Portable communication device including a hinge structure

Abstract

To provide a portable communication device including a hinge structure.SOLUTION: A portable communication device according to the present invention comprises a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a hinge structure connected to the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display of which at least a portion is housed in the first housing and the second housing. The hinge structure comprises a first arm to be rotated with respect to a first shaft, a first fixed part, a second arm part to be rotated with respect to a second shaft, a second fixed part, a fixed bracket including a first rail groove and a second rail groove, a first rotation bracket including a first sliding hole and a semilunar first rail, and a second rotation bracket including a second sliding hole and a semilunar second rail.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1a

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable communication device including a hinge structure.

Background Art

[0002] Portable electronic devices such as smartphones provide various functions such as calling, video playback, and Internet search through various applications. Users attempt to use the above-described various functions on a wider screen. However, as the screen size increases, portability decreases. Therefore, in portable electronic devices, foldable portable electronic devices that utilize a folding structure to improve portability have been developed.

[0003] The above information is provided only as background information for understanding the disclosed content, and it has not been determined whether it is applied as prior art related to the present invention, and no claim is made.

[0004] In a foldable electronic device, a hinge structure is connected to an adjacent housing structure, and the hinge structure is arranged to rotate while supporting the housing structure while the housing structure rotates at a certain angle. Various structures need to be arranged to assist the hinge operation of the housing structure. However, in a foldable electronic device in which the folding area is relatively narrow, since the space where various structures should be arranged is narrow, it is difficult to arrange various structures for supporting the hinge operation.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a portable communication device including a hinge structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A mobile communication device according to an aspect of the present invention made to achieve the above object includes a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a hinge structure connected to the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display at least partially housed in the first housing and the second housing. The hinge structure includes a first arm portion that rotates about a first axis, a first fixing portion, a second arm portion that rotates about a second axis, a second fixing portion, a fixing bracket including a first rail groove and a second rail groove, a first rotating bracket including a first sliding hole and a semi-circular first rail, and a second rotating bracket including a second sliding hole and a semi-circular second rail. The first fixing portion slides along the first sliding hole in response to the rotation of the first arm about the first axis. The first rotating bracket is coupled to the fixing bracket and rotates about a third axis along the first rail groove by the semi-circular first rail while the first arm rotates about the first axis. The second fixing portion slides along the second sliding hole in response to the rotation of the second arm about the second axis. The second rotating bracket is coupled to the fixing bracket and rotates about a fourth axis along the second rail groove by the semi-circular second rail while the second arm rotates about the second axis. At least a part of the flexible display bends in response to the rotation of the first rotating bracket about the third axis and the rotation of the second rotating bracket about the fourth axis.

[0007] A mobile communication device according to another aspect of the present invention made to achieve the above object includes a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a hinge structure connecting the first housing and the second housing, the first housing, and a flexible display disposed on the hinge structure and the second housing. The hinge structure includes a first gear connected to a first shaft and rotating about a first axis, a second gear connected to a second shaft and rotating about a second axis, a first arm portion connected to the first housing and rotating about the first axis to rotate the first gear, a second arm portion connected to the second housing and rotating about the second axis corresponding to the rotation of the second gear, a first rotation bracket including a first rail rotating about a third axis while the first arm rotates about the first axis, a second rotation bracket including a second rail rotating about a fourth axis while the second arm rotates about the second axis, a support bracket including a first guide groove corresponding to the first rail and a second guide groove corresponding to the second rail and housed in at least a part of the first rotation bracket and at least a part of the second rotation bracket, a first idler gear coupled to the first gear, and a second idler gear coupled to the first idler gear and the second gear.

[0008] An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a first rotating member that rotates about a first axis, a second rotating member that rotates about a second axis, a first connecting portion connected to the first rotating member, a second connecting portion connected to the second rotating member, a first arm portion having 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 engaged with the first cam structure and a second cam engaged 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 rotating bracket having a first sliding hole and 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. The first sliding hole of the first rotating bracket and the second connecting portion are connected by a first fixing portion, and the second sliding hole of the second rotating bracket and the fourth connecting portion are connected by a second fixing portion. The first fixing portion slides within the first sliding hole corresponding to the rotation of the first arm portion, and the second fixing portion slides within the second sliding hole corresponding to the rotation of the second arm portion.

[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 discloses various embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] The present invention addresses at least the problems and / or disadvantages mentioned above and provides at least the advantages described below. Various embodiments can provide a hinge structure capable of optimizing the arrangement of structures related to hinge operation and an electronic device including the same. Various embodiments can provide a hinge structure having various functions related to hinge operation and an electronic device including the same.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1a

Figure 1b

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] For a more complete understanding of the content of the present invention and its advantages, there are provided drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like parts. Prior to the following detailed description, an explanation will be given of the definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this specification. The terms "include", "comprise", and their derivatives mean including without limitation, and the term "or" is inclusive and means and / or. The phrases "by" and "associated with" and their derivatives include the meanings of including, being included, interconnecting, encompassing, being encompassed within, connecting to / with, coupling to / with, communicating, cooperating, intervening, juxtaposing, approximating to, being bound to, having the characteristics of, having. The term "controller" means any device, system, or part thereof that controls at least one operation, and such a device is implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of at least two of these. The functions associated with a particular controller may be centralized or may be distributed locally or remotely.

[0013] Moreover, the various functions described below are implemented or supported by one or more computer programs composed of computer-readable program codes and realized on a computer-readable recording medium. The terms "application program" and "program" represent one or more computer programs, software components, instruction sets, procedures, functions, entities, classes, instances, related data, or a part thereof configured to be realized by an appropriate computer-readable program. "Computer-readable program code" includes all types of computer codes including source code, object code, and executable code. The phrase "computer-readable recording medium" includes all types of media accessible by a computer such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), hard disk drive, CD (Compact Disc), video digital disc (DVD), or other types of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable recording media exclude wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transmit transient electrical signals or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable recording media include media where data is permanently stored, such as rewritable optical discs or erasable memory devices, and media where data is stored and can be overwritten later.

[0014] Definitions for specific words and phrases are provided throughout this specification. One of ordinary skill in the art should understand that, although not in most cases, in many cases such definitions apply not only to the conventional use but also to the future use of the words and phrases so defined.

[0015] The figures 1a to 15 described below and the various embodiments used to explain the principles of the present invention in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the principles of the content of the present invention can be realized in any appropriately 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 specific embodiments, and it should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments in this specification. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals are used for similar components.

[0017] In this specification, expressions such as "having", "able to have", "including", or "able to include" indicate the presence of the corresponding features (for example, components such as numerical values, functions, operations, or parts), and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0018] In this specification, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A or / and B", or "one or more of A or / and B" all include any possible combinations of the items listed together. For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" all refer to the cases of (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

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

[0020] When referring to a component (e.g., a first component) being “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with / to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the former component is directly coupled to the latter component or is coupled via another component (e.g., a third component). On the other hand, when referring to a component (e.g., a first component) 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 former component and the latter component.

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

[0022] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this specification pertains. Terms defined in a general dictionary among those used herein are interpreted to have the same or similar meaning as the meaning in the context of the related art and are not interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless clearly defined herein. In some cases, even terms defined herein are not interpreted to exclude embodiments of this specification.

[0023] The electronic devices according to various embodiments of this specification include, for example, at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop personal computer, 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 includes 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 fabric or clothing integrated type (e.g., electronic clothing), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

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

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

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 1b, an electronic device 100 (or a foldable electronic device) according to an 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 a hinge structure) is disposed inside. FIG. 1a is a perspective view showing a first state (e.g., a flat state, an unfolded state, or a deployed state) of the electronic device 100, and FIG. 1b is a perspective view showing a second state (e.g., a folded state or a folding state) of the electronic device 100. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 100 further includes a first cover 119 covering the rear surface portion of the first housing 110 and a second cover 129 covering the rear surface portion of the second housing 120.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the first housing 110 is disposed continuously with the second housing 120 by arrangement (e.g., when the central portion 163 of the display 160 is opened flat or when the housing 101 is in a deployed state), or is disposed side by side with the second housing 120. Alternatively, when the central portion 163 of the display 160 is folded, one surface of the first housing 110 is disposed to face one surface of the second housing 120.

