Hinge apparatus and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein comprises: a first housing; a second housing; and a hinge apparatus connecting the first housing and the second housing so that the first housing and the second housing can be folded about a folding axis. The hinge apparatus includes: a bracket; a first rotator that is fastened to the bracket and rotates relative to the bracket about a first rotation axis; a second rotator that is fastened to the bracket and rotates relative to the bracket about a second rotation axis; a first rotation guide member fixed to the first housing; a second rotation guide member fixed to the second housing; a first hinge plate which is disposed on the first rotation guide member so as to be movable about the folding axis and rotates relative to the first rotation guide member about a third rotation axis; and a second hinge plate which is disposed on the second rotation guide member so as to be movable about the folding axis and rotates relative to the second rotation guide member about the fourth rotation axis.

Description

Hinge device and electronic device including the hinge device

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a hinge device and an electronic device including the hinge device.

[0002] As the functional gap between manufacturers significantly narrows, electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer to meet consumer purchasing demands. These devices are also being improved to increase rigidity, enhance design, and differentiate their functional elements. These electronic devices are moving beyond their standard rectangular form factor and evolving into diverse shapes. For example, electronic devices can be designed to be portable while also featuring a flexible structure that allows for large-screen displays when in use. As part of this trend, foldable electronic devices are continuously being released, and operational reliability may be required even during frequent folding operations.

[0003] An electronic device may include a foldable electronic device including a first housing, and a second housing foldably connected to the first housing via a hinge device (e.g., a hinge structure, a hinge module, or a hinge assembly). The first housing and the second housing are structurally connected to the hinge device, thereby ensuring operational reliability for a folded state and / or an unfolded state. The foldable electronic device may be operated in an in-folding manner and / or an out-folding manner, by allowing the first housing to rotate within a range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees with respect to the second housing via the hinge device. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display arranged to span the first housing and the second housing when unfolded 180 degrees. A folding region of the flexible display may be folded or unfolded together with the electronic device.

[0004] The foldable electronic device may include a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate respectively disposed in the first housing and the second housing. The hinge plates may be disposed adjacent to each other when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, thereby supporting the flexible display. Furthermore, the hinge plates may support the flexible display such that the folding area of ​​the flexible display maintains a teardrop shape when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state.

[0005] The hinge device may include a bracket, a first rotator plate and a second rotator plate disposed on the bracket. The first hinge plate is connected to the first rotator plate, and the second hinge plate is connected to the second rotator plate, such that the first hinge plate can rotate relative to the bracket as the electronic device folds or unfolds.

[0006] Meanwhile, the rotation axes of the plurality of rotated plates and the rotation axes of the plurality of hinge plates may be different from each other. For example, the rotation axes of the first rotated plate and the first hinge plate may be different from each other, and the rotation axes of the second rotated plate and the second hinge plate may be different from each other. In this case, a difference may occur in the rotational trajectories of the plurality of rotated plates and the plurality of hinge plates, which may cause buckling in the folding area of ​​the flexible display module.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for compensating for a difference in rotation trajectory due to different rotation axes of a plurality of rotators and a plurality of hinge plates can be proposed.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge device that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing about a folding axis, wherein the hinge device may include a bracket, a first rotator that is fastened to the bracket and rotates relative to the bracket about a first rotation axis, a second rotator that is fastened to the bracket and rotates relative to the bracket about a second rotation axis, a first rotation guide member that is fixed to the first housing, a second rotation guide member that is fixed to the second housing, a first hinge plate that is arranged with the first rotator so as to be movable about the folding axis and rotates relative to the first rotation guide member about a third rotation axis, and a second hinge plate that is arranged with the second rotator so as to be movable about the folding axis and rotates relative to the second rotation guide member about a fourth rotation axis.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hinge device for foldably connecting a first housing and a second housing of an electronic device about a folding axis may include a bracket, a first rotator that is fastened to the bracket and rotates about a first rotation axis with respect to the bracket, a second rotator that is fastened to the bracket and rotates about a second rotation axis with respect to the bracket, a first rotation guide member that is fixed to the first housing and rotates about the bracket, a second rotation guide member that is fixed to the second housing and rotates about a fourth rotation axis with respect to the bracket, a first hinge plate that is arranged on the first rotator so as to be movable about the folding axis, is coupled to the first rotation guide member, and rotates about the first rotation guide member about a third rotation axis, and a second hinge plate that is arranged on the second rotator so as to be movable about the folding axis, is coupled to the second rotation guide member, and rotates about the second rotation guide member about the fourth rotation axis.

[0010] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, hinge plates positioned on each of the plurality of rotates can move linearly by a predetermined distance relative to the plurality of rotates when the electronic device performs a folding or unfolding operation. In this case, differences in rotational trajectories due to different axes of rotation of the plurality of rotates and the plurality of hinge plates can be compensated for.

[0011] Additionally, the hinge plates may be joined to the rotates via a separate fixing member rather than via pins. In this case, the contact area between the hinge plates and the rotates increases compared to the pin-based fixing method, thereby improving the joint rigidity.

[0012] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

[0013] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and rear views of an unfolded stage of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear views of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a hinge assembly when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a hinge assembly when the electronic device is in a folded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5b is a front view of the hinge assembly when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5c is a perspective view of a hinge device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of the opening and rotation rib of the hinge plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 6b and 6c are drawings illustrating a coupling relationship between a rotate link, a rotate, and a fixed member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6d is a drawing illustrating a coupling relationship between a rotation guide member and a hinge plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 7A to 7C are cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly taken along line AA illustrated in FIG. 5B.

[0025] FIGS. 8A to 8C are cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly taken along the line BB illustrated in FIG. 5B.

[0026] FIGS. 9a to 9c are cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly taken along the line CC shown in FIG. 5b.

[0027] FIGS. 10a to 10c are cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly taken along the line DD illustrated in FIG. 5b.

[0028] FIGS. 11A and 11B are drawings illustrating a coupling relationship between a rotater and a hinge plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 11c is a rear view of the hinge plate illustrated in Figure 11a.

[0030] Figure 11d is a cross-sectional view taken along line A'-A' shown in Figure 11c.

[0031] Figure 11e is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B'-B' shown in Figure 11c.

[0032] FIGS. 12A and 12B are drawings illustrating a coupling relationship between a rotater and a hinge plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 12c is a rear view of the hinge plate illustrated in Figure 12a.

[0034] Figure 12d is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C'-C' shown in Figure 12c.

[0035] Figure 12e is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D'-D' shown in Figure 12c.

[0036] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0037] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0038] In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "or at least one of B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "or at least one of C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0039] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and rear views of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and rear views of a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 2B, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of housings (210, 220) (e.g., a foldable housing structure) that are rotatably coupled about a folding axis (F) through at least one hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (320) of FIG. 3) (e.g., a hinge module or a hinge structure) so as to be foldable with respect to one another, a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) arranged through the pair of housings (210, 220), and / or a second display (300) (e.g., a sub-display) arranged through the second housing (220). In one embodiment, at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (320) of FIG. 3) may be positioned so as to be invisible from the outside through at least part of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and may be positioned so as to be invisible from the outside through a hinge housing (310) (e.g., hinge cover) that covers the foldable portion when unfolded. In this document, the surface on which the first display (230) is positioned may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device (200), and the surface opposite the front surface may be defined as the back surface of the electronic device (200). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device (200).

[0041] In one embodiment, a pair of housings (210, 220) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are foldably arranged relative to each other via at least one hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (320) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the pair of housings (210, 220) are not limited to the shapes and combinations illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 2B and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. In one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are arranged on opposite sides with respect to a folding axis (F), have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (F), and can be folded to match each other. In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be folded asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may have different angles or distances relative to each other depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may be connected to at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (320) of FIG. 3) in an unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and may include a first side member (213) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a second side member (212) facing in an opposite direction to the first side member (211), and / or a first side member (213) surrounding at least a portion of a first space (2101) between the first side member (211) and the second side member (212). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a third surface (221) that is arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200) when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state and is connected to at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 3), a fourth surface (222) that faces in an opposite direction to the third surface (221), and / or a second side member (223) that surrounds at least a portion of a second space (2201) between the third surface (221) and the fourth surface (222). In one embodiment, the first surface (211) may face substantially the same direction as the third surface (221) when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, and may at least partially face the third surface (221) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a recess (201) formed to accommodate a first display (230) through a structural combination of a first housing (210) and a second housing (220). In one embodiment, the recess (201) may have substantially the same size as the first display (230). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first protective frame (213a) (e.g., a first decorative member) that is combined with a first side member (213) and overlaps an edge of the first display (230) when the first display (230) is viewed from above, thereby covering the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the first protective frame (213a) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213).In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second protective frame (223a) (e.g., a second decorative member) that is coupled to the second side member (223) when the first display (230) is viewed from above and overlaps with the edge of the first display (230), thereby covering the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the second protective frame (223a) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In some embodiments, the first protective frame (213a) and the second protective frame (223a) may be omitted.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) (e.g., hinge cover) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may be disposed to cover a portion of at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (320) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) may be covered by portions of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. For example, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) may be disposed to be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and substantially not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded with a certain angle, the hinge housing (310) may be positioned so as to be at least partially visible from the outside of the electronic device (200) between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the area of ​​the hinge housing (310) exposed to the outside may be less than that in a completely folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) may include a curved surface.

[0044] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 1A and 1B), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) form an angle of about 180 degrees, and the first region (230a), the second region (230b), and the folding region (230c) of the first display (230) may be arranged to form substantially the same plane and face the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210) may be rotated at an angle of about 360 degrees with respect to the second housing (220) so that the second side (212) and the fourth side (222) face each other and may be folded in the opposite direction (out folding method).

[0045] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIGS. 2A and 2B), the first surface (211) of the first housing (210) and the third surface (221) of the second housing (220) may be arranged to face each other. In this case, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) of the first display (230) may be arranged to face each other while forming a narrow angle (e.g., in the range of 0 degrees to about 10 degrees) with respect to each other through the folding region (230c). In one embodiment, the folding region (230c) may be deformed into a curved shape having at least a certain curvature. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. In this case, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) of the first display (230) may form an angle that is larger than the folded state and smaller than the unfolded state, and the curvature of the folding region (230c) may be smaller than the folded state and larger than the unfolded state. In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form an angle that can stop at a designated folding angle between the folded state and the unfolded state through at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 3) (free stop function). In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be continuously operated while being pressed in the unfolding direction or the folding direction based on the designated inflection angle through at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 3).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one of a display (230, 300), an input device (215), an audio output device (227, 228), a sensor module (217a, 217b, 226), a camera module (216a, 216b, 225), a key input device (219), an indicator (not shown), or a connector port (229) disposed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include at least one other component.

[0047] According to one embodiment, at least one display (230, 300) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display) that is arranged to be supported by a third surface (221) of a second housing (220) from a first surface (211) of a first housing (210), and a second display (300) that is arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside through a fourth surface (222) in an internal space of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the second display (300) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through the second surface (212) in an internal space of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may be primarily used in an unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and the second display (300) may be primarily used in a folded state of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) can control the first display (230) and / or the second display (300) to be usable based on the folding angles of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) in an intermediate state.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may be disposed in a receiving space formed by a pair of housings (210, 220). For example, the first display (230) may be disposed in a recess (201) formed by the pair of housings (210, 220), and may be disposed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device (200) when unfolded. In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a flexible display in which at least a portion of the display may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a first region (230a) facing the first housing (210) and a second region (230b) facing the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a folding area (230c) including a portion of the first region (230a) and a portion of the second region (230b) with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area (230c) may include an area corresponding to at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the area division of the first display (230) is merely an exemplary division by a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 3), and substantially, the first display (230) may be displayed as a seamless, full screen through a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (320) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding region (230c) or may have a partially asymmetrical shape.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (240) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210) and a second rear cover (250) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may be formed of a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be formed by an opaque plate, such as, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. In one embodiment, the second rear cover (250) may be formed by a substantially transparent plate, such as, for example, glass or polymer. Accordingly, the second display (300) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside through the second rear cover (250) in the internal space of the second housing (220).

