Hinge assembly and electronic device comprising same

Abstract

In an embodiment, an electronic device may include a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly may comprise a hinge bracket, a shaft rotatably connected to the hinge bracket, an arm member connected to the shaft, a cam member inserted in the shaft, a pressing member which presses the cam member toward the arm member, and an arm bracket slidably connected to the arm member. The arm member may comprise a cam portion having a plurality of cam peaks formed along the circumference of a through-hole, a body portion to which the arm bracket is slidably connected, and a connection portion connecting the cam portion and the body portion. When seen in a direction perpendicular to the shaft, from among the plurality of cam peaks, a first cam peak may be positioned so that at least part thereof can be aligned with the connection portion.

Description

Hinge assembly and electronic device including the same

[0001] Various embodiments of the present document relate to a hinge assembly and an electronic device including the same.

[0002] With the advancement of display-related technology, electronic devices featuring flexible displays are being developed. Flexible displays can be used not only in a flat form but also in a specific form. For example, an electronic device including a flexible display can be implemented in a foldable form, capable of folding or unfolding along at least one folding axis.

[0003] The present invention is defined by the appended claims. Any disclosures outside the scope of the claims are for illustrative and comparative purposes only.

[0004] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a display including a first region, a second region, and a folding region between the first region and the second region, a first housing supporting the first region, a second housing supporting the second region, and a hinge assembly connecting the first housing and the second housing and operating between a folded state in which the first region and the second region face each other and an unfolded state in which the first region and the second region do not face each other. The hinge assembly may include a hinge bracket, a shaft rotatably connected to the hinge bracket, an arm member connected to the shaft so as to rotate integrally with the shaft relative to the hinge bracket, a cam member inserted into the shaft so as to cam-link with the arm member, a pressing member urging the cam member toward the arm member, and an arm bracket slidably connected to the arm member and connected to the first housing or the second housing. The above-mentioned female member may include a cam portion having a plurality of cam mounts formed along the circumference of a through hole through which the shaft passes, a body portion to which the female bracket is slidably connected, and a connecting portion connecting the cam portion and the body portion. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft, at least a portion of a first cam mount among the plurality of cam mounts may be positioned to be aligned with the connecting portion.

[0005] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a display accommodated in the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge assembly positioned on one surface of the display and connected to the first housing and the second housing. The hinge assembly may include a wing member configured to rotate about a first axis (A1), and an arm member configured to rotate about a second axis (A2) different from the first axis (A1). The arm member may include a body portion, a cam portion having a cam mountain formed on a surface facing a direction parallel to the second axis (A2), and a connecting portion positioned between the body portion and the cam portion, the connecting portion having a thickness thinner than a thickness of the body portion and a thickness of the cam portion. The cam mountain may be positioned to be aligned with the connecting portion in a direction perpendicular to the second axis in a region of a surface of the cam portion adjacent to the connecting portion.

[0006] In one embodiment, by forming at least one of the plurality of cams and the connecting portion to overlap or align with each other, the width of the connecting portion can be increased. Accordingly, the strength of the connecting portion can be improved, and the miniaturization of the hinge assembly and / or electronic device can be achieved while reducing the occurrence of breakage of the arm member.

[0007] The effects of the hinge assembly and the electronic device including the same according to various embodiments are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0008] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of specific embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2b is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2c is a perspective view showing a fully unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2D is a perspective view illustrating an example of a partially unfolded intermediate state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which a hinge assembly is applied in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an unfolded state of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 is a front view of an unfolded state of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 is a rear view of the hinge assembly in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a first arm member according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7b is a front view of a first arm member according to one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7c is a bottom view of the first arm member according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a female member according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a female member according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 is a front view of a cam member according to one embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a first arm bracket according to one embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a first wing member according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a first wing bracket according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 14a is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 5 in an unfolded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to one embodiment is applied to the electronic device.

[0028] FIG. 14b is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 5 in a folded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to one embodiment is applied to the electronic device.

[0029] FIG. 15a is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 5 in an unfolded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to one embodiment is applied to the electronic device.

[0030] FIG. 15b is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 5 in a folded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to one embodiment is applied to the electronic device.

[0031] FIG. 16a is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 5 in an unfolded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to one embodiment is applied to the electronic device.

[0032] FIG. 16b is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 5 in a folded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to one embodiment is applied to the electronic device.

[0033] FIG. 17a is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 5 in an unfolded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to one embodiment is applied to the electronic device.

[0034] FIG. 17b is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 5 in a folded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to one embodiment is applied to the electronic device.

[0035] Fig. 18 is a front view of a female member according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 19a is a front view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 19b is a partial side view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 20 is a front view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a cam portion of a female member and a cam member according to one embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 22a is a partial front view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 22b is a perspective view of a female member according to one embodiment.

[0042] Figure 22c is a plan view of a female member according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 23a is a partial front view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0044] Figure 23b is a perspective view of a female member according to one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 23c is a plan view of a female member according to one embodiment.

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0050] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0051] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0052] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0053] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0054] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0055] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0056] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0057] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0058] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0059] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0060] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0061] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0062] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0063] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0064] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0065] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0066] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 eB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0067] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0068] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0069] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0070] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service by itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0071]

[0072] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device (200) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a folded state of an electronic device (200) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2C is a perspective view illustrating a fully unfolded state of an electronic device (200) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2D is a perspective view illustrating an example of a partially unfolded intermediate state of an electronic device (200) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0073] The electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 2D may be a foldable or bendable electronic device, as an example of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0074] The drawings below, including FIG. 2c, illustrate a spatial coordinate system defined by an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Here, the X-axis may represent the width direction of the electronic device, the Y-axis may represent the length direction of the electronic device, and the Z-axis may represent the height (or thickness) direction of the electronic device. In the following description, the term "first direction" may mean a direction parallel to the Z-axis.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B , in one embodiment, an electronic device (200) may include a foldable housing (201), and a flexible or foldable display (250) (hereinafter, simply referred to as “display” 250) (e.g., a display module (160) of FIG. 1 ) disposed within a space formed by the foldable housing (201). According to one embodiment, a surface on which the display (250) is disposed (or a surface on which the display (250) is visible from the outside of the electronic device (200)) may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device (200). And, a surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as a rear surface of the electronic device (200). In addition, a surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device (200).

[0076] According to various embodiments, the foldable housing (201) may include a first housing structure (210), a second housing structure (220), a first rear cover (215), a second rear cover (225), and / or a hinge structure (230). For example, the hinge structure (230) may include a hinge cover that covers a foldable portion of the foldable housing (201). The foldable housing (201) of the electronic device (200) is not limited to the shape and combination shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and may be implemented by a combination and / or combination of other shapes or parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure (210) and the first rear cover (215) may be formed integrally, and the second housing structure (220) and the second rear cover (225) may be formed integrally.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the first housing structure (210) may be connected to the hinge structure (230) and may include a first side facing a first direction and a second side facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. The second housing structure (220) may be connected to the hinge structure (230) and may include a third side facing a third direction and a fourth side facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. The second housing structure (220) may rotate relative to the first housing structure (210) about the hinge structure (230). The electronic device (200) may be variable between a folded state and an unfolded state.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may have the first side facing the third side in a fully folded state, and the third direction may be substantially the same as the first direction in a fully unfolded state.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be disposed on both sides with respect to the folding axis (A) as the center, and may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A. As described below, the angle or distance between the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (200) is an unfolded state, a folded state, or a partially unfolded (or partially folded) intermediate state. According to one embodiment, the second housing structure (220) may include a sensor area (222) in which various sensors are disposed. For example, the various sensors may be located on the back surface of the display (250) in the sensor area (222). According to one embodiment, the first housing structure (210) may also include a sensor area (not shown) in which at least one sensor is disposed.

[0080] According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may form a recess for accommodating the display (250). In one embodiment, the first portion (220a) and the second portion (220b) of the second housing structure (220) may have different distances from the folding axis A. The width of the recess is not limited to the illustrated example. In another embodiment, the recess may have multiple widths due to the asymmetrical shapes of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220). In one embodiment, components for performing various functions built into the electronic device (200) may be exposed to the front of the electronic device (200) through the sensor area (222) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (222). In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensors may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor. According to various embodiments, the sensor area (222) in the second housing structure (220) may be omitted or formed in a location different from that shown in the drawing.

[0081] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may include a metallic or non-metallic material having a rigidity of a selected size to support the display (250). For example, at least a portion formed of the metallic material may provide a ground plane of the electronic device (200) and may be electrically connected to a ground line formed on a printed circuit board disposed inside the foldable housing (201).

[0082] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover (215) may be disposed on one side of the folding axis (A) on the rear surface of the electronic device (200). For example, the first rear cover (215) may have a substantially rectangular periphery, and the periphery may be wrapped by the first housing structure (210). For example, the second rear cover (225) may be disposed on the other side of the folding axis (A) on the rear surface of the electronic device (200). For example, the periphery of the second rear cover (225) may be wrapped by the second housing structure (220).

[0083] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover (215) and the second rear cover (225) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A). However, the first rear cover (215) and the second rear cover (225) do not necessarily have mutually symmetrical shapes, and in other embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include the first rear cover (215) and the second rear cover (225) of various shapes. In yet other embodiments, the first rear cover (215) may be formed integrally with the first housing structure (210), and the second rear cover (225) may be formed integrally with the second housing structure (220).

[0084] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover (215), the second rear cover (225), the first housing structure (210), and the second housing structure (220) may form a space in which various components of the electronic device (200) (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) may be placed. According to one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device (200). For example, at least a portion of the sub-display may be visually exposed through the first rear area (216) of the first rear cover (215). In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the second rear area (226) of the second rear cover (225). In various embodiments, the sensors may include a proximity sensor and / or a rear camera.

[0085] According to various embodiments, a front camera exposed on the front side of the electronic device (200) through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (222) or a rear camera exposed through the second rear area (226) of the second rear cover (225) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. A flash may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared camera, wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be arranged on one side of the electronic device (200).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 2B, the hinge cover may be configured to be disposed between the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) so as to cover an internal component (e.g., the hinge structure (230)). According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (230) may be covered by a portion of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) or exposed to the outside depending on the state of the electronic device (200) (unfolded state, intermediate state, or folded state).

[0087] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2a, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., a fully unfolded state), the hinge structure (230) may be covered by the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) and not exposed. As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 2b, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge structure (230) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220). As another example, when the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded at a certain angle, the hinge structure (230) may be partially exposed to the outside between the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220). However, in this case, the exposed area may be less than that in the completely folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge structure (230) may include a curved surface.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the display (250) may be disposed on a space formed by the foldable housing (201). For example, the display (250) may be mounted on a recess formed by the foldable housing (201) and may be visible from the outside through the front of the electronic device (200). For example, the display (250) may form most of the front of the electronic device (200). Accordingly, the front of the electronic device (200) may include the display (250) and a portion of the first housing structure (210) adjacent to the display (250) and a portion of the second housing structure (220). And, the back of the electronic device (200) may include a first back cover (215), a portion of a first housing structure (210) adjacent to the first back cover (215), a second back cover (225), and a portion of a second housing structure (220) adjacent to the second back cover (225).

