ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH HINGE UNIT

An electronic device includes a first housing including a display module including a display screen, a second housing rotatable with respect to the first housing to define a rotation angle therebetween, the second housing including a first door provided at one surface and a second door provided at a surface which is opposite to the one surface, a hinge unit configured to rotatably connect the first housing to the second housing, and a driving module connecting the hinge unit to each of the first door and second door, the driving module moveable together with rotation of the second housing with respect to the first housing, to open and close the first door and the second door. the driving module is configured to open the first door when the rotation angle is less than a first angle and open the second door when the rotation angle is greater than a second angle.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to an electronic device including a hinge unit and a method of controlling the same.

2. Description of Related Art

Electronic devices have been developed to be usable in various forms. As technology develops, portable electronic devices, such as a smartphone, a laptop, and a tablet personal computer (PC), have been distributed. A hinge unit is a component to which a housing of an electronic device is rotatably connected. An electronic device may be used for various purposes by changing a shape of the hinge unit according to a usage environment.

For example, an electronic device, such as a laptop, may include an upper housing in which there is a display, and a lower housing in which there may be a keyboard or an input device. According to an angle between the upper housing and the lower housing, the electronic device may be foldable and unfoldable between transformed into a folded state that is convenient to carry and an unfolded state in which a display screen is exposed to the outside (e.g., outside of the electronic device). An electronic device, such as a convertible PC or a 2-in-1 PC, that has a clamshell mode where the electronic device is supported by an external support and a tablet mode where the electronic device is rotated 360 degrees from the folded state, has been launched.

SUMMARY

To increase portability of an electronic device, a thickness of the electronic device has been reduced by decreasing the width of the electronic device. However, for an implementation of a slim electronic device, a gap including internal components of the electronic device may become smaller, an area occupied by a means for dissipating heat (e.g., heat dissipating member) from the internal components may decrease, the electronic device may generate the heat, and the performance of the electronic device may decrease, thereby inconveniencing a user.

It may be difficult for an electronic device to secure heat dissipation performance for cooling the internal components and to implement a slim electronic device at the same time.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device that includes a plurality of doors openable and closable (e.g., opened and closed) based on a rotation angle of a housing. Accordingly, a cooling path of internal components of the electronic device may be formed and a slim electronic device may be implemented.

The tasks to be solved by various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the foregoing, and other tasks not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a first housing including a display module that displays a screen; a second housing including a first door provided on one surface and a second door provided on a surface opposite to the first door; a hinge unit configured to rotatably connect the first housing to the second housing; and a driving module configured to open and close the first door and the second door by interoperating with the hinge unit, where the driving module is configured to open the first door when a rotation angle that is an angle formed between the first housing and the second housing based on the hinge unit is less than a set first angle and to open the second door when the rotation angle is greater than a set second angle.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a housing including a first housing including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a second housing including a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, a first door provided on the third surface and a second door provided on the fourth surface; a hinge unit configured to connect the first housing to the second housing and adjust a rotation angle, which is an angle formed between the first housing and the second housing, from a start angle at which the first surface and the fourth surface face each other to an end angle at which the second surface and the third surface face each other; and a driving module configured to open the first door when the rotation angle is less than a set first angle and to open the second door when the rotation angle is greater than a second angle, the second angle being equal to or greater than the first angle.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may open and close at least one of a first door and a second door according to user’s usage environment, based on a rotation angle of a housing that rotates by interoperating with a hinge unit, and accordingly, an internal component of the electronic device may be efficiently cooled.

Alternatively, according to various embodiments, the electronic device may provide a fluid path based on opening and closing of the first door and the second door, thereby decreasing the total width of the electronic device in a folded state and implementing a slim electronic device to improve portability.

Effects of the electronic device according to various embodiments are not limited to the foregoing, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements and a repeated description related thereto will be omitted. As used herein, a reference number may indicate a singular element or a plurality of the element. For example, a reference number labeling a singular form of an element within the drawing figures may be used to reference a plurality of the singular element within the text of specification.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, “a”, “an,” “the,” and “at least one” do not denote a limitation of quantity, and are intended to include both the singular and plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, “an element” has the same meaning as “at least one element,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limiting “a” or “an.” “Or” means “and/or.” As used herein, “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,” each of which may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, or “first” or “second” may simply be used to distinguish the component from other components in question, and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element. In contrast, if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “directly coupled with,” “directly coupled to,” “directly connected with,” or “directly connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be coupled with the other element without a third (intervening) element therebetween.

Hereinafter, a hinge unit310and an electronic device201including the hinge unit310according to various embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference toFIG.1through7C.

The program140may be stored as software in the memory130, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)142, middleware144, or an application146.

The camera module180may capture a still image and moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module180may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

The power management module188may manage power supplied to the electronic device101. According to an embodiment, the power management module188may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

According to various embodiments, the antenna module197may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a PCB, an RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the PCB or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., a top or a side surface) of the PCB, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band. As being ‘adjacent to,’ an element may be close in physical proximity, etc., without being limited thereto.

FIG.2Ais a perspective view illustrating the electronic device201according to an embodiment, andFIG.2Bis a perspective view illustrating the electronic device201according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.2A and2B, the electronic device201(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments may include at least some of a first housing210, a second housing220, and a display module211.

In an embodiment, the electronic device201may be a wireless communication device, a display device, a laptop computer, or a tablet personal computer (PC). For ease of description, althoughFIGS.2A and2Billustrate a notebook computer, which is a laptop PC, as an embodiment of the electronic device201, the electronic device201is not limited thereto in the implementation and the electronic device201may be implemented as various types of electronic devices.

In an embodiment, the first housing210may form an external appearance of the electronic device201. In an embodiment, the first housing210may include a first surface215that is one surface in a direction (e.g., -Y direction) and a second surface218opposite to the first surface215. The first surface215may be formed where most regions are opened such that the display module211is exposed to the outside, and the display module211may define a display screen in a direction of the first surface215.

In an embodiment, the second housing220may be rotatably connected with and foldable with respect to the first housing210, via the hinge unit310. The second housing220may include a third surface228that is one surface in a direction (e.g., -Z direction) and a fourth surface225opposite to the third surface228. The second housing220may be formed to comprise a shape corresponding to the first housing210, for example, the size and area (e.g. planar area) of the fourth surface225of the second housing220may correspond to the size and area (e.g., planar area) of the first surface215of the first housing210.