[0050] In one embodiment, the input device (215) may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device (215) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. In one embodiment, the audio output device (227, 228) may include speakers. In one embodiment, the audio output device (227, 228) may include a call receiver (227) arranged through the fourth side (222) of the second housing (220) and an external speaker (228) arranged through at least a portion of the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the input device (215), the audio output device (227, 228), and the connector (229) are disposed in spaces of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) and can be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) can be used in common for the input device (215) and the audio output device (227, 228). In some embodiments, the audio output device (227, 228) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include a first camera module (216a) disposed on a first surface (211) of the first housing (210), a second camera module (216b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third camera module (225) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flash (218) disposed near the second camera module (216b). In one embodiment, the flash (218) may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) includes two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and may be arranged together on either side of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) may generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (200) or an external environmental state. In one embodiment, the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226) may include a first sensor module (217a) disposed on a first surface (211) of the first housing (210), a second sensor module (217b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third sensor module (226) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the sensor module (217a, 217b, 226) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include at least one sensor module, not shown, such as a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. In some embodiments, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed through at least one of the first side member (213) of the first housing (210) and / or the second side member (223) of the second housing (220).

[0054] In one embodiment, the key input device (219) may be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). In some embodiments, the key input device (219) may also be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (219), and the key input devices (219) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on at least one display (230, 300). In one embodiment, the key input device (219) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display (230, 300).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the connector port (229) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the connector port (229) may also perform a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) for performing a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals.

[0056] According to one embodiment, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225), at least one of the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226), and / or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display (230, 300). For example, at least one of the camera modules (216a, 225), at least one of the sensor modules (217a, 226), and / or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display (230, 300) in the interior space of at least one housing (210, 220), below an active area of ​​at least one display (230, 300), and may be arranged to be in contact with the external environment through an opening or transparent area perforated up to a cover member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the first display (230) and / or a second rear cover (250)). In one embodiment, the area where at least one display (230, 300) and at least one camera module (216a, 225) face each other may be formed as a transparent area having a certain transmittance as part of the area displaying content. In one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. This transparent area may include an area overlapping with an effective area (e.g., a field of view area) of at least one camera module (216a, 225) through which light passes to be imaged by an image sensor to create an image. For example, the transparent area of ​​the display (230, 300) may include an area having a lower pixel density than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may replace an opening. For example, at least one camera module (216a, 225) may include an under-display camera (UDC) or an under-panel camera (UPC).In one embodiment, some camera modules or sensor modules (217a, 226) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display. For example, an area facing a camera module (216a, 225) and / or a sensor module (217a, 226) arranged under a display (230, 300) (e.g., a display panel) may have an under-display camera (UDC) structure, eliminating the need for a perforated opening.

[0057] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (200) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display), a second display (300), at least one hinge device (320), a pair of support members (261, 262), at least one substrate (270) (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)), a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (240), and / or a second rear cover (250).

[0059] In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a display panel (430) (e.g., a flexible display panel) and a support plate (450) disposed under the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a reinforcing plate (462) disposed under the support plate (450). In some embodiments, the reinforcing plates (462) may be omitted. In one embodiment, the display panel (430) may include a first panel area (430a) corresponding to a first area of ​​the first display (230) (e.g., the first area (230a) of FIG. 1A), a second panel area (430b) extending from the first panel area (430a) and corresponding to a second area of ​​the first display (230) (e.g., the second area (230b) of FIG. 1A), and a third panel area (430c) connecting the first panel area (430a) and the second panel area (430b) and corresponding to a folding area of ​​the first display (230) (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) is disposed between the display panel (430) and a pair of support members (261, 262), and may be formed to have a material and shape to provide a planar support structure for the first panel area (430a) and the second panel area (430b) and a bendable structure to aid in bendability for the third panel area (430c). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., metal) or a non-conductive material (e.g., polymer or fiber reinforced plastics (FRP)). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (462) may include a first reinforcing plate (4621) positioned between the support plate (450) and the pair of support members (261, 262) to correspond with at least a portion of the first panel area (430a) and the third panel area (430c), and a second reinforcing plate (4622) positioned to correspond with at least a portion of the second panel area (430b) and the third panel area (430c).In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (462) may be formed of a metal material (e.g., SUS) to assist in providing a ground connection structure and reinforcing rigidity for the first display (230). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a digitizer disposed below the support plate (450) and replaced with the reinforcing plate (462) or added between the support plate (450) and the reinforcing plate (462).

[0060] In one embodiment, the second display (300) may be positioned in the space between the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (250). In one embodiment, the second display (300) may be positioned in the space between the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (250) so as to be visible from the outside through substantially the entire area of ​​the second rear cover (250).

[0061] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first support member (261) may be foldably coupled to the second support member (262) via at least one hinge device (320). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one wiring member (263) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) arranged from at least a portion of the first support member (261) across the at least one hinge device (320) to a portion of the second support member (262). In one embodiment, the first support member (261) may be arranged in a manner that extends from the first side member (213) or is structurally coupled with the first side member (213). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first space (e.g., the first space (2101) of FIG. 1A) provided through the first support member (261) and the first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) (e.g., the first housing structure) may be configured through a combination of a first side member (213), a first support member (261), and a first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, the second support member (262) may be arranged to extend from the second side member (223) or be structurally coupled with the second side member (223). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second space (e.g., the second space (2201) of FIG. 1A) provided through the second support member (262) and the second rear cover (250). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) (e.g., the second housing structure) may be configured through a combination of the second side member (223), the second support member (262), and the second rear cover (250). In one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one wiring member (263) and / or at least one hinge device (320) may be arranged to be supported by at least a portion of a pair of support members (261, 262).In one embodiment, at least one wiring member (263) may be arranged to extend from the first support member (261) across the folding axis (F) to the second support member (262). In one embodiment, at least one wiring member (263) may be arranged to have a length in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis (F) of FIG. 1A) (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0062] According to one embodiment, at least one substrate (270) may include a first substrate (271) disposed in a first space (2101) and a second substrate (272) disposed in a second space (2201). In one embodiment, the first substrate (271) and the second substrate (272) may include a plurality of electronic components disposed to implement various functions of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the first substrate (271) and the second substrate (272) may be electrically connected through at least one wiring member (263).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one battery (291, 292). In one embodiment, the at least one battery (291, 292) may include a first battery (291) disposed in a first space (2101) of a first housing (210) and electrically connected to a first substrate (271) and a second battery disposed in a second space (2201) of a second housing (220) and electrically connected to a second substrate (272). In one embodiment, the first support member (261) and the second support member (262) may further include at least one swelling hole for the first battery (291) and the second battery (292).

[0064] In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first rotation support surface (214), and the second housing (220) may include a second rotation support surface (224) corresponding to the first rotation support surface (214). In one embodiment, the first rotation support surface (214) and the second rotation support surface (224) may include curved surfaces corresponding to (naturally connected to) the curved outer surface of the hinge housing (310). In one embodiment, the first rotation support surface (214) and the second rotation support surface (224) may cover the hinge housing (310) when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, thereby not exposing the hinge housing (310) to the rear surface of the electronic device (200) or exposing only a portion of the hinge housing (310). In one embodiment, the first rotational support surface (214) and the second rotational support surface (224) can rotate along the outer surface of the curve of the hinge housing (310) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, thereby exposing at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) to the rear surface of the electronic device (200).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one antenna (276) disposed in the first space (2101). In one embodiment, the at least one antenna (276) may be disposed in the first space (2101), on the first battery (291) and the first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, the at least one antenna (276) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. In one embodiment, the at least one antenna (276) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. In some embodiments, the antenna structure may be formed by at least a portion of the first side member (213) or the second side member (223) and / or a portion of the first support member (261) and the second support member (262), or a combination thereof.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include at least one electronic component assembly (274, 275) and / or additional support members (263, 273) disposed in a first space (e.g., first space (2101) of FIG. 1A) and / or a second space (e.g., second space (2201) of FIG. 1A). For example, the at least one electronic component assembly may include an interface connector port assembly (274) or a speaker assembly (275).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first waterproof member (WP1) disposed between a first reinforcing plate (4621) and a first support member (261) and a second waterproof member (WP2) disposed between a second reinforcing plate (4622) and a second support member (262). In one embodiment, the first waterproof member (WP1) may provide at least one first waterproof space between the first reinforcing plate (4621) and the first support member (261). In one embodiment, the at least one first waterproof space may accommodate an area corresponding to at least one electronic component (e.g., a camera module or a sensor module) disposed to be supported by the first support member (261). In one embodiment, the second waterproof member (WP2) may provide a second waterproof space between the second reinforcing plate (4622) and the second support member (262). In one embodiment, the second waterproof space can accommodate at least a portion of a bending portion (e.g., COP, chip on plastic) that folds toward the back of the first display (230).

[0068] In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a waterproof tape (241) disposed between the first rear cover (240) and the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a bonding member (251) disposed between the second rear cover (250) and the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the bonding member (251) may be disposed between the second display (300) and the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the waterproof tape (241) may be replaced with the bonding member (251), and the bonding member (251) may be replaced with the waterproof tape (241).

[0069] According to one embodiment, at least one hinge device (320) may include a pair of hinge devices (320) arranged at both ends in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F). In some embodiments, three or more hinge devices (320) may be arranged at a specified interval along the folding axis (F), or one hinge device may be arranged. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a connection module (320-1) arranged between the hinge devices (320). In one embodiment, the connection module (320-1) may be arranged through a combination of at least one gear and / or a combination of at least one link. In some embodiments, the connection module (320-1) may be replaced with the hinge device (320). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first hinge plate (311) and a second hinge plate (312) connected through at least one hinge device (320). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (311) may form the same plane as the first housing (210) in the unfolded state, and the second hinge plate (312) may form the same plane as the second housing (220) in the unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may be deformed into a water droplet shape and accommodated in the internal space of the electronic device (200) through at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the first hinge plate (311) and the second hinge plate (312) are moved to support at least a portion of the deformed teardrop-shaped folding area of ​​the flexible display (230) (e.g., the folding area (230C) of FIG. 1A), and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are moved to support the undeformed flat portions of the flexible display (230) in the folded state (e.g., the first area (230a) and the second area (230b) of FIG. 1A).Accordingly, the first hinge plate (311) may not form the same plane as the first housing (210) in the folded state, and the second hinge plate (312) may not form the same plane as the second housing (220). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) may induce the folding area (230c) to be deformed into a specified shape (e.g., a water drop shape) in the folded state of the flexible display (230). For example, the hinge device (320, 320-1) should be designed to rotate around axes of rotation (e.g., a first rotation axis (X1) of the first rotate, a second rotation axis (X2) of the second rotate, a fifth rotation axis (X5) of the first rotate link, and a sixth rotation axis (X6) of the second rotate link) that are rotated around a position different from the folding axis (F) of the flexible display (230), so that the folding area (230c) of the flexible display (230) can be deformed into a curved shape.

[0070] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a hinge assembly when the electronic device is in an unfolded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the hinge assembly when the electronic device is in a folded state, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be foldably connected via a hinge assembly (HA). The hinge assembly (HA) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) to allow folding of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220).

[0072] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (HA) may include at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) coupled to a hinge housing (310), a pair of hinge plates (510, 520) (e.g., plates (311, 312) of FIG. 3) coupled to the at least one hinge device (320, 320-1), and at least one center bar (not shown) disposed between the pair of hinge plates (510, 520). In one embodiment, the pair of hinge plates (510, 520) may include a first hinge plate (510) forming a same plane as the first housing (210) and a second hinge plate (520) forming a same plane as the second housing (220). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first hinge plate (510), the second hinge plate (520), and the center bar form the same plane as the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), thereby supporting a flexible display (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 1A). The components of the hinge assembly (HA) described above are merely examples, and at least one of the above-described components may be omitted as needed, and it may also be possible to configure the hinge assembly (HA) by adding other components.

[0073] According to one embodiment, at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) may include a first hinge device (320) and a second hinge device (320-1) disposed at each end of the hinge plates (510, 520) and the center bar, respectively. In one embodiment, a plurality of hinge devices (320, 320-1) may be provided and disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, one or more of the at least one hinge devices (320, 320-1) may be disposed at a specified interval. In one embodiment, at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) may be at least partially fixed to the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) may be at least partially secured to the hinge housing (310). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) and the second hinge plate (520) may be secured to at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) via screws (S).