[0089] According to various embodiments, the display (250) may refer to a display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. According to one embodiment, the display (250) may include a folding area (253), a first area (251) disposed on one side (e.g., the left side of the folding area (253) illustrated in FIG. 2A) with respect to the folding area (253), and a second area (252) disposed on the other side (e.g., the right side of the folding area (253) illustrated in FIG. 2A).

[0090] However, the division of the regions of the display (250) illustrated in FIG. 2A is exemplary, and the display (250) may be divided into a plurality of regions (for example, four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the regions of the display (250) may be divided by a folding region (253) extending parallel to the folding axis (A), but in other embodiments, the regions of the display (250) may be divided based on another folding axis (for example, a folding axis parallel to the width direction of the electronic device).

[0091] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the display (250) may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to a touch panel equipped with a touch detection circuit and a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch. For example, the display (250) may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to a touch panel that detects an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) stylus pen, as an example of a touch panel.

[0092] According to various embodiments, the first region (251) and the second region (252) may have an overall symmetrical shape centered on the folding region (253). However, unlike the first region (251), the second region (252) may include a cut notch depending on the presence of the sensor region (222), but may have a shape symmetrical with respect to the first region (251) in other regions. For example, the first region (251) and the second region (252) may include a portion having a symmetrical shape and a portion having an asymmetrical shape.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the edge thicknesses of the first region (251) and the second region (252) may be formed differently from the edge thickness of the folding region (253). The edge thickness of the folding region (253) may be formed thinner than the thicknesses of the first region (251) and the second region (252). In terms of thickness, the first region (251) and the second region (252) may have an asymmetrical shape when the first region (251) and the second region (252) are viewed in cross-section. For example, the edge of the first region (251) may be formed to have a first radius of curvature, and the edge of the second region (252) may be formed to have a second radius of curvature that is different from the first radius of curvature. In another embodiment, the first region (251) and the second region (252) in terms of thickness may have a symmetrical shape when the first region (251) and the second region (252) are viewed in cross section.

[0094] Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) and each area of ​​the display (250) according to the state of the electronic device (200) (e.g., folded state, unfolded state, or intermediate state) will be described.

[0095] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 2a), the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be arranged to face the same direction at an angle of about 180 degrees. The surface of the first region (251) and the surface of the second region (252) of the display (250) may form an angle of 180 degrees with each other and face the same direction (e.g., toward the front of the electronic device). The folding region (253) may form the same plane as the first region (251) and the second region (252).

[0096] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 2b), the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first region (251) and the surface of the second region (252) of the display (250) may form a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 and 10 degrees) with each other and may face each other. The folding region (253) may be formed as a curved surface having at least a portion of a predetermined curvature.

[0097] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be arranged at a certain angle with respect to each other. The surface of the first region (251) and the surface of the second region (252) of the display (250) may form an angle that is larger than an angle in a folded state and smaller than an angle in an unfolded state. The folding region (253) may be formed as a curved surface having at least a portion of a certain curvature, and the curvature at this time may be smaller than that in a folded state.

[0098] FIG. 2c illustrates a fully unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and FIG. 2d may illustrate an intermediate state in which the electronic device (200) is partially unfolded. As described above, the electronic device (200) may be variable between a folded state and an unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be folded in two ways: 'in-folding' in which the front surface of the electronic device (200) is folded to form an acute angle when viewed in the folding axis direction (e.g., the A-axis in FIG. 2a), and 'out-folding' in which the front surface of the electronic device (200) is folded to form an obtuse angle. For example, in the electronic device (200), in a folded state in an in-folding manner, a first side of the first housing structure (210) may face a third side of the second housing structure (220), and in a fully unfolded state, the first side of the first housing structure (210) and the third side of the second housing structure (220) may face the same direction (e.g., a direction parallel to the Z-axis).

[0099] Also, for example, the electronic device (200) may be folded in an out-folding manner so that the second side of the first housing structure (210) faces the fourth side of the second housing structure (220).

[0100] Additionally, the electronic device (200) may include multiple hinge axes (e.g., two mutually parallel hinge axes including the A-axis of FIG. 2A and another axis parallel to the A-axis), although not shown in the drawing. In this case, the electronic device (200) may be folded in a 'multi-folding' manner that combines the in-folding and out-folding methods.

[0101] The above-described in-folding type may refer to a state in which the display (250) is not exposed to the outside in a fully folded state. The above-described out-folding type may refer to a state in which the display (250) is exposed to the outside in a fully folded state. Fig. 2d illustrates an intermediate state in which the electronic device (200) is partially unfolded during the in-folding process.

[0102] For convenience, the following description focuses on a state in which the electronic device (200) is folded in an in-folding manner, but it should be noted that these descriptions can also be applied to a state in which the electronic device (200) is folded in an out-folding manner.

[0103]

[0104] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0105] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (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.

[0106] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0107] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more commands stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more commands stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more commands may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0109] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0110]

[0111] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which a hinge assembly is applied in an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device (300) according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 or the electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 2D) may be a foldable electronic device. For example, the electronic device (300) may be folded or unfolded around a folding axis (A). However, FIG. 3 is merely exemplary, and the size, shape, structure, and hinge axis of the electronic device (300) are not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (300) illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a folding axis (A) in the Y direction (e.g., the long side direction), but the electronic device according to an embodiment may also include a folding axis along the X direction (e.g., the short side direction).

[0113] An electronic device (300) according to one embodiment may include a housing (310) (e.g., a foldable housing (201) of FIGS. 2A to 2D), a display (not shown) (e.g., a display module (160) of FIG. 1 or a display (250) of FIGS. 2A to 2D), a hinge assembly (400) and / or a wing plate (630) (e.g., a wing plate (630) of FIG. 14A).

[0114] In one embodiment, the housing (310) may form at least a portion of the exterior of the electronic device (300). The housing (310) may include a first housing (311) (e.g., the first housing structure (210) of FIGS. 2A to 2D), a second housing (312) (e.g., the second housing structure (220) of FIGS. 2A to 2D), and a hinge housing (313).

[0115] In one embodiment, the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) may be foldably connected to each other by a hinge assembly (400). The angle or distance between the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) may vary depending on whether the electronic device (300) is in a flat state (or unfolding state), a folded state (or folding state), or an intermediate state. The intermediate state described above may include all states between the unfolded state and the folded state. The hinge housing (313) may be disposed between the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) to provide a space in which an internal component (e.g., the hinge assembly (400)) is disposed. For example, the hinge housing (313) may be configured to cover the hinge assembly (400) so that the hinge assembly (400) is not exposed to the outside.

[0116] In one embodiment, the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) may provide a space in which the display (250) is placed. For example, the display (250) may be a foldable flexible display. For example, the display (250) may include a first region (e.g., the first region (251) of FIG. 2C), a second region (e.g., the second region (252) of FIG. 2C), and a folding region (e.g., the folding region (253) of FIG. 2C) between the first region and the second region. The first housing (311) may be placed at a position corresponding to the first region (251) of the display (250) to support the first region (251) of the display (250). The second housing (312) is positioned corresponding to the second area (252) of the display (250) and can support the second area (252) of the display (250).

[0117] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) may be disposed between the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) to connect the first housing (311) and the second housing (312). For example, the hinge structure (230) of FIG. 2B may include a plurality of hinge assemblies (400). The plurality of hinge assemblies (400) may be spaced apart from each other along the folding axis (A) direction (e.g., Y direction). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, two hinge assemblies (400) may be spaced apart from each other along the folding axis (A). However, this is merely exemplary and the number of hinge assemblies (400) is not limited thereto. The hinge assembly (400) may implement a folding or unfolding operation of the electronic device (300). The hinge assembly (400) can operate between a folded state in which the first region (251) and the second region (252) face each other, and an unfolded state in which the first region (251) and the second region (252) do not face each other. The hinge assembly (400) can generate a force that maintains a specific folded state of the electronic device (300). For example, when the electronic device (300) is in a folded state, the hinge assembly (400) can generate a force (e.g., a close detent force) that maintains the electronic device (300) in the folded state. When the electronic device (300) is in an unfolded state, the hinge assembly (400) can generate a force (e.g., an open detent force) that maintains the electronic device (300) in the unfolded state. When the electronic device (300) is in an intermediate state, the hinge assembly (400) can generate a force (e.g., a free stop force) that maintains the electronic device (300) in the intermediate state.

[0118]

[0119] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an unfolded state of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 is a front view of an unfolded state of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment. Fig. 6 is a rear view of an unfolded state of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0120] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a hinge assembly (400) according to one embodiment may include a hinge bracket (410), a shaft (420), a gear bracket (430), an idle gear (440), a cam member (450), a pressure member (460), a shaft bracket (470), a fixed member (480), an arm member (510), an arm bracket (520), an elastic member (e.g., the elastic members (530a, 530b) of FIG. 17a), a wing member (610), and / or a wing bracket (620).

[0121] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) includes a hinge bracket (410), a shaft (420), an arm member (510), a cam member (450), a pressure member (460), and an arm bracket (520), and in another embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) includes a wing member (610) and an arm member (510). These two embodiments may be coupled to each other or may be independent. Furthermore, the structure of the hinge assembly (400) is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Where appropriate, some components of the hinge assembly (400) illustrated above may be modified or omitted, while other compatible components may be added or some components of the hinge assembly (400) illustrated above may be replaced, where appropriate.

[0122] In one embodiment, the hinge bracket (410) may be configured to be fixedly connected to a housing (e.g., housing (310) of FIG. 3). For example, the hinge bracket (410) may be fixedly connected to a hinge housing (e.g., hinge housing (313) of FIG. 3).

[0123] In one embodiment, the hinge bracket (410) may include a hinge bracket body (411), a shaft coupling portion (412), and a guide protrusion rail (413).

