Electronic device comprising hinge assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a portable electronic device and variants thereof, the portable electronic device comprising: a housing in which at least a part of a display is disposed; a hinge assembly which is coupled to the housing; and a pressure structure which presses, in one direction, at least one shaft included in the hinge assembly.

Description

Electronic device comprising a hinge assembly

[0001] Various embodiments of the present document relate to an electronic device comprising at least one hinge assembly.

[0002] Portable electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, notebooks, slate PCs, or laptops, can support calling functions and various content offering functions based on various applications. During the process of supporting these functions, the portable electronic device can display at least one screen corresponding to each function. When utilizing the aforementioned functions, users may desire a wider screen. In general, when attempting to expand the display for screen display in portable electronic devices, the overall size of the electronic device must increase, which can reduce portability. Accordingly, portable electronic devices with foldable displays have been developed to increase the screen size while maintaining portability. The portable electronic device may include multiple housings capable of supporting individual areas of the display when unfolded, and a hinge structure (or hinge assembly) connecting the multiple housings. The hinge structure can connect the multiple housings while the multiple housings are in a folded or unfolded state, and can support the device to be held at a specific angle.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background information to aid in understanding this document. None of the above is claimed to be prior art related to this document or can be used to determine prior art.

[0004] According to various embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device includes a flexible display, a housing for accommodating the flexible display, and a hinge assembly coupled to the housing, wherein the hinge assembly includes a first gear shaft, a second gear shaft, a first support member including a first opening and a second opening, and a second support member including a third opening and a fourth opening, wherein the first support member and the second support member are disposed adjacent to each other in a state in which the first gear shaft is inserted through the first opening and the third opening and in a state in which the second gear shaft is inserted through the second opening and the fourth opening, and the first opening partially overlaps the third opening, so that the first gear shaft contacts an edge portion defining the first opening in a first direction while contacting an edge portion defining the third opening in a second direction different from the first direction, and the second opening partially overlaps the fourth opening, so that the second gear shaft defines the second opening in the first direction. The edge portion may be in contact with the edge portion and may be partially in contact with the edge defining the fourth opening in the second direction.

[0005] Other, various embodiments are disclosed.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an unfolded and folded state of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of an exploded perspective view of a part of a configuration of an unfolded state of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example of an exploded perspective view of a hinge structure according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4 is a drawing showing an example of irregular gap formation due to the flow of shafts.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gear bracket according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a separated form of a gear bracket according to one embodiment.

[0012] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing an example of the contact state and sliding form of the first sub-gear bracket and the second sub-gear bracket.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section of a coupled state of a first linkage gear and a gear bracket according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an example of the arrangement of shafts and gear shafts according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of a modified gear bracket according to one embodiment.

[0016] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing another example of a structure of a gear bracket according to one embodiment.

[0017] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing another example of another structure of a gear bracket according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an example of at least a portion of a configuration of a hinge structure according to one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 14 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section cut along the A3-A3` cutting line of Figure 13.

[0020] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing an example of a shaft pressurization structure according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 16 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section cut along the A4-A4` cutting line of Figure 15.

[0022] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing another example of a shaft pressurization structure according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 18 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section cut along the A5-A5` cutting line of Figure 17.

[0024] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an example of another arrangement of a gear bracket according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an electronic device (2001) within a network environment (2000), according to various embodiments.

[0026] Hereinafter, various embodiments of this document are described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] For example, a portable electronic device (or portable communication device, or foldable electronic device) according to various embodiments of the present document may include a hinge structure (or hinge assembly) having a linkage structure using at least one gear, a shaft having a gear formed thereon, and a gear bracket for fixing the shaft. When a user grips a plurality of housings coupled by the hinge structure and performs a folding or unfolding operation, a difference in movement of the plurality of housings may occur depending on the form of pressure applied during the folding or unfolding operation. A foldable electronic device including a plurality of housings may experience a linkage error during the folding or unfolding process. The linkage error may cause a user to feel looseness during a free-play operation or a multi-stage operation (e.g., an operation of maintaining a plurality of hanging angles or a range of hanging angles) of the foldable electronic device, or may cause a deterioration in quality due to movement. As an example, a gear bracket that secures a gear (or main gear) formed on a shaft and a linkage gear (or idle gear) connected to the gear may include holes (or openings, or openings) with gaps between the shafts on which the gears are formed, since rotation of the gears is required. These gaps may cause movement of the gears. In one embodiment, a device is provided that can support more robust gear operation by reducing the above-described gap or reducing movement of the shafts on which the gears are formed.

[0028] Other intended purposes according to the embodiments of the present disclosure will be mentioned as needed in the process of explaining each embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an unfolded and folded state of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of an exploded perspective view of a part of a unfolded state of a portable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a portable electronic device (100) (or a foldable electronic device, or an electronic device, a portable electronic device) according to an embodiment may include a housing (e.g., housings including a first housing (110) and a second housing (120)), a display (160) (e.g., a flexible display), a hinge structure (200a, 200b) (or a hinge structure, a hinge, a hinge assembly, a gear assembly), and a hinge housing (150) in which at least a portion of the hinge structure (200a, 200b) is disposed on the inside. For example, at least one of a modem, a transceiver, an antenna for cellular communication, an antenna for short-range communication, and a wireless charging coil may be accommodated in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120) of the portable electronic device (100).

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a flat state, an unfolded state, or an unfolded state of a portable electronic device (100), and a perspective view of a folded state, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of some components of the portable electronic device (100) in an unfolded state. Additionally or alternatively, the portable electronic device (100) may further include a first cover (110r) covering the rear side of the first housing (110) and a second cover (120r) covering the rear side of the second housing (120). Alternatively, a separate auxiliary display may be further arranged on the rear side of at least one of the rear side of the first housing (110) and the rear side of the second housing (120). When a separate auxiliary display is arranged, at least one of the first cover (110r) and the second cover (120r) may be arranged or formed in a form that surrounds the auxiliary display.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (150) may be a part of the first housing (110) or the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the first housing (110), the second housing (120) and the hinge housing (150) may be a part of one housing. According to one embodiment, the first cover (110r), the second cover (120r) and the hinge housing (150) may be a part of one housing. According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) may be arranged continuously with the second housing (120) depending on the arrangement state (e.g., when the center portion (160c) of the display (160) is flattened or when the housings are in an unfolded state) or may be arranged parallel to the second housing (120). Alternatively, when the center portion (160c) of the display (160) is folded, one side of the first housing (110) may be arranged to face one side of the second housing (120).

[0033] The first housing (110) may be formed, for example, at least in part of a metal material (or formed entirely of a metal material), or at least in part of a non-metal material (or formed entirely of a non-metal material). For example, the first housing (110) may be formed of a material having a certain rigidity to support at least a part of the display (160). At least a part of the front portion of the first housing (110) may be arranged with a region of the display (160) (e.g., an upper portion (160a) (or an area in the x-axis direction, the first area) and a part of the center portion (160c) of the display (160). At least a part of the first housing (110) may be coupled with the upper portion (160a) of the display (160) (e.g., coupled or adhered to at least a part of the rear surface (e.g., a surface opposite to a direction in which the display (160) is viewed) of the upper portion (160a). Alternatively, at least a portion of the front edge (e.g., one side facing the z-axis direction) of the first housing (110) may surround an edge of an upper portion (160a) of the display (160) and be coupled (or arranged, or adhered) to at least a portion of the upper portion (160a) of the display (160). Alternatively, one upper portion of the front edge of the first housing (110) may be coupled (or adhered, or arranged adjacent to) one upper portion (160a) of the display (160). In this regard, an adhesive layer (or adhesive member, adhesive material, adhesive tape) may be arranged on at least a portion between the first housing (110) and the upper portion (160a) of the display (160). At least a portion of the inside of the first housing (110) is provided in a hollow form or is provided in a hollow form while being combined with the first cover, so that electronic elements required for driving the display (160) (e.g., elements such as a printed circuit board, at least one processor arranged on the printed circuit board, at least one memory, and a battery) can be arranged.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the edge ends of the first housing (110) (e.g., the three edge ends excluding the edge facing the second housing (120)) may protrude from the bottom surface of the center of the housing by a specified height so as to surround at least one edge of the display (160). Alternatively, side walls may be arranged on at least one portion of the edge ends of the first housing (110), at least a portion of which faces the edge of the display (160). The side walls formed on at least a portion of the edge of the first housing (110) may be formed with a specified height from the three edges excluding the edge facing the second housing (120). The edge portion of the first housing (110) facing the second housing (120) may include a sunken portion having at least a certain curvature so that at least a portion of the hinge housing (150) and at least a portion of the hinge structure (200a, 200b) (or hinge structure) adjacent to (or seated on) the hinge housing (150) may be arranged. For example, when the portable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (110) may include at least one first step portion (111) on the edge portion facing the second housing (120) so that at least a portion of the first hinge structure (200a) and the second hinge structure (200b) are adjacently arranged (or seated on).

[0035] According to various embodiments, the second housing (120) may be arranged parallel to the first housing (110) or may be arranged so that at least one side faces one side of the first housing (110) (e.g., the side on which the display (160) is arranged). The second housing (120) may be made of the same material as the first housing (110). For example, at least a portion of the second housing (120) may be formed of a metallic material, and at least a portion of the remaining portion may be formed of a non-metallic material (e.g., an injection-molded material). Alternatively, the entire second housing (120) may be formed of a metallic material or a non-metallic material. The second housing (120) may be arranged in a form symmetrical left-right or up-down with respect to the first housing (110), so that it may be arranged to support at least a portion of the remaining area of ​​the area of ​​the display (160) arranged in the first housing (110) on the front side (e.g., the lower portion (160b) (or the second area in the -x-axis direction) and the other side of the center portion (160c) of the display (160). At least a portion of the second housing (120) may be bonded to the lower portion (160b) of the display (160) (or bonded to at least a portion of the rear surface (the surface in the -z-axis direction) of the lower portion (160b)). Alternatively, the front edge of the second housing (120) may be bonded to the lower portion (160b) edge of the display (160). Alternatively, one side of the front of the second housing (120) (or at least a portion of the lower part of the front of the second housing (120)) may be adhered to one side of the lower part (160b) of the display (160) (or at least a portion of the lower part (160b) of the display (160). In this regard, an adhesive layer may be disposed on at least a portion between the second housing (120) and the lower part (160b) of the display (160). At least a portion of the inner side of the second housing (120) may be provided in a hollow form similar to the first housing (110), or may be provided in a hollow form while being combined with the second cover (120r) so that electronic elements necessary for driving the display (160) may be disposed.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the edge ends of the second housing (120) (e.g., the three edge ends excluding the edge facing the first housing (110)) may protrude a specified height from the bottom surface of the center of the second housing (120) to surround the other edge of the display (160). Alternatively, at least one portion of the edge ends of the second housing (120) may be provided with side walls that at least partially face the edge of the display (160), similar to the side walls formed on the first housing (110). The side walls formed on at least a portion of the edge of the second housing (120) may be formed with a specified height from the three edges excluding the edge facing the first housing (110).

[0037] When the portable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, a portion of the second housing (120) facing the first housing (110) may include a sunken portion having at least a certain curvature so that the hinge housing (150) and the hinge structures (200a, 200b) at least partially adjacent to (or seated on) the hinge housing (150) may be positioned. For example, the second housing (120) may include at least one second step portion (121) at an edge portion facing the first housing (110) so that at least a portion of the first hinge structure (200a) and the second hinge structure (200b) are adjacent to (or seated on).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the portable electronic device (100) may be disposed on one side of the first housing (110) or the second housing (120) and may include at least one sensor related to the operation of a specific function of the portable electronic device (100). The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris sensor, an image sensor (or a camera), or a fingerprint sensor. According to one embodiment, different components may be disposed in each of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). For example, the camera may be disposed only on the first housing (110) side, and the short-range communication antenna may be disposed only on the second housing (120) side.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the hinge housing (150) may be covered by one side of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) (e.g., when the housings are in an unfolded state) or exposed to the outside (e.g., when the housings are in a folded state) depending on the folded or unfolded state of the portable electronic device (100). For example, as in FIG. 1, when the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are arranged in parallel (or when the housings (110, 120) are in an unfolded state), the hinge housing (150) may be covered by the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). When one side of the first housing (110) and one side of the second housing (120) are arranged to face each other (or when the housings (110, 120) are in a folded state), the hinge housing (150) may be arranged so that at least a portion of one edge of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) (e.g., the edge where the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) face each other in the unfolded state) is exposed to the outside.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the display (160) may be provided with at least a portion that is flexible. According to one embodiment, the display (160) may include an upper portion (160a) or a first region disposed on the first housing (110), a lower portion (160b) or a second region disposed on the second housing (120), and a central portion (160c) or a central region where the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are adjacent. According to one embodiment, the entire display (160) may be flexible. Alternatively, at least a portion of the central portion (160c) of the display (160) may be provided with flexibility. The central portion (160c) of the display (160) may be arranged such that the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are not adhered to each other. For example, the center portion (160c) of the display (160) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the front surfaces of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). The upper portion (160a) of the display (160) may be coupled (or bonded, or disposed adjacent to, or disposed to be in contact with) at least a portion of the first housing (110), and the lower portion (160b) of the display (160) may be coupled with at least a portion of the second housing (120). In this regard, an adhesive layer may be disposed in at least a portion of the display (160) and the first housing (110), and an adhesive layer (an adhesive layer disposed at a different position from the adhesive layer that contacts at least a portion of the upper portion (160a) of the display (160) and the first housing (110)) may be disposed in at least a portion of the display (160) and the second housing (120). The adhesive layer disposed on the first housing (110) and the adhesive layer disposed on the second housing (120) may be disposed only on the edges of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the hinge structures (200a, 200b) may include a first hinge structure (200a) and a second hinge structure (200b). In the illustrated drawing, two first hinge structures (200a) and two second hinge structures (200b) are arranged on the hinge housing (150), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and three or more hinge structures may be arranged on the hinge housing (150) as needed.

[0042] According to one embodiment, a plurality of hinge structures (200a and 200b) may be arranged along the central portion (160c) of the display (160). According to one embodiment, among the plurality of hinge structures (200a and 200b) arranged along the central portion (160c) of the display (160), at least some of the hinge structures (200a and 200b) may have a different shape / structure or different components than other hinge structures (200a and 200b).

[0043] The above first hinge structure (200a) may be placed on one side of the hinge housing (150) (e.g., the left side based on the vertical center line of the foldable electronic device in the illustrated drawing). The first hinge structure (200a) is coupled to one side of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) (e.g., when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, in an area where the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are arranged adjacent to each other, both sides of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120)) and can rotate within a specified range based on the long axis of the hinge housing (150) (or at least a portion of the center (160c) where the display (160) is folded). The first hinge structure (200a) can be arranged symmetrically with the second hinge structure (200b) based on the center of the hinge housing (150). The first hinge structure (200a) includes at least one shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and may include a fixing structure that temporarily or elastically fixes the shaft. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one shaft may have a gear. It can be arranged, and accordingly, the first hinge structure (200a) can include at least a shaft, a gear arranged on the shaft, and a fixing structure for fixing the shaft.

[0044] The second hinge structure (200b) may be arranged on the other side of the hinge housing (150) (e.g., the left side based on the vertical center line of the foldable electronic device in the illustrated drawing). The second hinge structure (200b) is coupled to the other side of the first housing (110) (e.g., the left side based on the vertical center line of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an imaginary line connecting the x-axis and the -x-axis and crossing the center of the display (160))) and the other side of the second housing (120) (e.g., the left side based on the vertical center line of the foldable electronic device), and may rotate within a specified range based on the horizontal axis of the hinge housing (150). The second hinge structure (200b) may be arranged symmetrically with the first hinge structure (200a) based on the center of the hinge housing (150). This second hinge structure (200b) has the same structure and configuration as the first hinge structure (200a), but may be arranged at a different location. The second hinge structure (200b) may include at least one shaft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and may include a fixing structure that temporarily or elastically fixes the shaft. Additionally or alternatively, a gear may be arranged on the at least one shaft, and thus the second hinge structure (200b) may include at least the shaft, the gear arranged on the shaft, and the fixing structure that fixes the shaft. According to an embodiment, the shaft pressurizing structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be arranged on at least one (or all of the hinge structures) of the first and second hinge structures (200a, 200b). Alternatively, when the portable electronic device (100) includes a plurality of hinge structures, the shaft pressurizing structure may be applied to only some of the hinge structures among the plurality of hinge structures.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the portable electronic device (100) is arranged such that the wing plates (131, 132) are placed on at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) or are combined with at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) so as to cover at least one surface in the z-axis direction of the at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) when the portable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state. The wing plates (131, 132) may be provided in a form separate from the housings (110, 120). Accordingly, a gap may be formed between the wing plates (131, 132) and the housings (110, 120). According to one embodiment, the housings (110, 120) may be provided with grooves in which the wing plates (131, 132) may be placed. The wing plates (131, 132) may be arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z-axis direction) of the third region (160c) (or the center) of the display (160). The wing plates (131, 132) may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise according to the hinge operation of at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b). For example, while the first wing plate (131) rotates counterclockwise, the second wing plate (132) may rotate clockwise, and while the first wing plate (131) rotates clockwise, the second wing plate (132) may rotate counterclockwise. The first wing plate (131) can support a flat first surface of the third region (160c) of the display (160) that folds into a dumbbell shape (or a water drop shape), and the second wing plate (132) can support a flat second surface (a surface symmetrical to the first surface with respect to the z-axis) of the third region (160c) of the display (160) that folds into a dumbbell shape.According to one embodiment, a structure including a first hinge structure (200a), a second hinge structure (200b), a first wing plate (131), and a second wing plate (132) may be referred to as a hinge structure, a hinge, a hinge assembly, or a gear assembly.

[0046] Fig. 3 is a drawing showing an example of an exploded perspective view of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. The hinge structure 201 shown in Fig. 3 may correspond to either the first hinge structure (200a) or the second hinge structure (200b) described above in Fig. 2, or both.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the hinge structure (201) (or gear assembly) may include a fixed bracket (213), a first rotation member (211), a second rotation member (212), a first arm member (221), a second arm member (222), a first link member (215), a second link member (216), a third link member (223), and a fourth link member (224).

[0048] The above fixed bracket (213) may include, for example, a first rail (213a1) (or a first rail structure inserted into the rail) and a second rail (213a2) (or a second rail structure inserted into the rail).

[0049] The first rotating member (211) can rotate about a first axis (11) (e.g., an imaginary axis in the x-axis direction different from the first shaft (231). The first rotating member (211) (or first rotating structure, first rotating part, first rotating body) can include, for example, a first rotating body (211_3), a first rail structure (211_1) (or a first rail into which the rail structure is inserted), and a second rail structure (211_2) (or a second rail into which the rail structure is inserted).

[0050] The second rotating member (212) can rotate around a second axis (12) (or a second virtual axis that is different from the second shaft (232) and is formed parallel to the first axis (11). The second rotating member (212) (or second rotating structure, second rotating part, second rotating body) may include, for example, a second rotating body (212_3), a third rail structure (212_1) (or a third rail inserted into a rail), and a fourth rail structure (212_2) (or a fourth rail inserted into a rail).

[0051] The first arm member (221) can rotate about the center of the first shaft (231) (or the first central axis of the shaft, or the third axis). The first arm member (221) (or the first arm portion, or the first arm structure, or the first arm) may include, for example, a first arm body (221_3), a first arm portion (221_1), and a second arm portion (221_2).

[0052] The second arm member (222) can rotate about the center of the second shaft (232) (or the second central axis of the second shaft, or the fourth axis). The second arm member (222) (or the second arm portion, or the second arm structure, or the second arm) may include, for example, a second arm body (222_3), a third arm portion (222_1), and a fourth arm portion (222_2).

[0053] The first link member (215) can fix the first rotation member (211) to the first housing (110 of FIG. 2) and support the rotational motion (or sliding motion) of the first rotation member (211). The first link member (215) can include, for example, a first link body (215_3), an eleventh link side wall (215_1), a twelfth link side wall (215_2), and a first link connecting portion (215_4).

[0054] The second link member (216) can fix the second rotation member (212) to the second housing (120 in FIG. 2) and support the rotational motion (or sliding motion) of the second rotation member (212). The second link member (216) can include, for example, a second link body (216_3), a twenty-first link side wall (216_1), a twenty-second link side wall (216_2), and a second link connecting portion (216_4).

[0055] The third link member (223) can fix the first arm member (221) to the first housing (110 in FIG. 2) and support the rotational motion (or sliding motion) of the first arm member (221). The third link member (223) may include, for example, a third link body (223_3), a 31st link side wall (223_1), a 32nd link side wall (223_2), and a third link connecting portion (223_4). The first link member (215) and the third link member (223) may be integrated.

