Patent Description:
Owing to the development of information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, various functions are integrated in a single portable electronic device. For example, an electronic device may implement not only a communication function but also an entertainment function such as games, a multimedia function such as music/video playback, a communication and security function such as mobile banking, schedule management, and an electronic wallet function. Such electronic devices are miniaturized so that users may conveniently carry them.

As mobile communication services are extended to the multimedia service area, there is a need to increase the size of a display in an electronic device so that a user may sufficiently use multimedia services as well as voice calls or short messages. However, the size of the display of the electronic device and miniaturization of the electronic device are in a trade-off relationship.

Document <CIT> discloses a hinge structure including a first rotary bracket that rotates about a first virtual axis and a second rotary bracket that rotates about a second virtual axis. The hinge structure also includes a fixed bracket that includes the first rotary bracket and the second rotary bracket fixed thereto. The hinge structure further includes a first rotary member, a second rotary member, a first arm and a second arm. Additionally, the hinge structure includes a cam part that includes bumpy structures. A first elastic body is mounted on the first rotary member and supports at least one side of the cam part and second elastic body is mounted on the second rotary member and supports at least an opposite side of the cam part. The hinge structure also includes a support bracket that supports the first elastic body and the second elastic body.

An electronic device (e.g., a portable terminal) includes a display having a flat surface or flat and curved surfaces. Due to a fixed display structure, there may be limitations in implementing a larger screen than the size of the electronic device including the display.

In implementing a foldable electronic device, it may be difficult to secure mechanical stability, while enabling relative movement (e.g., rotation) between structures of the electronic device. For example, it may be difficult to secure a stable operation mechanism in the foldable electronic device, while securing the portability of the electronic device through miniaturization.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device for stably maintaining a housing in a folded or unfolded state may be provided.

However, the problems to be solved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-described problem, and may be extended in various manners without departing from the scope of the claims.

According to the present invention, an electronic device according to claim <NUM> is provided. Further aspects of the invention are outlined in the dependent claims.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may be stably maintained in an unfolded state at a specified angle or a user-desired angle by use of an inner cam structure and an outer cam structure which have different cam profiles, respectively.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may reduce a force to open the electronic device and thus increase user convenience by use of a cam structure rotating in a direction to open the electronic device at a specified angle.

As used herein, each of such phrases as "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", may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as "<NUM>st" and "<NUM>nd", or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (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.

As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, logic, logic block, part, or circuitry.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an embodiment of an electronic device <NUM> may include a foldable housing <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a housing <NUM>) to accommodate components (e.g., a hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> therein, and a flexible or foldable display <NUM> (hereinafter, referred to as a display <NUM>) disposed in a space formed by the housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> may form at least part of the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a surface on which the display <NUM> is visually exposed is defined as a front surface (e.g., a first front surface 110a and a second front surface 120a) of the electronic device <NUM> and/or the housing <NUM>. A surface opposite to the front surface is defined as a rear surface (e.g., a first rear surface 110b and a second rear surface 120b) of the electronic device <NUM>. A surface surrounding at least a part of a space between the front and rear surfaces is defined as a side surface (e.g., a first side surface 110c and a second side surface 120c) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may be connected to be rotatable with respect to the second housing <NUM> by using the hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, each of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be connected to each other to be rotatable with respect to the hinge module <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may be changed to the folded state (e.g., <FIG>) or the unfolded state (e.g., <FIG>). In the electronic device <NUM>, the first front surface 110a may face the second front surface 120a in the folded state, and the first front surface 110a and the second front surface 120a may face in the same direction in the unfolded state. For example, the first front surface 110a and the second front surface 120a may be located substantially on a same plane in the unfolded state. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may provide relative movement with respect to the first housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of a folding axis A and symmetrical in shape with respect to the folding axis A as a whole. An angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be changed depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the folded state, or an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the folded state, as described later. According to an embodiment, the folding axis A may be an imaginary axis located between a first rotation axis (e.g., a first rotation axis Ax1 of <FIG>) and a second rotation axis (e.g., a second rotation axis Ax2 of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a hinge housing <NUM>. The hinge housing <NUM> may be disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the hinge housing <NUM> may be covered by parts of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> or exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> according to the state of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the hinge housing <NUM> may protect the hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>) from impacts from the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the hinge housing <NUM> may be interpreted as a hinge cover that protects the hinge module <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the hinge housing <NUM> may be covered by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> without being exposed. In an embodiment, for example, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge housing <NUM> may be exposed to the outside from between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, for example, in the intermediate state where the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded with a certain angle, the hinge housing <NUM> may be partially exposed to the outside from between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In this state, however, an exposed area may be smaller than in the fully folded state. In an embodiment, the hinge housing <NUM> may include a curved surface.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may refer to a display having at least a partial area deformable into a flat or curved surface. For example, the display <NUM> may be formed to be changed in response to relative movement of the second housing <NUM> with respect to the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a folding area <NUM>, a first display area <NUM> disposed on one side (e.g., above (the +Y direction)) of the folding area <NUM>, and a second display area <NUM> disposed on the other side (e.g., below (the -Y direction)) of the folding area <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the folding area <NUM> may be located above the hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the first display area <NUM> may be disposed on the first housing <NUM>, and the second display area <NUM> may be disposed on the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be disposed or accommodated in the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

