Foldable electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a hinge structure and a housing connected to the hinge structure, the hinge structure includes a shaft member and an arm structure rotatably connected to the shaft member and the housing, the housing has a guide hole extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the housing, the arm structure includes a protrusion received in the guide hole, and the protrusion is slidable within the guide hole in response to rotation of the housing. Other embodiments are possible as understood by the specification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments disclosed in the present document relate to foldable electronic devices. Background Art

[0002] Electronic devices whose volume can be varied according to the use environment, for example, foldable electronic devices, have been developed. A foldable electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge structure. The first housing and the second housing may be rotatably coupled to the hinge structure respectively with the hinge structure interposed therebetween. As the first housing and the second housing rotate relative to the hinge structure, the foldable electronic device can be folded or unfolded. A flexible display that is at least partially deformable may be disposed on the first housing and the second housing. The flexible display can be deformed in correspondence with the folding operation of the foldable electronic device. Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The first housing, the second housing, and the hinge structure may be provided with space for components to move freely in order for the folding electronic device to be folded and unfolded. Furthermore, play may occur between components due to dimensional tolerances or assembly tolerances. Therefore, play may occur not only for the purpose of providing the folding action of the electronic device, such as rotation of the first and second housings, but also for unrelated play. For example, unwanted play may occur in the first and second housings when an external force is applied to them, such as when the folding electronic device falls to the ground. For instance, if an external force is applied to the first housing in a first direction, the first housing may move in the first direction, and the second housing may move in the opposite direction as a reaction to the first housing. Such play in the first and second housings may damage the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge structure, and the stress from the play in the first and second housings may be transmitted, potentially damaging other components as well. For example, stress may be applied to the flexible displays placed on the first and second housings, potentially causing damage such as disconnection of the internal circuits of the flexible displays.

[0004] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a foldable electronic device that can reduce or prevent the movement of the first housing and the second housing and the resulting damage to components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An electronic device that can be folded and unfolded according to one embodiment includes a hinge structure and a housing connected to the hinge structure, the hinge structure includes a shaft member and an arm structure to which the housing is rotatably connected to the shaft member and the housing, the housing has a guide hole formed therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the housing, the arm structure includes a projection housed in the guide hole, the projection being slidable within the guide hole in accordance with the rotation of the housing.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a hinge structure, a first housing and a second housing connected to the hinge structure with the hinge structure in between, and a flexible display positioned across the first housing, the hinge structure, and the second housing, wherein the hinge structure includes a first shaft member and a second shaft member, a first arm structure to which the first housing is rotatably connected to the first shaft member and the first housing, and a second arm structure to which the second housing is rotatably connected to the second shaft member and the second housing, and the first The housing has a first guide hole extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first housing, and the first arm structure includes a first projection housed within the first guide hole; the second housing has a second guide hole extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second housing, and the second arm structure includes a second projection housed within the second guide hole; the first projection slides within the first guide hole in response to the rotation of the first housing, and the second projection slides within the second guide hole in response to the rotation of the second housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, the play of the housing can be reduced via the protrusion of the hinge structure housed in the guide hole of the housing, thereby reducing and / or preventing damage to the components. In addition, this document can provide various effects that can be understood directly or indirectly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the deployed state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the deployed state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] The interior of an electronic device according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front perspective view showing a hinge structure according to one embodiment in its deployed state. [Figure 6] This is a rear perspective view showing a hinge structure according to one embodiment in an unfolded state. [Figure 7] This figure shows a hinge structure according to one embodiment in a folded state. [Figure 8a] This is a perspective view of the first arm member according to one embodiment, viewed from one direction. [Figure 8b] This is a perspective view of the first arm member according to one embodiment, viewed from one direction. [Figure 9] A first housing according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 10] A hinge structure and a first housing according to one embodiment are shown. [Figure 11] A first arm member and a first housing according to one embodiment are shown. [Figure 12] The shape of the guide hole and the first protrusion according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the rotational movement of a rotating member of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure shows the rotational and sliding movements of the arm member and rotating member of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. [Figure 15]It is a diagram illustrating the rotational operation and sliding operation of an arm member and a plate structure of a hinge structure according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to an embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar constituent elements. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, and it should be understood that it includes various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram according to an embodiment evening showing an unfolded state of the electronic device show .

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an electronic device 1 according to an embodiment may include: a foldable housing 50; a hinge cover 53 covering a foldable portion of the foldable housing; and a flexible or foldable display 10 (hereinafter abbreviated as "display" 10) disposed in a space formed by the foldable housing 50. In this document, the surface on which the display 10 is disposed is defined as a first surface or the front surface of the electronic device 1. The surface opposite to the front surface is defined as a second surface or the back surface of the electronic device 1. Further, a surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the back surface is defined as a third surface or a side surface of the electronic device 1.

[0012] In one embodiment, the foldable housing 50 may include a first housing 51 (or "first housing structure" 51), a second housing 52 (or "second housing structure" 52) including a sensor area 24, a first rear cover 58, and a second rear cover 59. The foldable housing 50 of the electronic device 1 is not limited to the form and combination shown in Figures 1 and 2, and may be realized by other shapes and combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing 51 and the first rear cover 58 may be integrally formed, and / or the second housing 52 and the second rear cover 59 may be integrally formed.

[0013] In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 are arranged on either side of a folding axis (A axis) and can have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A). As will be described later, the angles and distances between the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 can change depending on whether the state of the electronic device 1 is unfolded, folded, or in an intermediate state. In the illustrated embodiment, unlike the first housing 51, the second housing 52 further includes a sensor area 24 where various sensors are arranged, but can have a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the other areas.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 may together form a recess that accommodates the display 10. In one embodiment, due to the sensor region 24, the recess may have two or more widths different from each other in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A). For example, the recess has a first width (W1) between a first portion 51a parallel to the folding axis (A) in the first housing 51 and a first portion 52a formed at an edge of the sensor region 24 in the second housing 52, and a second width (W2) formed by a second portion 51b of the first housing 51 and a second portion 52b that does not correspond to the sensor region 24 in the second housing 52 and is parallel to the folding axis (A). In this case, the second width (W2) may be formed longer than the first width (W1). In other words, the first portion 51a of the first housing 51 and the first portion 52a of the second housing 52, which have asymmetric shapes with respect to each other, form the first width (W1) of the recess, and the second portion 51b of the first housing 51 and the second portion 52b of the second housing 52, which have symmetric shapes with respect to each other, may form the second width (W2) of the recess. In one embodiment, the first portion 52a and the second portion 52b of the second housing 52 may have different distances from the folding axis (A). The width of the recess is not limited to the illustrated example. In one embodiment, depending on the shape of the sensor region 24 or the symmetric and / or asymmetric portions of the first housing 51 and the second housing 52, the recess may have at least one width.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least a part of the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 may be formed of a metallic material or a non-metallic material having rigidity greater than that of the display to support the display 10.

[0016] In one embodiment, the sensor area 24 may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the second housing 52. However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor area 24 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor area 24 may be located at another corner of the second housing 52, or in any area between the upper and lower corners. In one embodiment, components for performing various functions incorporated into the electronic device 1 may be visually exposed to the front of the electronic device 1 through the sensor area 24 or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area 24. In one embodiment, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensors may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first rear cover 58 may be positioned on the rear of the electronic device, on one side of the folding axis. In one embodiment, the first rear cover 58 may have a substantially rectangular periphery, which may be enclosed by the first housing 51. Similarly, the second rear cover 59 may be positioned on the rear of the electronic device, on the other side of the folding axis, and its periphery may be enclosed by the second housing 52.

[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear cover 58 and the second rear cover 59 may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A axis). However, the first rear cover 58 and the second rear cover 59 do not necessarily have symmetrical shapes with respect to each other, and in other embodiments, the electronic device 1 may include the first rear cover 58 and the second rear cover 59 of various shapes. In other embodiments, the first rear cover 58 may be formed integrally with the first housing 51, and / or the second rear cover 59 may be formed integrally with the second housing 52.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first rear cover 58, the second rear cover 59, the first housing 51, and the second housing 52 can form a space on which various components of the electronic device 1 (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) are arranged. In one embodiment, one or more components can be arranged or visually exposed on the rear of the electronic device 1. For example, at least a portion of the sub-display 92 can be visually exposed through the first rear area 82 of the first rear cover 58. In another embodiment, at least one sensor 94 can be visually exposed through the second rear area 84 of the second rear cover 59. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor 94 may include a proximity sensor and / or a rear camera.

[0020] Referring to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the hinge cover 53 may be positioned between the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 and configured to cover internal components (e.g., the hinge structure). In one embodiment, depending on the state of the electronic device 1 (flat state or folded state), the hinge cover 53 may be covered by a portion of the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 or exposed to the outside.

[0021] For example, as shown in Figure 1, when the electronic device 1 is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover 53 may be covered by the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 and not exposed. For example, as shown in Figure 2, when the electronic device 1 is in a folded state (e.g., fully folded state), the hinge cover 53 may be exposed to the outside between the first housing 51 and the second housing 52. For example, when the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 are in an intermediate state, folded at a certain angle, the hinge cover 53 may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing 51 and the second housing 52. However, in this case, the area of ​​the hinge cover 53 that is exposed may be less than in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover 53 may include a curved surface.

[0022] In one embodiment, the display 10 can be positioned in the space formed by the foldable housing 50. For example, the display 10 can be placed on a recess formed by the foldable housing 50 and constitute most of the front surface of the electronic device 1.

[0023] In one embodiment, the front of the electronic device 1 can be formed by a display 10, a first housing 51, and a second housing 52. In one embodiment, the rear of the electronic device 1 can be formed by a first rear cover 58, a first housing 51, a second rear cover 59, and a second housing 52.

[0024] In one embodiment, the display 10 may mean a display in which at least a portion of the area can be deformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the display 10 may include a foldable area 13, a first area 11 located on one side of the foldable area 13 (to the left of the foldable area 13 as shown in Figure 1), and a second area 12 located on the other side (to the right of the foldable area 13 as shown in Figure 1).

