined width where the peak end of the first rotating cam 221_4 contacts the peak end of the first fixed cam 241_1a is formed. When the section of a predetermined width where the peak end of the first rotating cam 221_4 contacts the peak end of the first fixed cam 241_1a is formed, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are more firmly maintained at a predetermined angle within the corresponding section, and a variety of angular ranges of the mounting state can be provided.

[0069] The second arm portion 222 has substantially the same configuration as the first arm portion 221. For example, the second arm portion 222 includes a second basic body 222_1, a second connecting portion 222_2, a second insertion portion 222_3, and a second rotating cam 222_4. The second basic body 222_1 is disposed symmetrically with the first basic body 221_1, and the second connecting portion 222_2 is fastened to one side of the second fixed portion 252. The second rotating member 232 is inserted into the second insertion portion 222_3, and the second rotating cam 222_4 is disposed to engage with the second fixed cam 241_1b of the cam portion 241.

[0070] The first rotating member 231 has one end placed in a first mounting groove 213_2a formed in the fixing bracket 213 and is gear-coupled to the first idle gear 233, and is disposed to penetrate the stopper 236, the first insertion portion 221_3, the first rotating cam 221_4, the first fixed cam 241_1a of the cam portion 241, and the first elastic body 242a, and is fixed to the support bracket 243. The first rotating member 231 includes a first shaft body 231_1, a first shaft gear 231_2, and a first mounting portion 231_3.

[0071] The first shaft body 231_1 has a length that passes through the stopper 236, the first insertion portion 221_3, the first rotating cam 221_4, the first fixed cam 241_1a, the first elastic body 242a, and the first support bracket hole 243_2a of the support bracket 243. The first shaft body 231_1 is coupled to the first rotating cam 221_4 and has an angular cross section along the y-axis to rotate the first rotating cam 221_4 when rotated by external pressure. For example, the first shaft body 231_1 includes a plurality of flat surfaces along the length (e.g., the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction). Correspondingly, the inner wall of the first insertion portion 221_3, in which the first rotating cam 221_4 is disposed, has a shape that corresponds to the cross section of the first shaft body 231_1. The first shaft gear 231_2 is disposed so as to be biased toward the fourth direction (for example, the −x-axis direction) of the first shaft body 231_1. The first shaft gear 231_2 is disposed so as to be gear-coupled to the first idle gear 233.

[0072] The first mounting portion 231_3 is formed to further protrude from a surface of the first shaft gear 231_2 in the fourth direction (for example, a surface in the −x-axis direction). At least a portion of the first mounting portion 231_3 passes through a guide hole formed in the support plate 235 and is mounted in a first mounting groove 213_2a formed in the fixed bracket 213. The first fixing portion 251 fixes the first rotating bracket 211 and the first arm portion 221, so that the first mounting portion 231_3 is firmly fixed to the first mounting groove 213_2a, thereby preventing separation or distortion of the first shaft body 231_1.

[0073] The second rotating member 232 has one end placed in a second mounting groove 213_2b formed in the fixed bracket 213 and is gear-coupled to the second idle gear 234, and is disposed to penetrate the stopper 236, the second insertion portion 222_3, the second rotating cam 222_4, the second fixed cam 241_1b of the cam portion 241, and the second elastic body 242b, so that the other end of the second rotating member 232 is fixed to the support bracket 243. The second rotating member 232 includes a second shaft body 232_1, a second shaft gear 232_2, and a second mounting portion 232_3.

[0074] The second shaft body 232_1 has a length that passes through the stopper 236, the second insertion portion 222_3, the second rotating cam 222_4, the second fixed cam 241_1b, the second elastic body 242b, and the second support bracket hole 243_2b of the support bracket 243. The second shaft body 232_1 has substantially the same shape and size as the first shaft body 231_1. The second shaft body 232_1 is disposed at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the first shaft body 231_1. The second shaft gear 232_2 has the same shape and size as the first shaft gear 231_2 and is disposed on the second shaft body 232_1. The position of the second shaft gear 232_2 is symmetrical to the position of the first shaft gear 231_2. At least a portion of the second mounting portion 232_3 has the same shape and size as the first mounting portion 231_3 and is mounted in the second mounting groove 213_2b. During this process, at least a portion of the second mounting portion 232_3 passes through the guide hole of the support plate 235 and is mounted in the second mounting groove 213_2b. During the process in which the second fixing portion 252 fixes the second rotating bracket 212 and the second arm portion 222, the second mounting portion 232_3 is firmly mounted in the second mounting groove 213_2b.

[0075] The stopper 236 supports pressure to prevent the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 from rotating beyond a specified angle or to prevent pressure from being applied that would cause the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 to rotate outside a specified angle range. The stopper 236 includes a stopper body 236_1, a first shaft insertion hole 236a into which the first shaft body 231_1 of the first rotating member 231 is inserted, and a second shaft insertion hole 236b into which the second shaft body 232_1 of the second rotating member 232 is inserted.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the stopper body 236_1 is formed to protrude in a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) beyond the surfaces of the first shaft insertion hole 236a and the second shaft insertion hole 236b. The stopper body 236_1 is disposed to limit the rotation range of one side of the first arm portion 221 (e.g., the fourth direction surface of the first insertion portion (e.g., the -x-axis direction surface)) while the first arm portion 221 rotates, and to limit the rotation range of one side of the second arm portion 222 (e.g., the fourth direction surface of the second insertion portion (e.g., the -x-axis direction surface)) while the second arm portion 222 rotates.

[0077] One side (e.g., the surface in the x-axis direction) of the first shaft insertion hole 236a and the second shaft insertion hole 236b is arranged to face the fourth direction surface (e.g., the surface in the −x-axis direction) of the first insertion portion 221_3 and the fourth direction surface (e.g., the surface in the −x-axis direction) of the second insertion portion 222_3 of the first arm portion 221. The third direction surface (e.g., the surface in the x-axis direction) of the stopper body 236_1 is arranged to face the fourth direction surface (e.g., the surface in the −x-axis direction) of the cam body 241_1 of the cam portion 241.

[0078] The cam portion 241 includes a cam body 241_1, a first fixed cam 241_1a, a second fixed cam 241_1b, a first cam hole 241_2a, and a second cam hole 241_2b. The cam body 241_1 has a certain length, and the first fixed cam 241_1a and the second fixed cam 241_1b are arranged on both side ends. The fourth direction surface (e.g., the surface in the −x-axis direction) of the cam body 241_1 is arranged to face the third direction surface (e.g., the surface in the x-axis direction) of the stopper body 236_1. The first fixed cam 241_1a has peaks and valleys arranged in the fourth direction (e.g., the −x-axis direction), and a first cam hole 241_2a is formed in the center so that the first rotating member 231 passes through. The first fixed cam 241_1a is arranged to mesh with the first rotating cam 221_4. One side of the first elastic body 242a contacts the surface of the first fixed cam 241_1a in the third direction (for example, the surface in the x-axis direction). The second fixed cam 241_1b is arranged in the same direction as the first fixed cam 241_1a and is arranged to be spaced apart from the first fixed cam 241_1a by the length of the y-axis of the cam body 241_1. The second fixed cam 241_1b is arranged to mesh with the second rotating cam 222_4, and the second elastic body 242b contacts the surface of the second fixed cam 241_1b in the third direction (for example, the surface in the x-axis direction). A second cam hole 241_2b is formed in the center of the second fixed cam 241_1b so that the second rotating member 232 passes through.

[0079] According to various embodiments, while the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 rotate within a certain angle range, the cam portion 241 retreats in a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) due to the first rotating cam 221_4 and the second rotating cam 222_4, and then moves in a fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction) due to the elasticity of the first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b when the cam peaks and valleys engage with each other, and returns to its original position.

[0080] The first elastic body 242a has a spring shape with an open center. The first shaft body 231_1 of the first rotating member 231, which penetrates the first fixed cam 241_1a, is placed in the center of the first elastic body 242a. The first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b are disposed between the cam portion 241 and the support bracket 243, and act to press the cam portion 241 in the fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction) when the support bracket 243 is fixed. The second elastic body 242b is disposed a specified distance away from the first elastic body 242a and disposed so as to contact the surface of the second fixed cam 241_1b in the third direction (e.g., the surface in the x-axis direction).