[0056] The fourth link member can fix the second arm member (222) to the second housing (120 in FIG. 2) and support the rotational motion (or sliding motion) of the second arm member (222). The fourth link member (224) can include, for example, a fourth link body (224_3), a 41st link side wall (224_1), a 42nd link side wall (224_2), and a fourth link connecting portion (224_4). The second link member (216) and the fourth link member (224) can be integrated.

[0057] At least some of the components of the hinge structure (201) described above (e.g., at least some of the first to fourth link members (215, 216, 223, 224)) may be omitted. For example, the first rotation member (211) and the second rotation member (212) may be directly coupled to the housings (110, 120 of FIG. 2), and the arm members (221, 222) may be coupled to the rotation members (211, 212) and rotate in response to the rotation of the rotation members (211, 212). According to one embodiment, at least some of the first to fourth link members (215, 216, 223, 224) may be integrated. For example, the first link member (215) and the third link member (223) may be integrated, and the second link member (216) and the fourth link member (224) may be integrated. Alternatively, at least some of the first to fourth link members (215, 216, 223, 224) may be integrated into the housing.

[0058] A hinge structure (201) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first main gear (233a) (or first gear, or first shaft gear) formed (or arranged) on the first shaft (231), a second main gear (233b) (or second gear, or second shaft gear) formed (or arranged) on the second shaft (232), and at least one interlocking gear (234a, 234b) (or idle gears, auxiliary gears) arranged between the first main gear (233a) and the second main gear (233b). Each of the at least one interlocking gear (234a, 234b) may include gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) (or shafts). For example, the first linkage gear (234a) may be arranged (or formed) on the first gear shaft (234a_sh) (or the first linkage gear shaft, the first linkage shaft, the first gear shaft, the first auxiliary shaft, the third shaft). The second linkage gear (234b) may be arranged (or formed) on the second gear shaft (234b_sh) (or the second linkage gear shaft, the second gear shaft, the second auxiliary shaft, the fourth shaft).

[0059] In the embodiments of this document, the shaft may refer to a rod-shaped portion on which a gear body including gear teeth is arranged. The shaft may also refer to a portion that protrudes from the gear body portion along the rotational axis of the gear.

[0060] A hinge structure (201) according to one embodiment is used to fix the first main gear (233a) and the second main gear (233b), and at least one linkage gear (234a, 234b), and includes a gear bracket (236) (or stopper, arm support structure, shaft support structure, gear frame, gear support member, support member) that prevents the first arm member (221) and the second arm member (222) from rotating more than a specified angle, a shaft fixing part (243) that is used to fix the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232), a cam member (241) that engages cam structures formed on the first arm member (221) and the second arm member (222), a first cam elastic body (242a) (or a third elastic body, a third elastic member) that provides elastic force to the cam member (241) and a second cam elastic body (242b) (or a fourth elastic body, a fourth elastic The gear bracket (236) may include a plurality of connecting members (249e1, 249e2) and washers (249a, 249b). The elastic body or elastic member may be described as an elastic body or member that can be bent, stretched, compressed, and then contracted or bounced back. According to one embodiment, the gear bracket (236) may include a fixing structure that fixes at least one of the first shaft (231), the second shaft (232), the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the second gear shaft (234b_sh).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the fixed bracket (213) may have at least a portion of a shape of a lower surface (e.g., a surface in the -z-axis direction) that is curved. For example, at least a portion of the lower surface of the fixed bracket (213) may be formed to correspond to an inner shape of a hinge housing (150 in FIG. 2). At least a portion of an upper surface (e.g., a surface in the z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket (213) may be provided in a flat shape, and rails (213a2, 213a1) may be formed so that the rotation members (211, 212) can be coupled thereto. According to one embodiment, the fixed bracket (213) may have at least a portion of a cross-section that is arc-shaped (or curved) in the direction from the upper surface (e.g., a surface in the z-axis direction) to the lower surface (e.g., a surface in the -z-axis direction). The above-described fixed bracket (213) may include a bracket extension portion (213p) that protrudes in the -x-axis direction from one side of the fixed bracket body (213a) (e.g., an edge in the -x-axis direction of the upper surface of the fixed bracket body (213a)). The fixed bracket body (213a) may include a first rail (213a1) in which the first rail structure (211_1) among the first rotational member (211) having the first rail structure (211_1) and the second rail structure (211_2) is inserted from one direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction) to the other direction (e.g., the x-axis direction), and a second rail (213a2) in which the third rail structure (212_1) among the second rotational member (212) having the third rail structure (212_1) and the fourth rail structure (212_2) is inserted from the other direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) to one direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction). With respect to the first axis (11) or the second axis (12) (or with respect to the x-axis crossing the center between the first rotation member (211) and the second rotation member (212), the first rail (213a1) and the second rail (213a2) can be arranged (or formed) at the same position.The first rail structure (211_1) of the first rotation member (211) inserted into the first rail (213a1) can rotate around the first axis (11), and the third rail structure (212_1) of the second rotation member (212) inserted into the second rail (213a2) can rotate around the second axis (12). The first axis (11) and the second axis (12) may be formed above (air) the upper surface (e.g., the surface in the z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket (213). Alternatively, the first axis (11) and the second axis (12) may be formed between the upper surface of the display (160 of FIG. 2) and the lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket body (213a). As an example, the first axis (11) and the second axis (12) may be formed in the air above the upper surface (e.g., the surface in the -z-axis direction) of the fixed bracket body (213a).

[0062] According to one embodiment, one side (e.g., the side facing the -x-axis direction) of the fixed bracket (213) may include a first groove (213_h1) (or a first hole, a first opening, a first opening portion, a first socket) into which one side or one end (e.g., an end edge in the x-axis direction) of a first shaft (231) on which a first main gear (233a) is formed (or arranged) may be inserted (or arranged), and a second groove (213_h2) (or a second hole, a second opening, a second opening portion, a second socket) into which one side or one end (e.g., an end edge in the x-axis direction) of a second shaft (232) on which a second main gear (233b) is formed (or arranged) may be inserted (or arranged). According to one embodiment, one side (e.g., the side facing the -x-axis direction) of the fixed bracket (213) may include a third groove (213_h3) (or a third hole, a third opening, a third opening portion, a third socket) into which one side or one end (e.g., one side of a first gear shaft (234a_sh) formed at the center of the first linkage gear (234a)) (e.g., an end edge in the x-axis direction) of the first linkage gear (234a) may be inserted (or placed), and a fourth groove (213_h4) (or a fourth hole, a fourth opening, a fourth opening portion, a fourth socket) into which one side or one end (e.g., one side of a second gear shaft (234b_sh) formed at the center of the second linkage gear (234b)) (e.g., an end edge in the x-axis direction) of the second linkage gear (234b) may be inserted (or placed). The third groove (213_h3) and the fourth groove (213_h4) may be arranged between the first groove (213_h1) and the second groove (213_h2). The diameter (or cross-sectional size in the z-axis direction) of the third groove (213_h3) and the fourth groove (213_h4) may be formed to be smaller than the diameter (or cross-sectional size in the z-axis direction) of the first groove (213_h1) and the second groove (213_h2).The above hinge structure (201) may include a first gear elastic body at least partially inserted or placed in a first gear shaft (234a_sh), and a second gear elastic body at least partially inserted or placed in a second gear shaft (234b_sh).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first axis (11) and the second axis (12) may be formed to be spaced apart by a specified interval. According to one embodiment, the interval between the first axis (11) and the second axis (12) may be formed differently from the interval between the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232). As an example, the interval between the first axis (11) and the second axis (12) may be formed smaller than the interval between the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232). According to one embodiment, the first axis (11) and the second axis (12) may be formed higher than the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232) based on the z-axis. Alternatively, the first shaft (11) and the second shaft (12) may be formed closer to the upper surface of the display (160 in FIG. 2) than the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232) with respect to the z-axis. According to one embodiment, the fixed bracket body (213a) may include at least one fixed hole used to fix the fixed bracket (213) to the hinge housing (150 in FIG. 2). The portable electronic device (100) may fix the fixed bracket (213) to the hinge housing (150 in FIG. 2) using a connecting member (e.g., a screw, a rivet, or welding).

[0064] Insertion grooves (213_h1, 213_h2) (or shaft insertion grooves, or shaft holes, or shaft sockets) in which one end (e.g., the end in the y-axis direction) of the first shaft (231) and one end (e.g., the end in the y-axis direction) of the second shaft (232) are mounted can be formed on the side wall in the -x-axis direction of the above fixed bracket body (213a). According to one embodiment, insertion grooves (213_h3, 213_h4) (or gear shaft insertion grooves, or gear shaft holes, or gear shaft sockets) may be formed between the insertion holes (213_h1, 213_h2) in the -x-axis direction side wall of the fixed bracket (213a), in which each of one side of at least one interlocking gear (234a, 234b) (e.g., gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) formed at the center of the interlocking gears (234a, 234b)) may be mounted. As an example, third insertion grooves (213_h3) and fourth insertion grooves (231_h4) may be arranged between the first insertion groove (213_h1) and the second insertion groove (213_h2). The above bracket extension (213p) may protrude in the -x-axis direction from one side of the fixed bracket body (213a). The above bracket extension (213p) may be arranged to support or cover a gear (e.g., at least one of the first main gear (233a), the second main gear, the first linkage gear (234a), and the second linkage gear (234b)).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first rotating member (211) may include a first rotating body (211_3), a first rail structure (211_1) extending from one end (e.g., an end in the x-axis direction) of the first rotating body (211_3) (or may be provided in the shape of a first rail into which the first rail structure (211_1) is inserted), and a second rail structure (211_2) extending from the other end (e.g., an end in the -x-axis direction) of the first rotating body (211_3) (or may be provided in the shape of a second rail into which the second rail structure (211_2) is inserted). The first rotating body (211_3) may be disposed between the first rail structure (211_1) and the second rail structure (211_2). At least a part of the first rotation body (211_3) may be fastened to one side of the fixed bracket body (213a). The first rail structure (211_1) and the second rail structure (211_2) may be formed to be stepped with the first rotation body (211_3) as the center. The first rail structure (211_1) of the first rotation member (211) may be fastened to one side of the fixed bracket (213) (e.g., the first rail (213a1)) so as to enable a hinge movement. The second rail structure (211_2) of the first rotation member (211) may be coupled to one side of the first link member (215) to perform a sliding movement (or a rotation movement, or an arc movement) in response to the hinge movement (or a rotation movement, or a sliding movement) of the first rail structure (211_1). While the first link member (215) coupled to the first housing (110 in FIG. 2) moves in accordance with the movement of the first housing (110 in FIG. 2), the first rail structure (211_1) of the first rotation member (211) connected to the fixed bracket (213) can rotate in place based on the first axis (11).For example, the second rail structure (211_2) of the first rotation member (211) can rotate (or slide) relative to the first link member (215) while moving in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise while the portable electronic device (100) is folded from an unfolded state or clockwise while the portable electronic device (100) is unfolded from a folded state). At least a portion of the first wing plate (131 of FIG. 2) among the wing plates (131, 132 of FIG. 2) can be fixed to the first rotation member (211). As an example, when the hinge structure (201) is a first hinge structure (200a in FIG. 2), the first rotation member (211) can be coupled with a first wing plate (131 in FIG. 2), and when the hinge structure (201) is a second hinge structure (200b in FIG. 2), the first rotation member (211) can be coupled with a second wing plate (132 in FIG. 2). In this regard, the first rotation body (211_3) can include at least one hole or groove used for coupling with the first wing plate (131 in FIG. 2).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the second rotation member (212) may include a portion (e.g., a third rail structure (212_1)) that is fastened to the other side of the fixed bracket (213) (e.g., a second rail (213a2)) so as to enable a hinge movement, and a portion (e.g., a fourth rail structure (212_2)) that is coupled to the second link member (222), and a second rotation body (212_3) that is disposed between the third rail structure (212_1) and the fourth rail structure (212_2). The third rail structure (212_1) and the fourth rail structure (212_2) may be replaced with a rail shape in which the rail structure is accommodated when the rail shape of the fixed bracket (213) is replaced with a rail structure. The third rail structure (212_1) and the fourth rail structure (212_2) may be formed in steps with respect to the second rotation body (212_3). While the second link member (222) coupled to the second housing (120 of FIG. 2) moves in accordance with the movement of the second housing (120 of FIG. 2), the third rail structure (212_1) of the second rotation member (212) coupled to the fixed bracket (213) may rotate in place with respect to the second axis (12). The fourth rail structure (212_2) coupled to the second link member (222) may rotate (or slide) within the second link member (222) while moving in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise while the portable electronic device (100) is folded from an unfolded state or clockwise while the portable electronic device (100) is unfolded from a folded state). The third rail structure (212_1) may include a rail structure similar to or identical to the first rail structure (211_1). The fourth rail structure (212_2) coupled to the second link member (222) may rotate (or slide) within the second link member (222) while moving in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise while the portable electronic device (100) is folded from an unfolded state or clockwise while the portable electronic device (100) is unfolded from a folded state).In this regard, the second link member (222) may include rail wings having a hollow space formed in the center and curved surfaces arranged on both sides, similar to the first link member (215).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the second rotation member (212) may be formed of a material (e.g., a metal material) having a certain strength or higher that can withstand friction generated with the fixed bracket (213) and the second link member (222) while the hinge motion is repeated similarly to the first rotation member (211). For example, the second rotation member (212) may be formed of the same material as the first rotation member (211). A part of the second wing plate (132 of FIG. 2) among the wing plates (131, 132 of FIG. 2) may be fixed to the second rotation member (212). For example, when the hinge structure 201 is a first hinge structure (200a in FIG. 2), the second rotation member (212) can be coupled with a second wing plate (132 in FIG. 2), and when the hinge structure 201 is a second hinge structure (200b in FIG. 2), the second rotation member (212) can be coupled with a first wing plate (132 in FIG. 2). In this regard, the second rotation body (212_3) can include at least one hole or groove used for coupling with the second wing plate (132 in FIG. 2). The second rotation member (212) can move in a direction opposite to that of the first rotation member (211). For example, while the first rail structure (211_1) of the first rotation member (211) rotates in place in a counterclockwise direction, the third rail structure (212_1) of the second rotation member (212) can rotate in place in a clockwise direction.

[0068] According to one embodiment, while the portable electronic device (100) is folded, the first rail structure (211_1) of the first rotating member (211) rotates counterclockwise, and the first link member (215) inserted into the second rail structure (211_2) can slide clockwise along the second rail structure (211_2) (since the sliding motion is relative, the first link member (215) slides clockwise with respect to the second rail structure (211_2)). While the portable electronic device (100) is folded, the third rail structure (212_1) of the second rotating member (212) can rotate clockwise along the second rail (213a2) of the fixed bracket (213), and the second link member (222) inserted into the fourth rail structure (212_2) can slide counterclockwise (since the sliding motion is relative, the second link member (222) can slide clockwise with respect to the fourth rail structure (212_2)).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first link member (215) may include a structure that is coupled and fixed to one side of the first housing (110 of FIG. 2). The first link member (215) may include an eleventh link side wall (215_1) (or the first side wall of the first link member (215)) and a twelfth link side wall (215_2) (or the second side wall of the first link member (215)) that extend in the z-axis direction from both sides (e.g., the x-axis and -x-axis edges) of the first link body (215_3), and a first link connecting portion (215_4) that connects the first link body (215_3) to the third link member (223). The first link member (215) may include a structure (e.g., an eleventh link side wall (215_1) and a twelfth link side wall (215_2)) on which a part of the first rotation member (211) (e.g., a second rail structure (211_2)) is arranged (or coupled or fastened, or settled). The eleventh link side wall (215_1) may have rail wings formed that protrude toward the twelfth link side wall (215_2), and the twelfth link side wall (215_2) may have rail wings formed that protrude toward the eleventh link side wall (215_1). The rail wings may be fastened to the second rail structure (211_2). At least one structure (e.g., a hole, a socket, a slot, or a groove) used to fix the first link member (215) to the first housing (110 of FIG. 2) may be formed on at least one of the eleventh link side wall (215_1) and the twelfth link side wall (215_2). The first link member (215) may be arranged parallel to or integrated with the third link member (223) in the -x-axis (or x-axis) direction. The first link connecting portion (215_4) may protrude from the twelfth link side wall (215_2) toward the third link member (223).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the second link member (216) may include a structure that is coupled and fixed to one side of the second housing (120 in FIG. 2). The second link member (216) may include a twenty-first link side wall (216_1) and a twenty-second link side wall (216_2) that extend in the z-axis direction from both sides (e.g., y-axis and -y-axis edges) of the second link body (216_3), and a second link connecting portion (216_4) used to connect the second link member (216) to the fourth link member (224). The second link member (216) may include a structure (e.g., the twenty-first link side wall (216_1) and the twenty-second link side wall (216_2)) on which a part of the second rotation member (212) (e.g., the fourth rail structure (212_2)) is seated (or coupled, fastened, arranged). The 21st link side wall (216_1) may be formed with rail wings protruding in the direction of the 22nd link side wall (216_2), and the 22nd link side wall (216_2) may be formed with rail wings protruding in the direction of the 21st link side wall (216_1). The rail wings may be fastened to the 4th rail structure (212_2). At least one structure (e.g., a hole, a socket, a slot, or a groove) used to fix the second link member (216) to the second housing (120 in FIG. 2) may be formed in the 21st link side wall (216_1) and the 22nd link side wall (216_2). The above-described second link member (216) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first link member (215) with respect to the y-axis direction. The second link member (216) may be arranged parallel to or integrated with the fourth link member (224) in the -x-axis (or x-axis) direction. The second link connecting portion (216_4) may protrude from the 22nd link side wall (216_2) toward the fourth link member (224).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the third link member (223) may include a structure in which a part of the first arm member (221) is arranged (or fastened, coupled, or seated). The third link member (223) may include a third link body (223_3), a 31st link side wall (223_1) and a 32nd link side wall (223_2) extending in the -z-axis direction from both sides (e.g., the y-axis and -y-axis edges) of the third link body (223_3). A rail wing protruding in the direction of the 32nd link side wall (223_2) may be formed on the 31st link side wall (223_1), and a rail wing protruding in the direction of the 31st link side wall (223_2) may be formed on the 32nd link side wall (223_2). The above rail wings may be fastened to one side (e.g., a rail groove formed in the y-axis direction) and the other side (e.g., a rail groove formed in the -y-axis direction) of the second arm portion (221_2) among the first arm member (221) including the first arm portion (221_1) and the second arm portion (221_2), respectively. A structure (e.g., at least one hole, socket, slot, or groove) used to fasten the third link member (223) to the first housing (110 in FIG. 2) may be formed in the 31st link side wall (223_1) and the 32nd link side wall (223_2). An empty space is formed between the 31st link side wall (223_1) and the 32nd link side wall (223_2), and the second arm portion (221_2) of the first arm member (221) may be arranged in the empty space to guide a sliding motion of the second arm portion (221_2). The third link member (223) may include a third link connecting portion (223_4) protruding in the x-axis direction from one side (e.g., the 31st link side wall (223_1)) of the third link body (223_3). In the process of fixing the first link member (215) and the third link member (223) to the first housing (110 in FIG. 2), the third link connecting portion (223_4) may be formed to overlap or be integrated with the first link connecting portion (215_4) of the first link member (215).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the fourth link member (224) may include a structure in which a part of the second arm member (222) is arranged (or coupled, fastened, or secured). In this regard, the fourth link member (224) may include a fourth link body (e.g., a link body having the same shape as the third link body (223_3) and arranged at a symmetrical position relative to the y-axis), a 41st link side wall (224_1) and a 42nd link side wall (224_2) extending in the -z-axis direction from both sides (e.g., the y-axis and -y-axis edges) of the fourth link body, and a fourth link connecting portion. A rail wing protruding in the direction of the 42nd link side wall (224_2) may be formed on the 41st link side wall (224_1), and a rail wing protruding in the direction of the 42nd link side wall (224_2) may be formed on the 42nd link side wall (224_2). The above rail wings can be fastened to one side (e.g., a rail groove in the y-axis direction of the fourth arm portion (222_2)) and the other side (e.g., a rail groove in the -y-axis direction of the fourth arm portion (222_2)) of the second arm member (222) including the third arm portion (222_1) and the fourth arm portion (222_2). A structure (e.g., at least one hole, socket, slot, or groove) used to fix the fourth link member (224) to the second housing (120 in FIG. 2) can be formed in the 41st link side wall (224_1) and the 42nd link side wall (224_2). An empty space is formed between the 41st link side wall (224_1) and the 42nd link side wall (224_2), and the empty space can be used to guide the 4th arm part (222_2) while one side of the 2nd arm member (222) (e.g., the 4th arm part (222_2)) slides. The 4th link member (224) can include a 4th link connecting portion (224_4) that protrudes in the x-axis direction from one side of the 4th link body (e.g., the 41st link side wall (224_1)).In the process of fixing the second link member (216) and the fourth link member (224) to the second housing (120 in FIG. 2), the fourth link connecting portion (224_4) may be formed to overlap or be integrated with the second link connecting portion (216_4) of the second link member (216).