[0025] The regional divisions of the display 10 shown in Figure 1 are illustrative, and the display 10 may be divided into multiple regions (e.g., four or more, or two) depending on its structure or function. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the regions of the display 10 may be divided by a folding region 13 or folding axis (A axis) extending parallel to the y-axis, but in other embodiments, the regions of the display 10 may be divided based on other folding regions (e.g., folding regions parallel to the x-axis) or other folding axes (e.g., folding axes parallel to the x-axis).

[0026] The first region 11 and the second region 12 can have a symmetrical shape as a whole, with respect to the folding region 13. However, unlike the first region 11, the second region 12 may include a cut notch due to the presence of the sensor region 24, but the other regions can have a shape symmetrical to the first region 11. In other words, the first region 11 and the second region 12 may include parts with symmetrical shapes and parts with asymmetrical shapes.

[0027] The following describes the operation of the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 and the respective areas of the display 10 according to the state of the electronic device 1 (for example, the unfolded state and the folded state).

[0028] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 1 is in a flat state (e.g., Figure 1), the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 can be arranged to face the same direction at a 180-degree angle. The surfaces of the first region 11 and the second region 12 of the display 10 can form a 180-degree angle with each other and face the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device or the z-axis direction). The folded region 13 can form a coplanar plane with the first region 11 and the second region 12. For example, the first region 11, the second region 12, and the folded region 13 can together form a substantially flat surface when the electronic device 1 is in a flat state.

[0029] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 1 is in a folded state (e.g., Figure 2), the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 can be arranged so as to face each other at least partially. The first housing 51 can rotate about a first axis of rotation (R1), and the second housing 52 can rotate about a second axis of rotation (R2). By rotating the first housing 51 and the second housing 52, the electronic device 1 as a whole can be folded about a folding axis (A). The surfaces of the first region 11 and the second region 12 of the display 10 can face each other at a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 and 10 degrees). The folded region 13 can consist of a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, at least in part.

[0030] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 1 is in an intermediate state (folded state) (for example, Figure 2), the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 can be positioned relative to each other at a certain angle. The surfaces of the first region 11 and the second region 12 of the display 10 can form an angle that is larger than in the folded state and smaller than in the unfolded state. The folded region 13 can consist of a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, at least in part, and this curvature may be smaller than in the folded state.

[0031] Figure 3 shows the interior of an electronic device according to one embodiment. In the following, redundant explanations will be omitted for configurations having the same reference numerals as those described above.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, in one embodiment, the first housing 51 includes a first frame structure 511 and a first plate structure 512, and the second housing 52 may include a second frame structure 521 and a second plate structure 522. In one embodiment, the first frame structure 511 and the second frame structure 521 can form the exterior of the electronic device 1 (e.g., the side of the electronic device 1). In one embodiment, the first plate structure 512 can extend from the first frame structure 511 into the interior of the electronic device 1. In one embodiment, the first plate structure 512 can be located inside the electronic device 1. In one embodiment, the first plate structure 512 can be formed separately from the first frame structure 511 and coupled to the first frame structure 511, or formed integrally with the first frame structure 511. Similarly, the second plate structure 522 can extend from the second frame structure 521 into the interior of the electronic device 1. The second plate structure 522 can be located inside the electronic device 1. The second plate structure 522 can be formed separately from the second frame structure 521 and coupled to the second frame structure 521, or it can be formed integrally with the second frame structure 521.

[0033] An electronic device 1 according to one embodiment may include at least one hinge structure. For example, the electronic device 1 may include a first hinge structure 300-1 and a second hinge structure 300-2. In other examples, either the first hinge structure 300-1 or the second hinge structure 300-2 may be omitted, and the electronic device 1 may further include other hinge structures not shown.

[0034] In one embodiment, the hinge cover 53 can extend between the first housing 51 and the second housing 52 along the folding axis (A) (or the y-axis direction). The hinge cover 53 can form a space for accommodating the first hinge structure 300-1 and the second hinge structure 300-2.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first hinge structure 300-1 and the second hinge structure 300-2 can each be positioned within the hinge cover 53. For example, the first hinge structure 300-1 can be positioned on one side of the hinge cover 53, and the second hinge structure 300-2 can be positioned at a distance from the first hinge structure 300-1 and on the other side of the hinge cover 53. In one embodiment, the first hinge structure 300-1 and the second hinge structure 300-2 can be positioned symmetrically with respect to the x-axis, but are not limited thereto.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first hinge structure 300-1 and the second hinge structure 300-2 can be connected to the first housing 51 and the second housing 52, respectively. For example, the first hinge structure 300-1 and the second hinge structure 300-2 can be connected to the first plate structure 512 and the second plate structure 522, respectively. In one embodiment, the first hinge structure 300-1 and the second hinge structure 300-2 can be folded and unfolded, thereby causing the first housing 51 and the second housing 52, to be connected to them, to be folded and unfolded relative to each other.

[0037] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. Figure 5 is a hinge according to one embodiment. Structure expansion state Show front This is a perspective view. Figure 6 shows a hinge according to one embodiment. This is a rear perspective view showing the structure in its unfolded state. Figure 7 shows a hinge structure according to one embodiment in its folded state.

[0038] In Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7, an axial direction (AX) can be defined that includes a first direction (circled 1) and a second direction (circled 2) which is opposite to the first direction (circled 1). The axial direction (AX) may be substantially parallel to the direction in which the folding axis (A) in Figure 3 extends. The axial direction (AX) may be substantially parallel to the extension direction of the first rotation axis (R1) and / or the second rotation axis (R2) in Figure 1. The axial direction (AX) may be substantially parallel to the y-axis direction in Figure 3. The first direction of the axial direction (AX) (circled 1) may be from the inner center to the outer side of the electronic device 1 in Figure 3. The second direction of the axial direction (AX) (circled 2) may be from the outer side to the inner center of the electronic device 1 in Figure 3. The first axial direction (AX) (circled 1) may be the direction from the third support member 470 of the hinge structure 400 toward the hinge bracket 430, and the second axial direction (AX) (circled 2) may be the direction from the hinge bracket 430 of the hinge structure 400 toward the third support member 470.

[0039] Referring to Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7, in one embodiment, the hinge structure 400 (for example, the first hinge structure 300-1 or the second hinge structure 300-2 in Figure 3) may include a hinge bracket 430, a first shaft member 441, a second shaft member 442, a gear structure, a first support member 435, a second support member 475, a third support member 470, a center plate 485, and an arm structure.

[0040] In one embodiment, the hinge bracket 430 can be at least partially housed inside a hinge cover (for example, the hinge cover 53 in Figure 3) and fixedly positioned on the hinge cover.

[0041] In one embodiment, a first rotating member 410 and a second rotating member 420 can be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket 430. In one embodiment, the hinge bracket 430 may include a first guide rail 4301 for guiding the rotation path of a first rotating member 410 and a second guide rail 4302 for guiding the rotation path of a second rotating member 420. In one embodiment, the first guide rail 4301 of the hinge bracket 430 may house a first guide portion 411 of the first rotating member 410. The first rotating member 410 can rotate while the first guide portion 411 moves freely along the path provided by the first guide rail 4301. In one embodiment, the second guide rail 4302 of the hinge bracket 430 may house a second guide portion 421 of the second rotating member 420. The second rotating member 420 can rotate while the second guide portion 421 moves freely along the path provided by the second guide rail 4302.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first shaft member 441 can extend along the axial direction (AX). For example, the first shaft member 441 can extend from the hinge bracket 430 in a second direction (circled 2). In one embodiment, the first shaft member 441 can be located inside a hinge cover (for example, the hinge cover 53 in Figure 3).

[0043] In one embodiment, the first shaft member 441 can be rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket 430. For example, the end of the first shaft member 441 in a first direction (circled 1) can be rotatably positioned in a recess or opening 4371 formed in the hinge bracket 430. In one embodiment, the end of the first shaft member 441 in a second direction (circled 2) is coupled to a first fixing ring 4491 to prevent the third support member 470 from detaching from the first shaft member 441.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first shaft member 441 can be connected in the following order in the second direction (circled as 2): hinge bracket 430, first support member 435, first part 451 of the first arm member 450, first cam member 480, first elastic member 431, second support member 475, second part 452 of the first arm member 450, second cam member 490, second elastic member 432, third support member 470, first stopper member 4481, and first fixing ring 4491.

[0045] In one embodiment, the second shaft member 442 may be spaced apart from the first shaft member 441 and extend along the axial direction (AX). For example, the second shaft member 442 may extend from the hinge bracket 430 in a second direction (circled 2). In one embodiment, the second shaft member 442 may be located inside the hinge cover.

[0046] In one embodiment, the second shaft member 442 can be rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket 430. For example, the end of the second shaft member 442 in a first direction (circled 1) can be rotatably positioned in a recess or opening 4372 formed in the hinge bracket 430. In one embodiment, a second fixing ring 4492 is coupled to the end of the second shaft member 442 in a second direction (circled 2) to prevent the third support member 470 from detaching from the second shaft member 442.

[0047] In one embodiment, the second shaft member 442 can be connected to a hinge bracket 430, a first support member 435, a first portion 461 of the second arm member 460, a first cam member 480, a third elastic member 433, a second support member 475, a second portion 462 of the second arm member 460, a second cam member 490, a fourth elastic member 434, a third support member 470, a second stopper member 4482, and a second fixing ring 4492 in the order of the second direction (circled 2).