[0074] In describing the drawings below, the first hinge device (320) among at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) has been described, but the second hinge device (320-1) may also have substantially the same configuration. In addition, the assembly structure and the operating structure of the first hinge plate (510) combined with at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) have been mainly described, but the assembly structure and the operating structure of at least one hinge device (320, 320-1) and the second hinge plate (520) may also have substantially the same configuration.

[0075] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a hinge assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a front view of the hinge assembly when the electronic device is in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a hinge device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of an opening and a rotation rib of a hinge plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 6B and 6C are drawings illustrating a coupling relationship between a rotate link, a rotate member, and a fixing member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6D is a drawing illustrating a coupling relationship between a rotation guide member and a hinge plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the hinge device (320, 320-1) includes a bracket (600) fixed to the hinge housing (310) through a fastening member such as a screw (S), a first rotate (610) rotatably arranged on the bracket (600) about a first rotation axis (X1), a second rotate (620) rotatably arranged on the bracket (600) about a second rotation axis (X2), a first rotation guide member (530) fixed to the first housing (210) and fastened to the first hinge plate (510), a second rotation guide member (540) fixed to the second housing (220) and fastened to the second hinge plate (520), a first rotate link (630) rotatably coupled to the first rotate (610) about a fifth rotation axis (X5), and a second rotate link (630) rotatably coupled to the second rotate (620) about a sixth rotation axis (X6). It may include a second rotate link (640), a first arm (650) that rotates about the seventh rotation axis (X7) with respect to the bracket (600) via a first shaft (HS1), a second arm (660) that rotates about the eighth rotation axis (X8) with respect to the bracket (600) via a second shaft (HS2), a first arm link (670) that is fixed to the first housing (210) and rotates about the bracket (600) about the seventh rotation axis (X7) and is movably coupled to the first arm (650), and a second arm link (680) that is fixed to the second housing (220) and rotates about the bracket (600) about the eighth rotation axis (X8) and is movably coupled to the second arm (660). In one embodiment, the first arm link (670) may be rotatably coupled to the first arm (650) about a ninth rotation axis (X9), and the second arm link (680) may be rotatably coupled to the second arm (660) about a tenth rotation axis (X10). For convenience of explanation, the following description will be made on the assumption that the first arm link (670) is connected to the first arm (650) so as to be able to move linearly, and the second arm link (680) is connected to the second arm (660) so as to be able to move linearly.The components of the hinge device (320, 320-1) described above are merely examples, and at least one of the above-described components may be omitted as needed, and it may also be possible to configure the hinge device (320, 320-1) by adding other components.

[0077] In one embodiment, the first female link (670) may be fixed to the first housing (210). For example, the screw (S) may sequentially penetrate a first insertion hole (673) formed in the first female link (670) and an insertion hole (not shown) formed in the first housing (210) and corresponding to the first insertion hole (673) formed in the first female link (670), thereby fixing the first female link (670) to the first housing (210). In addition, the second female link (680) may be fixed to the second housing (220). For example, the screw (S) can sequentially penetrate the second insertion hole (683) formed in the second female link (680) and the insertion hole (not shown) formed in the second housing (220) and corresponding to the second insertion hole (683) formed in the second female link (680), thereby fixing the second female link (680) to the second housing (220).

[0078] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the bracket (600) may be a body of the hinge device (320, 320-1) to which components of the hinge device (320, 320-1) may be mutually coupled. In one embodiment, the components of the hinge device (320, 320-1) may be mutually coupled or interlockedly installed around the bracket (600). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first rotate (610) and the second rotate (620) may be fastened to the bracket (600) and rotate with respect to the bracket (600). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5A, the bracket (600) may include a first coupling portion (not illustrated) and a second coupling portion (not illustrated). The first coupling portion and the second coupling portion may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the first connecting portion may be formed on one side with respect to the folding axis (F), and the second connecting portion may be formed on the other side with respect to the folding axis (F). The first rotated portion (610) may be rotated with respect to the bracket (600) by having at least a portion (e.g., the first rotating portion (612)) fastened to the first connecting portion. The second rotated portion (620) may be rotated with respect to the bracket (600) by having at least a portion (e.g., the second rotating portion (622)) fastened to the second connecting portion. In one embodiment, the bracket (600) may be formed of various materials. For example, the bracket (600) may be formed of a metal material or a synthetic resin material. In one embodiment, the bracket (600) may be formed of a material having high rigidity so as to stably support various components of the hinge device (320, 320-1).

[0079] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first rotate (610) may include a first rotate body (611) and a first rotation part (612). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first hinge plate (510) may be disposed on the first rotate body (611). In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the first hinge plate (510) may be coupled to the first rotate body (611) via a first fixing member (550). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may perform a linear reciprocating movement with respect to the first fixing member (550) in the first rotate body (611) during the process in which the electronic device (200) is switched between a folded state and an unfolded state. For example, the first hinge plate (510) may linearly move away from the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the first rotate (610) can rotate about the first rotation axis (X1) with respect to the bracket (600) as the first rotate portion (612) is fastened to the first engaging portion of the bracket (600). Similarly, the second rotate (620) can include a second rotate body (621) and a second rotate portion (622). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) can be at least partially disposed on the second rotate body (621). In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the second hinge plate (520) can be fastened to the second rotate body (621) via a second fixing member (560). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) can move linearly back and forth relative to the second fixing member (560) in the second rotate body (621) during the process of the electronic device (200) transitioning between a folded state and an unfolded state. For example, the first hinge plate (510) can move linearly in a direction away from the folding axis (F).In one embodiment, the second rotate (620) can rotate about the bracket (600) about the second rotation axis (X2) as the second rotation member (622) is fastened to the second engaging member of the bracket (600).

[0080] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 6D described below, the hinge device (320, 320-1) may include a first rotation guide member (530) coupled with a first hinge plate (510) and a second rotation guide member (540) coupled with a second hinge plate (520). In one embodiment, the first rotation guide member (530) may include a first insertion hole (532) into which a screw (S) is inserted. The first rotation guide member (530) may be fixed to the first housing (210) as the screw (S) sequentially passes through the first insertion hole (532) and an insertion hole (not shown) formed in the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the second rotation guide member (540) may include a second insertion hole (542) into which the screw (S) is inserted. The second rotation guide member (540) can be fixed to the second housing (220) as the screw (S) sequentially passes through the second insertion hole (542) and the insertion hole (not shown) formed in the second housing (220).

[0081] In one embodiment, the first rotation guide member (530) can guide the rotation of the first hinge plate (510) so that the first hinge plate (510) rotates relative to the bracket (600) about a third rotation axis (X3) that is different from the first rotation axis (X1) of the first rotated member (610). Similarly, the second rotation guide member (540) can guide the rotation of the second hinge plate (520) so that the second hinge plate (520) rotates relative to the bracket (600) about a fourth rotation axis (X4) that is different from the second rotation axis (X2) of the second rotated member (620). In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 6D, the first rotation guide member (530) can include a curved first rotation rail (531) formed at one end. In one embodiment, the first rotation rail (531) may be a portion of a rotation radius formed around the third rotation axis (X3). According to one embodiment, a plurality of first rotation rails (531) of the first rotation guide member (530) may be formed. For example, the first rotation guide member (530) may include a 1-1 rotation rail (531a) formed at one end and a 1-2 rotation rail (531b) formed at the other end. In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may include a curved first rotation rib (513) formed at least at a portion thereof. The first rotation rib (513) may include a 1-1 rotation rib (513a) coupled to the 1-1 rotation rail (531a) and a 1-2 rotation rib (513b) coupled to the 1-2 rotation rail (531b). The first hinge plate (510) can rotate about the third rotation axis (X3) with respect to the bracket (600) by the first rotation rib (513) being coupled to the first rotation rail (531). In addition, the second rotation guide member (540) may include a curved second rotation rail (541) formed at one end. In one embodiment, the second rotation rail (541) may be a part of a rotation radius formed about the fourth rotation axis (X4).According to one embodiment, a plurality of second rotation rails (541) of the second rotation guide member (540) may be formed. For example, the second rotation guide member (540) may include a second-first rotation rail (541a) formed at one end and a second-second rotation rail (541b) formed at the other end. The second hinge plate (520) may include a curved second rotation rib (523) formed at least at a portion thereof. The second rotation rib (523) may include a second-first rotation rib (523a) coupled to the second-first rotation rail (541a) and a second-second rotation rib (523b) coupled to the second-second rotation rail (541b). The second hinge plate (520) can rotate about the bracket (600) about the second rotation axis (X2) by the second rotation rib (523) being coupled to the first rotation rail (531).

[0082] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6b and 6c, the first rotate (610) may include a first guide slit (6111) formed at one end in a curved shape. In one embodiment, the first guide slit (6111) may include a first-first guide slit (6111a) and a first-second guide slit (6111b). The second rotate (620) may include a second guide slit (6211) formed at one end in a curved shape. In one embodiment, the second guide slit (6211) may include a second-first guide slit (6211a) and a second-second guide slit (6211b). In one embodiment, the first rotate link (630) may be rotatably coupled to the first rotate link (610) about the fifth rotation axis (X5) by coupling a first guide rib (631) having a curved shape formed at least in a portion thereof to a first guide slit (6111) of the first rotate link (630). In one embodiment, the first guide rib (631) may include a first-first guide rib (631a) coupled to the first-first guide slit (6111a) and a first-second guide rib (631b) coupled to the first-second guide slit (6111b). The second rotate link (640) can be rotatably coupled to the second rotate (620) about the sixth rotation axis (X6) by coupling a second guide rib (641) having a curved shape formed at least in a portion thereof to a second guide slit (6211) of the second rotate (620). In one embodiment, the second guide rib (641) can include a second-first guide rib (641a) coupled to the second-first guide slit (6211a) and a second-second guide rib (641b) coupled to the second-second guide slit (6211b).

[0083] In one embodiment, the first rotate link (630) may be coupled to the first rotate (610) and fixed to the first housing (210). For example, the screw (S) may sequentially pass through a first insertion hole (632) formed in the first rotate link (630) and an insertion hole (not shown) formed in the first housing (210) and corresponding to the first insertion hole (632) formed in the first rotate link (630), thereby fixing the first rotate link (630) to the first housing (210). The second rotate link (640) may be coupled to the second rotate (620) and fixed to the second housing (220). For example, the screw (S) may sequentially penetrate the second insertion hole (642) formed in the second rotate link (640) and the insertion hole (not shown) formed in the second housing (220) and corresponding to the second insertion hole (642) formed in the second rotate link (640), thereby fixing the second rotate link (640) to the first housing (210).

[0084] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (200), the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the first hinge plate (510), and the second hinge plate (520) may form the same plane to support the flexible display (230). According to one embodiment, in the process of the electronic device (200) transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state, the first rotate (610) and the second rotate (620) may rotate about the first rotation axis (X1) and the second rotation axis (X2), respectively, as the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded. The first hinge plate (510) can rotate about a third rotation axis (X3) via a first rotation guide member (530) fixed to the first housing (210) and supported by the first rotate (610) as the first rotate (610) rotates about the first rotation axis (X1). Thereafter, when the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) decreases below a certain angle, the first rotate (610) can rotate about a fifth rotation axis (X5) via the first rotate link (630), as illustrated in FIG. 8C, which will be described later. The first rotate (610) may not form the same plane as the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state by rotating about the fifth rotation axis (X5). For example, the first rotate (610) can be rotated about the fifth rotation axis (X5) to be inserted into a space formed inside the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. As the first hinge plate (510) is seated on the first rotate (610), it can be rotated together with the first rotate (610) about the fifth rotation axis (X5) to be additionally folded into a space (not shown) formed inside the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state to support a folding area (e.g., a folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) that is deformed into a teardrop shape of the flexible display (230).Likewise, the second hinge plate (520) can be folded or unfolded at the same angle as the first hinge plate (510). For example, the second hinge plate (520) can be supported by the second rotate (620) and rotated about the fourth rotation axis (X4) via the second rotation guide member (540) fixed to the second housing (220) as the second rotate (620) rotates about the second rotation axis (X2). Thereafter, when the angle between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) is reduced to a certain angle or less, the second rotate (620) can be rotated about the sixth rotation axis (X6) via the second rotate link (640), as illustrated in FIG. 8c, which will be described later. The second rotate (620) may not be in the same plane as the second housing (220) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state as it rotates around the sixth rotation axis (X6). For example, the second rotate (620) may be rotated around the sixth rotation axis (X6) and may be inserted into a space formed inside the second housing (220) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. The second hinge plate (520) may be rotated around the sixth rotation axis (X6) together with the second rotate (620) when it is seated on the second rotate (620) and may be additionally folded into a space (not shown) formed inside the second housing (220) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state to support a folding area (e.g., a folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) deformed into a teardrop shape of the flexible display (230).