[0124] In one embodiment, the hinge bracket body (411) may form the outer shape of the hinge bracket (410). A shaft coupling portion (412) may be formed on the hinge bracket body (411). For example, the shaft coupling portion (412) may be formed on one end (e.g., a -Y direction end) of the hinge bracket body (411). The shaft coupling portion (412) may provide a space for the protruding end (422) of the shaft (420) to be coupled thereto. The shaft coupling portions (412) may be formed as a pair. For example, the shaft coupling portion (412) may include a first shaft coupling portion (412a) and a second shaft coupling portion (412b). The first shaft coupling portion (412a) and the second shaft coupling portion (412b) may be formed to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction (e.g., the X direction). A guide protrusion rail (413) may be formed on the hinge bracket body (411). The guide protrusion rail (413) may be configured to allow the wing member (610) to be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (410). The guide protrusion rail (413) may be linked with a guide recessed rail of the wing member (610) described below (e.g., the guide recessed rail (612) of FIG. 12). For example, the guide protrusion rail (413) may include an arc shape centered on the first axis (A1). For example, the guide protrusion rail (413) may be formed to protrude in a rail shape in a space in which the hinge bracket body (411) is recessed so that the wing member (610) is inserted. The guide protrusion rails (413) may be formed in a pair. For example, the guide protrusion rail (413) may include a first guide protrusion rail (413a) and a second guide protrusion rail (413b). For example, the first guide protrusion rail (413a) may be formed on one side (e.g., the -X direction side) of the hinge bracket body (411), and the second guide protrusion rail (413b) may be formed on the other side (e.g., the +X direction side) of the hinge bracket body (411).However, the position, size and shape of the hinge bracket body (411), shaft coupling portion (412) and / or guide protrusion rail (413) shown in the drawing are exemplary and are not limited thereto.

[0125] In one embodiment, the shaft (420) may be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (410). The shaft (420) may be formed to have a longitudinal direction (e.g., Y direction). The longitudinal axis of the shaft (420) may function as a second axis (A2), which is a rotational axis of the arm member (510) connected to the shaft (420). The second axis (A2) may be a different axis from the first axis (A1), which is a rotational axis of the hinge bracket (410) of the wing member (610). The shaft (420) may include a shaft body (421), a protruding end (422), and a gear portion (423). The shaft body (421) may be a portion formed in a longitudinal direction (e.g., Y direction). The protruding end (422) may be formed to protrude radially from one end of the shaft body (421) (e.g., the +Y direction end) so as to have a larger diameter than the shaft body (421). The protruding end (422) may be rotatably inserted into the shaft coupling portion (412) formed in the hinge bracket (410), so that the shaft (420) may be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (410). The gear portion (423) may be formed to protrude from the shaft body (421) so as to have a gear structure. The gear portion (423) may be formed integrally with the shaft body (421), for example. For example, the gear portion (423) may be positioned adjacent to the protruding end (422). The shaft (420) may be provided as a pair. For example, the shaft (420) may include a first shaft (420a) and a second shaft (420b). The first shaft (420a) and the second shaft (420b) can be inserted and positioned in the first shaft coupling portion (412a) and the second shaft coupling portion (412b), respectively.

[0126] In one embodiment, the idle gear (440) may be positioned between the gear portions (423) of each of the first shaft (420a) and the second shaft (420b). For example, the idle gears (440) may be provided as a pair. The idle gear (440) may include a first idle gear (440a) and a second idle gear (440b). The first idle gear (440a) and the second idle gear (440b) may be positioned adjacent to each other and may be gear-interlocked with each other. The first idle gear (440a) and the second idle gear (440b) may be gear-interlocked with the gear portions (423) of each of the first shaft (420a) and the second shaft (420b). The first idle gear (440a) and the second idle gear (440b) may interlock the movements of the first housing (311) and the second housing (312). For example, the first idle gear (440a) and the second idle gear (440b) can synchronize the rotation of the first shaft (420a) and the second shaft (420b) with each other. The gear bracket (430) can be inserted into the shaft (420) so as to penetrate the shaft (420) while the shaft (420) is rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (410). The gear bracket (430) can fix the position of the idle gear (440). The idle gear (440) can be rotatably connected to each of the gear bracket (430) and the hinge bracket (410). Meanwhile, the structure that links the movements of the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) is not limited thereto. For example, in one embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) may link the movements of the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) with each other through a spiral linkage structure instead of the gear portion (423). For example, in the spiral linkage structure, a spiral-shaped protruding or recessed rail formed on the first arm member (510a) and a spiral-shaped recessed or protruding rail formed on the second arm member (510b) may interlock with each other and move.For example, the first arm member (510a) is connected to the first housing (311) through the first arm bracket (520a), and the second arm member (510b) that is linked to the first arm member (510a) through a recessed or protruding rail is connected to the second housing (312) through the second arm bracket (520b), thereby allowing the movements of the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) to be linked to each other.

[0127] In one embodiment, the arm member (510) may be connected to the shaft (420) so as to be integrally rotated with the shaft (420) about the hinge bracket (410). The arm member (510) may be rotatable about the hinge bracket (410) about a second axis (A2) that is longitudinally oriented of the shaft (420). For example, the shaft (420) may be press-fitted and connected to the arm member (510). The arm member (510) may be provided as a pair. For example, the arm member (510) may include a first arm member (510a) and a second arm member (510b). The first arm member (510a) and the second arm member (510b) may be connected to the first shaft (420a) and the second shaft (420b), respectively. Meanwhile, in one embodiment, the female member (510) may be formed integrally with the shaft (420).

[0128] In one embodiment, the cam member (450) may have a shaft (420) inserted therein to cam-engage with the arm member (510). For example, the cam member (450) may be positioned facing the arm member (510). The cam member (450) may cam-engage with the arm member (510) to implement a detent force and / or a free stop force.

[0129] In one embodiment, the pressing member (460) can press the cam member (450) toward the arm member (510). For example, the pressing member (460) can include a cylindrical spring. The pressing members (460) can be provided as a pair. For example, the pressing member (460) can include a first pressing member (460a) and a second pressing member (460b). The first pressing member (460a) and the second pressing member (460b) can have a first shaft (420a) and a second shaft (420b) inserted therein, respectively. Meanwhile, this is exemplary, and the pressing member (460) can include at least one of a cylindrical spring, a plate spring (e.g., a plate spring (460-1) of FIG. 19b), or an actuator (e.g., an actuator (460-2) of FIG. 20). The pressing force of the pressing member (460) can implement the detent force and / or free stop force of the hinge assembly (400).

[0130] In one embodiment, while the shaft (420) is inserted into the pressurizing member (460), the shaft (420) may be inserted into the shaft bracket (470). For example, both the first shaft (420a) and the second shaft (420b) may be inserted into one shaft bracket (470). The shaft bracket (470) may maintain the distance between the first shaft (420a) and the second shaft (420b). For example, the shaft bracket (470) may be fixedly connected to a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (313) of FIG. 3).

[0131] In one embodiment, the fixing member (480) can be inserted and positioned at an end (e.g., a -Y direction end) of the shaft (420). The fixing member (480) can be fixedly positioned at an end (e.g., a -Y direction end) of the shaft (420). The fixing member (480) can prevent a component inserted and positioned in the shaft (420) (e.g., a gear bracket (430), an arm member (510), a cam member (450), a pressure member (460), and / or a shaft bracket (470)) from being separated from the shaft (420). For example, the fixing member (480) can include an e-ring and / or a washer. The fixing members (480) can be provided as a pair. For example, the fixing member (480) can include a first fixing member (480a) and a second fixing member (480b). A first shaft (420a) and a second shaft (420b) can be inserted into the first fixing member (480a) and the second fixing member (480b), respectively.

[0132] In one embodiment, the arm bracket (520) may be slidably (e.g., rotatably) connected to the arm member (510). For example, the arm bracket (520) may be rotatably connected to the arm member (510) about a third axis (A3). The arm brackets (520) may be provided as a pair. For example, the arm bracket (520) may include a first arm bracket (520a) and a second arm bracket (520b). In one embodiment, the first arm bracket (520a) and the second arm bracket (520b) may be slidably connected to the first arm member (510a) and the second arm member (510b), respectively. The arm bracket (520) may be connected to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (311) of FIG. 3) or a second housing (e.g., the second housing (312) of FIG. 3). For example, the first female bracket (520a) and the second female bracket (520b) can be connected to the first housing (311) and the second housing (312), respectively.

[0133] In one embodiment, the wing member (610) may be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (410). The wing member (610) may be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (410) via a guide protrusion rail (413) of the hinge bracket (410). The wing member (610) may be rotatable about the hinge bracket (410) around a first axis (A1) that is the center of the guide protrusion rail (413). The wing member (610) may be provided as a pair. For example, the wing member (610) may include a first wing member (610a) and a second wing member (610b). The first wing member (610a) and the second wing member (610b) may be connected to the first guide protrusion rail (413a) and the second guide protrusion rail (413b), respectively. A wing plate (e.g., a wing plate (630) of FIG. 14a) may be connected to the wing member (610). The wing plate (630) may support a display (e.g., a display (250) of FIG. 14a) to prevent the display (250) from sagging due to its own weight. The wing plates (630) may be provided in pairs. The wing plates (630) may include a first wing plate (e.g., a first wing plate (630a) of FIG. 14a) and a second wing plate (e.g., a second wing plate (630b) of FIG. 14a). The first wing plate (630a) and the second wing plate (630b) can support a first region (e.g., the first region (251) of FIG. 2C) and a second region (e.g., the second region (252) of FIG. 2C) of the display (250), respectively. The first wing plate (630a) and the second wing plate (630b) can be connected to the first wing member (610a) and the second wing member (610b), respectively.

[0134] In one embodiment, the wing bracket (620) may be slidably (e.g., rotatably) connected to the wing member (610). For example, the wing bracket (620) may be rotatably connected about a fourth axis (A4) with respect to the wing member (610). The fourth axis (A4) may be different from the third axis (A3), which is the rotational axis of the arm bracket (520) with respect to the arm member (510). The wing bracket (620) may be provided as a pair. For example, the wing bracket (620) may include a first wing bracket (620a) and a second wing bracket (620b). The first wing bracket (620a) and the second wing bracket (620b) may be slidably connected to the first wing member (610a) and the second wing member (610b), respectively. The wing bracket (620) may be connected to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (311) of FIG. 3) or a second housing (e.g., the second housing (312) of FIG. 3). For example, the first wing bracket (620a) and the second wing bracket (620b) may be connected to the first housing (311) and the second housing (312), respectively. The wing bracket (620) may be at least partially connected to the arm bracket (520). For example, the first wing bracket (620a) and the second wing bracket (620b) may be connected to the first arm bracket (520a) and the second arm bracket (520b), respectively.

[0135]

[0136] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of a first arm member according to one embodiment. FIG. 7b is a front view of the first arm member according to one embodiment. FIG. 7c is a bottom view of the first arm member according to one embodiment.

[0137] Hereinafter, the arm member (510) will be described with reference to the first arm member (510a) with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7c. The second arm member (510b) may be formed substantially symmetrically with the first arm member (510a) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 3).

[0138] In one embodiment, the female member (510) may include a cam portion (511), a body portion (512), and a connecting portion (513).