[0048] In one embodiment, the gear structure may include a first gear 443, a second gear 444, and a connecting gear 445. In one embodiment, the first gear 443 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of one end of a first shaft member 441 (for example, the end in the first direction (circled 1)). In one embodiment, the second gear 444 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of one end of a second shaft member 442 (for example, the end in the first direction (circled 1)). In one embodiment, the first gear 443 and the second gear 444 may face each other at least partially. In one embodiment, the connecting gear 445 may be located between the first gear 443 and the second gear 444 and may be fastened to the first gear 443 and the second gear 444. In one embodiment, the connecting gear 445 may be rotatably connected to a hinge bracket 430 and a first support member 435. For example, the end of the rotating axis of the connecting gear 445 in the first direction (circled 1) is Hinge bracket 430 The first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442 are rotatably mounted on the first support member 435, and the end in the second direction (circled 2) can be rotatably housed in a hole formed in the first support member 435. In one embodiment, the rotation of the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442 can be linked to each other via a gear structure. In one embodiment, the gear structure can be configured such that the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442 rotate by the same angle. In one embodiment, the gear structure can be configured such that the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442 rotate in opposite directions to each other. For example, an even number of connecting gears 445, which are fastened to the first gear 443 and the second gear 444, are provided, and the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442 can rotate in opposite directions to each other. For example, if the first shaft member 441 rotates counterclockwise, the second shaft member 442 can rotate clockwise.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first support member 435 may include a plurality of through holes through which the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442 pass. In one embodiment, the first support member 435 may be positioned in the second direction (circled 2) of the gear structure.

[0050] In one embodiment, the second support member 475 may include a first support portion 476 located between the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442, a first extension portion 477 extending from the first support portion 476 and through which the first shaft member 441 passes, and a second extension portion 478 extending from the first support portion 476 and through which the second shaft member 442 passes. In one embodiment, the first support portion 476 may be fixedly positioned on the hinge cover. In one embodiment, the first extension portion 477 may be located between the first portion 451 and the second portion 452 of the first arm member 450. The first extension portion 477 may be adjacent to the second portion 452 of the first arm member 450. In one embodiment, the second extension portion 478 may be located between the first portion 461 and the second portion 462 of the second arm member 460. The second extension portion 478 can be adjacent to the second portion 462 of the second arm member 460.

[0051] In one embodiment, the third support member 470 may include a second support portion 473 located between the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442, a third extension portion 471 extending from the second support portion 473 and through which the first shaft member 441 passes, and a fourth extension portion 472 extending from the second support portion 473 and through which the second shaft member 442 passes. In one embodiment, the second support portion 473 may be fixedly positioned on the hinge cover. In one embodiment, a second elastic member 432 may be positioned in a first direction (circled 1) of the third extension portion 471, and a first stopper member 4481 may be positioned in a second direction (circled 2). In one embodiment, the first stopper member 4481 may be passed through by the first shaft member 441 and may rotate with the rotation of the first shaft member 441. In one embodiment, the first retaining member 4481 is passed through by the first shaft member 441 and can rotate together with the first shaft member 441. The first retaining member 4481 may include a projection extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (AX). The projection of the first retaining member 4481 is configured to at least partially engage with the second support portion 473, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the first shaft member 441. In one embodiment, the fourth elastic member 434 may be located in a first direction (circled 1) of the fourth extension portion 472, and the second retaining member 4482 may be located in a second direction (circled 2). In one embodiment, the second retaining member 4482 is passed through by the second shaft member 442 and can rotate together with the rotation of the second shaft member 442. In one embodiment, the second retaining member 4482 may include a projection extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (AX). The protrusion of the second stopper member 4482 is configured to at least partially engage with the second support portion 473, thereby limiting the rotational range of the second shaft member 442.

[0052] In one embodiment, the center plate 485 can extend along the axial direction (AX). The center plate 485 can extend from the first support member 435 to the third support member 470 and can rest on the first support member 435, the first support portion 476 of the second support member 475, and the second support portion 473 of the third support member 470. In one embodiment, the center plate 485 and the second support member 475 can be fastened together via a screw member 4751. In one embodiment, the upper surface of the center plate 485 can be formed to be substantially flat.

[0053] In one embodiment, the arm structure may include a first arm member 450, a second arm member 460, a first rotating member 410, and / or a second rotating member 420. In one embodiment, the arm structure may include a first projection 850 formed on the first arm member 450, and / or a second projection 860 formed on the second arm member 460.

[0054] In one embodiment, the arm structure may include a first arm structure and / or a second arm structure. For example, the first arm structure may include a first arm member 450 and / or a first rotating member 410, and the second arm structure may include a second arm member 460 and / or a second rotating member 420.

[0055] In one embodiment, the first rotating member 410 may be configured to rotate along a predetermined path relative to the hinge bracket 430 in response to the rotation of the first housing (e.g., the first housing 51 in Figure 3, hereinafter referred to as the first housing 51). In one embodiment, the first rotating member 410 may include a first extension portion 412 and a first guide portion 411. The first extension portion 412 may be substantially plate-shaped and connected to the first housing 51. The first guide portion 411 may include a first portion projecting from the first extension portion 412 toward the hinge bracket 430 and a second portion projecting axially (AX) from the first portion. The first guide portion 411 may be housed in a first guide rail 4301 of the hinge bracket 430. The first rotating member 410 may rotate along the rotation path provided via the first guide portion 411 housed in the first guide rail 4301. The first rotating member 410 can rotate together with the first housing 51 around the first rotation axis (for example, the first rotation axis (R1) in Figure 1, hereinafter referred to as the first rotation axis (R1)) when the electronic device (for example, the electronic device 1 in Figure 3) is folded or unfolded.

[0056] In one embodiment, the first rotating member 410 may include a first connecting portion 413. The first connecting portion 413 may extend from a first extension portion 412 so as to be adjacent to a first arm member 450. A first slide groove 415 may be formed inside the first connecting portion 413. A first slide pin 455 may be housed in the first slide groove 415, and the first rotating member 410 and the first arm member 450 may be slidably connected to each other.

[0057] In one embodiment, the second rotating member 420 may be configured to rotate along a predetermined path relative to the hinge bracket 430 in response to the rotation of the second housing (e.g., the second housing 52 in Figure 3, hereinafter referred to as the second housing 52). In one embodiment, the second rotating member 420 may include a second extension portion 422 and a second guide portion 421. The second extension portion 422 may be substantially plate-shaped and connected to the second housing 52. The second guide portion 421 may include a third portion projecting from the second extension portion 422 toward the hinge bracket 430 and a fourth portion projecting axially (AX) from the third portion. The second guide portion 421 may be housed in a second guide rail 4302 of the hinge bracket 430. The second rotating member 420 may rotate along a rotation path provided via the second guide portion 421 housed in the second guide rail 4302. The second rotating member 420 can rotate together with the second housing around the second rotation axis (for example, the second rotation axis (R2) in Figure 1, hereinafter referred to as the second rotation axis (R2)) when the electronic device is folded or unfolded.

[0058] In one embodiment, the second rotating member 420 may include a second connecting portion 423. The second connecting portion 423 may extend from the second extension portion 422 so as to be adjacent to the second arm member 460. A second slide groove 425 may be formed inside the second connecting portion 423. A second slide pin 465 may be housed in the second slide groove 425, allowing the second rotating member 420 and the second arm member 460 to be slidably connected to each other.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first arm member 450 can be coupled to the first shaft member 441 so as to rotate around the first shaft member 441. For example, the first shaft member 441 and the first arm member 450 can be connected in such a way that the first portion 451 and the second portion 452 of the first arm member 450 are passed through the first shaft member 441. In one embodiment, the first arm member 450 is constrained by the rotation of the first shaft member 441 and can rotate together with the first shaft member 441.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first arm member 450 can be coupled to the first rotating member 410 so as to slide against it. For example, the first arm member 450 may include a first slide pin 455 that passes through and is fixedly coupled to a third portion 453. The end of the first slide pin 455 in a first direction (circled 1) is housed in a first slide groove 415 of the first rotating member 410, and the end in a second direction (circled 2) can protrude outward from the third portion 453 of the first arm member 450 (for example, in the second direction (circled 2)). A retaining ring 4551 is coupled to the end of the first slide pin 455 in the second direction (circled 2) to prevent the first slide pin 455 from coming off. In one embodiment, the first arm member 450 and the first rotating member 410 can slide relative to each other via a first slide pin 455, which is fixedly coupled to the first arm member 450 and freely connected to the first rotating member 410 in a first slide groove 415. For example, when the first rotating member 410 rotates around a first rotation axis (R1), the first arm member 450 rotates around the first shaft member 441, and the first arm member 450 is slidable relative to the first rotating member 410 with the first slide pin 455 housed in the first slide groove 415.

[0061] In one embodiment, the second arm member 460 can be coupled to the second shaft member 442 so as to rotate around the second shaft member 442. For example, the second shaft member 442 and the second arm member 460 can be connected in such a way that the first portion 461 and the second portion 462 of the second arm member 460 are passed through the second shaft member 442. In one embodiment, the second arm member 460 is constrained by the rotation of the second shaft member 442 and can rotate together with the second shaft member 442.

[0062] In one embodiment, the second arm member 460 can be coupled to the second rotating member 420 so as to slide. For example, the second arm member 460 may include a second slide pin 465 that passes through and is fixedly coupled to the third portion 463. The end of the second slide pin 465 in the first direction (circled 1) is 2nd Rotating member 420 The second slide pin 465 is housed in the second slide groove 425, and its end in the second direction (circled 2) can protrude outward from the third portion 463 of the second arm member 460 (for example, in the second direction (circled 2)). A retaining ring 4651 is coupled to the end of the second direction (circled 2) of the second slide pin 465 to prevent the second slide pin 465 from coming off. In one embodiment, the second arm member 460 and the second rotating member 420 can slide relative to each other via the second slide pin 465, which is fixedly coupled to the second arm member 460 and freely connected to the second rotating member 420 in the second slide groove 425. For example, when the second rotating member 420 rotates around the second rotation axis (R2), the second arm member 460 rotates around the second shaft member 442, and the second slide pin 465 is 2nd Slide groove 425 While housed within the structure, it is slidable relative to the second rotating member 420.