However, the area division of the display <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is exemplary, and the display <NUM> may be divided into a plurality of areas (e.g., four or more areas or two areas) according to a structure or function. In addition, while the display <NUM> is divided into areas by the folding area <NUM> extending in parallel to an X axis or the folding axis A in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the display <NUM> may be divided into areas by another folding area (e.g., a folding area parallel to a Y axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the Y axis) in another embodiment. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be coupled with or disposed adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer configured to detect a magnetic field type stylus pen.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a rear display <NUM>. The rear display <NUM> may face in a direction different from (or opposite to) that of the display <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be visually exposed through the front surface (e.g., the first front surface 110a and/or the second front surface 120a) of the electronic device <NUM>, and the rear display <NUM> may be visually exposed through the rear surface (e.g., the first rear surface 110b) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one camera module <NUM> and <NUM> and a flash <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a front camera module <NUM> exposed through the front surface (e.g., the first front surface 110a) and/or a rear camera module <NUM> exposed through the rear surface (e.g., the first rear surface 120b). The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, a flash, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In an embodiment, for example, two or more lenses (an infrared camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a front view illustrating an electronic device with a display excluded therefrom according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an embodiment of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the hinge housing <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a flexible printed circuit board <NUM>, and the hinge module <NUM>. The configurations of the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and the hinge housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may be wholly or partially identical to those of the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and the hinge housing <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the housings <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first support member <NUM> and a second support member <NUM>. For example, the first housing <NUM> may include the first support member <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may include the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> and/or the second support member <NUM> may support components (e.g., the display <NUM>, the battery <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> and/or the second support member <NUM> may include or be formed of a metal material and/or a non-metal (e.g., polymer) material. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be disposed between the display <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be coupled with one surface of the first support member <NUM>, and the battery <NUM> and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed on the other surface of the first support member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first decorative member <NUM> and a second decorative member <NUM>. For example, the first housing <NUM> may include the first decorative member <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may include the second decorative member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the decorative members <NUM> and <NUM> may protect the display <NUM> from external impact. For example, the first decorative member <NUM> may at least partially surround a part (e.g., the first display area <NUM> of <FIG>) of the display <NUM>, and the second decorative member <NUM> may at least partially surround another part (e.g., the second display area <NUM> of <FIG>) of the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the housings <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first rear plate <NUM> and a second rear plate <NUM>. For example, the first housing <NUM> may include the first rear plate <NUM> connected to the first support member <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may include the second rear plate <NUM> connected to the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rear plates <NUM> and <NUM> may form a part of the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the first rear plate <NUM> may form the first rear surface (e.g., the first rear surface 110b of <FIG>), and the second rear plate <NUM> may form the second rear surface (e.g., the second rear surface 120b of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, a first battery <NUM> and a first printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed between the first support member <NUM> and the first rear plate <NUM>, and a second battery <NUM> and a second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed between the second support member <NUM> and the second rear plate <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the hinge housing <NUM> may accommodate at least a part of the hinge module <NUM>. For example, the hinge housing <NUM> may include or define an accommodation groove <NUM> to accommodate the hinge module <NUM> therein. According to an embodiment, the hinge housing <NUM> may be coupled with the hinge module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a part of the hinge housing <NUM> may be located between the hinge module <NUM> and the housings <NUM> and <NUM> in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM>, which is a device to supply power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>, may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. The battery <NUM> may be integrally disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> or detachably from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the battery <NUM> may include the first battery <NUM> disposed within the first housing <NUM> and the second battery <NUM> disposed within the second housing <NUM>. For example, the first battery <NUM> may be disposed on the first support member <NUM>, and the second battery <NUM> may be disposed on the second support member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a processor, memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include at least one of, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, a graphical processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. The memory may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect the electronic device <NUM> to an external electronic device and include a USB connector, an SD card/MMC connector, or an audio connector. According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board <NUM> may include the first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed within the first housing <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed within the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may electrically connect a component (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM>) located in the first housing <NUM> to a component (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM>) located in the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may cross (or extend across) the hinge housing <NUM>. For example, a part of the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed within the first housing <NUM>, and another part thereof may be disposed within the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board <NUM> may include a first flexible printed circuit board <NUM> connected to an antenna and a second flexible printed circuit board <NUM> connected to the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the hinge module <NUM> may be connected to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, for example, the hinge module <NUM> may include a first rotation member <NUM> connected to or coupled with the first support member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and a second rotation member <NUM> connected to or coupled with the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may rotate with respect to the second housing <NUM> by using the hinge module <NUM>. For example, the first housing <NUM> and/or the first rotation member <NUM> may rotate around the first rotation axis Ax1, and the second housing <NUM> and/or the second rotation member <NUM> may rotate around the second rotation axis Ax2. According to an embodiment, the hinge module <NUM> may connect the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> to each other such that the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are rotatable from the folded state (e.g., <FIG>) to the unfolded state (e.g., <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the hinge module <NUM> may be disposed between the housing <NUM> and the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second rotation axis Ax2 may be disposed substantially parallel to the first rotation axis Ax1.