[0139] In one embodiment, the cam portion (511) may be a portion where a through hole (5111) and a cam mountain (5112) are formed. The through hole (5111) may be a hole into which a shaft (420) is inserted. For example, a protrusion may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole (5111), so that the shaft (420) may be press-fitted into the through hole (5111). The cam mountain (5112) may be formed to protrude in a direction toward the second axis (A2) (e.g., a -Y direction surface) from a surface of the cam portion (511) facing the second axis (A2). The cam mountain (5112) may be formed to have a profile having a first inclined region, a flat region, and a second inclined region. However, this is for convenience of explanation, and the first inclined region, the flat region, and the second inclined region may be curved surfaces that are substantially smoothly connected to each other. A plurality of cam mountains (5112) may be formed. For example, the cam mountains (5112) may include a first cam mountain (5112a), a second cam mountain (5112b), and a third cam mountain (5112c). The plurality of cam mountains (5112) may be formed spaced apart from each other along the perimeter of the through hole (5111). For example, a groove may be substantially formed between the plurality of cam mountains (5112).

[0140] In one embodiment, the body portion (512) may be a portion to which the arm bracket (520) is slidably (e.g., rotatably) connected. For example, a first recessed rail (5121) may be formed on the body portion (512). The arm bracket (520) may be slidably connected to the first recessed rail (5121). For example, the first recessed rail (5121) may be linked with a first protruding rail of the arm bracket (520) (e.g., the first protruding rail (522) of FIG. 11). For example, the first recessed rail (5121) may be formed by being recessed into a rail shape in the body portion (512). The first recessed rail (5121) may be formed to be substantially straight or curved to have a curvature. For example, the first depressed rail (5121) may include an arc shape centered around a third axis (e.g., the third axis (A3) of FIG. 5).

[0141] In one embodiment, the connecting portion (513) may be a portion connecting the cam portion (511) and the body portion (512). For example, the cam portion (511), the connecting portion (513), and the body portion (512) may be positioned and connected along a direction (e.g., the X direction) perpendicular to a second axis (e.g., the second axis (A2) of FIG. 5) (e.g., the Y direction axis). The connecting portion (513) may be formed to have a thickness (e.g., a Z direction thickness) smaller than that of the cam portion (511) and / or the body portion (512) in order to avoid physical interference with the hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (313) of FIG. 17a). Among the plurality of cam mounts (5112), a first cam mount (5112a) may be formed in an area adjacent to the connecting portion (513). When viewed in a direction (e.g., X direction) substantially perpendicular to a second axis (e.g., the second axis (A2) of FIG. 5) (e.g., Y direction axis), a first cam mountain (5112a) among the plurality of cam mountains (5112) may be positioned so that at least a portion thereof is aligned with the connecting portion (513). For example, when viewed in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the second axis (A2), a first cam mountain (5112a) among the plurality of cam mountains (5112) may be formed so that at least a portion thereof overlaps or is aligned with the connecting portion (513). For example, when viewed in a direction (e.g., X direction) substantially perpendicular to the second axis (A2) (e.g., Y direction axis), the first cam mountain (5112a) and the connecting portion (513) may be formed so that at least a portion of the first cam mountain (5112a) is connected to the body portion (512). For example, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second axis (A2) (e.g., the Y-axis) (e.g., the X-direction), all or part of the planar area of ​​the first camshaft (5112a) may be formed to overlap with or be aligned with the connecting portion (513). For example, the first camshaft (5112a) may be formed substantially integrally with the connecting portion (513).For example, when the valley portions on both sides of the first cam mountain (5112a) are referred to as the first cam valley (5113a) and the second cam valley (5113b), when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second axis (A2) (e.g., the Y-direction axis) (e.g., the X-direction), the first cam valley (5113a) and the second cam valley (5113b) may not overlap or be aligned with the connecting portion (513). For example, the connecting portion (513) may directly connect at least a portion (e.g., the entire planar area) of the first cam mountain (5112a) among the plurality of cam mountains (5112) and the body portion (512). For example, the connecting portion (513) may connect the cam portion (511) and the body portion (512) at a portion (e.g., a portion of the first cam mountain (5112a)) where the width (e.g., the Y-direction width) of the cam portion (511) is the thickest. For example, the first cam valley (5113a) and the second cam valley (5113b) on both sides of the first cam mountain (5112a) may not be directly connected to the connecting portion (513). With this structure, the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the connecting portion (513) may be formed to be relatively thicker than when the connecting portion (513) overlaps or is aligned with the valley area of ​​the cam portion (511). Since the connecting portion (513) is a portion that connects the cam portion (511) and the body portion (512) to each other, stress may be concentrated on the connecting portion (513) during the operation of the hinge assembly (400). By forming the first cam mountain (5112a) and the connecting portion (513) to overlap or be aligned with each other, the width (e.g., Y-direction width) of the connecting portion (513) can be increased. Accordingly, the strength of the connecting portion (513) can be improved, and the phenomenon of the female member (510) being damaged can be reduced.

[0142] In one embodiment, the cam portion (511) may be formed such that the upper region (e.g., +Z direction region) has a smaller distance from the center of the through hole (5111) compared to other regions (e.g., -Z direction region). For example, based on a state in which the hinge assembly (400) is applied to an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (300) of FIG. 17A), the cam portion (511) may be formed such that the first region (e.g., +Z direction region) positioned adjacent to a display (e.g., display (250) of FIG. 17A) has a smaller distance from the center of the through hole (5111) compared to a second region (e.g., -Z direction region) positioned relatively far from the display (250). For example, a first distance (R1) from the center of the through hole (5111) to the first outer edge (P1) of the cam portion (511) positioned adjacent to the display (250) may be formed to be smaller than a second distance (R2) from the center of the through hole (5111) to the second outer edge (P2) of the cam portion (511) positioned farther from the display (250). For example, as in FIG. 7b, when a reference circle (C1) corresponding to the -Z direction region of the cam portion (511) is drawn based on the center of the through hole (5111), the +Z direction region of the cam portion (511) may be positioned inside the reference circle (C1). At least a portion of a cam mountain (e.g., a first cam mountain (5112a) and / or a second cam mountain (5112b)) located in an upper region (e.g., a +Z direction region) among a plurality of cam mountains (5112) may be formed to be smaller in size in the radial direction than other cam mountains (e.g., a third cam mountain (5112c)). For example, based on a state in which the hinge assembly (400) is applied to an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (300) of FIG. 17A), at least a portion of a cam mountain (e.g., a first cam mountain (5112a) and / or a second cam mountain (5112b)) located adjacent to the display (250) among a plurality of cam mountains (5112) may be formed to be smaller in size in the radial direction from the center of the through hole (5111) than other cam mountains (e.g., a third cam mountain (5112c)).For example, the planar area of ​​a cam mountain (e.g., the first cam mountain (5112a) and / or the second cam mountain (5112b)) positioned adjacent to the display (250) among the plurality of cam mountains (5112) may be formed to be smaller in size than the planar area of ​​another cam mountain (e.g., the third cam mountain (5112c)). With this structure, as shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b, interference between the cam section (511) and the display (250) can be prevented, while the cam section (511) can be positioned closer to the display (250). For example, as shown in FIG. 17b, when the electronic device (300) is folded, since there is a gap between the cam section (511) and the display (250), the cam section (511) and the display (250) can be prevented from colliding with each other. Since the cam (511) can be positioned closer to the display (250), the size (e.g., Z-direction thickness) of the hinge assembly (400) and the electronic device (300) having the hinge assembly (400) can be reduced.

[0143] In one embodiment, the connecting portion (513) may be formed at a level equal to or lower (e.g., in the -Z direction) than a tangential reference line (L1) of an upper end (e.g., a +Z direction end) of the cam portion (511). For example, based on a state in which the hinge assembly (400) is applied to an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (300) of FIG. 17A), the connecting portion (513) may be formed at a level equal to or lower (e.g., in the -Z direction) than a reference line (L1) that passes through a point (e.g., a +Z direction end point) of an outer edge (e.g., P1) of the cam portion (511) that is positioned adjacent to a display (e.g., a display (250) of FIG. 17B) and is parallel to the display (250). For example, the connecting portion (513) may be formed at a level equal to or lower (e.g., in the -Z direction) than a tangential reference line (L1) of a second cam mountain (5112b) positioned adjacent to the display (250) among the plurality of cam mountains (5112) (e.g., a reference line (L1) passing through a point of the outer edge of the second cam mountain (5112b) and parallel to the display (250). A recessed portion (5131) may be formed in the connecting portion (513) to avoid interference with the display (250). For example, at least a portion of the connecting portion (513) may be recessed in the -Z direction so that the recessed portion (5131) is formed. The recessed portion (5131) may be a portion for avoiding interference of the connecting portion (513) with the display (250) when the electronic device (300) is folded. According to this structure, as shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b, interference between the connecting portion (513) and the display (250) can be prevented, while the connecting portion (513) can be positioned closer to the display (250). For example, as shown in FIG. 17b, when the electronic device (300) is folded, since there is a gap (e.g., a recessed portion (5131)) between the connecting portion (513) and the display (250), the connecting portion (513) and the display (250) can be prevented from colliding with each other.Since the connecting portion (513) can be positioned closer to the display (250), the size (e.g., Z-direction thickness) of the hinge assembly (400) and the electronic device (300) having the hinge assembly (400) can be reduced.

[0144] In one embodiment, the width (W1) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the connecting portion (513) may be equal to or greater than the width (W3) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the cam portion (511). For example, the minimum width (W3) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the cam portion (511) may be less than or equal to the width (W1) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the connecting portion (513). By forming the width (W1) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the connecting portion (513) relatively large, the rigidity of the connecting portion (513) can be improved. By forming the width (W1) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the connecting portion (513) to be relatively larger than the width (W3) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the cam portion (511), the connecting portion (513) can function as a stopper to prevent the female bracket (e.g., female bracket (520) of FIG. 4) from excessively rotating with respect to the female member (510). For example, the width (W1) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the connecting portion (513) can be about 4 to 5 mm. For example, the width (W1) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the connecting portion (513) can be about 4.6 mm. For example, the minimum width (W3) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the cam portion (511) can be about 2 to 3 mm. For example, the minimum width (W3) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the cam portion (511) can be about 2.2 mm. For example, the width (W2) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the cam portion (511) including the cam mountain (5112) may be about 2.5 to 3.5 mm. For example, the width (W2) (e.g., Y-direction width) of the cam portion (511) including the cam mountain (5112) may be about 2.8 mm. For example, the thickness (D1) (e.g., Z-direction thickness) from the lowest point (e.g., P2) to the highest point (e.g., P1) of the cam portion (511) may be about 3 to 4 mm. For example, the thickness (D1) (e.g., Z-direction thickness) from the lowest point (e.g., P2) to the highest point (e.g., P1) of the cam portion (511) may be about 3.7 mm. For example, the thickness (D2) (e.g., Z-direction thickness) of the connecting portion (513) may be about 0.5 to 1 mm. For example, the thickness (D2) of the connecting portion (513) (e.g., thickness in the Z direction) is about 0.It may be 8 mm. For example, the thickness (D3) (e.g., thickness in the Z direction) of the portion adjacent to the connection portion (513) of the body portion (512) may be about 3 to 4 mm. For example, the thickness (D3) (e.g., thickness in the Z direction) of the portion adjacent to the connection portion (513) of the body portion (512) may be about 3.1 mm. For example, the maximum distance (D4) (e.g., distance in the Z direction) between the tangential reference line (L1) of the highest point (e.g., P1) of the cam portion (511) and the connection portion (513) may be about 0.5 to 1.5 mm. For example, the maximum distance (D4) (e.g., distance in the Z direction) between the tangential reference line (L1) of the highest point (e.g., P1) of the cam portion (511) and the connection portion (513) may be about 0.9 mm. However, this is merely exemplary, and the width and / or thickness of each portion is not limited thereto. For example, if the overall size of the female member (510) is changed, the width and / or thickness of each portion may be changed within a range in which the relative proportions are maintained.

