Hinged structure and electronic device including hinged structure

Abstract

FIELD: fasteners.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of structural elements of portable connection devices, namely to hinged connections of parts of the housings of such devices. For this purpose, the hinged structure of the portable communication device includes a first shaft , configured to rotate around a first axis, a second shaft , configured to rotate around a second axis, a first lever configured to rotate around the first axis, a second lever configured to rotate around a second axis, a first rotary element including a first guide and configured to rotate around a third axis, a second rotary element including a second guide and configured to rotate around a fourth axis, whereas the second lever rotates around the second axis. In addition, the hinge structure includes a support bracket configured to accommodate at least a portion of the first rotary element and at least a portion of the second rotary element, wherein the support bracket includes a first guide groove along which the first guide is configured to move, and a second guide groove along which the second guide is configured to move.EFFECT: optimization of the placement of structures associated with articulated movement in an electronic device.20 cl, 16 dwg

Description

Field of technology

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic device including a hinged structure. Prior art

[0002] A portable electronic device, such as a smart phone, can provide various functions, such as phone calls, video playback, internet searches, and the like, based on different types of applications. Users may want to utilize these various functions through a larger screen. However, increasing the screen size may reduce portability. Therefore, a foldable electronic device has been developed to enhance portability through its folding design.

[0003] The above information is provided as prior art information only to assist in understanding the invention. No determination or assertion is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art to the invention.Disclosure of the inventionTechnical problem

[0004] In a foldable electronic device, a hinge structure can be connected to adjacent housing structures. When the housing structures rotate at a predetermined angle, the hinge structure can perform a rotational motion while supporting the housing structures. Various structures must be arranged to ensure the hinge movements of the housing structures. However, a foldable electronic device with a relatively narrow folding area has limited space for arranging various structures, making it difficult to arrange various structures to ensure the hinge movements. Problem Solution

[0005] According to an aspect of the invention, the hinge structure includes a first rotary bracket that rotates around a first virtual axis within a first range, a second rotary bracket that rotates around a second virtual axis within a second range, a fixed bracket with the first rotary bracket and the second rotary bracket fixed therein, a first rotary element that rotates around a first rotation axis different from the first virtual axis, a second rotary element that rotates around a second rotation axis different from the second virtual axis, a first lever including a first base body, a first connecting portion located on one side of the first base body and connected to the first rotary bracket, a first insert portion, one side of which is mounted on the first rotary element, and a first rotary cam located near the first insert portion, the second lever,comprising a second base body, a second connecting portion located on one side of the second base body and connected to a second rotary bracket, a second insert portion, one side of which is mounted on the second rotary element, and a second rotary cam located near the second insert portion, a cam portion with uneven structures corresponding to the first rotary cam and the second rotary cam, a first elastic body that is mounted on the first rotary element and that supports at least one side of the cam portion in the direction toward the first lever, a second elastic body that is mounted on the second rotary element and that supports at least the opposite side of the cam portion in the direction toward the second lever, and a support bracket that supports the first elastic body and the second elastic body.

[0006] According to another aspect of the invention, the electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge structure that connects the first housing and the second housing and provides a hinge movement of the first housing or the second housing, a hinge housing that surrounds the hinge structure, and a flexible display located on the first housing and the second housing. At least a portion of the flexible display is attached to at least a portion of the upper side of the first housing or the upper side of the second housing, and at least a portion of the central portion of the flexible display is positioned so as to have the specified gap from the hinge structure.The hinge structure includes a first rotary bracket, which is attached to the first housing and which rotates around the first virtual axis within the first range, a second rotary bracket, which is attached to the second housing and which rotates around the second virtual axis within the second range, a fixed bracket with the first rotary bracket and the second rotary bracket fixed therein, a first lever, which is connected to the first rotary bracket on one side thereof and which has the first rotary cam formed on its opposite side, a second lever, which is connected to the second rotary bracket on one side thereof and which has the second rotary cam formed on its opposite side, and a cam portion with uneven structures corresponding to the first rotary cam and the second rotary cam.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the electronic device includes a first rotary member that rotates about a first axis, a second rotary member that rotates about a second axis, a first lever with a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion and a first cam structure, wherein the first connecting portion is connected to the first rotary member, and the second connecting portion is connected to the second rotary member, a second lever with a third connecting portion, a fourth connecting portion and a second cam structure, a cam element including a first cam that is engaged with the first cam structure and a second cam that is engaged with the second cam structure, a first elastic body that is connected to the first rotary member and that applies an elastic force to the cam element, the second elastic body,which is connected to the second rotary member and which applies an elastic force to the cam member, a first rotary bracket with a first sliding hole and a first guide, a second rotary bracket with a second sliding hole and a second guide, and a fixed bracket with a first guide groove corresponding to the first guide, and a second guide groove corresponding to the second guide. The first sliding hole of the first rotary bracket and the second connecting part are connected through the first locking part, and the second sliding hole of the second rotary bracket and the fourth connecting part are connected through the second locking part. The first locking part slides in the first sliding hole to correspond to the rotation of the first lever, and the second locking part slides in the second sliding hole to correspond to the rotation of the second lever. The first rotary bracket rotates around the third axis,and the second pivot bracket rotates around the fourth axis.,

[0008] Other aspects, advantages and essential features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses various embodiments of the invention. Advantageous results of the invention

[0009] Aspects of the invention are intended to solve at least the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the invention consists in providing a hinge structure for optimizing the placement of structures associated with hinged movement, and an electronic device incorporating the hinge structure.

[0010] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a hinge structure with various functions associated with the hinge movement, and an electronic device including the hinge structure.Brief description of the drawings

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

[0012] Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments;

[0013] Fig. 1B illustrates a view of one example of the external appearance of the electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments;

[0014] Fig. 2 illustrates a view of one example of hinge structures and a hinge housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0015] Fig. 3 illustrates a view of one side of a hinge structure that is applied to an electronic device, according to various embodiments;

[0016] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of Fig. 3;

[0017] Fig. 5 illustrates a view of a cam structure of a hinge structure according to various embodiments;

[0018] Fig. 6 illustrates a view of a restrictive connecting structure of a hinge structure according to various embodiments;

[0019] Fig. 7 illustrates a view of a first state of some components of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0020] Fig. 8 illustrates a view of the first state of said corner of the first hinge structure according to various embodiments;

[0021] Fig. 9 illustrates a view of the second state of said angle of the first hinge structure according to various embodiments;

[0022] Fig. 10 illustrates a view of a second state of some structures of an electronic device according to various embodiments;

[0023] Fig. 11 illustrates a view of an additional structure of the first hinge structure according to various embodiments;

[0024] Fig. 12 illustrates a view of one example of a folded state of the electronic device according to the embodiment;

[0025] Fig. 13 illustrates a view of another example of a folded state of the electronic device according to the embodiment;

[0026] Fig. 14 illustrates a view of the hinge housing and hinge structures according to various embodiments; and

[0027] Fig. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure illustrated in Fig. 14. Embodiment of the invention

[0028] Before proceeding to the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be helpful to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases that are used throughout this patent document: the terms "include" and "comprise," as well as their derivatives, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning both / and / or; the phrases "associated with" and "associated with," as well as their derivatives, may mean to include, be included in, interconnect with, contain, be contained in, connect with, attach to, be in contact with, interact with, be interspersed with, be placed adjacent to, be attached to or with, have the property of, or the like;and the term "controller" means any device, system, or portion thereof that controls at least one operation, and such device may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or software, or some combination of at least two of the same. It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particular controller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally or remotely.

[0029] Furthermore, the various functions described below may be implemented or provided by one or more computer programs, each of which is formed from machine-readable program code and embodied in a machine-readable storage medium. The terms "application" and "program" refer to one or more computer programs, software components, sets of instructions, procedures, functions, objects, classes, instances, associated data, or portions thereof that are adapted for implementation in suitable machine-readable program code. The phrase "machine-readable program code" includes any type of computer code, including source code, object code, and executable code.The phrase "machine-readable storage medium" includes any type of storage medium capable of being accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" machine-readable storage media excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that transport temporary electrical or other signals. Non-transitory machine-readable storage media includes storage media in which data may be permanently stored and storage media in which data may be stored and later rewritten, such as a rewritable optical disc or an erasable memory device.

[0030] Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those skilled in the art should understand that in many, if not most, instances, such definitions apply to prior, as well as future, uses of such defined words and phrases.

[0031] Figs. 1A through 15, which are discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present invention in this patent document are presented for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present invention can be implemented in any suitably organized system or device.

[0032] Various embodiments of the invention may now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the various embodiments described herein may be implemented in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Throughout the description of the drawings, similar components may be labeled with similar reference numerals.

[0033] In the invention, the expressions “has,” “may have,” “includes,” and “contains,” or “may include” and “may contain,” for the purposes of this document, indicate the existence of the corresponding features (e.g., components such as numerical values, functions, operations, or parts), but do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0034] In the invention, the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A and / or B" or "one or more of A and / or B" and the like may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. For example, the concept of "A or B", "at least one of A and B" or "at least one of A or B" may refer to the case (1) when at least one A is included, the case (2) when at least one B is included, or the case (3) when both at least one A and at least one B are included.

[0035] Terms such as "first," "second," and similar terms used in the invention may be used to refer to different components regardless of order and / or priority, and to distinguish corresponding components from other components, but are not limiting. For example, "a first user device" and "a second user device" refer to different user devices regardless of order or priority. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.

[0036] It should be understood that when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "(operatively or communicatively) attached to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it may be directly attached to or connected to the other component, or an intermediate component (e.g., a third component) may be present. In contrast, when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "directly attached to" or "directly connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that there is no intermediate component (e.g., a third component).

[0037] According to the situation, the expression "designed to," as used in the invention, may be used as, for example, the expression "suitable for," "having the capability for," "designed for," "adapted for," "made for," or "with the capability for." The concept of "designed to" need not only mean "specifically designed" in hardware. Conversely, the expression "a device designed to" may mean that the device is "capable" of operating with another device or other parts.For example, "a processor configured to (or intended to) perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing the corresponding operation, or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a central control unit (CPU) or an application processor) that performs the corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0038] The terms used in the invention are used to describe the specified embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Terms in the singular form may include plural forms, provided that not otherwise specified. For the purposes of this document, all terms that include technical or scientific terms may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person skilled in the art. It will also be understood that terms defined in the dictionary and commonly used should also be interpreted as commonly understood in the relevant art, and not in an idealized or overly formal form, unless this is explicitly defined in various embodiments of the invention. In some cases, even if terms are terms that are defined in the invention, they should not be interpreted as excluding embodiments of the invention.

[0039] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the invention may include at least one of, for example, smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video phones, e-book readers, desktop PCs, laptop-class PCs, netbook-class computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players (PMPs), music players in the Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3 (MP3) format, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices.According to various embodiments, wearable devices may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., wristwatches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted displays (HMDs)), a fabric-integrated type or garment type (e.g., electronic clothing), a body-attached type (e.g., skin patches or tattoos), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., implantable circuitry).

[0040] Next, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the invention, the term "user" may refer to a person using the electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an electronic device with artificial intelligence) that uses the electronic device.

[0041] Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments, and Fig. 1B illustrates a view of one example of the appearance of an electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments.

[0042] Referring to Fig. 1A and 1B, the electronic device 100 (or foldable electronic device) according to an embodiment may include a housing 101 including a first housing 110 and a second housing 120, a display 160 (for example, a flexible display), and a hinge housing 150 with hinge structures 200 located inside it. Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective view of the electronic device 100 in a first state (for example, a flat state or an unfolded state), and Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the electronic device 100 in a second state (for example, a folded state). Additionally or alternatively, the electronic device 100 may further include a first cover 119 that covers the back side of the first housing 110, and a second cover 129 that covers the back side of the second housing 120.

[0043] According to various embodiments, depending on the arrangement, the first housing 110 may be arranged to be continuous with the second housing 120 (for example, when the central portion 163 of the display 160 is unfolded to be flat, or when the housing 101 is in a flat state), or may be arranged side by side with the second housing 120. Alternatively, when the central portion 163 of the display 160 is folded, one side of the first housing 110 may be arranged to face one side of the second housing 120.