In an embodiment, the second housing220may include a first door301provided on (or at) the third surface228and a second door302provided on (or at) the fourth surface225. For example, the second door302may be formed to be connected to an input device221or formed as a single body with the input device221, and the first door301may be disposed on a rear surface of the electronic device201opposite to the second door302of the second housing220which is at the front surface of the electronic device201. The first door301and the second door302may be openable and closable relative to a remainder of the electronic device201. In various embodiments, the first door301and the second door302may be opened and closed by interoperating with a rotation state of the first housing210and the second housing220relative to each other. That is ,the first door301and the second door302may be variously openable and closeable together with rotation of the first housing210and the second housing220relative to each other. An opening and closing structure of the first door301and the second door302is described in detail with reference toFIG.4Aand thereafter.

In an embodiment, the second housing220may include the input device221and a touch pad222that are disposed on the fourth surface225. In an embodiment, the input device221may be a keyboard or may be an input device including a touch recognition function and/or a display function. The fourth surface225of the second housing220may be formed such that the input device221and the touch pad222are exposed to the outside (e.g., outside of the electronic device201). The input device221and the touch pad222may be exposed to the outside via the fourth surface225and may be manipulated the outside, such as by a user. The input device221and the touch pad222may be exposed to outside the fourth surface225via a groove defined in the second housing220by portions of the fourth surface225. User manipulation information input via the input device221and the touch pad222may be provided to a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1).

In an embodiment, in the electronic device201, a connection state between the first housing210and the second housing220may be changed according to a user’s use state of the hinge unit310. In various embodiments, a single hinge unit310may be at the center of a connection region between the first housing210and the second housing220, or a plurality of hinge units310may be spaced apart from one another at the connection region between the first housing210and the second housing220. The hinge unit310may rotatably connect the first housing210to the second housing220. In an embodiment, the hinge unit310may be connected to or include a driving module350(ofFIG.3), The driving module350may open and close the first door301and the second door302by interoperating the various doors together with the hinge unit310. The driving module310and the plurality of doors301and302are described in detail with reference toFIG.3and thereafter.

In an embodiment, in the electronic device201, a relative connection state between the first housing210and the second housing220may change to be an “unfolded state” in which the electronic device201is unfolded to dispose the display module211, the input device221, and the touch pad222visually exposed to the outside, and a “folded state” in which the electronic device201is folded to dispose the first surface215of the first housing210and the fourth surface225of the second housing220facing each other such that the display module211, the input device221, and the touch pad222are not visible from outside the electronic device201which is folded. In various embodiments, the electronic device201may be driven in a plurality of use modes according to an angle between the first housing210and the second housing220in the unfolded state and may be a convertible PC or a 2-in-1 PC according to the use modes, the angles between the various housings, etc.

For example, in the electronic device201which is the convertible PC, the first housing210may rotate about a rotation axis of the electronic device202substantially up to a range of 360 degrees, based on the second housing220. For example, the hinge unit310may adjust a rotation angle (e.g., a rotation angle θ ofFIG.4A), which is an angle between the first housing210and the second housing220, from a start angle at which the first surface215and the fourth surface225face each other to an end angle at which the second surface218and the third surface228face each other (e.g., the first surface215and the fourth surface225face away each other). For example, the electronic device201may be driven in a clamshell mode or a laptop mode in which the rotation angle is in a range from the start angle (e.g., 0 degrees) to a set angle (e.g., 180 degrees), or the electronic device201may be driven in a tablet mode in which the rotation angle is in a range from the set angle to the end angle (e.g., 360 degrees). The user may use a single electronic device by transforming the single electronic device to various forms to meet a usage environment, and a usability of the electronic device201may be expanded.

In an embodiment, the first housing210and the second housing220may be separable from one another. For example, the first housing210and the second housing220may be integrally connected and rotatable with respect to each other via the hinge unit310that connects the first housing210to the second housing220, or may be implemented as individual display devices capable of being combined with each other and separated from each other into the respective independent display elements.

In an embodiment, the display module211(e.g., the display module160ofFIG.1) may include a display panel and a protective glass (or a protective film or a window) which is stacked on the outer surface of the display panel to face the display panel. In an embodiment, the protective film is a thin film layer formed of (or including) a transparent material and may include a plastic film (e.g., a polyimide film) or thin film glass (e.g., ultra-thin glass (UTG)). In an embodiment, the display panel may include an unbreakable (UB)-type organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display (e.g., a curved display) that includes an OLED or a micro light-emitting diode (LED).

In an embodiment, a touch panel (not illustrated) may be formed at least a part of the display panel and the display panel may include an on-cell touch active matrix OLED (AMOLED) (OCTA)-type display. However, the types of the display panel are not limited thereto, and the display panel may be formed in various types (e.g., add-on type and in-cell type). In an embodiment, the display module211may include a digitizer panel (not illustrated) for detecting an input (e.g., a touch input or a hovering input) of an input device (e.g., a stylus pen). A digitizer may convert an analog coordinate of an input device (e.g., a stylus pen) into digital data to transfer the digital data to the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1). The processor120may detect the input (e.g., the touch input or the hovering input) of an input device (e.g., a stylus pen), based on the digital data input from a digitizer260. Various components or layers of the electronic device201may be foldable, unfoldable, rotatable, etc. together with each other.

In an embodiment, when the display module211is visually exposed to outside the electronic device201via the first surface215, an operation state of the display module211may change depending on the relative connection state of the second housing220to the first housing210. For example, in the unfolded state, the display module211may display visual information to the user by being visually exposed to the outside. Conversely, in the folded state, the display module211may not be visible via the fourth surface225so as not to be visually exposed to the outside.

In an embodiment, the display module211may control the screen (e.g., display screen) to be turned on and off according to the unfolded state or the folded state of the electronic device201and/or the display module211. For example, the display module211may control the screen to be turned off in the folded state to prevent unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, the display module211may control a screen display direction according to a driving mode of the electronic device201. That is, the screen of the display module211may be controlled together with unfolding and folding of the of the electronic device201and/or the display module211. In an embodiment, the screen of the display module211may be automatically turned off and/or turned on by a state of the electronic device201and/or the display module211(e.g., folding and unfolding).

In an embodiment, the electronic device201may set a region connected to the second housing220as a lower part and display the screen based on an up direction (e.g., +Z direction) and a down direction (e.g., -Z direction). For example, in the tablet mode, the electronic device201may use a gyro sensor (not illustrated) of a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) to detect the user’s usage environment and the display module211may re-set the up and down directions based on the detected user’s usage environment.