[0145]

[0146] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a female member according to one embodiment.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 8, the arm member (510-4) according to one embodiment may include a cam portion (511), a body portion (512-4), and a connecting portion (513). The cam portion (511) may include a cam mount (5112). For example, the cam mount (5112) may include a first cam mount (5112a), a second cam mount (5112b), and a third cam mount (5112c). The connecting portion (513) may connect the body portion (512-4) and the cam portion (511). The body portion (512-4) may be a portion to which a female bracket (e.g., the female bracket (520) of FIG. 4) is slidably connected. For example, a structure may be formed in the female bracket (520) to allow the body portion (512-4) to be slidably connected. For example, a body part (512-4) may be inserted into the arm bracket (520) to form a slidable recessed rail. By sliding the body part (512-4) along the recessed rail formed in the arm bracket (520), the arm member (510-4) may be able to slide relative to the arm bracket (520).

[0148]

[0149] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a female member according to one embodiment.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 9, the arm member (510-5) according to one embodiment may include a cam member (511), a body member (512-5), a connecting member (513), and a pin member (515). The cam member (511) may include a cam mount (5112). For example, the cam mount (5112) may include a first cam mount (5112a), a second cam mount (5112b), and a third cam mount (5112c). The connecting member (513) may connect the body member (512-5) and the cam member (511). The body member (512-5) may be a portion to which a female bracket (e.g., the female bracket (520) of FIG. 4) is slidably connected. For example, a cut space (5123) may be formed on one side (e.g., the -X direction portion) of the body portion (512-5) by cutting a portion of the body portion (512-5). A pin insertion hole (5124) may be formed on one side (e.g., the -X direction portion) of the body portion (512-5) that penetrates the body portion (512-5) in a direction parallel to a second axis (e.g., the second axis (A2) of FIG. 5) (e.g., the Y direction axis). The pin insertion hole (5124) may penetrate the cut space (5123). A pin member (515) may be inserted into the pin insertion hole (5124). For example, a structure may be formed on an arm bracket (e.g., the arm bracket (520) of FIG. 4) so ​​that the body portion (512-5) is slidably connected. For example, the female bracket (520) may be formed with a cut rail along which the pin member (515) can slide. For example, the pin member (515) may be inserted into the pin insertion hole (5124) while the cut rail formed on the female bracket (520) is positioned in the cut space (5123) of the body portion (512-5). As the pin member (515) slides along the cut rail formed on the female bracket (520), the female member (510-5) may be able to slide relative to the female bracket (520).Meanwhile, the female members (510, 510-4, 510-5) described through FIGS. 7a to 7c, 8 and 9 are exemplary, and in one embodiment, the female member and the female bracket may be slidably connected to each other through various structures.

[0151]

[0152] Figure 10 is a front view of a cam member according to one embodiment.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7C and 10, in one embodiment, the cam member (450) may include a fixed cam portion (451) and a connecting body (452). The fixed cam portion (451) may be formed to substantially correspond to the cam portion (511) of the female member (510). The fixed cam portion (451) may be a portion in which a through hole (4511) and a fixed cam mountain (4512) are formed. The through hole (4511) may be a hole for inserting the shaft (420). The fixed cam mountain (4512) may be formed in a direction (e.g., +Y direction) toward the cam mountain (5112) of the female member (510). For example, the fixed cam mountain (4512) may be formed in a shape substantially the same as or similar to the cam mountain (5112) of the female member (510). The fixed cam mountain (4512) can be formed to have a profile having a first inclined region, a flat region, and a second inclined region. However, this is for convenience of explanation, and the first inclined region, the flat region, and the second inclined region can be curved surfaces that are substantially smoothly connected to each other. The fixed cam mountain (4512) can be formed in plurality. For example, the fixed cam mountain (4512) can include a first fixed cam mountain (4512a), a second fixed cam mountain (4512b), and a third fixed cam mountain (4512c). The plurality of fixed cam mountains (4512) can be formed to be spaced apart from each other along the periphery of the through hole (4511). For example, a valley can be formed substantially between the plurality of fixed cam mountains (4512). Based on the state in which the hinge assembly (400) is fully unfolded or fully folded, the plurality of fixed cam mountains (4512) can be positioned at the valley portions between the plurality of cam mountains (5112) of the female member (510). When the hinge assembly (400) is in an intermediate state, the plurality of fixed cam mountains (4512) can be positioned such that the mountain portions of the plurality of cam mountains (5112) of the female member (510) are in contact with each other. The fixed cam portion (451) can be formed as a pair. For example, the fixed cam portion (451) can include a first fixed cam portion (451a) and a second fixed cam portion (451b).A first shaft (420a) and a second shaft (420b) can be inserted into the first fixed cam portion (451a) and the second fixed cam portion (451b), respectively. The first fixed cam portion (451a) and the second fixed cam portion (451b) can be cam-linked with the cam portion (511) of the first arm member (510a) and the second arm member (510b), respectively. The first fixed cam portion (451a) and the second fixed cam portion (451b) can be connected by a connecting body (452).

[0154] In one embodiment, the fixed cam portion (451) may be formed so that the upper region (e.g., +Z direction region) has a smaller distance from the center of the through hole (4511) than other regions (e.g., -Z direction region). For example, based on a state in which the hinge assembly (400) is applied to an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (300) of FIG. 17a), the fixed cam portion (451) may be formed so that the region (e.g., +Z direction region) adjacent to a display (e.g., display (250) of FIG. 17b) has a smaller distance from the center of the through hole (4511) than other regions (e.g., -Z direction region). For example, as in Fig. 10, when a reference circle (C2) corresponding to the -Z direction region of the fixed cam portion (451) is drawn based on the center of the through hole (4511), the +Z direction region of the fixed cam portion (451) may be located inside the reference circle (C2). At least a part of a region of a fixed cam (e.g., a first fixed cam (4512a) and / or a second fixed cam (4512b)) located in an upper region (e.g., a +Z direction region) among a plurality of fixed cam mountains (4512) may be formed to be smaller in size in the radial direction than another fixed cam mountain (e.g., a third fixed cam (4512c)). For example, at least a portion of a fixed cam mountain (e.g., a first fixed cam mountain (4512a) and / or a second fixed cam mountain (4512b)) positioned adjacent to the display (250) among a plurality of fixed cam mountains (4512) may be formed to have a smaller size in the radial direction from the center of the through hole (4511) than other fixed cam mountains (e.g., a third fixed cam mountain (4512c)). With such a structure, interference between the cam member (450) and the display (250) can be prevented, while the cam member (450) can be positioned closer to the display (250). Since the cam member (450) can be positioned closer to the display (250), the size (e.g., Z-direction thickness) of the hinge assembly (400) and the electronic device (300) including the hinge assembly (400) can be reduced.

[0155]

[0156] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a first arm bracket according to one embodiment.

[0157] Hereinafter, the arm bracket (520) will be described with reference to the first arm bracket (520a) with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7c and FIG. 11. The second arm bracket (520b) may be formed substantially symmetrically with the first arm bracket (520a) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 3).

[0158] In one embodiment, the female bracket (520) may include a female bracket body (521), a first protruding rail (522) and / or a fastener (523).

[0159] In one embodiment, the arm bracket body (521) may be a portion forming the exterior of the arm bracket (520). For example, the arm bracket body (521) may be formed with a first protruding rail (522) and / or at least one fastener (523). The first protruding rail (522) may be interlocked with a first recessed rail (5121) of the arm member (510). By interlocking the first recessed rail (5121) and the first protruding rail (522), the arm bracket (520) may be slidable (e.g., rotatable) with respect to the arm member (510). The first protruding rail (522) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the first recessed rail (5121). For example, the first protruding rail (522) may be formed to protrude in a rail shape in a space in which the arm bracket body (521) is recessed so that the arm member (510) is inserted. The fastening hole (523) may be a hole for connecting the female bracket (520) to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (311) of FIG. 3) or a second housing (e.g., the second housing (312) of FIG. 3).

[0160]

[0161] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a first wing member according to one embodiment.

[0162] Hereinafter, the wing member (610) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIG. 12, with reference to the first wing member (610a). The second wing member (610b) may be formed substantially identically to the first wing member (610a).

[0163] In one embodiment, the wing member (610) may include a wing member body (611), a guide recessed rail (612), a second recessed rail (613), and / or a fastener (614).

[0164] In one embodiment, the wing member body (611) may be a portion forming the exterior of the wing member (610). For example, the wing member body (611) may be formed with a guide recessed rail (612), a second recessed rail (613), and / or at least one fastener (614). The guide recessed rail (612) may be interlocked with the guide protruding rail (413) of the hinge bracket (410). By interlocking the guide recessed rail (612) and the guide protruding rail (413), the wing member (610) may be rotatable with respect to the hinge bracket (410). The guide recessed rail (612) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the guide protruding rail (413). For example, the guide recessed rail (612) may be formed by being recessed into a rail shape at one side portion (e.g., a +X direction portion) of the wing member body (611). The second recessed rail (613) may be configured to allow the wing member (610) and the wing bracket (620) to be slidably connected to each other. The second recessed rail (613) may be linked with the second protruding rail of the wing bracket (620) (e.g., the second protruding rail (622) of FIG. 13). For example, the second recessed rail (613) may be formed to be curved so as to have a curvature. For example, the second recessed rail (613) may include an arc shape centered on the fourth axis (e.g., the fourth axis (A4) of FIG. 5). For example, the second recessed rail (613) may be formed to be recessed into a rail shape in the other side portion (e.g., the -X direction portion) of the wing member body (611). The fastening hole (614) may be a hole for connecting a wing plate (e.g., the wing plate (630) of FIG. 14a) to the wing member (610).

[0165]

[0166] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a first wing bracket according to one embodiment.

[0167] Hereinafter, the wing bracket (620) will be described with reference to the first wing bracket (620a) with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, 12, and 13. The second wing bracket (620b) may be formed substantially symmetrically with the first wing bracket (620a) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 3).