[0081] The support bracket 243 includes a support portion 243_1, a first support bracket hole 243_2a, and a second support bracket hole 243_2b. The support portion 243_1 includes a through-hole 243_1a that penetrates vertically (for example, in the -z-axis direction at a point on the z-axis). The through-hole 243_1a is used to fix the support bracket 243 to the hinge housing 150. The first support bracket hole 243_2a protrudes from one side of the support portion 243_1 to support one side of the first elastic body 242a. One end of the first rotating member 231 is inserted into the first support bracket hole 243_2a. The second support bracket hole 243_2b is located at a predetermined distance from the first support bracket hole 243_2a and protrudes from one side of the support portion 243_1 to support one side of the second elastic body 242b. Also, one end of the second rotating member 232 is inserted into the second support bracket hole 243_2b.

[0082] The first idle gear 233 is disposed between the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second shaft gear 232_2, and has one side gear-coupled to the first shaft gear 231_2 and the other side gear-coupled to the second idle gear 234. The first idle gear 233 includes a protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 235 and a protrusion fixed to a surface of the stopper 236 in the fourth direction (for example, a surface in the −x-axis direction).

[0083] The second idle gear 234 is disposed between the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second shaft gear 232_2, and one side of the second idle gear 234 is gear-coupled to the first idle gear 233, and the other side of the second idle gear 234 is gear-coupled to the second shaft gear 232_2. The second idle gear 234 is formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the first idle gear 233. Accordingly, the second idle gear 234 includes a protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 235, and a protrusion fixed to a fourth direction surface (e.g., a surface in the −x-axis direction) of the stopper 236. In this regard, a groove or a hole is formed in the fourth direction surface (e.g., a surface in the −x-axis direction) of the stopper 236 to receive the protrusion of the first idle gear 233 and the protrusion of the second idle gear 234.

[0084] The support plate 235 is disposed between the fixed bracket 213 and the rotating members (231, 232) to prevent the rotating members (231, 232) and the idle gears (233, 234) from coming off. In this regard, the support plate 235 includes a plurality of guide holes. For example, the support plate 235 includes a guide hole through which the first mounting portion 231_3 of the first rotating member 231 passes, a guide hole through which the second mounting portion 232_3 of the second rotating member 232 passes, and guide holes (or guide grooves) in which the protrusions of the first idle gear 233 and the second idle gear 234 are placed.

[0085] The plurality of fixing clips (291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, 249_2) are arranged to fix at least one component included in the first hinge structure 200a so that it does not come off from a corresponding position and to allow the corresponding component to rotate. The plurality of fixing clips (291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, 249_2) include, for example, C-clips. The plurality of fixing clips (291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, 249_2) may include, for example, a first fixing clip 291_1 for fixing the first fixing portion 251 on a surface in the third direction (for example, a surface in the x-axis direction) of the first connecting portion 221_2, a second fixing clip 291_2 for fixing the second fixing portion 252 on a surface in the third direction (for example, a surface in the x-axis direction) of the second connecting portion 222_2, and a third fixing clip 291_3 coupled to the first mounting portion 231_3 of the first rotating member 231 so that the first mounting portion 231_3 does not come off the support plate 235. 92_1, a fourth fixing clip 292_2 connected to the second mounting portion 232_3 of the second rotating member 232 to prevent the second mounting portion 232_3 from coming off the support plate 235, a fifth fixing clip 249_1 connected to an end of the first rotating member 231 to prevent the first rotating member 231 from coming off the first support bracket hole 243_2a of the support bracket 243, and a sixth fixing clip 249_2 connected to an end of the second rotating member 232 to prevent the second rotating member 232 from coming off the second support bracket hole 243_2b of the support bracket 243.

[0086] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cam structure of a hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0087] 5, the cam structure of the hinge structure according to one embodiment includes a first arm portion 221, a cam portion 241, and a second arm portion 222. As described above, the first arm portion 221 includes a first basic body 221_1, a first connecting portion 221_2, a first insertion portion 221_3, and a first rotating cam 221_4, and the second arm portion 222 includes a second basic body 222_1, a second connecting portion 222_2, a second insertion portion 222_3, and a second rotating cam 222_4. The second rotating cam 222_4 (or the first rotating cam 221_4) is formed to include at least one peak 222_4a and a valley 222_4b. The top portion of the peak 222_4a includes a flat region of a certain width. The bottom portion of the valley 222_4b includes a flat region of a certain width similar to the top portion of the peak 222_4a. The flat region of the top portion of the peak 222_4a and the flat region of the bottom portion of the valley 222_4b have the same or similar size and shape.

[0088] The first basic body 221_1 of the first arm portion 221 has a flat upper surface and is disposed adjacent to the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotating bracket 211. The first basic body 221_1 is disposed next to the first bracket body 211_1 in a first state (e.g., an unfolded state) or a second state (e.g., a folded state) of the electronic device 100. Alternatively, the height of the upper surface of the first basic body 221_1 is the same as the height of the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1. The second basic body 222_1 of the second arm portion 222 is disposed adjacent to the second bracket body 212_1 of the second rotating bracket 212. The height of the upper surface of the second basic body 222_1 is the same as the height of the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 in the first state (e.g., an unfolded state) and the second state (e.g., a folded state).

[0089] The cam portion 241 includes a cam body 241_1, a first fixed cam 241_1a, and a second fixed cam 241_1b. The first fixed cam 241_1a is disposed so as to mesh with the first rotating cam 221_4 of the first arm portion 221. A first cam hole 241_2a is formed in the center of the first fixed cam 241_1a. A part of the first rotating member 231 is inserted into the first cam hole 241_2a of the first fixed cam 241_1a. The first fixed cam 241_1a includes a peak having a flat region at its top portion for a specified length and a valley having a flat region at its bottom portion for a specified length, in accordance with the shape of the first rotating cam 221_4. The second fixed cam 241_1b is formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the first fixed cam 241_1a, and has a second cam hole 241_2b disposed in the center, into which at least a portion of the second rotating member 232 is inserted. The second fixed cam 241_1b is disposed to mesh with the second rotating cam 222_4. The shapes of the peaks and valleys of the second fixed cam 241_1b correspond to the shapes of the peaks and valleys of the second rotating cam 222_4.

[0090] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a stopper connection structure of a hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 6, the stopper connection structure of the hinge structure according to an embodiment includes a first arm portion 221, a second arm portion 222, a first rotating member 231, a second rotating member 232, and a stopper 236.

[0092] As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the first rotating member 231 includes a first shaft body 231_1, a first shaft gear 231_2, and a first mounting portion 231_3, which are arranged in series. The first shaft body 231_1 has a specified length so that the stopper 236, the first insertion portion 221_3, the first rotating cam 221_4, the cam portion 241, the first elastic body 242a, etc. can be inserted therein, and at least a portion of the exterior thereof has an angular shape (e.g., a polygonal cross section or a shape including multiple faces) in relation to the rotation of the first arm portion 221. A first fixing groove 231_1a is arranged at an end of the first shaft body 231_1 (e.g., the end opposite the first mounting portion 231_3) into which a fixing clip (e.g., a fifth fixing clip 249_1) is inserted to fix the first shaft body 231_1 to the support bracket 243. A second fixing groove 231_1a is arranged on one side of the first mounting portion 231_3, into which a fixing clip (e.g., the third fixing clip 292_1) is inserted to be inserted and placed in the first mounting groove 213_2a and to prevent it from coming off the support plate 235.

[0093] The second rotating member 232, like the first rotating member 231, has a second shaft body 232_1, a second shaft gear 232_2, and a second mounting portion 232_3 arranged so that they are continuous. The second shaft body 232_1 is provided similarly to or identical to the first shaft body 231_1. An end portion (e.g., an end portion opposite the second mounting portion 232_3) of the second shaft body 232_1 is provided with a third fixing groove 232_1a into which a fixing clip (e.g., the sixth fixing clip 249_2) is inserted to fix the second shaft body 232_1 to the support bracket 243. An end portion (e.g., an end portion opposite the second mounting portion 232_3) of the second shaft body 232_1 is provided with a fourth fixing groove 232_3a into which a fixing clip (e.g., the fourth fixing clip 292_2) is inserted to insert into the second mounting groove 213_2b and to prevent the second mounting portion 232_3 from coming off the support plate 235.