[0085] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the rotational axes of the first rotated portion (610) coupled with the first hinge plate (510) and the first hinge plate (510) may be different from each other. In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may be coupled with the first rotated portion (610) via the first fixing member (550). In addition, the first hinge plate (510) may be fixed to the first housing (210) by being fastened with the first rotation guide member (530). The first hinge plate (510) may rotate about the third rotation axis (X3) via the first rotation guide member (530), and the first rotated portion (610) may rotate about the first rotation axis (X1). Similarly, the rotational axes of the second rotate (620) coupled with the second hinge plate (520) and the second hinge plate (520) may be different from each other. In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may be coupled with the second rotate (620) via the second fixing member (560). In addition, the second hinge plate (520) may be fixed to the second housing (220) by being fastened with the second rotation guide member (540). The second hinge plate (520) may rotate about the fourth rotation axis (X4) via the second rotation guide member (540), and the second rotate (620) may rotate about the second rotation axis (X2). In this case, a difference in the rotation trajectory may occur due to differences in the rotation axes of the hinge plates (510, 520) (e.g., the third rotation axis (X3) and the fourth rotation axis (X4)) and the rotation axes of the rotators (610, 620) (e.g., the first rotation axis (X1) and the second rotation axis (X2)). If the difference in the rotation trajectory due to differences in the rotation axes is not compensated for, the flexible display (230) may be compressed during the process of the electronic device (200) being switched to a folded or unfolded state, which may cause a buckling phenomenon.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the electronic device (200) is switched between a folded state and an unfolded state, the first hinge plate (510) can perform a linear sliding movement in a direction away from the folding axis (F) with respect to the first fixing member (550) fixed to the first rotated body (611). In addition, the second hinge plate (520) can perform a linear sliding movement in a direction away from the folding axis (F) with respect to the second fixing member (560) fixed to the second rotated body (621). In this case, a difference in rotational trajectories due to differences between the rotational axes of the hinge plates (510, 520) (e.g., the third rotational axis (X3) and the fourth rotational axis (X4)) and the rotational axes of the rotated plates (610, 620) (e.g., the first rotational axis (X1) and the second rotational axis (X2)) can be compensated for. A detailed explanation of this will be provided later.

[0087] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the bracket (600) may include a first hole (not shown) through which a first shaft (HS1) passes and a second hole (not shown) through which a second shaft (HS2) passes. In one embodiment, the first arm (650) is coupled to the first shaft (HS1) and can rotate relative to the bracket (600) about an axis (e.g., a seventh rotational axis (X7)) based on the first shaft (HS1). The second arm (660) is coupled to the second shaft (HS2) and can rotate relative to the bracket (600) about an axis (e.g., an eighth rotational axis (X8)) based on the second shaft (HS2).

[0088] In one embodiment, the hinge device (320, 320-1) may include a cam assembly. In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5C, the cam assembly may include a first cam structure (701), a second cam structure (702) arranged in such a manner that a first shaft (HS1) and a second shaft (HS2) sequentially penetrate therethrough, and a first arm (650) and a second arm (660) arranged between the first cam structure (701) and the second cam structure (702) to interlock with the first cam structure (701) and the second cam structure (702), and at least one spring (SP) for urging the first cam structure (701) and the second cam structure (702). In one embodiment, the cam assembly may further include a support structure (703) disposed adjacent to the second cam structure (702) and disposed such that the first shaft (HS1) and the second shaft (HS2) pass therethrough. In one embodiment, the support structure (703) may be omitted. In one embodiment, the first arm (650) may include a first-first arm (650A) having a first-first cam structure (not shown) formed thereon that is cam-engaged with the first cam structure (701) and a first-second arm (650B) having a first-second cam structure (not shown) formed thereon that is cam-engaged with the second cam structure (702). In one embodiment, the second arm (660) may include a 2-1 arm formed with a 2-1 cam structure (not shown) that is cam-coupled with the first cam structure (701) and a 2-2 arm (660B) formed with a 2-2 cam structure (not shown) that is cam-coupled with the second cam structure (702). According to one embodiment, the first arm (650) may be disposed between the first cam structure (701) and the second cam structure (702) such that the first shaft (HS1) sequentially passes through the first hole of the bracket (600) - the first cam structure (701) - the 1-1 arm (650A) - the 1-2 arm (650B) - the second cam structure (702).The second arm (660) may be disposed between the first cam structure (701) and the second cam structure (702) such that the second shaft (HS2) sequentially passes through the second hole of the bracket (600) - the first cam structure (701) - the second-first arm (660A) - the second-second arm (660B) - the second cam structure (702). In one embodiment, at least one spring (SP) may be disposed between the bracket (600) and the first cam structure (701) to urge the first cam structure (701) toward the first-first arm (650A) and the second-first arm (660A). Additionally, at least one spring (SP) may be disposed between the second cam structure (702) and the support structure (703) to urge the second cam structure (702) toward the first-second arm (650B) and the second-second arm (660B).

[0089] According to one embodiment, a detent operation and a free stop operation may be required to increase the usability of the electronic device (200). The detent operation may be an operation of maintaining the electronic device (200) in a completely folded state or a completely unfolded state. The free stop may be an operation of maintaining the state when an external force greater than a certain level is not applied to the electronic device (200) during the process of transitioning from a folded state to an unfolded state or during the process of transitioning from an unfolded state to a folded state. The detent operation and the free stop operation may be implemented by engaging cam structures formed on the arms (e.g., the first-first cam structure, the first-second cam structure, the second-first cam structure, and the second-second cam structure) with the first cam structure (701) and the second cam structure (702). In one embodiment, the first arm (650) can rotate about the first shaft (HS1) as the electronic device (200) is folded or unfolded, and the first cam structure (701) and the second cam structure (702), which are arranged to be movable only in the axial direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction with reference to FIG. 5C) about the first shaft (HS1), can be retracted under the pressure of the spring (SP). Accordingly, the first housing (210) can be provided with a stopping force to maintain the electronic device (200) in the folded or unfolded state, or can be provided with a force to maintain the state at a predetermined intermediate angle. Likewise, in one embodiment, the second arm (660) can rotate about the second shaft (HS2) as the electronic device (200) is folded or unfolded, and the first cam structure (701) and the second cam structure (702), which are arranged to be movable only in the axial direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction with reference to FIG. 5C) about the second shaft (HS2), can be retracted under the pressure of the spring (SP).Accordingly, the second housing (220) may be provided with a stopping force to maintain the electronic device (200) in a folded or unfolded state, or may be provided with a force to maintain the state at a predetermined intermediate angle.

[0090] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 5A and 5C, the hinge device (320, 320-1) may include an interlocking member (690) positioned between the first arm (650) and the second arm (660) to interlock the movements of the first arm (650) and the second arm (660). Accordingly, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be simultaneously folded or unfolded at the same angle through the interlocking member (690).

[0091] In the above description, it is assumed that the first arm (650) includes the first-first arm (650A) and the first-second arm (650B), and the second arm (660) includes the second-first arm (660A) and the second-second arm (660B), but this may be an example. In one embodiment, the first arm (650) may be a single configuration rather than a plurality of configurations, and the second arm (660) may be a single configuration rather than a plurality of configurations.

[0092] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5C, the hinge device (320, 320-1) may include a first arm link (670) coupled to the first arm (650) so as to be linearly movable as the first arm (650) rotates relative to the bracket (600) about a seventh rotational axis (X7). Furthermore, the hinge device (320, 320-1) may include a second arm link (680) coupled to the second arm (660) so as to be linearly movable as the second arm (660) rotates relative to the bracket (600) about an eighth rotational axis (X8). In one embodiment, the first arm (650) may include a first slide slit (651A, 651B). The first arm link (670) can be fixed to the first housing (210) such that the first slide ribs (671, 672) are engaged with the first slide slits (651A, 651B) of the first arm (650). In one embodiment, the first slide slits (651A, 651B) can include a first-first slide slit (651A) formed on one surface of the first-first arm (650A) and a first-second slide slit (651B) formed on one surface of the first-second arm (650B). The first arm link (670) can be coupled with the first arm (650) such that the first-first slide slit (651A) and the first-second slide slit (651B) are positioned on the inside. For example, the first arm link (670) may have a first-first slide rib (671) extending toward the first-first slide slit (651A) located inwardly and engaging the first-first slide slit (651A), and a first-second slide rib (672) extending toward the first-second slide slit (651B) located inwardly and engaging the first-second slide slit (651B). Similarly, in one embodiment, the second arm (660) may include second slide slits (661A, 661B). The second arm link (680) may be secured to the second housing (220) such that the second slide ribs (681, 682) engage the second slide slits (661A, 661B) of the second arm (660).In one embodiment, the second slide slits (661A, 661B) may include a second-first slide slit (661A) formed on one surface of the second-first arm (660A) and a second-second slide slit (661B) formed on one surface of the second-second arm (660B). The second arm link (680) may be coupled to the second arm (660) such that the second-first slide slit (661A) and the second-second slide slit (661B) are positioned on the inside. For example, the second arm link (680) may have a second-first slide rib (681) extending toward the second-first slide slit (661A) located on the inside and coupled with the second-first slide slit (661A), and a second-second slide rib (682) extending toward the second-second slide slit (661B) located on the inside and coupled with the second-second slide slit (661B).

[0093] In one embodiment, the first arm (650) may be secured to the first housing (210) via a first arm link (670), and the first rotate (610) may be secured to the first housing (210) via a first rotate link (630). The first arm (650) may rotate about a seventh rotation axis (X7), and the first rotate (610) may rotate about a first rotation axis (X1). The second arm (660) may be secured to the second housing (220) via a second arm link (680), and the second rotate (620) may be secured to the second housing (220) via a second rotate link (640). The second arm (660) may rotate about an eighth rotation axis (X8), and the second rotate (620) may rotate about a second rotation axis (X2). Accordingly, as the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) perform a folding or unfolding motion, the first arm link (670) can move along the first slide slit (651A, 651B) formed in the first arm (650), and the second arm link (680) can move along the second slide slit (661A, 661B) formed in the second arm (660). Accordingly, a difference in the rotation trajectory due to the axes of the rotate (e.g., the first rotation axis (X1) and the second rotation axis (X2)) and the axes of the arm (e.g., the seventh rotation axis (X7) and the eighth rotation axis (X8)) being different from each other can be compensated for.

[0094] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the first hinge plate (510) may include a first opening (511). In one embodiment, the first opening (511) may face a first rotate (610). For example, the first opening (511) may be located in a first rotate body (611). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may be coupled to the first rotate (610) via a first fixing member (550) disposed in the first opening (511). For example, the first fixing member (550) may be fixed to the first rotate body (611) so as to cover at least a portion of the first hinge plate (510). Similarly, the second hinge plate (520) may include a second opening (521). In one embodiment, the second opening (521) may face the second rotate (620). For example, the second opening (521) may be located in the second rotate body (621). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may be coupled to the second rotate (620) via a second fixing member (560) disposed in the second opening (521). For example, the second fixing member (560) may be fixed to the second rotate body (621) so as to cover at least a portion of the second hinge plate (520).