[0168] In one embodiment, the wing bracket (620) may include a wing bracket body (621), a second protruding rail (622) and / or a fastener (623).

[0169] In one embodiment, the wing bracket body (621) may be a portion forming the exterior of the wing bracket (620). For example, the wing bracket body (621) may be formed with a second protruding rail (622) and / or at least one fastener (623). The second protruding rail (622) may be interlocked with a second recessed rail (613) of the wing member (610). By interlocking the second recessed rail (613) and the second protruding rail (622), the wing bracket (620) may be slidable (e.g., rotatable) with respect to the wing member (610). The second protruding rail (622) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the second recessed rail (613). For example, the second protruding rail (622) may be formed by protruding in a rail shape in a space where the wing bracket body (621) is sunken so that the wing member (610) is inserted. The fastening hole (623) may be a hole for connecting the wing bracket (620) to the first housing (e.g., the first housing (311) of FIG. 3) or the second housing (e.g., the second housing (312) of FIG. 3).

[0170]

[0171] FIG. 14a is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 5 in an unfolded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to an embodiment is applied to the electronic device. FIG. 14b is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II of FIG. 5 in a folded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to an embodiment is applied to the electronic device. FIG. 15a is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 5 in an unfolded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to an embodiment is applied to the electronic device. FIG. 15b is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 5 in a folded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to an embodiment is applied to the electronic device.

[0172] Referring to FIGS. 14A to 15B, in one embodiment, the hinge bracket (410) may be fixedly connected to the hinge housing (313). The wing members (610a, 610b) may be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (410) by interlocking the guide protruding rail (413) and the guide recessed rail (612). During the process of folding or unfolding the electronic device (300), the wing members (610a, 610b) may be rotated relative to the hinge bracket (410) along the path of the guide protruding rail (413) and the guide recessed rail (612). The wing plates (630a, 630b) may be connected to the wing members (610a, 610b). The wing plates (630a, 630b) may support the display (250). When the electronic device (300) is fully unfolded and folded, the wing members (610a, 610b) and the wing plates (630a, 630b) can be rotated by more than 90 degrees (e.g., about 105 degrees) with respect to the hinge bracket (410). With this structure, when the electronic device (300) is fully folded, the folding area (253) of the display (250) can be folded in a teardrop shape. By folding the folding area (253) of the display (250) in a teardrop shape when the electronic device (300) is folded, the gap between the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) can be reduced while reducing damage to the folding area (253) of the display (250).

[0173] In one embodiment, the wing brackets (620a, 620b) can be rotatably connected to the wing members (610a, 610b) by the linkage of the second recessed rail (613) and the second protruding rail (622). A first housing (311) and a second housing (312) can be connected to the first wing bracket (620a) and the second wing bracket (620b), respectively. During the process of folding or unfolding the electronic device (300), the wing brackets (620a, 620b) can be rotated relative to the wing members (610a, 610b) along the path of the second recessed rail (613) and the second protruding rail (622). Since the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) are rotated about 90 degrees while the wing members (610a, 610b) are rotated more than 90 degrees when the electronic device (300) is fully folded from a fully unfolded state, the wing brackets (620a, 620b) can be rotated in the opposite direction to the rotational direction of the wing members (610a, 610b) by the difference in angles between the first and second housings (312). For example, when the electronic device (300) is rotated clockwise with respect to the hinge bracket (410) when the first wing member (610a) is rotated clockwise with respect to the hinge bracket (410) during the process of fully folding the electronic device (300) from a fully unfolded state, the first wing bracket (620a) can be rotated counterclockwise with respect to the first wing member (610a).

[0174]

[0175] FIG. 16a is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 5 in an unfolded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to an embodiment is applied to the electronic device. FIG. 16b is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 5 in a folded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to an embodiment is applied to the electronic device. FIG. 17a is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 5 in an unfolded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to an embodiment is applied to the electronic device. FIG. 17b is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 5 in a folded state of the electronic device, based on a state in which a hinge assembly according to an embodiment is applied to the electronic device.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 16A to 17B, when the electronic device (300) is folded or unfolded, the arm member (510a, 510b) can rotate with respect to the hinge bracket (e.g., the hinge bracket (410) of FIG. 14A) together with the shaft (420a, 420b). The rotational motions of the first shaft (420a) and the second shaft (420b) can be linked by the idle gear (440a, 440b). The idle gear (440a, 440b) can rotate with respect to the gear bracket (430) between the first shaft (420a) and the second shaft (420b) to synchronize the rotational motions of the first shaft (420a) and the second shaft (420b) with each other. The arm brackets (520a, 520b) can be rotatably connected to the arm members (510a, 510b) by interlocking the first recessed rail (5121) and the first protruding rail (522). A first housing (311) and a second housing (312) can be connected to the first arm bracket (520a) and the second arm bracket (520b), respectively. During the process of folding or unfolding the electronic device (300), the arm brackets (520a, 520b) can be rotated relative to the arm members (510a, 510b) along the paths of the first recessed rail (5121) and the first protruding rail (522). For example, when the electronic device (300) is fully unfolded and then fully folded, the arm members (510a, 510b) can be rotated less than 90 degrees (e.g., about 85 degrees) with respect to the hinge bracket (410). On the other hand, when the electronic device (300) is fully unfolded and then fully folded, the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) are rotated about 90 degrees, so the arm brackets (520a, 520b) can be rotated in the same direction as the rotational direction of the arm members (510a, 510b) with respect to the arm members (510a, 510b) by the difference in angle.For example, in the process of the electronic device (300) being fully folded from a fully unfolded state, when the first arm member (510a) is rotated clockwise with respect to the hinge bracket (410), the first arm bracket (520a) can be rotated counterclockwise with respect to the first arm member (510a). For example, in the process of the electronic device (300) being fully folded from a fully unfolded state, the wing members (610a, 610b) are rotated more than 90 degrees with respect to the hinge bracket (410), and the arm members (510a, 510b) are rotated less than 90 degrees with respect to the hinge bracket (410). Therefore, the first recessed rail (5121) and the second recessed rail (613) can be formed to have curvatures in opposite directions so that the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) can be rotated about 90 degrees.

[0177] In one embodiment, an elastic member (530a, 530b) may be positioned between the female bracket (520a, 520b) and the female member (510a, 510b). The elastic member (530a, 530b) may be inserted into a space formed in the female bracket (520a, 520b) to press the body part (512) against the female bracket (520a, 520b). For example, the elastic member (530a, 530b) may include a plate spring. The elastic member (530a, 530b) may increase the frictional force between the first recessed rail (5121) and the first protruding rail (522) through the pressing force. The frictional force between the first recessed rail (5121) and the first protruding rail (522) may affect the detent force and / or the free stop force of the hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge assembly (400) of FIG. 4). As described in FIG. 7b, when the planar area of ​​a cam mountain (e.g., the first cam mountain (5112a) and / or the second cam mountain (5112b)) positioned adjacent to the display (250) among the plurality of cam mountains (5112) is formed to be smaller than the planar area of ​​another cam mountain (e.g., the third cam mountain (5112c)), the rotational torque may decrease as the size of the planar area decreases. In this case, the decrease in the rotational torque can be compensated for by increasing the elasticity of the elastic members (530a, 530b). For example, when the pressing force of the elastic members (530a, 530b) is increased, the frictional force between the first depressed rail (5121) and the first protruding rail (522) is increased, so that the detent force and / or the free stop force of the hinge assembly (400) may be increased. When the pressing force of the elastic members (530a, 530b) is increased, in order to distribute the pressing force of the elastic members (530a, 530b), a groove (e.g., a groove (5122) of FIG. 7c) may be formed in the body portion (512) with which the elastic members (530a, 530b) come into contact. For example, the groove (5122) may be formed in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis (e.g., Y direction) of the arm member (510) (e.g., -Z direction).As the groove (5122) is formed in the body portion (512), the ends of the elastic members (530a, 530b) can be in contact with the body portion (512) in at least two areas. With this structure, the pressing force of the elastic members (530a, 530b) can be distributed and applied to the surface of the body portion (512), and the phenomenon of the elastic members (530a, 530b) and / or the body portion (512) being damaged can be reduced.

[0178] In one embodiment, it has been described that the first recessed rail (5121) is formed by being recessed in the arm member (510) and the first protruding rail (522) is formed by being protruded in the arm bracket (520). However, this is merely an example, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, conversely, the rail may be formed by being protruded in the arm member (510) and the rail may be formed by being recessed in the arm bracket (520). In another example, it has been described that the second recessed rail (613) is formed by being recessed in the wing member (610) and the second protruding rail (622) is formed by being protruded in the wing bracket (620). However, this is merely an example, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, conversely, the rail may be formed by being protruded in the wing member (610) and the rail may be formed by being recessed in the wing bracket (620). As another example, it has been described that the guide recessed rail (612) is formed by being recessed in the wing member (610) and the guide protruding rail (413) is formed by being protruded in the hinge bracket (410), but this is exemplary, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, conversely, the rail may be formed by being protruded in the wing member (610) and the rail may be formed by being recessed in the hinge bracket (410). In addition, the structure for sliding the two components relative to each other is not limited to the rail structure, and any structure for sliding the two components relative to each other may be applied (e.g., FIG. 8 or FIG. 9).