[0044] For example, at least a part of the first housing 110 may be formed from a metallic material, or at least a part of the first housing 110 may be formed from a non-metallic material. For example, the first housing 110 may be formed from a material with a predetermined rigidity to support at least a part of the display 160. One zone of the display 160 (for example, the upper portion 161 of the display 160 and a part of its central portion 163) may be located at least partially on the front side of the first housing 110. At least a part of the first housing 110 may be connected to the upper portion 161 of the display 160. Alternatively, at least a part of the periphery of the front side of the first housing 110 may be connected to the periphery of the upper portion 161 of the display 160. In another case, one side of the upper portion of the front side of the first housing 110 may be connected to one side of the upper portion 161 of the display 160.In this regard, the first adhesive layer 167a can be located in at least a partial area between the first housing 110 and the upper portion 161 of the display 160. The first housing 110 can have an empty space in it, or can be attached to the first cover 119 to form an empty space inside. Electronic components (for example, a printed circuit board and components such as at least one processor, at least one memory and a battery, which are mounted on the printed circuit board), which are used to operate the display 160, can be located in the empty space.

[0045] According to various embodiments, the edges of the first housing 110 (for example, the remaining three edges other than the edge facing the second housing 120) can protrude above the lower surface of the central portion of the first housing 110 by the specified height in order to surround at least one edge of the display 160. Alternatively, a side wall can be located on at least one of the edges of the first housing 110, facing at least one edge of the display 160. For example, the side walls can be formed on the remaining three edges of the first housing 110, other than the edge facing the second housing 120, in order to have the specified height. The portion of the edge of the first housing 110, which faces the second housing 120, can include a recess, at least a part of which has a predetermined curvature so that at least a part of the hinge housing 150 is located in it.For example, the first housing 110 may include, on one portion of the edge that faces the second housing 120, a first step 111 that serves to receive a portion of the hinge housing 150 in which the first hinge structure 200a is installed, and a second step 112 that serves to receive a portion of the hinge housing 150 in which the second hinge structure 200b is installed.

[0046] According to various embodiments, depending on the arrangement, the second housing 120 may be located side by side with the first housing 110, or may be located so that at least one side faces one side of the first housing 110 (for example, the side on which the display 160 is located). The second housing 120 may be formed from the same material as the first housing 110. The second housing 120 may be located so as to be horizontally or vertically symmetrical to the first housing 110, and the remaining area of ​​the display 160 (for example, the lower portion 162 of the display 160 and the opposite side of its central portion 163), different from the area located on the first housing 110, may be located on the front side of the second housing 120. At least a part of the second housing 120 may be attached to the lower portion 162 of the display 160.Alternatively, the periphery of the front side of the second housing 120 may be bonded to the periphery of the lower portion 162 of the display 160. In another case, one side of the lower portion of the front side of the second housing 120 may be bonded to one side of the lower portion 162 of the display 160. In this regard, the second adhesive layer 167b may be located at least partially in the area between the second housing 120 and the lower portion 162 of the display 160. Similar to the first housing 110, the second housing 120 may have an empty space in it, or may be attached to the second cover 129 to form an empty space. Electronic components that are used to operate the display 160 may be located in the empty space.

[0047] According to various embodiments, the edges of the second housing 120 (for example, the remaining three edges other than the edge facing the first housing 110) can protrude above the lower surface of the central portion of the second housing 120 by the specified height in order to surround the opposite edge of the display 160. Alternatively, similar to the side walls formed on the first housing 110, the side wall can be located on at least one of the edges of the second housing 120, facing at least one edge of the display 160. For example, the side walls can be formed on the remaining three edges of the second housing 120 other than the edge facing the first housing 110 to have the specified height.

[0048] The edge portion of the second housing 120 that faces the first housing 110 may include a recess, at least a portion of which has a predetermined curvature so that at least a portion of the hinge housing 150 is located therein. For example, the second housing 120 may include, on the edge portion facing the first housing 110, a third step 121 that serves to receive a portion of the hinge housing 150 in which the first hinge structure 200a is installed, and a fourth step 122 that serves to receive a portion of the hinge housing 150 in which the second hinge structure 200b is installed.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include at least one sensor located on one side of the first housing 110 or the second housing 120 and associated with the operation of a specific function of the electronic device 100. The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a proximity sensor, a light sensor, an iris sensor, an image sensor (or camera) or a fingerprint sensor.

[0050] According to various embodiments, depending on the folded or flat state of the electronic device 100, the hinge housing 150 may be hidden by one side of the first housing 110 and one side of the second housing 120 (for example, in the flat state of the housing 101), or may be exposed (for example, in the folded state of the housing 101). For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1A, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are located side by side, the hinge housing 150 may be hidden by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. As illustrated in Fig. 1B, when one side of the first housing 110 and one side of the second housing 120 face each other, at least a portion of the hinge housing 150 may be exposed outward between one edge of the first housing 110 and one edge of the second housing 120 (for example, the edges of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 that face each other in a flat state).

[0051] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the display 160 may be flexible. According to an embodiment, the display 160 may include an upper portion 161 or a first zone, which is located on the first housing 110, a lower portion 162 or a second zone, which is located on the second housing 120, and a central portion 163 or a central zone, with which the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are located adjacent. According to various embodiments, the entire display 160 may have flexibility. Alternatively, at least a portion of the central portion 163 of the display 160 may be flexible. The central portion 163 of the display 160 may be arranged such that the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are not fixed to it. For example, the central portion 163 of the display 160 may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the front sides of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 by a predetermined interval.The upper portion 161 of the display 160 may be attached at least partially to the first housing 110, and the lower portion 162 of the display 160 may be attached at least partially to the second housing 120. In this regard, the first adhesive layer 167a may be located at least in a partial area between the display 160 and the first housing 110, and the second adhesive layer 167b may be located at least in a partial area between the display 160 and the second housing 120. The first adhesive layer 167a and the second adhesive layer 167b may be located only on the peripheries of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0052] Fig. 2 illustrates a view of one example of hinge structures and a hinge housing of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0053] Referring to Fig. 2, according to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a plurality of hinge structures. Fig. 2 illustrates a state in which the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b are disposed in the hinge housing 150. However, the invention is not limited to this, and three or more hinge structures may be disposed in the hinge housing 150 if necessary.

[0054] The first hinge structure 200a can be located on one side of the hinge housing 150 (for example, on the left side relative to the illustrated drawing). The first hinge structure 200a can be connected to the left side of the first housing 100a and the left side of the second housing 120 and can rotate around the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150 within the specified range. The first hinge structure 200a can be arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the second hinge structure 200b relative to the central portion of the hinge housing 150.

[0055] The second hinge structure 200b can be located on the opposite side of the hinge housing 150 (for example, on the right side relative to the illustrated drawing). The second hinge structure 200b can be connected to the right side of the first housing 110a and the right side of the second housing 120 and can rotate around the horizontal axis of the hinge housing 150 within the specified range. The second hinge structure 200b can be arranged so as to be symmetrical to the first hinge structure 200a relative to the central portion of the hinge housing 150. The second hinge structure 200b can include the same structure and configuration as the first hinge structure 200a. However, the second hinge structure 200b may differ in position from the first hinge structure 200a.

[0056] The hinge body 150 may have a semi-cylindrical shape with an empty space inside, or may have the shape of a longitudinal half-pipe with closed opposite ends. According to various embodiments, the hinge body 150 may include a flat lower portion 151_3, and a first rib 151_1 and a second rib 151_2, which are formed on opposite sides of the lower portion 151_3 and which have a predetermined curvature. The first rib 151_1 and the second rib 151_2 may be symmetrically located on opposite sides of the lower portion 151_3. The hinge body 150 may have a gradually decreasing width toward the left and right sides from its central portion relative to the illustrated drawing. The hinge housing 150 may have at least one partition 158 formed therein, and the at least one partition 158 may divide the interior space of the hinge housing 150 into spaces.At least a portion of the first hinge structure 200a and at least a portion of the second hinge structure 200b can be installed in spaces separated from each other. The hinge housing 150 can have screen walls 151a and 151b formed at its left and right ends. Each of the screen walls 151a and 151b can further protrude upward beyond the peripheral portion to prevent the interior of the hinge housing 150 from being visible from the outside. The hinge housing 150 can be formed from the same material as the first hinge structure 200a or the second hinge structure 200b.

[0057] Fig. 3 illustrates a view of one side of a hinge structure that is applied to an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0058] Referring to Fig. 3, the hinge structure 200a or 200b may be any of the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b described above. The hinge structure 200a or 200b may include a bracket structure 210, a lever lock structure 220, a gear structure 230, and a lock support structure 240.

[0059] The central portion of the bracket structure 210 can be fixed with the bracket body 150, and the opposite wings (for example, the pivot brackets) of the bracket structure 210 can be connected to the lever lock structure 220, being connected to the first body 110 and the second body 120.

[0060] One side of the lever lock structure 220 can be connected to the bracket structure 210 through the locking parts 251 and 252, and the installation angle can be changed when the lever lock structure 220 slides along the side portion of the bracket structure 210 depending on the hinge movement. The lever lock structure 220 can include a cam structure, and the cam structure can be engaged with a cam portion 241, which is located in the lock support structure 240 and can provide a locking sensation during the hinge movements of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120.

[0061] The gear structure 230 may be disposed between the bracket structure 210 and the lever lock structure 220. The gear structure 230 may transmit force to allow the second housing 120 to rotate simultaneously with the first housing 110 rotating. In this regard, the gear structure 230 may include a plurality of shaft gears and idler gears.

[0062] The stopper support structure 240 can be fixed inside the hinge housing 150 and can provide the specified pressure for the lever stopper structure 220. In this regard, the stopper support structure 240 can include at least one elastic body and can press the cam portion 241 in the direction of the lever stopper structure 220 based on the elastic force of the elastic body, and the cam portion 241 can provide a cam operation while engaged with the rotary cam structure of the lever stopper structure 220.

[0063] As described above, the hinge structure 200a or 200b according to the embodiment may include a bracket structure 210 that is connected to the hinge housing 150 and the housings 110 and 120, and that provides folding or unfolding of the display 160 placed on it, a lever lock structure 220 that is connected to the bracket structure 210 and that provides a stopper feeling, a gear structure 230 that provides simultaneous operation of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and a stopper support structure 240 that supports the lever lock structure 220 and on which the shafts of the gear structure 230 are fixed. The hinge structure 200a or 200b can implement folding or unfolding of the display 160 by rotating around virtual axes formed above the surface of the bracket structure 210.The hinge structure 200a or 200b can provide a stopper feeling on the basis of the cam structure and can provide simultaneous hinge movements of the housings 110 and 120 on the basis of the gear structure 230 to suppress the twisting of the housings 110 and 120. In addition, the hinge structure 200a or 200b can not only provide a flat state or a folded state of the housings 110 and 120, but can also provide a state of installation at a specified angle, for example, 30 degrees or 60 degrees (for example, the angle between the front side of the first housing 110 and the front side of the second housing 120).

[0064] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of Fig. 3.

[0065] In the following description, the first hinge structure of the hinge structures 200a and 200b will be described as an example. The first hinge structure 200a, which will be described below with reference to Fig. 4, may have the same structure and configuration as the second hinge structure 200b described above.

[0066] Referring to Fig. 4, the first hinge structure 200a may include a fixed bracket 213, a first rotary bracket 211, a second rotary bracket 212, a first locking portion 251, a second locking portion 252, a first lever 221, a second lever 222, a first rotary member 231 rotating around a first rotation axis that is different from the first virtual axis 11, a second rotary member 232 rotating around a second rotation axis that is different from the second virtual axis 12, a stopper 236, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a support bracket 243, a first idler gear 233, a second idler gear 234, a support plate 235 and a plurality of locking clamps 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1 and 249_2. At least a portion of the above-mentioned components of the first hinge structure 200a may be formed from a metallic material to have a predetermined rigidity.Alternatively, the first hinge structure 200a may be formed from a material such as reinforced plastic, resin, or the like, if necessary.