[0095] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6b and 6c, the first hinge plate (510) may include a first catch (512) positioned in the first opening (511). In one embodiment, the first fixing member (550) may be fixed to the first rotated body (611) such that at least a portion of the first catch (512) of the first hinge plate (510) covers the first catch (512). In one embodiment, the first fixing member (550) may include a body portion (551) positioned in the first opening (511), a first segment portion (552) extending in one direction from the body portion (551) and being seated on the first catch (512), and a second segment portion (553) extending in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the first segment portion (552) from the body portion (551) and being seated on the first catch (512). The first hinge plate (510) can be prevented or reduced from being lifted in the Z-axis direction with respect to the first rotated body (610) by arranging the first section (552) and the second section (553) of the first fixing member (550) on the first catch (512). Similarly, the second hinge plate (520) can include a second catch (522) positioned in the second opening (521). In one embodiment, the second fixing member (560) can be secured to the second rotated body (621) such that at least a portion of the second catch (522) of the second hinge plate (520) covers the second catch (522). In one embodiment, the second fixing member (560) may include a body portion (561) positioned in the second opening (521), a first section portion (562) extending in one direction from the body portion (561) and seated on a second catch (522), and a second section portion (563) extending in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the first section portion (562) from the body portion (561) and seated on the second catch (522). As the first section portion (562) and the second section portion (563) of the second fixing member (560) are arranged on the second catch (522), the phenomenon of the second hinge plate (520) being lifted in the Z-axis direction with respect to the second rotate (620) can be prevented or reduced.However, the above-described configuration is merely an example, and the shapes of the fixing members (550, 560) may not be limited to the above-described description. The fixing members may be modified into various shapes within a range that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art, such as fixing the first hinge plate (510) in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 5c to the first rotate (610) and allowing it to slide in the X-axis direction in the rotate.

[0096] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6b and 6c, the first fixing member (550) may be coupled to the first rotated body (611) via a screw (S). For example, the screw (S) may sequentially penetrate the first insertion hole (555) formed in the first fixing member (550) and the first insertion hole (613) formed in the first rotated body (611) to fix the first fixing member (550) to the first rotated body (611). In one embodiment, the first fixing member (550) may include at least one first protrusion (554) to ensure ease of assembly to the first rotated body (611). The first fixing member (550) can be fixed to the first rotated body (611) as the first protrusion (554) is inserted into the first guide groove (6112) formed in the first rotated body (611). Thereafter, the first fixing member (550) can be fixed to the first rotated body (611) as the screw (S) is fastened to the first fixing member (550). Similarly, the second fixing member (560) can be coupled to the second rotated body (621) via the screw (S). For example, the screw (S) can sequentially penetrate the first insertion hole (565) formed in the second fixing member (560) and the second insertion hole (623) formed in the second rotated body (621) to fix the second fixing member (560) to the second rotated body (621). In one embodiment, the second fixing member (560) may include at least one second protrusion (564) to ensure ease of assembly to the second rotated body (621). The second fixing member (560) may be fixed to the second rotated body (621) when the second protrusion (564) is inserted into a second guide groove (6212) formed in the second rotated body (621). Thereafter, the second fixing member (560) may be fixed to the second rotated body (621) when a screw (S) is fastened to the second fixing member (560).

[0097] Figures 7a to 7c are cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly taken along the line AA illustrated in Figure 5b. Figures 8a to 8c are cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly taken along the line BB illustrated in Figure 5b. Figures 9a to 9c are cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly taken along the line CC illustrated in Figure 5b. Figures 10a to 10c are cross-sectional views of the hinge assembly taken along the line DD illustrated in Figure 5b.

[0098] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is converted from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first rotate (610) and the second rotate (620) may rotate about the first rotation axis (X1) and the second rotation axis (X2), respectively, as the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) rotate. In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 7A to 10C, the relative movement of the hinge plates (510, 520) with respect to the fixing members (550, 560) can be confirmed when the electronic device (200) is converted from an unfolded state to a folded state. In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) can rotate about a third rotational axis (X3) via a first rotational guide member (530) fixed to the first housing (210) and supported by the first rotated (610) as the first rotated (610) rotates about the first rotational axis (X1). The second hinge plate (520) can rotate about a fourth rotational axis (X4) via a second rotational guide member (540) fixed to the second housing (220) and supported by the second rotated (620) as the second rotated (620) rotates about the second rotational axis (X2). In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7B, 7C, 8B, and 8C, when the electronic device (200) is folded below a certain angle, the first rotate (610) may rotate about the fifth rotation axis (X5) via the first rotate link (630). The first rotate (610) may rotate about the fifth rotation axis (X5) so as not to form the same plane as the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is in the folded state. For example, the first rotate (610) may rotate about the fifth rotation axis (X5) so as to be inserted into a space formed inside the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is in the folded state. In addition, the second rotate (620) may rotate about the sixth rotation axis (X6) via the second rotate link (640).The second rotate (620) may not form the same plane as the second housing (220) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state by rotating around the sixth rotation axis (X6). For example, the second rotate (620) may be rotated around the sixth rotation axis (X6) to be inserted into a space formed inside the second housing (220) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. As the first hinge plate (510) is seated on the first rotate (610), it rotates together with the first rotate (610) around the fifth rotation axis (X5) to be additionally folded into a space (not shown) formed inside the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, thereby supporting a folding area (e.g., a folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) deformed into a teardrop shape of the flexible display (230). In addition, the second hinge plate (520) is rotated about the sixth rotation axis (X6) together with the second rotate (620) as it is secured to the second rotate (620), so that the electronic device (200) can be additionally folded into a space (not shown) formed inside the second housing (220) in a folded state to support a folding area (e.g., folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) that is transformed into a water droplet shape of the flexible display (230).

[0099] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 8C, the rotation axis (e.g., the third rotation axis (X3)) of the first hinge plate (510) may be different from the rotation axis (e.g., the first rotation axis (X1)) of the first rotated (610) coupled with the first hinge plate (510). The rotation axis (e.g., the fourth rotation axis (X4)) of the second hinge plate (520) may be different from the rotation axis (e.g., the second rotation axis (X2)) of the second rotated (620) coupled with the second hinge plate (520). In one embodiment, the hinge plates (510, 520) can perform a linear reciprocating movement during the process in which the electronic device (200) is converted into a folded state or an unfolded state so as to compensate for a difference in rotational trajectory that occurs due to differences in the rotational axes (X1, X2) of the rotated bodies (610, 620) and the rotational axes (X3, X4) of the hinge plates (510, 520). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) can move in a straight line a specified distance in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., the X-axis direction of FIG. 7A) with respect to the first fixing member (550) fixed to the first rotated body (611) when the electronic device (200) is converted from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) can move away from the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state. Additionally, the first hinge plate (510) can move toward the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) transitions from a folded state to an unfolded state. For example, the first hinge plate (510) can move in a first direction (e.g., away from the folding axis (F)) with respect to the first fixing member (550) when transitioning from an unfolded state to a folded state, and can move in a second direction (e.g., toward the folding axis (F)) with respect to the first fixing member (550) when transitioning from a folded state to an unfolded state.In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) may have a maximum movement distance relative to the first fixing member (550) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded or closed state. In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 7C and 8C, when the electronic device (200) is in a closed state, the first hinge plate (510) may move in the first direction by a maximum movement distance L relative to the first fixing member (550).

[0100] Likewise, in one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) can move in a straight line a specified distance in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) with respect to the second fixing member (560) fixed to the second rotate body (621) when the electronic device (200) transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) can move away from the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state. Additionally, the second hinge plate (520) can move toward the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) transitions from a folded state to an unfolded state. For example, the second hinge plate (520) may move in a third direction (e.g., away from the folding axis (F)) with respect to the second fixing member (560) when transitioning from an unfolded state to a folded state, and may move in a fourth direction (e.g., toward the folding axis (F)) with respect to the second fixing member (560) when transitioning from a folded state to an unfolded state. Accordingly, a difference in rotational trajectories due to differences between the rotational axes of the hinge plates (510, 520) (e.g., the third rotational axis (X3) and the fourth rotational axis (X4)) and the rotational axes of the rotators (610, 620) (e.g., the first rotational axis (X1) and the second rotational axis (X2)) based on the linear movement of the hinge plates (510, 520) with respect to the fixing members (550, 560) can be compensated for. Accordingly, the buckling phenomenon of the flexible display (230) that may occur when the electronic device (200) is switched between a folded or unfolded state can be reduced. In addition, the hinge plates (510, 520) can be fastened to the rotates (610, 620) through separate fixing members (550, 560) rather than fastening to the rotates (610, 620) using pins. Therefore, compared to the fixing method using pins, the contact area between the hinge plates (510, 520) and the rotates (610, 620) increases, so that the fastening rigidity can be improved.In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) may have a maximum movement distance relative to the second fixing member (560) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded or closed state. In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 7C and 8C, when the electronic device (200) is in a closed state, the second hinge plate (520) may move in the third direction by a maximum movement distance L relative to the second fixing member (560).

[0101] In one embodiment, the linear movement distance of the hinge plates (510, 520) with respect to the fixed members (550, 560) may be based on a difference in distance between the rotational axes (X3, X4) of the hinge plates (510, 520) and the rotational axes (X1, X2) of the rotated members (610, 620). In one embodiment, the linear movement distance of the first hinge plate (510) with respect to the first fixed member (550) may be based on a difference between a rotational radius of the first rotated member (610) with respect to the first rotational axis (X1) and a rotational radius of the first hinge plate (510) with respect to the third rotational axis (X3). In one embodiment, the linear movement distance of the second hinge plate (520) relative to the second fixed member (560) may be based on the difference between the rotation radius of the second rotated member (620) relative to the second rotational axis (X2) and the rotation radius of the second hinge plate (520) relative to the fourth rotational axis (X4).

[0102] In one embodiment, the first rotation guide member (530) can be fixed to the first housing (210) to guide the first hinge plate (510) to rotate about a different rotation axis (e.g., a third rotation axis (X3)) than the first rotate (610). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (510) can be supported by the first rotate (610) and rotated about the third rotation axis (X3) through the first rotation guide member (530) relatively fixed to the first housing (210) as the first housing (210) rotates about the first rotation axis (X1). In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9A to 10C, the first hinge plate (510) can rotate about the third rotation axis (X3) with respect to the bracket (600) by coupling the first rotation rib (513) to the first rotation rail (531). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state or vice versa, the first rotation rib (513) can move along the curve of the first rotation rail (531). Accordingly, the first hinge plate (510) can rotate about the third rotation axis (X3) via the first rotation guide member (530) to support the folding area (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) of the flexible display (230). Similarly, the second rotation guide member (540) can be fixed to the second housing (220) to guide the second hinge plate (520) to rotate about a different rotation axis (e.g., a fourth rotation axis (X4)) than the second rotation axis (620). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (520) is supported on the second rotater (620) and can rotate about a fourth rotational axis (X4) via a second rotational guide member (540) that is relatively fixed to the second housing (220) as the second housing (220) rotates about the second rotational axis (X2).In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9A to 10C, the second hinge plate (520) can rotate about the fourth rotation axis (X4) with respect to the bracket (600) by coupling the second rotation rib (523) to the second rotation rail (541). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state or vice versa, the second rotation rib (523) can move along the curve of the second rotation rail (541). Accordingly, the second hinge plate (520) can rotate about the fourth rotation axis (X4) through the second rotation guide member (540) to support the folding area (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) of the flexible display (230).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first opening (511) may be formed to be of a sufficient size to allow the first hinge plate (510) to move relative to the first fixing member (550). In one embodiment, the first opening (511) may be formed to be of a size to include the first fixing member (550). For example, referring to FIGS. 5B and 7A to 8C, the first opening (511) may be formed such that a width (W1) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) is longer than a width (W2) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the first fixing member (550) so that the first hinge plate (510) can move in a first direction or a second direction relative to the first fixing member (550) during a process in which the electronic device (200) is converted to a folded state or an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the width (W1) of the first opening (511) may be designed based on the movement distance of the first hinge plate (510). Similarly, the second opening (521) may be formed to have a sufficient size so that the second hinge plate (520) can move relative to the second fixing member (560). In one embodiment, the second opening (521) may be formed to have a size that includes the second fixing member (560). For example, referring to FIGS. 6A and 7A to 8C, the second opening (521) may be formed such that the width (W1) in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) is longer than the width (W2) in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the first fixing member (550) so that the second hinge plate (520) can move in the third direction or the fourth direction relative to the second fixing member (560) during the process of the electronic device (200) being converted to a folded state or an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the width (W1) of the second opening (521) can be designed based on the movement distance of the second hinge plate (520).