[0073] At least one of the first to fourth link members (215, 216, 223, 224) may be formed of the same material. Alternatively, they may be formed, at least partially, of a different structure (e.g., an injection-molded product). Meanwhile, in the above description, the link members (215, 216, 223, 224) are illustrated as being separated, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first link member (215) and the third link member (223) may be connected to or integrated with each other, and the second link member (216) and the fourth link member (224) may be connected to or integrated with each other.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the first arm member (221) may be arranged symmetrically with the second arm member (222) with respect to the x-axis or the -x-axis (or the x-axis). Accordingly, a part of the structure of the first arm member (221) described below that is difficult to observe in the illustrated drawing will be described based on the structure of the second arm member (222). The first arm member (221) may rotate in the z-axis direction from the y-axis while the portable electronic device (100) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, with respect to the center of the first shaft (231), and may rotate in the z-axis direction from the z-axis while the portable electronic device (100) changes from a folded state to an unfolded state. Alternatively, the first arm member (221) may rotate counterclockwise (e.g., the direction in which the portable electronic device (100) moves from an unfolded to a folded state) or clockwise (e.g., the direction in which the portable electronic device (100) moves from a folded to an unfolded state) with respect to the x-axis direction. The first arm member (221) may include a first arm body (221_3), a first arm portion (221_1), and a second arm portion (221_2). The first arm body (221_3) may be disposed between the first arm portion (221_1) and the second arm portion (221_2). The first arm portion (221_1) is formed to extend in the x-axis direction from the first arm body (221_3), and includes a first through-hole (221_h1) through which the first shaft (231) can pass, and a first cam structure that performs a cam operation by coming into contact with one side of the cam member (241) (e.g., a cam portion arranged in the -x-axis direction) may be provided in the peripheral structure forming the first through-hole (221_h1). At least a portion of the first through-hole (221_h1) may have a distorted shape or a portion of the z-axis cross-section may have a D shape so as to be able to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the first shaft (231).The first cam structure of the first arm portion (221_1) may be formed on a surface facing the cam member (241) (e.g., a surface in the -y-axis direction of the first arm portion (221), or a center direction of the hinge housing (150 in FIG. 2)). When the portable electronic device (100) is about to rotate by a predetermined angle or more, the first arm portion (221_1) facing the gear bracket (236) may include a hook or step provided to be caught on one side of the gear bracket (236) (e.g., a stopper portion of an area arranged on the first main gear (233a)). According to one embodiment, the gear bracket (236) may be composed of a plurality of sub-brackets. The first arm portion (221_1) coupled to the first shaft (231) may be arranged between the gear bracket (236) and one side of the cam member (241). The second arm portion (221_2) may be formed to extend in the -x-axis direction from the first arm body (221_3). The second arm portion (221_2) may be fastened to the third link member (223) and may perform a sliding motion along rail wings formed on the third link member (223) while the portable electronic device (100) performs a hinge motion. In this regard, the second arm portion (221_2) may include rail grooves that may be fastened to the rail wings formed on the third link member (223).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the second arm member (222) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the first arm member (221) with respect to the y-axis or the -y-axis. The second arm member (222) may rotate from the -y-axis in the z-axis direction while the portable electronic device (100) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state with respect to the x-axis, and may rotate from the z-axis in the -y-axis direction while the portable electronic device (100) changes from a folded state to an unfolded state. Alternatively, the second arm member (222) may rotate clockwise while the portable electronic device (100) is folded with respect to the center of the second shaft (232) and may rotate counterclockwise while the portable electronic device (100) is unfolded. The second arm member (222) may rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the first arm member (221). The second arm member (222) may include a second arm body (222_3), a third arm portion (222_1), and a fourth arm portion (222_2). The second arm body (222_3) may be disposed between the third arm portion (222_1) and the fourth arm portion (222_2). The third arm portion (222_1) is formed to extend in the -x-axis direction from the second arm body (222_3), and includes a second through-hole (221_h2) through which the second shaft (232) may pass, and a second cam structure that comes into contact with the other side of the cam member (241) (e.g., a cam portion disposed in the x-axis direction) to perform a cam operation may be provided in the peripheral structure forming the second through-hole (221_h2). The second through hole (221_h2) may have a structure similar to or identical to that of the first through hole (221_h1), in which at least a portion of the z-axis cross section may have a D-shape so that it can rotate according to the rotation of the second shaft (232). The second cam structure of the third arm portion (222_1) may be formed on a surface facing the cam member (241) (e.g., a surface in the -y-axis direction of the second arm member (222), or a central direction of the hinge housing (150 in FIG. 2)).The third arm portion (222_1) facing the gear bracket (236) (which may also be described as a gear bracket structure, a module or an assembly, or a shaft (or gear shaft) support, a support structure, a support module or a support assembly) may include a protruding hook or step so as to be caught on the other side of the gear bracket (236) (e.g., a stopper portion of an area disposed on the second main gear (233b)). When external pressure is applied at an angle greater than the angle at which the portable electronic device (100) unfolds (e.g., an angle exceeding 180 degrees), the step of the third arm portion (222_1) may be supported by the gear bracket (236) so that the portable electronic device (100) is not folded beyond a specified angle. The third arm portion (222_1) coupled to the second shaft (232) may be disposed between the gear bracket (236) and one side of the cam member (241). The fourth arm portion (222_2) may be formed to extend in the x-axis direction from the second arm body (222_3). The fourth arm portion (222_2) may be fastened to the fourth link member (224) and may perform a sliding operation along rail wings formed on the fourth link member (224) while the portable electronic device (100) performs a hinge operation. In this regard, the fourth arm portion (222_2) may include rail grooves that may be fastened to the rail wings formed on the fourth link member (224).

[0076] According to various embodiments, the rail structure (or arc-shaped rail structure) formed on the first rotating member (211), the second rotating member (212), the first arm member (221), the second arm member (222), the first to fourth link members (215, 216, 223, 224), and the fixed bracket (213) is formed as either a rail groove or a rail protrusion, and another coupled component may have the shape of a rail protrusion or a rail groove. As an example, the second rail structure (211_2) of the first rotating member (211) has the shape of a rail groove, but may be changed to the shape of a rail protrusion, and correspondingly, the first link member (215) has a rail protrusion structure that can be inserted into the rail groove of the second rail structure (211_2), and when the first rotating member (211) is changed to a rail protrusion, it may be changed to the shape of a rail groove correspondingly. Similarly, the rail structure between the second rotating member (212) and the second link member (216), the first arm member (221) and the third link member (223), and the second arm member (222) and the fourth link member (224) can be designed so that one side has a groove or protrusion structure and the other side has a protrusion or groove structure so that they can be interlocked with each other.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first shaft (231) may have a rod shape in which the length in the x-axis or -x-axis direction is longer than the length in the y-axis or z-axis direction. The first shaft (231) may be formed of a metal material so as to support inserted components. A first main gear (233a) may be coupled to one end of the first shaft (231) or may be formed on the inner or outer side or surface of the first shaft (231) (e.g., integrally formed with the first main gear (233a)). At least a portion of the z-axis cross-section of the first shaft (231) may include a flat area and a curved surface. As an example, the upper surface and the lower surface of the z-axis cross-section of the first shaft (231) may be formed to be flat, respectively, and both sides may include curved surfaces. Alternatively, the z-axis cross-section of the first shaft (231) may have a polygonal shape (e.g., a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, etc.). Accordingly, a structure having a cylindrical shape of a through hole can maintain its current state without rotating while the first shaft (231) rotates, and if the through hole is a structure having an angular shape similar to that of the first shaft (231), it can rotate together while the first shaft (231) rotates. For example, a first arm portion (221_1) of a first arm member (221), a first fixed cam portion (241a) of a cam member (241), at least one washer ring (e.g., a first washer ring (249a), a third washer ring (249c)), a first cam elastic body (242a), a first fixed portion (243_1) of a shaft fixed portion (243), and a first coupling member (249e1) (e.g., a first E-ring)) can be inserted into the first shaft (231). According to one embodiment, one side of a gear bracket (236) may be inserted into the first shaft (231).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the second shaft (232) may have the same or similar shape as the first shaft (231). For example, the second shaft (232) may have a rod shape in which the length in the x-axis or -x-axis direction is longer than the length in the y-axis or z-axis direction. The second shaft (232) may be formed of a metal material having a strength greater than a specified size so as to support the inserted components. A second main gear (233b) may be coupled to one end of the second shaft (232) or formed on the inner or outer side or surface of the second shaft (232) (e.g., integrally formed with the second main gear (233b)). As an example, the upper and lower surfaces of the z-axis cross-section of the second shaft (232) may be formed flat, and both sides may include curved surfaces. Alternatively, the z-axis cross-section of the second shaft (232) may have a polygonal shape. Accordingly, a structure having a cylindrical shape of a through hole can maintain its current state without rotating while the second shaft (232) rotates, and if the through hole is a structure having an angular shape similar to that of the second shaft (232), it can rotate together while the second shaft (232) rotates. For example, a third arm portion (222_1) of a second arm member (222), a second fixed cam portion (241b) of a cam member (241), at least one washer ring (e.g., a second washer ring (249b), a fourth washer ring (249d)), a second cam elastic body (242b), a second fixed portion (243_2) of a shaft fixed portion (243), and a second coupling member (249e2) (e.g., a second E-ring)) can be inserted into the second shaft (232). According to one embodiment, one side of the second shaft (232) may have the other side of the gear bracket (236) inserted into it.

[0079] The cam member (241) may include a cam body (241c), a first fixed cam portion (241a), and a second fixed cam portion (241b). Additionally or alternatively, the cam member (241) may include a first cam hole (241_1h) formed in the center of the first fixed cam portion (241a) and penetrating in the y-axis or -y-axis direction, and in which at least a portion of the first shaft (231) is mounted after the first shaft (231) is inserted, and a second cam hole (241_2h) formed in the center of the second fixed cam portion (241b) and penetrating in the y-axis or -y-axis direction, and in which at least a portion of the second shaft (232) is mounted after the second shaft (232) is inserted. The cam body (241c) may have a predetermined length, and the first fixed cam portion (241a) and the second fixed cam portion (241b) may be arranged on both edges. One side of the cam body (241c) (e.g., the side in the x-axis direction) can be arranged to face one side of the gear bracket (236) (e.g., the side in the -x-axis direction).

[0080] The first fixed cam portion (241a) may be arranged at the y-axis edge from the center of the cam body (241c). The first fixed cam portion (241a) may have a cylindrical shape surrounding a first cam hole (241_1h) formed to penetrate the x-axis or -x-axis direction at the center as a whole. The first fixed cam portion (241a) may include a pattern in which mountains and valleys are repeatedly arranged so as to engage with the cam structure formed in the first arm portion (221_1) of the first arm member (221). The center of the first cam hole (241_1h) may have a shape designated so that the first shaft (231) may penetrate therethrough. For example, the center of the first cam hole (241_1h) may have a circular shape. The second fixed cam portion (241b) may be positioned at the -y-axis edge from the center of the cam body (241c) (or at a position opposite or symmetrical to the position where the first fixed cam portion (241a) is formed with the cam body (241c) as the center). The second fixed cam portion (241b) may have a cylindrical shape surrounding a second cam hole (241_2h) formed to penetrate the center in the x-axis or -x-axis direction. The second cam hole (241_2h) may be formed parallel to the first cam hole (241_1h). The second fixed cam portion (241b) may include a repeating pattern of hills and valleys arranged to engage with a cam structure formed in the third arm portion (222_1) of the second arm member (222). The center of the second cam hole (241_2h) may have a shape designated so that the second shaft (232) may penetrate therethrough. For example, the center of the second cam hole (241_2h) may have a circular shape similar to the first cam hole (241_1h).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the cam member (241) may move backward in one direction (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) in response to the cam operation of the cam structure of the first arm member (221) and the cam structure of the second arm member (222) while the first arm member (221) and the second arm member (222) rotate within a certain angular range, and then, when the peaks and valleys of the cams (e.g., the cam structure and the cam portion) engage, move in the opposite direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) due to the elasticity of the first cam elastic body (242a) (or the third elastic member) and the second cam elastic body (242b) (or the fourth elastic member) to return to the original position.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (201) may include a plurality of ring structures (e.g., a first washer ring (249a), a second washer ring (249b), a third washer ring (249c), and a fourth washer ring (249d). The first washer ring (249a) may have one end (e.g., an end in the -x-axis direction) of the first shaft (231) inserted therein, and may be disposed between the shaft fixing portion (243) and the first coupling member (249e1). The second washer ring (249b) may have one end (e.g., an end in the -x-axis direction) of the second shaft (232) inserted therein, and may be disposed between the shaft fixing portion (243) and the second coupling member (249e2). The first washer ring (249a) and the second washer ring (249b) can support the first coupling member (249e1) and the second coupling member (249e2), respectively, or prevent or improve the separation of the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232) from the respective fixing parts of the shaft fixing part (243). The third washer ring (249c) has a hole formed in the center so that the first shaft (231) can pass through, and can be placed between the first cam elastic body (242a) and the first fixing cam part (241a). The third washer ring (249c) may receive the pressure applied by the first cam elastic body (242a) to the first fixed cam portion (241a) in advance and transmit it to the cam member (241), thereby eliminating direct contact between the cam member (241) and the first cam elastic body (242a), thereby preventing or improving wear of the cam member (241) by the first cam elastic body (242a). The fourth washer ring (249d) may perform the same role as the third washer ring (249c). For example, the fourth washer ring (249d) may have a hole formed in the center thereof so that the second shaft (232) may pass through it, and may be disposed between the second cam elastic body (242b) and the second fixed cam portion (241b).The fourth washer ring (249d) can perform a role of evenly receiving the pressure applied by the second cam elastic body (242b) to the second fixed cam portion (241b) in advance and transmitting it to the second fixed cam portion (241b). The plurality of ring structures (the first washer ring (249a), the second washer ring (249b), the third washer ring (249c), and the fourth washer ring (249d)) have a circular center, so that the current state can be maintained even when the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232) rotate. Meanwhile, at least some of the plurality of ring structures (e.g., the first washer ring (249a), the second washer ring (249b), the third washer ring (249c), and the fourth washer ring (249d)) can be removed. Additionally, at least some of the components of the other hinge structure (201) may be removed or modified.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the first cam elastic body (242a) (or first elastic member) may have a spring shape with a hollow center. At least a portion of the body of the first shaft (231) penetrating the first fixed cam portion (241a) may be disposed at the center of the first cam elastic body (242a). The first cam elastic body (242a) is disposed between the cam member (241) and the shaft fixing portion (243), and as the shaft fixing portion (243) is fixed, it may act to push the cam member (241) in one direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the second cam elastic body (242b) (or second elastic member) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first cam elastic body (242a) by a specified distance and to be in contact with one surface of the second fixed cam portion (241b). The second cam elastic body (242b) may exert elastic force on the second fixed cam portion (241b) of the cam member (241) through the fourth washer ring (249d). The elastic force generated by the second cam elastic body (242b) may be similar to the elastic force generated by the first cam elastic body (242a) within a certain range.

[0085] The above shaft fixing part (243) may include a shaft body (243_3), a first fixing part (243_1) in which a first shaft hole is formed, and a second fixing part (243_2) in which a second shaft hole is formed. The shaft body (243_3) may include a through hole that penetrates upward and downward (e.g., in the -z-axis direction from a point on the z-axis) and is used to fix the shaft fixing part (243) to a hinge housing (150 in FIG. 2). The first shaft hole formed in the first fixing part (243_1) is formed to penetrate in the x-axis or -x-axis direction, and the first shaft (231) may pass through and be positioned. The shape of the first shaft hole may be provided in a cylindrical shape, which is different from the z-axis cross-section of the first shaft (231). The first fixing part (243_1) may support one side of the first cam elastic body (242a). The second shaft hole formed in the second fixing portion (243_2) is arranged parallel to the first shaft hole with respect to the x-axis and is formed to penetrate in the x-axis or -x-axis direction, and the second shaft (232) can penetrate and be arranged therein. The shape of the second shaft hole can be formed in a cylindrical shape, which is different from the z-axis cross-section of the second shaft (232). The second fixing portion (243_2) can support one side of the second cam elastic body (242b).

[0086] In various embodiments, at least some of the gears (e.g., at least one of the first main gear (233a), the second main gear (233b), the first linkage gear (234a), and the second linkage gear (234b)) provided in the portable electronic device (100) may include one or more gear teeth having a varying width (or thickness). For example, the gear teeth may have a width that gradually narrows or widens at a predetermined angle along the rotational axis of the gear. For example, the gear teeth may be formed to include both a section where the width varies and a section where the width does not vary. According to one embodiment, the gear teeth may include a lower portion protruding from the gear body and closer to the gear body and an upper portion extending from the lower portion. For example, the lower portion may correspond to a height from a pitch circle diameter in the gear structure. For example, the upper portion may correspond to a height from a pitch circle diameter to an addendum circle in the gear structure. For example, the lower and upper portions of the gear teeth may protrude at different angles with respect to the gear body. The ends (e.g., the tooth tips) of the upper portions may be formed flat. In one embodiment, the gear teeth with the applied gradient may be formed as a gear tooth shape that has a constant width at the lower portion and gradually changes width only at the upper portion. As an example, the gear teeth may be formed as a gear tooth shape in which the width changes at both the lower and upper portions. For example, the gear teeth may be formed as a gear tooth shape in which the width changes at different angles at the lower and upper portions. According to one embodiment, the height of the gear teeth (the height from the gear body) may not change and be constant in the section in which the width of the gear teeth changes. In one embodiment, the gear teeth may be formed as a gear tooth shape in which the height of the gear teeth (e.g., the height of the upper portion) also changes so that the tip diameter gradually decreases in the section in which the width of the gear teeth changes.

[0087] According to various embodiments of the present document, the first main gear (233a) and the second main gear (233b) can rotate in conjunction with each other through the first linkage gear (234a) and the second linkage gear (234b) positioned therebetween. The first linkage gear (234a) can transmit the rotation of the first main gear (233a) to the second linkage gear (234b) between the first main gear (233a) and the second linkage gear (234b). The second linkage gear (234b) can transmit the rotation of the first linkage gear (234a) to the second main gear (233b) between the first linkage gear (234a) and the second main gear (233b). As an example, one or more (e.g., two or four) interlocking gears may be provided between the first main gear (233a) and the second main gear (233b). According to one embodiment, the first interlocking gear (234a) and / or the second interlocking gear (234b) may have a different number of gear teeth than the first main gear (233a) and / or the second main gear (233b). For example, the first interlocking gear (234a) and / or the second interlocking gear (234b) may have a smaller number of gear teeth than the first main gear (233a) and / or the second main gear (233b).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first linkage gear (234a) and / or the second linkage gear (234b) may have different lengths from the first main gear (233a) and / or the second main gear (233b). For example, the first linkage gear (234a) and / or the second linkage gear (234b) may be longer than the first main gear (233a) and / or the second main gear (233b). For example, the first linkage gear (234a) and / or the second linkage gear (234b) may have a gear tooth width that changes in a section corresponding to the length of the first main gear (233a) and / or the second main gear (233b). For example, the first linkage gear (234a) and / or the second linkage gear (234b) may not have a gear tooth width that changes in a section corresponding to a longer length than the first main gear (233a) and / or the second main gear (233b). For example, the first linkage gear (234a) and / or the second linkage gear (234b) may be coupled with the first main gear (233a) and / or the second main gear (233b) in a section in which the gear tooth width changes. For example, the first linkage gear (234a) and the second linkage gear (234b) may be coupled with each other in a section in which the gear tooth width does not change.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the first linkage gear (234a) and / or the second linkage gear (234b) may have different numbers of gear teeth in sections where the width of the gear teeth changes and sections where the width of the gear teeth does not change. According to one embodiment, the first linkage gear (234a) and / or the second linkage gear (234b) may be brought into close contact with the first main gear (233a) and / or the second main gear (233b) by using the force of an elastic body inserted into the first gear shaft (234a_sh) and an elastic body inserted into the second gear shaft (234b_sh). According to one embodiment, when the first or second main gear (233a, 233b) and the first or second linkage gear (234a, 233b) mesh with each other and rotate, the gap between the meshed teeth may be reduced by the gradient formed in the gear teeth and the elasticity of the elastic body. For example, the first or second main gear (233a, 233b) and the first or second linkage gear (234a, 233b) may maintain contact with each other while rotating in mesh with each other. In one embodiment, the first linkage gear (234a) and the second linkage gear (234b) may not be in contact with each other while rotating in mesh with each other.