[0094] The stopper 236 includes a stopper body 236_1, a first shaft insertion hole 236a, and a second shaft insertion hole 236b. The first shaft insertion hole 236a is disposed between the first arm portion 221 inserted into the first shaft body 231_1 and the first shaft gear 231_2. The second shaft insertion hole 236b is disposed between the second arm portion 222 inserted into the second shaft body 232_1 and the second shaft gear 232_2. The stopper body 236_1 includes a first locking jaw 236_2a disposed to support one side 221_1a of the first arm portion 221 and a second locking jaw 236_2b disposed to support one side 222_1a of the second arm portion 222 when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the stopper body 236_1 includes a third locking jaw 236_2c arranged to support the other side 221_1b of the first arm portion 221 when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, and a fourth locking jaw 236_2d arranged to support the other side 222_1b of the second arm portion 222. Based on the structure of the stopper 236 described above, the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 are supported to prevent further rotation in the rotational direction when in the unfolded or folded state.

[0095] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a first state of a configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0096] 1a and 7, a portion of an electronic device includes a first hinge structure 200a and a display 160, where the first hinge structure 200a and the display 160 are in a first state (eg, an unfolded state).

[0097] As described above, the first hinge structure 200a includes the first rotating bracket 211, the second rotating bracket 212, the fixed bracket 213, the first arm portion 221, the second arm portion 222, the gear structure 230 including the shaft gears and idle gears of the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232, the cam portion 241, the first elastic body 242a, the second elastic body 242b, the first rotating member 231, the second rotating member 232, and the support bracket 243. The first rotating bracket 211 is connected to the first arm portion 221 by a first fixed portion 251. The second rotating bracket 212 is connected to the second arm portion 222 by a second fixed portion 252.

[0098] While the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 maintain their unfolded states, the display 160 maintains its unfolded state. The first arm unit 221 rotates within a specified angle range based on the first rotating member 231. The second arm unit 222 rotates within a specified angle range based on the second rotating member 232. The first rotating bracket 211 rotates within a similar or identical angle range to the first arm unit 221 based on the first imaginary axis 11. The second rotating bracket 212 rotates within a similar or identical angle range to the second arm unit 222 based on the second imaginary axis 12. The first imaginary axis 11 is formed higher in the direction of the display 160 than the first rotating member 231. The second imaginary axis 12 is formed higher in the direction of the display 160 than the second rotating member 232. The distance between the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 is shorter than the distance between the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232. According to various embodiments, the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 are formed side by side on a horizontal axis. According to one embodiment, the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 are formed on the same layer as the display 160 or above the display 160 (for example, in the air above the display 160).

[0099] While the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 maintain their unfolded states, the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotating bracket 211 and the second bracket body 212_1 of the second rotating bracket 212 are arranged side by side. According to one embodiment, the top surfaces of the first bracket body 211_1 and the second bracket body 212_1 are arranged to face the same upward direction based on the illustrated drawing. According to one embodiment, while the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 maintain their unfolded states, the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 are also arranged side by side, and therefore the first basic body 221_1 of the first arm portion 221 and the second basic body 222_1 of the second arm portion 222 are arranged to face the same direction (e.g., upward based on the illustrated drawing). As a result, the first bracket body 211_1, the second bracket body 212_1, the first basic body 221_1, and the second basic body 222_1 are all arranged side by side with the horizontal axis as the reference and are all arranged facing the same upward direction with respect to the illustrated drawing. The first bracket body 211_1, the second bracket body 212_1, the first basic body 221_1, and the second basic body 222_1 support the rear surface of the display 160 without any difference in height.

[0100] According to various embodiments, a certain gap Gap_1 is formed between the hinge structures (200a, 200b) and the center of the display 160 where the display 160 bends. An adhesive layer is disposed on the peripheral area (e.g., the upper portion 161 or the lower portion 162) of the display 160 other than the center portion 163.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a first designated angle state of a first hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0102] 1a and 8, the first hinge structure 200a includes a first specified angle state. As described above, the first hinge structure 200a includes a first rotating bracket 211, a second rotating bracket 212, a fixed bracket 213, a first arm portion 221, a second arm portion 222, a gear structure 230, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a first rotating member 231, a second rotating member 232, and a support bracket 243. The first rotating bracket 211 is connected to the first arm portion 221 by a first fixed portion 251. The second rotating bracket 212 is connected to the second arm portion 222 by a second fixed portion 252.

[0103] When external pressure is applied, the first housing (e.g., first housing 110 in FIG. 1A) to which the first rotating bracket 211 is fixed or the second housing (e.g., second housing 120 in FIG. 1A) to which the second rotating bracket 212 is fixed rotates by a certain angle from a point on horizontal axis 801 to a vertical axis 803, based on the illustrated drawing. For example, the first rotating bracket 211 connected to the first housing 110 rotates by a first angle (e.g., 30 degrees) from a point on horizontal axis 801 (e.g., the -y-axis or y-axis in FIG. 4) to a direction of vertical axis 803 (e.g., the z-axis in FIG. 4) based on the first virtual axis 11 (e.g., from the right side to the direction of vertical axis 803, based on the illustrated drawing). When the first rotating bracket 211 rotates by the first angle due to external pressure, the corresponding pressure is transmitted to the first arm portion 221 via the first fixing portion 251. As a result, the first arm portion 221 rotates by a first angle from above the horizontal axis 801 in the direction of the vertical axis 803 with respect to the first rotating member 231. This operation transmits force due to the rotation to the first rotating cam 221_4 and the first insertion portion 221_3. The first rotating member 231, one side of which is inserted into the first insertion portion 221_3, rotates due to the rotation of the first insertion portion 221_3, and as a result, the first shaft gear 231_2 of the first rotating member 231 rotates as the first shaft gear 231_2 rotates. The rotation of the first shaft gear 231_2 rotates the first idle gear 233 and the second idle gear 234, which are gear-coupled with each other, and as a result, the rotation of the second shaft gear 232_2 rotates the second rotating member 232. Rotation of the second rotating member 232 causes the second insertion portion 222_3 to rotate, rotation of the second insertion portion 222_3 causes the second arm portion 222 to rotate, and rotation of the second arm portion 222 causes the second rotating bracket 212 connected by the second fixing portion 252 to rotate.

[0104] As described above, the first hinge structure 200a has a structure in which the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 rotate simultaneously in response to pressure (or force) applied from the outside. As a result, even if external pressure occurs in the second housing 120 to which the second rotating bracket 212 is connected, or if external pressure occurs simultaneously in the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 rotate simultaneously. In the electronic device 100 of the present invention, the simultaneous rotation reduces distortion of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, allowing for accurate hinge operation.

[0105] According to various embodiments, as the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 rotate by a specified first angle, the peaks of the first rotating cam 221_4 and the second rotating cam 222_4 maintain contact near the peaks of the peaks of the first fixed cam 241_1a and the second fixed cam 241_1b, respectively.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the imaginary axes (11, 12) of the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 are disposed between the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232 of the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222, so that the rotation amount of the first rotating bracket 211 differs from the rotation amount of the first arm portion 221. As a result, the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotating bracket 211 protrudes further from the upper surface of the first basic body 221_1 of the first arm portion 221 relative to the horizontal axis 801. The first rotating bracket and the first arm portion 221 are connected by the first fixing portion 251, so that the first fixing portion 251 slides a certain distance along the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first rotating bracket 211 while the first rotating bracket 211 rotates. Similarly, the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 rotates so as to protrude further than the second basic body 222_1 based on the horizontal axis 801. In addition, since the second rotating bracket and the second arm portion 222 are connected by the second fixing portion 252, the second fixing portion 252 slides a certain distance along the second sliding hole 212_2 of the second rotating bracket 212 while the second rotating bracket 212 rotates.

[0107] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a second designated angle state of a first hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0108] 1a and 9, the first hinge structure 200a includes a second specified angle state. The first hinge structure 200a includes, for example, a first rotating bracket 211, a second rotating bracket 212, a fixed bracket 213, a first arm portion 221, a second arm portion 222, a gear structure 230, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a first rotating member 231, a second rotating member 232, and a support bracket 243. The first rotating bracket 211 is connected to the first arm portion 221 by a first fixed portion 251, and the second rotating bracket 212 is connected to the second arm portion 222 by a second fixed portion 252.