[0028] The first housing 110 is formed, for example, at least partially of a metallic material or consists at least partially of a non-metallic material. For example, the first housing 110 is formed of a material having a certain rigidity in order to support at least a part of the display 160. At least a part of the front surface of the first housing 110 has an area of the display 160 (for example, a part of the upper portion 161 and the central portion 163 of the display 160) disposed thereon. At least a part of the first housing 110 is adhered to the upper portion 161 of the display 160. Alternatively, at least a part of the edge of the front surface of the first housing 110 is adhered to the 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 in part between the first housing 110 and the upper portion 161 of the display 160. At least a part of the inside of the first housing 110 is provided in a hollow form or is coupled to the first cover 119 and provided in a hollow form, and electronic elements (for example, a printed circuit board, at least one processor mounted on the printed circuit board, at least one memory, elements such as a battery) necessary for driving the display 160 are disposed therein.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the edge ends of the first housing 110 (for example, the edge ends of the remaining three edges excluding the edge facing the second housing 120) protrude by a specified height from the bottom surface of the central part of the housing so as to surround at least one side edge of the display 160. Alternatively, side walls are arranged on at least a part of the edge ends of the first housing 110 such that at least a part thereof faces the edge of the display 160. The side walls formed on at least a part of the edge of the first housing 110 are formed with a specified height from the remaining three edges excluding the edge facing the second housing 120. In the first housing 110, the edge portion facing the second housing 120 includes a recessed portion having at least a part with a certain curvature so that at least a part of the hinge housing 150 is arranged. For example, the first housing 110 includes a first step portion 111 on which a part of the hinge housing 150 to which the first hinge structure 200a is attached is placed, and a second step portion 112 on which a part of the hinge housing 150 to which the second hinge structure 200b is attached is placed.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the second housing 120 is arranged, by arrangement, to be arranged side by side with the first housing 110 or to be arranged such that at least one surface faces one surface of the first housing 110 (for example, the surface on which the display 160 is arranged). The second housing 120 is made of the same material as the first housing 110. The second housing 120 is arranged in a form that is symmetric left and right or up and down with the first housing 110, so that on the front surface, in the display 160, at least a part of an area other than the area arranged in the first housing 110 (for example, the other side of the lower part 162 and the central part 163 of the display 160) is supported. At least a part of the second housing 120 is adhered to the lower part 162 of the display 160. Alternatively, the edge of the front surface of the second housing 120 is adhered to the edge of the lower part 162 of the display 160. Alternatively, one side of the lower part of the front surface of the second housing 120 is adhered to one side of the lower part 162 of the display 160. In this regard, at least a part of the second adhesive layer 167b is arranged between the second housing 120 and the lower part 162 of the display 160. At least a part of the inside of the second housing 120 is provided in a hollow form like the first housing 110, or is coupled to the second cover 129 and provided in a hollow form, and the electronic elements necessary for driving the display 160 are arranged.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the end portions of the edges of the second housing 120 (for example, the end portions of the remaining three edges excluding the edge facing the first housing 110) protrude by a specified height from the bottom surface of the central portion of the second housing 120 so as to wrap the other edges of the display 160. Alternatively, at least a part of the end portions of the edges of the second housing 120 is provided with side walls that at least partially face the edges of the display 160, similar to the side walls formed on the first housing 110. The side walls formed on at least a part of the edges of the second housing 120 are formed with a specified height from the remaining three edges excluding the edge facing the first housing 110.

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

[0033] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 is disposed on one side of the first housing 110 or the second housing 120 and includes at least one sensor related to specific functional operations of the electronic device 100. The sensor includes, 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 covered by one side of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 (e.g., in the unfolded state of the housing 101) or is exposed to the outside (e.g., in the folded state of the housing 101) depending on the folded or unfolded state of the electronic device 100. 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 surface of the first housing 110 and one surface of the second housing 120 are arranged to face each other, the hinge housing 150 is arranged such that at least a part thereof is exposed to the outside at an edge on 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 part 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 central region where the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are adjacent. According to various embodiments, the entire display 160 is flexible. Alternatively, at least a part of the central portion 163 of the display 160 is provided with flexibility. The central portion 163 of the display 160 is arranged such that the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are not adhered. For example, the central portion 163 of the display 160 is arranged to be spaced apart from the front surfaces of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 by a certain distance. The upper portion 161 of the display 160 is adhered to at least a part of the first housing 110, and the lower portion 162 of the display 160 is adhered to at least a part of the second housing 120. In this regard, a first adhesive layer 167a is disposed in at least a partial region between the display 160 and the first housing 110, and a second adhesive layer 167b is disposed in at least a partial region between the display 160 and the second housing 120. The first adhesive layer 167a and the second adhesive layer 167b are disposed only at the edges of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

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

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

[0038] The first hinge structure 200a is disposed on one side of the hinge housing 150 (for example, the left side based on the illustrated drawing). 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 with respect to the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The first hinge structure 200a is symmetrically disposed with respect to the second hinge structure 200b based on the central portion of the hinge housing 150.

[0039] The second hinge structure 200b is disposed on the other side of the hinge housing 150 (for example, the right side based on 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 with respect to the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The second hinge structure 200b is symmetrically disposed with respect to the first hinge structure 200a based on the central portion of the hinge housing 150. Such a second hinge structure 200b has the same structure and configuration as the first hinge structure 200a, but is disposed at a different position.

[0040] The hinge housing 150 is provided in a semi-cylindrical shape with an empty interior or in a boat shape formed by cutting a pipe with closed sides in the longitudinal 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 certain curvature on both sides of the bottom 151_3. The first rib 151_1 and the second rib 151_2 are symmetrically arranged on both sides with the bottom 151_3 as the center. The hinge housing 150 gradually decreases in width from the center towards the left and right ends with reference to the illustrated drawing. At least one partition wall 158 is formed inside the hinge housing 150 to separate the internal space of the hinge housing 150. At least a part of the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b is placed in the separated spaces respectively. Shielding walls (151a, 151b) are formed at the left and right ends of the hinge housing 150, protruding from the periphery so that the inside of the hinge housing 150 cannot be observed from the outside. The hinge housing 150 is formed 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] Referring to FIG. 3, the hinge structure (200a, 200b) is either one of the above-described first hinge structure 200a or second hinge structure 200b. 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 its central part fixed to the hinge housing 150, and both blades (for example, rotating brackets) are coupled to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 while being coupled to the arm detent structure 220.

[0044] The arm detent structure 220 is connected to the bracket structure 210 on one side by fixing parts (251, 252), and its placement angle is changed while sliding along the side of the bracket structure 210 by a hinge operation. The arm detent structure 220 includes a cam structure, and the cam structure engages with a cam part 241 arranged in the detent support structure 240 to provide a detent feeling during the hinge operation of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

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

[0046] The detent support structure 240 is fixed inside the hinge housing 150 and provides a specified pressure to the arm detent structure 220. In this regard, the detent support structure 240 includes at least one elastic body, and by pushing the cam part 241 in the direction of the arm detent structure 220 based on the elastic force of the elastic body, the cam part 241 engages with the rotating cam structure of the arm detent structure 220 to assist the cam operation.

[0047] As described above, the hinge structure (200a, 200b) according to one embodiment includes a bracket structure 210 coupled to the hinge housing 150 and the housings (110, 120) and placed on the upper side to assist in folding or unfolding the display 160, an arm detent structure 220 coupled to the bracket structure 210 to provide a detent feeling, a gear structure 230 to assist in the simultaneous operation of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and a detent support structure 240 that supports the arm detent structure 220 and fixes the axis of the gear structure 230. Based on this, the hinge structure (200a, 200b) realizes the folding or unfolding of the display 160 by rotating with reference to a virtual axis formed above the surface of the bracket structure 210, provides a detent feeling based on a cam structure, and assists in the simultaneous hinge operation of the housings (110, 120) based on the gear structure 230 to suppress distortion of the housings (110, 120). Also, the hinge structure (200a, 200b) assists in a placement state at a specified fixed angle, for example, 30 degrees or 60 degrees (for example, the angle between the front surface of the first housing 110 and the front surface of the second housing 120), not only in the unfolded state or the folded state of the housings (110, 120).

[0048] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of FIG. 3.

[0049] In the following description, the first hinge structure among the hinge structures (200a, 200b) will be described as an example. The structure and configuration of the first hinge structure 200a described with reference to FIG. 4 have the same structure and configuration as the above-described second hinge structure 200b.

[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 fixing portion 251, a second fixing portion 252, a first arm portion 221, a second arm portion 222, a first rotating member 231 that rotates about a first rotation axis different from the first virtual axis 11, a second rotating member 232 that rotates about a second rotation axis different from the second virtual 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). At least a part of the configuration of the first hinge structure 200a described above is made of a metal material and is provided to have a certain rigidity. Alternatively, if necessary, the first hinge structure 200a is made of a material such as reinforced plastic or resin.