[0179]

[0180] Fig. 18 is a front view of a female member according to one embodiment.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 18, a female member (510-1) according to one embodiment may include a cam portion (511-1), a body portion (512-1), and a connecting portion (513-1). For example, the cam portion (511-1), the connecting portion (513-1), and the body portion (512-1) may be positioned and connected along a direction (e.g., the X direction) perpendicular to a second axis (e.g., the second axis (A2) of FIG. 5) (e.g., the Y direction axis). The cam portion (511-1) may include a through hole (5111-1) and a cam mount (5112-1). For example, the cam mount (5112-1) may include a first cam mount (5112a-1), a second cam mount (5112b-1), and a third cam mount (5112c-1). The cam portion (511-1) may be formed so that the upper region (e.g., +Z direction region) has a smaller distance from the center of the through hole (5111-1) compared to other regions (e.g., -Z direction region). For example, based on a state in which a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge assembly (400) of FIG. 4) is applied to an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (300) of FIG. 17A), the cam portion (511-1) may be formed so that the region (e.g., +Z direction region) adjacent to a display (e.g., display (250) of FIG. 17A) has a smaller distance from the center of the through hole (5111-1) compared to other regions (e.g., -Z direction region). For example, as in FIG. 18, when a reference circle (C3) corresponding to the -Z direction region of the cam portion (511-1) is drawn based on the center of the through hole (5111-1), the +Z direction region of the cam portion (511-1) may be located inside the reference circle (C3). For example, the +Z direction region of the cam portion (511-1) may be formed in a substantially planar shape. The connecting portion (513-1) may be formed equal to or lower than a tangential reference line (L2) of the upper end (e.g., +Z direction) of the cam portion (511-1) (e.g., a reference line (L2) that passes through a point (e.g., +Z direction end point) of the outer edge of the cam portion (511-1) adjacent to a display (e.g., display (250) of FIG. 17b) and is parallel to the display (250)).The connecting portion (513-1) may be formed to be equal to or lower than the reference line (L2) of the +Z direction region of the cam portion (511-1) (e.g., -Z direction). The first cam mountain (5112a-1) among the plurality of cam mountains (5112-1) may be formed in a region adjacent to the connecting portion (513-1). When viewed in a direction (e.g., X direction) substantially perpendicular to the second axis (e.g., the second axis (A2) of FIG. 5) (e.g., Y direction axis), the first cam mountain (5112a-1) among the plurality of cam mountains (5112-1) may be formed or positioned to overlap or be aligned with the connecting portion (513-1) in at least a portion thereof. For example, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second axis (A2) (e.g., the Y-direction axis) (e.g., the X-direction), the first camshaft (5112a-1) and the connection portion (513-1) may be formed to overlap with each other or positioned to be aligned so that at least a portion of the first camshaft (5112a-1) is connected to the connection portion (513-1). For example, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second axis (A2) (e.g., the Y-direction axis) (e.g., the X-direction), all or a portion of a planar area of ​​the first camshaft (5112a-1) may be formed to overlap with or positioned to be aligned with the connection portion (513-1). For example, the first camshaft (5112a-1) may be formed to have a larger area than the connection portion (513-1). For example, when viewed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second axis (A2) (e.g., the Y-direction axis) (e.g., the X-direction), the rib portions on both sides of the first cam (5112a-1) may not overlap or be aligned with the connecting portion (513-1). For example, the connecting portion (513-1) may directly connect at least a portion (e.g., the entire planar portion) of the first cam (5112a-1) among the plurality of cams (5112-1) and the body portion (512-1). For example, the connecting portion (513-1) may connect the cam (511-1) and the body portion (512-1) at a portion (e.g., a portion of the first cam (5112a-1)) where the width (e.g., the Y-direction width) of the cam (511-1) is the thickest.For example, the first cam valley and the second cam valley on both sides of the first cam mountain (5112a-1) may not be directly connected to the connecting portion (513-1).

[0182]

[0183] FIG. 19a is a front view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 19b is a partial side view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, the pressing member (460-1) may include a plate spring. The pressing member (460-1) may be positioned between the shaft bracket (470) and the cam member (450). For example, the pressing member (460-1) may have one side (e.g., the -Y direction side) fixedly connected to the shaft bracket (470), and the other side (e.g., the +Y direction side) may be in contact with the cam member (450). The pressing member (460-1) may generate its own elastic force. The pressing member (460-1) may press the cam member (450) toward the cam portion (511) of the arm member (510) by its own elastic force.

[0185]

[0186] FIG. 20 is a front view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment.

[0187] Referring to FIG. 20, the pressing member (460-2) may include an actuator. For example, the pressing member (460-2) may include a motor, and may be provided with a power transmission member (461) for transmitting power of the motor. For example, the motor and the power transmission member (461) may be meshed by a gear. The pressing member (460-2) may generate power for pressing the cam member (450) toward the cam portion (511) of the arm member (510). The power of the pressing member (460-2) may be transmitted to the cam member (450) through the power transmission member (461).

[0188]

[0189] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a cam portion of a female member and a cam member according to one embodiment.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 21, in one embodiment, a cam mount (5112) formed on a cam portion (511) of a female member (510) and a fixed cam mount (4512) formed on a fixed cam portion (451) of a cam member (450) may be positioned to face each other. A planar area (P1) of the cam mount (5112) and a planar area (P2) of the fixed cam mount (4512) may be formed to have a substantially inclined angle. For example, based on a process in which an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (300) of FIG. 3) unfolds from a folded state, the planar area (P1) of the cam mount (5112) and the planar area (P2) of the fixed cam mount (4512) may have an inclined angle such that a second side positioned in the opposite direction is higher than a first side positioned in the unfolding direction. For example, while the electronic device (300) is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state, the cam portion (511) is rotated in a first rotational direction around a second axis (A2), and the flat area of ​​the cam mount (5112) can be formed with an incline so that the second side located in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction is higher than the first side located in the first rotational direction. In the process of unfolding the electronic device (300) from the folded state, since the flat area (P1) of the cam mount (5112) and the flat area (P2) of the fixed cam mount (4512) have an inclined angle and come into contact, the cam mount (5112) and the fixed cam mount (4512) can offset at least a portion of the repulsive force or restoring force generated in the unfolding direction, thereby suppressing the free-stop state's pushing that may occur regardless of the user's intention (e.g., a change in the angle between the first housing (e.g., the first housing (311) of FIG. 3) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing (312) of FIG. 3)). When the electronic device (300) has a specific angled hanging state (or free-stop state), the cam mount (5112) and the fixed cam mount (4512) can be arranged to interlock with each other as illustrated in FIG. 21, thereby offsetting the repulsive force or restoring force that is required to unfold.In Fig. 21, both the Cam Mountain (5112) and the fixed Cam Mountain (4512) are exemplified as structures in which the summit portions of the mountains have an incline, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the incline may be formed only in either the Cam Mountain (5112) or the fixed Cam Mountain (4512).

[0191]

[0192] FIG. 22a is a partial front view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment. FIG. 22b is a perspective view of an arm member according to one embodiment. FIG. 22c is a plan view of an arm member according to one embodiment.

[0193] Referring to FIGS. 22a to 22c, in describing a hinge assembly (400) and an arm member (510-2) according to one embodiment, the contents described through FIGS. 4 to 17b are applied to a range that is not contradictory to each other for substantially the same configuration.

[0194] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) may include a hinge bracket (410), an idle gear (440), a gear bracket (430), an arm member (510-2), and / or a cam member (450). The idle gear (440) may include a first idle gear (440a) and a second idle gear (440b). The arm member (510-2) may include a first arm member (510a-2) and a second arm member (510b-2). Hereinafter, the arm member (510-2) will be described based on the second arm member (510b-2). The first arm member (510a-2) may be formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the second arm member (510b-2) with respect to a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 3).

[0195] In one embodiment, the arm member (510-2) may include a cam structure and a gear structure. For example, the arm member (510-2) may include a cam portion (511), a body portion (512), a connecting portion (513), and a gear portion (514-1). The cam portion (511) may be a portion where a cam mountain (5112) is formed. The body portion (512) may be a portion to which a female bracket (e.g., the female bracket (520) of FIG. 4) is slidably connected. The gear portion (514-1) may be a portion having a gear structure. The gear portion (514-1) may be positioned spaced apart from the cam portion (511). For example, the gear portion (514-1) may be positioned apart from the cam portion (511) toward a surface (e.g., +Y direction) opposite to the surface (e.g., -Y direction) on which the cam mountain (5112) is formed among the surfaces of the cam portion (511). For example, a separation space (S) may be formed between the gear portion (514-1) and the cam portion (511). A through hole (5141) may be formed near the center of the gear portion (514-1) for inserting a shaft (e.g., shaft (420) of FIG. 4). The connecting portion (513) may be a portion that connects the cam portion (511), the gear portion (514-1), and the body portion (512). The cam section (511) and gear section (514-1) may be positioned on one side (e.g., +X direction side) of the connecting section (513), and the body section (512) may be positioned on the other side (e.g., -X direction side) of the connecting section (513).

[0196] In one embodiment, the arm member (510-2) may be arranged such that the gear portion (514-1) engages with the idle gear (440). For example, the gear portion (514-1) of the first arm member (510a-2) may engage with the first idle gear (440a), and the gear portion (514-1) of the second arm member (510b-2) may engage with the second idle gear (440b). In a state where the gear portion (514-1) and the idle gear (440) are engaged with each other, the gear bracket (430) may be positioned in a gap (S) between the gear portion (514-1) and the cam portion (511). According to this structure, instead of forming a gear structure on a shaft (e.g., shaft (420) of FIG. 4), a gear structure can be formed on the female member (510-2) so that the female member (510-2) can be directly linked with the idle gear (440).

[0197]

[0198] Figure 23a is a partial front view of a hinge assembly according to one embodiment. Figure 23b is a perspective view of an arm member according to one embodiment. Figure 23c is a plan view of an arm member according to one embodiment.

[0199] Referring to FIGS. 23a to 23c, in describing a hinge assembly (400) and an arm member (510-3) according to one embodiment, the contents described through FIGS. 4 to 17b are applied to a range that is not contradictory to each other for substantially the same configuration.

[0200] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) may include a hinge bracket (410), an idle gear (440), a gear bracket (430), an arm member (510-3), and / or a cam member (450). The idle gear (440) may include a first idle gear (440a) and a second idle gear (440b). The arm member (510-3) may include a first arm member (510a-3) and a second arm member (510b-3). Hereinafter, the arm member (510-3) will be described with reference to the second arm member (510b-3). The first arm member (510a-3) may be formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the second arm member (510b-3) with respect to a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of FIG. 3).

[0201] In one embodiment, the arm member (510-3) may include a cam structure and a gear structure. For example, the arm member (510-3) may include a cam portion (511), a body portion (512), a connecting portion (513), and a gear portion (514-2). The cam portion (511) may be a portion where a cam mountain (5112) is formed. The body portion (512) may be a portion to which a female bracket (e.g., the female bracket (520) of FIG. 4) is slidably connected. The gear portion (514-2) may be a portion having a gear structure. The gear portion (514-2) may be connected to the cam portion (511). For example, the gear portion (514-2) may be formed substantially integrally with the cam portion (511). For example, the gear portion (514-2) may be formed to be connected to the cam portion (511) on a side (e.g., +Y direction) opposite to the side (e.g., -Y direction) on which the cam mountain (5112) is formed among the surfaces of the cam portion (511). A through hole (5141) may be formed near the center of the gear portion (514-2) for inserting a shaft (e.g., shaft (420) of FIG. 4). The connecting portion (513) may be a portion that connects the cam portion (511), the gear portion (514-2), and the body portion (512). The cam portion (511) and the gear portion (514-2) may be positioned on one side (e.g., +X direction side) of the connecting portion (513), and the body portion (512) may be positioned on the other side (e.g., -X direction side) of the connecting portion (513).