[0067] At least a part of the shape of the lower surface (for example, the surface facing in the -z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket 213 may include a curved surface. For example, the lower surface of the fixed bracket 213 may be formed to match the shape of the inner portion of the hinge housing 150. The upper surface (for example, the surface facing in the z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket 213 may have a flat shape, and the grooves 213a and 213b of the guide, to which the rotary brackets 211 and 212 are connected, may be formed on the upper surface of the fixed bracket 213.According to an embodiment, the fixed bracket 213 may have a cross-section, at least a part of which is formed in the shape of an arc in the direction from the upper surface (for example, the surface facing in the z-axis direction) to the lower surface (for example, the surface facing in the -z-axis direction), and the fixed bracket 213 may include a first guide groove 213a into which the first guide 211_3 of the first rotary bracket 211 is inserted in the second direction (for example, the -y-axis direction) from the first direction (for example, the y-axis direction).According to an embodiment, the fixed bracket 213 may have a cross-section, at least a part of which is formed in the shape of an arc in the direction from the upper surface (for example, the surface facing in the z-axis direction) to the lower surface (for example, the surface facing in the -z-axis direction), and the fixed bracket 213 may include a second guide groove 213b, into which the second guide 212_3 of the second rotary bracket 212 is inserted in the first direction (for example, the y-axis direction) from the second direction (for example, the -y-axis direction). The first guide groove 213a may be positioned with an offset in the y-axis direction, compared to the second guide groove 213b. The second guide groove 213b may be positioned with an offset in the -y-axis direction, compared to the first guide groove 213a.The first groove 213a of the guide can rotate around the first virtual axis 11, and the second groove 213b of the guide can rotate around the second virtual axis 12. The first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 can be formed in the air above the upper surface (for example, the surface facing in the direction of the z-axis) of the fixed bracket 213. The first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 can be formed spaced apart from each other by the specified interval. According to an embodiment, the fixed bracket 213 can include a first installation recess 213_2a and a second installation recess 213_2b, which are formed on a lateral portion of the fixed bracket 213, which is located in the third direction (for example, the direction of the x-axis).One end of the first rotary element 231 (for example, at least a part of the first part 231_3 of the installation) can be installed in the first recess 213_2a of the installation, and one end of the second rotary element 231 (for example, at least a part of the second part 232_3 of the installation) can be installed in the second recess 213_2b of the installation.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the fixed bracket 213 may include a first fixing hole 213_1a and a second fixing hole 213_1b, which are used to fix the fixed bracket 213 in the hinge housing 150. In the electronic device 100, the fixed bracket 213 may be fixed in the hinge housing 150 by using connecting elements (for example, screws or the like). According to an embodiment, the first fixing hole 213_1a and the second fixing hole 213_1b may be symmetrically located on the upper surface (for example, the surface facing in the z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket 213 in a diagonal direction in order to more reliably and stably fix the fixed bracket 213 in the hinge housing 150.

[0069] The first rotary bracket 211 may include a first bracket body 211_1, a first sliding hole 211_2 formed at one end (for example, the end facing in the x-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1, a first guide 211_3 formed at the opposite end (for example, the end facing in the -y-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1 and first housing attachment holes 211_4, which are used to attach the first rotary bracket 211 to the first housing 110.

[0070] The first bracket body 211_1 can be formed in a general L-shape. The upper surface (for example, the surface located facing the z-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1 can be formed flat. With reference to the illustrated drawing, the first sliding hole 211_2 can be disposed at the right end (for example, the end facing the x-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1 in the lower direction (for example, the -z-axis direction), and the first guide 211_3 can be disposed on the lower surface (for example, the surface facing the -z-axis direction) at the opposite end (for example, the end facing the -y-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1.

[0071] The first sliding hole 211_2 can be located at one end (for example, the end facing the x-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1 and can be located at the lower portion of the first bracket body 211_1. The first sliding hole 211_2 can be formed to be longer in a first direction (for example, the y-axis direction) than in a third direction (for example, the x-axis direction). Accordingly, the first locking portion 251 inserted into the first sliding hole 211_2 can slide in the first sliding hole 211_2 in any one of the first direction (for example, the y-axis direction) and the second direction (for example, the -y-axis direction). The first sliding hole 211_2 can be located facing a surface of the first arm 221 that faces in a fourth direction (for example, a surface located facing the -x-axis direction).At least a partial area of ​​the first sliding hole 211_2 can be aligned with the first connecting portion 221_2 of the first lever 221. Accordingly, at least a part of the first locking portion 251 can be located in the first sliding hole 211_2 and the first connecting portion 221_2.

[0072] The first guide 211_3 can be located at the opposite end of the first bracket body 211_1 that faces in the second direction (for example, the end facing in the -y axis direction) and can be located at the lower portion of the first bracket body 211_1. The first guide 211_3 can have an arc shape with a predetermined inner angle. The first guide 211_3 can be inserted into the first guide groove 213a formed in the fixed bracket 213 and can rotate in a specified range of angles along the first guide groove 213a. According to an embodiment, the first guide 211_3 can rotate, for example, in the range of -10 degrees to 100 degrees (or from 0 degrees to 90 degrees). The first guide 211_3 can perform a rotational movement between the y-axis and the z-axis around the virtual axis 11 formed by the first groove 213a of the guide.

[0073] The first housing connection holes 211_4 can be formed near the edge of the first bracket body 211_1 (for example, the edge facing in the y-axis direction) and can be formed through the upper surface (for example, the surface facing in the y-axis direction) and the lower surface (for example, the surface facing in the -z-axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1. In the illustrated drawing, as an example, it was shown that two first housing connection holes 211_4 are formed in the first bracket body 211_1. However, the invention is not limited to this. The connection elements can fix the first rotary bracket 211 with the first housing 110 by being connected using bosses on the first housing 110, while being fastened to the first housing connection holes 211_4.

[0074] The second rotary bracket 212 may include a second bracket body 211_1, a second sliding hole 212_2 formed at one end (for example, the end facing in the x-axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1, a second guide 212_3 formed at the opposite end (for example, the end facing in the y-axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1, and second housing attachment holes 212_4 used to attach the second rotary bracket 212 to the second housing 120.

[0075] The second bracket body 212_1 may have essentially the same shape as the first bracket body 211_1. Accordingly, the upper surface (for example, the surface located facing the z-axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1 may be formed flat.

[0076] The second sliding hole 212_2 may be located at the right end (for example, the end facing in the x-axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1 and may be located at the lower portion of the second bracket body 212_1. The second sliding hole 212_2 may be located so as to be symmetrical to the first sliding hole 211_2 relative to the fixed bracket 213. The second sliding hole 212_2 may have the same shape as the first sliding hole 211_2.

[0077] The second guide 212_3 can be located at the opposite end of the second bracket body 212_1, which faces in the first direction (for example, the end facing in the y-axis direction) and can be located at the lower part of the second bracket body 212_1. The second guide 212_3 can have basically the same shape as the first guide 211_3 and can be inserted into the second groove 213b of the guide. The second guide 212_3 can rotate around the virtual axis 12 in a specified range of angles, for example, in the range from 80 degrees to 190 degrees (or from 90 degrees to 180 degrees). For example, the second guide 212_3 can perform a rotational movement in the range between the -y axis and the z axis.

[0078] The second body attachment holes 212_4 may be formed near the edge of the second bracket body 212_1 (for example, the edge facing in the -y axis direction) and may be formed through the upper surface (for example, the surface facing in the z axis direction) and the lower surface (for example, the surface facing in the -z axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1.

[0079] The first locking portion 251 may be in the form of a pin of a predetermined length in one direction. The first locking portion 251 may be formed to be longer than at least the sum of the length of the first sliding hole 211_2 and the length of the first connecting portion 221_2 of the first lever 221. The opposite sides of the first locking portion 251 may be locked after the first locking portion 251 is inserted into the first sliding hole 211_2 and the first connecting portion 221_2. The first locking portion 251 may have a diameter smaller than that of the first connecting portion 221_2. The first locking portion 251 may be located in the first sliding hole 211_2 and may slide in the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction.

[0080] The second fixing portion 252 may have essentially the same shape as the first fixing portion 251. The second fixing portion 252 may be arranged to be symmetrical to the first fixing portion relative to the fixed bracket 213, and at least a portion of the second fixing portion 252 may be abuttedly inserted into the second sliding plumb bob 212_2 and the second connecting portion 222_2. One side of the second fixing portion 252 may slide in the second sliding hole 212_2 in the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction.

[0081] The first lever 221 can be fastened to the first rotary bracket 211 via the first locking portion 251 and can rotate within the specified range of angles together with the first rotary bracket 211 during the hinge movement. According to the embodiment, the first lever 221 can include a first base body 221_1, a first connecting portion 221_2, a first insert portion 221_3, and a first rotary cam 221_4.

[0082] The upper surface (for example, the surface located facing the z-axis direction) of the first basic body 221_1 may be formed flat. The first connecting portion 221_2 may be located on the lower surface (for example, the surface facing the -z-axis direction) of the upper edge portion (for example, the end portion that faces the y-axis direction) of the first basic body 221_1. The first connecting portion 221_2 may include an opening that opens in a fourth direction (for example, the -x-axis direction). The first fixing portion 251 may be abuttedly mounted into the first connecting portion 221_2.

[0083] The first insert portion 221_3 may be located on the lower surface (for example, the surface facing in the -z axis direction) of the lower edge portion (for example, the end portion that faces in the -y axis direction) of the first base body 221_1. The first insert portion 221_3 may include an opening that opens in a fourth direction (for example, the -x axis direction) and that has at least a partial angular cross-section. At least a portion of the first rotary element 231 may be installed in the first insert portion 221_3. The first rotary cam 221_4 may be located on one side (for example, the end facing in the x axis direction) of the first insert portion 221_3.

[0084] The first rotary cam 221_4 may include at least one ridge and a valley located in the direction in which the first rotary member 231 is inserted into and protrudes from the first insert portion 221_3. According to an embodiment, the ridge and the valley may include, at their end, a flat zone of a predetermined length. Accordingly, while the first rotary cam 221_4 rotates in a state in which it is engaged with the first fixed cam 241_1a of the cam portion 241, the section in which the end of the ridge of the first rotary cam 221_4 comes into contact with the end of the ridge of the first fixed cam 241_1a can be formed with the specified width.In the case where the section in which the end of the ridge of the first rotary cam 221_4 comes into contact with the end of the ridge of the first fixed cam 241_1a is formed with the specified width, the installation state of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 at a predetermined angle in the corresponding section can be maintained more reliably, and installation states in different angle ranges can be ensured.

[0085] The second lever 222 may have essentially the same configuration as the first lever 221. For example, the second lever 222 may include a second main body 222_1, a second connecting portion 222_2, a second insert portion 222_3, and a second rotary cam 222_4. The second base body 222_1 may be arranged to be symmetrical to the first base body 221_1, and the second connecting portion 222_2 may be fastened to one side of the second locking portion 252. The second rotary member 232 may be inserted into the second insert portion 222_3, and the second rotary cam 222_4 may be arranged to be engaged with the second fixed cam 241_1b of the cam portion 241.

[0086] One end of the first rotary member 231 can be installed in the first recess 213_2a formed in the fixed bracket 213. The first rotary member 231 can be in engagement with the first idler gear 233. The first rotary member 231 can be arranged to pass through the stopper 236, the first insert portion 221_3, the first rotary cam 221_4, the first fixed cam 241_1a of the cam portion 241 and the first elastic body 242a. The first rotary member 231 can be fixed in the support bracket 243. The first rotary member 231 can include the first shaft body 231_1, the first shaft gear 231_2 and the first installation portion 231_3.

[0087] The first shaft body 231_1 may have a length that is sufficient to pass through the stopper 236, the first insert portion 221_3, the first rotary cam 221_4, the first fixed cam 241_1a, the first elastic body 242a and the first hole 243_2a of the support bracket at the support bracket 243. The first shaft body 231_1 may be connected to the first rotary cam 221_4 and may have an angular cross-section in the y-axis direction to rotate the first rotary cam 221_4 while itself being rotated by external pressure. For example, the first shaft body 231_1 may include a plurality of surfaces that are flat in the longitudinal direction (for example, the x-axis direction or the -x-axis direction). Accordingly, the inner wall of the first part 221_3 of the insert, on which the first rotary cam 221_4 is located, can have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the first body 231_1 of the shaft.The first gear 231_2 of the shaft may be located on the first body 231_1 of the shaft so as to be offset in the fourth direction (e.g., the direction of the -x axis). The first gear 231_2 of the shaft may be in mesh with the first idler gear 233.

[0088] The first installation part 231_3 can protrude from the surface of the first shaft gear 231_2 that faces in the fourth direction (for example, the surface facing in the direction of the -x axis). At least a part of the first installation part 231_3 can pass through a guide hole formed in the support plate 235 and can be installed in the first installation recess 213_2a formed in the fixed bracket 213. The first fixing part 251 can fix the first rotary bracket 211 and the first lever 221, and therefore the first installation part 231_3 can be firmly fixed in the first installation recess 213_2a to prevent the first shaft body 231_1 from separating or twisting.

[0089] One end of the second rotary member 232 can be installed in the second installation recess 213_2b formed in the fixed bracket 213. The second rotary member 232 can be in engagement with the second idler gear 234. The second rotary member 232 can be arranged so as to pass through the stopper 236, the second insert portion 222_3, the second rotary cam 222_4, the second fixed cam 241_1b of the cam portion and the second elastic body 242b. The second rotary member 232 can be fixed in the support bracket 243 at its opposite end. The second rotary member 232 can include the second shaft body 232_1, the second shaft gear 232_2 and the second installation portion 232_2.