[0051] The fixed bracket 213 has at least a part of the shape of the lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z axis direction) including a curved surface. For example, the lower surface of the fixed bracket 213 is formed corresponding to the inner shape of the hinge housing 150. The upper surface of the fixed bracket 213 (e.g., the surface in the z axis direction) is provided in a flat shape, and rail grooves (213a, 213b) are formed so that the rotating brackets (211, 212) can be coupled. According to one embodiment, the fixed bracket 213 has at least a part of the cross section provided in an arc shape in the direction 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 includes a first rail groove 213a 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 part of the cross section provided in an arc shape in the direction 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 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 disposed offset in the y axis direction compared to the second rail groove 213b, and the second rail groove 213b is disposed offset in the -y axis direction compared to the first rail groove 213a. The first rail groove 213a rotates with reference to the first virtual axis 11, and the second rail groove 213b rotates with reference to the second virtual axis 12. The first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 are formed above (air) the upper surface (e.g., the surface in the z axis direction) of the fixed bracket 213, and the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 are formed at a specified interval apart from each other. According to one embodiment, the fixed bracket 213 is formed on the side portion disposed in the third direction (e.g., the x axis direction), and includes a first placement groove 213_2a on which one end of the first rotating member 231 (e.g., at least a part of the first placement portion 231_3) is placed, and a second placement groove 213_2b on which one end of the second rotating member 232 (e.g., at least a part of the second placement portion 232_3) is placed.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the fixed bracket 213 includes a first fixing hole 213_1a and a second fixing hole 213_1b that are used to fix the fixed bracket 213 to the hinge housing 150. The electronic device 100 fixes the fixed bracket 213 to the hinge housing 150 by using a coupling member (e.g., a screw, etc.). According to one embodiment, the first fixing hole 213_1a and the second fixing hole 213_1b are symmetrically arranged in a diagonal direction on the upper surface (e.g., the surface in the z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket 213 in order to fix the fixed 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 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 end (e.g., the end in the -y-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1, and a first housing coupling hole 211_4 used for coupling with the first housing 110.

[0054] The first bracket body 211_1 is generally formed in an "L" shape. The upper surface (e.g., the surface arranged in the z-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1 is formed flat. Based on the illustrated drawings, the first sliding hole 211_2 is arranged in the lower direction (e.g., the -z-axis direction) at the right end (e.g., the end in the x-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1, and the first rail 211_3 is arranged on the lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z-axis direction) at one end (e.g., the end in the -y-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1.

[0055] The first sliding hole 211_2 is arranged at the other end (for example, the end in the x-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1 and is arranged below the first bracket body 211_1. The first sliding hole 211_2 is formed such that the length in the first direction (for example, the y-axis direction) is longer than that in the third direction (for example, the x-axis direction). Thereby, the first fixing portion 251 inserted into the first sliding hole 211_2 slides in either one of the first direction (for example, the y-axis direction) and the second direction (for example, the -y-axis direction) within the first sliding hole 211_2. The first sliding hole 211_2 is arranged so as to face the surface of the first arm portion 221 in the fourth direction (for example, the surface arranged 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. Thereby, at least a part of the first fixing portion 251 is arranged inside the first sliding hole 211_2 and the first connecting portion 221_2.

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

[0057] The first housing coupling hole 211_4 is formed on one side of the first bracket body 211_1 (for example, one side end facing the y-axis direction), and is formed so as to penetrate the surface in the first direction (for example, the surface in the y-axis direction) and the surface in the second direction (for example, the surface in the -y-axis direction). In the illustrated drawing, it is exemplified that two first housing coupling holes 211_4 are formed in the first bracket body 211_1, but the present invention is not limited to the number thereof. The coupling member is coupled to a boss or the like provided on the first housing 110 while at least a part of it is fastened to the first housing coupling hole 211_4, thereby fixing 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 (for example, 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 (for example, the end in the y-axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1, and a second housing coupling hole 212_4 used for coupling with the second housing 120.

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

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

[0061] The second rail 212_3 is disposed at the end of the second bracket body 212_1 in the first direction (for example, the end in the y-axis direction) and is disposed below 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 angular range, for example, in the range of 80 degrees to 190 degrees (or 90 degrees to 180 degrees), with respect to the second virtual axis 12. For example, the second rail 212_3 rotates within the range between the -y axis and the z axis.

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

[0063] The first fixing portion 251 is provided in a pin shape having a constant length in one direction. The first fixing portion 251 is formed to be longer than at least 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, both sides of the fixing portion 251 are fixed respectively. 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 located within the first sliding hole 211_2 and slides in the y-axis or -y axis direction.

[0064] The second fixing portion 252 is provided in substantially the same shape as the first fixing portion 251. The second fixing portion 252 is disposed at a position symmetric to the first fixing portion 251 with respect to the fixing bracket 213, and at least a part of the second fixing portion 252 is inserted and fixed to 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 rotary bracket 211 by the first fixing portion 251 and rotates within a specified angular range in cooperation with the first rotary bracket 211 when a hinge operation is performed. According to one embodiment, 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 rotary cam 221_4.

[0066] The upper surface (for example, the surface arranged to face the z-axis) of the first basic body 221_1 is formed flat. The first connecting portion 221_2 is arranged on the lower surface (for example, the surface in the -z-axis direction) of the upper end (for example, the end of the y-axis) of the first basic body 221_1. The first connecting portion 221_2 includes a hole opened in the fourth direction (for example, the -x-axis direction). The first fixing portion 251 is placed and fixed on the first connecting portion 221_2.

[0067] The first insertion portion 221_3 is arranged on the lower surface (for example, the surface in the -z-axis direction) of the lower end (for example, the end of the -y-axis) of the first basic body 221_1. The first insertion portion 221_3 includes a hole opened in the fourth direction (for example, the -x-axis direction) and at least a part of the cross-section of which is angled. At least a part of the first rotating member 231 is placed on the first insertion portion 221_3. The first rotary cam 221_4 is arranged on one side (for example, the end in the x-axis direction) of the first insertion portion 221_3.

[0068] The first rotary cam 221_4 includes at least one ridge and valley arranged on the side in the direction in which the first rotating member 231 is inserted into the first insertion portion 221_3 and protrudes. According to one embodiment, the ends of the ridge and valley include a flat region having a certain length. Thereby, while the first rotary cam 221_4 meshes with the first fixed cam 241_1a of the cam portion 241 and rotates, a section where the end of the ridge of the first rotary cam 221_4 contacts the end of the ridge of the first fixed cam 241_1a is formed with a specified width. When a section where the end of the ridge of the first rotary cam 221_4 contacts the end of the ridge of the first fixed cam 241_1a is formed with a certain width, within the corresponding section, the state of being placed at a certain angle between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is maintained more firmly, and a state of being placed at various angular ranges 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 symmetrically arranged with respect to the first basic body 221_1, and the second connecting portion 222_2 is fastened to one side of the second fixing portion 252. A second rotating member 232 is inserted into the second insertion portion 222_3, and the second rotating cam 222_4 is arranged to engage with the second fixed cam 241_1b of the cam portion 241.

[0070] One end of the first rotating member 231 is placed on a first placement groove 213_2a formed in the fixed bracket 213 and is gear-coupled to the first idle gear 233, and penetrates through 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. Such a first rotating member 231 includes a first shaft body 231_1, a first shaft gear 231_2, and a first placement portion 231_3.

[0071] The first shaft body 231_1 has a length that penetrates 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 is provided with a shape in which the cross-section in the y-axis direction is angular in order to rotate the first rotating cam 221_4 while rotating by an external pressure. For example, the first shaft body 231_1 includes a plurality of flat surfaces in the length direction (for example, the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction). Correspondingly, the inner wall of the first insertion portion 221_3 where the first rotating cam 221_4 is arranged is provided with a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the first shaft body 231_1. The first shaft gear 231_2 is arranged to be offset in the fourth direction (for example, the -x-axis direction) of the first shaft body 231_1. The first shaft gear 231_2 is arranged to be gear-coupled to the first idle gear 233.

[0072] The first placement portion 231_3 is formed to further protrude from the surface of the first shaft gear 231_2 in the fourth direction (for example, the surface in the -x axis direction). At least a part of the first placement portion 231_3 passes through a guide hole formed in the support plate 235 and is placed in a first placement groove 213_2a formed in the fixed bracket 213. By fixing the first fixing portion 251 to the first rotating bracket 211 and the first arm portion 221, the first placement portion 231_3 can be firmly fixed in the first placement groove 213_2a to prevent the separation and distortion of the first shaft body 231_1.

[0073] One end of the second rotating member 232 is placed in a second placement groove 213_2b formed in the fixed bracket 213 and is gear-coupled to the second idle gear 234. It passes through 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, and the other end of the second rotating member 232 is fixed to the support bracket 243. Such a second rotating member 232 includes a second shaft body 232_1, a second shaft gear 232_2, and a second placement portion 232_3.

[0074] The second-axis body 232_1 has a length that penetrates through the stopper 236, the second insertion part 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. Such a second-axis body 232_1 has substantially the same shape and size as the first-axis body 231_1. The second-axis body 232_1 is arranged at a position separated from the first-axis body 231_1 by a certain length. The second-axis gear 232_2 has the same shape and size as the first-axis gear 231_2 and is arranged on the second-axis body 232_1. The arrangement position of the second-axis gear 232_2 is symmetrical to the arrangement position of the first-axis gear 231_2. At least a part of the second placement part 232_3 has the same shape and size as the first placement part 231_3 and is placed in the second placement groove 213_2b. In this process, at least a part of the second placement part 232_3 penetrates through the guide hole of the support plate 235 and is placed in the second placement groove 213_2b. The second placement part 232_3 is firmly placed in the second placement groove 213_2b during the process of the second fixing part 252 fixing the second rotating bracket 212 and the second arm part 222.