[0109] When an external pressure (or force) is applied, the first housing (e.g., first housing 110 in FIG. 1a) or the second housing (e.g., second housing 120 in FIG. 1a) rotates by a second angle (e.g., 60 degrees) from a point on horizontal axis 801 in the direction of vertical axis 803 with reference to the illustrated drawing. For example, when an external pressure or force is transmitted to the first housing 110 or the second housing 120, the first rotating bracket 211 or the second rotating bracket 212 rotates by a second angle (e.g., 60 degrees) from a point on horizontal axis 801 in the direction of vertical axis 803 (e.g., from the right side with reference to the illustrated drawing in the direction of vertical axis 803) with reference to the first imaginary axis 11 or the second imaginary axis 12. The force applied during the above-mentioned operation is transmitted between the first arm portion 221 or the second arm portion 222, the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232, and the gear structure 230, causing the first rotating bracket 211, the second rotating bracket 212, the first arm portion 221, and the second arm portion 222 to rotate simultaneously.

[0110] As the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 rotate at the second angle, the first fixed part 251 and the second fixed part 252 slide within the first sliding hole 211_2 and the second sliding hole 212_2, sliding closer to the fixed bracket 213 than in the state rotated at the first angle. During the above-mentioned operation process, the first rail 211_3 of the first rotating bracket 211 rotates outward to the right from the center of the fixed bracket 213, and the second rail 212_3 of the second rotating bracket 212 rotates outward to the left from the center of the fixed bracket 213, based on the illustrated drawing. Since the rotation axis of the first rotating bracket 211 and the rotation axis of the first arm portion 221 are different from each other, and the rotation axis of the second rotating bracket 212 and the rotation axis of the second arm portion 222 are different from each other, the distance between the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 and the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 is formed to be shorter in the direction toward the fixed bracket 213 than the distance between the upper surface of the first basic body 221_1 and the upper surface of the second basic body 222_1.

[0111] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second state of a partial structure of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0112] 1a and 10, electronic device 100 includes first hinge structure 200a and display 160. The second state of first hinge structure 200a is the folded state. First hinge structure 200a includes, for example, fixed bracket 213, first rotating bracket 211, second rotating bracket 212, first arm portion 221, second arm portion 222, first fixed portion 251, second fixed portion 252, first rotating member 231, second rotating member 232, gear structure 230 including shaft gears of first rotating member 231 and second rotating member 232, first elastic body 242a, second elastic body 242b, and support bracket 243.

[0113] In the above-described structure, the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 are disposed to face each other. With reference to the illustrated drawings, the edge portions of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are disposed adjacent to each other, so that the first rotating bracket 211 rotates about the first imaginary axis 11 and is tilted to the left by a specified angle about the vertical axis 803. Alternatively, the second rotating bracket 212 rotates about the second imaginary axis 12 and is tilted to the right by a specified angle about the vertical axis 803. For example, the first imaginary axis 11 serves as a rotation center axis of the first rail 211_3, and the second imaginary axis 12 serves as a rotation center axis of the second rail 212_3. The first arm unit 221 rotates based on the first rotating member 231 and is placed next to the first rotating bracket 211, and the second arm unit 222 rotates based on the second rotating member 232 and is placed next to the second rotating bracket 212. As a result, the center of the display 160 is bent in a "U" shape, while the remaining area remains flat.

[0114] When the first swivel bracket 211 and the first arm unit 221 are installed vertically (or tilted leftward by a specified angle based on the vertical axis 803), the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 of the first swivel bracket 211 and the upper surface of the first basic body 221_1 of the first arm unit 221 are arranged side by side without any difference in height. Due to the difference in length between the first swivel bracket 211 and the first arm unit 221, the first fixing portion 251 is located at the lower end of the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first swivel bracket 211. When the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the first fixing portion 251 is located at the upper end of the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first swivel bracket 211. Similarly, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the second fixing portion 252 is located at the lower end of the second sliding hole 212_2.

[0115] The first rotating bracket 211 rotates from the center of the fixing bracket 213 to the outward right side with reference to the drawing while the electronic device 100 is changing from a first state to a second state (e.g., a folded state), and rotates from the outward right side of the fixing bracket 213 toward the center with reference to the drawing while the electronic device 100 is changing from the second state to the first state (e.g., an unfolded state). According to one embodiment, the second rotating bracket 212 rotates from the center of the fixing bracket 213 to the outward left side with reference to the drawing while the electronic device 100 is changing from the first state to the second state (e.g., a folded state), and rotates from the outward left side of the fixing bracket 213 toward the center with reference to the drawing while the electronic device 100 is changing from the second state to the first state (e.g., an unfolded state). While the electronic device 100 maintains the folded state, the peaks and valleys of the cam portion 241 are disposed to engage with the peaks and valleys of the rotating cams disposed on the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222. As a result, the first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b are restored to their initial states (e.g., released states) from the compressed states in the first specified angle state and the second specified angle state.

[0116] FIG. 11 illustrates additional structures of the first hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 11, the first hinge structure 200a (or the second hinge structure) includes a fixed bracket 213, a first rotating bracket 211, a second rotating bracket 212, a first arm portion 221, a second arm portion 222, a first fixed portion 251, a second fixed portion 252, a first rotating member 231, a second rotating member 232, a gear structure 230 including shaft gears and idle gears of the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, and a support bracket 243, and additionally or alternatively, at least one washer ring and ring plate 237 are further added.

[0118] The at least one washer ring includes, for example, a first washer ring 238_1a and a second washer ring 238_1b inserted onto the first rotating member 231. The first washer ring 238_1a is disposed between the cam portion 241, one side of which is inserted into the first rotating member 231, and the ring plate 237, and the second washer ring 238_1b is disposed between the ring plate 237 and the first elastic body 242a.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the at least one washer ring includes, for example, a third washer ring 238_2a and a fourth washer ring 238_2b inserted onto the second rotating member 232. The third washer ring 238_2a is disposed between the cam portion 241, one side of which is inserted into the second rotating member 232, and the ring plate 237, and the fourth washer ring 238_2b is disposed between the ring plate 237 and the second elastic body 242b.

[0120] The ring plate 237 includes a guide hole into which one side is inserted into the first rotating member 231 and a guide hole into which one side is inserted into the second rotating member 232, and is disposed between the first washer ring 238_1a and the second washer ring 238_1b and between the third washer ring 238_2a and the fourth washer ring 238_2b. The ring plate 237 serves as a support when frictional force is generated between the washer rings (238_1a, 238_1b, 238_2a, 238_2b), thereby providing frictional force so that the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232 can be fixed at various angles by the washer rings (238_1a, 238_1b, 238_2a, 238_2b).

[0121] According to various embodiments, a third elastic body 251a and a fifth washer ring 251b are additionally disposed on the first fixing portion 251, and a first fixing clip 291_1 is disposed to fix the first fixing portion 251 to the first arm portion 221. The fifth washer ring 251b is disposed between the third elastic body 251a and the first fixing clip 291_1. The third elastic body 251a serves to more firmly contact one end of the first arm portion 221 (e.g., the first connecting portion 221_2) with one end of the first rotating bracket 211 (e.g., the first sliding hole 211_2). The fifth washer ring 251b increases friction during the contact process between the first rotating bracket 211 and the first arm portion 221, allowing the first hinge structure 200a to be installed at more various angles. Similar to the above-described structure, the second fixing portion 252 additionally includes a fourth elastic body 252a and a sixth washer ring 252b, and a second fixing clip 291_2 is disposed on one side of the second arm portion 222 to fix the second fixing portion 252.

[0122] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure 200 according to one embodiment includes a first rotating bracket 211 that rotates within a first range based on a first virtual axis 11, a second rotating bracket 212 that rotates within a second range based on a second virtual axis 12, a fixed bracket 213 to which the first rotating bracket and the second rotating bracket are fixed, a first rotating member that rotates around a first rotation axis different from the first virtual axis, and a second rotating member that rotates around a second rotation axis different from the second virtual axis, a first basic body 221_1, a first connecting portion 221_2 that is disposed on one side of the first basic body and connected to the first rotating bracket, a first inserting portion 221_3 that has one side inserted into the first rotating member, and a first rotating cam 221_2 that is disposed adjacent to the first inserting portion. 21_4, a second arm portion 222 including a second basic body 222_1, a second connecting portion 222_2 disposed on one side of the second basic body and connected to the second rotating bracket, a second insertion portion 222_3 one side of which is inserted into the second rotating member 232, and a second rotating cam 222_4 disposed adjacent to the second insertion portion, a cam portion 241 having concaves and convexes corresponding to the first and second rotating cams, a first elastic body 242a inserted into the first rotating member to support at least one side of the cam portion toward the first arm portion, a second elastic body 242b inserted into the second rotating member to support at least the other side of the cam portion toward the second arm portion, and a support bracket 243 supporting the first elastic body and the second elastic body.