[0090] The second shaft body 232_1 can have a length that is sufficient to pass through the stopper 236, the second part 222_3 of the insert, the second rotary cam 222_4, the second fixed cam 241_1b, the second elastic body 242b and the second hole 243_2b of the support bracket at the support bracket 243. The second shaft body 232_1 can have basically the same shape and size as the first shaft body 231_1. The second shaft body 232_1 can be located in a position that is spaced from the first shaft body 231_1 by a predetermined length. The second shaft gear 232_2 can have the same shape and size as the first shaft gear 231_2 and can be located on the second shaft body 232_1. The position of the second gear 232_2 of the shaft may be symmetrical to the position of the first gear 231_2 of the shaft. At least a portion of the second part 232_3 of the installation may have the same shape and size as the first part 231_3 of the installation and may be installed in the second recess 213_2b of the installation.In this process, at least a portion of the second mounting part 232_3 can pass through the guide hole of the support plate 235 and can be installed in the second mounting recess 213_2b. The second mounting part 232_3 can be more securely installed in the second mounting recess 213_2b in a process in which the second fixing part 252 fixes the second rotary bracket 212 and the second lever 222.

[0091] When pressure is applied to force the first lever 221 and the second lever 222 to go beyond the specified angle range, the stopper 236 can withstand the corresponding pressure to prevent the first lever 221 and the second lever 222 from rotating through the specified angle or further. The stopper 236 can include a stopper body 236_1, a first shaft insertion hole 236a into which the first shaft body 231_1 of the first rotary member 231 is inserted, and a second shaft hole 236b into which the second shaft body 232_1 of the second rotary member is inserted.

[0092] According to various embodiments, the limiter body 236_1 may be formed to further protrude beyond the surfaces of the first shaft insertion hole 236a and the second shaft insertion hole 236b in a third direction (for example, the x-axis direction). The limiter body 236_1 may be arranged to limit the rotation range of one side of the first lever 221 (for example, the surface of the first insert portion 221_3 that faces in the fourth direction (for example, the surface facing in the -x-axis direction)) while the first lever 221 is rotated, and the limiter body 236_1 may be arranged to limit the rotation range of one side of the second lever 222 (for example, the surface of the second insert portion 222_3 that faces in the fourth direction (for example, the surface facing in the -x-axis direction)) while the second lever 222 is rotated.

[0093] One side of the first shaft insertion hole 236a (for example, a surface facing in the x-axis direction) may be disposed to face the surface of the first insertion portion 221_3 of the first lever 221 which faces in the fourth direction (for example, a surface facing in the -x-axis direction), and one side of the second shaft insertion hole 236b (for example, a surface facing in the x-axis direction) may be disposed to face the surface of the second insertion portion 222_3 of the second lever 222 which faces in the fourth direction (for example, a surface facing in the -x-axis direction). The surface of the limiter body 236_1 which faces in the third direction (for example, a surface facing in the x-axis direction) may be disposed to face the surface of the cam body 241_1 of the cam portion 241 which faces in the fourth direction (for example, a surface facing in the -x-axis direction).

[0094] The cam portion 241 may include a cam body 241_1, a first fixed cam 241_1a, a second fixed cam 241_1b, a first cam opening 241_2a and a second cam opening 241_2b. The cam body 241_1 may have a predetermined length, and the first fixed cam 241_1a and the second fixed cam 241_1b may be located on opposite edges of the cam body 241_1. The surface of the cam body 241_1, which faces in a fourth direction (for example, a surface facing in the -x axis direction), may be disposed to face the surface of the stopper body 236_1, which faces in a third direction (for example, a surface facing in the x axis direction).The first fixed cam 241_1a may include ridges and valleys located in a fourth direction (for example, the direction of the -x axis), and the first cam opening 241_2a, through which the first rotary element 231 passes, may be formed in the center of the first fixed cam 241_1a. The first fixed cam 241_1a may be in engagement with the first rotary cam 221_4. One side of the first elastic body 242a may come into contact with the surface of the first fixed cam 241_1a, which faces in the third direction (for example, the surface facing in the direction of the x axis). The second fixed cam 241_1b may be located in the same direction as the first fixed cam 241_1a and may be located spaced apart from the first fixed cam 241_1a by the length of the cam body 241_1 in the direction of the y-axis.The second fixed cam 241_1b may be engaged with the second rotary cam 222_4, and the second elastic body 242b may come into contact with the surface of the second fixed cam 241_1b that faces in the third direction (for example, the surface facing in the direction of the x-axis). The second opening 241_2b of the cam, through which the second rotary element 232 passes, may be formed in the center of the second fixed cam 241_1b.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the cam portion 241 can be moved back in a third direction (for example, the x-axis direction) by the first rotary cam 221_4 and the second rotary cam 222_4 while the first lever 221 and the second lever 222 are rotated within a predetermined range of angles, and the cam portion 241 can be moved in a fourth direction (for example, the -x-axis direction) by the elasticity of the first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b to return to the original position when the ridges and valleys of the cams are engaged with each other.

[0096] The first elastic body 242a may be in the form of a coil spring with an empty space inside. The first shaft body 231_1 of the first rotary member 231, which passes through the first fixed cam 241_1a, may be inserted into the first elastic body 242a. The first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b may be located between the cam portion 241 and the support bracket 243 and may act to push the cam portions 241 in the fourth direction (for example, the direction of the -x axis) relative to the fixed support bracket 243. The second elastic body 242b may be located spaced apart from the first elastic body 242a by the specified interval and may be located to come into contact with the surface of the second fixed cam 241_1b, which faces in the third direction (for example, the surface facing in the direction of the x axis).

[0097] The support bracket 243 may include a support portion 243_1, a first hole 243_2a of the support bracket, and a second hole 243_2b of the support bracket. The support portion 243_1 may include a through hole 243_1a formed through the support portion 243_1 in the vertical direction (for example, the -z axis direction from one point on the z axis). The through hole 243_1a may be used to fix the support bracket 243 with the hinge housing 150. The first hole 243_2a of the support bracket may be arranged to protrude from one side of the support portion 243_1 and may support one side of the first elastic body 242a. In addition, one end of the first rotary member 231 may be inserted into the first hole 243_2a of the support bracket. The second opening 243_2b of the support bracket may be located in a position that is spaced apart from the first opening 243_2a of the support bracket by a predetermined distance.The second opening 243_2b of the support bracket can be arranged to protrude from the opposite side of the support portion 243_1 and can support one side of the second elastic body 242b. In addition, one end of the second rotary element 232 can be inserted into the second opening 243_2b of the support bracket.

[0098] The first idler gear 233 may be located between the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second shaft gear 232_2 and may be in engagement with the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second idler gear 234. The first idler gear 233 may include a projection inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 235, and a projection that is fixed on the surface of the stopper 236 that faces in the fourth direction (for example, a surface facing in the direction of the -x axis).

[0099] The second idler gear 234 can be located between the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second shaft gear 232_2 and can be in mesh with the first idler gear 233 and the second shaft gear 232_2. The second idler gear 234 can be formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the first idler gear 233. The second idler gear 234 can include a projection inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 235, and a projection that is fixed on the surface of the stopper 236 that faces in the fourth direction (for example, a surface facing in the -x axis direction). In this connection, the limiter 236 may have, on the surface facing in the fourth direction (for example, the surface facing in the direction of the -x axis), recesses or holes in which the projection of the first idler gear 233 and the projection of the second idler gear 234 are installed.

[0100] The support plate 235 can be located between the fixed bracket 213 and the rotary members 231 and 232, and can be located to prevent the rotary members 231 and 232 and the idler gears 233 and 234 from separating. In this regard, the support plate 235 can include a plurality of guide holes. For example, the support plate 235 can include a guide hole through which the first mounting portion 231_3 of the first rotary member 231 passes, a guide hole through which the second mounting portion 232_3 of the second rotary member 232 passes, and guide holes (or guide recesses) in which the projection of the first idler gear 233 and the projection of the second idler gear 234 are installed.

[0101] A plurality of fixing clamps 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1 and 249_2 can fix one or more components included in the first hinge structure 200a to prevent the components from separating from the corresponding positions and can ensure the rotation of the corresponding components. The plurality of fixing clamps 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1 and 249_2 can include, for example, a C-shaped clamp. The plurality of fixing clamps 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1 and 249_2 may include, for example, a first fixing clamp 291_1 for fixing a first fixing portion 251 on the surface of the first connecting portion 221_2 that faces in the third direction (for example, a surface facing in the x-axis direction), a second fixing clamp 291_2 for fixing a second fixing portion 252 on the surface of the second connecting portion 222_2 that faces in the third direction (for example, a surface facing in the x-axis direction),a third fixing clamp 292_1 connected to the first mounting portion 231_3 to prevent the first mounting portion 231_3 of the first rotary member 231 from separating from the support plate 235, a fourth fixing clamp 292_2 connected to the second mounting portion 232_3 to prevent the second mounting portion 232_3 of the second rotary member 232 from separating from the support plate 235, a fifth fixing clamp 249_1 connected to the end of the first rotary member 231 to prevent the first rotary member 231 from separating from the first opening 243_2a of the support bracket at the support bracket 243, and a sixth fixing clamp 249_2 connected to the end of the second rotary member 232 to prevent the second rotary member 232 from separating from the second opening 243_2b of the support bracket at support bracket 243.,

[0102] Fig. 5 illustrates a view of a cam structure of a hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0103] Referring to Fig. 5, the cam structure of the hinge structure according to the embodiment may include a first lever 221, a cam portion 241 and a second lever 222. As mentioned above, the first lever 221 may include a first base body 221_1, a first connecting portion 221_2, a first insert portion 221_3 and a first rotary cam 221_4, and the second lever 222 may include a second base body 222_1, a second connecting portion 222_2, a second insert portion 222_3 and a second rotary cam 222_4. The second rotary cam 222_4 (or the first rotary cam 221_4) may include at least one ridge 222_4a and a recess 222_4b. The upper portion of ridge 222_4a may include a flat zone of a predetermined width. Similar to the upper portion of ridge 222_4a, the lower portion of valley 222_4b may include a flat zone of a predetermined width.The size and shape of the flat area at the top of the ridge 222_4a may be the same or similar to the size and shape of the flat area at the bottom of the depression 222_4b.

[0104] The upper surface of the first base body 221_1 of the first arm 221 may be formed flat and may be located next to the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotary bracket 211. The first base body 221_1 may be located side by side with the first bracket body 211_1 when the electronic device 100 is in the first state (for example, a flat state) or the second state (for example, a folded state). Alternatively, the upper surface of the first base body 221_1 may have the same height as the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1. The second base body 222_1 of the second lever may be located next to the second body 212_1 of the bracket of the second rotary bracket 212. In the first state (for example, the flat state) and the second state (for example, the folded state), the first surface of the second base body 222_1 may have the same height as the upper surface of the second body 212_1 of the bracket.

[0105] The cam portion 241 may include a cam body 241_1, a first fixed cam 241_1a and a second fixed cam 241_1b. The first fixed cam 241_1a may be engaged with the first rotary cam 221_4 of the first lever 221. The first fixed cam 241_1a may have a first cam hole 241_2a formed in its center. A portion of the first rotary member 231 may be inserted into the first cam hole 241_2a of the first fixed cam 241_1a. The first fixed cam 241_1a may include a ridge and a valley to match the shape of the first rotary cam 221_4. The ridge may include, at the top, a flat zone of the specified length, and the valley may include, at the bottom, a flat zone of the specified length.The second fixed cam 241_1b can be formed to have substantially the same shape and size as the first fixed cam 241_1a and can have a second cam opening 241_2b formed in its center, and at least a portion of the second rotary element 232 can be inserted into the second cam opening 241_2b. The second fixed cam 241_1b can be arranged to be in engagement with the second rotary cam 222_4. The shapes of the ridge and valley of the second fixed cam 241_1b can be provided in shapes that correspond to the shapes of the ridge and valley of the second rotary cam 222_4.

[0106] Fig. 6 illustrates a view of a restrictive connecting structure of a hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 6, the limiting connecting structure of the hinge structure according to the embodiment may include a first lever 221, a second lever 222, a first rotary member 231, a second rotary member 232 and a limiter 236.

[0108] As described above with reference to Fig. 4, the first rotary member 231 may include a first shaft body 231_1, a first shaft gear 231_2, and a first installation portion 231_3, which are continuously arranged. The first gear body 231_1 may have the specified length so that the stopper 236, the first insert portion 221_2, the first rotary cam 221_4, the cam portion 241, and the first elastic body 242a are mounted on the first shaft body 231_1. With regard to the rotation of the first lever 221, at least a part of the appearance of the first shaft body 231_1 may have an angular shape (for example, a polygonal cross-sectional shape or a shape including a plurality of faces).The first shaft body 231_1 may have, at its end section (for example, the end section on the side opposite to the first part 231_3 of the installation), a first locking groove 231_1a, into which a locking clamp (for example, a fifth locking clamp 249_1) is inserted in order to fix the first shaft body 231_1 in the support bracket 243. The second locking groove 231_1a may be located on one side of the first part 231_3 of the installation, and a locking clamp (for example, a third locking clamp 292_1) may be inserted into the second locking groove 231_1a in order to prevent the first part 231_3 of the installation, inserted into and mounted in the first recess 213_2a of the installation, from coming off the support plate 235.