In an embodiment, a camera module216(e.g., the camera module180ofFIG.1) and a sensor module217(e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) may be disposed in a space provided by the first housing210, and at least a part of the regions of the camera module216and the sensor module217may be visually exposed via the first surface215of the first housing210.

For example, the camera module216and the sensor module217may be visually exposed, together with the display module211, to the user in the unfolded state of the first housing210and the second housing220and may not be visible from the electronic device201in the folded state in which the first surface215of the first housing210and the fourth surface225of the second housing220face each other.

In an embodiment, a microphone and a sensor device may be disposed in a space provided by the first housing210. For example, a dual microphone may be disposed in the space provided by the first housing210. For example, the sensor device may include a proximity sensor, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor for identifying a position of the user.

FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating the hinge unit310according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIG.3, the hinge unit310according to various embodiments may include a pair of plates313and314, a pair of hinge axes311and312, a plurality of gears315and317, and the driving module350.

In an embodiment, the pair of plates313and314may include a first plate313connected to the first housing210and a second plate314connected to the second housing220, and the pair of hinge axes311and312may include a first hinge axis311connected to the first housing210and a second hinge axis312connected to the second housing220.

For example, the first plate313may rotate (e.g., be rotatable) based on the first hinge axis311and the second plate314may rotate based on the second hinge axis312. Each of the first plate313and the second plate314may rotate by interoperating with a hinge gear315.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may open and close a first door (e.g., the first door301ofFIG.2B) and a second door (e.g., the second door302ofFIG.2A) by interoperating with the hinge unit310. In an embodiment, the respective doors of the electronic device201may be automatically (or simultaneously) opened or closed by a state of the electronic device201and/or the display module211(e.g., folding and unfolding). The driving module350may be connected to the hinge unit310via an intermediate gear317of the hinge unit310. In various embodiments, the driving module350may be inside the second housing220, which includes the plurality of doors301and302, and may open and close the plurality of doors301and302by interoperating with the hinge unit310. In an embodiment, the driving module350may be moveable together with rotation of the second housing220with respect to the first housing210, to open and close the first door301and the second door302. Here, the rotation angle which is less than a first angle may open the first door301, and the rotation angle which is greater than a second angle may open the second door.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may include a first gear351and a second gear352that rotate by interoperating with the intermediate gear317of the hinge unit310.

In an embodiment, the first gear351may rotate by engaging with the second gear352and may be connected to a first shaft353. The first shaft353may extend in one direction (e.g., +X direction) from the rotation axis of the first gear351and may include a first shaft arm356. The first shaft353(and the first shaft arm356) may rotate about the rotation axis, together with rotation of the first gear351. In an embodiment, a respective gear may be rotatable by interoperating with the hinge unit310, a respective shaft may include a shaft arm offset from a rotation axis of the gear, and a respective support member may include a slot along which the shaft arm moves together with rotation of the gear, where the support member may be connected to the first door301and the second door302.

In an embodiment, the second gear352may rotate by engaging with the intermediate gear317and may be connected to a second shaft354. The second shaft354may extend in one direction (e.g., +X direction) from the rotation axis of the second gear352and may include a second shaft arm357.

In an embodiment, a gear ratio of at least some of the first gear351and the second gear352may differ from a gear ratio of the hinge gear315, and a rotation angle of at least one of the first gear351and the second gear352may differ from a rotation angle of the hinge gear315. For example, if the rotation angle between the first gear351and the second gear352is less than the rotation angle of the hinge gear315, the electronic device201may implement a structure in which the plurality of doors301and302is interoperated to be opened and closed in a limited internal space of the second housing220. In various embodiments, the gear ratios of the first gear351and the second gear352may differ from one another.

The hinge unit310and the driving module350illustrated inFIG.3may be illustrations for describing the hinge unit310that opens and closes the plurality of doors301and302by interoperating with a rotation of the first housing210and the second housing220. However, the structure of the hinge unit310and the driving module350is not limited thereto in the implementation, and the hinge unit310and the driving module350may be implemented in various structures.

For example, the driving module350according to another embodiment may include a single gear (not illustrated) connected to the plurality of shaft arms356and357, and the plurality of shaft arms356and357may engage with the plurality of doors301and302to open and close the plurality of doors301and302based on a rotation of the single gear (not illustrated).

The driving module350according to another embodiment may include a cam member (not illustrated) that opens and closes the plurality of doors301and302, and the cam member (not illustrated) may open and close the plurality of doors301and302while moving in a vertical direction (e.g., +/-Z direction) by interoperating with the rotation of the hinge unit310.

The driving module350according to another embodiment may include a power device (not illustrated), such as a motor, and the power device (not illustrated) may open and close the plurality of doors301and302. The driving module350according to an embodiment may be controlled by electrical connection to the processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1) or a memory (e.g., the memory130ofFIG.1).

The driving module350according to another embodiment may include an elastic member (not illustrated), and the driving module350may open and close the plurality of doors301and302by controlling an elastic force and an elastic direction of the elastic member (not illustrated).

The driving module350according to another embodiment may include a magnetic body (not illustrated) comprising magnetic force, or an electromagnetic unit (not illustrated) generating electromagnetic force. The magnetic body (not illustrated) or the electromagnetic unit (not illustrated) may be controlled by the hinge unit310or the processor and may open and close the plurality of doors301and302comprising magnetism by pushing or pulling the plurality of doors301and302.

In various embodiments, other than the structures of the driving module350described above, the driving module350according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in various structures in which the plurality of doors301and302is opened and closed in response to a rotation angle θ of a housing, and other configurations of the driving module350may be added or changed within a range that can be easily derived or modified by those skilled in the art.

FIGS.4A through4Eillustrate various states of the electronic device201according to an embodiment.

Referring toFIGS.4A through4E, the electronic device201according to various embodiments may transform into a plurality of states A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 based on the rotation angle θ between the first housing210and the second housing220, and the plurality of doors301and302may be open and closed based on the plurality of states A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 of the electronic device201.

In an embodiment, the electronic device201may open and close the first door301and the second door302by interoperating with the rotation angle θ, which is an angle between the first housing210and the second housing220. For example, the rotation angle θ may be an angle at which a virtual surface substantially parallel to one surface (e.g., the first surface215or the second surface218) of the first housing210is formed, based on a virtual surface substantially parallel to one surface (e.g., the third surface228or the fourth surface225) of the second housing220. Alternatively, the rotation angle θ may be an angle formed between the first housing210and the second housing220, based on the hinge unit310.