According to various embodiments, the hinge module <NUM> may include a rotation structure <NUM>, an interlocking structure <NUM>, and a fixing structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the rotation structure <NUM> may substantially implement or guide rotation of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rotation structure <NUM> may provide the first rotation axis Ax1 and the second rotation axis Ax2. According to an embodiment, the rotation structure <NUM> may be connected to the first support member <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the interlocking structure <NUM> may interlock rotation of the first housing <NUM> with rotation of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the interlocking structure <NUM> may transfer at least a part of a force applied to the first housing <NUM> to the second housing <NUM> or transfer at least a part of a force applied to the second housing <NUM> to the first housing <NUM>. For example, the interlocking structure <NUM> may rotate the second housing <NUM> at the substantially same angle as an angle at which the first housing <NUM> rotates by using a gear member (e.g., a gear member <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the fixing structure <NUM> may position the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> at a certain angle. For example, the fixing structure <NUM> may provide pressure to the interlocking structure <NUM> to prevent or reduce movement and/or rotation of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, when a user applies external force equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the hinge module <NUM> may allow rotation of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. When no external force is applied or external force less than the predetermined value is applied, the hinge module <NUM> may maintain the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> in a stationary state by using the fixing structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the hinge module <NUM> may include a plurality of hinge modules <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> arranged in parallel. For example, the hinge module <NUM> may include a first hinge module <NUM>-<NUM> and a second hinge module <NUM>-<NUM> facing the first hinge module <NUM>-<NUM>, which are disposed on the hinge housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first hinge module <NUM>-<NUM> and the second hinge module <NUM>-<NUM> may be symmetrical to each other with respect to a length direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a hinge module according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a rotation structure according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> are diagrams illustrating sliding movement of an arm member with respect to a rotation structure according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the hinge module <NUM> may include the rotation structure <NUM>, the interlocking structure <NUM>, and/or the fixing structure <NUM>. The configuration of the hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> may be wholly or partially the same as the configuration of the hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the rotation structure <NUM> may include a first rotation member <NUM>, a second rotation member <NUM>, and a rotation bracket <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first rotation member <NUM> may be connected to the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>), and the second rotation member <NUM> may be connected to the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the rotation bracket <NUM> may accommodate the first rotation member <NUM> and the second rotation member <NUM>. For example, the rotation bracket <NUM> may include a first rotation groove <NUM> formed or defined therein around the first rotation axis Ax1 and a second rotation groove <NUM> formed or defined therein around the second rotation axis Ax2. According to an embodiment, the first rotation member <NUM> may be disposed or accommodated in the first rotational groove <NUM> and rotate around the first rotation axis Ax1, and the second rotation member <NUM> may be disposed or accommodated in the second rotation groove <NUM> and rotate around the second rotation axis Ax2.