[0109] Similarly to the first rotary member 231, the second rotary member 232 may include a second shaft body 232_1, a second shaft gear 232_2 and a second installation part 232_3, which are continuously arranged. The second shaft body 232_1 may be provided similarly or identically to the first shaft body 231_1. The second shaft body 232_1 may have, at its end portion (for example, an end portion on the side opposite to the second installation part 232_3), a third fixing groove 232_1a, into which a fixing clamp (for example, a sixth fixing clamp 249_2) is inserted to fix the second shaft body 232_1 in the support bracket 243.The fourth fixing groove 232_3a may be located on one side of the second installation part 232_3, and a fixing clip (for example, a fourth fixing clip 292_2) may be inserted into the fourth fixing groove 232_3a to prevent the second installation part 232_3 inserted into and installed in the second installation recess 213_2b from detaching from the support plate 235.

[0110] The limiter 236 may include a limiter body 236_1, a first shaft insertion hole 236a, and a second shaft insertion hole 236b. The first shaft insertion hole 236a may be located between the first lever 221 mounted on the first shaft body 231_1 and the first shaft gear 231_2. The second shaft insertion hole 236b may be located between the second lever 222 mounted on the second shaft body 232_1 and the second shaft gear 232_2. The body 236_1 of the limiter may include a first limiter 236_2a arranged to support one side 221_1a of the first lever 221 when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, and a second limiter 236_2b arranged to support one side 222_1a of the second lever 222 when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state.According to an embodiment, the body 236_1 of the limiter may include a third limiter 236_2c, arranged to support the opposite side 221_1b of the first lever 221 when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, and a fourth limiter 236_2d, arranged to support the opposite side 222_1b of the second lever 222 when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state. Based on the design of the limiter 236 described above, the first lever 221 and the second lever 222 may be supported in such a way that they do not further rotate in the rotation directions in the flat state or the folded state.

[0111] Fig. 7 illustrates a view of a first state of some components of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0112] Referring to Fig. 1A and 7, some components of the electronic device may include a first hinge structure 200a and a display 160, and the first hinge structure 200a and the display 160 may have a first state (for example, a flat state).

[0113] As described above, the first hinge structure 200a may include a first rotary bracket 211, a second rotary bracket 212, a fixed bracket 213, a first lever 221, a second lever 222, a gear structure 230 including shaft gears and idler gears of the first rotary member 231 and the second rotary member 232, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, the first rotary member 231, the second rotary member 232 and a support bracket 243. The first rotary bracket 211 may be connected to the first lever 221 via the first fixing portion 251. The second rotary bracket 212 may be connected to the second lever 222 via the second fixing portion 252.

[0114] The display 160 can remain in a flat state while the first rotary bracket 211 and the second rotary bracket are maintained in a flat state. The first arm 221 can rotate around the first rotary member 231 within a specified range of angles. The first rotary bracket 211 can rotate around the first virtual axis 11 within a range of angles that is similar to, or the same as, the first arm 221. The second rotary bracket 212 can rotate around the second virtual axis 12, within a range of angles that is similar to, or the same as, the second arm 222. The first virtual axis 11 can be formed in a higher position than the first rotary member 231 in the direction toward the display 160. The second virtual axis 12 can be formed in a higher position than the second rotary member 232 in the direction toward the display 160.The interval between the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 may be shorter than the interval between the first rotary element 231 and the second rotary element 232. According to various embodiments, the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 may be formed side by side on the horizontal axis. According to an embodiment, the first virtual axis 11 and the second virtual axis 12 may be formed at the same height as the display 160, or may be formed above the display 160 (for example, in the air above the display 160).

[0115] The first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotary bracket 211 and the second bracket body 212_1 of the second rotary bracket 212 can be arranged side by side while the first rotary bracket 211 and the second rotary bracket 212 are supported in a flat state. According to an embodiment, the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 and the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 can be identically arranged facing upward with respect to the illustrated drawing. According to an embodiment, the first arm 221 and the second arm 222 can also be arranged side by side while the first rotary bracket 211 and the second rotary bracket 212 are supported in a flat state, and therefore, both the first base body 221_1 of the first arm and the second base body 222_1 of the second arm can face in the same direction (for example, the upper direction with respect to the illustrated drawing).Accordingly, the first bracket body 211_1, the second bracket body 212_1, the first base body 221_1, and the second base body 222_1 can all be arranged side by side relative to the horizontal axis, and all can be arranged facing the same upward direction relative to the illustrated drawing. The first bracket body 211_1, the second bracket body 212_1, the first base body 221_1, and the second base body 222_1 can support the rear surface of the display 160 without a difference in height between them.

[0116] According to various embodiments, a predetermined gap Gap_1 may be formed between the central portion 163 of the display 160, which is bendable, and the hinge structures 200a and 200b. The adhesive layer may be located in peripheral areas (for example, the upper portion 161 or the lower portion 162) other than the central portion 163 of the display 160.

[0117] Fig. 8 illustrates a view of the first state of said angle of the first hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0118] Referring to Fig. 1A and 8, the first hinge structure 200a may include a first state of the specified angle. As described above, the first hinge structure 200a may include a first rotary bracket 211, a second rotary bracket 212, a fixed bracket 213, a first lever 221, a second lever 222, a gear structure 230, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a first rotary member 231, a second rotary member 232 and a support bracket 243. The first rotary bracket 211 may be connected to the first lever 211 via a first fixing portion 251. The second rotary bracket 212 may be connected to the second lever via a second fixing portion 252.

[0119] The first housing (for example, the first housing 110 in Fig. 1A), to which the first rotary bracket 211 is fixed, or the second housing (for example, the second housing 120 in Fig. 1A) to which the second rotary bracket 212 is fixed, can be rotated by a predetermined angle in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from one point on the horizontal axis 801 relative to the illustrated drawing by means of external pressure. For example, the first rotary bracket 211 connected to the first housing 110 can rotate around the first virtual axis 11 by a first angle (for example, 30 degrees) in the direction of the vertical axis 803 (for example, the z-axis in Fig. 4) from one point on the horizontal axis 801 (for example, the -y-axis or the y-axis in Fig. 4) (for example, in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from the right side relative to the illustrated drawing).When the first rotary bracket 211 rotates by the first angle by means of the external pressure, the corresponding pressure can be transmitted to the first lever 221 through the first locking portion 251. Accordingly, the first lever 221 can rotate around the first rotary member 231 by the first angle in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from the horizontal axis 801. In this operation, the force depending on the rotational movement can be transmitted to the first rotary cam 221_4 and the first part 221_3 of the insert. The first rotary member 231, one side of which is inserted into the first part 221_3 of the insert, can rotate when the first part 221_3 of the insert rotates, and the first gear 231_2 of the shaft of the first rotary member 231 can rotate depending on the rotation of the first rotary member 231.The first idler gear 233 and the second idler gear 234, which are engaged with each other, can rotate depending on the rotation of the first gear 231_2 of the shaft. Consequently, the second gear 232_2 of the shaft can rotate and the second rotary element 232 can rotate accordingly. The second part 222_3 of the insert can rotate depending on the rotation of the second rotary element 232, the second lever 222 can rotate depending on the rotation of the second part 222_3 of the insert, and the second rotary bracket 212, connected to the second lever 222 via the second locking part 252, can rotate depending on the rotation of the second lever 222.

[0120] As described above, the first hinge structure 200a may have a structure in which the first rotary bracket 211 and the second rotary bracket 212 are simultaneously rotated by external pressure (or force). Accordingly, the first rotary bracket 211 and the second rotary bracket 212 can simultaneously rotate even though external pressure is applied to the second housing 120 to which the second rotary bracket 212 is connected, or external pressure is simultaneously applied to the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. Since the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100 of the invention are simultaneously rotated, it is possible to suppress the twisting of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and a precise hinge movement can be performed.

[0121] According to various embodiments, the ridge of the first rotary cam 221_4 and the ridge of the second rotary cam 222_4 may remain in contact with the vicinity of the apex of the ridge of the first fixed cam 241_1a and the vicinity of the apex of the ridge of the second fixed cam 241_1b when the first lever 221 and the second lever 222 rotate by the first specified angle.

[0122] According to the embodiment, the first virtual axis 11 of the first rotary bracket 211 and the second virtual axis 12 of the second rotary bracket 212 may be located between the first rotary member of the first lever 221 and the second rotary member 232 of the second lever 222, and, as a result, the rotation amount of the first rotary bracket may differ from the rotation amount of the first lever 221. Accordingly, the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotary bracket 211 may further protrude upward beyond the upper surface of the first base body 221_1 of the first lever relative to the horizontal axis 801.Since the first pivot bracket 211 and the first lever 221 are connected via the first locking portion 251, the first locking portion 251 can slide a predetermined distance along the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first pivot bracket 211 while the first pivot bracket 211 is rotated. Similarly, the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 can be rotated to further protrude beyond the second base body 222_1 relative to the horizontal axis 801. In addition, since the second pivot bracket 212 and the second lever 222 are connected via the second locking portion 252, the second locking portion 252 can slide a predetermined distance along the second sliding hole 212_2 of the second pivot bracket 212 while the second pivot bracket 212 is rotated.

[0123] Fig. 9 illustrates a view of the second state of said angle of the first hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0124] Referring to Fig. 1A and 9, the first hinge structure 200a may include a second state of the specified angle. The first hinge structure 200a may include, for example, a first rotary bracket 211, a second rotary bracket 212, a fixed bracket 213, a first lever 221, a second lever 222, a gear structure, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a first rotary member 231, a second rotary member 232 and a support bracket 243. The first rotary bracket 211 may be connected to the first lever 221 via the first fixing portion 251, the second rotary bracket 212 may be connected to the second lever 222 via the second fixing portion 252.

[0125] The first housing (for example, the first housing 110 in Fig. 1A) or the second housing (for example, the second housing 120 in Fig. 1A) can be rotated by a second angle (for example, 60 degrees) in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from one point on the horizontal axis 801 relative to the illustrated drawing by means of external pressure (or force). For example, when external pressure or force is transmitted to the first housing 110 or the second housing 120, the first rotary bracket 211 or the second rotary bracket 212 can rotate around the first virtual axis 11 or the second virtual axis 12 by a second angle (for example, 60 degrees) in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from one point on the horizontal axis 801 (for example, in the direction of the vertical axis 803 from the right side relative to the illustrated drawing).In the process of performing the above-described operation, the applied force can be mutually transmitted through the first lever 221 or the second lever 222, the first rotary member 231, the second rotary member 232 and the gear transmission structure 230, and the first rotary bracket 211, the second rotary bracket 212, the first lever 221 and the second lever 22 can rotate simultaneously.

[0126] When the first rotary lever 211 and the second rotary lever 212 rotate to the second angle, the first locking portion 251 and the second locking portion 252 can slide closer to the fixed bracket 213 in the first sliding hole 211_2 and the second sliding hole 212_2 than when the first rotary bracket 211 and the second rotary bracket 212 rotate to the first angle. In the above-mentioned operating process, the first guide 211_3 of the first rotary bracket 211 can rotate outward from the center of the fixed bracket 213 to the right relative to the illustrated drawing, and the second guide 212_3 of the second rotary bracket 212 can rotate outward from the center of the fixed bracket 213 to the left relative to the illustrated drawing.Since the rotation axes of the first rotary bracket 211 and the first lever 221 differ from each other and the rotation axes of the second rotary bracket 212 and the second lever differ from each other, the distance between the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 and the upper surface of the second bracket body 212_1 can be formed to be shorter than the distance between the upper surface of the first base body 221_1 and the upper surface of the second base body 222_1 with an approach to the fixed bracket 213.

[0127] Fig. 10 illustrates a view of a second state of some designs of an electronic device according to various embodiments.

[0128] Referring to Fig. 1A and 10, the electronic device 100 may include a first hinge structure 200a and a display 160. The second state of the first hinge structure 200a may include a folded state. The first hinge structure 200a may include, for example, a first bracket 213, a first rotary bracket 211, a second rotary bracket 212, a first lever 221, a second lever 222, a first locking portion 251, a second locking portion 252, a first rotary member 231, a second rotary member 232, a gear structure 230 including gears of the shaft of the first rotary member 231 and the second rotary member 232, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b and a support bracket 243.