[0075] The stopper 236 supports the corresponding pressure when the first arm part 221 and the second arm part 222 do not rotate by a specified angle or more, or when a pressure outside the specified angle range is applied. Such a stopper 236 includes a stopper body 236_1, a first shaft insertion hole 236a into which the first-axis body 231_1 of the first rotating member 231 is inserted, and a second shaft insertion hole 236b into which the second-axis 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) from the surfaces of the first shaft insertion hole 236a and the second shaft insertion hole 236b. The stopper body 236_1 restricts the rotation range of one side (e.g., the surface in the fourth direction of the first insertion portion (e.g., the surface in the -x-axis direction)) of the first arm portion 221 while the first arm portion 221 rotates, and restricts the rotation range of one side (e.g., the surface in the fourth direction of the second insertion portion (e.g., the surface in the -x-axis direction)) of the second arm portion 222 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 surface in the fourth direction (e.g., the surface in the -x-axis direction) of the first insertion portion 221_3 of the first arm portion 221 and the surface in the fourth direction (e.g., the surface in the -x-axis direction) of the second insertion portion 222_3. The surface in the third direction (e.g., the surface in the x-axis direction) of the stopper body 236_1 is arranged to face the surface in the fourth direction (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 at both side ends. The fourth-direction surface (e.g., the -x-axis direction surface) of the cam body 241_1 is arranged to face the third-direction surface (e.g., the x-axis direction surface) of the stopper body 236_1. The first fixed cam 241_1a has ridges and valleys arranged in the fourth direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction), and a first cam hole 241_2a is formed at the center portion so that the first rotating member 231 penetrates therethrough. 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 third-direction surface (e.g., the x-axis direction surface) of the first fixed cam 241_1a. The second fixed cam 241_1b is arranged in the same direction as the first fixed cam 241_1a and is arranged to be separated 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 third-direction surface (e.g., the x-axis direction surface) of the second fixed cam 241_1b. A second cam hole 241_2b is formed at the center portion of the second fixed cam 241_1b so that the second rotating member 232 penetrates therethrough.

[0079] According to various embodiments, while the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 rotate within a certain angular range, the cam portion 241 retreats in the third direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) by the first rotating cam 221_4 and the second rotating cam 222_4, and then moves in the 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 ridges and valleys of the cam mesh, and returns to the original position.

[0080] The first elastic body 242a has a spring shape with a hollow center. The first shaft body 231_1 of the first rotating member 231 passing through the first fixed cam 241_1a is placed on the center of the first elastic body 242a. The first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b are arranged between the cam portion 241 and the support bracket 243. By fixing the support bracket 243, it acts to push the cam portion 241 in the fourth direction (for example, the -x axis direction). The second elastic body 242b is arranged at a specified interval from the first elastic body 242a and is arranged to contact the surface of the second fixed cam 241_1b in the third direction (for example, 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 penetrating 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 and supports one side of the first elastic body 242a. Also, 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 arranged at a position separated by a certain 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 arranged between the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second shaft gear 232_2. One side is gear-coupled to the first shaft gear 231_2, and the other side is 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 the surface of the stopper 236 in the fourth direction (for example, the 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, with one side gear-coupled to the first idle gear 233 and the other side 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 the fourth-direction surface (e.g., the surface in the -x axis direction) of the stopper 236. In this regard, a groove or hole for seating the protrusion of the first idle gear 233 and the protrusion of the second idle gear 234 is formed in the fourth-direction surface (e.g., the surface in the -x axis direction) of the stopper 236.

[0084] The support plate 235 is disposed between the fixed bracket 213 and the rotating members (231, 232) and is arranged to prevent the separation of the rotating members (231, 232) and the idle gears (233, 234). 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 a guide hole (or guide groove) on which the protrusions of the first idle gear 233 and the second idle gear 234 are seated.

[0085] A plurality of fixed 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 as not to separate from the corresponding position and to allow the corresponding component to rotate. The plurality of fixed clips (291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, 249_2) include, for example, C-clips. The plurality of fixed clips (291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, 249_2) include, for example, a first fixed clip 291_1 for fixing the first fixing portion 251 to the third-direction surface (e.g., the x-axis direction surface) of the first connecting portion 221_2, a second fixed clip 291_2 for fixing the second fixing portion 252 to the third-direction surface (e.g., the x-axis direction surface) of the second connecting portion 222_2, a third fixed clip 292_1 coupled to the first mounting portion 231_3 of the first rotating member 231 so that the first mounting portion 231_3 does not separate from the support plate 235, a fourth fixed clip 292_2 coupled to the second mounting portion 232_3 of the second rotating member 232 so that the second mounting portion 232_3 does not separate from the support plate 235, a fifth fixed clip 249_1 coupled to the end of the first rotating member 231 so that the first rotating member 231 does not separate from the first support bracket hole 243_2a of the support bracket 243, and a sixth fixed clip 249_2 coupled to the end of the second rotating member 232 so that the second rotating member 232 does not separate from the second support bracket hole 243_2b of the support bracket 243.

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

[0087] Referring to FIG. 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. The first arm portion 221 includes, as described above, 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. 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 including at least one peak 222_4a and valley 222_4b. The top portion of the peak 222_4a includes a flat region with a certain width. The bottom portion of the valley 222_4b includes a flat region with a certain width similar to the top portion of the peak 222_4a. The sizes and shapes of the flat regions of the top portion of the peak 222_4a and the bottom portion of the valley 222_4b are provided to be the same or similar.

[0088] The upper surface of the first basic body 221_1 of the first arm portion 221 is formed flat 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 side by side with the first bracket body 211_1 in the first state (e.g., the unfolded state) or the second state (e.g., the folded state) of the electronic device 100. Alternatively, the height of the upper surface of the first basic body 221_1 and the height of the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 are arranged to be the same. 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. In the first state (e.g., the unfolded state) and the second state (e.g., the folded state), the height of the upper surface of the second basic body 222_1 and the height of the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 are arranged to be the same.

[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 arranged to engage 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 with a flat region of a specified length at the top and a valley with a flat region of a specified length at the bottom, corresponding to 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. A second cam hole 241_2b is arranged in the center, and at least a part of the second rotating member 232 is inserted into the second cam hole 241_2b. The second fixed cam 241_1b is arranged to engage with the second rotating cam 222_4. The shapes of the peaks and valleys of the second fixed cam 241_1b are provided in a form corresponding to the shapes of the peaks and valleys of the second rotating cam 222_4.

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

[0091] Referring to FIG. 6, a stopper connection structure of a 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 with reference to FIG. 4 above, the first rotating member 231 is arranged such that the first shaft body 231_1, the first shaft gear 231_2, and the first mounting portion 231_3 are continuous. 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, and at least a part of the outside is provided in a shape that bulges in relation to the rotation of the first arm portion 221 (for example, a shape in which the cross-section is formed as a polygon or a shape including a plurality of surfaces). At the end of the first shaft body 231_1 (for example, the end on the opposite side of the first mounting portion 231_3), a first fixing groove 231_1a into which a fixing clip (for example, the fifth fixing clip 249_1) is inserted to fix the first shaft body 231_1 to the support bracket 243 is arranged. On one side of the first mounting portion 231_3, a second fixing groove 231_1a into which a fixing clip (for example, the third fixing clip 292_1) is inserted is arranged so as to be inserted and mounted in the first placement groove 213_2a and to prevent detachment from the support plate 235.

[0093] Similar to the first rotating member 231, the second rotating member 232 is arranged such that the second shaft body 232_1, the second shaft gear 232_2, and the second mounting portion 232_3 are continuous. The second shaft body 232_1 is provided in the same or identical manner as the first shaft body 231_1. At the end of the second shaft body 232_1 (for example, the end on the opposite side of the second mounting portion 232_3), a third fixing groove 232_1a into which a fixing clip (for example, the sixth fixing clip 249_2) is inserted to fix the second shaft body 232_1 to the support bracket 243 is arranged. On one side of the second mounting portion 232_3, a fourth fixing groove 232_3a into which a fixing clip (for example, the fourth fixing clip 292_2) is inserted is arranged so as to be inserted and mounted in the second placement groove 213_2b and to prevent detachment from 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 a first arm portion 221 inserted into the first shaft body 231_1 and a first shaft gear 231_2. The second shaft insertion hole 236b is disposed between a second arm portion 222 inserted into the second shaft body 232_1 and a 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 deployed state. According to one embodiment, the stopper body 236_1 includes a third locking jaw 236_2c disposed to support the other side 221_1b of the first arm portion 221 and a fourth locking jaw 236_2d disposed to support the other side 222_1b of the second arm portion 222 when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state. Based on the structure of the stopper 236 described above, the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 are supported so as not to rotate additionally in the rotating direction in the deployed state or the folded state.

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

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 7, a partial configuration of the electronic device includes a first hinge structure 200a and a display 160, and the first hinge structure 200a and the display 160 are in a first state (e.g., a deployed state).