[0063] In one embodiment, the hinge structure 400 may include a torque structure for providing frictional torque acting around the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442, respectively. In one embodiment, the torque structure may include a first arm cam 456, a second arm cam 457, a third arm cam 466, a fourth arm cam 467, a first cam member 480, a second cam member 490, a second support member 475, a third support member 470, a first elastic member 431, a second elastic member 432, a third elastic member 433, and a fourth elastic member 434. In one embodiment, the first arm cam 456, the second arm cam 457, the third arm cam 466, the fourth arm cam 467, the first cam member 480, the second cam member 490, the second support member 475, the third support member 470, the first elastic member 431, the second elastic member 432, the third elastic member 433, and the fourth elastic member 434 can be arranged and / or coupled to the first shaft member 441 and / or the second shaft member 442.

[0064] In one embodiment, the first arm cam 456 can be formed on the first arm member 450. For example, the first arm cam 456 can be formed on the first portion 451 of the first arm member 450 surrounding the first shaft member 441. For example, the first arm cam 456 can be formed in the peripheral region of the first shaft member 441 within the first portion 451 of the first arm member 450. For example, the first arm cam 456 can be formed in the region of the first portion 451 facing the second portion 452.

[0065] In one embodiment, the third arm cam 466 can be formed on the second arm member 460. For example, the third arm cam 466 can be formed on the first portion 461 of the second arm member 460 surrounding the second shaft member 442. For example, the third arm cam 466 can be formed in the peripheral region of the second shaft member 442 within the first portion 461 of the second arm member 460. For example, the third arm cam 466 can be formed in the region of the first portion 461 facing the second portion 462.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first cam member 480 may include a first portion 480a through which the first shaft member 441 passes, a second portion 480b through which the second shaft member 442 passes, and a connecting portion 480c connecting the first portion 480a and the second portion 480b. A first cam 481 may be formed in the first portion 480a, and a second cam 482 may be formed in the second portion 480b.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first arm cam 456 can mesh with the first cam 481 of the first cam member 480. For example, the first arm cam 456 may include a first projection extending in a second direction (circled 2), and the first cam 481 may include a second projection extending in a first direction (circled 1) that meshes with the first projection. By rotating the first arm member 450, the first cam 481 can move axially (AX) relative to the first arm cam 456. The displacement of the first cam 481 can vary depending on the height and inclination of the projections formed on the first arm cam 456 and the first cam 481.

[0068] In one embodiment, the third arm cam 466 can mesh with the second cam 482 of the first cam member 480. For example, the third arm cam 466 may include a third projection extending in a second direction (circled 2), and the second cam 482 may include a fourth projection extending in a first direction (circled 1) that meshes with the third projection. By rotating the second arm member 460, the second cam 482 can move axially (AX) relative to the third arm cam 466. The displacement of the second cam 482 can vary depending on the height and inclination of the projections formed on the third arm cam 466 and the second cam 482.

[0069] In one embodiment, a first elastic member 431 and a third elastic member 433 can be positioned between a first cam member 480 and a second support member 475. In one embodiment, the first elastic member 431 can be positioned between a first portion 480a of the first cam member 480 and a first extension portion 477 of the second support member 475. In one embodiment, the third elastic member 433 can be positioned between a second portion 480b of the first cam member 480 and a second extension portion 478 of the second support member 475. In one embodiment, the first elastic member 431 and the third elastic member 433 can each be coupled to a first shaft member 441 and a second shaft member 442, respectively. For example, the first elastic member 431 and the third elastic member 433 may include a spring structure surrounding the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442.

[0070] In one embodiment, the rotation of the first arm member 450 and the second arm member 460 allows the first cam member 480 to move axially (AX) via a cam structure that meshes with each other. In one embodiment, the movement of the first cam member 480 axially (AX) allows the first elastic member 431 and the third elastic member 433 to be compressed or stretched. For example, when the first cam member 480 moves in the second direction (circled 2), the first elastic member 431 and the third elastic member 433 can be compressed, and when the first cam member 480 moves in the first direction (circled 1), the first elastic member 431 and the third elastic member 433 can be stretched. The compression or stretching of the first elastic member 431 and the third elastic member 433 provides elastic force to the first cam member 480. The aforementioned elastic force increases the frictional force between the first arm cam 456 and the first cam 481, and the frictional force between the third arm cam 466 and the second cam 482, thereby increasing the frictional torque acting on the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442.

[0071] In one embodiment, the second arm cam 457 can be formed on the first arm member 450. For example, the second arm cam 457 can be formed on a second portion 452 of the first arm member 450 that surrounds the first shaft member 441. For example, the second arm cam 457 can be formed in the second portion 452 of the first arm member 450 in the peripheral region of the first shaft member 441. For example, the second arm cam 457 can project outward from the second portion 452 in a second direction (circled 2).

[0072] In one embodiment, the fourth arm cam 467 can be formed on the second arm member 460. For example, the fourth arm cam 467 can be formed on the second portion 462 of the second arm member 460 that surrounds the second shaft member 442. For example, the fourth arm cam 467 can be formed in the peripheral region of the second shaft member 442 on the second portion 462 of the second arm member 460. For example, the fourth arm cam 467 can project and extend from the second portion 462 in the second direction (circled 2).

[0073] In one embodiment, the second cam member 490 may include a first portion 490a through which the first shaft member 441 passes, a second portion 490b through which the second shaft member 442 passes, and a connecting portion 490c connecting the first portion 490a and the second portion 490b. A third cam 491 may be formed on the first portion 490a, and a fourth cam 492 may be formed on the second portion 490b.

[0074] In one embodiment, the second arm cam 457 can engage with the third cam 491 of the second cam member 490. For example, the second arm cam 457 may include a fifth projection extending in a second direction (circled 2), and the third cam 491 may include a sixth projection extending in a first direction (circled 1) that engages with the fifth projection. By rotating the first arm member 450, the third cam 491 can move axially (AX) relative to the second arm cam 457. The displacement of the third cam 491 may vary depending on the height and inclination of the projections formed on the second arm cam 457 and the third cam 491.

[0075] In one embodiment, the fourth arm cam 467 can mesh with the fourth cam 492 of the second cam member 490. For example, the fourth arm cam 467 may include a seventh projection extending in a second direction (circled 2), and the fourth cam 492 may include an eighth projection extending in a first direction (circled 1) that meshes with the seventh projection. By rotating the second arm member 460, the fourth cam 492 can move axially (AX) relative to the fourth arm cam 467. The displacement of the fourth cam 492 may vary depending on the height and inclination of the projections formed on the fourth arm cam 467 and the fourth cam 492.

[0076] In one embodiment, a second elastic member 432 and a fourth elastic member 434 can be positioned between the second cam member 490 and the third support member 470. In one embodiment, the second elastic member 432 can be positioned between the first portion 490a of the second cam member 490 and the third extension portion 471 of the third support member 470. In one embodiment, the fourth elastic member 434 can be positioned between the second portion 490b of the second cam member 490 and the fourth extension portion 472 of the third support member 470. In one embodiment, the second elastic member 432 and the fourth elastic member 434 can be coupled to the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442, respectively. For example, the second elastic member 432 and the fourth elastic member 434 may include a spring structure surrounding the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442.

[0077] In one embodiment, the rotation of the first arm member 450 and the second arm member 460 allows the second cam member 490 to move axially (AX) via a cam structure that meshes with each other. In one embodiment, the axial (AX) movement of the second cam member 490 allows the second elastic member 432 and the fourth elastic member 434 to be compressed or stretched. For example, when the second cam member 490 moves in the second direction (circled 2), the second elastic member 432 and the fourth elastic member 434 can be compressed, and when the second cam member 490 moves in the first direction (circled 1), the second elastic member 432 and the fourth elastic member 434 can be stretched. The compression or stretching of the second elastic member 432 and the fourth elastic member 434 provides elastic force to the second cam member 490. The aforementioned elastic force increases the frictional force between the second arm cam 457 and the third cam 491, and the frictional force between the fourth arm cam 467 and the fourth cam 492, thereby increasing the frictional torque acting on the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442.

[0078] In other embodiments, the first arm member 450 and the second arm member 460 may rotate independently of the rotation of the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442. For example, the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442 may be fixedly positioned within a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover 53 in Figure 2) and unable to rotate, while the first arm member 450 and the second arm member 460 may be rotatably connected to the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442. In this case, the hinge structure 400 may include a gear structure for linking the rotation of the first arm member 450 and the second arm member 460. For example, contrary to the figures, the first gear 443 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 451 of the first arm member 450, and the second gear 444 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first portion 461 of the second arm member 460. The connecting gear 445 can be positioned between the first arm member 450 and the second arm member 460 so as to mesh with the first gear 443 and the second gear 444. The rotation of the first arm member 450 and the second arm member 460 can be linked independently of the rotation of the first shaft member 441 and the second shaft member 442.

[0079] Figure 8a is a perspective view of the first arm member according to one embodiment, viewed from one direction. Figure 8b is a perspective view of the first arm member according to one embodiment, viewed from one direction. Referring to Figures 8a and 8b, the first arm member 450 may include an extension portion 454, a first projection 850, a first locking portion 851, a second locking portion 852, and a third locking portion 853.

[0080] In one embodiment, the extension portion 454 can be located between the first portion 451, the second portion 452, and the third portion 453. In one embodiment, the first portion 451 can be formed at the end of the extension portion 454 in a first direction (circled 1), and the second portion 452 can be formed at the end in a second direction (circled 2). In one embodiment, hollows can be formed in the first portion 451 and the second portion 452 through which a first shaft member (e.g., the first shaft member 441 in Figure 4) passes. The hollows formed in the first portion 451 and the second portion 452 can be aligned along the axial direction (AX). In one embodiment, the cross-section of the first shaft member 441 can have a shape (e.g., a polygon) with two different diameters, and the hollows formed in the first portion 451 and the second portion 452 can also be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the first shaft member 441. This allows the first arm member 450 to be constrained to the rotation of the first shaft member 441. However, the method for constraining the first arm member 450 to the rotation of the first shaft member 441 is not limited to the example described above.

[0081] In one embodiment, a third portion 453 can be formed at the end of the extension portion 454 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (AX). A hollow can be formed in the third portion 453 for the insertion of a slide pin (for example, the first slide pin 455 in Figure 4).