[0123] According to various embodiments, the first rotating bracket rotates outward from the center of the fixed bracket while changing from a horizontal state to a vertical state, the first rotating bracket rotates from the outside of the fixed bracket toward the center while changing from a vertical state to a horizontal state, and the second rotating bracket simultaneously rotates in a symmetrical direction while the first rotating bracket rotates.

[0124] According to various embodiments, the first fixing part fixes the first arm part and moves from the outside to the inside of the first sliding hole while the first rotating bracket is changed from a horizontal state to a vertical state, the first fixing part fixes the first arm part and moves from the inside to the outside of the first sliding hole while the first rotating bracket is changed from a vertical state to a horizontal state, and the second fixing part operates in the same manner as the first fixing part.

[0125] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes at least one of a first fixing clip 291_1 arranged at an end of the first fixing portion to fix the first fixing portion to the first arm portion, and a second fixing clip 291_2 arranged at an end of the second fixing portion to fix the second fixing portion to the second arm portion.

[0126] According to various embodiments, the first rotating member includes a first mounting portion 231_3 mounted on one side of the fixed bracket, a first shaft body 231_1 fixed to one side of the support bracket, and a first shaft gear 231_2 arranged between the first mounting portion and the first shaft body, and the second rotating member includes a second mounting portion 232_3 mounted on one side of the fixed bracket, a second shaft body 232_1 fixed to one side of the support bracket, and a second shaft gear 232_2 arranged between the second mounting portion and the second shaft body.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes a first idle gear 233 geared to the first shaft gear, and a second idle gear 234 geared to the first idle gear and the second shaft gear.

[0128] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes a support plate 235 that includes guide holes into which the first and second mounting portions are inserted and that fixes one side of the first and second idle gears.

[0129] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes at least one of a third fixing clip 292_1 disposed at an end of the first mounting portion to prevent the first mounting portion from separating from the support plate, and a fourth fixing clip 292_2 disposed at an end of the second mounting portion to prevent the second mounting portion from separating from the support plate.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes a stopper 236 that is inserted into one side of the first rotating member and the second rotating member and faces one side of the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion to prevent the first arm portion and the second arm portion from rotating more than a specified angle.

[0131] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes a fifth fixing clip 249_1 disposed at an end of the first rotating member to prevent the first rotating member from coming off the support bracket, and a sixth fixing clip 249_2 disposed at an end of the second rotating member to prevent the second rotating member from coming off the support bracket.

[0132] According to various embodiments, a first imaginary axis and a second imaginary axis are formed between the first rotating member and the second rotating member.

[0133] According to various embodiments, the first and second virtual axes are formed at a specified height above the first and second rotating members.

[0134] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes at least one of a ring plate 237 arranged between the cam portion and the first elastic body or the second elastic body, a first washer ring 238_1a arranged between the first cam portion and the ring plate and inserted into the first rotating member, and a second washer ring 238_2a arranged between the second cam portion and the ring plate and inserted into the second rotating member.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes at least one of a third washer ring 238_1b disposed between the ring plate and the first elastic body and inserted into the first rotating member, and a fourth washer ring 238_2b disposed between the ring plate and the second elastic body and inserted into the second rotating member.

[0136] According to various embodiments, the top portion of the peak 222_4a of the first rotating cam or the second rotating cam includes a flat area of ​​a specified width, and the bottom portion of the valley 222_4b of the first rotating cam or the second rotating cam includes a flat area of ​​a specified width.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes at least one of a third elastic body 251a disposed between the first fixing portion and the first fixing clip, and a fourth elastic body 252a disposed between the second fixing portion and the second fixing clip.

[0138] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes at least one of a fifth washer ring 251b disposed between the third elastic body and the first securing clip, and a sixth washer ring 252b disposed between the fourth elastic body and the second securing clip.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232 are mounted on one side of the fixed bracket with a predetermined distance therebetween.

[0140] According to various embodiments, the first rotating bracket may further include a first fixing part 251 that passes through a first sliding hole 211_2 formed on one side of the first rotating bracket and is fixed to the first connecting part 221_2, and slides along the first sliding hole, and a second fixing part 252 that passes through a second sliding hole 212_2 formed on one side of the second rotating bracket and is fixed to the second connecting part 222_2, and slides along the second sliding hole.

[0141] According to various embodiments, an electronic device according to one embodiment includes a first housing 110, a second housing 120, a hinge structure 200 that connects the first housing and the second housing and supports a hinge operation of the first housing or the second housing, a hinge housing 150 that surrounds the hinge structure, and a flexible display 160 that is disposed on the first housing and the second housing, and at least a portion (161, 162) of the display is attached to at least a portion of an upper side of the first housing or at least a portion of an upper side of the second housing, and at least a portion of a center portion (163) of the display is attached to the hinge structure. The hinge structure is arranged with a gap of a specified size and includes: a first rotating bracket connected to the first housing and rotating within a first range based on a first virtual axis; a second rotating bracket connected to the second housing and rotating within a second range based on a second virtual axis; a fixed bracket to which the first rotating bracket and the second rotating bracket are fixed; a first arm portion connected to the first rotating bracket on one side and having a first rotating cam on the other side; a second arm portion connected to the second rotating bracket on one side and having a second rotating cam on the other side; and a cam portion having protrusions and recesses corresponding to the first rotating cam and the second rotating cam.

[0142] According to various embodiments, in the electronic device, the first fixing part fixes the first arm part and moves from the outside to the inside of the first sliding hole while the first rotating bracket is changed from a horizontal state to a vertical state, the first fixing part fixes the first arm part and moves from the inside to the outside of the first sliding hole while the first rotating bracket is changed from a vertical state to a horizontal state, and the second fixing part operates in the same manner as the first fixing part.

[0143] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0144] 12 , when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100 are in a folded state, a gap Gap_2 is formed in a region where the hinge housing 150 is coupled to the first housing 110 or the second housing 120, as shown in the figure. The gap Gap_2 is caused by the height of the sidewall of the hinge housing 150, and when the hinge structure 200 is in a folded state, the gap Gap_2 of the hinge housing 150 is visible from the outside. This gap Gap_2 is formed because the hinge housing 150 must not interfere with the hinge operation of the hinge structure 200 while the hinge structure 200 is being folded or unfolded. Therefore, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the gap Gap_2 is visible between the hinge housing 150 and the hinge structure 200. The presence of this gap Gap_2 can detract from the appearance of the electronic device. For example, a part of the hinge structure 200 disposed inside via the gap Gap_2 is observed from the outside.

[0145] FIG. 13 illustrates another example of a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0146] 13, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are folded, the ends of the side portions (158a, 158b) of the hinge housing 150 are formed higher by a specified height in the direction of the vertical axis 803 than the ends of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. As a result, when the electronic device 100 is viewed from the outside in the folded state, no gap is observed at the boundary region between the hinge housing 150 and the housings (110, 120), and only the hinge housing 150 is visible. In this regard, first and second receiving grooves (221_9, 222_9) are disposed in certain regions of the first and second rotating brackets 211, 212 to prevent collision between the first and second rotating brackets 211, 212 due to the side portions (158a, 158b) of the hinge housing 150 being formed higher by a specified height in the direction of the vertical axis. The first and second receiving grooves (221_9, 222_9) include, for example, a first receiving groove 221_9 disposed at an end of the first rotating bracket 211 and a second receiving groove 222_9 disposed at an end of the second rotating bracket 212. When the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state, the first side portion 158a of the hinge housing 150 is received in the first receiving groove 221_9, and the second side portion 158b of the hinge housing 150 is received in the second receiving groove 222_9.

[0147] According to various embodiments, third and fourth receiving grooves 211_9 and 212_9 are also disposed in the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 in response to the height of the first side portion 158a and the second side portion 158b of the hinge housing 150 being increased by a predetermined height in the direction of the vertical axis 803. The third receiving groove 211_9 is formed in the center of the first arm portion 221 (e.g., between the first rail 211_3 and the first housing coupling hole 211_4 shown in FIG. 4). Similarly, the fourth receiving groove 212_9 is formed in the center of the second arm portion 222 (e.g., between the second rail 212_3 and the second housing coupling hole 212_4 shown in FIG. 4). When the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state, the first side portion 158a is received in the third receiving groove 211_9, and the second side portion 158b is received in the fourth receiving groove 212_9.