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

[0098] While the first rotation bracket 211 and the second rotation bracket 212 maintain the deployed state, the display 160 maintains the deployed state. The first arm portion 221 rotates within a specified angular range with respect to the first rotation member 231. The second arm portion 222 rotates within a specified angular range with respect to the second rotation member 232. The first rotation bracket 211 rotates within an angular range similar to or the same as that of the first arm portion 221 with respect to the first virtual axis 11. The second rotation bracket 212 rotates within an angular range similar to or the same as that of the second arm portion 222 with respect to the second virtual axis 12. The first virtual axis 11 is formed higher in the direction of the display 160 than the first rotation member 231. The second virtual axis 12 is formed higher in the direction of the display 160 than the second rotation member 232. The distance between the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 is formed shorter than the distance between the first rotation member 231 and the second rotation 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 (e.g., air above the display 160).

[0099] While the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 maintain the deployed state, 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, with reference to the illustrated drawing, the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 and the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 are arranged to face upward in the same way. According to one embodiment, while the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 maintain the deployed state, the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222 are also arranged side by side. Thereby, 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 both arranged to face the same direction (for example, the upward direction with reference to the illustrated drawing). Thereby, 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 reference to the horizontal axis and are all arranged to face the same upward direction with reference 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 a height difference.

[0100] According to various embodiments, a certain gap Gap_1 is formed between the hinge structures (200a, 200b) at the central portion where the display 160 bends. An adhesive layer is disposed in the peripheral region (for example, the upper portion 161 or the lower portion 162) other than the central portion 163 of the display 160.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the first specified angle state of the first hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 8, the first hinge structure 200a includes a first designated angular 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 fixing portion 251. The second rotating bracket 212 is connected to the second arm portion 222 by a second fixing portion 252.

[0103] An external pressure acts, and the first housing (e.g., the first housing 110 in FIG. 1a) to which the first rotation bracket 211 is fixed or the second housing (e.g., the second housing 120 in FIG. 1a) to which the second rotation bracket 212 is fixed rotates by a certain angle in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from a point on the horizontal axis 801 with reference to the illustrated drawing. For example, the first rotation bracket 211 connected to the first housing 110 rotates by a first angle (e.g., 30 degrees) in the direction of the vertical axis 803 (e.g., the z-axis in FIG. 4) from a point on the horizontal axis 801 (e.g., the -y axis or the y axis in FIG. 4) with reference to the first virtual axis 11 (e.g., in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from the right side with reference to the illustrated drawing). When the first rotation bracket 211 rotates by the first angle due to the 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 the first angle in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from above the horizontal axis 801 with reference to the first rotating member 231. In this operation, the force due to the rotation operation is transmitted to the first rotation cam 221_4 and the first insertion portion 221_3. The first rotating member 231 with one side inserted into the first insertion portion 221_3 rotates due to the rotation of the first insertion portion 221_3. As a result, the first shaft gear 231_2 of the first rotating member 231 rotates while the first rotating member 231 rotates. The first idle gear 233 and the second idle gear 234 that are gear-coupled rotate due to the rotation of the first shaft gear 231_2, and as a result, the second rotating member 232 rotates due to the rotation of the second shaft gear 232_2. The rotation of the second rotating member 232 causes the second insertion portion 222_3 to rotate, the rotation of the second insertion portion 222_3 causes the second arm portion 222 to rotate, and the rotation of the second arm portion 222 causes the second rotation 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 due to externally applied pressure (or force). Thus, even if the external pressure is generated in the second housing 120 to which the second rotating bracket 212 is connected, or is generated 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 distortion of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is suppressed by the simultaneous rotation, and an accurate hinge operation is performed.

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

[0106] According to an embodiment, by disposing the virtual axes (11, 12) of the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 between the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232 of the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222, the rotation amount of the first rotating bracket 211 and the rotation amount of the first arm portion 221 are different from each other. As a result, the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotating bracket 211 protrudes more with respect to the horizontal axis 801 than the upper surface of the first basic body 221_1 of the first arm portion 221. By connecting the first rotating bracket and the first arm portion 221 by the first fixing portion 251, while the first rotating bracket 211 rotates, the first fixing portion 251 slides a certain distance along the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first rotating bracket 211. Similarly, the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 rotates so as to protrude more with respect to the horizontal axis 801 than the second basic body 222_1. Further, by connecting the second rotating bracket and the second arm portion 222 by the second fixing portion 252, while the second rotating bracket 212 rotates, the second fixing portion 252 slides a certain distance along the second sliding hole 212_2 of the second rotating bracket 212.

[0107] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second specified angular state of a first hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 1a and 9, the first hinge structure 200a includes a second specified angular 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 fixing portion 251, and the second rotating bracket 212 is connected to the second arm portion 222 by a second fixing portion 252.

[0109] When an external pressure (or force) acts, the first housing (for example, the first housing 110 in FIG. 1a) or the second housing (for example, the second housing 120 in FIG. 1a) rotates by a second angle (for example, 60 degrees) in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from a point on the horizontal axis 801 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 (for example, 60 degrees) in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from a point on the horizontal axis 801 with reference to the first virtual axis 11 or the second virtual axis 12 (for example, in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from the right side with reference to the illustrated drawing). The forces applied in the process of performing the above-described operation are transmitted to each other through 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, and the first rotating bracket 211, the second rotating bracket 212, the first arm portion 221, and the second arm portion 222 rotate simultaneously.

[0110] When the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 rotate at the second angle, the first fixing part 251 and the second fixing part 252 slide in the first sliding hole 211_2 and the second sliding hole 212_2. At this time, they slide closer to the direction of the fixed bracket 213 than in the state of being rotated at the first angle. In the above 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 with reference to the illustrated drawing, 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. Since the rotation axis of the first rotating bracket 211 and the rotation axis of the first arm part 221 are different from each other, and the rotation axis of the second rotating bracket 212 and the rotation axis of the second arm part 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 of 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 for explaining a second state of a partial structure of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

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

[0113] In the above structure, the first rotation bracket 211 and the second rotation bracket 212 are arranged to face each other. Based on the illustrated drawing, the edge ends of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are arranged adjacent to each other. In the illustrated drawing, the first rotation bracket 211 rotates with respect to the first virtual axis 11 and is further inclined by a specified angle to the left with respect to the vertical axis 803. Alternatively, the second rotation bracket 212 rotates with respect to the second virtual axis 12 and is further inclined by a specified angle to the right with respect to the vertical axis 803. The first virtual axis 11 is, for example, the rotation central axis of the first rail 211_3, and the second virtual axis 12 is the rotation central axis of the second rail 212_3. The first arm portion 221 rotates with respect to the first rotating member 231 and is placed side by side with the first rotation bracket 211, and the second arm portion 222 rotates with respect to the second rotating member 232 and is placed side by side with the second rotation bracket 212. Thereby, the center portion of the display 160 is bent in a "U" shape, and the remaining area maintains a flat state.

[0114] While the first rotation bracket 211 and the first arm portion 221 are placed vertically (or inclined by a specified angle to the left with respect to the vertical axis 803), the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotation bracket 211 and the upper surface of the first basic body 221_1 of the first arm portion 221 are arranged side by side without a height difference. Due to the difference in length between the first rotation bracket 211 and the first arm portion 221, the first fixing portion 251 is located at the lower end of the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first rotation 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 rotation 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 outward to the right from the central part of the fixed bracket 213 with reference to the illustrated drawing while the electronic device 100 changes its state from the first state to the second state (e.g., the folded state), and rotates from the right outer side of the fixed bracket 213 toward the central part with reference to the illustrated drawing while the electronic device 100 changes its state from the second state to the first state (e.g., the unfolded state). According to one embodiment, the second rotating bracket 212 rotates outward to the left from the central part of the fixed bracket 213 with reference to the illustrated drawing while the electronic device 100 changes its state from the first state to the second state (e.g., the folded state), and rotates from the left outer side of the fixed bracket 213 toward the central part with reference to the illustrated drawing while the electronic device 100 changes its state from the second state to the first state (e.g., the unfolded state). While the electronic device 100 maintains the folded state, the ridges and valleys of the cam part 241 are engaged with the valleys and ridges of the rotating cams arranged on the first arm part 221 and the second arm part 222. Thereby, the first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b are restored from the compressed state in the first designated angle state and the second designated angle state to the initial state (e.g., the released state).

[0116] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an additional structure of a 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 part 221, a second arm part 222, a first fixing part 251, a second fixing part 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 part 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, and a support bracket 243. Additionally or alternatively, at least one washer ring and a ring plate 237 are further added.

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

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

[0120] The ring plate 237 includes a guide hole with one side inserted into the first rotating member 231 and a guide hole with one side 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 portion when friction force is generated in the washer rings (238_1a, 238_1b, 238_2a, 238_2b), and provides a friction force so that the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232 are placed 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 arranged on the first fixing part 251, and a first fixing clip 291_1 for fixing the first fixing part 251 to the first arm part 221 is arranged. The fifth washer ring 251b is arranged between the third elastic body 251a and the first fixing clip 291_1. The third elastic body 251a serves to make the one end of the first arm part 221 (for example, the first connecting part 221_2) and the one end of the first rotating bracket 211 (for example, the first sliding hole 211_2) contact more firmly. The fifth washer ring 251b increases the frictional force during the contact process between the first rotating bracket 211 and the first arm part 221, so that the first hinge structure 200a can be placed at more various angles. Similar to the above structure, the second fixing part 252 additionally includes a fourth elastic body 252a and a sixth washer ring 252b, and a second fixing clip 291_2 is arranged on one side of the second arm part 222 for fixing the second fixing part 252.