[0082] In one embodiment, the first projection 850 can extend from the third portion 453 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction (AX). For example, the first projection 850 can extend from the third portion 453 toward the first housing 51. In one embodiment, the first projection 850 can extend substantially columnar. The cross-sectional shape of the first projection 850 may be circular, but is not limited thereto. Deformable embodiments of the first projection 850 will be described later with reference to Figure 12.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first locking portion 851 may extend from the first portion 451. For example, the first locking portion 851 may extend from the first portion 451 in a first direction (circled 1). In one embodiment, the second locking portion 852 may extend from the first portion 451, separated from the first locking portion 851. For example, the second locking portion 852 may extend from the first portion 451 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (AX). In one embodiment, the first locking portion 851 and the second locking portion 852 may be configured to engage with other components (e.g., the first support member 435 in Figure 4) when the first arm member 450 rotates, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the first arm member 450.

[0084] In one embodiment, the third locking portion 853 may extend from the second portion 452. For example, the third locking portion 853 may extend in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (AX). The third locking portion 853 may be configured to engage with other components (for example, the first support portion 476 of the second support member 475 in Figure 4) when the first arm member 450 rotates, thereby limiting the range of rotation of the first arm member 450.

[0085] The above-mentioned description of the first arm member 450 can be applied to the second arm member (for example, the second arm member 460 in Figure 4) in substantially the same, similar, or corresponding manner. For example, a second projection (for example, the second projection 860 in Figure 6) can be formed on the third portion 463 of the second arm member 460 so as to correspond to the first projection 850.

[0086] Figure 9 shows a first housing according to one embodiment. Figure 10 shows a hinge structure and a first housing according to one embodiment. Figure 11 shows a first arm member and a first housing according to one embodiment.

[0087] Referring to Figures 9, 10, and 11, a first housing 51 according to one embodiment may include a recess 920 and a first guide hole 930 formed in the first plate structure 512.

[0088] In one embodiment, the recess 920 can be formed by recessing from the upper surface 512A of the first plate structure 512. The first rotating member 410 and the first arm member 450 can be arranged on the first plate structure 512 in a manner in which they are at least partially housed within the recess 920. In one embodiment, the first rotating member 410 is fixedly positioned on the first plate structure 512, and the first arm member 450 is housed in the recess 920, in which case they can be slidably connected to the first plate structure 512. In one embodiment, when the first rotating member 410 and the first arm member 450 are housed in the recess 920, the first rotating member 410 and the first arm member 450 are positioned so that their upper surfaces are at substantially the same height as the upper surface 512A of the first plate structure 512, thereby maintaining the flatness of the display (e.g., the display 10 in Figure 1) placed on the first plate structure 512.

[0089] In one embodiment, a first guide hole 930 can be formed in the recess 920. In one embodiment, the first guide hole 930 can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction (AX). In one embodiment, the first guide hole 930 can extend in a direction away from the hinge structure 400. In one embodiment, the first guide hole 930 may include a first edge 9301, a second edge 9302 opposite the first edge 9301, a third edge 9303 extending from one end of the first edge 9301 to one end of the second edge 9302, and a fourth edge 9304 opposite the third edge 9303 and extending from the other end of the first edge 9301 to the other end of the second edge 9302.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first guide hole 930 can be formed by penetrating the first plate structure 512. According to another embodiment, the first guide hole 930 can be formed as a recess without penetrating the first plate structure 512.

[0091] As shown in Figure 9, the first edge 9301 and the second edge 9302 are substantially parallel, and the length of the second edge 9302 may be shorter than the length of the first edge 9301. The centers of the first edge 9301 and the second edge 9302 can be aligned so as to coincide with the perpendicular direction of the axial direction (AX). The third edge 9303 and the fourth edge 9304 can extend at an angle relative to the perpendicular direction of the axial direction (AX). The first guide hole 930 can become narrower as it approaches the hinge structure 400 (for example, as it goes towards the third direction (circled 3)). However, the shape of the first guide hole 930 is not limited to the examples described above. Deformable embodiments of the first guide hole 930 will be described later with reference to Figure 12.

[0092] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first guide hole 930 according to one embodiment can accommodate the first projection 850 of the first arm member 450. The first arm member 450 can rotate, and the first projection 850 can slide within the first guide hole 930. For example, referring to Figure 9, when the electronic device is folded (e.g., electronic device 1 in Figure 2), the first projection 850 can be positioned at a first position (B1) that is further adjacent to the second edge 9302 than to the first edge 9301 of the first guide hole 930. For example, when the electronic device is unfolded (e.g., electronic device 1 in Figure 1), the first projection 850 can be positioned at a second position (B2) that is further adjacent to the first edge 9301 than to the second edge 9302 of the first guide hole 930. In one embodiment, the rotation of the first arm member 450 allows the first projection 850 to move linearly in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (AX) within the first guide hole 930. For example, when the electronic device is unfolded from a folded state, the first projection 850 can move from a first position (B1) to a second position (B2). This will be described in detail later with reference to Figures 13 to 15.

[0093] In one embodiment, the first projection 850 can move freely within the first guide hole 930 and make at least partial contact with the third edge 9303 and / or fourth edge 9304 of the first guide hole 930. For example, when the first projection 850 is in a first position (B1), the first projection 850 can make at least partial contact with the third edge 9303 and the fourth edge 9304. In one embodiment, the first projection 850 in contact with the third edge 9303 and the fourth edge 9304 can prevent the first housing 51 from moving axially (AX). For example, if an external force is applied to the first housing 51 in the second direction (circled 2), the first housing 51 will move freely in the second direction (circled 2) to which the external force is applied, and the second housing 52 on the opposite side of the first housing 51 may slip freely in the first direction (circled 1), which is the opposite direction to the second direction (circled 2). Such movement between the first housing 51 and the second housing can damage not only the first housing 51, the second housing, and the hinge structure 400, but also the display placed on them. In one embodiment, the first projection 850 housed in the first guide hole 930 can reduce the aforementioned movement between the housings and reduce damage to the components.

[0094] In one embodiment, if the cross-sectional shape of the first projection 850 is circular, the diameter of the first projection 850 may be substantially the same as or smaller than the minimum width of the first guide hole 930. For example, as shown, the diameter of the first projection 850 may be substantially the same as the length of the second edge 9302.

[0095] In one embodiment, the frictional force acting between the first guide hole 930 and the first projection 850 may make it inconvenient for the user to fold or unfold the electronic device. Therefore, the first guide hole 930 may include a portion having a width greater than the diameter of the first projection 850. For example, the length of the first edge 9301 may be formed to be greater than the diameter of the first projection 850, in which case the first projection 850 may not come into contact with the third edge 9303 and the fourth edge 9304 when it is located at a second position (B2) adjacent to the first edge 9301. However, this is not limited to the description provided with reference to Figure 12 later.

[0096] The description relating to the first arm member 450, the first projection 850, the first rotating member 410, and the first housing 51, provided with reference to Figures 9 to 11, can be applied to the second arm member 460, the second projection 860, the second rotating member 420, and the second housing 52 in substantially the same, similar, or corresponding manner. For example, the second projection 860 formed on the second arm member 460 is housed in a second guide hole (e.g., the second guide hole 940 in Figure 15) formed in the second plate structure 522 of the second housing 52, and can move freely within the second guide hole in response to the folding and unfolding of the electronic device.

[0097] Figure 12 shows the shape of the guide hole and the first projection according to one embodiment. Referring to reference numeral 1201 in Figure 12, in one embodiment, the first guide hole 930-1 may be formed in the shape of a rectangle. The width (W) of the first guide hole 930-1 may be less than its length (L). The width (W) of the first guide hole 930-1 may be substantially the same. The first edge 9301 of the first guide hole 930-1 may be formed to be substantially the same length as the second edge 9302. The third edge 9303 and the fourth edge 9304 of the first guide hole 930-1 may be substantially parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the cross-section of the first projection 850-1 may include a circle having a diameter substantially the same as or smaller than the width (W) of the first guide hole 930-1. In another embodiment, the cross-section of the first projection 850-2 may include a rectangle having a width substantially the same as or smaller than the width of the first guide hole 930-1. In this case, the first projection 850-2 will be in surface contact with the third edge 9303 and / or fourth edge 9304 of the first guide hole 930-1, and the anti-movement effect of the housing can be improved compared to the first projection 850-1 which is in point contact. The longer the length of the edge of the first projection 850-2 facing the third edge 9303 and / or fourth edge 9304 of the first guide hole 930-1 (or the length of the first projection 850-2), the greater the contact area with the first guide hole 930-1 can be.

[0098] Referring to reference numeral 1203 in Figure 12, the first guide hole 930-2 can be formed as a quadrilateral rather than a rectangle. The second edge 9302 of the first guide hole 930-2 can be formed to be shorter than the first edge 9301, and the first guide hole 930-2 can be formed so that its width (W) gradually decreases. The first edge 9301 and the second edge 9302 of the first guide hole 930-2 may be substantially parallel to each other. The fourth edge 9304 of the first guide hole 930-2 may be substantially perpendicular to the first edge 9301 and the second edge 9302. The third edge 9303 of the first guide hole 930-2 may not be parallel to the fourth edge 9304. In one embodiment, the first projection 850-3 can be formed to have a circular cross-section with a diameter substantially the same as or smaller than the length of the second edge 9302. In other embodiments, the first projection 850-4 may be formed to have a square cross-section rather than a rectangular one. In this case, the first projection 850-4 may be formed to be movable within the first guide hole 930-2. For example, when housed within the first guide hole 930-2, the first projection 850-4 may include edges 8501 to 8504 facing the first to fourth edges 9301 to 9304 of the first guide hole 930-2, respectively. Edge 8502 of the first projection 850-4 may be substantially identical to or shorter than the second edge 9302 of the first guide hole 930-2. Edge 8503 of the first projection 850-4 may be substantially parallel to the third edge 9303 of the first guide hole 930-2. Edge 8504 of the first projection 850-4 may be substantially parallel to the fourth edge 9304 of the first guide hole 930-2. The edge 8501 of the first projection 850-4 may be substantially parallel to the second edge 9302 of the first guide hole 930-2. The edge 8501 of the first projection 850-4 may be longer than the edge 8502 and shorter than the first edge 9301 of the first guide hole 930-2.