[0090] According to one embodiment, a gear bracket (236) (e.g., support member (236)) composed of a plurality of sub-brackets can temporarily or semi-permanently support or fix shafts (e.g., at least one of the first shaft (231), the second shaft (232), the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the second gear shaft (234b_sh)) inserted into the gear bracket (236) in one direction due to a characteristic of being pushed in the z-axis or -z-axis direction by the pressing force of the first cam elastic body (232a) and the second cam elastic body (232b). As the gear bracket (236) presses at least one of the shafts in the z-axis (or -z-axis) direction, the movement of at least one of the shafts is restricted while the portable electronic device (100) is changed to a folded or unfolded state, so that looseness due to the prevention of movement of at least one of the shafts can be prevented or improved.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the gear bracket (236) (which may also be described as a gear bracket structure, module or assembly, or a shaft (or gear shaft) support, support structure, support module or support assembly) may be arranged such that two components and structures are arranged such that the two components are compressed (or urged or forced) in a first direction (e.g., in the X direction or axial direction) by at least one resilient, elastic or biasing member, such that the surfaces of the two components are forced into contact with at least one shaft (e.g., a gear shaft) as the two components are pushed (or urged or forced) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (e.g., in the lateral direction, the Y direction, the Z direction or a direction having both Y and Z components). Thus, the arrangement may enable the two components to effectively grip the shaft or shafts, and / or maintain contact with the shaft or shafts, and eliminate gaps and / or slackness in the hinge structure when the device is folded and unfolded (i.e., changing between a folded state and an unfolded state) and when in an intermediate state (partially folded or unfolded state).

[0092] Figure 4 is a drawing showing an example of irregular gap formation due to the flow of shafts.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, when the portable electronic device (99) includes the basic gear bracket (236_0) of FIG. 4 without a separate elastic structure or without a pressing function for pushing at least one shaft (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) in one direction, the first shaft (231) may be temporarily stationary while the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are folded, and the second shaft (232) may start to rotate clockwise in response to the rotation of the second arm member (222). The above basic gear bracket (236_0) may include a first shaft hole (236_h1) into which a first shaft (231) is inserted, a second shaft hole (236_h2) into which a second shaft (232) is inserted, a first gear shaft hole (236_h3) into which a first gear shaft (234a_sh) is inserted, and a second gear shaft hole (236_h4) into which a second gear shaft (234b_sh) is inserted. At least some of the shaft holes (236_h1, 236_h2, 236_h3, 236_h4) may be formed to be larger than the diameters of the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) for rotation of the shafts.

[0094] According to one embodiment, in response to the second arm member (222) rotating counterclockwise by a certain angle, the second linkage gear (234b in FIG. 3) formed on the second shaft (232) and gear-coupled with the second main gear (233b in FIG. 3) can rotate clockwise by a certain angle, and the first linkage gear (234a in FIG. 3) gear-coupled with the second linkage gear (234b in FIG. 3) can rotate counterclockwise by a certain angle. As described above, gaps (Gap_a, Gap_b) may be formed between the gear shaft holes (236_h3, 236_h4) formed in the basic gear bracket (236_0) and the gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) while the second linkage gear (234b) and the first linkage gear (234a) rotate after the second shaft (232) rotates and before the first shaft (231) rotates. These gaps (Gap_a, Gap_b) may cause movement when the gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) rotate. Movement within the gear shaft holes (236_h3, 236_h4) of the gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) may cause a feeling of looseness to the user. As an example, there may be undesirable play in the hinge mechanism due to a gap between one or more shafts and the surfaces of the gear brackets that support the shafts.

[0095] Meanwhile, in the above description, the first shaft (231) is temporarily fixed and the second shaft (232) rotates counterclockwise, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the portable electronic device (99) may be folded such that the second shaft (232) is fixed and the first shaft (231) rotates clockwise, depending on the starting point of the force applied to the housings (110, 120 of FIG. 2).

[0096] In relation to the looseness improvement described above, according to one embodiment, when the portable electronic device (100) includes a gear bracket (236) (e.g., a support member or a support member of the claims) having a plurality of sub-gear brackets having an elastic structure, the gear bracket (236) can suppress flow by pressurizing at least one of the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh).

[0097] By suppressing the flow according to embodiments of the present invention, the amount of free play or lost motion between the first housing (110 of FIG. 1) and the second housing (120 of FIG. 1) can be reduced. For example, the second housing (120 of FIG. 2) may begin to rotate when the first housing (110) rotates approximately 2 to 8 degrees. For example, the second housing (120 of FIG. 2) may begin to rotate before the first housing (110 of FIG. 2) rotates more than 5 degrees.

[0098] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a gear bracket according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 is a view showing an example of a separated form of sub-gear brackets of a gear bracket according to an embodiment. Fig. 7 is a view showing an example of a contact state and a pushed state of a first sub-gear bracket and a second sub-gear bracket. As an example, Fig. 7 is a view showing an example of a cross-section taken along a 5A-5A` cutting line when the first sub-gear bracket (236a) (e.g., the first support member or the first support member of the claim) and the second sub-gear bracket (236b) (e.g., the second support member or the second support member of the claim) shown in Fig. 5 are in contact. According to one embodiment, the portable electronic device (100) of the present disclosure comprises at least a flexible display (160), a housing (e.g., 110, 120), a gear assembly (or a hinge structure (201)), wherein the gear assembly comprises at least one gear shaft (e.g., at least one of 234a_sh or 234b_sh), a first support member (e.g., a first sub-gear bracket (236a) (or a first plate) comprising a first set of openings (e.g., gear shaft holes 236a_h3, 236a_h4) into which the at least one gear shaft is inserted, and a second set of openings (e.g., gear shaft holes 236b_h3, 236b_h4) into which the at least one gear shaft is inserted and aligned to partially overlap the first set of openings, and a second support member (e.g., a second sub-gear bracket) arranged alongside the first support member. It may include a bracket (236b) (or a second plate).

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a gear bracket (236) according to one embodiment may include a first sub-gear bracket (236a) (or first support member) and a second sub-gear bracket (236b) (or second support member).

[0100] The first sub-gear bracket (236a) may include a first gear bracket body (236a_bd), a first shaft hole (236a_h1), a second shaft hole (236a_h2), a first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) (or a first hole, a first opening), and a second gear shaft hole (236a_h4) (or a second hole, a second opening). At least one hole (or opening) among the first shaft hole (236a_h1), the second shaft hole (236a_h2), the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3), and the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4) may be included in a first set of openings of the first sub-gear bracket (236a) (or the first support member). As an example, the first sub-gear bracket (236a) (or first support member) may include a first set of openings consisting of a first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) and a second gear shaft hole (236a_h4).

[0101] The length of the first direction (e.g., y-axis or -y-axis) of the first gear bracket body (236a_bd) may be formed to be longer than the length of the second direction (e.g., z-axis or -z-axis). The length (or width) of the third direction (e.g., x-axis or -x-axis direction) of the first gear bracket body (236a_bd) may be formed to be shorter than the length of the first direction or the second direction. As an example, the first gear bracket body (236a_bd) may have a structure in which it has a certain width in the second direction and is formed to be longer in the first direction. The edges on both sides of the first gear bracket body (236a_bd) may be formed to be larger than the center. As an example, in the first gear bracket body (236a_bd), the first shaft hole (236a_h1) may be arranged at the y-axis edge and formed to penetrate the x-axis and the -x-axis, and the second shaft hole (236a_h2) may be arranged at the -y-axis edge and formed to penetrate the x-axis and the -x-axis. The first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) may be arranged (or formed) between the first shaft hole (236a_h1) and the second shaft hole (236a_h2). The second gear shaft hole (236a_h4) may be arranged (or formed) between the second shaft hole (236a_h2) and the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3). When observed from the z-axis to the -z-axis direction (or in the direction looking at the front of the display), the first sub-gear bracket (236a) may have a shape in which the upper center is engraved or sunken by a certain depth from the z-axis to the -z-axis direction, and the upper both sides edges protrude in the z-axis direction. At least a portion of the center of the first sub-gear bracket (236a) may have a flat shape, and the both sides edges may have rounded shapes.When the first sub-gear bracket (236a) is viewed in the z-axis direction from the -z-axis (e.g., in the display direction from the rear of the housings (110, 120) when the portable electronic device (100) is unfolded), the lower center portion of the first sub-gear bracket (236a) may protrude in the -z-axis direction compared to the lower two edges.

[0102] According to one embodiment, at least one elastic structure may be arranged at the lower end of the first gear bracket body (236a_bd). As an example, a first opening (236a_gr1) (or first groove) may be formed in a predetermined space between a first shaft hole (236a_h1) and a first gear shaft (234a_sh) at the lower end of the first gear bracket body (236a_bd), and a second opening (236a_gr2) (or second groove) may be formed in a predetermined space between a second shaft hole (236a_h2) and a second gear shaft (234b_sh) at the lower end of the first gear bracket body (236a_bd). The first opening (236a_gr1) (or first groove) and the second opening (236a_gr2) (or second groove) may have an engraved shape in the z-axis direction from the -z-axis direction. A first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1) (or a first elastic structure, or a curved first extension) protruding in the -z-axis and having a certain slope may be arranged at the center of the first opening (236a_gr1), and a second elastic protrusion (236a_pr2) (or a second elastic structure, or a curved second extension) protruding in the -z-axis and having a certain slope may be arranged at the center of the second opening (236a_gr2). As an example, at least some of the first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1) and the second elastic protrusion (236a_pr2) may have a shape that is curved from the -x-axis to the x-axis direction. According to one embodiment, at least some of the first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1) and the second elastic protrusion (236a_pr2) may be arranged in a form that protrudes in the x-axis direction (or -x-axis direction) from the surface (e.g., zy plane) of the first gear bracket body (236a_bd).According to one embodiment, the first support member (e.g., the first sub-gear bracket (236a)) and the second support member (e.g., the second sub-gear bracket (236b)) may be coupled through a pressing structure (e.g., a first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1) (or a first curved extension) and a second elastic protrusion (236a_pr2) (or a second curved extension) that are engaged with the first opening (236a_gr1) (or a first groove) and the second opening (236a_gr2) (or a second groove). The pressing structure may be configured to push the first support member (e.g., the first sub-gear bracket (236a)) in a direction in which the flexible display (160) is arranged, and to push the second support member (e.g., the second sub-gear bracket (236b)) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the flexible display (160) is arranged. In certain embodiments, the gear bracket (236) may be a gear bracket or support assembly (236) comprising a first support member 236a, a second support member 236b, and a mechanism. The first support member 236a may have at least a first bore for receiving a first shaft and supporting about (or around) a longitudinal axis of the first shaft (e.g., supporting the first shaft for rotation about the longitudinal axis). The second support member 236b may have at least a first bore for receiving the first shaft and supporting the first shaft about (or around) the longitudinal axis (e.g., supporting the first shaft for rotation about the longitudinal axis).The mechanism may be arranged to, in response to a compressive force applied to the support assembly (236) that compresses the first and second support members (236a, 236b) together in a first direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (e.g., an axial direction such as the x-direction), compress the second support member (236b) in a third direction opposite the second direction (e.g., a lateral direction such as the -Z-direction) and compress the first support member (236a) in a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (e.g., a lateral direction such as the +Z-direction). Accordingly, the first and second support members (236a, 236b) may be pressed against diagonally opposite sides of the first shaft (e.g., when rotating) to maintain contact with the first shaft. Thus, the mechanism may be arranged such that the first and second support members grip (e.g., slidably grip) the first shaft and maintain contact with the first shaft so that they can rotate about their rotational axis if necessary, but without slack or play. The mechanism may have shapes, elements, or features that allow one of the support members to engage (or operate in conjunction with) a corresponding formation, corresponding element, or corresponding feature (e.g., a sloped, ramped, or cam surface) on the other support member, for example, to convert an axial compressive force into a force that pushes the support member in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., rotation) or a lateral force.Each of the first and second support members may be described as a movable support member (such as members 242a and 242b of FIG. 3) that is forced to maintain contact with a surface of the shaft (e.g., when the shaft rotates) by a resilient member, an elastic member, or a biasing member.

[0103] According to one embodiment, one end of a first shaft (231) may be disposed through the first shaft hole (236a_h1), and one end of a second shaft (232) may be disposed through the second shaft hole (236a_h2). One end of a first gear shaft (234a_sh) having a first linkage gear (234a) disposed therethrough may be disposed through the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3), and one end of a second gear shaft (234b_sh) may be disposed through the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4). As an example, when the size of one side cross-section (e.g., z-axis cross-section) of the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232) is larger than the size of one side cross-section (e.g., z-axis cross-section) of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) and the second gear shaft (234b_sh), the size of the first shaft hole (236a_h1) and the second shaft hole (236a_h2) may be formed to be larger than the size of the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) and the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4). Meanwhile, at least one of the shape of the first sub-gear bracket (236a) and the second sub-gear bracket (236b) and the shape, size and arrangement position of the shaft holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2, 236a_h3, 236a_h4) arranged in each of the sub-gear brackets (236a, 236b) can be modified into various forms.

[0104] The second sub-gear bracket (236b) (or second support member) may include a second gear bracket body (236b_bd), a third shaft hole (236b_h1), a fourth shaft hole (236b_h2), a third gear shaft hole (236b_h3), a fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4), a first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1), and a second elastic mounting structure (236b_gr2). The shape of the second gear bracket body (236b_bd) may have at least one of the same size and shape within a certain range as the first gear bracket body (236a_bd) described above, except for the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) and the second elastic mounting structure (236b_gr2). At least one hole (or opening) among the third shaft hole (236b_h1), the fourth shaft hole (236b_h2), the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3), and the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4) may be included in a second set of openings of the second sub-gear bracket (236b) (or the second support member). As an example, the second sub-gear bracket (236b) (or the first support member) may include a second set of openings composed of at least one of the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) and the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) may include, for example, a groove that is opened in a direction from the z-axis to the -z-axis. The first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) may be disposed between the third shaft hole (236b_h1) and the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3), for example, when viewed from the z-axis to the -z-axis direction. The width of the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) may be formed to be at least greater than the first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1). Alternatively, at least one of the width and the shape of the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) may be formed to be substantially the same as at least one of the width and the shape of the first opening (236a_gr1) in which the first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1) is disposed within a certain range. According to one embodiment, the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) can be in physical contact with the first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1). For example, when an external force (e.g., an external force by at least one elastic body included in the hinge structure (201 of FIG. 3) or an elastic force generated in the x-axis direction from the -x-axis) is generated to press the first sub-gear bracket (236a) toward the second sub-gear bracket (236b), as in state 711 of FIG. 7, the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) can be in contact with the first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1) to act to push the second sub-gear bracket (236b) in one direction (e.g., the z-axis direction), as in state 712 of FIG. In response to this, when observed in the z-axis direction, a height difference (236_dif) between the first sub-gear bracket (236a) and the second sub-gear bracket (236b) may occur.While the first sub-gear bracket (236a) and the second sub-gear bracket (236b) are arranged in parallel (or arranged to have a certain height difference (236_dif)), the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) can be at least partially aligned with the first opening (236a_gr1) arranged in the first gear bracket body (236a_bd).

[0106] According to one embodiment, a lower edge (e.g., an edge in the -z-axis direction) of a first opening (e.g., a first gear shaft hole (236a_h3)) of a first set of openings (e.g., a first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) or a second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) is positioned closer to the flexible display (160) than a lower edge (e.g., an edge in the -z-axis direction) of a second opening (e.g., a second gear shaft hole (236b_h3)) of a second set of openings (e.g., a third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) or a fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)), and an upper edge (e.g., an edge in the z-axis direction) of the third opening (e.g., a second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) is positioned closer to the flexible display (160) than a lower edge (e.g., an edge in the z-axis direction) of the fourth opening (e.g., a fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)). The flexible display can be placed closer to the direction in which it is placed compared to the edge of the direction.

[0107] The second elastic mounting structure (236b_gr2) may include a groove that is opened in a direction from the z-axis to the -z-axis, similarly to the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1). As an example, the second elastic mounting structure (236b_gr2) may be arranged between the fourth shaft hole (236b_h2) and the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4) when viewed from the z-axis to the -z-axis. The width of the second elastic mounting structure (236b_gr2) may be formed to be at least greater than that of the second elastic protrusion (236a_pr2). While the first sub-gear bracket (236a) and the second sub-gear bracket (236b) described in FIG. 6 are arranged to overlap (or be parallel to) each other, the second elastic mounting structure (236b_gr2) can be aligned at least partially with the second opening (236a_gr2) arranged in the first gear bracket body (236a_bd). Similar to the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1), when an external force (e.g., an elastic force) is generated in the x-axis direction from the -x-axis as in state 711 of FIG. 7, the second elastic mounting structure (236b_gr2) can have elastic protrusions (236_pr1 or 236pr2) that are in contact with the second sub-gear bracket (236b) at a certain inclination angle and push up the second sub-gear bracket (236b) in the z-axis direction as in state 712 of FIG. 7. In response to this, when observed from the z-axis, the upper end of the second sub-gear bracket (236b) may protrude further in the z-axis direction than the upper end of the first sub-gear bracket (236a), resulting in a height difference (236_dif in FIG. 7).

[0108] Meanwhile, in the above description, in the process of explaining the structure in which the pressing directions of the first sub-gear bracket (236a) and the second sub-gear bracket (236b) are different, it is exemplified that the first gear bracket body (236a_bd) includes a first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1) and a second elastic protrusion (236a_pr2), and the second gear bracket body (236b_bd) includes a first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) and a second elastic mounting structure (236b_gr2), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first gear bracket body (236a_bd) including the first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1) and the second elastic protrusion (236a_pr2) described above, and the second gear bracket body (236b_bd) including the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) and the second elastic mounting structure (236b_gr2) may be replaced with at least one of the various embodiments described below or may be applied in parallel with at least one of the embodiments.

[0109] At least one of the holes according to embodiments of the present document (e.g., the first shaft hole (236a_h1), the second shaft hole (236a_h2), the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3), the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4), the third shaft hole (236b_h1), the fourth shaft hole (236b_h2), the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3), or the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)) may be formed in a groove shape (or a recessed shape) that does not penetrate the bracket (e.g., the first sub-gear bracket (236a) or the second sub-gear bracket (236b)).

[0110] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section of a coupled state of a first linkage gear and a gear bracket according to one embodiment.

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, a hinge structure (e.g., 201 of FIG. 3) according to one embodiment may include at least a first linkage gear (234a), a first sub-gear bracket (236a), and a second sub-gear bracket (236b). Additionally, the hinge structure (e.g., 201 of FIG. 3) may include at least one elastic body (e.g., elastic bodies 242a and 242b of FIG. 3) that pressurizes the first sub-gear bracket (236a) and the second sub-gear bracket (236b) in the x-axis direction from the -x-axis.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 8, when an external force that presses the first sub-gear bracket (236a) in the x-axis direction is generated by the elastic body (242a, 242b) described in FIG. 3 as described above in FIG. 7, the first elastic mounting structure (e.g., 236b_gr1 of FIG. 6) and the second elastic mounting structure (e.g., 236b_gr2 of FIG. 6) of the second sub-gear bracket (236b) and the first elastic structure (e.g., 236a_pr1 of FIG. 6) and the second elastic structure (e.g., 236a_pr2 of FIG. 6) arranged on the first sub-gear bracket (236a) can perform an action of pushing up the second sub-gear bracket (236b) in the z-axis direction. For example, when the first elastic structure (e.g., 236a_pr1 of FIG. 6) and the second elastic structure (e.g., 236a_pr2 of FIG. 6) come into contact with the first elastic mounting structure (e.g., 236b_gr1 of FIG. 6) and the second elastic mounting structure (e.g., 236b_gr2 of FIG. 6), the horizontal external force transmitted from the elastic bodies (242a, 242b) of FIG. 3 can be converted to move the second sub-gear bracket (236) in the vertical direction.