In an embodiment, the first door301may be connected to a first support member361and the second door302may be connected to a second support member362. The first support member361and the second support member362may be an element of a driving module (e.g., the driving module350ofFIG.3). The first support member361and the second support member362may be pressed or engaged by interoperating with the rotation of the hinge unit310and may open and close the first door301and/or the second door302. An embodiment of specific driving of the first support member361and the second support member362is described in detail starting with reference toFIG.5Aand thereafter.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.4A, a first state A1 of the electronic device201may be a state in which the first surface215of the first housing210and the fourth surface225of the second housing220face each other. In an embodiment, a state in which the rotation angle θ of the electronic device201is a start angle (e.g., 0 degrees) may be the first state A1. The first state A1 may be a folded state (e.g., completely folded or in folded) of the electronic device201or may be a state in which the display module211and the input device221of the electronic device201are not visible. In an embodiment, the first state A1 may be a state in which the driving of all or a part of the electronic device201has temporarily stopped or finished or may be a state in which power consumption is minimized. In the first state A1, the pair of plates (e.g., the pair of plates313and314ofFIG.3) of the hinge unit310may be substantially parallel to each other and the first door301and the second door302may be in a closed state. As being in a closed state, a respective door may be coplanar with an outer surface of the electronic device201, without being limited thereto.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.4B, a second state A2 of the electronic device201may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is between the start angle (e.g., 0 degrees) and an intermediate angle (e.g., 180 degrees) or may be a state in which the first surface215of the first housing210and the fourth surface225of the second housing220are substantially perpendicular or adjacent thereto. For example, the second state A2 of the electronic device201may be an unfolded state in a clamshell mode. In an embodiment, the second state A2 may be a state in which the electronic device201is on an external support (not illustrated) or may be, for example, a state in which the third surface228of the electronic device201is supported on a top surface of an external support (not illustrated), such as a desk or a table. In an embodiment, the electronic device201which is supported by an external support, may dispose a surface (e.g., rear surface opposite to the front surface) facing the external support, and movement of the driving module350may dispose the first door301protruded out of the second housing220and contacting the external support.

In an embodiment, in the electronic device201that is in the second state A2, the first door301may be open. The first door301may be open and spaced apart from the third surface228of the second housing220, and via the first door301which is open, external air may be introduced into the second housing220, or internal air may discharge to the outside. For example, the first door301may be open in the clamshell mode and form a cooling path of a component of the electronic device201, which is inside the second housing220.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.4C, a third state A3 of the electronic device201may be an unfolded state in a horizontal mode (e.g., flat). For example, the third state A3 of the electronic device201may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is an intermediate angle (e.g., 180 degrees) or adjacent thereto, or may be a state in which the first surface215of the first housing210and the fourth surface225of the second housing220are substantially horizontal or adjacent thereto. As being ‘adjacent to,’ an element may be close or substantially equal to a value, etc., without being limited thereto. In an embodiment, the first surface215of the first housing210and the fourth surface225of the second housing220may be coplanar with each other. In an embodiment, the third state A3 may be a state in which the electronic device201is on the external support (not illustrated) or may be, for example, a state in which the second surface218and the third surface228of the electronic device201are supported on the top surface of an external support (not illustrated), such as a desk or a table.

In an embodiment, in the electronic device201that is in the third state A3, the first door301may be open. The electronic device201that is in the third state A3 may be in a state in which the unfolded state of the first door301(e.g., open state of the first door301) is maintained as the rotation angle θ increases. The third state A3 may include the first door301is a maximally open state, such as being maximum at the intermediate angle (e.g.,180degrees). Alternatively, the electronic device201that is in the third state A3 may be in a state in which the first door301is opened as the rotation angle θ decreases from the electronic device201that is in a fourth state A4. Although not illustrated, in various embodiments, the degree of the opening of the first door301of the electronic device201may change as the rotation angle θ between the second state A2 and the third state A3 changes. That is, the first door301which is open may expose the inside of the second housing220to outside the electronic device201.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.4D, the fourth state A4 of the electronic device201may be a state in which the second surface218of the first housing210and the third surface228of the second housing220are close to each other (or closest to each other with a minimal internal angle therebetween). In an embodiment, the fourth state A4 of the electronic device201may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is between the intermediate angle (e.g.,180degrees) and a set angle (e.g., 270 degrees) or may be a state in which the second surface218of the first housing210and the third surface228of the second housing220are substantially vertical or adjacent thereto. For example, the fourth state A4 may be an intermediate stage in which the electronic device201changes from the clamshell mode to the tablet mode.

The fourth state A4 may be a stage in which both the first door301and the second door302are closed as the rotation angle θ changes from a previous state (e.g., the third state A3 or a fifth state A5). AlthoughFIG.4Dillustrates that the first door301and the second door302are both in a closed state, an embodiment is not limited thereto and at least one of the first door301and the second door302may be open or the doors301and302may be both open.

In an embodiment, referring toFIG.4E, the fifth state A5 of the electronic device201may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is within the end angle (e.g., 360 degrees) or may be a state in which the first surface215of the first housing210and the fourth surface225of the second housing220are substantially parallel or adjacent thereto (e.g., completely outfolded). For example, the fifth state A5 of the electronic device201may be a state in the tablet mode. In an embodiment, the fifth state A5 may be a state in which the electronic device201is on an external support (not illustrated) or may be, for example, a state in which the fourth surface225of the electronic device201is supported on the top surface of the external support (not illustrated), such as a desk or a table.

In an embodiment, in the electronic device201that is in the fifth state A5, the second door302may be open. The second door302may be open and spaced apart from the fourth surface225of the second housing220, and via the second door302, external air may be introduced into the second housing220or internal air may discharge to the outside. For example, the second door302may be open in the tablet mode to form a cooling path of a component of the electronic device201, which is inside the second housing220. That is, the second door302which is open may expose the inside of the second housing220to outside the electronic device201.

For example, the electronic device201needs to form a separate fluid path (not illustrated) or a cooling means for discharging heat in a direction of the fourth surface225in the tablet mode, and the width of the second housing220may increase. For example, since the tablet mode is in a state in which rear surfaces of the first housing210and the second housing220substantially contact each other, the electronic device201may overheat compared to other states. The electronic device201according to various embodiments of the disclosure may control the second door302to effectively dissipate heat from a front of the electronic device201in various rotation ranges of the first housing210and the second housing220. In addition, the electronic device201may be designed to be slim to secure portability.