[0202] In one embodiment, the arm member (510-3) may be arranged such that the gear portion (514-2) engages with the idle gear (440). For example, the gear portion (514-2) of the first arm member (510a-3) may engage with the first idle gear (440a), and the gear portion (514-2) of the second arm member (510b-3) may engage with the second idle gear (440b). With the gear portion (514-2) and the idle gear (440) engaged with each other, a gear bracket (430) may be positioned in the space between the first arm member (510a-3) and the second arm member (510b-3). For example, the thickness (e.g., Y-direction thickness) of the gear portion (514-2) may be formed to be greater than the thickness (e.g., Y-direction thickness) of the idle gear (440), and the gear bracket (430) may be positioned in the space between the gear portion (514-2) of the first arm member (510a-3) and the gear portion (514-2) of the second arm member (510b-3). With this structure, instead of forming a gear structure on a shaft (e.g., shaft (420) of FIG. 4), the gear structure may be formed on the arm member (510-3) so that the arm member (510-3) can be directly coupled with the idle gear (440).

[0203]

[0204] In one embodiment, an electronic device (300) includes a display (250) including a first region (251), a second region (252), and a folding region (253) between the first region (251) and the second region (252), a first housing (311) supporting the first region (251), a second housing (312) supporting the second region (252), and a hinge assembly (400) connecting the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) and operating between a folded state in which the first region (251) and the second region (252) face each other and an unfolded state in which the first region (251) and the second region (252) do not face each other. The hinge assembly (400) may include a hinge bracket (410), a shaft (420) rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (410), an arm member (510) connected to the shaft (420) so as to rotate integrally with the shaft (420) with respect to the hinge bracket (410), a cam member (450) inserted into the shaft (420) so as to be cam-linked with the arm member (510), a pressing member (460) that presses the cam member (450) toward the arm member (510), and an arm bracket (520) slidably connected to the arm member (510) and connected to the first housing (311) or the second housing (312). The above-described female member (510) may include a cam portion (511) having a plurality of cam mountains (5112) formed along the circumference of a through hole (5111) through which the shaft (420) passes, a body portion (512) to which the female bracket (520) is slidably connected, and a connecting portion (513) connecting the cam portion (511) and the body portion (512). When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft (420), at least a portion of a first cam mountain (5112a) among the plurality of cam mountains (5112) may be positioned to be aligned with the connecting portion (513). Through this, the strength of the connecting portion can be strengthened, thereby reducing the occurrence of damage to the female member.

[0205] In one embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft (420), the planar area of ​​the first camshaft (5112a) may be positioned to align with the connecting portion (513). This further enhances the strength of the connecting portion, thereby minimizing damage to the female member.

[0206] In one embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft (420), the first cam valley (5113a) and the second cam valley (5113b) adjacent to both ends of the first cam mountain (5112a) may be positioned so as not to be aligned with the connecting portion (513). Accordingly, the width of the connecting portion (513) can be increased, thereby further increasing the strength of the connecting portion (513) and further reducing the occurrence of damage to the arm member (510).

[0207] In one embodiment, a first distance (R1) from the center of the through hole (5111) to the first outer edge (P1) of the cam portion (511) positioned adjacent to the display (250) may be formed to be smaller than a second distance (R2) from the center of the through hole (5111) to the second outer edge (P2) of the cam portion (511) positioned farther from the display (250). Through this, the size of the hinge assembly (400) and the electronic device (300) including the hinge assembly (400) can be reduced.

[0208] In one embodiment, the second cam mount (5112b) positioned adjacent to the display (250) among the plurality of cam mounts (5112) may be formed to have a smaller planar area size than the other cam mounts (5112c). This allows for the flexible configuration and use of various cam mounts to cope with various levels of concentrated pressure.

[0209] In one embodiment, the connecting portion (513) may pass through a point on the outer edge (P1) of the cam portion (511) positioned adjacent to the display (250) and may be positioned equal to or lower than a reference line (L1) parallel to the display (250).

[0210] In one embodiment, a recessed portion (5131) may be formed in the connecting portion (513) to avoid interference between the connecting portion (513) and the display (250) when the electronic device (300) is folded.

[0211] In one embodiment, when the electronic device (300) is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state, and the cam portion (511) is rotated in a first rotational direction, the flat area of ​​the cam mountain (5112) may be formed with an incline such that the second side located in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction is higher than the first side located in the first rotational direction.

[0212] In one embodiment, the width of the cam portion (511) may be smaller than or equal to the width of the connecting portion (513).

[0213] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) may further include an elastic member (530) positioned between the arm bracket (520) and the arm member (510) to press the body portion (512) against the arm bracket (520).

[0214] In one embodiment, a groove (5122) may be formed in the body portion (512) so that the elastic member (530) comes into contact with the body portion (512) in at least two areas.

[0215] In one embodiment, the hinge assembly (400) may further include a wing member (610) rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (410), and a wing bracket (620) slidably connected to the wing member (610) and connected to the first housing (311) or the second housing (312).

[0216] In one embodiment, the wing member (610) may include a second recessed rail (613) to which the wing bracket (620) is slidably connected.

[0217] In one embodiment, the electronic device (300) may further include a wing plate (630) that supports the first area (251) or the second area (252) of the display (250) and is connected to the wing member (610).

[0218] In one embodiment, the body portion (512) may be formed with a first recessed rail (5121) to which the arm bracket (520) is slidably connected.

[0219] In one embodiment, the electronic device (300) includes a housing (310) including a first housing (311) and a second housing (312), a display (250) accommodated in the first housing (311) and the second housing (312), and a hinge assembly (400) positioned on one surface of the display (250) and connected to the first housing (311) and the second housing (312). The hinge assembly (400) may include a wing member (610) configured to rotate around a first axis (A1), and an arm member (510) configured to rotate around a second axis (A2) different from the first axis (A1). The above-described female member (510) may include a body portion (512), a cam portion (511) having a cam mount (5112) formed on a surface facing parallel to the second axis (A2), and a connecting portion (513) positioned between the body portion (512) and the cam portion (511) and having a thickness thinner than the thickness of the body portion (512) and the thickness of the cam portion (511). The cam mount (5112) may be positioned so as to be aligned with the connecting portion (513) in a direction perpendicular to the second axis in a region adjacent to the connecting portion (513) among the surfaces of the cam portion (511). Through this, the strength of the connecting portion can be strengthened, thereby reducing the occurrence of damage to the female member.

[0220] In one embodiment, the camshaft (5112) may include a planar region. When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second axis (A2), the entire planar region may be positioned to overlap the connecting portion (513). This further enhances the strength of the connecting portion, thereby minimizing damage to the female member.

[0221] In one embodiment, a first cam valley (5113a) and a second cam valley (5113b) adjacent to both ends of the cam mountain (5112) may be formed on the surface of the cam portion (5111). When viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second axis (A2), each of the first cam valley (5113a) and the second cam valley (5113b) may be positioned so as not to overlap the connecting portion (513).

[0222] In one embodiment, while the electronic device (300) changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the cam portion (511) can be rotated in a first rotational direction around the second axis (A2). The flat area of ​​the cam mount (5112) can be formed with an incline such that the second side located in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction is higher than the first side located in the first rotational direction.

[0223] In one embodiment, the width of the cam portion (511) may be smaller than or equal to the width of the connecting portion (513).

Claims

1. In an electronic device (300), A display (250) including a first region (251), a second region (252), and a folding region (253) between the first region (251) and the second region (252); A first housing (311) supporting the first region (251); A second housing (312) supporting the second region (252); and It includes a hinge assembly (400) that connects the first housing (311) and the second housing (312) and operates between a folded state in which the first region (251) and the second region (252) face each other and an unfolded state in which the first region (251) and the second region (252) do not face each other. The above hinge assembly (400) is Hinge bracket (410); A shaft (420) rotatably connected to the above hinge bracket (410); An arm member (510) connected to the shaft (420) so as to rotate integrally with the shaft (420) with respect to the hinge bracket (410); A cam member (450) inserted into the shaft (420) to be interlocked with the cam member (510); A pressing member (460) that presses the cam member (450) toward the above-mentioned female member (510); and It includes a female bracket (520) that is slidably connected to the female member (510) and connected to the first housing (311) or the second housing (312), The above cancer absence (510) is A cam section (511) having a plurality of cam mountains (5112) formed along the circumference of a through hole (5111) through which the shaft (420) passes; A body part (512) to which the above-mentioned female bracket (520) is slidably connected; and It includes a connecting part (513) connecting the above cam part (511) and the body part (512), An electronic device (300), wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft (420), at least a portion of a first camshaft (5112a) among the plurality of camshafts (5112) is positioned to be aligned with the connecting portion (513).

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device (300), wherein a flat area of ​​the first camshaft (5112a) is positioned so as to be aligned with the connecting portion (513) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft (420).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, An electronic device (300), wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the shaft (420), the first cam valley (5113a) and the second cam valley (5113b) adjacent to both ends of the first cam mountain (5112a) are positioned so as not to be aligned with the connecting portion (513).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, An electronic device (300), wherein a first distance (R1) from the center of the through hole (5111) to the first outer edge (P1) of the cam portion (511) positioned adjacent to the display (250) is formed smaller than a second distance (R2) from the center of the through hole (5111) to the second outer edge (P2) of the cam portion (511) positioned farther from the display (250).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, An electronic device (300), wherein the second cam mount (5112b) positioned adjacent to the display (250) among the plurality of cam mounts (5112) is formed to have a smaller size of the flat area than the other cam mounts (5112c).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The electronic device (300) wherein the above connecting portion (513) passes through a point of the outer edge (P1) of the cam portion (511) positioned adjacent to the display (250) and is positioned equal to or lower than a reference line (L1) parallel to the display (250).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, An electronic device (300) in which a recessed portion (5131) is formed in the above connecting portion (513) to avoid interference between the connecting portion (513) and the display (250) when the electronic device (300) is folded.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, An electronic device (300), wherein when the cam portion (511) is rotated in the first rotational direction while the electronic device (300) is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state, the flat area of ​​the cam mountain (5112) is formed with an incline such that the second side located in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction is higher than the first side located in the first rotational direction.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, An electronic device (300) wherein the width of the above cam portion (511) is smaller than or equal to the width of the above connecting portion (513).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, An electronic device (300), wherein the hinge assembly (400) further includes an elastic member (530) positioned between the arm bracket (520) and the arm member (510) to press the body part (512) against the arm bracket (520).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, An electronic device (300) in which a groove (5122) is formed in the body portion (512) so that the elastic member (530) comes into contact with the body portion (512) in at least two areas.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above hinge assembly (400) is A wing member (610) rotatably connected to the above hinge bracket (410); and An electronic device (300) further comprising a wing bracket (620) slidably connected to the wing member (610) and connected to the first housing (311) or the second housing (312).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, An electronic device (300), wherein the wing member (610) includes a second sunken rail (613) to which the wing bracket (620) is slidably connected.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, An electronic device (300) further comprising a wing plate (630) supporting the first area (251) or the second area (252) of the display (250) and connected to the wing member (610).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, An electronic device (300) in which a first recessed rail (5121) is formed on the body portion (512) to enable the arm bracket (520) to be slidably connected.

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