[0148] By employing the above-described structure, the height of the sides (158a, 158b) of the hinge housing 150 in the direction of the vertical axis 803 is greater than the depth of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 in the direction below the vertical axis (-803). For example, when the electronic device 100 is folded, the first side 158a is located inside the first housing 110 and is positioned higher than the lower end of the vertical axis of the first housing 110, and at least a portion of the first side 158a overlaps the end of the first housing 110 when viewed from the direction of the horizontal axis 801. Similarly, when the electronic device 100 is folded, the second side 158b is located inside the second housing 120 and is positioned higher than the lower end of the vertical axis of the second housing 120, and at least a portion of the second side 158b overlaps the end of the second housing 120 when viewed from the direction of the horizontal axis (e.g., 801).

[0149] FIG. 14 is a view showing another example of a hinge housing and a hinge structure according to various embodiments, and FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure shown in FIG.

[0150] 14 and 15, a third hinge structure 200c and a fourth hinge structure 200d are disposed in a hinge housing 150 according to an embodiment.

[0151] The third hinge structure 200c is disposed on one side (e.g., the left side in the illustrated drawing) of the hinge housing 150. The third hinge structure 200c is coupled to the left side of the first housing 110 (e.g., the first housing 110 in FIG. 1a) and the left side of the second housing 120 (e.g., the second housing 120 in FIG. 1a) and rotates within a specified range based on the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The third hinge structure 200c is disposed symmetrically to the fourth hinge structure 200d based on the center of the hinge housing 150.

[0152] The fourth hinge structure 200d is disposed on the other side of the hinge housing 150 (e.g., the right side in the illustrated drawing). The fourth hinge structure 200d is coupled to the right side of the first housing 110 (e.g., the first housing 110 in FIG. 1a) and the right side of the second housing 120 (e.g., the second housing 120 in FIG. 1a) and rotates within a specified range based on the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The fourth hinge structure 200d is disposed symmetrically to the third hinge structure 200c based on the center of the hinge housing 150. The fourth hinge structure 200d has the same structure and configuration as the third hinge structure 200c, but is disposed in a different position.

[0153] The hinge housing 150 has a semi-cylindrical shape with an open interior or a boat-like shape formed by cutting a pipe with both ends closed in the length direction. The hinge housing 150 has the same structure and is made of the same material as the hinge housing described above with reference to FIG.

[0154] The third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) includes a fixed bracket 1513, a first rotating bracket 1511, a second rotating bracket 1512, a first fixed portion 1551 and a second fixed portion 1552, a first arm portion 1521, a second arm portion 1522, a first rotating member 1531, a second rotating member 1532, a cam portion 1541, a first elastic body 1542a, a second elastic body 1542b, a support bracket 1543, a first idle gear 1533, a second idle gear 1534, a support plate 1535, and a plurality of fixing clips (1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1, 1549_2). The third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) is at least partially made of a metal material and is provided to have a certain degree of rigidity. Alternatively, the third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) may be made of a material such as reinforced plastic or resin, as required.

[0155] The fixed bracket 1513 has at least a portion of a curved shape on its lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z-axis direction). For example, the lower surface of the fixed bracket 1513 is formed to correspond to the inner shape of the hinge housing 150. The upper surface of the fixed bracket 1513 (e.g., the surface in the z-axis direction) is flat, and rail grooves 1513a and 1513b are formed thereon to allow the rotating brackets 1511 and 1512 to be coupled thereto. The positions and arrangement of the rail grooves 1513a and 1513b are the same as those of the rail grooves 213a and 213b described above in FIG. 4. As a result, the first rotating bracket 1511 and the second rotating bracket 1512 inserted into the rail grooves 1513a and 1513b rotate in the same manner as the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 described above in FIG. 4.

[0156] According to various embodiments, the fixing bracket 1513 includes a protrusion 1513_1 protruding in a third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), and at least a portion of both sides (e.g., the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction) of the protrusion 1513_1 is formed with a curved surface. At least a portion of the first arm portion 1521 and the second arm portion 1522 and at least a portion of the cam portion 1541 are placed on both sides of the protrusion 1513_1. A first mounting groove 1513_2a and a second mounting groove 1513_2b are disposed on the side portions of the fixing bracket 1513 disposed on both sides of the protrusion 1513_1 in the third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). One side of the first rotating member 1531 and one side of the second rotating member 1532 are placed in the first mounting groove 1513_2a and the second mounting groove 1513_2b. Alternatively, one side of the first rotating member 1531 and one side of the second rotating member 1532, which respectively penetrate the cam portion 1541, the first elastic body 1542a and the second elastic body 1542b, and one side of the support bracket 1543, are mounted in the first mounting groove 1513_2a and the second mounting groove 1513_2b.

[0157] The first rotating bracket 1511 and the second rotating bracket 1512 have a structure similar to or identical to that of the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 described above in Fig. 4. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket bodies of the first rotating bracket 1511 and the second rotating bracket 1512 are formed wider than the first bracket body 211_1 and the second bracket body 212_1 described above in Fig. 4.

[0158] The first fixing portion 1551 is pin-shaped and has a certain length in one direction. The first fixing portion 1551 passes through at least the sliding hole of the first rotating bracket 1511, is placed on the connecting portion of the first arm portion 1521, and is fixed in the third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) by the first fixing clip 1591_1. One side of the first fixing portion 1551 slides in the y-axis or -y-axis direction within the sliding hole of the first rotating bracket 1511.

[0159] The second fixed portion 1552 has substantially the same shape as the first fixed portion 1551. The second fixed portion 1552 is disposed symmetrically to the first fixed portion 1551 with respect to the fixed bracket 1513, and at least a portion of the second fixed portion 1552 is inserted and fixed in the third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) into the sliding hole of the second rotating bracket 1512 and the connecting portion of the second arm portion 1522. One side of the second fixed portion 1552 slides in the y-axis or -y-axis direction within the sliding hole of the second rotating bracket 1512.

[0160] The first arm portion 1521 is fastened to the first rotating bracket 1511 by a first fixing portion 1551, and rotates within a specified angle range in cooperation with the first rotating bracket 1511 when a hinge operation is performed. According to one embodiment, the first arm portion 1521 includes a first insertion portion 1521_3 and a first rotating cam 1521_4, and includes components corresponding to the first basic body 221_1 and the first connecting portion 221_2 as described above with reference to FIG.

[0161] The first rotating cam 1521_4 includes at least one peak and a valley disposed on a side of the first insert 1521_3 in the direction in which the first rotating member 1531 is inserted and protrudes. According to one embodiment, the ends of the peak and the valley include flat areas having a certain length. At least a portion of the first rotating cam 1521_4 and the first insert 1521_3 are mounted on one side of the protrusion 1513_1 of the fixing bracket 1513.

[0162] The second arm portion 1522 has substantially the same configuration as the first arm portion 1521. For example, the second arm portion 1522 includes a second insertion portion 1522_3 and a second rotating cam 1522_4. The second insertion portion 1522_3 has a second rotating member 1532 inserted therein, and the second rotating cam 1522_4 is disposed to engage with the other side of the cam portion 1541.

[0163] The first rotating member 1531 has one end placed in a first mounting groove 1513_2a formed in the fixing bracket 1513 via the support bracket 1543, the first elastic body 1542a, one side of the cam portion 1541, and the first insertion portion 1521_3, and is fixed at one end by a third fixing clip 1592_1 and at the other end in gear engagement with the first idle gear 1533, and is fixed to the support plate 1535 by a fifth fixing clip 1549_1. The first rotating member 1531 includes a first shaft body 1531_1, a first shaft gear 1531_2, and a first mounting portion 1531_3.

[0164] The first shaft body 1531_1 is disposed so as to penetrate one side of the support bracket 1543 and one side of the first elastic body 1542a, the first insertion portion 1521_3, the first rotating cam 1521_4, and the cam portion 1541 from the third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) to the fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction). The first shaft gear 1531_2 is disposed in the first shaft body 1531_1 offset toward the third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). The first shaft gear 1531_2 is disposed so as to be gear-coupled to the first idle gear 1533.