For example, the second door302may supplement a structure in which the first door301is closed in the tablet mode of the electronic device201. In the tablet mode, the display module211and the input device221may be in opposite directions and the user may mainly use the electronic device201in a direction facing the display module211. In this case, the first door301on the third surface228of the second housing220may be closed by the first housing210, and accordingly, the second door302may be open and discharge heat from an internal component of the second housing220to the outside. In various embodiments, the fifth state A5 may limit power supply such that the driving of the input device221of the electronic device201is limited or may restrict an input recognition of the input device221in a process manner.

In various embodiments, the driving module350may open and close the first door301and the second door302by pressing a first support member (e.g., the first support member361ofFIG.5A) and a second support member (e.g., the second support member362ofFIG.5B). For example, when the rotation angle θ is less than a set first angle (e.g., a first reference angle), the driving module350may press the first support member361to open the first door301, and when the rotation angle θ is greater than a set second angle (e.g., a second reference angle), the driving module350may press the second support member362to open the second door302. A structure and an operation of the first support member361and the second support member362are described with reference toFIG.5Aand thereafter.

In an embodiment, in a state (e.g., the second state A2 or the third state A3) in which the rotation angle is less than the first angle (e.g., 270 degrees), the driving module350may open the first door301. For example, the first angle may be an angle at which the electronic device201is in the clamshell mode or may be an angle of a state in which the tablet mode is excluded from the unfolded state (e.g., except for the unfolded state). For example, the first angle may be a predetermined angle set to a range less than 180 degrees or 270 degrees.

In an embodiment, in a state (e.g., the fifth state A5) in which the rotation angle is greater than the second angle (e.g., 270 degrees), the driving module350may open the second door302. For example, the second angle may be an angle at which the electronic device201is in the tablet mode or may be an angle of a state in which the clamshell mode is excluded from the unfolded state. For example, the second angle may be a predetermined angle set to a range less than 270 degrees.

In various embodiments, the driving module350may selectively open the plurality of doors301and302, based on the rotation angle θ of the electronic device201, and may form a fluid path for dissipating heat from the electronic device201considering the usage environment of the electronic device201.

For example, a plurality of components controlling the driving of the electronic device201may be inside the second housing220, and as the electronic device201is driven, the inside of the second housing220may overheat. When the internal temperature of a housing increases, the internal components of the electronic device201may be damaged or performance of the electronic device201deteriorates, which may inconvenience the user and accordingly, cooling means may be required.

In various embodiments, the second housing220may include a heat dissipating module (not illustrated), such as a heat plate (not illustrated), a heat pipe (not illustrated), or a vacuum chamber (not illustrated). The heat dissipating module (not illustrated) may disperse heat from a component generating a large amount of heat among the internal components of the electronic device201. The heat dissipating module (not illustrated) according to various embodiments may require a predetermined amount of installation area inside the second housing220to discharge heat from a predetermined component.

In various embodiments, the second housing220may include a fan (not illustrated) and a cooling path (not illustrated). The cooling path (not illustrated) may communicate from the inside of the electronic device201to the outside to discharge hot air from the inside of the electronic device201to the outside and to introduce cool air from the outside into the inside of the electronic device201. The cooling path (not illustrated) may be provided as an empty space inside the second housing220.

Although the heat dissipating module (not illustrated) and the cooling path (not illustrated) may be installed in the electronic device201according to various embodiments, spaces for them need to be provided and the size of the electronic device201increases, which may cause low portability.

In the electronic device201according to an embodiment, the first door301or the second door302may be open in some states (e.g., the second state A2, the third state A3, or the fifth state A5) in which the electronic device201is actively driven, the inside of the second housing220may be in fluid communication with the outside of the second housing220via the plurality of doors301and302, and heat may dissipate from the internal components. The plurality of doors301and302may interoperate with the driving of the hinge unit310to be opened and closed automatically, and the first door301and the second door302may be open and closed considering the driving state of the electronic device201.

The electronic device201according to various embodiments of the disclosure may reduce an additional component for heat dissipation, the portability may improve through an implementation of the electronic device201to be slim, a heat dissipation performance of the electronic device201may improve, and the internal components may be effectively cooled.

Referring toFIG.4D, the first angle may be substantially the same as the second angle (e.g., 270 degrees) and the driving module350may close the first door301and the second door302when the rotation angle θ is the first angle (or the second angle). For example, the fourth state A4 may be a state in which the electronic device201is used in the clamshell mode and the tablet mode at the same time. The fourth state A4 may be a state in which the plurality of doors301and302is closed and the heat dissipation performance deteriorates, and a system of the electronic device201may inform the user of the state.

In an embodiment, the first angle may be less than the second angle. The driving module350may close the second door302when the rotation angle θ is less than the first angle and may close the first door301when the rotation angle θ is greater than the second angle. For example, in a state less than the first angle, the first door301may be opened and the second door302may be closed and in a state greater than the second angle, the first door301may be closed and the second door302may be opened.

In an embodiment, although not illustrated, the driving module350may open both of the first door301and the second door302at an angle between the first angle and the second angle. A state in which the first door301and the second door302are both opened may be, for example, a state in which the first door301and the second door302are both opened in the fourth state A4 ofFIG.4D. For example, the electronic device201may open both of the doors301and302in the intermediate stage between the clamshell mode and the tablet mode to maximize the heat dissipation performance. In another embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.4D, the driving module350may close both of the first door301and the second door302at an angle between the first angle and the second angle. In this case, the electronic device201may be in the intermediate state between the clamshell mode and the tablet mode.

In an embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.4A through4E, the hinge unit310may rotate the first housing210and the second housing220in a range from the start angle (e.g., 0 degrees) at which the second surface218and the first door301face each other to the end angle (e.g., 360 degrees) at which the first surface215and the second door302face each other. For example, the electronic device201of which a housing is rotatable by 360 degrees may be a convertible PC.

For example, the first state A1 may be a state of the start angle and the driving module350may be in the folded state in which the first door301and the second door302both are closed. For example, the fifth state A5 may be a state of the end angle and the driving module350may be in a driving state in the tablet mode in which the first door301is closed and the second door302is open.

In another embodiment, the end angle of the electronic device201may be an angle between 90 degrees and 270 degrees and may be 180 degrees. In this case, the electronic device201may be used in the clamshell mode and the first door301and the second door302may be alternately opened and closed to dissipate heat from the electronic device201.