[0099] Referring to reference numeral 1205 in Figure 12, the first edge 9301 and / or the second edge 9302 may include a curved surface, as shown in the first guide holes 930-3, 930-4. In this case, the first projection can be formed in various shapes, such as a circle, a rectangle, or a polygon including a curved surface corresponding to the first guide holes 930-3, 930-4, so as to be housed and movable within the first guide holes 930-3, 930-4, as in the embodiments described above.

[0100] Referring to reference numeral 1207 in Figure 12, the first guide hole 930-5 may include a portion extending substantially perpendicular to the axial direction (AX) and a portion extending inclined with respect to the axial direction (AX). For example, the fifth edge 9305 and the sixth edge 9306 of the first guide hole 930-5 may extend substantially perpendicular to the axial direction (AX), while the third edge 9303 and the fourth edge 9304 may extend inclined with respect to the axial direction (AX). In one embodiment, the third edge 9303 and the fourth edge 9304 may be closer to each other the further they are from the first edge 9301. The fifth edge 9305 and the sixth edge 9306 may be substantially parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the length of the fifth edge 9305 and / or the sixth edge 9306 is the length of the first projection that is housed in the first guide hole 930-5. 850-5 It may be substantially the same as the radius (R) or larger than it.

[0101] The shapes of the first guide hole 930 and the first projection 850 described above are not limited to the illustrated examples, and various design modifications are possible, such as combinations of the illustrated embodiments or not-illustrated embodiments applicable to an ordinary person.

[0102] The explanation provided with reference to Figure 12 can be applied substantially in the same manner, similarly, or in a corresponding manner to the second guide hole 940 formed in the second plate structure 522 and the second projection 860 formed in the second arm member 560.

[0103] Figure 13 shows a hinge according to one embodiment. structure of Rotating member The rotational motion show This is a diagram. Figure 13 can be considered to correspond to the line A-A' in Figure 6. Figure 13(a) shows the hinge structure 400 in its deployed state. Figure 13(b) shows the hinge structure 400 in its folded state. Figure 13(c) shows the hinge structure 400 in its fully folded state.

[0104] In one embodiment, a first guide rail 4301 and a second guide rail 4302 may be formed on the hinge bracket 430. In one embodiment, the first guide rail 4301 may be substantially arc-shaped. For example, the center of the arc of the first guide rail 4301 may be the first axis of rotation (R1). That is, the first guide rail 4301 can guide the first rotating member 410 to rotate along a rotation path centered on the first axis of rotation (R1).

[0105] In one embodiment, the second guide rail 4302 may be substantially arc-shaped. For example, the center of the arc of the second guide rail 4302 may be the second axis of rotation (R2). That is, the second guide rail 4302 can guide the second rotating member 420 to rotate along a rotation path centered on the second axis of rotation (R2).

[0106] In one embodiment, the first rotating member 410 may include a first extension portion 412 and a first guide portion 411. The first guide portion 411 may be substantially cylindrical. For example, the cross-section of the first guide portion 411 may be substantially arc-shaped. In one embodiment, the first rotating member 410 can rotate about a first rotation axis (R1) with the first guide portion 411 housed in the first guide rail 4301 of the hinge bracket 430. For example, when the first extension portion 412 is folded or unfolded together with the first housing 51, the first rotating member 410 can rotate along an arc-shaped rotation path centered on the first rotation axis (R1).

[0107] In one embodiment, the second rotating member 420 may include a second extension portion 422 and a second guide portion 421. The second guide portion 421 may be substantially cylindrical. For example, the cross-section of the second guide portion 421 may be substantially arc-shaped. In one embodiment, the second rotating member 420 can rotate about a second rotation axis (R2) with the second guide portion 421 housed in the second guide rail 4302. For example, when the second extension portion 422 is folded or unfolded together with the second housing 52, the second rotating member 420 can rotate along an arc-shaped rotation path about the second rotation axis (R2).

[0108] Figure 14 shows an arm member of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. and Rotational motion of rotating member and Slide motion show This is a diagram. Figure 15 shows the rotational and sliding movements of the arm member and plate structure of a hinge structure according to one embodiment.

[0109] Figures 14 and 15(a) show the hinge structure 400 in its deployed state. Figures 14 and 15(b) show the hinge structure 400 in its folded state. Figures 14 and 15(c) show the hinge structure 400 in its fully folded state. In Figure 14, the protrusions formed on the arm members 450 and 460 (for example, the protrusions 850 and 860 in Figure 15) have been omitted for the sake of explanation.

[0110] Referring to Figure 14, when the hinge structure 400 is folded or unfolded, Rotating member Members 410, 420 and arm members 450, 460 can rotate around different axes. For example, Rotating member Members 410, 420 and arm members 450, 460 can rotate along different rotational paths. Rotating memberDue to the differences in the rotation paths of 410, 420 and arm members 450, 460, the arm members 450, 460 can slide when the hinge structure 400 is folded or unfolded.

[0111] In one embodiment, the first rotating member 410 can rotate in a first rotational direction about a first rotation axis (R1). For example, in a folding operation, the first rotating member 410 can rotate clockwise. For example, with respect to the unfolded state, the point where the first slide pin 455 is located on the first rotating member 410 can be defined as the first point (A1). In folding and unfolding operations, the first point (A1) of the first rotating member 410 can move along the first rotational path (P1).

[0112] In one embodiment, the first arm member 450 and the first slide pin 455 can rotate around the first shaft member 441. For example, in a folding operation, the first arm member 450 and the first slide pin 455 can rotate clockwise. For example, in the unfolded state, the first slide pin 455 can be located at a first point (A1), and in the folded state, the first slide pin 455 can be located between the first point (A1) and the hinge bracket 430. In folding and unfolding operations, the first slide pin 455 can move along a second rotation path (P2). In one embodiment, when a folding operation is performed from an unfolded state, the distance between the first slide pin 455 and the first point (A1) can increase. When an unfolding operation is performed from a fully folded state, the distance between the first slide pin 455 and the first point (A1) can decrease.

[0113] In one embodiment, the first rotation path (P1) and the second rotation path (P2) may be different. For example, the first rotation axis (R1) and the first shaft member 441 may be parallel but not coincide, and the rotation radii of the first rotation member 410 and the first arm member 450 may not coincide.

[0114] As a result, the first arm member 450 and the first slide pin 455 are slidable relative to the first rotating member 410 during folding and unfolding operations. The sliding motion of the second slide pin 465 and the second arm member 460 can be guided by the second slide pin 465 being accommodated in the second slide groove 425 of the second rotating member 420.

[0115] As described above, when the first arm member 450 and the first slide pin 455 slide relative to the first rotating member 410, referring to Figure 15, the first arm member 450 and the first projection 850 are slidable relative to the first plate structure 512 of the first housing 51. In one embodiment, the first plate structure 512 is fixedly connected to the first rotating member 410 in Figure 14 and can rotate with substantially the same radius of rotation as the first rotating member 410. When the first arm member 450 rotates, the first projection 850 can be housed in the first guide hole 930 of the first plate structure 512 and slide. For example, when the electronic device is in the deployed state (a), the first projection 850 can be adjacent to the first edge 9301 of the first guide hole 930 rather than the second edge 9302. When the state of the electronic device is changed from an unfolded state (a) to a folded state (b), the first protrusion 850 can gradually move away from the first edge 9301 of the first guide hole 930 and gradually move closer to the second edge 9302. When the electronic device is in a completely folded state (c), the first protrusion 850 can be closer to the second edge 9302 of the first guide hole 930 than to the first edge 9301.

[0116] Referring to Figure 14, in one embodiment, the second rotating member 420 can rotate in a second rotational direction about a second rotation axis (R2). For example, in a folding operation, the second rotating member 420 can rotate counterclockwise. For example, with respect to the unfolded state, the point where the second slide pin 465 is located on the second rotating member 420 can be defined as the second point (A2). In folding and unfolding operations, the second point (A2) can move along a third rotational path (P3).

[0117] In one embodiment, the second arm member 460 and the second slide pin 465 can rotate around the second shaft member 442. For example, in a folding operation, the second arm member 460 and the second slide pin 465 can rotate counterclockwise. For example, in the unfolded state, the second slide pin 465 can be located at a second point (A2), and in the folded state, the second slide pin 465 can be located between the second point (A2) and the hinge bracket 430. The second slide pin 465 can move along a fourth rotation path (P4) in folding and unfolding operations. In one embodiment, when a folding operation is performed from an unfolded state, the distance between the second slide pin 465 and the second point (A2) can increase. When an unfolding operation is performed from a fully folded state, the distance between the second slide pin 465 and the second point (A2) can decrease.

[0118] In one embodiment, the third rotation path (P3) and the fourth rotation path (P4) may be different. For example, the second rotation axis (R2) and the second shaft member 442 may be parallel but not coincide, and the rotation radii of the second rotation member 420 and the second arm member 460 may not coincide.

[0119] As a result, during folding and unfolding operations, the second arm member 460 and the second slide pin 465 are slidable relative to the second rotating member 420. The sliding motion of the second slide pin 465 and the second arm member 460 can be guided by the second slide pin 465 being accommodated in the second slide groove 425 of the second rotating member 420.

[0120] As described above, when the second arm member 460 and the second slide pin 465 slide relative to the second rotating member 420, referring to Figure 15, the second arm member 460 and the second projection 860 are slidable relative to the second plate structure 522 of the second housing 52. In one embodiment, the second plate structure 522 is fixedly connected to the second rotating member 420 in Figure 14 and can rotate with substantially the same radius of rotation as the second rotating member 420. When the second arm member 460 rotates, the second projection 860 can be housed in the second guide hole 940 of the second plate structure 522 and slide. For example, when the electronic device is in the deployed state (a), the second projection 860 can be adjacent to the first edge 9401 of the second guide hole 940 rather than the second edge 9402. When the state of the electronic device is changed from an unfolded state (a) to a folded state (b), the second protrusion 860 can gradually move away from the first edge 9401 of the second guide hole 940 and gradually move closer to the second edge 9402. When the electronic device is in a fully folded state (c), the second protrusion 860 can be closer to the second edge 9402 of the second guide hole 940 than to the first edge 9401.