[0165] The first mounting portion 1531_3 is formed to further protrude from a surface of the first shaft gear 1531_2 in the third direction (for example, a surface in the x-axis direction). At least a part of the first mounting portion 1531_3 passes through a guide hole formed in the support plate 1535 and is fixed to the support plate 1535 by a fifth fixing clip 1549_1, thereby preventing the first shaft body 1531_1 from coming off or being distorted.

[0166] The second rotating member 1532 has one end placed in a second mounting groove 1513_2b formed in the fixing bracket 1513 via the support bracket 1543, the second elastic body 1542b, one side of the cam portion 1541, and the second insertion portion 1522_3, and is fixed at one end by a fourth fixing clip 1592_2 and at the other end in gear engagement with the second idle gear 1534, and is fixed to the support plate 1535 by a sixth fixing clip 1549_2. The second rotating member 1532 includes a second shaft body 1532_1, a second shaft gear 1532_2, and a second mounting portion 1532_3.

[0167] The second shaft body 1532_1 has substantially the same shape and size as the first shaft body 1531_1. The second shaft body 1532_1 is disposed at a position spaced a certain distance from the first shaft body 1531_1. The second shaft gear 1532_2 has the same shape and size as the first shaft gear 1531_2 and is disposed on the second shaft body 1532_1. The position of the second shaft gear 1532_2 is symmetrical to the position of the first shaft gear 1531_2. At least a portion of the second mounting portion 1532_3 has the same shape and size as the first mounting portion 1531_3. During this process, at least a portion of the second mounting portion 1532_3 passes through a guide hole in the support plate 1535 and is fixed by the sixth fixing clip 1549_2.

[0168] The cam portion 1541 has the same structure and shape as the cam portion 241 described above in Fig. 4. The cam portion 1541 is disposed between the first arm portion 1521 and the second arm portion 1522, and between the first elastic body 1542a and the second elastic body 1542b. At least a portion of the cam portion 1541 is placed on at least a portion of the protrusion 1513_1 of the fixed bracket 1513.

[0169] The first elastic body 1542a has a spring shape with a hollow center. The first shaft body 1531_1 of the first rotating member 1531, which penetrates the support bracket 1543, is disposed in the center of the first elastic body 1542a.

[0170] The second elastic body 1542b has the same or similar shape and size as the first elastic body 1542a and is spring-shaped with an open center. The second shaft body 1532_1 of the second rotating member 1532, which penetrates the support bracket 1543, is disposed in the center of the second elastic body 1542b.

[0171] The first elastic body 1542a and the second elastic body 1542b are disposed between the cam portion 1541 and the support bracket 1543, and act to push the cam portion 1541 in the fourth direction (for example, the -x-axis direction) as the support bracket 1543 is fixed to the hinge housing 150. The second elastic body 1542b is disposed at a specified distance from the first elastic body 1542a.

[0172] The support bracket 1543 includes a support portion that supports at least a portion of the first elastic body 1542a and the second elastic body 1542b, a guide hole through which the shaft bodies of the first rotating member 1531 and the second rotating member 1532 are inserted, and a mounting groove in which one side of the idle gear (1533, 1534) is mounted.

[0173] The first idle gear 1533 is disposed between the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the second shaft gear 1532_2, and one side is gear-coupled to the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the other side is gear-coupled to the second idle gear 1534. The first idle gear 1533 has a protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 1535, which is rotatably fixed to a groove formed in the support bracket 1543.

[0174] The second idle gear 1534 is disposed between the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the second shaft gear 1532_2, and one side is gear-coupled to the first idle gear 1533 and the other side is gear-coupled to the second shaft gear 1532_2. The second idle gear 1534 is formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the first idle gear 1533. Accordingly, the second idle gear 1534 includes a protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 1535 and a protrusion inserted into a mounting groove formed in the support bracket 1543.

[0175] The support plate 1535 is disposed to prevent the rotating members (1531, 1532) and the idle gears (1533, 1534) from coming off. In this regard, the support plate 1535 includes a plurality of guide holes. For example, the support plate 1535 includes a guide hole through which the first mounting portion 1531_3 of the first rotating member 1531 passes, a guide hole through which the second mounting portion 1532_3 of the second rotating member 1532 passes, and guide holes (or guide grooves) in which the protrusions of the first idle gear 1533 and the second idle gear 1534 are placed.

[0176] The plurality of fixing clips (1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1, 1549_2) are arranged to fix at least one component included in the third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) so that it does not come off from the corresponding position and to allow the corresponding component to rotate. The plurality of fixing clips (1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1, 1549_2) include, for example, C-clips. The plurality of fixing clips (1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1, 1549_2) include, for example, a first fixing clip 1591_1 for fixing the first fixing portion 1551 on the third direction surface (for example, the surface in the x-axis direction) of the first arm portion 1521, a second fixing clip 1591_2 for fixing the second fixing portion 1552 on the third direction surface (for example, the surface in the x-axis direction) of the second arm portion 1522, and a second fixing clip 1591_3 for fixing an end portion of the first shaft body 1531_1 of the first rotating member 1531 (for example, the end portion opposite to where the first mounting portion 1531_3 is disposed). The second fixing clip 1549_1 includes a third fixing clip 1592_1 that is coupled to the end of the second shaft body 1532_1 of the second rotating member 1532 (e.g., the end opposite to where the second mounting portion 1532_3 is arranged), a fourth fixing clip 1592_2 that is coupled to the end of the second shaft body 1532_1 of the second rotating member 1532 (e.g., the end opposite to where the second mounting portion 1532_3 is arranged), a fifth fixing clip 1549_1 that is arranged to fix the first mounting portion 1531_3 to the third direction surface (e.g., the surface in the x-axis direction) of the support plate 1543, and a sixth fixing clip 1549_2 that is arranged to fix the second mounting portion 1532_3 to the third direction surface (e.g., the surface in the x-axis direction) of the support plate 1543.

[0177] In the above-described hinge structure of the present invention (for example, the third hinge structure 200c or the fourth hinge structure 200d), the gear structure is located at a specified distance from the area where the rotating bracket and the fixed bracket are connected.

[0178] An electronic device including the hinge structure according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention includes a first rotating member rotating about a first axis, a second rotating member rotating about a second axis, a first arm portion having a first connecting portion connected to the first rotating member, a second connecting portion connected to the second rotating member, and a first cam structure, a second arm portion having a third connecting portion, a fourth connecting portion, and a second cam structure, a cam member including a first cam engaging with the first cam structure and a second cam engaging with the second cam structure, a first elastic body connected to the first rotating member and providing an elastic force to the cam member, a second elastic body connected to the second rotating member and providing an elastic force to the cam member, a first sliding hole and a The device comprises a first rotating bracket having a first rail and rotating about a third axis, a second rotating bracket having a second sliding hole and a second rail and rotating about a fourth axis, and a fixed bracket having a first guide groove corresponding to the first rail and a second guide groove corresponding to the second rail, wherein the first sliding hole of the first rotating bracket and the second connecting part are connected by a first fixed part, and the second sliding hole of the second rotating bracket and the fourth connecting part are connected by a second fixed part, the first fixed part slidingly moves within the first sliding hole in response to the rotation of the first arm part, and the second fixed part slidingly moves within the second sliding hole in response to the rotation of the second arm part.

[0179] According to various embodiments, the electronic device further includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing being fastened to the first rotating bracket and rotating about a third axis, and the second housing being connected to the second rotating bracket and rotating about a fourth axis.

[0180] According to various embodiments, the electronic device further includes a display disposed on the first housing and the second housing, the first axis and the second axis being formed below the display in the unfolded state of the electronic device.

[0181] According to various embodiments, the third and fourth axes are formed further up in the direction of the display than the first and second axes.

[0182] According to various embodiments, the distance between the first axis and the second axis is greater than the distance between the third axis and the fourth axis.

[0183] According to various embodiments, the electronic device further includes at least one washer ring disposed at least partially between the first rotating member and the first elastic body and between the second rotating member and the second elastic body.

[0184] According to various embodiments, the electronic device further includes at least one of a first washer ring fastened to an end of the first fixing portion disposed through the first connecting portion, and a second washer ring fastened to an end of the second fixing portion disposed through the second connecting portion.

[0185] According to various embodiments, the electronic device further includes at least one of a first elastic member disposed between an end of the first fixing portion and the first washer ring, and a second elastic member disposed between an end of the second fixing portion and the second washer ring.

[0186] According to various embodiments, the electronic device further includes stoppers disposed between the first rotating member and the second connecting portion of the first arm portion, and between the second rotating member and the fourth connecting portion of the second arm portion, to prevent the first arm portion and the second arm portion from rotating beyond a specified angle.