[0122] According to various embodiments, a hinge structure 200 according to one embodiment includes a first rotating bracket 211 that rotates within a first range with respect to a first virtual axis 11, a second rotating bracket 212 that rotates within a second range with respect to 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 about a first rotation axis different from the first virtual axis, and a second rotating member that rotates about a second rotation axis different from the second virtual axis, a first arm portion 221 including a first basic body 221_1, a first connecting portion 221_2 disposed on one side of the first basic body and connected to the first rotating bracket, a first insertion portion 221_3 into which one side of the first rotating member is inserted, and a first rotating cam 221_4 disposed adjacent to the first insertion portion, 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 into which one side of the second rotating member 232 is inserted, and a second rotating cam 222_4 disposed adjacent to the second insertion portion, a cam portion 241 having concavities and convexities corresponding to the first rotating cam and the second rotating cam, a first elastic body 242a inserted into the first rotating member and supporting at least one side of the cam portion in the direction of the first arm portion, a second elastic body 242b inserted into the second rotating member and supporting at least the other side of the cam portion in the direction of the second arm portion, and a support bracket 243 that supports the first elastic body and the second elastic body.

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

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

[0125] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes at least one of a first fixing clip 291_1 disposed 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 disposed 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 placement portion 231_3 placed 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 disposed between the first placement portion and the first shaft body, and the second rotating member includes a second placement portion 232_3 placed 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 disposed between the second placement portion and the second shaft body.

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

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

[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 placement portion to prevent the first placement portion from detaching from the support plate, and a fourth fixing clip 292_2 disposed at an end of the second placement portion to prevent the second placement portion from detaching from the support plate.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes a stopper 236 inserted into one side of the first rotating member and the second rotating member and facing 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 by a specified angle or more.

[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 detaching from 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 detaching from the support bracket.

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

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

[0134] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure further includes at least one of a ring plate 237 disposed between the cam portion and the first elastic body or the second elastic body, a first washer ring 238_1a disposed between the first cam portion and the ring plate and inserted into the first rotating member, and a second washer ring 238_2a disposed 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 region with 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 region with 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 fixing clip, and a sixth washer ring 252b disposed between the fourth elastic body and the second fixing clip.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the first rotating member 231 and the second rotating member 232 are placed on one side of the fixed bracket at regular intervals.

[0140] According to various embodiments, it further includes a first fixing portion 251 fixed to the first connecting portion 221_2 through a first sliding hole 211_2 formed on one side of the first rotating bracket and sliding along the first sliding hole, and a second fixing portion 252 fixed to the second connecting portion 222_2 through a second sliding hole 212_2 formed on one side of the second rotating bracket and sliding 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 to assist the hinge operation of the first housing or the second housing, a hinge housing 150 that surrounds the hinge structure, and a flexible display 160 disposed on the first housing and the second housing. At least a part (161, 162) of the display is attached to at least a part of the upper side of the first housing or the upper side of the second housing, and at least a part of the central portion 163 of the display is disposed with a specified-size gap from the hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a first rotating bracket coupled to the first housing and rotating within a first range with respect to a first virtual axis, a second rotating bracket coupled to the second housing and rotating within a second range with respect to a second virtual axis, a fixed bracket to which the first rotating bracket and the second rotating bracket are fixed, a first arm portion having one side coupled to the first rotating bracket and a first rotating cam formed on the other side, a second arm portion having one side coupled to the second rotating bracket and a second rotating cam formed on the other side, and a cam portion formed with concavities and convexities corresponding to the first rotating cam and the second rotating cam.

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

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

[0144] Referring to FIG. 12, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100 are in a folded state, as shown in the figure, a gap Gap_2 is formed in the region where the hinge housing 150 is coupled to the first housing 110 or the second housing 120. The gap Gap_2 is caused by the height of the side wall of the hinge housing 150. When the hinge structure 200 is in a folded state, the gap Gap_2 of the hinge housing 150 can be observed from the outside. Such a gap Gap_2 is formed because the hinge housing 150 needs not to interfere with the hinge operation of the hinge structure 200 during the folding or unfolding operation of the hinge structure 200. As a result, in the state where the electronic device 100 is folded, the gap Gap_2 is observed between the hinge housing 150 and the hinge structure 200. The observation of such a gap Gap_2 is a factor that reduces the appearance quality of the electronic device. For example, a part of the hinge structure 200 disposed inside through the gap Gap_2 can be observed from the outside.

[0145] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 13, in the folded state of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, the ends of the side portions (158a, 158b) of the hinge housing 150 are formed to be 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. Thereby, when the electronic device 100 is observed from the outside in the folded state, no other gap is observed in the boundary region between the hinge housing 150 and the housings (110, 120), and only the hinge housing 150 is observed. In this regard, in order to prevent the collision of the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 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, first and second storage grooves (221_9, 222_9) are arranged in a certain region of the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212. The first and second storage grooves (221_9, 222_9) include, for example, a first storage groove 221_9 arranged at the end of the first rotating bracket 211 and a second storage groove 222_9 arranged at the end of the second rotating bracket 212. In the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first side portion 158a of the hinge housing 150 is stored in the first storage groove 221_9, and the second side portion 158b of the hinge housing 150 is stored in the second storage groove 222_9.

[0147] According to various embodiments, as the heights of the first side portion 158a and the second side portion 158b of the hinge housing 150 increase by a specified height in the direction of the vertical axis 803, third and fourth storage grooves (211_9, 212_9) are also arranged in the first arm portion 221 and the second arm portion 222. The third storage groove 211_9 is formed at the central portion of the first arm portion 221 (for example, between the first rail 211_3 and the first housing coupling hole 211_4 shown in FIG. 4). Similarly, the fourth storage groove 212_9 is formed at the central portion of the second arm portion 222 (for example, between the second rail 212_3 and the second housing coupling hole 212_4 shown in FIG. 4). In the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first side portion 158a is stored in the third storage groove 211_9, and the second side portion 158b is stored in the fourth storage groove 212_9.

[0148] By adopting the above structure, the height in the direction of the vertical axis 803 of the side portions (158a, 158b) of the hinge housing 150 is formed to be higher than the depth in the direction below (-803) of the vertical axes of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. For example, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first side portion 158a is located inside the first housing 110 and is disposed higher than the lower end of the vertical axis of the first housing 110. When viewed from the direction of the horizontal axis 801, at least a part of the first side portion 158a overlaps with the end portion of the first housing 110. Similarly, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the second side portion 158b is located inside the second housing 120 and is disposed higher than the lower end of the vertical axis of the second housing 120. When viewed from the direction of the horizontal axis (for example, 801), at least a part of the second side portion 158b overlaps with the end portion of the second housing 120.

[0149] FIG. 14 is a diagram 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. 14.

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

[0151] The third hinge structure 200c is disposed on one side of the hinge housing 150 (for example, the left side based on the illustrated drawing). The third hinge structure 200c is coupled to the left side of the first housing 110 (for example, the first housing 110 in FIG. 1a) and the left side of the second housing 120 (for example, the second housing 120 in FIG. 1a), and rotates within a specified range with respect to the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The third hinge structure 200c is symmetrically disposed with respect to the fourth hinge structure 200d based on the central portion 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 based on 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 with respect to the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150. The fourth hinge structure 200d is symmetrically disposed with respect to the third hinge structure 200c with reference to the central portion of the hinge housing 150. Such a fourth hinge structure 200d has the same structure and configuration as the third hinge structure 200c, but is disposed at a different position.

[0153] The hinge housing 150 is provided in a shape of a semi-cylindrical shape with an empty interior or a boat shape obtained by cutting a pipe with closed sides in the longitudinal direction. Such a hinge housing 150 is provided with the same structure and material as the hinge housing described in FIG. 2 above.

[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 fixing portion 1551 and a second fixing 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 configuration of the above-described third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) is provided such that at least a part thereof is made of a metal material and has a certain rigidity. Alternatively, if necessary, the third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) is made of a material such as reinforced plastic or resin.

[0155] The fixed bracket 1513 has at least a part of the shape of the lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z axis direction) including a curved surface. For example, the lower surface of the fixed bracket 1513 is formed corresponding 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 provided in a flat shape, and rail grooves (1513a, 1513b) are formed so that the rotating brackets (1511, 1512) can be coupled. The formation positions and arrangement forms of the rail grooves (1513a, 1513b) have the same form and arrangement state as the rail grooves (213a, 213b) described in FIG. 4 above. Thereby, the first rotating bracket 1511 and the second rotating bracket 1512 inserted into the rail grooves (1513a, 1513b) rotate in the same manner as the rotation operations of the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 described in FIG. 4 above.