[0113] In response to this, with respect to the gear axis (or the virtual center line of the axis), the upper inner wall (e.g., the ceiling in the z-axis direction of the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) of the first sub-gear bracket (236a) into which the first gear shaft (234a_sh) of the first linkage gear (234a) is inserted (e.g., the ceiling in the z-axis direction of the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3)) may be in contact (GAP 0) with the upper end (e.g., the upper side in the z-axis direction) of the first gear shaft (234a_sh). According to one embodiment, the lower inner wall (e.g., the bottom in the -z-axis direction of the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) of the first sub-gear bracket (236a) into which the first gear shaft (234a_sh) of the first linkage gear (234a) is inserted (e.g., the bottom in the -z-axis direction of the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3)) may have a state (Gap_1) spaced apart from the lower end (e.g., the lower side in the z-axis direction) of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) with respect to the gear axis.

[0114] According to one embodiment, while the first sub-gear bracket (236a) pushes the second sub-gear bracket (236b) in the z-axis direction, with respect to the gear axis, the upper inner wall (e.g., the z-axis direction ceiling of the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) of the second sub-gear bracket (236b) into which the first gear shaft (234a_sh) of the first linkage gear (234a) is inserted may have a state (Gap_2) spaced apart from the upper end (e.g., the upper side in the z-axis direction) of the second gear shaft (234b_sh). According to one embodiment, with respect to the gear axis, the lower inner wall (e.g., the bottom in the -z-axis direction of the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) of the second sub-gear bracket (236b) into which the first gear shaft (234a_sh) of the first linkage gear (234a) is inserted (e.g., the bottom in the -z-axis direction of the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3)) may be in contact (Gap_3) (a gap-free contact state) with the lower side (e.g., the lower side in the z-axis direction) of the first gear shaft (234a_sh).

[0115] The above-described contact state between the first gear shaft (234a_sh) and the first sub-gear bracket (236a) and the second sub-gear bracket (236b) can be equally applied to other shafts. For example, the upper end of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) in the z-axis direction can be in contact with the ceiling of the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4) of the first sub-gear bracket (236a) in the z-axis direction (e.g., Gap_0 state of the first gear shaft (234a_sh)), and the lower end of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) in the -z-axis direction can be spaced apart from the bottom of the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4) of the first sub-gear bracket (236a) in the -z-axis direction (e.g., Gap_1 state of the first gear shaft (234a_sh)). The upper end of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) in the -z-axis direction may be spaced apart from the ceiling of the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4) of the second sub-gear bracket (236b) in the -z-axis direction (e.g., Gap_2 state of the first gear shaft (234a_sh)), and the lower end of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) in the -z-axis direction may be in contact with the floor of the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4) of the second sub-gear bracket (236b) in the -z-axis direction (e.g., Gap_3 state of the first gear shaft (234a_sh)).

[0116] Similarly, the contact relationship between the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232) and the first shaft hole (236a_h1) and the second shaft hole (236a_h2) may have the same contact relationship as the contact relationship between the first gear shaft (234a_sh) (or the second gear shaft (234b_sh)) and the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) (or the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) described above.

[0117] According to one embodiment, a first opening included in the first set of openings (e.g., one of the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) or the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) has substantially the same size as a second opening included in the second set of openings (e.g., one of the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) or the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)), and a center of the first opening can be aligned with a center of the second opening so that the locations are different. According to one embodiment, a first opening (e.g., one of the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) or the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) included in the first set of openings may be arranged to be spaced apart from a first gear shaft (e.g., 234a_sh) (or a second gear shaft (234b_sh)) included in the at least one gear shaft in a first direction (e.g., from the x-axis to the -x-axis direction) and may be arranged to contact a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., from the -x-axis to the x-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the second opening (e.g., one of the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) or the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)) included in the second set of openings may be arranged to contact the first gear shaft (e.g., 234a_sh) (or the second gear shaft (234b_sh)) in the first direction and to be spaced apart from the first gear shaft (e.g., 234a_sh)) in the second direction.

[0118] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an example of the arrangement of shafts and gear shafts according to one embodiment.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, as in state 901, a hinge structure according to an embodiment (e.g., 201 of FIG. 3) may include at least a first gear shaft (234a_sh), a second gear shaft (234b_sh), a first shaft (231), a second shaft (232), a first main gear (233a), a second main gear (233b), a first linkage gear (234a), and a second linkage gear (234b). The first main gear (233a) may be disposed on the first shaft (231), the second main gear (233b) may be disposed on the second shaft (232), the first linkage gear (234a) may be disposed on the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the second linkage gear (234b) may be disposed on the second gear shaft (234b_sh). The above main gears (233a, 233b) and linkage gears (234a, 234b) can rotate while meshing with each other, and the shafts (231, 232) and gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) can rotate in response to the rotation of the gears.

[0120] Referring to state 902, the first shaft (231) can be at least partially inserted into the first shaft hole (236a_h1) (or the third shaft hole (236b_h1) of the second sub-gear bracket (236b)). The second shaft (232) can be at least partially inserted into the second shaft hole (236a_h2) (or the fourth shaft hole (236b_h2) of the second sub-gear bracket (236b)). The first gear shaft (234a_sh) can be at least partially inserted into the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) (or the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) of the second sub-gear bracket (236b)). The second gear shaft (234b_sh) can be at least partially inserted into the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4) (or the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4) of the second sub-gear bracket (236b)). In order to enable the shafts (231, 232) and gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) to rotate in response to the rotation of the main gears (233a, 233b) and the linkage gears (234a, 234b), a gap may be formed between the shafts (231, 232) and the shaft holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2, 236b_h1, 236b_h2), and a gap may be formed between the gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) and the gear shaft holes (e.g., 236a_h3, 236a_h4, 236b_h3, 236b_h4).

[0121] According to one embodiment, as described above in FIG. 7, in response to the motion of the first sub-gear bracket (236a) and the second sub-gear bracket (236b) twisting in different directions (e.g., -z-axis and z-axis directions), at least a part of the lower end of the shafts (231, 232) and the gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) in the -z-axis direction is adjacent to the first shaft limit line (911) connecting the bottom points of the shaft holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2) and the gear shaft holes (236a_h3, 236a_h4) formed in the first sub-gear bracket (236a) (or x-axis When viewed from the direction, the upper ends of the shafts (231, 232) and the gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) in the z-axis direction may have a state in which the ceiling points of the shaft holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2) and the gear shaft holes (236a_h3, 236a_h4) formed in the first sub-gear bracket (236a) are spaced apart from the second shaft limit line (912).

[0122] According to one embodiment, while the first sub-gear bracket (236a) and the second sub-gear bracket (236b) are moved to be staggered by an external force, at least a part of the upper part of the shafts (231, 232) and the gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) in the z-axis direction may be adjacent to (or overlapped when viewed in the x-axis direction) the third shaft limit line (913) connecting the ceiling points of the shaft holes (236b_h1, 236b_h2) and the gear shaft holes (236b_h3, 236b_h4) formed in the second sub-gear bracket (236b), and at least a part of the lower part of the shafts (231, 232) and the gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh) in the -z-axis direction may be adjacent to the second sub-gear bracket (236b). It can have a state spaced apart from the fourth shaft limit line (914) connecting the bottom points of the formed shaft holes (236b_h1, 236b_h2) and gear shaft holes (236b_h3, 236b_h4).

[0123] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing an example of a modified gear bracket according to one embodiment. In Fig. 10, state 1001 is a perspective view showing an example of a first modified gear bracket (236_1), and state 1002 shows a cross-section cut along the A0-A0` cutting line as viewed from the y-axis direction.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, a first modified gear bracket (236_1) according to one embodiment may include a first modified sub-gear bracket (236a1) and a second modified sub-gear bracket (236b1).

[0125] The first modified sub-gear bracket (236a1) may include a first modified gear bracket body (236a1_bd), a first shaft hole (236a_h1), a second shaft hole (236a_h2), a first gear shaft hole (236a_h3), and a second gear shaft hole (236a_h4). The first shaft hole (236a_h1), the second shaft hole (236a_h2), the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3), and the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4) have structures identical or similar to the shaft holes and gear shaft holes described above in FIGS. 5 and 6, and at least a portion of the first shaft (231), the second shaft (232), the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) may be inserted therein, respectively. Alternatively, the holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2, 236a_h3, 236a_h4) included in the first modified sub-gear bracket (236a1) may have different depths compared to the holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2, 236a_h3, 236a_h4) described above in FIGS. 5 and 6. As an example, the depths of the holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2, 236a_h3, 236a_h4) included in the first modified sub-gear bracket (236a1) may vary depending on the position on the z-axis.

[0126] The first modified gear bracket body (236a1_bd) may be formed so that the length in the first direction (e.g., the y-axis or -y-axis) is longer than the length in the second direction (e.g., the z-axis or -z-axis). The length (or width) of the first modified gear bracket body (236a1_bd) in the third direction (e.g., the x-axis or -x-axis direction) may be formed shorter than the length in the first or second direction. As an example, at least one of the shape and size of the surface of the first modified gear bracket body (236a1_bd) facing the -x-axis may have the same size and shape within a certain range of error compared to the first gear bracket body (236a_bd) described above in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, except for the first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1) and the second elastic protrusion (236a_pr2). At least a portion of the surface facing the x-axis direction of the first modified gear bracket body (236a1_bd) may include a first inclined surface (236a_gd) having a first slope. According to one embodiment, the x-axis thickness of the first modified gear bracket body (236a1_bd) may vary depending on the position of the z-axis (or -z-axis). As an example, the x-axis thickness at the z-axis edge of the first modified gear bracket body (236a1_bd) may be different from the x-axis thickness at the -z-axis edge. For example, the x-axis thickness at the z-axis edge of the first modified gear bracket body (236a1_bd) may be thinner than the x-axis thickness at the -z-axis edge. Alternatively, the x-axis thickness of the first modified gear bracket body (236a1_bd) may gradually become thinner (or thicker) toward the z-axis edge, or may gradually become thicker (or thinner) toward the -z-axis edge.

[0127] According to one embodiment, one side (e.g., the side facing the x-axis) of the second modified gear bracket body (236b1_bd) may have a shape identical to or similar to the shape and size of the side facing the -x-axis of the first modified gear bracket body (236a1_bd). For example, the second modified gear bracket body (236b1_bd) may be formed such that a length in a first direction (e.g., the y-axis or the -y-axis) is longer than a length in a second direction (e.g., the z-axis or the -z-axis), and a length (or width) in a third direction (e.g., the x-axis or the -x-axis direction) is shorter than a length in the first or second direction. At least a portion of the side facing the -x-axis direction of the second modified gear bracket body (236b1_bd) may include a second inclined surface (236b_gd) having a second inclination. According to one embodiment, the first inclination size may be equal to the second inclination size and the direction may be opposite. Accordingly, the slope of the second inclined surface (236b_gd) may be the same as the slope of the first inclined surface (236a_gd), and at least a portion of the second inclined surface (236b_gd) may be arranged to face the first inclined surface (236a_gd). According to one embodiment, the x-axis thickness of the second modified gear bracket body (236b1_bd) may vary depending on the position of the z-axis (or -z-axis). As an example, the x-axis thickness at the z-axis edge of the second modified gear bracket body (236b1_bd) may be different from the x-axis thickness at the -z-axis edge. For example, the x-axis thickness at the z-axis edge of the second modified gear bracket body (236b1_bd) may be thicker than the x-axis thickness at the -z-axis edge. Alternatively, the x-axis thickness of the second modified gear bracket body (236b1_bd) may gradually become thicker (or thinner) toward the z-axis edge, or may gradually become thinner (or thicker) toward the -z-axis edge. The first inclined surface (236a_gd) and the second inclined surface (236b_gd) may have an inclined surface that is less than or greater than 90 degrees when viewed in the z-axis direction.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the first inclined surface (236a_gd) of the first deformed gear bracket body (236a1_bd) described above and the second inclined surface (236b_gd) of the second deformed gear bracket body (236b1_bd) are arranged to face each other, and as described above with reference to FIG. 7, an external force generated by an elastic body included in a hinge structure (e.g., 201 of FIG. 3) can pressurize the first deformed gear bracket body (236a1_bd) in the x-axis direction. Correspondingly, the first deformed gear bracket body (236a1_bd) can be pressed in the -z-axis direction, and the second deformed gear bracket body (236b1_bd) can be pressed in the z-axis direction. Before an external force is applied, the first and second shaft holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2) and the first and second gear shaft holes (236a_h3, 236a_h4) of the first deformed gear bracket body (236a1_bd), the third and fourth shaft holes (236b_h1, 236b_h2) and the third and fourth gear shaft holes (236b_h3, 236b_h4) of the second deformed gear bracket body (236b1_bd) can be aligned on the zy plane. The first shaft (231) described above in FIG. 3 may be inserted into the first shaft hole (236a_h1) and the third shaft hole (236b_h1), the second shaft (232) may be inserted into the second shaft hole (236a_h2) and the fourth shaft hole (236b_h2), the first gear shaft (234a_sh) may be inserted into the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) and the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3), and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) may be inserted into the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4) and the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4).When an external force is applied by an elastic body included in a hinge structure (e.g., 201 in FIG. 3), the second deformed gear bracket body (236b1_bd) is pushed in the z-axis direction, and the first deformed gear bracket body (236a1_bd) is pushed in the -z-axis direction, thereby pressurizing the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) inserted into each hole (236a_h1, 236a_h2, 236a_h3, 236a_h4, 236b_h1, 236b_h2, 236b_h3, 236b_h4) in the z-axis direction and the -z-axis direction, respectively, thereby preventing the movement of the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh). Meanwhile, the directions of the first inclined surface (236a_gd) and the second inclined surface (236b_gd) in FIG. 10 may be opposite to each other. The first deformed gear bracket (236_1) described above can convert an external force applied in the x-axis direction (e.g., a horizontal external force or elastic force) into a force in the z-axis or -z-axis direction (e.g., a vertical force). The magnitude of the external force described above may vary depending on the folded state of the hinge structure (e.g., 201 in FIG. 3). For example, the magnitude of the external force when the hinge structure (e.g., 201 in FIG. 3) is at a certain angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees (e.g., a flex mode section, a certain angle between 30 and 160 degrees) may be greater than that in the 0 or 180 degree state (or folded or unfolded state). In response to this, when the hinge structure (e.g., 201 in FIG. 3) has an angular state of the flex mode section (or an angular state in which the angle between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees), the pressure applied by the first deformation gear bracket (236_1) to the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) may be greater than in other states (e.g., folded or unfolded states).Alternatively, according to one embodiment, the hinge structure (or gear assembly) (e.g., 201 of FIG. 3) of the portable electronic device (100) further includes a cam structure (e.g., a cam of the cam member (241) and the arm members (221, 222) described in FIG. 3), and during a section in which a first cam nose (e.g., a cam nose of the cam member (241)) and a second cam nose (e.g., a cam nose formed on the arm members (221, 222)) of the cam structure face each other (or in a state in which a mountain of the cam member (241) and a mountain of the cam structure formed on the arm members (221, 222) are in contact), the pressure applied by the first deformed gear bracket (236_1) to the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) is caused by the inclination of the cam member (241) and the arm members (221, 222). The pressure applied by the first deformation gear bracket (236_1) to the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) may be greater than that applied by the first deformation gear bracket (236_1) while the slopes of the formed cam structures meet (or while the first cam nose and the second cam nose of the cam structures intersect). In one embodiment, the pressure applied to the first deformation gear bracket (236_1) described above may vary depending on the degree of compression of the elastic body of the hinge structure (e.g., 201 of FIG. 3).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (e.g., 201 of FIG. 3) (or gear assembly) further includes a cam structure (e.g., a cam formed on a cam member (241) and female members (221, 222)), and in a section where a first cam nose (e.g., a mountain or protrusion of the cam member (241)) and a second cam nose (e.g., a mountain or protrusion of the cam formed on the female members (221, 222)) of the cam structure are positioned to be misaligned with each other, the first size of a portion where the first set of openings (e.g., a first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) or a second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) and the second set of openings (e.g., a third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) or a fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)) overlap each other is, in a section where the first cam nose and the second cam nose are positioned to face each other, The second size of the overlapping portion of the first set of openings and the second set of openings may be larger than the second size.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (e.g., 201 of FIG. 3) (or gear assembly) further includes a cam structure (e.g., a cam formed on a cam member (241) and arm members (221, 222)), and in a section where a first cam nose (e.g., a mountain or protrusion of the cam member (241)) and a second cam nose (e.g., a mountain or protrusion of the cam formed on the arm members (221, 222)) of the cam structure are positioned to be misaligned with each other, a first size of an overlapping portion of a first support member (or a first sub-gear bracket (236a)) in which the first set of openings is formed and a second support member (or a second sub-gear bracket (236b)) in which the second set of openings (e.g., a third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) or a fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)) is formed is such that the first cam nose and the second cam nose In a section where the first support member and the second support member are positioned to face each other, the second size of the overlapping portion may be larger than that of the first support member and the second support member.

[0131] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an example of another structure of a gear bracket according to one embodiment. In Fig. 11, state 1101 is a perspective view showing an example of a second modified gear bracket (236_2), state 1102 shows a cross-section cut along the A1-A1` cutting line as viewed from the y-axis direction, and state 1103 shows a simplified shape as viewed from the x-axis direction.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11, a second deformation gear bracket (236_2) according to one embodiment may include a third deformation sub-gear bracket (236a2) (or a third deformation support member) and a fourth deformation sub-gear bracket (236b2) (or a fourth deformation support member).

[0133] The third modified sub-gear bracket (236a2) may include a third modified gear bracket body (236a2_bd), a first shaft hole (236a_h1), a second shaft hole (236a_h2), a first gear shaft hole (236a_h3), and a second gear shaft hole (236a_h4). The first shaft hole (236a_h1), the second shaft hole (236a_h2), the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3), and the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4) have structures identical or similar to the shaft holes and gear shaft holes described above in FIGS. 5 and 6, and at least a portion of the first shaft (231), the second shaft (232), the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) may be inserted therein, respectively.

[0134] The third modified gear bracket body (236a_bd2) may be formed so that the length in the first direction (e.g., the y-axis or -y-axis) is longer than the length in the second direction (e.g., the z-axis or -z-axis). The length (or width) of the third modified gear bracket body (236a2_bd) in the third direction (e.g., the x-axis or -x-axis direction) may be formed shorter than the length in the first or second direction. As an example, at least one of the shape and size of the surface facing the -x-axis of the third modified gear bracket body (236a2_bd) may have the same size and shape within a certain range of error, except for the portion where the length in the z-axis direction is formed shorter compared to the first gear bracket body (236a_bd) described in FIG. 5 or 6, and the form in which the first elastic protrusion (236a_pr1) and the second elastic protrusion (236a_pr2) described in FIG. 5 or 6 are removed.

[0135] A first bracket elastic body (400) is arranged in the z-axis direction of the third modified gear bracket body (236a2_bd) described above, and the first bracket elastic body (400) can press the third modified gear bracket body (236a2_bd) in the -z-axis direction. The first bracket elastic body (400) can be supported by, for example, a bracket extension portion (213p) formed in the fixed bracket (213). Alternatively, the first bracket elastic body (400) can be arranged between the third modified gear bracket body (236a2_bd) and the bracket extension portion (213p) to press the third modified gear bracket body (236a2_bd) in the -z-axis direction. In response to this, the third deformation gear bracket body (236a2_bd) can be pushed in the -z-axis direction to pressurize the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) arranged in the holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2, 236a_h3, 236a_h4) to prevent movement of the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh).

[0136] The fourth modified sub-gear bracket (236b2) may include a fourth modified gear bracket body (236b2_bd), a third shaft hole (236b_h1), a fourth shaft hole (236b_h2), a third gear shaft hole (236b_h3), and a fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4). The third shaft hole (236b_h1), the fourth shaft hole (236b_h2), the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3), and the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4) have the same or similar structures as the shaft holes and gear shaft holes formed in the second gear bracket body (236b_bd) described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, and at least a portion of the first shaft (231), the second shaft (232), the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) may be inserted therein, respectively. According to one embodiment, the fourth modified gear bracket body (236b1_bd1) may have at least one of the same structure and size as the second gear bracket body (236b_bd) described above in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6, except for the first elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1) and the second elastic mounting structure (236b_gr2). The fourth modified gear bracket body (236b2_bd) may support the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) while the third modified gear bracket body (236a2_bd) is pushed in the -z-axis direction and pressurizes the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh).

[0137] The first bracket elastic body (400) may include a plate spring convex in the -z-axis direction. Both edges of the first bracket elastic body (400) may be arranged to press the third deformed gear bracket body (236a2_bd) in the -z-axis direction. According to one embodiment, the first bracket elastic body (400) may include a plate spring convex in the -z-axis direction. The first bracket elastic body (400) convex in the -z-axis direction may contact at least a portion of the z-axis upper end of the third deformed gear bracket body (236a2_bd) to press the third deformed gear bracket body (236a2_bd) in the -z-axis direction.