[0121] An electronic device that can be folded and unfolded according to one embodiment (for example, the electronic device 1 in Figure 1) includes a hinge structure (for example, the hinge structure 400 in Figure 4) and a housing (for example, the foldable housing 50 in Figure 3) connected to the hinge structure, wherein the hinge structure includes a shaft member (for example, a first shaft member 441 and / or a second shaft member 442 in Figure 4) and an arm structure to which the housing is rotatably connected to the shaft member and the housing, wherein the housing has a guide hole (for example, a first guide hole 930 in Figure 9) extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the housing, and the arm structure includes a projection (a first projection 850 in Figure 8a) housed within the guide hole, the projection being slidable within the guide hole in accordance with the rotation of the housing.

[0122] In one embodiment, the guide hole includes a first edge (e.g., the first edge 9301 in Figure 9) and a second edge (e.g., the second edge 9302 in Figure 9) that is opposite to the first edge and closer to the center of the hinge structure than the first edge, and the projection can move between the first edge and the second edge of the guide hole in response to the rotation of the housing.

[0123] In one embodiment, when the electronic device is unfolded, the protrusion may be adjacent to the first edge more than the second edge, and when the electronic device is folded, the protrusion may be adjacent to the second edge more than the first edge.

[0124] In one embodiment, the first edge may be longer than the second edge. In one embodiment, the diameter of the protrusion may be substantially the same as that of the second edge.

[0125] In one embodiment, the guide hole includes a third edge (e.g., the third edge 9303 in Figure 9) connecting one end of the first edge to one end of the second edge, and a fourth edge (e.g., the fourth edge 9304 in Figure 9) connecting the other end of the first edge to the other end of the second edge, and when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the housing, the second edge may be located between the one end and the other end of the first edge.

[0126] In one embodiment, the guide hole includes a third edge (e.g., the third edge 9303 in Figure 12) connecting one end of the first edge to one end of the second edge, and a fourth edge (e.g., the fourth edge 9304 in Figure 12) connecting the other end of the first edge to the other end of the second edge, wherein the third edge or the fourth edge may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second edges (e.g., the first guide holes 930-1, 930-2, 930-3 in Figure 12).

[0127] In one embodiment, the guide hole includes a third edge (e.g., the third edge 9303 in Figure 9) connecting one end of the first edge to one end of the second edge, and a fourth edge (e.g., the fourth edge 9304 in Figure 9) connecting the other end of the first edge to the other end of the second edge, and the protrusion can contact the third edge and / or the fourth edge when the electronic device is folded.

[0128] In one embodiment, the guide hole may include a portion having a width greater than the length of the cross-section of the projection corresponding to the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the housing.

[0129] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the protrusion can have a circular shape (for example, the first protrusion 850-1 in Figure 12) or a polygonal shape (for example, the first protrusions (850-2, 850-4) in Figure 12).

[0130] In one embodiment, the first edge and / or the second edge may include a curved surface (for example, the first guide holes 930-3, 930-4 in Figure 12).

[0131] In one embodiment, the arm structure may include an arm member (for example, a first arm member 450 and / or a second arm member 460 in Figure 4) connected to the shaft member and rotatable relative to the shaft member, and a rotating member (for example, a first rotating member 410 and / or a second rotating member 420 in Figure 4) slidably connected to the arm member and fixedly connected to the housing.

[0132] In one embodiment, the arm member includes an extension portion (e.g., a first extension portion 412 and / or a second extension portion 421 in Figure 4), a first portion (e.g., a first portion 451 of the first arm member and / or a first portion 461 of the second arm member in Figure 4) extending from one side of the extension portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis and surrounding the shaft member, and a second portion (e.g., a third portion 453 of the first arm member and / or a third portion 463 of the second arm member in Figure 4) extending from the other side of the extension portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis and connected to the rotating member, wherein the projection can be formed on the second portion of the arm member.

[0133] In one embodiment, the housing includes a frame structure (a first frame structure 511 and / or a second frame structure 521 in Figure 3) that forms the exterior of the electronic device, and a plate structure (for example, a first plate structure 512 and / or a second plate structure 522 in Figure 3) that extends inward from the frame structure to the electronic device, wherein the plate structure has a recess (for example, a recess 920 in Figure 9) that at least partially accommodates the arm structure, and the guide hole can be formed in the recess of the plate structure. In one embodiment, the housing may include a flexible display (for example, the flexible display 10 in Figure 1) disposed on the housing.

[0134] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (for example, electronic device 1 in Figure 1) includes a hinge structure (for example, hinge structure 400 in Figure 4), a first housing (for example, first housing 51 in Figure 3) and a second housing (for example, second housing 52 in Figure 3) connected to the hinge structure with the hinge structure in between, and a flexible display (for example, flexible display 10 in Figure 1) positioned across the first housing, the hinge structure, and the second housing, wherein the hinge structure includes a first shaft member (for example, first shaft member 441 in Figure 4) and a second shaft member (for example, second shaft member 442 in Figure 4), a first arm structure to which the first housing is rotatably connected to the first shaft member and the first housing, and the second arm structure to which the second housing is rotatably connected to the second shaft member and the second The first housing includes a second arm structure connected to a housing, wherein the first housing has a first guide hole (e.g., the first guide hole 930 in Figure 9) extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first housing, the first arm structure includes a first projection (e.g., the first projection 850 in Figure 6) housed within the first guide hole, the second housing has a second guide hole (e.g., the second guide hole 940 in Figure 15) extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second housing, the second arm structure includes a second projection (e.g., the second projection 860 in Figure 6) housed within the second guide hole, the first projection slides within the first guide hole in response to the rotation of the first housing, and the second projection slides within the second guide hole in response to the rotation of the second housing.

[0135] In one embodiment, the first guide hole includes a first edge (e.g., the first edge 9301 in Figure 9) and a second edge (e.g., the second edge 9302 in Figure 9) opposite the first edge and closer to the center of the hinge structure than the first edge, and the second guide hole includes a third edge (e.g., the first edge 9401 in Figure 15) and a fourth edge (e.g., the second edge 9402 in Figure 15) opposite the third edge and closer to the center of the hinge structure than the third edge, and the first projection can move between the first edge and the second edge of the first guide hole in response to the rotation of the first housing, and the second projection can move between the third edge and the fourth edge of the second guide hole in response to the rotation of the second housing.

[0136] In one embodiment, the electronic device includes an unfolded state in which the flexible display forms substantially one plane (e.g., the state of electronic device 1 in Figure 1) and a folded state in which the first housing and the second housing overlap at least partially (e.g., the state of electronic device 1 in Figure 2), wherein in the unfolded state, the first projection is adjacent to the first edge of the first guide hole more than the second edge of the first guide hole, and the second projection is adjacent to the third edge of the second guide hole more than the fourth edge of the second guide hole; and in the folded state, the first projection is adjacent to the second edge of the first guide hole more than the first edge of the first guide hole, and the second projection is adjacent to the fourth edge of the second guide hole more than the third edge of the second guide hole. In one embodiment, the first edge may be longer than the second edge, and the third edge may be longer than the fourth edge.

[0137] In one embodiment, the first guide hole includes a fifth edge (for example, the third edge 9303 and the fourth edge 9304 in Figure 9) connecting the first edge and the second edge, and the second guide hole includes a sixth edge connecting the third edge and the fourth edge, and in the folded state, the first projection can contact the fifth edge of the first guide hole, and the second projection can contact the sixth edge of the second guide hole.

[0138] Figure 16 is a block diagram of an electronic device 1601 in a network environment 1600 according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 16, in the network environment 1600, the electronic device 1601 can communicate with the electronic device 1602 via a first network 1698 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of the electronic devices 1604 or the server 1608 via a second network 1699 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 1601 can communicate with the electronic device 1604 via the server 1608. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 1601 may include a processor 1620, memory 1630, input module 1650, acoustic output module 1655, display module 1660, audio module 1670, sensor module 1676, interface 1677, coupling terminal 1678, haptic module 1679, camera module 1680, power management module 1688, battery 1689, communication module 1690, subscriber identification module 1696, or antenna module 1697. In some embodiments, the electronic device 1601 may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the coupling terminal 1678) or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module 1676, the camera module 1680, or the antenna module 1697) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., the display module 1660).

[0139] The processor 1620 can, for example, execute software (e.g., program 1640) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 1601 connected to the processor 1620, and can perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 1620 can store instructions or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module 1676 or communication module 1690) in volatile memory 1632, process the instructions or data stored in volatile memory 1632, and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory 1634. According to one embodiment, the processor 1620 may include a main processor 1621 (e.g., a central processing unit or application processor), or an auxiliary processor 1623 (e.g., a graphics processing unit, an NPU (neural processing unit), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with it. For example, if the electronic device 1601 includes a main processor 1621 and an auxiliary processor 1623, the auxiliary processor 1623 may use less power than the main processor 1621 or be configured to specialize in a specified function. The auxiliary processor 1623 may be implemented separately from or as part of the main processor 1621.

[0140] The auxiliary processor 1623 can, for example, control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device 1601 (e.g., display module 1660, sensor module 1676, or communication module 1690) on behalf of the main processor 1621 when the main processor 1621 is inactive (e.g., sleep), or together with the main processor 1621 when the main processor 1621 is active (e.g., running an application). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 1623 (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module 1680 or communication module 1690). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor 1623 (e.g., NPU) may include a hardware structure dedicated to processing artificial intelligence models. Artificial intelligence models can be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device 1601 itself on which the artificial intelligence model is executed, or via another server (e.g., server 1608). Learning algorithms can include, but are not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. Artificial intelligence models can include multiple artificial neural network layers.Artificial neural networks may include, but are not limited to, deep neural networks (DNN), convolutional neural networks (CNN), recurrent neural networks (RNN), restricted Boltzmann machines (RBM), deep belief networks (DBN), bidirectional recurrent deep neural networks (BRDNN), deep Q-networks, or any combination of two or more of the above. In addition to hardware structures, artificial intelligence models may also include software structures, either additionally or alternatively.