[0129] In the above-described structure, the first rotary bracket 211 and the second rotary bracket 212 can be arranged to face each other. Since the edges of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are located next to each other relative to the illustrated drawing, the first rotary bracket 211 can rotate around the first virtual axis 11 and can be tilted to the left by the specified angle relative to the vertical axis 803 in the illustrated drawing. In addition, the second rotary bracket 212 can rotate around the second virtual axis 12 and can be tilted to the right by the specified angle relative to the vertical axis 803. The first virtual axis 11 can be the central axis of rotation of the first guide 211_3, and the second virtual axis 12 can be the central axis of rotation of the second guide 212_3.The first arm 221 can rotate around the first rotary member 231 and can be located side by side with the second rotary bracket 211, and the second arm can rotate around the second rotary member 232 and can be located side by side with the second rotary bracket 212. Accordingly, the central section of the display 160 can be bent in a "U" shape and the remaining area can be kept flat.

[0130] Since the first rotary bracket 211 and the first lever are arranged vertically (or inclined to the left at a specified angle relative to the vertical axis 803), the upper surface of the first bracket body 211_1 of the first rotary bracket 211 and the upper surface of the first base body 221_1 of the first lever 221 can be arranged side by side without a difference in height between them. Due to the difference in length between the first rotary bracket 211 and the first lever, the first fixing portion 251 can be located at the lower edge of the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first rotary bracket 211. When the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, the first fixing portion 251 can be located at the upper edge of the first sliding hole 211_2 of the first rotary bracket 211.Similarly, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the second locking portion 252 may be located in the lower edge of the second sliding hole 212_2.

[0131] The first rotary bracket 211 can rotate outward from the central portion of the fixed bracket 213 to the right relative to the illustrated drawing while the electronic device 100 is transitioned from the first state to the second state (for example, the folded state), and the first rotary bracket 211 can rotate in the direction from the right side of the fixed bracket 213 to its central portion relative to the illustrated drawing while the electronic device 100 is transitioned from the second state to the first state (for example, the flat state).According to an embodiment, the second rotary bracket 212 can rotate outward from the central portion of the fixed bracket 213 to the left relative to the illustrated drawing while the electronic device 100 is transferred from the first state to the second state (for example, the folded state), and the second rotary bracket 212 can rotate in the direction from the left side of the fixed bracket 213 to its central portion relative to the illustrated drawing while the electronic device 100 is transferred from the second state to the first state (for example, the flat state). While the electronic device 100 is maintained in the folded state, the ridges and valleys of the cam portion 241 can be in engagement with the valleys and ridges of the rotary cams located on the first bracket 221 and the second bracket 222.Accordingly, the first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b can return to the original state (for example, the released state) from the compressed state in the first state of the specified angle and the second state of the specified angle.

[0132] Fig. 11 illustrates a view of an additional structure of the first hinge structure according to various embodiments.

[0133] Referring to Fig. 11, the first hinge structure 200a (or the second hinge structure 200b) may include a fixed bracket 213, a first rotary bracket 211, a second rotary bracket 212, a first lever 221, a second lever 222, a first locking portion 251, a second locking portion 252, a first rotary member 231, a second rotary member 232, a gear structure 230 including shaft gears of the first rotary member 231 and the second rotary member 232 and idler gears, a cam portion 241, a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b and a support bracket 243. Additionally or alternatively, at least one spacer ring and a plate with holes 237 may be additionally added.

[0137] At least the spacer ring may include a first spacer ring 238_1a and a second spacer ring 238_1b, which are mounted on the first rotary member 231. The first spacer ring 238_1a may be located between the cam portion 241, one side of which is mounted on the first rotary member 231, and the hole plate 237. The second spacer ring 238_1b may be located between the hole plate 237 and the first elastic body 242a.

[0135] According to an embodiment, at least the spacer ring may include, for example, a third spacer ring 238_2a and a fourth spacer ring 238_2b, which are mounted on the second rotary member 232. The third spacer ring 238_2a may be located between the cam portion 241, the opposite side of which is mounted on the second rotary member 232, and the hole plate 237. The fourth spacer ring 238_2b may be located between the hole plate 237 and the second elastic body 242b.

[0136] The hole plate 237 may include a guide hole into which the first rotary member 231 is inserted, and a guide hole into which the second rotary member 232 is inserted. The hole plate 237 may be located between the first spacer ring 238_1a and the second spacer ring 238_1b and between the third spacer ring 238_2a and the fourth spacer ring 238_2b. The plate 237 with holes can serve as a supporting part during the formation of friction forces of the spacer rings 238_1a, 238_1b, 238_2a and 238_2b, and can provide a friction force to ensure the installation of the first hinge structure 200a at different angles of the first rotary element 231 and the second rotary element 232 by means of the spacer rings 238_1a, 238_1b, 238_2a and 238_2b.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the third elastic body 251a and the fifth spacer ring 251b may be further mounted on the first locking portion 251, and the first locking clip 291_1 may be positioned to lock the first locking portion with the first lever 221. The fifth spacer ring 251b may be positioned between the third elastic body 251a and the first locking clip 291_1. The third elastic body 251a can serve to more reliably create a contact between one end (for example, the first connecting part 221_2) of the first lever and one end (for example, the first sliding hole 211_2) of the first rotary bracket 211. The fifth spacer ring 251b can increase the friction force during the contact between the first rotary bracket 211 and the first lever 221, thereby ensuring the installation of the first hinge structure 200a at different angles.Similar to the above-described structure, the second locking portion 252 may further include a fourth elastic body 252a and a sixth spacer ring 252b, and a second locking clamp 291_2 for fixing the second locking portion 252 may be located on one side of the second lever 222.

[0138] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure 200 may include a first pivot bracket 211 that rotates about a first virtual axis 11 within a first range, a second pivot bracket 212 that rotates about a second virtual axis 12 within a second range, a fixed bracket 213 with the first pivot bracket and the second pivot bracket fixed therein, a first pivot element that rotates about a first rotation axis different from the first virtual axis, a second pivot element that rotates about a second rotation axis different from the second virtual axis, a first lever 221 that includes a first base body 221_1, a first connecting portion 221_2 located on one side of the first base body and connected to the first pivot bracket, a first insert portion 221_3, one side of which is mounted on the first pivot element,and a first rotary cam 221_4 located near the first part of the insert, a second lever 222 including a second base body 222_1, a second connecting part 222_2 located on one side of the second base body and connected to the second rotary bracket, a second part 222_3 of the insert, one side of which is mounted on the second rotary member 232, and a second rotary cam 222_4 located near the second part of the insert, a cam part 241 with uneven structures corresponding to the first rotary cam and the second rotary cam, a first elastic body 242a, which is mounted on the first rotary member and which supports at least one side of the cam part in the direction toward the first lever, a second elastic body 242b, which is mounted on the second rotary member and which supports at least the opposite side of the cam part in the direction toward the second lever, and a support bracket 243,which supports the first elastic body and the second elastic body.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the first rotary bracket can rotate in a direction from the center of the fixed bracket outward from it when transitioning from a horizontal state to a vertical state, the first rotary bracket can rotate in a direction from the outer side of the fixed bracket to its center when transitioning from a vertical state to a horizontal state, and the second rotary bracket can simultaneously rotate in the opposite direction while the first rotary bracket rotates.

[0140] According to various embodiments, the first locking portion that locks the first lever can move in the direction from the outer portion of the first sliding hole to its inner portion while the first rotary bracket moves from the horizontal state to the vertical state, the first locking portion that locks the first lever can move in the direction from the inner portion of the first sliding hole to its outer portion while the first rotary bracket moves from the vertical state to the horizontal state, and the second locking portion can operate in the same manner as the first locking portion.

[0141] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a first locking clamp 291_1, which is located at the end of the first locking portion and which locks the first locking portion with the first lever, and a second locking clamp 291_2, which is located at the end of the second locking portion and which locks the second locking portion with the second lever.

[0142] According to various embodiments, the first rotary member may include a first insert portion 231_3 installed in one side of the fixed bracket, a first shaft body 231_1 fixed on one side of the support bracket, and a first shaft gear 231_2 located between the first insert portion and the first shaft body, and the second rotary member may include a second insert portion 232_3 installed in one side of the fixed bracket, a second shaft body 232_1 fixed in one side of the support bracket, and a second shaft gear 232_2 located between the second insert portion and the second shaft body.

[0143] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include a first idler gear 233 engaged with the first shaft gear, and a second idler gear 234 engaged with the second idler gear and the second shaft gear.

[0144] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include a support plate 235 that includes guide holes into which the first insert portion and the second insert portion are inserted and that fixes one side of the first idler gear and one side of the second idler gear.

[0145] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a third locking clip 292_1 located at the end of the first portion of the insert to prevent the first portion of the insert from separating from the support plate, and a fourth locking clip 292_2 located at the end of the second portion of the insert to prevent the second portion of the insert from separating from the support plate.

[0146] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include a limiter 236 that is mounted on one side of the first rotary member and one side of the second rotary member, and that faces one side of the first insert portion and one side of the second insert portion, to prevent the first lever and the second lever from rotating through the specified angle or further.

[0147] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include a fifth locking clamp 249_1 located at the end of the first rotary member to prevent the first rotary member from separating from the support bracket, and a sixth locking clamp 249_2 located at the end of the second rotary member to prevent the second rotary member from separating from the support bracket.

[0148] According to various embodiments, a first virtual axis and a second virtual axis may be formed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member.

[0149] According to various embodiments, the first virtual axis and the second virtual axis may be formed at a specified height above the first rotary member and the second rotary member.

[0150] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one plate 237 with holes located between the cam portion and the first elastic body or the second elastic body, a first spacer ring 238_1a located between the cam portion and the plate with holes and mounted on the first rotary element, and a second spacer ring 238_2a located between the cam portion and the plate with holes and mounted on the second rotary element.

[0151] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a third spacer ring 238_1b located between the plate with holes and the first elastic body and mounted on the first rotary element, and a fourth spacer ring 238_2b located between the plate with holes and the second elastic body and mounted on the second rotary element.

[0152] According to various embodiments, the upper portions of the ridges 222_4a of the first rotary cam or the second rotary cam may include flat areas of the specified width, and the lower portions of the valleys 222_4b of the first rotary cam or the second rotary cam may include flat areas of the specified width.

[0153] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a third elastic body 251a located between the first locking portion and the first locking clamp, and a fourth elastic body 252a located between the second locking portion and the second locking clamp.

[0154] ​​According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include at least one of a fifth spacer ring 251b located between the third elastic body and the first locking clamp, and a sixth spacer ring 252b located between the fourth elastic body and the second locking clamp.

[0155] According to various embodiments, the first rotary member 231 and the second rotary member 232 may be installed in one side of the fixed bracket so as to be spaced from each other by a predetermined interval.

[0156] According to various embodiments, the hinge structure may further include a first locking portion 251 that is locked in the first connecting portion 221_2 through the first sliding hole 211_2 formed on one side of the first rotary bracket and that slides along the first sliding hole, and a second locking portion 252 that is locked in the second connecting portion 222_2 through the second sliding hole 212_2 formed on one side of the second rotary bracket and that slides along the second sliding hole.

[0157] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include a first housing 110, a second housing 120, a hinge structure 200 that connects the first housing and the second housing and provides a hinge movement of the first housing or the second housing, a hinge housing 150 that surrounds the hinge structure, and a display 160 located on the first housing and the second housing. At least the upper portion 161 or the lower portion 162 of the flexible display may be attached to at least a portion of the upper side of the first housing or the upper side of the second housing, and at least a portion of the central portion 163 of the flexible display is positioned so as to have the specified gap from the hinge structure.The hinge structure may include a first rotary bracket that is attached to the first housing and that rotates around the first virtual axis within the first range, a second rotary bracket that is attached to the second housing and that rotates around the second virtual axis within the second range, a fixed bracket with the first rotary bracket and the second rotary bracket fixed thereon, a first lever that is connected to the first rotary bracket on one side thereof and that has the first rotary cam formed on its opposite side, a second lever that is connected to the second rotary bracket on one side thereof and that has the second rotary cam formed on its opposite side, and a cam portion with uneven structures corresponding to the first rotary cam and the second rotary cam.

[0158] According to various embodiments, the first locking portion, which locks the first lever, can move in the direction from the outer portion of the first sliding hole to its inner portion while the first rotary bracket moves from the horizontal state to the vertical state, the first locking portion, which locks the first lever, can move in the direction from the inner portion of the first sliding hole to its outer portion while the first rotary bracket moves from the vertical state to the horizontal state, and the second locking portion can operate in the same manner as the first locking portion.