[0104] FIGS. 11A and 11B are drawings illustrating a coupling relationship between a rotate and a hinge plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11C is a rear view of the hinge plate illustrated in FIG. 11A. FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view taken along line A'-A' illustrated in FIG. 11C. FIG. 11E is a cross-sectional view taken along line B'-B' illustrated in FIG. 11C. FIGS. 12A and 12B are drawings illustrating a coupling relationship between a rotate and a hinge plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12C is a rear view of the hinge plate illustrated in FIG. 12A. FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view taken along line C'-C' illustrated in FIG. 12C. FIG. 12E is a cross-sectional view taken along line D'-D' illustrated in FIG. 12C.

[0105] Hereinafter, hinge plates (810, 820) and rotators (910, 920) according to one embodiment will be described. The same terminology will be used for identical and similar components among the above-described configurations, and a description of the previously described configurations may be omitted.

[0106] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, a first rotate (910) (e.g., the first rotate (610) of FIG. 5A) may include a first rotate body (911) and a first rotational member (912) (e.g., the first rotational member (612) of FIG. 6B). In one embodiment, a first seating groove (913) may be formed in the first rotated body (911) in which a portion of a first hinge plate (810) (e.g., the first hinge plate (510) of FIG. 5A) is seated. In one embodiment, the first seating groove (913) may be a groove formed on one surface of the first rotated body (911). In one embodiment, as described in the aforementioned FIG. 5c, the first rotate (910) can rotate about the first rotation axis (X1) with respect to the bracket (600) as the first rotate portion (912) is fastened to the first connecting portion (not shown) of the bracket (600). Similarly, the second rotate (920) can include a second rotate body (921) and a second rotate portion (922). In one embodiment, the second rotate body (921) can have a second seating groove (923) formed in which a portion of the second hinge plate (820) (e.g., the second hinge plate (520) of FIG. 5a) is seated. In one embodiment, the second seating groove (923) can be a groove formed on one surface of the second rotate body (921). In one embodiment, as described in the aforementioned FIG. 5c, the second rotate (920) can rotate about the second rotation axis (X2) with respect to the bracket (600) as the second rotation member (922) is fastened to the second connecting member (not shown) of the bracket (600).

[0107] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 11C, the first hinge plate (810) may be seated on the first rotated portion (910). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (810) may include a first insertion portion (811). In one embodiment, the first insertion portion (811) may be a portion that protrudes in one direction (e.g., the -Z direction of FIG. 11A) from the first hinge plate (810). In one embodiment, the first insertion portion (811) may be formed in a shape corresponding to a first seating groove (913) formed in the first rotated portion (910). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (810) may be placed on the first rotated portion (910) such that the first insertion portion (811) is seated on the first seating groove (913). In one embodiment, the first fixing member (850) may be disposed on the first rotated body (911) so as to cover at least a portion of the first insertion portion (811). In one embodiment, the first fixing member (850) may be inserted into a first fixing hole (914) formed in the first rotated body (911) and fixed to the first rotated body (911) via a screw (S). Accordingly, the first hinge plate (810) may not be lifted in the Z-axis direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 11A) with respect to the first rotated body (911) via the first fixing member (850). In addition, the second hinge plate (820) may be seated on the second rotated body (920). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (820) may include a second insertion portion (821). In one embodiment, the second insertion portion (821) may be a portion that protrudes in one direction (e.g., in the -Z direction of FIG. 11A) from the second hinge plate (820). In one embodiment, the second insertion portion (821) may be formed in a shape corresponding to a second mounting groove (923) formed in the second rotate (920). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (820) may be arranged in the second rotate (920) such that the second insertion portion (821) is mounted in the second mounting groove (923).In one embodiment, the second fixing member (860) may be positioned on the second rotated body (921) so as to cover at least a portion of the second insertion portion (821). In one embodiment, the second fixing member (860) may be inserted into a second fixing hole (924) formed on the second rotated body (921) and fixed to the second rotated body (921) via a screw (S). Accordingly, the second hinge plate (820) may not be lifted in the Z-axis direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 11A) with respect to the second rotated body (921) via the second fixing member (860).

[0108] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11C, the first hinge plate (810) may include a first rotation rail (812) having a curved shape formed at least in a portion thereof. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 11D, the first hinge plate (810) may be rotatable about the bracket (600) about the third rotation axis (X3) by coupling a first rotation rib (931) having a curved shape formed on a first rotation guide member (930) to the first rotation rail (812). Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second hinge plate (820) may include a second rotation rail (822) having a curved shape formed at least in a portion thereof. The second hinge plate (820) can rotate about the bracket (600) with respect to the fourth rotation axis (X4) by combining a second rotation rib (941) formed in a second rotation guide member (940) with a second rotation rail (822).

[0109] According to one embodiment, the first rotate (910) may be connected to a first rotate link (not shown) (e.g., the first rotate link (630) of FIG. 6B) through a pin connection. In one embodiment, the first rotate (910) may rotate about a fifth rotation axis (X5) through the first rotate link. The first rotate (910) may rotate about the fifth rotation axis (X5) so as not to form the same plane as the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. For example, the first rotate (910) may rotate about the fifth rotation axis (X5) so as to be inserted into a space formed inside the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. The first hinge plate (810) can rotate about a third rotation axis (X3) via a first rotation guide member (930) fixed to the first housing (210) and supported by the first rotated member (910) as the first rotated member (910) rotates about the first rotation axis (X1). Thereafter, as the first hinge plate (810) is secured to the first rotate (910), the electronic device (200) is rotated about the fifth rotation axis (X5) together with the first rotate (910) while being folded at a certain angle or less, so that the electronic device (200) can be further folded into a space (not shown) formed inside the first housing (210) in the folded state to support a folding area (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) deformed into a teardrop shape of the flexible display (230) (e.g., the first display (230) of FIG. 1A). In addition, the second rotate (920) can be connected to a second rotate link (not shown) (e.g., the second rotate link (640) of FIG. 6B) through a pin connection. In one embodiment, the second rotate (920) can rotate about a sixth rotation axis (X6) via a second rotate link. The second rotate (920) can rotate about the sixth rotation axis (X6) so that it does not form the same plane as the second housing (220) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state.For example, the second rotate (920) can be rotated about the sixth rotation axis (X6) and inserted into a space formed inside the second housing (220) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. The second hinge plate (820) can be rotated about the fourth rotation axis (X4) through the second rotation guide member (940) fixed to the second housing (220) and supported by the second rotate (920) as the second rotate (920) rotates about the second rotation axis (X2). Thereafter, as the second hinge plate (820) is secured to the second rotate (920), the electronic device (200) is rotated around the sixth rotation axis (X6) together with the second rotate (920) while being folded at a certain angle or less, so that the electronic device (200) can be further folded into a space (not shown) formed inside the second housing (220) in the folded state to support a folding area (e.g., folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) that is transformed into a water drop shape of the flexible display (230).

[0110] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11E, the first hinge plate (810) can move linearly with respect to the first rotate (910). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (810) can move linearly a specified distance within the first mounting groove (913) of the first rotate (910) when the electronic device (200) is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (810) can move in a direction away from the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) is switched from an unfolded state (open state) to a folded state (closed state). In addition, the first hinge plate (810) can move in a direction closer to the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state. For example, referring to FIG. 11E, the first hinge plate (810) can move within the first mounting groove (913) away from the first rotational portion (912) of the first rotated portion (910) when the electronic device (200) transitions from an unfolded state (open state) to a folded state (closed state) (e.g., + X direction in FIG. 11E). Conversely, the first hinge plate (810) can move within the first mounting groove (913) toward the first rotational portion (912) of the first rotated portion (910) when the electronic device (200) transitions from a folded state to an unfolded state (e.g., - X direction in FIG. 11E). Similarly, the second hinge plate (820) can move in a straight line with respect to the second rotated portion (920). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (820) can move linearly a specified distance within the second mounting groove (923) of the second rotate (920) when the electronic device (200) transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (820) can move in a direction away from the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) transitions from an unfolded state (open state) to a folded state (closed state).In addition, the second hinge plate (820) can move in a direction closer to the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state. For example, referring to FIG. 11E, the second hinge plate (820) can move within the second mounting groove (923) in a direction away from the second rotational portion (922) of the second rotated portion (920) when the electronic device (200) is switched from an unfolded state (opened state) to a folded state (closed state) (e.g., in the + X direction of FIG. 11E). Conversely, the second hinge plate (820) can move within the second mounting groove (923) in a direction closer to the first rotational portion (912) of the second rotated portion (920) when the electronic device (200) is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state (e.g., in the - X direction of FIG. 11E). Accordingly, the difference in the rotation trajectory due to the difference between the rotation axes of the hinge plates (810, 820) (e.g., the third rotation axis (X3) and the fourth rotation axis (X4)) and the rotation axes of the rotates (910, 920) (e.g., the first rotation axis (X1) and the second rotation axis (X2)) based on the linear movement of the hinge plates (810, 820) can be compensated for. Accordingly, the buckling phenomenon of the flexible display (230) that may occur when the electronic device (200) is switched between a folded or unfolded state can be reduced. In addition, the hinge plates (810, 820) may be fastened to the rotates (910, 920) through separate fixing members (850, 860) rather than being fastened to the rotates (910, 920) using pins. Therefore, compared to the fixing method using pins, the contact area between the hinge plates (810, 820) and the rotates (910, 920) can be increased, thereby improving the fastening rigidity.

[0111] FIGS. 12A to 12C are drawings illustrating the coupling relationship between a rotated plate and a hinge plate according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C'-C' shown in FIG. 12C. FIG. 12E is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D'-D' shown in FIG. 12C.

[0112] Hereinafter, hinge plates (1010, 1020) and rotators (1110, 1120) according to one embodiment will be described. The same terminology will be used for identical or similar components among the above-described configurations, and a description of the previously described configurations may be omitted.

[0113] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, a first rotate (1110) (e.g., the first rotate (610) of FIG. 5A, the first rotate (910) of FIG. 11A) may include a first rotate body (1111) and a first rotation part (1112). In one embodiment, a first insertion hole (1113) may be formed in the first rotate body (1111) into which a portion (e.g., a first hook (1011)) of a first hinge plate (1010) (e.g., the first hinge plate (510) of FIG. 5A, the first hinge plate (1010) of FIG. 11A) is inserted. In one embodiment, as described in the aforementioned FIG. 5c, the first rotate (1110) can rotate about the first rotation axis (X1) with respect to the bracket (600) as the first rotate portion (1112) is fastened to the first engaging portion of the bracket (600). Similarly, the second rotate (1120) (e.g., the second rotate (620) of FIG. 5a, the second rotate (920) of FIG. 11a) can include a second rotate body (1121) and a second rotate portion (1122). In one embodiment, a second insertion hole (1123) may be formed in the second rotate body (1121) into which a portion (e.g., a second hook (1021)) of a second hinge plate (1020) (e.g., the second hinge plate (520) of FIG. 5A, the second hinge plate (1020) of FIG. 11A) is inserted. In one embodiment, as described above in FIG. 5C, the second rotate (1120) may rotate about a second rotation axis (X2) with respect to the bracket (600) as the second rotation portion (1122) is fastened to the second coupling portion of the bracket (600).