The driving module350according to an embodiment may open and close the first door301and the second door302such that the first door301and the second door302are alternately opened as the rotation angle θ increases or decreases. For example, as the rotation angle θ increases, the driving module350may open the first door301in some regions (e.g., a region between the first state A1 and the fourth state A4) and may open the second door302in the other regions (e.g., a region between the fourth state A4 and the fifth state A5). In various embodiments, when the first angle and the second angle are substantially the same or similar, the second door302may be opened after the first door301is closed, or the first door301may be opened after the second door302is closed. For example, the first door301and the second door302of the electronic device201may be alternately opened.

FIG.5Ais a side view illustrating the hinge unit310and the first door301according to an embodiment, andFIG.5Bis a side view illustrating the hinge unit310and the second door302according to an embodiment. For convenience of illustration, the view ofFIG.5Aomits the second support member362which is in front of the first support member361in the +Z direction, and the view ofFIG.5Bomits the first support member361which is behind the second support member362in the -Z direction.

Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, the electronic device201according to various embodiments may include the first support member361, the second support member362, a first slot363, and a second slot364.

When describing the electronic device201with reference toFIG.5Aand thereafter, repeated descriptions already provided above of the electronic device201, the hinge unit310, and the driving module350are omitted, and an opening and closing structure of the first door301and the second door302is described.

In an embodiment, the support members361and362may be respectively connected to the first door301and the second door302and may include the slots363and364that respectively are paths along which a shaft arm moves by interoperating with a rotation of a respective shaft. For example, the first support member361may include the first slot363in which (or along which) the first shaft arm356moves and the second support member362may include the second slot364in which (or along which) the second shaft arm357moves. That is, a shaft arm may be movable along a respective slot.

In an embodiment, in the driving module350, the shaft arms356and357may press or be engaged with the slots363and364by interoperating with the rotation of the shafts353and354to push the support members361and362(e.g., apply a force to a respective support member). However, the driving module350is not limited thereto, and the driving module350according to various embodiments may open and close the first door301and the second door302based on a position of a shaft arm within a slot.

In an embodiment, the electronic device201may be used by being supported by an external support (not illustrated). The third surface228of the second housing220may contact the external support (not illustrated), and the first door301may be supported in a direction facing the external support (not illustrated). The driving module350may open the first door301by pushing the first door301in an outer direction (e.g., -Z direction) of the second housing220. In an embodiment, the pushing of the first door301in an outer direction (e.g., -Z direction) may provide a force in a +Z direction to essentially lift portions of the electronic device201and separate a portion of the third surface228from the external support to provide an open heat flow path. In an embodiment, in the electronic device201, air may enter into and exit from a clearance between the first door301and the second housing220formed when the first door301is open and the electronic device201may discharge the heat from the internal components.

In an embodiment, the second housing220may include the input device221provided on the fourth surface225and the second door302may be connected to the input device221. In the tablet mode, the input device221may be in a direction opposite to the display module211and the driving of the input device221may be stopped or limited. The driving module350may open and close the second door302by pushing the second door302and the input device221together with the second door302, from the second housing220.

Hereinafter, a structure is described in detail in which the shaft arms356and357of the driving module350push against the support members361and362at the respective slots, and the support members361and362respectively support the first door301and the second door302such that the driving module350opens and closes the first door301and the second door302based on the rotation of the shafts353and354. Where the support members361and362respectively support the first door301and the second door302, a respective door may be movable together with movement of a respective support member. However, the structure is not limited thereto in the implementation, and the driving module350may open and close the first door301and the second door302in various manners.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may include the first gear351and the first shaft arm356which is connected to the first gear351via the first shaft353, where the first gear351rotates in one direction by interoperating with the hinge unit310. The driving module350may include the second gear352and the second shaft arm357which is connected to the second gear352via the second shaft354, where the second gear352rotates in a direction opposite to the first gear351by interoperating with the hinge unit310. In various embodiments, the first shaft arm356and the second shaft arm357of the driving module350may move by interoperating with the hinge unit310and may open and close the first door301and the second door302by pushing the first support member361and the second support member362respectively connected to the first door301and the second door302.

In an embodiment, the first shaft arm356may move in the first slot363according to the rotation of the first gear351and press the first support member361at a predetermined position. The first support member361may be fixed at the first door301and may move in a direction (e.g., +/-Z direction) by movement of the first shaft arm356along the first slot363. The first support member361may open the first door301by pushing the first door301in a down direction (e.g., -Z direction) from the second housing220. That is, the first door301is movable relative to the second housing220, to be protruded therefrom and disposed outside of the second housing220.

Rotation of (or angle between) the first housing210relative to the second housing220may correspond to various positions along the first slot363. In an embodiment, the first housing210and the second housing220may rotate from a first position θ1corresponding to the start angle to a sixth position θ6corresponding to the end angle. That is, the first housing210and the second housing220may rotate from the start angle corresponding to a first position θ1along the first slot363, to the end angle corresponding a sixth position θ6along the first slot363. The first slot363may include a first start region P1in which the first shaft arm356is at the first position θ1to a first end region P2in which the first shaft arm356is at the sixth position θ6. In an embodiment, the fourth position θ4may be substantially the same position as or a mutually adjacent position to the fifth position θ5may be substantially the same position or mutually adjacent positions.

In an embodiment, the first slot363may define different movement directions of the first shaft arm356among paths in which the first shaft arm356moves from the first start region P1to the first end region P2and may include inflection regions V1-1, V1-2, and V1-3in which the rotation angle θ of the electronic device201corresponds to a second position θ2, a third position θ3, and a fourth position θ4, respectively. At a respective inflection region, a direction of the first slot363changes to a different direction. A structure in which the first door301is opened and closed while the first shaft arm356moves in the first slot363is described in detail with reference toFIGS.6A through6E.

In an embodiment, the second shaft arm357may move in the second slot364according to the rotation of the second gear352and press the second support member362at a predetermined position. The second support member362may be fixed at the second door302and may move in a direction (e.g., +/-Z direction) being pressed. The second support member362may open the second door302by pushing the second door302in an up direction (e.g., +Z direction) from the second housing220.

In an embodiment, the first housing210and the second housing220may rotate from a seventh position θ7at which the rotation angle θ is the start angle to a ninth position θ9at which the rotation angle θ is the end angle. That is, the first housing210and the second housing220may rotate from the start angle corresponding to a seventh position θ7along the second slot364, to the end angle corresponding a ninth position θ9along the second slot364. The second slot364may include a second start region P3in which the second shaft arm357is at the seventh position θ7to a second end region P4in which the second shaft arm357is at the ninth position θ9and may include a second inflection region V2that changes a movement direction of the second shaft arm357among paths in which the second shaft arm357moves from the second start region P3to the second end region P4. A structure in which the second door302is opened and closed while the second shaft arm357moves in the second slot364is described in detail with reference toFIGS.7A through7C.