[0159] Fig. 12 illustrates a view of one example of a folded state of the electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0160] Referring to Fig. 12, when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100 are in a folded state, a gap Gap_2, as illustrated, can be formed in the area in which the hinge housing 150 is attached to the first housing 110 or the second housing 120. The gap Gap_2 can be caused by the height of the side wall of the hinge housing 150, and when the hinge structures 200 are in a folded state, the gap Gap_2 can be formed to prevent the hinge housing 150 from restraining the hinge movements of the hinge structures 200 while the hinge structures 200 are folded or unfolded. Accordingly, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the gap Gap_2 may be observed between the hinge housing 150 and the hinge structures 200. The observation of the gap Gap_2 may be a factor that reduces the completeness of the appearance of the electronic device 100.For example, a portion of the hinge structures 200 located inside can be observed from the outside through the gap Gap_2.

[0161] Fig. 13 illustrates a view of another example of a folded state of the electronic device according to the embodiment.

[0162] Referring to Fig. 13, the ends of the side portions 158a and 158b of the hinge housing 150 can be formed at higher positions than the ends of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 by a specified height in the direction of the vertical axis 803 when the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 are in the folded state. Accordingly, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, only the hinge housing 150 can be observed from the outside, and no separate gaps may be observed at the boundaries between the hinge housing 150 and the housings 110 and 120.In this regard, since the ends of the side portions 158a and 158b of the hinge housing 150 are formed at higher positions than the ends of the first housing and the second housing 120 by the specified height in the direction of the vertical axis 803, the first and second receiving grooves 221_9 and 22_9 can be located in predetermined zones of the first lever 221 and the second lever 222 in order to prevent the first lever 221 and the second lever 222 from colliding. The first and second receiving grooves 221_9 b 22_9 can include, for example, the first receiving groove 221_9 located at the end of the first lever 221 and the second receiving groove 222_9 located at the end of the second lever 222. When the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, the first side portion 158a of the hinge housing 150 can be received in the first receiving groove 221_9, and the second side section 158b of the hinge housing 150 can be received in the second receiving groove 222_9.

[0163] According to various embodiments, since the ends of the side portions 158a and 158b of the hinge housing 150 are formed at higher positions than the ends of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 by a specified height in the direction of the vertical axis 803, then the third and fourth receiving grooves 211_9 and 212_9 can be located on the first rotary bracket 211 and the second rotary bracket 212. The third receiving groove 211_9 can be formed on the central portion of the first rotary bracket 211 (for example, between the first guide 211_3 and the first housing attachment holes 211_4 illustrated in Fig. 4). Similarly, the fourth receiving groove 212_9 may be formed in the central portion of the second rotary bracket 212 (for example, between the second guide 212_2 and the second housing attachment hole 212_4, illustrated in Fig. 4).When the electronic device 100 is in a flat state, the first side portion 158a can be received in the third receiving groove 211_9, and the second side portion 158b can be received in the fourth receiving groove 212_9.

[0164] According to the use of the structure described above, the heights of the side portions 158a and 158b of the hinge housing 150 in the direction of the vertical axis 803 may be greater than the depths of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 in the direction opposite to the direction of the vertical axis 803. For example, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state, the first side portion 158a may be located inside the first housing 110 and may be located in a higher position than the lower end of the first housing 110, and when viewed in the direction of the horizontal axis 801, at least a part of the first side portion 158a may overlap the end of the first housing 110.Similarly, when the electronic device 100 is in the folded state, the second side portion 158b may be located inside the second housing 120 and may be located in a higher position than the lower end of the second housing 120, and when viewed in the direction of the horizontal axis 801, at least a part of the second side portion 158b may overlap the end of the second housing 120.

[0165] Fig. 14 illustrates a view of a hinge housing and hinge structures according to various embodiments, and Fig. 15 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure illustrated in Fig. 14.

[0166] Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, according to the embodiment, the third hinge structure 200c and the fourth hinge structure 200d may be disposed in the hinge housing 150.

[0167] The third hinge structure 200c can be located on one side of the hinge body 150 (for example, on the left side relative to the illustrated drawing). The third hinge structure 200c can be connected to the left side of the first body 110 (for example, the first body in Fig. 1A) and the left side of the second body 120 (for example, the second body 120 in Fig. 1A) and can rotate around the horizontal axis of the hinge body 150 within the specified range. The third hinge structure 200c can be arranged so as to be symmetrical to the fourth hinge structure 200d relative to the central portion of the hinge body 150.

[0168] The fourth hinge structure 200d can be located on the opposite side of the hinge body 150 (for example, on the right side relative to the illustrated drawing). The fourth hinge structure 200d can be connected to the right side of the first body 100 (for example, the first body 100 in Fig. 1A) and the right side of the second body 120 (for example, the second body 120 in Fig. 1A) and can rotate around the horizontal axis of the hinge body 150 within the specified range. The fourth hinge structure 200d can be arranged to be symmetrical to the third hinge structure 200c relative to the central portion of the hinge body 150. The fourth hinge structure 200d can include the same structure and configuration as the third hinge structure 200c. However, the position of the fourth hinge structure 200d may differ from the position of the third hinge structure 200c.

[0169] The hinge body 150 may have a semi-cylindrical shape with an empty space inside, or may have the shape of a longitudinal half of a pipe with closed opposite ends. The hinge body 150 may have the same structure as the hinge body described above with reference to Fig. 2, and may be formed from the same material as the hinge body described above with reference to Fig. 2.

[0170] The third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) may include a fixed bracket 1513, a first rotary bracket 1511, a second rotary bracket 1512, a first locking portion 1551, a second locking portion 1552, a first lever 1521, a second lever 1522, a first rotary member 1531, a second rotary member 1532, a cam portion 1541, a first elastic body 1542a, a second elastic body 1542b, a support bracket 1543, a first idler gear 1533, a second idler gear 1534, a support plate 1535 and a plurality of locking clamps 1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1 and 1549_2. At least some of the above-mentioned components of the third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) may be formed from a metallic material to have a predetermined rigidity.Alternatively, the third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) may comprise a material such as reinforced plastic or resin, if desired.

[0171] At least a part of the shape of the lower surface (for example, the surface facing in the -z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket 1513 may include a curved surface. For example, the lower surface of the fixed bracket 1513 may be formed to match the shape of the inner part of the hinge housing 150. The upper surface (for example, the surface facing in the z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket 1513 may have a flat shape, and the guide grooves 1513a and 1513b to which the rotary brackets 1511 and 1512 are connected may be formed on the upper surface of the fixed bracket 1513. The guide grooves 1513a and 1513b may have the same shape and arrangement as the guide grooves 213a and 213b described above with reference to Fig. 4.Accordingly, the first pivot bracket 1511 and the second pivot bracket 1512, which are inserted into the grooves 1513a and 1513b of the guides, can rotate in the same manner as the first pivot bracket 211 and the second pivot bracket 212 described above with reference to Fig. 4.

[0172] According to various embodiments, the fixed bracket 1513 may include a protrusion 1513_1 that protrudes in a third direction (for example, the x-axis direction) and at least parts of the opposite sides (for example, the side facing in the y-axis direction and the side facing in the -y-axis direction) of the protrusion 1513_1 may be formed to be curved surfaces. At least a part of the first lever 1521 and at least a part of the cam portion 1541 may be mounted on one side of the protrusion 1513_1 and at least a part of the second lever 1522 and at least a part of the cam portion 1541 may be mounted on the opposite side of the protrusion 1513_1. The first installation recess 1513_2a and the second installation recess 1513_2b can be located on the side sections of the fixed bracket 1513, which face in the third direction (for example, the direction of the x-axis) and which are located on opposite sides of the projection 1513_1.One side of the first rotary element 1531 and one side of the second rotary element 1532 can be installed in the first installation recess 1513_2a and the second installation recess 1513_2b, respectively. Alternatively, one side of the first rotary element 1531, which passes through one side of the support bracket 1543, the first elastic body 1542a and the cam portion 1541, can be installed in the first installation recess 1513_2a and one side of the second rotary element 1532, which passes through the opposite side of the support bracket 1543, the second elastic body 1542b and the cam portion 1541, can be installed in the second installation recess 1513_2b.

[0173] The structures of the first pivot bracket 1511 and the second pivot bracket 1512 may be the same or similar to the structures of the first pivot bracket 211 and the second pivot bracket 212 described above with reference to Fig. 4. Additionally or alternatively, the bracket bodies of the first pivot bracket 1511 and the second pivot bracket 1512 may be formed to be narrower than the first bracket body 211_1 and the second bracket body 212_1 described above with reference to Fig. 4.

[0174] The first fixing portion 1551 may be in the form of a pin of a predetermined length in one direction. The first fixing portion 1551 can pass through at least a sliding hole of the first rotary bracket 1511 and can be installed in the connecting portion of the first arm 1521 and fixed in a third direction (for example, the x-axis direction) by the first fixing clamp 1591_1. One side of the first fixing portion 1551 can slide in the sliding hole of the first rotary bracket 1511 in the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction.

[0175] The second locking portion 1552 may have essentially the same shape as the first locking portion 1551. The second locking portion 1552 may be arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the first locking portion 1551 relative to the fixed bracket 1513, and at least a portion of the second locking portion 1552 may be securely inserted into the sliding hole of the second rotary bracket 1512 and the connecting portion of the second arm 1522 in the third direction (for example, the x-axis direction). One side of the second locking portion 1552 may slide in the sliding hole of the second rotary bracket 1512 and the y-axis direction or the -y-axis direction.

[0176] The first lever 1521 can be fastened to the first rotary bracket 1511 through the first locking portion 1551 and can rotate within the specified range of angles together with the first rotary bracket 1511 during the hinge movement. According to the embodiment, the first lever 1521 can include the first insert portion 1521_3 and the first rotary cam 1521_4 and can include, as described above with reference to Fig. 4, components that correspond to the first base body 221_1 and the first connecting portion 221_2.

[0177] The first rotary cam 1521_4 may include at least one ridge and a recess located in the direction in which the first rotary element 1531 is inserted into and protrudes from the first insert portion 1521_3. According to an embodiment, the ridge and recess may include, at their end, a flat zone of a predetermined length. The first rotary cam 1521_4 and at least a portion of the first insert portion 1521_3 may be mounted on one side of the projection 1513_1 of the fixed bracket 1513.

[0178] The second lever 1522 may have essentially the same configuration as the first lever 1521. For example, the second lever 1522 may include a second insert portion 1522_3 and a second rotary cam 1522_4. The second rotary member 1532 may be inserted into the second insert portion 1522_3, and the second rotary cam 1522_4 may be arranged to engage with the opposite side of the cam portion 1541.

[0179] One end of the first rotary member 1531, which passes through the support bracket 1543, the first elastic body 1542a, one side of the cam portion 1541 and the first insert portion 1521_3, can be installed in the first installation recess 1513_2a formed on the fixed bracket 1513. One side of the first rotary member 1531 can be fixed by the third fixing clamp 1592_1, and the opposite side of the first rotary member 1531 can be in engagement with the first idler gear 1533 and can be fixed in the support plate 1535 through the fifth fixing clamp 1549_1. The first rotary member 1531 can include the first shaft body 1531_1, the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the first installation portion 1531_3.

[0180] The first shaft body 1531_1 can be arranged to pass through one side of the support bracket 1543, the first elastic body 1542a, the first insert portion 1521_3, the first rotary cam 1521_4 and one side of the cam portion 1541 in a fourth direction (for example, the -x axis direction) from a third direction (for example, the x axis direction). The first shaft gear 1531_2 can be arranged on the first shaft body 1531_1 so as to be offset in the third direction (for example, the x axis direction). The first shaft gear 1531_2 can be arranged to be in mesh with the first idler gear 1533.

[0181] The first mounting portion 1531_3 can be formed to protrude from the surface of the first shaft gear 1531_2 that faces in the third direction (for example, the surface facing in the x-axis direction). At least a part of the first mounting portion 1531_3 can pass through a guide hole formed in the support plate 1535, and the first mounting portion 1531_3 can be fixed with the support plate 1535 through the fifth fixing clamp 1549_1 to prevent the first shaft body 1531_1 from separating or twisting.

[0182] One end of the second rotary member 1532, which passes through the support bracket 1543, the second elastic body 1542b, one side of the cam part 1541 and the second insert portion 1522_3, can be installed in the second installation recess 1513_2b formed on the fixed bracket 1513. One side of the second rotary member 1532 can be fixed by means of the fourth fixing clamp 1592_2, and the opposite side of the second rotary member 1532 can be engaged with the second idler gear 1534 and can be fixed with the support plate 1535 through the sixth fixing clamp 1549_2. The second rotary member 1532 can include the second shaft body 1532_1, the second shaft gear 1532_2 and the second installation portion 1532_3.