[0156] According to various embodiments, the fixed bracket 1513 includes a protruding portion 1513_1 protruding in the third direction (e.g., the x axis direction), and at least a part of both sides (e.g., the surfaces in the y axis direction and the -y axis direction) of the protruding portion 1513_1 is formed as a curved surface. At least a part of the first arm portion 1521 and the second arm portion 1522 and at least a part of the cam portion 1541 are placed on both sides of the protruding portion 1513_1. In the fixed bracket 1513, first placement grooves 1513_2a and second placement grooves 1513_2b are arranged on the side portions arranged on both sides of the protruding portion 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 placement groove 1513_2a and the second placement groove 1513_2b. Alternatively, one side of the first rotating member 1531 and one side of the second rotating member 1532 that respectively penetrate one side of the cam portion 1541, the first elastic body 1542a and the second elastic body 1542b, and the support bracket 1543 are placed in the first placement groove 1513_2a and the second placement groove 1513_2b.

[0157] The first rotating bracket 1511 and the second rotating bracket 1512 are similar or identical to the structures of the first rotating bracket 211 and the second rotating bracket 212 described in FIG. 4 above. 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 in FIG. 4.

[0158] The first fixing part 1551 is provided in a pin shape having a constant length in one direction. The first fixing part 1551 penetrates at least the sliding hole of the first rotating bracket 1511 and is placed on the connecting part of the first arm part 1521, and is fixed in the third direction (for example, the x-axis direction) by the first fixing clip 1591_1. One side of the first fixing part 1551 slides in the y-axis or -y-axis direction within the sliding hole of the first rotating bracket 1511.

[0159] The second fixing part 1552 is provided in substantially the same shape as the first fixing part 1551. The second fixing part 1552 is arranged at a position symmetric to the first fixing part 1551 with respect to the fixing bracket 1513, and at least a part of it is inserted and fixed in the third direction (for example, the x-axis direction) into the sliding hole of the second rotating bracket 1512 and the connecting part of the second arm part 1522. One side of the second fixing part 1552 slides in the y-axis or -y-axis direction within the sliding hole of the second rotating bracket 1512.

[0160] The first arm part 1521 is fastened to the first rotating bracket 1511 by the first fixing part 1551, and when a hinge operation is performed, it rotates within a specified angle range in cooperation with the first rotating bracket 1511. According to one embodiment, the first arm part 1521 includes a first insertion part 1521_3 and a first rotating cam 1521_4, and includes a configuration corresponding to the first basic body 221_1 and the first connecting part 221_2 as described in FIG. 4 above.

[0161] The first rotating cam 1521_4 includes at least one ridge and valley arranged in a direction in which the first rotating member 1531 is inserted into and protrudes from the first insertion portion 1521_3. According to one embodiment, the ends of the ridges and valleys include flat regions having a constant length. At least a part of the first rotating cam 1521_4 and the first insertion portion 1521_3 is placed on one side of the protruding portion 1513_1 of the fixed 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. A second rotating member 1532 is inserted into the second insertion portion 1522_3, and the second rotating cam 1522_4 is arranged to engage with the other side of the cam portion 1541.

[0163] One end of the first rotating member 1531 is placed on the first placement groove 1513_2a formed in the fixed 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. One side is fixed by the third fixing clip 1592_1, the other side is gear-coupled to the first idler gear 1533, and it is fixed to the support plate 1535 by the fifth fixing clip 1549_1. Such a first rotating member 1531 includes a first shaft body 1531_1, a first shaft gear 1531_2, and a first placement portion 1531_3.

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

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

[0166] The second rotating member 1532 has one end placed on the second placement groove 1513_2b formed in the fixing bracket 1513 via the support bracket 1543, the second elastic body 1542b, one side of the cam part 1541, and the second insertion part 1522_3, and one side is fixed by the fourth fixing clip 1592_2 and the other side is gear-coupled to the second idler gear 1534, and is fixed to the support plate 1535 by the sixth fixing clip 1549_2. Such a second rotating member 1532 includes a second shaft body 1532_1, a second shaft gear 1532_2, and a second placement part 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 arranged at a position separated from the first shaft body 1531_1 by a certain length. The second shaft gear 1532_2 has the same shape and size as the first shaft gear 1531_2 and is arranged on the second shaft body 1532_1. The arrangement position of the second shaft gear 1532_2 is symmetrical to the arrangement position of the first shaft gear 1531_2. At least a part of the second placement part 1532_3 has the same shape and size as the first placement part 1531_3. In this process, at least a part of the second placement part 1532_3 penetrates through the guide hole of 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 in FIG. 4 above. 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 part of such a cam portion 1541 is placed on at least a part of the protruding portion 1513_1 of the fixed bracket 1513.

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

[0170] The second elastic body 1542b has the same or similar shape and size as the first elastic body 1542a and has a spring shape with a hollow center. In the center of the second elastic body 1542b, the second shaft body 1532_1 of the second rotating member 1532 that penetrates the support bracket 1543 is disposed through.

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

[0172] The support bracket 1543 includes a support portion that supports at least a part 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 disposed through, and a placement groove on which one side of the idle gears (1533, 1534) is placed.

[0173] The first idle gear 1533 is disposed between the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the second shaft gear 1532_2, with one side gear-coupled to the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the other side 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, and 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, with one side gear-coupled to the first idle gear 1533 and the other side 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 seating groove formed in the support bracket 1543.

[0175] The support plate 1535 is arranged to prevent the rotation members (1531, 1532) and the idle gears (1533, 1534) from disengaging. 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 placement portion 1531_3 of the first rotation member 1531 passes, a guide hole through which the second placement portion 1532_3 of the second rotation member 1532 passes, and a guide hole (or guide groove) on which the protrusions of the first idle gear 1533 and the second idle gear 1534 are placed.

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

[0177] The hinge structure (for example, the third hinge structure 200c or the fourth hinge structure 200d) of the present invention described above is located at a distance separated by a specified distance from the region where the gear structure is coupled between the rotating bracket and the fixed bracket.

[0178] An electronic device including the hinge structure according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention includes a first rotating member that rotates about a first axis, a second rotating member that rotates about a second axis, a first connecting portion connected to the first rotating member, a second connecting portion connected to the second rotating member, a first arm portion having a first cam structure, a third connecting portion, a fourth connecting portion, and a second arm portion having a second cam structure, a cam member including a first cam that engages with the first cam structure and a second cam that engages 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 rotating bracket having a first sliding hole and 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. The first sliding hole of the first rotating bracket and the second connecting portion are connected by a first fixing portion, and the second sliding hole of the second rotating bracket and the fourth connecting portion are connected by a second fixing portion. The first fixing portion slides within the first sliding hole corresponding to the rotation of the first arm portion, and the second fixing portion slides within the second sliding hole corresponding to the rotation of the second arm portion.

[0179] According to various embodiments, the electronic device further includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing is fastened to the first rotating bracket and rotates about the third axis, and the second housing is connected to the second rotating bracket and rotates about the 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 are formed below the display in the unfolded state of the electronic device.

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

[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 in part 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 a first fixing part disposed through the first connecting part and a second washer ring fastened to an end of a second fixing part disposed through the second connecting part.

[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 part and the first washer ring and a second elastic member disposed between an end of the second fixing part 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 part of the first arm part and between the second rotating member and the fourth connecting part of the second arm part to prevent the first arm part and the second arm part from rotating more than a specified angle.

[0187] The hinge structure according to various embodiments and the electronic device including the same can provide various functions related to the hinge operation even in a relatively narrow arrangement area. For example, the hinge structure according to one embodiment and the electronic device including the same can provide a detent feeling during the hinge operation of the housing, and by enabling the rotational operations of a plurality of housings to be performed simultaneously while supporting various placement angles, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of distortion during the rotational operation 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 are referred to by the embodiments of the detailed description.