[0187] The hinge structure and electronic device including the same according to various embodiments can provide various functions related to hinge operation even in a relatively small installation area. For example, the hinge structure and electronic device including the same according to one embodiment can provide a detent feeling during hinge operation of the housing, and can simultaneously perform multiple rotational operations of the housing while supporting various installation angles, thereby reducing distortion during rotational operations of the housing.

[0188] In addition, various objects and effects provided by the hinge structure according to various embodiments and the electronic device including the same will be mentioned in connection with the embodiments of the detailed description.

[0189] Components (e.g., modules or programs) according to various embodiments are each composed of one or more entities, and some of the corresponding subcomponents described above may be omitted or other subcomponents may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single entity and perform the same or similar functions as those performed by the corresponding components before integration. Operations performed by modules, programs, or other components according to various embodiments may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be performed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 11, 12 1st and 2nd virtual axes (3rd and 4th axes) 100 Electronic equipment 101 Housing 110, 120 1st and 2nd housings 111, 112, 121, 122 1st to 4th step sections 119, 129 1st and 2nd covers 150 Hinge housing 151_1, 151_2 1st and 2nd ribs 151_3 Bottom 151a, 151b shielding wall 158 Bulkhead 158a, 158b First and second side portions 160 Display (Flexible Display) 161, 162, 163 upper, lower, center 167a, 167b 1st and 2nd adhesive layer 200 Hinge Structure 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d 1st to 4th hinge structures 210 Bracket Structure 211, 212 First and second rotating brackets 211_1, 212_1 1st and 2nd bracket bodies 211_2, 212_2 1st and 2nd sliding holes 211_3, 212_3 1st and 2nd rails 211_4, 212_4 First and second housing coupling holes 211_9, 212_9 3rd and 4th storage grooves 213 Fixing bracket 213_1a, 213_1b 1st and 2nd fixing holes 213_2a, 213_2b First and second stationary grooves 213a, 213b First and second rail grooves 220 Arm detent structure 221, 222 First and second arm parts 221_1, 222_1 1st and 2nd basic bodies 221_2, 222_2 1st, 2nd connection part 221_3, 222_3 First and second insertion parts 221_4, 222_4 1st and 2nd rotating cams 221_9, 222_9 1st and 2nd storage grooves 222_1a One side 222_1b Other side 222_4a Mountain 222_4b Valley 230 Gear Structure 231, 232 First and second rotating members 231_1, 232_1 1st and 2nd axis bodies 231_2, 232_2 1st and 2nd shaft gears 231_3, 232_3 First and second placement sections 232_1a, 232_3a 3rd and 4th fixing groove 233, 234 1st and 2nd idle gears 235 Support Plate 236 Stopper 236_1 Stopper body 236_2a, 236_2b, 236_2c, 236_2d 1st to 4th locking jaws 236a, 236b First and second shaft insertion holes 237 Ring Plate 238_1a, 238_1b, 238_2a, 238_2b 1st to 4th washer rings 240 Detent support structure 241 Cam section 241_1 Cam body 241_1a, 241_1b 1st and 2nd fixed cams 241_2a, 241_2b 1st and 2nd cam holes 242a, 242b, 251a, 252a 1st to 4th elastic bodies 243 Support Bracket 243_1 Support part 243_1a Through hole 243_2a, 243_2b First and second support bracket holes 251, 252 1st and 2nd fixed part 251b, 252b 5th and 6th washer rings 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2 1st to 4th fixing clips 1511, 1512 1st and 2nd rotating brackets 1513 Fixing bracket 1513a, 1513b First and second rail grooves 1513_1 Protrusion 1513_2a, 1513_2b 1st and 2nd stationary grooves 1521, 1522 First and second arm parts 1521_3, 1522_3 First and second insertion parts 1521_4, 1522_4 1st and 2nd rotating cams 1531, 1532 First and second rotating members 1531_1, 1532_1 1st and 2nd axis bodies 1531_2, 1532_2 1st and 2nd shaft gears 1531_3, 1532_3 First and second placement sections 1533, 1534 idle gear 1535 Support Plate 1541 Cam section 1542a, 1542b First and second elastic bodies 1543 Support Bracket 1549_1, 1549_2 fixing clips 1551 1st fixed part 1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2 1st to 4th fixing clips

Claims

1. 1. A portable communication device, comprising: a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion; a hinge structure connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion; a flexible display disposed on the first housing portion, the hinge structure, and the second housing portion; The hinge structure is a first rotating member configured to rotate about a first axis; a second rotating member configured to rotate about a second axis; a first arm portion configured to rotate about the first axis; a second arm portion configured to rotate about the second axis; a first rotating bracket including a first rail and configured to rotate about a third axis while the first arm portion rotates about the first axis; a second rotating bracket including a second rail and configured to rotate about a fourth axis while the second arm portion rotates about the second axis; a fixed bracket configured to receive at least a portion of the first rotating bracket and at least a portion of the second rotating bracket, The portable communication device, wherein the fixed bracket includes a first rail groove in which the first rail is configured to move and a second rail groove in which the second rail is configured to move.

2. 2. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge structure includes a first shaft gear fastened to the first rotating member and a second shaft gear fastened to the second rotating member.

3. The hinge structure is a first rotating cam configured to rotate along the first shaft gear; 3. The portable communication device of claim 2, further comprising: a second rotating cam configured to rotate along the second shaft gear.

4. the first arm portion includes a first fixed cam facing the first rotating cam, 4. The portable communication device according to claim 3, wherein the second arm portion includes a second fixed cam facing the second rotating cam.

5. The hinge structure is a first elastic body that supports the first rotating cam; 4. The portable communication device according to claim 3, further comprising: a second elastic body supporting said second rotating cam.

6. the first elastic body is disposed on the first rotating member, 6. The portable communication device according to claim 5, wherein the second elastic body is disposed on the second rotating member.

7. The hinge structure is a first idle gear disposed between the first shaft gear and the second shaft gear and configured to be coupled to the first shaft gear; 3. The portable communication device according to claim 2, further comprising: a second idle gear disposed between the first idle gear and the second shaft gear and configured to be coupled to the first idle gear and the second shaft gear.

8. The hinge structure is a first fixing portion configured to connect a portion of the first rotating bracket and a portion of the first arm portion; 2. The portable communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second fixing portion configured to connect a portion of the second rotating bracket and a portion of the second arm portion.

9. the first fixed portion moves together with the first arm portion while the first arm portion rotates about the first axis; The portable communication device according to claim 8 , wherein the second fixing portion moves together with the second arm portion while the second arm portion rotates about the second axis.

10. the first rotating bracket is coupled to the first housing portion; 2. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein the second rotating bracket is coupled to the second housing portion.

11. 10. The portable communication device of claim 1, further comprising a hinge housing configured to receive at least a portion of the hinge structure.

12. When the housing is in an unfolded state, the hinge housing is shielded by one side of the first housing portion and one side of the second housing portion; 12. The portable communication device of claim 11, wherein a portion of the hinge housing is exposed by an edge of the first housing portion and an edge of the second housing portion when the housing is in the folded state.

13. 12. The portable communication device of claim 11, wherein the fixing bracket is fixed to the hinge housing.

14. 2. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the flexible display is bent as the first rotating bracket rotates about the third axis and the second rotating bracket rotates about the fourth axis.

15. the third axis is located between the first axis and a first portion of the flexible display corresponding to the first housing portion; The portable communication device of claim 1 , wherein the fourth axis is located between the second axis and a second portion of the flexible display corresponding to the second housing portion.

16. 2. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein a first distance between the first axis and the second axis is greater than a second distance between the third axis and the fourth axis.

17. 2. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein when the flexible display is in an unfolded state, a first shortest distance from the third axis to the top surface of the flexible display is shorter than a second shortest distance from the first axis to the top surface of the flexible display.

18. the first rotating bracket is configured to rotate along a first direction while the housing is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state; 2. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein the second rotating bracket is configured to rotate along a second direction opposite to the first direction while the housing is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state.

19. the first rail has an arc shape so that the first rotating bracket moves along the first rail groove while rotating about the third axis; The portable communication device of claim 1 , wherein the second rail has an arc shape so that the second rotating bracket moves along the second rail groove while rotating about the fourth axis.

Images