[0183] The second shaft body 1532_1 can have basically the same shape and size as the first shaft body 1531_1. The second shaft body 1532_1 can be located at a position spaced from the first shaft body 1531_1 by a predetermined length. The second shaft gear 1532_2 can have the same shape and size as the first shaft gear 1531_2 and can be located on the second shaft body 1532_1. The position of the second shaft gear 1532_2 can be symmetrical to the position of the first shaft gear 1531_2. At least a part of the second installation part 1532_3 can have the same shape and size as the first installation part 1531_3. In this process, at least a part of the second part 1532_3 of the installation can pass through the guide hole of the support plate 1535 and can be fixed by means of the sixth fixing clamp 1549_2.

[0184] The cam portion 1541 may have the same structure and shape as the cam portion 241 described above with reference to Fig. 4. The cam portion 1541 may be located between the first and second levers 1521 and 1522 and the first and second elastic bodies 1542a and 1542b. At least a part of the cam portion 1541 may be mounted on at least a part of the projection 1513_1 of the fixed bracket 1513.

[0185] The first elastic body 1542a may be in the form of a coil spring with an empty space inside. The first body 1531_1 of the shaft of the first rotary member 1531, which passes through the support bracket 1543, can be inserted into the first elastic body 1542a.

[0186] The shape and size of the second elastic body 1542b may be the same or similar to the shape and size of the first elastic body 1542a. The second elastic body 1542b may have the shape of a coil spring with an empty space inside. The second body 1532_1 of the shaft of the second rotary member 1532, which passes through the support bracket 1543, can be inserted into the second elastic body 1542b.

[0187] The first elastic body 1542a and the second elastic body 1542b can be located between the cam portion 1541 and the support bracket 1543 and can act to push the cam portion 1541 in the fourth direction (for example, the direction of the -x axis) relative to the support bracket 1543 fixed in the hinge housing 150. The second elastic body 1542b can be arranged to be spaced apart from the first elastic body 1542a by the specified interval.

[0188] The support bracket 1543 may include a support portion that supports at least a portion of the first elastic body 1542a and at least a portion of the second elastic body 1542b, guide holes through which the first body 1531_1 of the shaft of the first rotary element 1531 and the second body 1532_1 of the shaft of the second rotary element 1532 pass, and installation recesses in which one side of the first idler gear 1533 and one side of the second idler gear 1534 are installed.

[0189] The first idler gear 1533 may be located between the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the second shaft gear 1532_2 and may be in engagement with the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the second idler gear 1534. The first idler gear 1533 may include a protrusion inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 1535 and may be rotatably fixed in a recess formed in the support bracket 1543.

[0190] The second intermediate gear 1534 can be located between the first shaft gear 1531_2 and the second shaft gear 1532_2 and can be in mesh with the first idler gear 1533 and the second shaft gear 1532_2. The second idler gear 1534 can be formed to have basically the same shape and size as the first idler gear 1533. The second idler gear 1534 can include a projection inserted into a guide hole formed in the support plate 1535 and a projection inserted into a mounting recess formed in the support bracket 1543.

[0191] The support plate 1535 can be arranged to prevent the rotary members 1531 and 1532 and the idler gears 1533 and 1534 from separating. In this regard, the support plate 1535 can include a plurality of guide holes. For example, the support plate 1535 can include a guide hole through which the first installation portion 1531_3 of the first rotary member 1531 passes, a guide hole through which the second installation portion 1532_3 of the second rotary member 1532 passes, and guide holes (or guide recesses) in which the projection of the first idler gear 1533 and the projection of the second idler gear 1534 are installed.

[0192] A plurality of fixing clamps 1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1 and 1549_2 can fix one or more components included in the third hinge structure 200c (or the fourth hinge structure 200d) to prevent the components from separating from the corresponding positions and can allow the corresponding components to rotate. The plurality of fixing clamps 1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1 and 1549_2 can include, for example, a C-shaped clamp. The plurality of fixing clamps 1591_1, 1591_2, 1592_1, 1592_2, 1549_1 and 1549_2 may include, for example, a first fixing clamp 1591_1 for fixing the first fixing portion with a surface of the first lever that faces in the third direction (for example, a surface facing in the x-axis direction), a second fixing clamp 1591_2 for fixing the second fixing portion 1552 with a surface of the second lever 1522 that faces in the third direction (for example, a surface facing in the x-axis direction), and a second fixing clamp 1591_2 for fixing the second fixing portion 1552 with a surface of the second lever 1522 that faces in the third direction (for example, a surface facing in the x-axis direction).facing in the x-axis direction), a third fixing clamp 1592_1 connected to one end of the first shaft body 1531_1 of the first rotary member 1531 (for example, the end on the side that is opposite to the point at which the first installation part 1531_3 is located), a fourth fixing clamp 1592_2 connected to one end of the second shaft body 1532_1 of the second rotary member 1532 (for example, the end on the side that is opposite to the point at which the second installation part 1532_3 is located), a fifth fixing clamp 1549_1 arranged to fix the first installation part 1531_3 with a surface of the support plate 1535 that faces in a third direction (for example, a surface facing in the x-axis direction), and a sixth fixing clamp 1549_2 arranged to fix the second installation part 1532_3 with a surface of the support plate 1535 that faces in a third direction (for example, surface facing in the direction of the x-axis).

[0193] In the above-described hinge structure (for example, the third hinge structure 200c or the fourth hinge structure 200d) of the invention, the gear transmission structure may be located at a specified distance from the area in which the rotary brackets and the fixed bracket are connected.

[0194] An electronic device including a hinge structure according to an embodiment of the invention may include a first rotary member that rotates around a first axis, a second rotary member that rotates around a second axis, a first lever with a first connecting portion, a second connecting portion and a first cam structure, wherein the first connecting portion is connected to the first rotary member, and the second connecting portion is connected to the second rotary member, a second lever with a third connecting portion, a fourth connecting portion and a second cam structure, a cam member including a first cam engaged with the first cam structure and a second cam engaged with the second cam structure, a first elastic body that is connected to the first rotary member and that applies an elastic force to the cam member, the second elastic body,which is connected to the second rotary element and which applies an elastic force to the cam element, a first rotary bracket with a first sliding hole and a first guide, a second rotary bracket with a second sliding hole and a second guide, and a fixed bracket with a first guide groove corresponding to the first guide, and a second guide groove corresponding to the second guide. The first sliding hole of the first rotary bracket and the second connecting part can be connected through the first locking part, and the second sliding hole of the second rotary bracket and the fourth connecting part can be connected through the second locking part. The first locking part can slide in the first sliding hole to correspond to the rotation of the first lever, the second locking part can slide in the second sliding hole,to match the rotation of the second arm. The first pivot bracket can rotate around the third axis, and the second pivot bracket can rotate around the fourth axis.

[0195] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a first housing and a second housing. The first housing may be connected to a first rotary arm and be rotatable around a third axis, and the second housing may be connected to a second rotary arm and be rotatable around a fourth axis.

[0196] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a display placed on the first housing and the second housing, and the first axis and the second axis may be formed below the display when the electronic device is in a flat state.

[0197] According to various embodiments, the third axis and the fourth axis may be formed at higher positions in the direction toward the display than the first axis and the second axis.

[0198] According to various embodiments, the interval between the first axis and the second axis may be greater than the interval between the third axis and the fourth axis.

[0199] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one spacer ring located between the first rotary member and the first elastic body and between the second rotary member and the second elastic body.

[0200] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one of a first spacer ring connected to the end of a first fixing portion arranged to pass through a first connecting portion, and a second spacer ring connected to the end of a second fixing portion arranged to pass through a second connecting portion.

[0201] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include at least one of a first elastic element located between the end of the first fixing portion and the first spacer ring, and a second elastic element located between the end of the second fixing portion and the second spacer ring.

[0202] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a limiter located between the first rotary member and the second connecting portion of the first lever and between the second rotary member and the fourth connecting portion of the second lever, so as to prevent the first lever and the second lever from rotating through the specified angle or further.

[0203] Hinge structures and electronic devices incorporating them, according to various embodiments, can provide various functions related to hinge movement in a relatively narrow configuration area. For example, a hinge structure and an electronic device incorporating it, according to an embodiment, enable simultaneous rotational movements of multiple housings, while providing a sense of locking and enabling various installation angles during the hinge movements of the housings, thereby inhibiting twisting of the housings during rotational movements.

[0204] Various other aspects and results provided by the hinge structures and electronic devices incorporating them, according to various embodiments, may be mentioned depending on the embodiments.

[0205] Each component (e.g., module or program module) according to various embodiments may be composed of a single entity or a plurality of entities, some of the subcomponents described above may be omitted, or other subcomponents may be additionally included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, after combining into a single entity, some components (e.g., module or program module) may identically or similarly perform the function that each respective component performed before combining. According to various embodiments, the operations that are executed by modules, programs, or other components may be executed in a sequential manner, a parallel manner, a repeated manner, or a heuristic manner, or at least some of the operations may be executed in other sequences or omitted.Alternatively, other operations can be added.

[0206] Although the present invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, various changes and modifications can be suggested by those skilled in the art. It is intended that the present invention embrace such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A portable communication device comprising: a body comprising a first body section and a second body section; a hinge connected to the first body section and the second body section; a flexible display located above the first housing section, the hinge and the second housing section; the hinge includes: a first shaft capable of rotation around a first axis; a second shaft capable of rotation around a second axis; a first lever configured to rotate around a first axis; a second lever capable of rotation around a second axis; a first rotary element including a first guide and configured to rotate around a third axis; a second rotary member including a second guide and configured to rotate around a fourth axis while the second lever rotates around a second axis; and a support bracket configured to accommodate at least a portion of the first rotary element and at least a portion of the second rotary element, wherein the support bracket includes a first guide groove along which the first guide is configured to move, and a second guide groove along which the second guide is configured to move.

2. A portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge includes: a first gear connected to the first shaft; and the second gear, attached to the second shaft.

3. The portable communication device of claim 2, wherein the hinge includes: a first rotary cam configured to rotate along the first gear; a second rotary cam configured to rotate along the second gear.

4. A portable communication device according to paragraph 3, in which: the first lever includes a first cam portion facing the first pivot cam; and the second lever includes a second cam portion facing the second pivot cam.

5. The portable communication device of claim 3, wherein the hinge includes: a first elastic element configured to support the first rotary cam; and a second elastic element configured to support the second rotary cam.

6. A portable communication device according to paragraph 5, in which: the first elastic element is located on the first shaft; and the second elastic element is located on the second shaft.

7. The portable communication device of claim 2, wherein the hinge includes: a first idler gear located between the first gear and the second gear and configured to engage with the first gear; and a second idler gear located between and configured to engage with the first idler gear and the second gear.

8. A portable communication device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge includes: a first locking portion configured to combine a portion of the first rotary member and a portion of the first lever; and a second locking portion configured to connect a portion of the second rotary element and a portion of the second lever.

9. A portable communication device according to claim 8, in which: the first locking portion is configured to move with the first lever while the first lever rotates about the first axis; and the second locking part is configured to move with the second lever, while the second lever rotates around the second axis.

10. A portable communication device according to claim 1, in which: the first rotary member is connected to the first housing part; and the second rotary element is connected to the second body part.

11. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein the hinge also comprises: a hinge housing configured to accommodate at least a portion of the hinge.

12. A portable communication device according to claim 11, in which: when the housing is in the unfolded state, the hinge housing is hidden by one side of the first housing part and one side of the second housing part; when the housing is in the folded state, at least a part of the hinge housing is open outward between the edge of the first housing part and the edge of the second housing part.

13. A portable communication device according to claim 11, wherein the support bracket is fixed in the hinge housing.

14. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the flexible display is configured to bend when the first pivot arm rotates about a third axis and the second pivot arm rotates about a fourth axis.

15. A portable communication device according to claim 1, in which: the third axis is located between the first axis and the first part of the flexible display corresponding to the first housing part, and the fourth axis is located between the second axis and the second part of the flexible display corresponding to the second housing part.

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

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

18. A portable communication device according to claim 1, in which: the first rotating element is configured to rotate in a first direction while the body is transitioning from the expanded state to the collapsed state, and the second rotating element is configured to simultaneously rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction, while the body is moving from the unfolded state to the folded state.

19. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein the first guide has an arcuate shape for moving along the first guide groove to allow the first rotary element to rotate about the third axis, and wherein the second guide has an arcuate shape for moving along the second guide groove to allow the second rotary element to rotate about the fourth axis.

20. The portable communication device of claim 1, wherein the support bracket includes a first guide groove along which the first guide is movable while remaining in the first guide groove, and a second guide groove along which the second guide is movable while remaining in the second guide groove.

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