[0189] Components (e.g., modules or programs) according to various embodiments are each composed of one or more individuals, and some of the corresponding sub-components described above may be omitted or other sub-components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some components (e.g., modules or programs) are integrated into one individual and perform the same or similar functions as the corresponding components before integration. Operations performed by modules, programs, or other components according to various embodiments are executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or at least some operations are executed in other orders, omitted, or other operations are added.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0190] 100 Electronic device 101 Housing 110, 120 First, second housings 111, 112, 121, 122 First to fourth step portions 119, 129 First, second covers 150 Hinge housing 151_1, 151_2 First, second ribs 151_3 Bottom 151a, 151b Shielding walls 158 Partition wall 158a, 158b First, second side portions 160 Display (flexible display) 161, 162, 163 Upper, lower, central portions 167a, 167b First, second adhesive layers 200 Hinge structure 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d First to fourth hinge structures 210 Bracket structure 211, 212 First, second rotating brackets 211_1, 212_1 First, second bracket bodies 211_2, 212_2 First, second sliding holes 211_3, 212_3 First, second rails 211_4, 212_4 First and second housing coupling holes 211_9, 212_9 Third and fourth storage grooves 213 Fixed bracket 213_1a, 213_1b First and second fixing holes 213_2a, 213_2b First and second placement grooves 213a, 213b First and second rail grooves 220 Arm detent structure 221, 222 First and second arm parts 221_1, 222_1 First and second basic bodies 221_2, 222_2 First and second connecting parts 221_3, 222_3 First and second insertion parts 221_4, 222_4 First and second rotating cams 221_9, 222_9 First and second storage grooves 222_1a One side 222_1b The other side 222_4a Ridge 222_4b Valley 230 Gear structure 231, 232 First and second rotating members 231_1, 232_1 First and second shaft bodies 231_2, 232_2 First and second shaft gears 231_3, 232_3 First and second placement parts 232_1a, 232_3a Third and fourth fixing grooves 233, 234 First and second idler gears 235 Support plate 236 Stopper 236_1 Stopper body 236_2a, 236_2b, 236_2c, 236_2d First to fourth locking jaws 236a, 236b First and second shaft insertion holes 237 Ring plate 238_1a, 238_1b, 238_2a, 238_2b First to fourth washer rings 240 Detent support structure 241 Cam portion 241_1 Cam body 241_1a, 241_1b First and second fixed cams 241_2a, 241_2b First and second cam holes 242a, 242b, 251a, 252a First to fourth elastic bodies 243 Support bracket 243_1 Support portion 243_1a Through hole 243_2a, 243_2b First and second support bracket holes 251, 252 First and second fixing portions 251b, 252b Fifth and sixth washer rings 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2 First to fourth fixing clips 1511, 1512 First and second rotating brackets 1513 Fixed bracket 1513a, 1513b Rail grooves 1513_1 Protrusion 1513_2a, 1513_2b First and second placement grooves 1521, 1522 First and second arm portions 1521_3, 1522_3 First and second insertion portions 1521_4, 1522_4 First and second rotating cams 1531, 1532 First and second rotating members 1531_1, 1532_1 First and second shaft bodies 1531_2, 1532_2 First and second shaft gears 1531_3, 1532_3 First and second placement portions 1533, 1534 Idle gears 1535 Support plate 1541 Cam portion 1542a, 1542b First and second elastic bodies 1543 Support bracket 1549_1, 1549_2 Fixing clips 1551 First fixing portion 1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2 First to fourth fixing clips

Claims

1. 1. A portable communication device, comprising: a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a hinge structure coupled to the first housing and the second housing; a flexible display at least a portion of which is housed in the first housing and the second housing; The hinge structure includes: a first arm portion that rotates about a first axis; A first fixed portion; a second arm portion that rotates about a second axis; A second fixing portion; a fixed bracket including a first rail groove and a second rail groove; a first rotating bracket including a first sliding hole and a first rail having a half-moon shape; a second rotating bracket including a second sliding hole and a second rail having a half-moon shape; Including, the first fixed portion slides along the first sliding hole in response to rotation of the first arm portion about the first axis; the first rotating bracket is coupled to the fixed bracket and rotates about a first virtual axis along the first rail groove by the crescent-shaped first rail while the first arm portion rotates about the first axis; the second fixed portion slides along the second sliding hole in response to rotation of the second arm portion about the second axis; the second rotating bracket is coupled to the fixed bracket and rotates about a second virtual axis along the second rail groove by the semicircular second rail while the second arm portion rotates about the second axis; the first rotating bracket rotates about the first virtual axis and the second rotating bracket rotates about the second virtual axis, such that at least a portion of the flexible display bends in response to the first rotating bracket rotating about the first virtual axis and the second rotating bracket rotating about the second virtual axis; A portable communication device, characterized in that when the flexible display is in an unfolded state, a shortest distance from the first virtual axis to an upper surface of the flexible display is shorter than a shortest distance from the first axis to the upper surface of the flexible display.

2. The portable communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the first rotating bracket and the second rotating bracket are disposed to face each other.

3. the first housing is connected to the first rotating bracket and rotates about the first virtual axis while the first arm portion rotates about the first axis; 2. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein the second housing is connected to the second rotating bracket and rotates about the second virtual axis while the second arm portion rotates about the second axis.

4. 2. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the first axis and the second axis is greater than the distance between the first imaginary axis and the second imaginary axis.

5. the first rotating bracket rotates in a first direction outward from a center of the fixed bracket while the housing is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state, The portable communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the second rotating bracket rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction while the housing is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state.

6. The hinge structure includes: a first shaft gear disposed on the first shaft body and rotating about the first axis; 2. The portable communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second shaft gear disposed on the second shaft body and rotating about the second axis.

7. The hinge structure includes: a first idle gear coupled to the first shaft gear; 7. The portable communication device of claim 6, further comprising: a second idler gear coupled to said second shaft gear.

8. the first shaft gear rotates in response to rotation of the first arm portion, the second shaft gear rotates in response to the rotation of the second arm portion, the first idle gear and the second idle gear are coupled to each other, the first idle gear rotates in response to the rotation of the first shaft gear, 8. The portable communication device according to claim 7, wherein the second idle gear rotates in response to the rotation of the second shaft gear.

9. The detent support structure further includes a first elastic body disposed on the first shaft body, a second elastic body disposed on the second shaft body, and a cam member supported by the elastic body, the detent support structure provides a constant pressure to an arm detent structure formed by the first arm portion and the second arm portion; 7. The portable communication device according to claim 6, wherein the detent support structure pushes the cam member toward the arm detent structure based on the elastic forces of the first elastic body and the second elastic body.

10. The hinge structure further includes a hinge housing in which at least a portion of the hinge structure is housed, The hinge housing includes: When the portable communication device is in an unfolded state, the portable communication device is covered by one side of the first housing and one side of the second housing; The portable communication device according to claim 1 , wherein when the portable communication device is in a folded state, the portable communication device is exposed through a gap between an end of the first housing and an end of the second housing.

11. The first fixing portion is The first arm portion is fixed so as to move inward from the outside of the first sliding hole while the first rotating bracket is changed from a horizontal state to a vertical state; The first arm portion is fixed so as to move from the inside of the first sliding hole toward the outside while the first rotating bracket is changed from a horizontal state to a vertical state; The second fixing portion is The second arm portion is fixed so as to move inward from the outside of the second sliding hole while the second rotating bracket is changed from a horizontal state to a vertical state.

2. The portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the second arm portion, which moves from the inside of the second sliding hole to the outside, is fixed while the second rotating bracket is changed from a horizontal state to a vertical state.

12. 1. A portable communication device, comprising: a housing including a first housing and a second housing; a hinge structure connecting the first housing and the second housing; a first housing and a flexible display disposed on the hinge structure and the second housing; The hinge structure includes: a first gear connected to the first shaft and rotating about the first axis; a second gear connected to the second shaft and rotating about the second axis; a first arm portion connected to the first housing and rotating about the first shaft to rotate the first gear; a second arm portion connected to the second housing and rotating about the second shaft in response to rotation of the second gear; a first rotating bracket including a first rail that rotates about a first virtual axis while the first arm portion rotates about the first axis; a second rotating bracket including a second rail that rotates about a second virtual axis while the second arm portion rotates about the second axis; a fixed bracket that houses at least a portion of the first rotating bracket and at least a portion of the second rotating bracket and includes a first rail groove corresponding to the first rail and a second rail groove corresponding to the second rail; a first idle gear coupled to the first gear; a second idle gear coupled to said first idle gear and said second gear.

13. 13. The portable communication device of claim 12, wherein when the flexible display is in an unfolded state, a shortest distance from the first virtual axis to a top surface of the flexible display is shorter than a shortest distance from the first axis to the top surface of the flexible display.

14. The hinge structure further includes an elastic body and a cam member. the first housing is movably connected to the first arm portion, 13. The portable communication device of claim 12, wherein the elastic force of the elastic body provides pressure by the cam member to provide a detent action during rotation of the first housing relative to the hinge structure.

15. The portable communication device of claim 12, wherein the first arm portion and the first rotating bracket are disposed symmetrically with respect to the second arm portion and the second rotating bracket with respect to the support bracket.

16. 13. The portable communication device of claim 12, wherein the hinge structure further comprises a hinge housing forming an exterior third portion of the portable communication device and positioned below the hinge structure.

17. When the housing is in a folded state, an end portion of a first side portion of the hinge housing arranged parallel to the first axis is accommodated in the first housing; an end portion of the first side portion overlaps with a rear surface of the first housing when viewed from a first direction perpendicular to the rear surface of the first housing; When the housing is in a folded state, an end portion of a second side portion of the hinge housing arranged parallel to the second axis is accommodated in the second housing; 17. The portable communication device according to claim 16, wherein an end of the second side portion overlaps the rear surface of the second housing when viewed from a second direction perpendicular to the rear surface of the second housing.

18. 13. The portable communication device of claim 12, wherein a first distance between the first imaginary axis and the second imaginary axis is less than a second distance between the first axis and the second axis.

Images