[0138] Meanwhile, in the above description, the first bracket elastic body (400) is exemplified as pressing the third modified sub-gear bracket (236a2) in the -z-axis direction, but the position of the first bracket elastic body (400) and the position of the third modified sub-gear bracket (236a2) may be changed. According to one embodiment, the first bracket elastic body (400) may be arranged to press the fourth modified sub-gear bracket (236b2) in the -z-axis direction. In this case, the fourth modified sub-gear bracket (236b2) may have the same shape and size as the third modified sub-gear bracket (236a2) described above. As an example, when the first bracket elastic body (400) is arranged to pressurize the fourth modified sub-gear bracket (236b2), the z-axis height of the fourth modified sub-gear bracket (236b2) may be formed lower than the z-axis height of the third modified sub-gear bracket (236a2). According to one embodiment, the z-axis heights of the third modified sub-gear bracket (236a2) and the fourth modified sub-gear bracket (236b2) may be the same.

[0139] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing another example of another structure of a gear bracket according to one embodiment. In Fig. 12, state 1201 is a perspective view showing an example of a third modified gear bracket (236_3), state 1202 is a simplified representation of the shape as viewed from the x-axis direction, and state 1203 is a state showing a cross-section cut along the A2-A2` cutting line as viewed from the y-axis direction.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, a third modified gear bracket (236_3) according to one embodiment may include a fifth modified sub-gear bracket (236a3) (or a fifth modified support member) and a sixth modified sub-gear bracket (236b3) (or a sixth modified support member).

[0141] The fifth modified sub-gear bracket (236a3) may include a fifth modified gear bracket body (236a3_bd), a first shaft hole (236a_h1), a second shaft hole (236a_h2), a first gear shaft hole (236a_h3), and a second gear shaft hole (236a_h4). The first shaft hole (236a_h1), the second shaft hole (236a_h2), the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3), and the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4) have structures identical or similar to the shaft holes and gear shaft holes described above in FIG. 11, and at least a portion of the first shaft (231), the second shaft (232), the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) may be inserted therein, respectively. According to one embodiment, the fifth modified sub-gear bracket (236a3) may have the same or similar structure as the fourth modified sub-gear bracket (236b2) described above in FIG. 11.

[0142] The sixth modified sub-gear bracket (236b3) may include a sixth modified gear bracket body (236b3_bd), a third shaft hole (236b_h1), a fourth shaft hole (236b_h2), a third gear shaft hole (236b_h3), and a fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4). The sixth modified gear bracket body (236b3_bd) may be formed such that a length in a first direction (e.g., y-axis or -y-axis) is longer than a length in a second direction (e.g., z-axis or -z-axis). The length (or width) of the sixth modified gear bracket body (236b3_bd) in a third direction (e.g., x-axis or -x-axis direction) may be formed shorter than a length in the first direction or the second direction. As an example, the length of the sixth modified gear bracket body (236b3_bd) in the z-axis direction may be formed shorter than the length of the fifth modified gear bracket body (236a3_bd) in the z-axis direction. A second bracket elastic body (500) may be arranged at the lower portion of the sixth modified gear bracket body (236b3_bd) in the -z-axis direction. According to one embodiment, the sum of the z-axis length of the sixth modified gear bracket body (236b3_bd) and the z-axis height of the second bracket elastic body (500) may be equal to or similar to the z-axis length of the fifth modified gear bracket body (236a3_bd).

[0143] The second bracket elastic body (500) may be supported, for example, on one side of a hinge structure (e.g., 201 in FIG. 3) or a hinge housing (150 in FIG. 1 or 2). Alternatively, the second bracket elastic body (500) may be positioned between the sixth modified gear bracket body (236b3_bd) and the hinge housing (150 in FIG. 1 or 2) to pressurize the sixth modified gear bracket body (236b3_bd) in the z-axis direction. In response to this, the sixth modified gear bracket body (236b3_bd) can be pushed in the z-axis direction to pressurize the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) arranged in the holes (236b_h1, 236b_h2, 236b_h3, 236b_h4) to prevent movement of the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh). The second bracket elastic body (500) may have the same or similar size and shape as the first bracket elastic body (400). As an example, the second bracket elastic body (500) may include a convex plate spring in the z-axis direction or a convex plate spring in the -z-axis direction.

[0144] Meanwhile, in the above description, the second bracket elastic body (500) is exemplified as pressing the sixth modified sub-gear bracket (236b3) in the z-axis direction, but the position of the second bracket elastic body (500) and the position of the sixth modified sub-gear bracket (236b3) may be changed. According to one embodiment, the second bracket elastic body (500) may be arranged to press the fifth modified sub-gear bracket (236a3) in the -z-axis direction. In this case, the fifth modified sub-gear bracket (236a3) may have the same shape and size as the sixth modified sub-gear bracket (236b3) described above. As an example, when the second bracket elastic body (500) is arranged to pressurize the fifth modified sub-gear bracket (236a3), the z-axis height of the fifth modified sub-gear bracket (236a3) may be formed lower than the z-axis height of the sixth modified sub-gear bracket (236b3). According to one embodiment, the z-axis heights of the fifth modified sub-gear bracket (236a3) and the sixth modified sub-gear bracket (236b3) may be the same.

[0145] Although the structure in which two sub-gear brackets are arranged is exemplified in FIGS. 11 and 12 described above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the hinge structure may include only one sub-gear bracket pressed by the bracket elastic body (400 or 500). In addition, although FIGS. 10 and 11 exemplify a form in which the openings and elastic structures described in FIGS. 5 and 6 are removed, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the openings and elastic structures described in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be applied to at least one of FIGS. 10 to 12.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the shapes of the holes described above may have other shapes than circular. For example, a first opening (e.g., a first gear shaft hole (236a_h3)) included in the first set of openings (e.g., a first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) or a second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) that is substantially circular (or non-circular) may partially overlap a second opening (236b_h3) included in the second set of openings (e.g., a third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) or a fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)) that is substantially non-circular (or circular). As an example, a third opening (e.g., a second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) included in the first set of openings and having a substantially non-circular shape may partially overlap a fourth opening (e.g., a fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)) included in the second set of openings and having a substantially circular shape. The order of the first to fourth openings defining the order of the above-described openings may vary depending on the priority of the defined configuration. Accordingly, expressions related to each opening or hole should be understood with reference to the drawing numbers described in the drawings. Meanwhile, although at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure exemplifies a structure in which four holes (or openings) are arranged in one support member, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and a support member including only at least two holes (or openings) (or a number of holes (or openings) greater than four) may be presented. When the support member has a number of holes (or openings) less than (or greater than) four, the hinge structure (or hinge assembly) may include a number of shafts corresponding to the number of holes.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the sub-gear brackets (e.g., 236a, 236b in FIG. 5) can provide a structure capable of pressurizing the gear shafts (e.g., 234a_sh, 234b_sh in FIG. 3) based on the positional difference of shaft holes (e.g., 236a_h3, 236a_h4, 236b_h3, 236b_h4 in FIG. 5) arranged in each sub-gear bracket (e.g., 236a, 236b in FIG. 5) without a separate elastic structure. For example, in a state where the sub-gear brackets (e.g., 236a, 236b in FIG. 5) are overlapped with each other, the positions of the shaft holes (e.g., 236a_h3, 236a_h4, 236b_h3, 236b_h4 in FIG. 5) formed in the first sub-gear bracket (e.g., 236a in FIG. 5) may be formed higher in the z-axis or lower in the -z-axis with respect to the horizontal line than the positions of the shaft holes (e.g., 236a_h3, 236a_h4, 236b_h3, 236b_h4 in FIG. 5) formed in the second sub-gear bracket (e.g., 236b in FIG. 5). Accordingly, when the gear shafts (e.g., 234a_sh, 234b_sh of FIG. 3) are inserted into the sub-gear brackets (e.g., 236a, 236b of FIG. 5), they may be brought into contact with the inner wall of the shaft hole of one of the sub-gear brackets. In one embodiment, the sub-gear brackets (e.g., 236a, 236b of FIG. 5) may be formed asymmetrically in the shape of the shaft holes, the size of the shaft holes, or the position of the shaft holes, so that the gear shafts may be interleaved and closely fitted to the shaft holes (e.g., 236a_h3, 236a_h4, 236b_h3, 236b_h4 of FIG. 5) of the respective sub-gear brackets (e.g., 234a, 234b of FIG. 5) without an elastic structure.The above-described shaft pressurization or sealing structure can be applied identically or similarly to shafts (e.g., 231, 232 in FIG. 3) and shaft holes (e.g., 236a_h1, 236a_h2, 236b_h1, 236b_h2 in FIG. 5) on which main gears (e.g., 233a, 233b in FIG. 3) are arranged, in addition to the gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh in FIG. 3).

[0148] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing an example of at least a portion of a configuration of a hinge structure according to one embodiment. Fig. 14 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section taken along the A3-A3` line of Fig. 13. In Fig. 14, a state 1401 shows a surface in one direction of the fourth modified gear bracket (236_4) in a state in which the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) are removed, and a state 1402 shows a surface in one direction of the fourth modified gear bracket (236_4) in a state in which the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) are coupled.

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 14, the hinge structure (202) may include at least a fixed bracket (213), a first arm member (221), a second arm member (222), a cam member (241), a shaft fixing member (243), a first shaft (231), a second shaft (232), a first washer ring (249a), a second washer ring (249b), first and second coupling members (249e1, 249e2), a fourth modified gear bracket (236_4), a first main gear (233a), a second main gear (233b), a first linkage gear (234a), and a second linkage gear (234b). The first linkage gear (234a) may be formed (or fixed) on a first gear shaft (e.g., 234a_sh of FIG. 3), and the second linkage gear (234b) may be formed (or fixed) on a second gear shaft (e.g., 234b_sh of FIG. 3). Meanwhile, the configuration of the hinge structure (202) shown in FIG. 13 may correspond to a part thereof, and may further include the configuration of the hinge structure (201) described above in FIG. 3. As an example, FIG. 13 illustrates a form in which a separate elastic body is removed, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least one elastic body may be inserted into each of the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232) to press the cam member (241) in the x-axis direction.Among the components of the hinge structure (202), except for the fourth modified gear bracket (236_4), at least one of the remaining components, such as the fixed bracket (213), the first arm member (221), the second arm member (222), the cam member (241), the shaft fixing member (243), the first shaft (231), the second shaft (232), the first washer ring (249a), the second washer ring (249b), the first and second coupling members (249e1, 249e2), the fourth modified gear bracket (236_4), the first main gear (233a), the second main gear (233b), the first gear shaft (234a_sh), the second gear shaft (234b_sh), the first linkage gear (234a), and the second linkage gear (234b), may correspond to the same components as each component of the hinge structure (201) described in FIG. 3.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 14, the fourth modified gear bracket (236_4) includes a gear bracket body (236_4_bd), a first modified shaft hole (236_ha1) penetrating the gear bracket body (236_4_bd) in the x-axis direction, a second modified shaft hole (236_ha2), a first modified gear shaft hole (236_ha3), a second modified gear shaft hole (236_ha4), a first extension hole (236_s_h1) penetrating the x-axis direction and extending in the y-axis direction while being connected to the first modified shaft hole (236_ha1), a second extension hole (236_s_h2) connecting the first modified shaft hole (236_ha1) and the first modified gear shaft hole (236_ha3), a third extension hole (236_s_h3) connecting the first modified gear shaft hole (236_ha3) and the second modified gear shaft hole (236_ha4), and a second It may include a fourth extension hole (236_s_h4) connecting the transformed gear shaft hole (236_ha4) and the second transformed shaft hole (236_ha2), and a fifth extension hole (236_s_h5) connected to the second transformed shaft hole (236_ha2) and extending in the -y-axis direction while penetrating in the x-axis direction.

[0151] The diameter of the first modified shaft hole (236_ha1) may be formed smaller than the diameter of the first shaft (231) to be inserted. The diameter of the second modified shaft hole (236_ha2) may be formed smaller than the diameter of the second shaft (232) to be inserted. The diameter of the first modified gear shaft hole (236_ha3) may be formed smaller than the diameter of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) to be inserted. The diameter of the second modified gear shaft hole (236_ha4) may be formed smaller than the diameter of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) to be inserted. While the first shaft (231) is inserted into the first deformation shaft hole (236_ha1), the size of the first deformation shaft hole (236_ha1) is temporarily widened by the first extension hole (236_s_h1) and the second extension hole (236_s_h2), and the first shaft (231) is inserted, and then the periphery of the first deformation shaft hole (236_ha1) can pressurize the inserted first shaft (231) by the elasticity of the gear bracket body (236_4_bd). Similarly, the periphery of the second deformation shaft hole (236_ha2) can operate to pressurize the outer periphery of the second shaft (232), the periphery of the first deformation gear shaft hole (236_ha3) can operate to pressurize the outer periphery of the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the periphery of the second deformation gear shaft hole (236_ha4) can operate to pressurize the outer periphery of the second gear shaft (234b_sh). Through the above-described operation, the flow of the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) can be reduced or prevented while the hinge structure (202) performs the hinge operation.

[0152] Meanwhile, in the above description, at least one of the extension holes (236_s_h1, 236_s_h2, 236_s_h3, 236_s_h4, 236_s_h5) may be removed. For example, the first extension hole (236_s_h1) and the second extension hole (236_s_h2) may be removed. Alternatively, the third extension hole (236_s_h3) may be removed. The area where the extension hole is removed may be filled with at least a portion of the metallic gear bracket body. The above extension holes (236_s_h1, 236_s_h2, 236_s_h3, 236_s_h4, 236_s_h5) may be provided in a form that protrudes in one direction from the shaft holes (236_ha1, 236_ha2, 236_ha3, 236_ha4) without connecting the shaft holes (236_ha1, 236_ha2, 236_ha3, 236_ha4). For example, the shapes of the extension holes (236_s_h1, 236_s_h2, 236_s_h3, 236_s_h4, 236_s_h5) may be arranged in a polygonal shape based on the centers of the shaft holes (236_ha1, 236_ha2, 236_ha3, 236_ha4).

[0153] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing an example of a shaft pressurization structure according to one embodiment. Fig. 16 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section taken along the A4-A4` cutting line of Fig. 15.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, 15 and 16, a hinge structure (203) according to one embodiment may include a first deformation fixing bracket (213_1 of FIG. 15 or 16), a third bracket elastic body (600 of FIG. 15 or 16), a first linkage gear (234a of FIG. 3) disposed on a first gear shaft (234a_sh of FIG. 3), and a basic gear bracket (236_0 of FIG. 16). Additionally, the hinge structure (203) may further include a first main gear, a second main gear, a second linkage gear and a second gear shaft disposed between the first deformation fixing bracket (213_1) and the basic gear bracket (236_0). FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate only some of the configurations of the hinge structure (203) of the portable electronic device (100), and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the hinge structure (203) may further include at least some of the configurations of the hinge structure (201) described above in FIG. 3.

[0155] The first modified fixing bracket (213_1) may further include a space in which a third bracket elastic body (600) may be placed on the rear portion (213_1_rr) (e.g., a portion facing the -z-axis direction or a portion facing the inner surface of the hinge housing (150)). For example, the first modified fixing bracket (213_1) may include grooves (601_gr, 602_gr, 603_gr) corresponding to the shape of the third bracket elastic body (600). For example, the first modified fixed bracket (213_1) may include a first elastic groove (601_gr) in which the first elastic body part (601) of the third bracket elastic body (600) is placed (or seated, adjacent to), a second elastic body groove (602_gr) in which the second elastic body part (602) of the third bracket elastic body (600) is placed (or seated, adjacent to), and a third elastic body groove (603_gr) in which the third elastic body part (603) of the third bracket elastic body (600) is placed (or seated, adjacent to).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the front part (213_1_fr) of the first modified fixed bracket (213_1) may include a rail or a rail structure into which the first rotation member (211) and the second rotation member (212) described in FIG. 3 may be inserted. The side part (213_1_sd) (e.g., the surface portion facing the x-axis) of the first modified fixed bracket (213_1) may include a first groove (213_h1) into which one side of the first shaft (231) is inserted, a second groove (213_h2) into which one side of the second shaft (232) is inserted, a third groove (213_h3) into which one side of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) is inserted, and a fourth groove (213_h4) into which one side of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) is inserted. The first to fourth grooves (213_h1, 213_h2, 213_h3, 213_h4) may include a shape engraved in the -x-axis direction on the x-axis side of the first modified fixing bracket (213_1). The first modified fixing bracket (213_1) may include a bracket extension portion (213p). The bracket extension portion (213p) may be arranged to protrude in the x-axis direction from the x-axis edge of the z-axis upper portion of the first modified fixing bracket (213_1). While the hinge structure (203) including the first modified fixing bracket (213_1) is at least partially arranged in the hinge housing (150 of FIG. 1 or 2), the bracket extension portion (213p) may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the first linkage gear (234a) and the second linkage gear (234b).

[0157] The third bracket elastic body (600) may have at least a portion of a cross-section in the z-axis direction (or at least a portion of the rear portion (213_1_rr)) having a U-shape when viewed from the z-axis direction to the -z-axis direction. As an example, the third bracket elastic body (600) may include a first elastic body part (601) arranged on the x-axis side portion (213_1_sd) of the first deformed fixing bracket (213_1), a second elastic body part (602) arranged on the bottom (e.g., one side in the -z-axis direction) of the first deformed fixing bracket (213_1), and a third elastic body part (603) arranged parallel to the first elastic body part (601). The first elastic body part (601) may be arranged in a first elastic body groove (601_gr) formed in the first deformed fixing bracket (213_1). The first elastic body part (601) may include a first elastic body hole (601_h1) and a second elastic body hole (601_h2) which are aligned with the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) and the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4), respectively. One side of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) may be inserted into the first elastic body hole (601_h1), and one side of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) may be inserted into the second elastic body hole (601_h2). The first elastic body part (601) may perform a function of pressing the mounted first linkage gear (234a) and second linkage gear (234b) in the -x-axis direction. The second elastic body part (602) serves to connect the first elastic body part (601) and the third elastic body part (603), and can support the first elastic body part (601) in the x-axis direction. At least a portion of the third elastic body part (603) may be formed as a curved surface. As an example, the third elastic body part (603) may include a shape that is convex in the x-axis direction (or convex in the -x-axis direction). The x-axis width of the third elastic body part (603) may be greater than the width of the third elastic body groove (603_gr).In response to this, when the third elastic body part (603) is inserted into the third elastic body groove (603_gr), the third elastic body part (603) can have a compressed state. The repulsive force against the compressed state of the third elastic body part (603) is transmitted to the first elastic body part (601) through the second elastic body part (602), and the first elastic body part (601) can provide the transmitted repulsive force to the side surfaces of the first linkage gear (234a) and the second linkage gear (234b) to press the first gear shaft (234a_sh) and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) connected to the first linkage gear (234a) and the second linkage gear (234b), respectively, in the -x-axis direction.

[0158] Additionally, referring to FIG. 3 described above, the hinge structure (203) further includes at least one elastic body (e.g., cam elastic bodies (242a, 242b) of FIG. 3) supporting the cam member (241), and the at least one elastic body can exert an elastic force to press the basic gear bracket (236_0) in the x-axis direction. Correspondingly, the basic gear bracket (236_0) can press the first linkage gear (234a) and the second linkage gear (234b) in the x-axis direction. Considering the above-described structure, the first linkage gear (234a) and the first gear shaft (234a_sh) and the second linkage gear (234b) and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) have a sandwich-shaped pressurized state due to an external force in the x-axis direction (e.g., the elastic force of the third bracket elastic body (600)) and an external force in the -x-axis direction (e.g., the elastic force of the cam elastic bodies (242a, 242b) of FIG. 3), and depending on the pressurized state, the flow can be reduced or prevented during gear operation.

[0159] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing another example of a shaft pressurization structure according to one embodiment. Fig. 18 is a drawing showing an example of a cross-section taken along the A5-A5` cutting line of Fig. 17.