In various embodiments,FIGS.5A and5Billustrate an embodiment for describing an opening and closing structure of the electronic device201according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Via a structure design of the first slot363and the second slot364, an angle between the first housing210and the second housing220for the driving module350to open and close the first door301and the second302may be variously combined.

FIGS.6A through6Eillustrate various states of the electronic device201according to an embodiment. For convenience of illustration, the views ofFIGS.6A through6Eomit the second support member362which is in front of the first support member361in the +Z direction.

Referring toFIGS.6A through6E, the electronic device201according to various embodiments may transform into a plurality of states S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, based on a rotation angle θ between the first housing210and the second housing220, and the first door301may be opened and closed based on the plurality of states S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5of the electronic device201. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of states S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5of the electronic device201ofFIGS.6A through6Emay be a state corresponding to each of the plurality of states A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5 of the electronic device201ofFIGS.4A through4E, but is not limited thereto, and each of the plurality of states S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5may differ from each of the plurality of states A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5.

In various embodiments, the first state S1may be a folded state of the electronic device201and may be a state in which the display module211and the input device221of the electronic device201are not visible. For example, the first state S1through the third state S3may be states in which the electronic device201is used in the clamshell mode and the fourth state S4and the fifth state S5may be states in which the electronic device201is used in the tablet mode.

Referring toFIG.5Awhen describing the plurality of states S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, the first state S1may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is at the first position θ1, the second state S2may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is at the second position θ2, the third state S3may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is at the third position θ3, the fourth state S4may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is at the fourth position θ4or the fifth position θ5, and the fifth state S5may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is at the sixth position θ6.

In an embodiment, referring toFIGS.6A and6B, the electronic device201which defines the rotation angle θ between the first position θ1and the second position θ2may open and close the first door301. The first shaft arm356may move between the first start region P1and a 1-1 inflection region V1-1and for example, the first shaft arm356may open the first door301by interoperating with the first slot363, while moving from the first start region P1and the 1-1 inflection region V1-1. As shown inFIG.6A, the electronic device201which defines the rotation angle θ at substantially the first position θ1may dispose the first door301coplanar with an outer surface of the second housing220(e.g., the third surface228). TakingFIGS.6A and6Btogether, the electronic device201which defines the rotation angle θ between the first position θ1and the second position θ2may dispose the first door301protruding out of the second housing220to extend further than the outer surface of the second housing220. That is, the first door310is movable together with the first shaft arm356along the first slot363.

In an embodiment, referring toFIGS.6B and6C, the electronic device201may maintain an unfolded state of the first door301between the second position θ2and the third position θ3. The first shaft arm356may move between the 1-1 inflection region V1-1and a 1-2 inflection region V1-2and support the first door301in the open state. A path of the first slot363from the 1-1 inflection region V1-1to the 1-2 inflection region V1-2may be substantially the same as a rotation path of the first shaft353. Since the path of the first slot363from the 1-1 inflection region V1-1to the 1-2 inflection region V1-2may be substantially the same as a rotation path of the first shaft353, the electronic device201which defines the rotation angle θ between the second position θ2 and the third position θ3 may dispose the first door301protruded at a same distance from the outer surface of the second housing220, without being limited thereto.

In an embodiment, referring toFIGS.6C and6D, the electronic device201may open and close the first door301between the third position θ3and the fourth position θ4. The first shaft arm356may move between the 1-2 inflection region V1-2and a 1-3 inflection region V1-3and for example, the first shaft arm356may close the first door301by interoperating with the first slot363, while moving from the 1-2 inflection region V1-2to the 1-3 inflection region V1-3, or may open the first door301by interoperating with the first slot363, while moving from the 1-3 inflection region V1-3to the 1-2 inflection region V1-2.

In an embodiment, referring toFIGS.6D and6E, the electronic device201may maintain the folded state of the first door301(e.g., closed state) between the fifth position θ5and the sixth position θ6. In an embodiment, the fourth position θ4and the fifth position θ5may be mutually adjacent positions, or substantially the same position. The first shaft arm356may move between the 1-3 inflection region V1-3and the first end region P2and support the first door301. A path of the first slot363from the 1-3 inflection region V1-3to the first end region P2may be the same as the rotation path of the first shaft353.

In an embodiment, the fourth state S4of the electronic device201may be a state in which the rotation angle θ of the electronic device201is adjacent to the set first angle. From the fourth state S4to the third state S3, the rotation angle θ of the electronic device201may decrease and the driving module350may open the first door301.

FIGS.7A through7Cillustrate various states of the electronic device201according to an embodiment. The views inFIGS.7A through7Cshow portions of the first support member361which is behind the second support member362in the -Z direction.

Referring toFIGS.7A through7C, the electronic device201according to various embodiments may transform into a plurality of states S6, S7, and S8, based on a rotation angle θ between the first housing210and the second housing220, and the second door302may be opened and closed based on the plurality of states S6, S7, and S8of the electronic device201. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of states S6, S7, and S8of the electronic device201ofFIGS.7A through7Cmay be a state corresponding to each of the plurality of states A1, A4 and A5 of the electronic device201ofFIGS.4A,4D and4E, or corresponding to each of the plurality of states S1, S4and S5of the electronic device201ofFIGS.6A,6D and6E, but is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, each of the plurality of states S6, S7, and S8may differ from each of the plurality of states A1, A4 and A5, or each of the plurality of states S1, S4and S5.

In various embodiments, the sixth state S6may be the folded state of the electronic device201and may be the state in which the display module211and the input device221of the electronic device201are not visible. The input device221may be coplanar with the second housing220, without being limited thereto. For example, at least some sections between the seventh state S7and the eighth state S8may be states in which the electronic device201is used in the clamshell mode and the eighth state S8may be a state in which the electronic device201is used in the tablet mode.

Referring toFIG.5Bwhen describing the plurality of states S7, S8and S9, the sixth state S6may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is at the seventh position θ7, the seventh state S7may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is at the eighth position θ8, and the eighth state S8may be a state in which the rotation angle θ is at the ninth position θ9.

In an embodiment, referring toFIGS.7A and7B, the electronic device201may maintain a folded state of the second door302(e.g., closed state) when the rotation angle θ is between the seventh position θ7and the eighth position θ8. The second shaft arm357may move between the second start region P3and the second inflection region V2and support the second door302. A path of the second slot364from the second start region P3to the second inflection region V2may be the same as a rotation path of the second shaft354.