[0114] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12E, the first hinge plate (1010) may be at least partially seated on the first rotate body (1111). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (1010) may include a first hook (1011). In one embodiment, the first hook (1011) may be a structure that protrudes in one direction from the first hinge plate (1010) and has a hook shape. In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (1010) may be disposed on the first rotate body (1111) such that the first hook (1011) is inserted into the first insertion hole (1113) of the first rotate body (1110). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12e, which will be described later, the first hook (1011) may be inserted into the first insertion hole (1113) of the first rotate (1110) and may come into contact with a first inclined surface (1114) formed on the back surface (e.g., the surface facing the -Z direction based on FIG. 12e) of the first rotate (1110). The first hinge plate (1010) may be prevented or reduced from being lifted in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 12b with respect to the first rotate (1110) as the first hook (1011) comes into contact with the first inclined surface (1114) formed on the back surface of the first rotate (1110). In one embodiment, the first hook (1011) may slide on the first inclined surface (1114) of the first rotate (1110) during the process of the electronic device (200) being switched between a folded state and an unfolded state. Likewise, in one embodiment, the second hinge plate (1020) may be at least partially secured to the second rotated body (1121). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (1020) may include a second hook (1021). In one embodiment, the second hook (1021) may be a structure that protrudes in one direction from the second hinge plate (1020) and has a hook shape.In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (1020) may be positioned on the second rotate body (1121) such that the second hook (1021) is inserted into the second insertion hole (1123) of the second rotate (1120). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12e described below, the second hook (1021) may be inserted into the second insertion hole (1123) of the first rotate (1110) and may come into contact with the second inclined surface (1124) formed on one surface of the second rotate (1120). The second hinge plate (1020) can prevent or reduce the phenomenon of the second rotated (1120) being lifted in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 12B by the second hook (1021) coming into contact with the second inclined surface (1124) formed on the back surface (e.g., the surface facing the Z direction based on FIG. 12E) of the second rotated (1120). In one embodiment, the second hook (1021) can slide on the second inclined surface (1124) of the second rotated (1120) during the process of the electronic device (200) being switched between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0115] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12C, the first hinge plate (1010) may include a first curved rotation rib (1012) formed at least in a portion thereof. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 12D, the first hinge plate (1010) may be rotatable about the bracket (600) about the third rotation axis (X3) by coupling the first rotation rib (1012) to a first curved rotation rail (1131) formed on the first rotation guide member (1130). Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second hinge plate (1020) may include a second curved rotation rib (1022) formed at least in a portion thereof. The second hinge plate (1020) can rotate about the bracket (600) about the fourth rotation axis (X4) by being coupled to the second rotation rail (1141) of a curved shape formed on the second rotation guide member (1140) by the second rotation rib (1022).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the first rotate (1110) may be connected to a first rotate link (not shown) (e.g., the first rotate link (630) of FIG. 6B) through a pin connection. In one embodiment, the first rotate (1110) may rotate about a fifth rotation axis (X5) through the first rotate link. The first rotate (1110) may rotate about the fifth rotation axis (X5) so as not to form the same plane as the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. For example, the first rotate (1110) may rotate about the fifth rotation axis (X5) so as to be inserted into a space formed inside the first housing (210) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. The first hinge plate (1010) can rotate about a third rotation axis (X3) through a first rotation guide member (1130) fixed to the first housing (210) and supported by the first rotated member (1110) as the first rotated member (1110) rotates about the first rotation axis (X1). Thereafter, as the first hinge plate (1010) is secured to the first rotate (1110), the electronic device (200) is rotated about the fifth rotation axis (X5) together with the first rotate (1110) while being folded at a certain angle or less, so that the electronic device (200) is additionally folded into a space (not shown) formed inside the first housing (210) in the folded state, and can support a folding area (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) deformed into a teardrop shape of the flexible display (230) (e.g., the first display (230) of FIG. 1A). In addition, the second rotate (1120) can be connected to a second rotate link (not shown) (e.g., the second rotate link (640) of FIG. 6B) through a pin connection. In one embodiment, the second rotate (1120) can rotate about the sixth rotation axis (X6) via the second rotate link.The second rotate (1120) may rotate about the sixth rotation axis (X6) so that it may not be in the same plane as the second housing (220) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. For example, the second rotate (1120) may rotate about the sixth rotation axis (X6) so that it may be inserted into a space formed inside the second housing (220) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. The second hinge plate (1020) may be supported by the second rotate (1120) and rotate about the fourth rotation axis (X4) through the second rotation guide member (1140) fixed to the second housing (220) as the second rotate (1120) rotates about the second rotation axis (X2). Thereafter, as the second hinge plate (1020) is secured to the second rotate (1120), the electronic device (200) is rotated around the sixth rotation axis (X6) together with the second rotate (1120) while being folded at a certain angle or less, so that the electronic device (200) can be further folded into a space (not shown) formed inside the second housing (220) in the folded state to support a folding area (e.g., folding area (230c) of FIG. 1A) that is transformed into a water drop shape of the flexible display (230).

[0117] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 12E, the first hinge plate (1010) can move linearly with respect to the first rotate (1110). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (1010) can move linearly a specified distance from the first rotate body (1111) of the first rotate (1110) when the electronic device (200) is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (1010) can move in a direction away from the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) is switched from an unfolded state (open state) to a folded state (closed state). In addition, the first hinge plate (1010) can move in a direction closer to the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the linear movement of the first rotate (1110) may be guided by the first hook (1011). In one embodiment, the first hook (1011) may be inserted into the first insertion hole (1113) of the first rotate (1110) and may come into contact with the first inclined surface (1114) formed on one surface of the first rotate (1110). The first hook (1011) may slide on the first inclined surface (1114) of the first rotate (1110) during the process of the electronic device (200) being switched between a folded state and an unfolded state. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 11e, the first hinge plate (1010) can move linearly in the first rotated body (1111) away from the first rotated portion (1112) of the first rotated (1110) in a direction (e.g., in the + x direction with respect to FIG. 12e) when the electronic device (200) transitions from an unfolded state (open state) to a folded state (closed state).Conversely, the first hinge plate (1010) can move linearly in the first rotate body (1111) in a direction (e.g., in the -X direction with reference to FIG. 12E) toward the first rotation part (1112) of the first rotate (1110) when the electronic device (200) transitions from a folded state (closed state) to an unfolded state (open state). Similarly, the second hinge plate (1020) can move linearly with respect to the second rotate (1120). In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (1020) can move linearly a specified distance from the second rotate body (1121) of the second rotate (1120) when the electronic device (200) transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (1020) can move away from the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) transitions from an unfolded state to a folded state. Additionally, the second hinge plate (1020) can move toward the folding axis (F) when the electronic device (200) transitions from a folded state to an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the linear movement of the second rotate (1120) can be guided by the second hook (1021). In one embodiment, the second hook (1021) can be inserted into the second insertion hole (1123) of the second rotate (1120) and come into contact with the second inclined surface (1124) formed on one surface of the second rotate (1120). The second hook (1021) can slide on the second inclined surface (1124) of the second rotate (1120) when the electronic device (200) is switched from a folded state or an unfolded state. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 11E, the second hinge plate (1020) can move linearly in the second rotate body (1121) away from the first rotation part (1112) of the second rotate (1120) when the electronic device (200) is switched from an unfolded state (open state) to a folded state (closed state) (e.g., in the +X direction with reference to FIG. 12E).Conversely, the second hinge plate (1020) can move linearly in the second rotate body (1121) in a direction approaching the second rotation part (1122) of the second rotate (1120) when the electronic device (200) is switched from a folded state (closed state) to an unfolded state (open state) (e.g., in the -X direction with reference to FIG. 12E). Accordingly, based on the linear movement of the hinge plates (1010, 1020), a difference in rotation trajectories due to differences between the rotation axes of the hinge plates (1010, 1020) (e.g., the third rotation axis (X3) and the fourth rotation axis (X4)) and the rotation axes of the rotates (1110, 1120) (e.g., the first rotation axis (X1) and the second rotation axis (X2)) can be compensated for. Accordingly, the buckling phenomenon of the flexible display (230) that may occur when the electronic device (200) is switched between a folded or unfolded state can be reduced. In addition, the hinge plates (1010, 1020) can be fastened to the rotates (1110, 1120) via hooks (1011, 1021) rather than being fastened to the rotates (1110, 1120) using pins. Therefore, compared to the fastening method using pins, the contact area between the hinge plates (1010, 1020) and the rotates (1110, 1120) increases, so that the fastening rigidity can be improved.

[0118] An electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a hinge device (320, 320-1, HA) that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing with respect to a folding axis (F), wherein the hinge device comprises a bracket (600), a first rotator (610, 910, 1110) that is fastened to the bracket and rotates with respect to the bracket based on a first rotation axis (X1), a second rotator (620, 920, 1120) that is fastened to the bracket and rotates with respect to the bracket based on a second rotation axis (X2), a first rotation guide member (530, 930, 1130) that is fixed to the first housing, a second rotation guide member (540, 940, 1140) that is fixed to the second housing, and a hinge device (320, 320-1, HA) that is movable with respect to the folding axis. It may include a first hinge plate (510, 810, 1010) arranged on the first rotated member and rotatable relative to the first rotational guide member about a third rotational axis, and a second hinge plate (520, 820, 1020) arranged on the second rotated member so as to be movable relative to the folding axis and rotatable relative to the second rotational guide member about a fourth rotational axis.

[0119] Additionally, the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate may move in a direction away from the folding axis when the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, and the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate may move in a direction closer to the folding axis when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0120] Additionally, the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate can move in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis when the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state.

[0121] In addition, the hinge device includes a first opening (511) formed in the first hinge plate and having at least a portion facing the first rotated portion, a second opening (521) formed in the second hinge plate and having at least a portion facing the second rotated portion, a first fixing member (550) at least a portion of which is positioned in the first opening and fixed to the first rotated portion, and a second fixing member (560) at least a portion of which is positioned in the second opening and fixed to the second rotated portion, wherein the first hinge plate can move a specified linear distance relative to the first fixing member as it rotates relative to the bracket about the third rotational axis, and the second hinge plate can move a specified linear distance relative to the second fixing member as it rotates relative to the bracket about the fourth rotational axis.

[0122] In addition, the hinge device may include a first rotation rail (531) formed on the first rotation guide member, a second rotation rail (541) formed on the second rotation guide member, a first rotation rib (513) formed on the first hinge plate and connected to the first rotation rail, and a second rotation rib (523) formed on the second hinge plate and connected to the second rotation rail.

[0123] Additionally, the hinge device may include a first rotate link (630) that is rotatably coupled to the first rotate about a fifth rotation axis (X5) and fixed to the first housing, and a second rotate link (640) that is rotatably coupled to the second rotate about a sixth rotation axis (X6) and fixed to the second housing.

[0124] Additionally, the first hinge plate may move in a first direction relative to the first fixing member when the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, and may move in a second direction relative to the first fixing member when the electronic device is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state, and the second hinge plate may move in a third direction relative to the second fixing member when the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, and may move in a fourth direction relative to the second fixing member when the electronic device is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state.

[0125] In addition, the linear distance of the first hinge plate with respect to the first fixed member may be based on a difference between a rotation radius of the first rotated member with respect to the first rotation axis and a rotation radius of the first hinge plate with respect to the third rotation axis, and the linear distance of the second hinge plate with respect to the second fixed member may be based on a difference between a rotation radius of the second rotated member with respect to the second rotation axis and a rotation radius of the second hinge plate with respect to the fourth rotation axis.

[0126] In addition, the first opening is formed such that the width (W1) in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis is longer than the width (W2) in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the first fixing member,

[0127] The second opening may be formed such that the width (W1) in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis is longer than the width (W2) in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the second fixing member.

[0128] Additionally, the first hinge plate may include a first catch (512) on which at least a portion of the first fixing member is seated and positioned in the first opening, and the second hinge plate may include a second catch (522) on which at least a portion of the second fixing member is seated and positioned in the second opening.

[0129] In addition, the first fixing member may include a body portion (551) positioned in the first opening, a first section portion (552) extending one-sidedly from the body portion and being seated on the first catch, and a second section portion (553) extending in an opposite direction to the first section portion with respect to the body portion and being seated on the first catch, and the second fixing member may include a body portion (561) positioned in the second opening, a first section portion (562) extending one-sidedly from the body portion and being seated on the first catch, and a second section portion (563) extending in an opposite direction to the first section portion with respect to the body portion and being seated on the second catch.