[0160] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 15 to 17, a hinge structure (204) according to one embodiment may include a second deformation fixing bracket (213_2 of FIG. 17 or 18), fourth bracket elastic bodies (701, 702 of FIG. 17 or 18), a second linkage gear (234b of FIG. 3) disposed on a second gear shaft (234b_sh of FIG. 3), and a basic gear bracket (236_0 of FIG. 18). In addition, the hinge structure (204) may further include a first main gear, a second main gear, a first linkage gear, and a first gear shaft disposed between the second deformation fixing bracket (213_2) and the basic gear bracket (236_0). The second deformation fixing bracket (213_2) may further include a first shaft and a second shaft, each of which has one side inserted into the first groove (213_h1) and the second groove (213_h2), respectively. In FIGS. 17 and 18, only some of the configurations of the hinge structure (204) of the portable electronic device (100) are exemplarily shown, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the hinge structure (204) may further include at least some of the configurations of the hinge structure (201) described above in FIG. 3.

[0161] The second modified fixed bracket (213_2) may include a rear portion (213_2_rr) at least partially disposed in the hinge housing (150 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2), a front portion (213_2_fr) including a rail or rail structure to which at least a portion of the first rotation member (211) and the second rotation member (212) of FIG. 3 are coupled, and a side portion (213_2_sd) formed between the rear portion (213_2_rr) and the front portion (213_2_fr) and into which at least a portion of the first shaft (231), the second shaft (232), the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) of FIG. 3 are inserted. Additionally, the second modified fixing bracket (213_2) may further include other side portions that form between the rear portion (213_2_rr) and the front portion (213_2_fr) in addition to the side portion (213_2_sd) into which the shafts are inserted.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the side portion (213_2_sd) (e.g., the surface portion facing the x-axis) of the second modified fixing bracket (213_2) may include a first groove (213_h1) into which one side of the first shaft (231) is inserted, a second groove (213_h2) into which one side of the second shaft (232) is inserted, a third modified groove (213_2_h3) (or third groove) into which one side of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) is inserted, and a fourth modified groove (213_2_h4) (or fourth groove) into which one side of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) is inserted. The first groove (213_h1), the second groove (213_h2), the third deformation groove (213_2_h3), and the fourth deformation groove (213_2_h4) may include a shape engraved in the -x-axis direction on the x-axis side of the second deformation fixing bracket (213_2). The second deformation fixing bracket (213_2) may include a bracket extension portion (213p). The bracket extension portion (213p) may be arranged to protrude in the x-axis direction from the x-axis edge of the z-axis upper portion of the second deformation fixing bracket (213_2). While the hinge structure (204) including the second modified fixed bracket (213_2) is at least partially disposed in the hinge housing (150 of FIG. 1 or 2), the bracket extension (213p) may be disposed to cover at least a portion of the first linkage gear (234a) and the second linkage gear (234b).

[0163] The fourth bracket elastic bodies (701, 702) may include a first sub-elastic body (701) (or first elastic body) disposed in a third deformation groove (213_2_h3) and a second sub-elastic body (702) (or second elastic body) disposed in a fourth deformation groove (213_2_h4). The first sub-elastic body (701) and the second sub-elastic body (702) may have at least one of the same structure and size within a certain error range. Taking the second sub-elastic body (702) as an example, the second sub-elastic body (702) may include a ring-shaped elastic body. Alternatively, the second sub-elastic body (702) may have a ring shape with one end broken and a shape in which the end is twisted with respect to the z-axis direction. Alternatively, the second sub-elastic body (702) may include at least one segment of a spring. The second sub-elastic body (702) has a size similar to that of the fourth deformation groove (213_2_h4), and a hole penetrating the x-axis may be formed in the center thereof. At least a portion of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) may be inserted into the center of the second sub-elastic body (702). According to one embodiment, at least one of the fourth bracket elastic bodies (701, 702) may include at least one of rubber, resin, fiber, or a composite thereof as an elastic material. Additionally or alternatively, the first groove (213_h1) and the second groove (213_h2) are provided in the same or similar shape as the third deformation groove (213_2_h3) and the fourth deformation groove (213_2_h4), and elastic bodies identical to or similar to the fourth bracket elastic bodies (701, 702) can be arranged in the deformation grooves of the first groove (213_h1) and the second groove (213_h2).

[0164] The fourth deformation groove (213_2_h4) (or the third deformation groove (213_2_h3)) may be configured in multiple stages. For example, the fourth deformation groove (213_2_h4) may include a first sub-groove (213_h4_s1) in which the second sub-elastic body (702) is placed and a second sub-groove (213_h4_s2) in which one side of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) is inserted (or placed). The first sub-groove (213_h4_s1) and the second sub-groove (213_h4_s2) are connected to each other, and the diameter of the second sub-groove (213_h4_s2) may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first sub-groove (213_h4_s1). As an example, the diameter of the central hole of the second sub-elastic body (702) may be formed to be equal to or smaller than the length (or diameter) of one direction of the z-axis cross-section of the second sub-groove (213_h4_s2). Depending on a design change, the diameter of the central hole of the second sub-elastic body (702) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the second sub-groove (213_h4_s2). The third deformation groove (213_2_h3) may have the same or similar structure as the fourth deformation groove (213_2_h4). For example, the third deformation groove (213_2_h3) may include a first sub-groove into which the first sub-elastic body (701) is inserted (or placed) and a second sub-groove which is at least partially connected to the first sub-groove and into which one side of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) is inserted (or placed).

[0165] One side (e.g., edge in the x-axis direction) of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) may be placed (or adjacent to, placed on, or seated) in the fourth deformation groove (213_2_h4), and the other side (e.g., edge in the -x-axis direction) of the second gear shaft (234b_sh) may be placed (or adjacent to, placed on, or seated) in the groove (234_sh_gr) formed in the basic gear bracket (236_0). Similarly, when the first gear shaft (234a_sh) described in FIG. 3 is applied to FIG. 17, one side (e.g., the edge in the x-axis direction) of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) may be placed (or adjacent to, placed on, or seated) in the third deformation groove (213_2_h3), and the other side (e.g., the edge in the -x-axis direction) of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) may be placed (or adjacent to, placed on, or seated) in another groove formed in the basic gear bracket (236_0).

[0166] In the above-described structure, the first sub-elastic body (701) can pressurize the first gear shaft (234a_sh) (or the first linkage gear (234a)) in the -x-axis direction, and the second sub-elastic body (702) can pressurize the second gear shaft (234b_sh) (or the second linkage gear (234b)) in the -x-axis direction. Additionally, referring to FIG. 3 described above, the hinge structure (204) further includes at least one elastic body (e.g., cam elastic bodies (242a, 242b) of FIG. 3) that supports the cam member (241), and the at least one elastic body can exert an elastic force to pressurize the basic gear bracket (236_0) in the x-axis direction. Correspondingly, the basic gear bracket (236_0) can pressurize the first linkage gear (234a) and the second linkage gear (234b) in the x-axis direction. Considering the above-described structure, the first linkage gear (234a) and the first gear shaft (234a_sh) and the second linkage gear (234b) and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) have a sandwich-shaped pressurized state by an external force in the x-axis direction corresponding to the elastic force from the fourth bracket elastic bodies (701, 702) and an external force in the -x-axis direction corresponding to the elastic force of the cam elastic bodies (242a, 242b) of FIG. 3, and depending on the pressurized state, flow can be reduced or prevented during gear operation.

[0167] FIG. 19 is a drawing showing an example of another arrangement of a gear bracket according to one embodiment.

[0168] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 19, the hinge structure (205) includes a third deformation fixing bracket (213_3), a first rotation member (211), a second rotation member (212), a first arm member (221), a second arm member (222), a first link member (215), a second link member (216), a third link member (223), a fourth link member (224), a first shaft (231), a second shaft (232), a first cam elastic body (242a), a second cam elastic body (242b), a cam member (241), a shaft fixing part (243), a first main gear (233a), a second main gear (233b), a first linkage gear (234a), a second linkage gear (234b), a first gear shaft (234a_sh), a second gear shaft (234b_sh), a basic gear bracket (236_0), and a fifth deformation gear. It may include a bracket (236_5). The hinge structure (205) may correspond to the configuration of the hinge structure (201) described above in FIG. 3 (have the same structure and size within a certain error range) except for the third modified fixed bracket (213_3), the basic gear bracket (236_0), and the fifth modified gear bracket (236_5).

[0169] The third modified fixing bracket (213_3) may include a front portion (213_3_fr) on which a rail or rail structure to which at least the first rotation member (211) and the second rotation member (212) are coupled is formed, and a side portion (213_3_sd) on which one side of the first shaft (231), the second shaft (232), the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) is mounted. Additionally, the third modified fixing bracket (213_3) may further include a rear portion corresponding to the opposite direction of the front portion (213_3_fr) and at least a portion of which is disposed in the hinge housing (150 of FIG. 1 or 2), and other side portions between the front portion (213_3_fr) and the rear portion, excluding the side portion (213_3_sd). As described above in FIG. 3, the side portion (213_3_sd) may be provided with a first shaft hole into which one side of the first shaft (231) is inserted, a second shaft hole into which one side of the second shaft (232) is inserted, a first gear shaft hole into which one side of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) is inserted, and a second gear shaft hole into which the second gear shaft (234b_sh) is inserted. According to one embodiment, the lower end (e.g., -z-axis edge) of the side portion (213_3_sd) may be formed with elastic support structures (e.g., 236b_gr1, 236b_gr2 of FIG. 5 or 6) or openings (e.g., 236a_gr1, 236a_gr2 of FIG. 5 or 6) and elastic structures (e.g., 236a_pr1, 236a_pr2 of FIG. 5 or 6) as described above in FIGS. 5 and 6. According to one embodiment, the shape of the side portion (213_3_sd) may be formed with an inclined surface (e.g., a first inclined surface (236a_gd) or a second inclined surface (236b_gd) of FIG. 10) as described above in FIG. 10.

[0170] The above basic gear bracket (236_0) includes holes into which one side of the first shaft (231) and the second shaft (232) can be inserted, and holes into which one side of the first gear shaft (234a_sh) and the second gear shaft (234b_sh) can be inserted, and can be arranged to be in contact with one side of the first arm member (221) and the second arm member (222). The above basic gear bracket (236_0) can serve as a stopper to prevent the first arm member (221) and the second arm member (222) from rotating beyond a specified angle, and in relation to this, can include steps for supporting one side of the first arm member (221) and the second arm member (222).

[0171] The fifth modified gear bracket (236_5) may be positioned between the side portion (213_3_sd) of the third modified fixed bracket (213_3) and the gears (e.g., the first main gear (233a), the second main gear (233b), the first linkage gear (234a), and the second linkage gear (234b)). At least some shapes of the various gear brackets described above may be applied to the fifth modified gear bracket (236_5). According to one embodiment, when the elastic mounting structure (236b_gr1, 236b_gr2) of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 is formed at the lower end (e.g., -z-axis edge) of the side portion (213_3_sd) of the third modified fixed bracket (213_3), the fifth modified gear bracket (236_5) may include openings (236a_gr1, 236a_gr2) and elastic structures (236a_pr1, 236a_pr2) of FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 at the lower end (-z-axis edge). Alternatively, when openings (236a_gr1, 236a_gr2) and elastic structures (236a_pr1, 236a_pr2) are formed at the bottom of the side portion (213_3_sd), the fifth modified gear bracket (236_5) may include elastic mounting structures (236b_gr1, 236b_gr2). According to one embodiment, when the side portion (213_3_sd) includes the first inclined surface (236a_gd) (or the second inclined surface (236b_gd)) of FIG. 10, the fifth modified gear bracket (236_5) may include the second inclined surface (236b_gd) (or the first inclined surface (236a_gd)). According to one embodiment, the fifth modified gear bracket (236_5) may have the same or similar structure and size as the third modified sub-gear bracket (236a2) described in FIG. 11 when the first bracket elastic body (400) described in FIG. 11 is placed below the bracket extension (213p) (e.g., between the bracket extension (213p) and the fifth modified gear bracket (236_5)).According to one embodiment, the fifth modified gear bracket (236_5) may have the same or similar structure and size as the sixth modified sub-gear bracket (236b3) described in FIG. 12 when the second bracket elastic body (500) described in FIG. 12 is placed on the upper portion of the hinge housing (150) (e.g., between the hinge housing (150) and the fifth modified gear bracket (236_5)). According to one embodiment, the fifth modified gear bracket (236_5) may have a structure including the extended holes (236_s_h1, 236_s_h2, 236_s_h3, 236_s_h4, 236_s_h5) and modified shaft holes (236_ha1, 236_ha2, 236_ha3, 236_ha4) described above in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0172] As described above, the various embodiments described in the present disclosure can provide a structure capable of pressurizing at least one of the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) based on various positions and shapes so as to prevent or reduce flow of at least one of the first shaft (231), the second shaft (232), the first gear shaft (234a_sh), and the second gear shaft (234b_sh). Here, the present disclosure is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments, and a combination of at least two of the above-described embodiments may be applied.

[0173] According to one embodiment, although FIGS. 5 to 12 have illustrated a structure in which the gear bracket includes two sub-gear brackets, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the portable electronic device (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include only one gear bracket adjacent to arm members (e.g., 221 and 222 of FIG. 3), or may include three or more sub-gear brackets. When the hinge structure (e.g., 201) includes only one gear bracket (or sub-gear bracket), the hinge structure may include at least one elastic structure that presses one gear bracket in one direction. Additionally or alternatively, the hinge structure of the portable electronic device (100) of the present invention may include at least one of the gear brackets (e.g., 236, 236_1, 236_2, 236_3, 236_4) described in FIGS. 5 to 14 described above and the gear bracket (e.g., 236_5) described in FIG. 19. According to one embodiment, a hinge structure may be provided such that at least one of the gear brackets (e.g., 236, 236_1, 236_2, 236_3) described in FIGS. 5 to 12 may be arranged on the right (or left) side of the gears (e.g., 233a, 233b, 234a, 234b) in a direction parallel to a folding axis along which the display is folded, and at least one of the gear brackets (e.g., 236_5) described in FIG. 19 may be arranged on the left (or right) side of the gears (e.g., 233a, 233b, 234a, 234b). According to one embodiment, at least some of the gear brackets arranged on the right or left side of the gears (e.g., 233a, 233b, 234a, 234b) may be replaced with the gear bracket structures described in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0174] According to one embodiment, in FIGS. 5 to 12, the hole sizes of the sub-gear brackets are illustrated as being the same or similar within a certain range, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the widths (e.g., y-axis or -y-axis length) of the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) (or the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) and the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) (or the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)) may be formed to be the same, and the heights (e.g., z-axis or -z-axis length) may be formed to be different. For example, the height (or width) of the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) (or the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) may be formed to be larger (or smaller) than the height of the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) (or the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)). In this process, the size of the first gear shaft hole (236a_h3) (or the second gear shaft hole (236a_h4)) and the third gear shaft hole (236b_h3) (or the fourth gear shaft hole (236b_h4)) can be formed to be equal to or larger than the size of the inserted first and second gear shafts (234a_sh, 234b_sh).

[0175] According to one embodiment, when two or more sub-gear brackets are applied, such as the gear brackets (e.g., 236, 236_1, 236_2, 236_3) applied to FIGS. 5 to 2 and the gear bracket (e.g., 236_5) applied to FIG. 19, at least one of the thickness, size, and shape of each sub-gear bracket may be different. As an example, the sizes of at least some of the shaft holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2, 236a_h3, 236a_h4, 236b_h1, 236b_h2, 236b_h3, 236b_h4) of the sub-gear brackets may be formed to be the same or similar.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the upper and lower parts of the fourth change gear bracket (236_4) described in FIG. 14 are separated, and at least one of the first bracket elastic body (400) described in FIG. 11 or the second bracket elastic body (500) described in FIG. 12 may be arranged in front of the upper or lower part (e.g., z-axis or -z-axis) of the fourth change gear bracket (236_4). The upper and lower separation type fourth change gear bracket (236_4) structure may have a structure in which the first extension hole (236_s_h1) extends to the y-axis edge of the fourth change gear bracket (236_4), and the fifth extension hole (236_s_h5) extends to the -y-axis edge of the fourth change gear bracket (236_4).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the idle gears (234a, 234b) applied to the hinge structure (e.g., 201) may be removed, and a helical gear may be applied by replacing the idle gears (234a, 234b). When the helical gear is applied to the hinge structure, the helical gear may be arranged horizontally in the xy plane in a state where at least a portion of the hinge structure is adjacent to the hinge housing of the portable electronic device (100), and the gear shape of the helical gear may be arranged in a diagonal shape with respect to the z-axis. Correspondingly, the first main gear (233a) and the second main gear (233b) of the hinge structure may be formed in a diagonal shape so that the gear direction in which they can rotate by engaging with the helical gear is formed. When the above-described hinge structure is applied, in relation to the shaft fixation formed at the center of the helical gear, an elastic structure (e.g., the bracket elastic body (400 or 500) described in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12) that presses the shaft of the helical gear arranged in the z-axis direction in a lateral direction (e.g., the xy-plane direction) may be arranged. The magnitude of the external force that presses the shafts (at least one of 231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) by the above-described gear brackets (at least one of 236, 236_1, 236_2, 236_3, 236_4, 236_5) may be largest in the flex mode (a mode in which the portable electronic device (100) forms a mounting angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees) and smallest when the portable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded or folded state. The embodiment of the present invention can improve inaccurate device movement due to shaft flow in a specific section of a portable electronic device (100) (a section that can be rotated by gravity or the like without external pressure, or within a certain range of motion after starting a folding operation in an unfolded state, or within a certain range of motion after starting an unfolding operation in a folded state).

[0178] According to one embodiment, although the above description exemplifies a foldable electronic device including only two housings, the shaft pressurization structure of the present disclosure can also be applied to a foldable electronic device capable of multiple infolding operations or a foldable electronic device capable of infolding operations and outfolding operations (e.g., a structure including three or more housings). In this process, the foldable electronic device can be applied with a greater number of shafts than the four shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) described in FIG. 3, and correspondingly, the number of shaft holes (236a_h1, 236a_h2, 236a_h3, 236a_h4, 236b_h1, 236b_h2, 236b_h3, 236b_h4) formed in the gear bracket (at least one of 236, 236_1, 236_2, 236_3, 236_4, 236_5) can be increased, and the size of the pressing external force can be configured to increase.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the above-described shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) are exemplified as having a cylindrical shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the z-axis cross-section of at least one of the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) may have a polygonal shape, and the size of the z-axis cross-section may vary depending on the location.

[0180] According to one embodiment, in the portable electronic device (100) of the present disclosure, the hinge structure (e.g., 201 in FIG. 3) is exemplified as having shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) integrally formed with gears (233a, 233b, 234a, 234b), but the hinge structure of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the shafts (231, 232, 234a_sh, 234b_sh) may be provided in a separate form from the gears (233a, 233b, 234a, 234b) and then may be fastened.

[0181] In one embodiment of the above-described embodiments, a portable electronic device of the present disclosure includes a flexible display, a housing for accommodating the flexible display, and a gear assembly functionally coupled to the housing, wherein the gear assembly may include a first support member including at least one gear shaft, a first set of openings into which the at least one gear shaft is inserted, and a second set of openings into which the at least one gear shaft is inserted and aligned to partially overlap the first set of openings, the second support member being disposed alongside the first support member.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the first opening included in the first set of openings may have substantially the same size as the second opening included in the second set of openings, and the center of the first opening may be aligned with a different position from the center of the second opening.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the first opening included in the first set of openings may be arranged to be spaced apart from the first gear shaft included in the at least one gear shaft in a first direction and to be arranged to contact the first gear shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the second opening included in the second set of openings may be arranged to contact the first gear shaft in the first direction and to be spaced apart from the first gear shaft in the second direction.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the gear assembly further includes a cam structure, and in a section where the first cam nose and the second cam nose of the cam structure are positioned to be misaligned with each other, a first size of a portion overlapping the second set of openings in the first set of openings may be larger than a second size of a portion overlapping the second set of openings in the first set of openings in a section where the first cam nose and the second cam nose are positioned to face each other.

[0186] In one embodiment, a first opening included in the first set of openings and being substantially circular may partially overlap a second opening included in the second set of openings and being substantially non-circular.

[0187] In one embodiment, a third opening included in the first set of openings and being substantially non-circular may partially overlap a fourth opening included in the second set of openings and being substantially circular.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the first support member and the second support member can be joined through a pressing structure (e.g., the elastic protrusions and elastic mounting structure (or openings) of FIG. 6 in a state where the first support member and the second support member are overlapped).

[0189] According to one embodiment, the pressurizing structure may be configured to push the first support member in a direction in which the flexible display is arranged and to push the second support member in a direction opposite to the direction in which the flexible display is arranged.

[0190] In one embodiment, the pressurized structure may include a curved extension extending from the first support member.

[0191] In one embodiment, the pressurized structure may include a groove included in the second support member and coupled with the extension.