In an embodiment, referring toFIGS.7B and7C, the electronic device201may open and close the second door302when the rotation angle θ is between the eighth position θ8and the ninth position θ9. The second shaft arm357may move between the second inflection region V2and the second end region P4and for example, the second shaft arm357may open the second door302by interoperating with the second slot364, while moving from the second inflection region V2to the second end region P4. Alternatively, the second shaft arm357may close the second door302by interoperating with the second slot364, while moving from the second end region P4to the second inflection region V2.

In an embodiment, the seventh state S7of the electronic device201may be a state in which the rotation angle θ of the electronic device201is adjacent to the set second angle. From the seventh state S7to the eighth state S8, the rotation angle θ of the electronic device201may increase and the driving module350may open the second door302. Opening of the second door302may protrude the input device221from the second housing220, as shown inFIG.7C.

Referring toFIGS.6A through7C, the electronic device201may alternately open and close the first door301and the second door302as the rotation angle θ increases or decreases.

For example, when the rotation angle θ is between the start angle (e.g., an angle of the first position θ1ofFIG.6Aor an angle of the seventh position θ7ofFIG.7A) and the first angle (e.g., an angle of the fourth position θ4ofFIG.6Dor an angle of the eighth angle θ8ofFIG.7B), at least some regions of the first door301may be opened and the second door302may be closed.

For example, when the rotation angle θ is between the second angle (e.g., an angle of the seventh position θ7ofFIG.7Bor an angle of the fourth position θ4ofFIG.6D) and the end angle (e.g., an angle of the eighth position θ8ofFIG.7Cor an angle of the fifth position θ5ofFIG.6E), the first door301may be closed and at least some regions of the second door302may be opened.

The electronic device201according to various embodiments may include the first housing210that includes the display module211providing a display screen, the second housing220that includes the first door301provided on one surface228and the second door302provided on another surface225opposite to the first door301, the hinge unit310that rotatably connects the first housing210to the second housing220, and the driving module350that opens and closes the first door301and the second door302by interoperating with the hinge unit310. The driving module350may open the first door301when the rotation angle θ (e.g., an angle formed between the first housing210and the second housing220based on the hinge unit310) is less than the set first angle (e.g., first reference angle) and may open the second door302when the rotation angle θ is greater than the set second angle (e.g., second reference angle).

In an embodiment, the first angle may be substantially the same as the second angle and the driving module350may close the first door301and the second door302when the rotation angle θ is the first angle.

In an embodiment, the first angle may be less than the second angle and the driving module350may close the second door302when the rotation angle θ is less than the first angle and may close the first door301when the rotation angle θ is greater than the second angle.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may open the first door301and the second door302when the rotation angle θ is between the first angle and the second angle.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may open and close the first door301and the second door302such that the first door301and the second door302are alternately opened as the rotation angle θ increases.

In an embodiment, the hinge unit310may rotate the first housing210and the second housing220such that an angle at which the first housing210and the first door301face each other (e.g., completely infolded) is the start angle and an angle at which the first housing210and the second door302face each other (e.g., completely outfolded) is the end angle.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may close the first door301and the second door302at the start angle and may close the first door301and open the second door302at the end angle.

In an embodiment, the second housing220may include the input device221connected to the second door302and the driving module350may open and close the second door302by pushing the second door302and the input device221from the second housing220.

In an embodiment, the electronic device201may be supported in a direction in which the first door301and an external support (not illustrated) face each other and the driving module350may open the first door301by pushing the second housing220from the first door301in a state in which the first door301contacts the external support (not illustrated). The pushing of the second housing220by the first door301which is open, may dispose the second housing220spaced apart from the external support and define a heat dissipation path adjacent to the external support, without being limited thereto.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may include the gears351and352that rotate by interoperating with the hinge unit310, the shafts353and354that extend from the rotation axis of the gears351and352and include the shaft arms356and357, and the slots363and364in which the shaft arms356and357move by interoperating with the rotation of the shafts353and354. Also, the driving module350may include the support members361and362connected to the first door301and the second door302, respectively.

In an embodiment, in the driving module350, the shaft arms356and357may press the slots363and364, to be moveable along the slots363and364, by interoperating with the rotation of the shafts353and354to push the support members361and362.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may include the first gear351that rotates in one direction by interoperating with the hinge unit310and the second gear352that rotates in a direction opposite to the first gear351by engaging with the first gear351.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may include the first shaft arm356and the second shaft arm357that move by interoperating with the hinge unit310, the first support member361that includes the first slot363being a path in which the first shaft arm356moves and is pressed by the first shaft arm356to push the first door301from the second housing220, and the second support member362that includes the second slot364being a path in which the second shaft arm357moves and is pressed by the second shaft arm357to push the second door302from the second housing220.

In an embodiment, the first slot363may include the first inflection regions V1-1, V1-2, and V1-3in which a movement direction of the first shaft arm356changes at a position at which the rotation angle θ is adjacent to the first angle.

In an embodiment, the second slot364may include the second inflection region V2in which a movement displacement of the second shaft arm357changes at a position at which the rotation angle θ is adjacent to the second angle.

In an embodiment, the electronic device201may include the housings210and220that include the first housing210including the first surface215and the second surface218opposite to the first surface215, the second housing220including the third surface228and the fourth surface225opposite to the third surface228, the first door301provided on the third surface228, and the second door302provided on the fourth surface225, the hinge unit310configured to connect the first housing210to the second housing220and adjust a rotation angle θ, which is an angle between the first housing210and the second housing220, from a start angle at which the first surface215and the fourth surface225face each other to an end angle at which the second surface218and the third surface228face each other, and the driving module350configured to open the first door301when the rotation angle θ is less than a set first angle and open the second door302when the rotation angle θ is greater than a second angle, the second angle being equal to or greater than the first angle.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may close the first door301and the second door302at the start angle and may close the first door301and open the second door302at the end angle.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may open the first door301and close the second door302when the rotation angle θ is between the start angle and the first angle and may close the first door301and the open the second door302when the rotation angle θ is between the second angle and the end angle.

In an embodiment, the first angle may be substantially the same as the second angle and the driving module350may close the first door301and the second door302when the rotation angle θ is the first angle.

In an embodiment, the driving module350may open and close the first door301and the second door302such that the first door301and the second door302are alternately opened as the rotation angle θ increases.

Although embodiments have been illustrated and described hereinabove, the disclosure is not limited to the abovementioned specific embodiments, but may be variously modified by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the disclosure as disclosed in the accompanying claims. These modifications should also be understood to fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.