[0130] In addition, the first rotate may include at least one first guide groove (6112), the first fixing member may include a first protrusion (554) inserted into the first guide groove formed in the first rotate, the second rotate may include at least one second guide groove (6212), and the second fixing member may include a second protrusion (564) inserted into the second guide groove formed in the second rotate.

[0131] In addition, the hinge device includes a first mounting groove (913) formed in the first rotate, a second mounting groove (923) formed in the second rotate, a first insertion portion (811) protruding from one surface of the first hinge plate and mounted in the first mounting groove, and a second insertion portion (821) protruding from one surface of the second hinge plate and mounted in the second mounting groove, and the first hinge plate is configured such that when the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first insertion portion moves linearly in a direction away from the folding axis within the first mounting groove, and when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first insertion portion moves linearly in a direction closer to the folding axis within the first mounting groove, and the second hinge plate is configured such that when the electronic device is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second insertion portion moves linearly in a direction away from the folding axis within the second mounting groove. When the electronic device is moved from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second insertion portion can move linearly in a direction closer to the folding axis within the second fixing groove.

[0132] In addition, the hinge device includes a first insertion hole (1113) formed in the first rotate, a second insertion hole (1123) formed in the second rotate, a first inclined surface (1114) formed on one side of the first rotate, a second inclined surface (1124) formed on one side of the second rotate, a first hook (1011) protruding from one side of the first hinge plate and having at least a portion inserted into the first insertion hole and in contact with the first inclined surface, and a second hook (1021) protruding from one side of the second hinge plate and having at least a portion inserted into the second insertion hole and in contact with the second inclined surface, and the first hinge plate moves linearly with respect to the first rotate in a direction away from the folding axis when the electronic device is converted from an unfolded state to a folded state, and moves in a direction approaching the folding axis when the electronic device is converted from the folded state to the unfolded state, and the second hinge The plate can move linearly relative to the second rotate in a direction away from the folding axis when the electronic device transitions from the unfolded state to the folded state, and can move in a direction closer to the folding axis when the electronic device transitions from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0133] In addition, the electronic device further includes a flexible display module (230) supported by the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, and when the electronic device is in a folded state, a folding area (230c) of the flexible display can be transformed into a water drop shape.

[0134] In addition, the hinge device may include a first arm (650) that rotates relative to the bracket about a seventh rotation axis (X7) and includes a first slide slit (651A, 651B), a second arm (660) that rotates relative to the bracket about an eighth rotation axis (X8) and includes a second slide slit (661A, 661B), a first arm link (670) that includes a first slide rib (671, 672) that is fastened to the first slide slit and moves linearly relative to the first arm as the electronic device is folded or unfolded, and a second arm link (680) that includes a second slide rib (681, 682) that is fastened to the second slide slit and moves linearly relative to the second arm as the electronic device is folded or unfolded.

[0135] Additionally, the hinge device may include a first arm (650) that rotates relative to the bracket about a seventh rotation axis (X7), a second arm (660) that rotates relative to the bracket about an eighth rotation axis (X8), a first arm link (670) that is rotatably coupled to the first arm about a ninth rotation axis (X9) and fixed to the first housing, and a second arm link (680) that is rotatably coupled to the second arm about a tenth rotation axis (X10) and fixed to the second housing.

[0136] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, a hinge device (320, 320-1, HA) that foldably connects a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) of an electronic device (200) about a folding axis (F) comprises: a bracket (600), a first rotate (610, 910, 1110) that is fastened to the bracket and rotates about the bracket about a first rotation axis (X1), a second rotate (620, 920, 1120) that is fastened to the bracket and rotates about the bracket about a second rotation axis (X2), a first rotation guide member (530, 930, 1130) that is fastened to the first housing, a second rotation guide member (540, 940, 1140) that is fastened to the second housing, and is arranged on the first rotate so as to be movable about the folding axis, and the first rotation guide It may include a first hinge plate (510, 810, 1010) that is coupled to the absence and rotates with respect to the first rotation guide member about the third rotation axis, and a second hinge plate (520, 820, 1020) that is arranged on the second rotate so as to be movable with respect to the folding axis and is coupled to the second rotation guide member and rotates with respect to the second rotation guide member about the fourth rotation axis.

[0137] In addition, it includes a first opening (511) formed in the first hinge plate and having at least a portion facing the first rotated portion, a second opening (521) formed in the second hinge plate and having at least a portion facing the second rotated portion, a first fixing member (550) at least a portion of which is positioned in the first opening and fixed to the first rotated portion, and a second fixing member (560) at least a portion of which is positioned in the second opening and fixed to the second rotated portion; wherein the first hinge plate can move a specified linear distance with respect to the first fixing member as it rotates with respect to the bracket about the third rotational axis, and the second hinge plate can move a specified linear distance with respect to the second fixing member as it rotates with respect to the bracket about the fourth rotational axis.

[0138] Additionally, the first hinge plate may move in a first direction relative to the first fixing member when the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, and may move in a second direction relative to the first fixing member when the electronic device is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state, and the second hinge plate may move in a third direction relative to the second fixing member when the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, and may move in a fourth direction relative to the second fixing member when the electronic device is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (200), First housing (210); Second housing (220); and It includes a hinge device (320, 320-1, HA) that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing with respect to the folding axis (F); The above hinge device, Bracket (600), A first rotated member (610, 910, 1110) attached to the bracket and rotating about the bracket about a first rotational axis (X1), A second rotate (620, 920, 1120) attached to the above bracket and rotating about the second rotation axis (X2) relative to the above bracket; A first rotation guide member (530, 930, 1130) fixed to the first housing; A second rotation guide member (540, 940, 1140) fixed to the second housing; A first hinge plate (510, 810, 1010) arranged in the first rotate member so as to be movable about the folding axis and coupled with the first rotation guide member so as to rotate about the first rotation guide member about the third rotation axis (X3), and An electronic device comprising a second hinge plate (520, 820, 1020) arranged on the second rotate member so as to be movable about the folding axis and coupled with the second rotation guide member so as to rotate about the second rotation guide member about a fourth rotation axis (X4).

2. In paragraph 1, The above first hinge plate and the above second hinge plate, When the above electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, it moves in a direction away from the folding axis, The above first hinge plate and the above second hinge plate, An electronic device that moves in a direction closer to the folding axis when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state.

3. In paragraph 1, The above first hinge plate and the above second hinge plate, An electronic device that moves in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis when the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state.

4. In paragraph 1, The above hinge device, A first opening (511) formed in the first hinge plate and having at least a portion facing the first rotated portion; A second opening (521) formed in the second hinge plate and having at least a portion facing the second rotated portion; A first fixing member (550) at least partly positioned in the first opening and fixed to the first rotate, and At least a portion of the second fixing member (560) is positioned in the second opening and fixed to the second rotate; The above first hinge plate, Moves a specified straight-line distance relative to the first fixed member while rotating relative to the first rotation guide member about the third rotation axis, The above second hinge plate, An electronic device that moves the specified straight-line distance relative to the second fixed member while rotating relative to the second rotation guide member about the fourth rotation axis.

5. In paragraph 1, The above hinge device, A first rotation rail (531) formed on the first rotation guide member; A second rotation rail (541) formed on the second rotation guide member; A first rotation rib (513) formed on the first hinge plate and connected to the first rotation rail, and An electronic device including a second rotation rib (523) formed on the second hinge plate and connected to the second rotation rail.

6. In paragraph 1, The above hinge device, A first rotate link (630) rotatably coupled to the first rotate link about the fifth rotation axis (X5) and fixed to the first housing, and An electronic device comprising a second rotate link (640) rotatably coupled to the second rotate link about a sixth rotation axis (X6) and fixed to the second housing.

7. In paragraph 4, The above first hinge plate, When the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, it moves in a first direction with respect to the first fixing member, and when the electronic device is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state, it moves in a second direction with respect to the first fixing member, The above second hinge plate, An electronic device that moves in a third direction with respect to the second fixing member when the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, and moves in a fourth direction with respect to the second fixing member when the electronic device is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state.

8. In paragraph 4, The linear distance of the first hinge plate to the first fixed member is, Based on the difference between the rotation radius of the first rotated plate based on the first rotation axis and the rotation radius of the first hinge plate based on the third rotation axis, The straight-line distance of the second hinge plate to the second fixed member is, An electronic device based on the difference between the radius of rotation of the second rotated plate with respect to the second rotational axis and the radius of rotation of the second hinge plate with respect to the fourth rotational axis.

9. In paragraph 4, The above first opening is, The width (W1) in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis is formed longer than the width (W2) in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the first fixing member, The above second opening is, An electronic device in which a width (W1) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis is formed longer than a width (W2) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis of the second fixing member.

10. In paragraph 4, The above first hinge plate, At least a portion of the first fixed member is secured thereto and includes a first catch (512) positioned in the first opening; The above second hinge plate, An electronic device comprising a second catch (522) positioned in the second opening and having at least a portion of the second fixed member secured thereto.

11. In paragraph 10, The above first fixed member is, It includes a body part (551) located in the first opening, a first section part (552) extending unilaterally from the body part and resting on the first catch, and a second section part (553) extending in the opposite direction to the first section part with respect to the body part and resting on the first catch. The above second fixed member is, An electronic device comprising a body portion (561) positioned in the second opening, a first section portion (562) extending unilaterally from the body portion and resting on the first catch, and a second section portion (563) extending in an opposite direction to the first section portion with respect to the body portion and resting on the second catch.

12. In paragraph 4, The above first rotation is, comprising at least one first guide home (6112); The above first fixed member is, Including a first protrusion (554) inserted into the first guide groove formed in the first rotated portion; The above second rotation is, comprising at least one second guide home (6212); The above second fixed member is, An electronic device including a second protrusion (564) inserted into the second guide groove formed in the second rotated portion.

13. In paragraph 1, The above hinge device, The first fixing groove (913) formed in the first rotation above, A second fixing groove (923) formed in the second rotation, A first insertion portion (811) protruding from one surface of the first hinge plate and seated in the first seating groove, and It includes a second insertion portion (821) that protrudes from one surface of the second hinge plate and is seated in the second seating groove, The above first hinge plate, When the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first insertion part moves linearly in a direction away from the folding axis within the first fixing groove, and when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, the first insertion part moves linearly in a direction closer to the folding axis within the first fixing groove. The above second hinge plate, An electronic device wherein, when the electronic device is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, the second insertion portion moves linearly in a direction away from the folding axis within the second fixing groove, and when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, the second insertion portion moves linearly in a direction toward the folding axis within the second fixing groove.

14. In paragraph 1, The above hinge device, The first insertion hole (1113) formed in the first rotation above, A second insertion hole (1123) formed in the second rotation, A first inclined surface (1114) formed on one side of the first rotation, A second inclined surface (1124) formed on one side of the second rotated surface; A first hook (1011) protruding from one surface of the first hinge plate and having at least a portion inserted into the first insertion hole and in contact with the first inclined surface, and A second hook (1021) is included that protrudes from one surface of the second hinge plate and is inserted at least partially into the second insertion hole to come into contact with the second inclined surface. The above first hinge plate, When the electronic device is switched from an unfolded state to a folded state, it moves in a straight line with respect to the first rotate in a direction away from the folding axis, and when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state, it moves in a direction closer to the folding axis, The above second hinge plate, An electronic device that moves in a straight line relative to the second rotate in a direction away from the folding axis when the electronic device is switched from the unfolded state to the folded state, and moves in a direction closer to the folding axis when the electronic device is switched from the folded state to the unfolded state.

15. In paragraph 1, The above hinge device, A first arm (650) that rotates about the bracket about the seventh rotation axis (X7) and includes a first slide slit (651A, 651B); A second arm (660) that rotates about the bracket about the eighth rotation axis (X8) and includes a second slide slit (661A, 661B); A first arm link (670) comprising a first slide rib (671, 672) that is fastened to the first slide slit and moves linearly with respect to the first arm as the electronic device is folded or unfolded, and An electronic device comprising a second slide rib (681, 682) fastened to the second slide slit and a second arm link (680) that moves linearly with respect to the second arm as the electronic device is folded or unfolded.

Images