[0192] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first set of openings may have an elastic material disposed therein.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the housing comprises a first housing, a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing, and a third housing foldably coupled to the second housing, the gear assembly being disposed substantially between the first housing and the second housing, and another gear assembly being disposed substantially between the second housing and the third housing comprising a third support member including a third set of openings, wherein the number of openings included in the third set of openings may be greater than the number of openings included in the first set of openings.

[0194] According to one embodiment, each of the faces of the first support member and the second support member facing each other may have an incline of less than or greater than 90 degrees.

[0195] According to one embodiment of the above-described embodiments, the electronic device of the present invention comprises a flexible display (160), a housing (110, 120) for accommodating the flexible display, and a hinge assembly (201) coupled to the housing, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a first gear shaft (234a_sh), a second gear shaft (234b_sh), a first support member (236a) including a first opening (236a_h3) and a second opening (236a_h4), and a second support member (236b) including a third opening (236b_h3) and a fourth opening (236b_h4), wherein the first support member and the second support member are disposed adjacent to the first gear shaft inserted through the first opening and the third opening and the second gear shaft inserted through the second opening and the fourth opening, and the first opening is disposed adjacent to the Partially overlapping the third opening, the first gear shaft can contact the edge of the first opening in the first direction and the edge of the third opening, and the second opening can partially overlap the fourth opening, so that the second gear shaft can contact the edge of the second opening in the second direction different from the first direction and the edge of the fourth opening.

[0196] According to one embodiment of the above-described embodiments, the electronic device of the present invention includes a flexible display (160), a housing (110, 120) for accommodating the flexible display, and a hinge assembly (201) coupled to the housing, wherein the hinge assembly includes a first gear shaft (234a_sh), a second gear shaft (234b_sh), a first support member (236a) including a first opening (236a_h3) and a second opening (236a_h4), and a second support member (236b) including a third opening (236b_h3) and a fourth opening (236b_h4), and the first support member and the second support member are disposed adjacent to each other in a state in which the first gear shaft is inserted through the first opening and the third opening, and in a state in which the second gear shaft is inserted through the second opening and the fourth opening, and the first The opening may partially overlap the third opening, so that the first gear shaft may contact an edge portion defining the first opening in a first direction and may contact an edge portion defining the third opening in a second direction different from the first direction, and the second opening may partially overlap the fourth opening, so that the second gear shaft may contact an edge portion defining the second opening in the first direction and may partially contact an edge portion defining the fourth opening in the second direction.

[0197] In one embodiment, the first opening may have substantially the same size as the third opening, and the center of the first opening may be aligned with the center of the third opening at a different location.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly further includes a cam structure, and in a section where the first cam nose and the second cam nose of the cam structure are positioned to be misaligned with each other, a first size corresponding to a portion where the first opening and the third opening overlap may be formed to be larger than a second size corresponding to a portion where the first opening and the third opening overlap in a section where the first cam nose and the second cam nose are positioned to face each other.

[0199] In one embodiment, the first opening, which is circular, may partially overlap the third opening, which is non-circular.

[0200] In one embodiment, the second opening, which is circular, may partially overlap the fourth opening, which is non-circular.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the first support member and the second support member can be coupled through a pressurizing structure.

[0202] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the pressing structure may include an elastic body that presses the second support member toward the first support member, and in response to the pressing of the elastic body, the second support member may be configured to push the first support member toward the direction in which the flexible display is arranged, and in response to the pressing of the elastic body, the second support member may be configured to push in a direction opposite to the direction in which the flexible display is arranged.

[0203] In one embodiment, the pressurized structure may include a curved extension extending from the first support member.

[0204] In one embodiment, the pressurized structure may include a groove included in the second support member and coupled with the extension portion.

[0205] According to one embodiment, an elastic material may be disposed in at least one of the first opening or the second opening.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the housing includes a first housing, a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing, and a third housing foldably coupled to the second housing, the hinge assembly is disposed between the first housing and the second housing, and another hinge assembly disposed between the second housing and the third housing includes a third support member including at least one opening, wherein the number of at least one opening included in the third support member may be greater than the number of openings included in the first support member.

[0207] According to one embodiment, each of the faces of the first support member and the second support member facing each other may have an incline of less than or greater than 90 degrees.

[0208] According to one embodiment of the above-described embodiments, a portable electronic device of the present disclosure includes a flexible display (160), a first housing (110) accommodating a first part of the flexible display, a second housing (120) accommodating a second part of the flexible display, and a hinge structure (or hinge assembly) functionally coupled to the first housing and the second housing, wherein the hinge structure (201) (or hinge assembly) comprises: a first main gear (233a) rotating in a first rotational direction; a second main gear (233b) rotating in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in conjunction with the movement of the first main gear; a first linkage gear (234a) disposed between the first main gear and the second main gear and coupled to the first main gear to transmit the movement of the first main gear to the second main gear; and a second main gear (234a) disposed between the first linkage gear and the second main gear and coupled to the second main gear to transmit the movement of the first main gear. It may include a first plate (236a) including a second linkage gear (234b) that transmits to the second main gear, a first opening (236a_h1) that accommodates a first shaft (231) that rotates in the same direction as the first main gear, and a second opening (236a_h3) that accommodates a second shaft (234a_sh) that rotates in the same direction as the first linkage gear, and a second plate (236b) that has a shape substantially identical to that of the first plate and includes a third opening (236b_h1) that partially overlaps the first opening and a fourth opening (236b_h3) that partially overlaps the second opening.

[0209] According to one embodiment, a lower edge of the first opening may be positioned closer to the direction in which the flexible display is arranged than a lower edge of the second opening, and an upper edge of the third opening may be positioned closer to the direction in which the flexible display is arranged than an upper edge of the fourth opening.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the first plate may further include at least one pressing structure that presses the first plate in at least one direction.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure further includes a cam structure, and in a section where the first cam nose and the second cam nose of the cam structure are positioned to be misaligned with each other, an area of ​​a portion overlapping the third opening in the first opening may have a first size, and in a section where the first cam nose and the second cam nose are positioned to face each other, an area of ​​a portion overlapping the third opening in the first opening may have a second size smaller than the first size.

[0212] According to one embodiment, the second opening may be arranged to be spaced apart from the second shaft in a first direction and to contact the second shaft in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the fourth opening may be arranged to be in contact with the second shaft in the first direction and to be spaced apart from the second shaft in the second direction.

[0213] According to one embodiment of the above-described embodiments, a portable electronic device of the present invention comprises a flexible display (160), a housing (110, 12) for accommodating the flexible display, and a hinge assembly functionally coupled to the housing, wherein the hinge assembly (201) comprises a first support member (236a) including a first gear (233a), a second gear (234a) functionally coupled to the first gear, a first opening (236a_h1) for accommodating a first shaft (231) that rotates in the same direction as the first gear, and a second opening (236a_h3) for accommodating a second shaft (234a_sh) that rotates in the same direction as the second gear, a third opening (236b_h1) disposed in a first direction of the first support member and at least partially overlapping the first opening, and a fourth opening (236b_h3) at least partially overlapping the second opening. It may include a second support member (236b) including the first support member and a pressing structure (236a_pr1, 236_gr1) that pushes the first support member in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0214] According to one embodiment, the first opening and the third opening have substantially the same size, and the center of the first opening can be aligned with the center of the third opening by the pressurizing structure so that the locations are different.

[0215] According to one embodiment, the second direction may have a perpendicular relationship with the first direction.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the first opening and the third opening have substantially the same size, and the center of the first opening can be aligned with the center of the third opening by the pressurizing structure so that the locations are different.

[0217] According to one embodiment, the first support member and the second support member may be disposed on either side of each other with the first gear and the second gear interposed therebetween.

[0218] According to one embodiment of the above-described embodiments, the portable electronic device of the present disclosure (or the foldable electronic device) comprises a first housing, a second housing, a hinge structure (or a gear assembly, a hinge assembly) connecting the first housing and the second housing, and a display (or a flexible display) at least partially placed on the first housing and the second housing, wherein the hinge structure comprises a first rotating member that rotates around a first axis, a second rotating member that rotates around a second axis, a first arm member that rotates in response to the rotation of the first rotating member around a third axis, a second arm member that rotates in response to the rotation of the second rotating member around a fourth axis, a first shaft connected to the first arm member, a second shaft connected to the second arm member, a first main gear arranged on the first shaft, a second main gear arranged on the second shaft, a first idle gear connected to the first main gear and having a first gear shaft, and a second gear connected between the first idle gear and the second main gear. A second idle gear having a shaft, first and second shaft holes into which one side of the first and second shafts is inserted, a gear bracket including first and second gear shaft holes into which one side of the first and second gear shafts is inserted, and an elastic structure that presses the gear bracket in at least one direction among the same direction as or different from the direction in which the first and second shafts and the first and second gear shafts are inserted.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the gear bracket may include a first sub-gear bracket having the first and second shaft holes or the first and second gear shaft holes formed therein, and a second sub-gear bracket having third and fourth shaft holes and third and fourth gear shaft holes arranged at the same or similar positions as the first to fourth shaft holes.

[0220] According to one embodiment, the elastic structure may be formed such that one side of the first sub-gear bracket is inclined at a certain angle with respect to the vertical direction, and the second sub-gear bracket may include a mounting groove in which the elastic structure is mounted.

[0221] Meanwhile, the order of the openings described in the above-described embodiment (e.g., the order of the first to fourth openings) may vary depending on the order in which the support member is defined. Accordingly, the orders described in the claims may be redefined to correspond to the orders described in the detailed description of the invention and the drawings. In addition, modifications may be permitted in the form of omitting at least some of the structures of the embodiments described in the drawings or adding components of one embodiment to components of another embodiment. Accordingly, an embodiment may not include all of the forms described in a single drawing, but may include only some components, and a combination of some components with some components of another embodiment may also be considered.

[0222] According to one embodiment, a portable electronic device (or foldable electronic device) may include a first housing, a second housing, a hinge structure (or a gear assembly or a hinge assembly) connecting the first housing and the second housing and allowing the state of the device to change between a folded state and an unfolded state, and a display (e.g., a flexible display having at least a portion positioned in at least one of the first housing and the second housing). The hinge structure may include at least one shaft (e.g., a gear shaft), at least one shaft support member, and a biasing means arranged to urge a surface of the shaft support member against a surface of the shaft and maintain contact between the surfaces so as to maintain contact between the shaft and the shaft support member while the state of the device changes between the folded state and the unfolded state. One or more features of any of the above-described embodiments may advantageously be incorporated into variations of a particular embodiment in any combination. For example, at least one shaft support member may comprise a first shaft support member or plate (236a) having a first hole arranged to receive a first shaft and support the shaft about (or around) a longitudinal axis (or vertical axis) of the shaft. The biasing means may be arranged to urge the first shaft support member laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal (or axial) direction to maintain contact with a portion of an outer surface of the cylindrical shaft, an inner surface or side wall, or a portion of a surface of the first hole. The inner surface of the first hole may be described as a shaft-facing or shaft-engaging surface and may be cylindrical and may have a diameter, for example, slightly larger than a diameter of the shaft (or a portion of the shaft received in the hole).Certain embodiments may include first and second shaft support members, each including first holes aligned with each other to receive and support the first shaft. In such embodiments, the biasing means may be arranged to urge the first and second shaft support members in opposite lateral directions, such that the respective first hole inner surfaces contact diagonally opposite portions of the shaft outer surface, thereby effectively gripping and / or supporting the shaft from the opposite side. The biasing means may include at least one resilient, elastic, or biasing member arranged to compress (i.e., apply a compressive force to) the first and second shaft support members together in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and may include a conversion means (e.g., a conversion structure or mechanism comprising cooperating structures, features, members, and / or formations of the support members) arranged to convert the compressive force into a lateral force or a force that pushes the shaft support member laterally. The conversion means may comprise, for example, at least one resilient member or portion (e.g., an integral portion) of the first shaft support member arranged to contact a surface (e.g., a corner or inclined surface) of the second shaft support member.The conversion means may additionally or alternatively comprise a first sloped, ramped, ramped or inclined surface of the first shaft support member and a second sloped, ramped, ramped or inclined surface of the second shaft support member, the first and second slope surfaces being arranged in contact with each other to convert a compressive force (or axial force) into a lateral relative movement of the first and second shaft support members. In a particular embodiment, the device may comprise a plurality of shafts, each shaft support member comprising a plurality of shaft receiving holes, each hole being arranged to receive and support a respective one of the shafts. In such an embodiment, each shaft may be simultaneously gripped by each shaft support member being laterally biased by the biasing means.

[0223] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an electronic device (2001) within a network environment (2000), according to various embodiments.

[0224] Referring to FIG. 20, in a network environment (2000), an electronic device (2001) may communicate with an electronic device (2002) via a first network (2098) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (2004) or a server (2008) via a second network (2099) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (2001) may communicate with the electronic device (2004) via the server (2008). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (2001) may include a processor (2020), a memory (2030), an input module (2050), an audio output module (2055), a display module (2060), an audio module (2070), a sensor module (2076), an interface (2077), a connection terminal (2078), a haptic module (2079), a camera module (2080), a power management module (2088), a battery (2089), a communication module (2090), a subscriber identification module (2096), or an antenna module (2097). In some embodiments, the electronic device (2001) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (2078)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (2076), camera module (2080), or antenna module (2097)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (2060)).

[0225] The processor (2020) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (2040)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (2001) connected to the processor (2020) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (2020) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (2076) or a communication module (2090)) in the volatile memory (2032), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (2032), and store the resulting data in the non-volatile memory (2034). According to one embodiment, the processor (2020) may include a main processor (2021) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (2023) (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 with the main processor (2021). For example, when the electronic device (2001) includes the main processor (2021) and the secondary processor (2023), the secondary processor (2023) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (2021) or to be specialized for a given function. The secondary processor (2023) may be implemented separately from the main processor (2021) or as a part thereof.

[0226] The auxiliary processor (2023) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display module (2060), the sensor module (2076), or the communication module (2090)) of the electronic device (2001), for example, on behalf of the main processor (2021) while the main processor (2021) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (2021) while the main processor (2021) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (2023) (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 (2080) or a communication module (2090)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (2023) (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, on the electronic device (2001) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (2008)). 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.

[0227] The memory (2030) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (2020) or the sensor module (2076)) of the electronic device (2001). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (2040)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (2030) can include volatile memory (2032) or non-volatile memory (2034).

[0228] The program (2040) may be stored as software in memory (2030) and may include, for example, an operating system (2042), middleware (2044), or an application (2046).

[0229] The input module (2050) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (2001) (e.g., a processor (2020)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (2001). The input module (2050) 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).

[0230] The audio output module (2055) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (2001). The audio output module (2055) 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. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0231] The display module (2060) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (2001). The display module (2060) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (2060) 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.

[0232] The audio module (2070) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module (2070) can acquire sound through the input module (2050), output sound through the sound output module (2055), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2002)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (2001).

[0233] The sensor module (2076) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (2001) 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 (2076) 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.

[0234] The interface (2077) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (2001) to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2002)). In one embodiment, the interface (2077) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0235] The connection terminal (2078) may include a connector through which the electronic device (2001) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2002)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (2078) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0236] The haptic module (2079) 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. In one embodiment, the haptic module (2079) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0237] The camera module (2080) can capture still images and videos. In one embodiment, the camera module (2080) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0238] The power management module (2088) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (2001). According to one embodiment, the power management module (2088) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0239] A battery (2089) may power at least one component of the electronic device (2001). In one embodiment, the battery (2089) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0240] The communication module (2090) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (2001) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2002), electronic device (2004), or server (2008)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (2090) may operate independently from the processor (2020) (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 (2090) may include a wireless communication module (2092) (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 (2094) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (2004) via a first network (2098) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (2099) (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 may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (2092) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (2096) to verify or authenticate the electronic device (2001) within a communication network such as the first network (2098) or the second network (2099).

[0241] The wireless communication module (2092) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (2092) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (2092) can support various technologies for securing performance in high-frequency bands, 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 (2092) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (2001), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2004)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (2099)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (2092) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB 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.

[0242] The antenna module (2097) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (2097) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (2097) 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 (2098) or the second network (2099), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (2090). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (2090) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In 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 (2097).

[0243] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (2097) may form a mmWave antenna module. In 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.

[0244] 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)).

[0245] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (2001) and an external electronic device (2004) via a server (2008) connected to a second network (2099). Each of the external electronic devices (2002 or 2004) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (2001). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (2001) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (2002, 2004, or 2008). For example, when the electronic device (2001) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (2001) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service 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 (2001). The electronic device (2001) 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 (2001) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (2004) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (2008) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (2004) or server (2008) may be included within the second network (2099). The electronic device (2001) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0246] 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 of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0247] 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.

[0248] 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).

[0249] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (2040)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (2036) or an external memory (2038)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (2001)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (2020)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (2001)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions 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 called instruction. The one or more instructions 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.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0251] 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.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, Flexible display (160); A housing (110, 120) accommodating the flexible display; and A hinge assembly (201) coupled to the housing is included, wherein the hinge assembly comprises: First gear shaft (234a_sh); 2nd gear shaft (234b_sh); A first support member (236a) including a first opening (236a_h3) and a second opening (236a_h4); and A second support member (236b) including a third opening (236b_h3) and a fourth opening (236b_h4) is included, The first support member and the second support member are arranged adjacent to each other with the first gear shaft inserted through the first opening and the third opening and the second gear shaft inserted through the second opening and the fourth opening, The first opening partially overlaps the third opening, so that the first gear shaft contacts an edge portion defining the first opening in a first direction, while contacting an edge portion defining the third opening in a second direction different from the first direction. An electronic device wherein the second opening partially overlaps the fourth opening, such that the second gear shaft contacts an edge portion defining the second opening in the first direction and partially contacts an edge portion defining the fourth opening in the second direction.

2. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the first opening has substantially the same size as the third opening, and the center of the first opening is aligned at a different position from the center of the third opening.

3. In paragraph 1, The above hinge assembly further includes a cam structure, In a section where the first cam nose and the second cam nose of the above cam structure are positioned so as to be misaligned with each other, the first size corresponding to the portion where the first opening and the third opening overlap is, An electronic device having a second size larger than a second size corresponding to a portion where the first opening and the third opening overlap, in a section where the first cam nose and the second cam nose are positioned to face each other.

4. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the first opening, which is circular, partially overlaps the third opening, which is non-circular.

5. In paragraph 4, An electronic device wherein the second opening, which is circular, partially overlaps the fourth opening, which is non-circular.

6. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the first support member and the second support member are coupled through a pressurizing structure.

7. In paragraph 6, At least a portion of the above pressurized structure; Including an elastic body that presses the second support member in the direction of the first support member; An electronic device wherein, in response to the pressure of the elastic body, the second support member pushes the first support member in the direction in which the flexible display is arranged, and, in response to the pressure of the elastic body, the second support member is set to push in the direction opposite to the direction in which the flexible display is arranged.

8. In paragraph 7, An electronic device wherein the pressurized structure includes an extension portion that extends from the first support member and is curved.

9. In paragraph 8, An electronic device wherein the pressurized structure comprises a groove included in the second support member and coupled with the extension portion.

10. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which an elastic material is disposed in at least one of the first opening or the second opening.

11. In paragraph 1, The housing comprises a first housing, a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing, and a third housing foldably coupled to the second housing, The hinge assembly is disposed between the first housing and the second housing, An electronic device wherein another hinge assembly disposed between the second housing and the third housing includes a third support member including at least one opening, wherein the number of at least one opening included in the third support member is greater than the number of openings included in the first support member.

12. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which each of the surfaces of the first support member and the second support member facing each other has an incline of less than or greater than 90 degrees.

13. In portable electronic devices, Flexible display (160); A housing (110, 12) for accommodating the flexible display; and A hinge assembly functionally coupled to the housing, the hinge assembly (201) comprising: 1st gear (233a); A second gear (234a) functionally coupled to the first gear; A first support member (236a) including a first opening (236a_h1) for accommodating a first shaft (231) that rotates in the same direction as the first gear and a second opening (236a_h3) for accommodating a second shaft (234a_sh) that rotates in the same direction as the second gear; A second support member (236b) disposed in the first direction of the first support member and including a third opening (236b_h1) at least partially overlapping with the first opening and a fourth opening (236b_h3) at least partially overlapping with the second opening; and A portable electronic device including a pressing structure (236a_pr1, 236_gr1) that pushes the first support member in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

14. In paragraph 13, A portable electronic device wherein the first opening and the third opening have substantially the same size, and the center of the first opening is aligned with the center of the third opening so that their positions are different from each other by the pressurizing structure.

15. In paragraph 13, A portable electronic device wherein the second direction is in a perpendicular relationship to the first direction.

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