[0141] Memory 1630 can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 1601 (e.g., processor 1620 or sensor module 1676). The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program 1640) and input or output data for associated instructions. Memory 1630 may include volatile memory 1632 or non-volatile memory 1634.

[0142] Program 1640 can be stored as software in memory 1630 and may include, for example, an operating system 1642, middleware 1644, or an application 1646.

[0143] The input module 1650 can receive instructions or data used by components of the electronic device 1601 (e.g., processor 1620) from outside the electronic device 1601 (e.g., a user). The input module 1650 may include, for example, a microphone, mouse, keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0144] The acoustic output module 1655 can output an acoustic signal to the outside of the electronic device 1601. The acoustic output module 1655 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as multimedia playback or recording and playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming phone calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from or as part of the speaker.

[0145] The display module 1660 can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) outside of the electronic device 1601. The display module 1660 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module 1660 may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0146] The audio module 1670 can convert sound into electrical signals, or conversely, convert electrical signals into voice. According to one embodiment, the audio module 1670 can acquire sound via the input module 1650, or output sound via the acoustic output module 1655, or via an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1602) (e.g., speaker or headphones) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 1601.

[0147] The sensor module 1676 can detect the operating state of the electronic device 1601 (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module 1676 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0148] Interface 1677 can support one or more designated protocols that can be used for the electronic device 1601 to connect directly or wirelessly with an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1602). According to one embodiment, interface 1677 may include, for example, HDMI® (high definition multimedia interface), USB (universal serial bus) interface, SD card interface, or audio interface.

[0149] The connecting terminal 1678 may include a connector through which the electronic device 1601 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1602). According to one embodiment, the connecting terminal 1678 may include, for example, an HDMI® connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0150] The haptic module 1679 can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that can be perceived by the user through touch or kinesthetic sense. According to one embodiment, the haptic module 1679 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0151] The camera module 1680 can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module 1680 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0152] The power management module 1688 can manage the power supplied to the electronic device 1601. According to one embodiment, the power management module 1688 may be implemented, for example, as at least part of a PMIC (power management integrated circuit).

[0153] The battery 1689 can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device 1601. According to one embodiment, the battery 1689 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0154] The communication module 1690 can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between the electronic device 1601 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1602, electronic device 1604, or server 1608), and the execution of communication over the established communication channel. The communication module 1690 operates independently of the processor 1620 (e.g., the application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module 1690 may include a wireless communication module 1692 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a near-field wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module), or a wired communication module 1694 (e.g., a LAN (local area network) communication module, or a power line communication module). Of these communication modules, the applicable communication module can communicate with an external electronic device 1604 via a first network 1698 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network 1699 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., LAN or WAN)). Such various communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 1692 can verify or authenticate the electronic device 1601 within a communication network such as the first network 1698 or the second network 1699 using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module 1696.

[0155] The wireless communication module 1692 can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies beyond 4G networks, such as new radio access technology. New radio access technology can support high-speed transmission of large amounts of data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power consumption and connecting a large number of terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). For example, the wireless communication module 1692 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., mmWave bands) to achieve high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 1692 can support various technologies to ensure performance in high-frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) (FD-MIMO (full-dimensional MIMO)), array antennas, analog beamforming, or large-scale antennas. The wireless communication module 1692 can support various requirements specified by the electronic device 1601, external electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 1604), or network systems (e.g., second network 1699). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module 1692 can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) to achieve eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) to achieve mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for both downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) to achieve URLLC.

[0156] The antenna module 1697 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 1697 may include an antenna comprising a radiator consisting of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module 1697 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme used in a communication network such as a first network 1698 or a second network 1699 can be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, a communication module 1690. Signals or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module 1690 and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, other components besides the radiator (e.g., an RFIC (radio frequency integrated circuit)) may be further formed as part of the antenna module 1697.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the antenna module 1697 can form an mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., the top or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high-frequency band.

[0158] At least some of the aforementioned components are connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and can exchange signals (e.g., instructions or data) with each other.

[0159] According to one embodiment, commands or data can be transmitted to or received between the electronic device 1601 and an external electronic device 1604 via a server 1608 connected to a second network 1699. Each of the external electronic devices 1602 or 1604 may be the same type of device as the electronic device 1601 or a different type of device. According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed by the electronic device 1601 can be performed by one or more external electronic devices 1602, 1604, or 1608. For example, if the electronic device 1601 needs to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or other device, the electronic device 1601 may, instead of performing the function or service itself, or additionally, request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of that function or service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may perform at least part of the requested function or service, or additional functions or services associated with the request, and transmit the results of the execution to the electronic device 1601. The electronic device 1601 can process the results as they are or additionally and provide them as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology can be used. The electronic device 1601 can provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In other embodiments, the external electronic device 1604 may include IoT (Internet of Things) devices. The server 1608 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device 1604 or the server 1608 may be included within the second network 1699. The electronic device 1601 can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technologies.

[0160] An electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed herein may be of various forms. An electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. An electronic device according to the embodiment described herein is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0161] Embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein should be understood not as limiting the technical features described herein to any particular embodiment, but as including various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of such embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of such items unless the context of the reference clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each phrase such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the phrase, or any possible combination thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second” may be used merely to distinguish one component from other such components and not to limit the component in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When one (e.g., the first) component is referred to as "connected" or "linked" to another (e.g., the second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communically," this means that the first component may be connected to the other component directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or via the third component.

[0162] As used in one embodiment of this document, the term "module" may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be a component configured as a whole, or the smallest unit or part of such component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit).

[0163] One embodiment of this document may be implemented as software (e.g., program 1640) containing one or more instruction words stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 1636 or external memory 1638) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 1601). For example, the processor (e.g., processor 1620) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 1601) may call and execute at least one instruction from the one or more instruction words stored in the storage medium. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function in response to the one or more instruction words called. The one or more instruction words may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-temporary" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily on the storage medium.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the method according to one embodiment disclosed herein may be provided as part of a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or from an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM The computer program product may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via a network or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be stored at least temporarily or generated on a device-readable storage medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0165] According to one embodiment, each of the aforementioned components (e.g., a module or a program) may include one or more individuals, and some of the individuals may be separated and arranged in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more of the aforementioned components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the components of the multiple components before the integration. According to one embodiment, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. An electronic device that can be folded and unfolded, Hinged structures and, A housing connected to the aforementioned hinge structure, The aforementioned hinge structure is shaft member and The housing includes an arm structure that is rotatably connected to the shaft member and the housing, The housing has a guide hole that extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the housing. The arm structure includes a protruding portion housed within the guide hole, The aforementioned protrusion slides within the guide hole in accordance with the rotation of the housing, in an electronic device, The guide hole includes a first edge and a second edge that is opposite the first edge and is closer to the center of the hinge structure than the first edge. The protruding portion moves between the first and second edges of the guide hole in accordance with the rotation of the housing in the electronic device.

2. With the electronic device deployed, the protruding portion is adjacent to the first edge more than the second edge. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein, when the electronic device is folded, the protruding portion is more adjacent to the second edge than to the first edge.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first edge is longer than the second edge.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of the protrusion is the same as that of the second edge.

5. The guide hole includes a third edge connecting one end of the first edge and one end of the second edge, and a fourth edge connecting the other end of the first edge and the other end of the second edge. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the housing, the second edge is located between one end and the other end of the first edge.

6. The guide hole includes a third edge connecting one end of the first edge and one end of the second edge, and a fourth edge connecting the other end of the first edge and the other end of the second edge. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein the third edge or the fourth edge is perpendicular to the first edge and / or the second edge.

7. The guide hole includes a third edge connecting one end of the first edge and one end of the second edge, and a fourth edge connecting the other end of the first edge and the other end of the second edge. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein, when the electronic device is folded, the protruding portion contacts the third edge and / or the fourth edge.

8. An electronic device that can be folded and unfolded, Hinged structures and, A housing connected to the aforementioned hinge structure, The aforementioned hinge structure is shaft member and The housing includes an arm structure that is rotatably connected to the shaft member and the housing, The housing has a guide hole that extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the housing. The arm structure includes a protruding portion housed within the guide hole, The aforementioned protrusion slides within the guide hole in accordance with the rotation of the housing, in an electronic device, An electronic device wherein the guide hole includes a portion having a width greater than the length of the cross-section of the projection corresponding to the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the housing.

9. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the protruding portion has a circular or polygonal shape.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the first edge and / or the second edge includes a curved surface.

11. An electronic device that can be folded and unfolded, Hinged structures and, A housing connected to the aforementioned hinge structure, The aforementioned hinge structure is shaft member and The housing includes an arm structure that is rotatably connected to the shaft member and the housing, The housing has a guide hole that extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the housing. The arm structure includes a protruding portion housed within the guide hole, The aforementioned protrusion slides within the guide hole in accordance with the rotation of the housing, in an electronic device, The aforementioned arm structure is An arm member connected to the shaft member and rotatable relative to the shaft member, A rotating member is slidably connected to the arm member and fixedly connected to the housing, The aforementioned arm member is The extension and From one side of the aforementioned extension, a first portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and surrounds the shaft member, It includes a second portion that extends from the other side of the aforementioned extension in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and is connected to the rotating member, The aforementioned protrusion is formed on the second portion of the arm member, and is an electronic device.

12. The aforementioned housing is A frame structure that forms the external appearance of the aforementioned electronic device, The frame structure includes a plate structure extending inward from the frame structure to the electronic device, The plate structure has a recess formed in which the arm structure is at least partially accommodated. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein the guide hole is formed in the recess of the plate structure.

13. The electronic device according to claim 12, further comprising a flexible display disposed on the housing.

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