According to various embodiments, the rotation members <NUM> and <NUM> may include or be provided with pin holes <NUM> and <NUM> to accommodate pin members <NUM> and <NUM> therein. For example, the first rotation member <NUM> may include a first pin hole <NUM> in which a first pin member <NUM> is located, and the second rotation member <NUM> may include a second pin hole <NUM> in which a second pin member <NUM> is located. According to an embodiment, the pin holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be holes extending in a longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the interlocking structure <NUM> may include a first arm member <NUM>, a second arm member <NUM>, a gear member <NUM>, the first pin member <NUM>, and the second pin member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the gear member <NUM> may include a first gear shaft <NUM> rotatable around a first interlocking axis Rx1 and a second gear shaft <NUM> rotatable around a second interlocking axis Rx2. According to an embodiment, a gear (e.g., a first gear 332a of <FIG>) of the first gear shaft <NUM> and a gear (e.g., a second gear 334a of <FIG>) of the second gear shaft <NUM> may be meshed with each other to interlock the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, a force from the first rotation member <NUM> connected to the first housing <NUM> may be transmitted to the first gear shaft <NUM> through the first arm member <NUM>. The first gear shaft <NUM> may be meshed with the second gear shaft <NUM>, and the second gear shaft <NUM> may rotate in a direction different from that of the first gear shaft <NUM>. A force applied to the second gear shaft <NUM> may be transmitted to the second arm member <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the interlocking structure <NUM> may include a gear cover (not shown) to protect the first gear shaft <NUM> and/or the second gear shaft <NUM> from external impact. The gear cover (not shown) may surround at least a part of the first gear 332a and/or the second gear 334a.

According to various embodiments, the arm members <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to the pin members <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first arm member <NUM> may be coupled with the first pin member <NUM>, and the second arm member <NUM> may be coupled with the second pin member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first arm member <NUM> may rotate around the first interlocking axis Rx1 together with the first gear shaft <NUM>, and the second arm member <NUM> may rotate around the second interlocking axis Rx2 together with the second gear shaft <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the arm members <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected to the rotation members <NUM> and <NUM> by using the pin members <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the first pin member <NUM> connected to the first arm member <NUM> may be disposed or accommodated in the first pin hole <NUM> of the first rotation member <NUM>, and the second pin member <NUM> connected to the second arm member <NUM> may be disposed or accommodated in the second pin hole <NUM> of the second rotation member <NUM>. The rotation axes Ax1 and Ax2 may be different from the interlocking axes Rx1 and Rx2 of the gear shafts <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the first rotation axis Ax1, the second rotation axis Ax2, the first interlocking axis Rx1, and the second interlocking axis Rx2 may be substantially parallel to each other.

According to various embodiments, the arm members <NUM> and <NUM> may slide with respect to the rotation members <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first pin member <NUM> connected to the first arm member <NUM> may slide within the first pin hole <NUM> in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). In an embodiment, for example, when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) is in an open state (e.g., <FIG>), the first pin member <NUM> may contact a first sidewall <NUM>-<NUM> of the first arm member <NUM> directed toward the top of the electronic device <NUM> (a first direction) (e.g., the +Y direction). In such an embodiment, for example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a closed state (e.g., <FIG>), the first pin member <NUM> may contact a second sidewall <NUM>-<NUM> of the first arm member <NUM> directed toward the bottom of the electronic device <NUM> (a second direction) (e.g., the -Y direction). According to an embodiment, as the arm members <NUM> and <NUM> slide, breakage of the display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) may be effectively prevented or substantially reduced, which might otherwise be caused due to the interlocking axes Rx1 and Rx2 different from the rotation axes Ax1 and Ax2. For example, a relative length change may occur in the electronic device <NUM> based on the length of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) in a thickness direction (e.g., the +Z direction). According to an embodiment, the radius of curvature of the rotation members <NUM> and <NUM> rotating around on the rotation axes Ax1 and Ax2 may be different from the radius of curvature of the arm members <NUM> and <NUM> rotating around the interlocking axes Rx1 and Rx2. As the arm members <NUM> and <NUM> slide with respect to the rotation members <NUM> and <NUM> by using the pin members <NUM> and <NUM>, breakage of the display <NUM> accommodated in the housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the rotation members <NUM> and <NUM> may be effectively prevented or substantially reduced. In an embodiment of the electronic device <NUM> in the folded state (e.g., <FIG>), the display <NUM> may include a neutral surface having no length change in the folded state. A compressive force may be applied to a top area (e.g., the +Z direction) of the display <NUM> with respect to the neutral surface, and an extension force or an expansion force may be applied to a bottom area (e.g., the -Z direction) of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rotation axes Ax1 and Ax2 may substantially form a part of the neutral surface of the display <NUM>, and the interlocking axes Rx1 and Rx2 may be located outside the neutral surface.

According to various embodiments, the fixing structure <NUM> may include a third cam structure <NUM>, an elastic member <NUM>, and a fixing bracket <NUM>. The fixing structure <NUM> may provide pressure or elastic force to the first arm member <NUM> and the second arm member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third cam structure <NUM> may face a first cam structure (e.g., a first cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) of the first arm member <NUM> and/or a second cam structure (e.g., a second cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) of the second arm member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the elastic member <NUM> may provide an elastic force to the third cam structure <NUM> in a third direction (e.g., +X direction), and the third cam structure <NUM> may come into contact with the first cam structure <NUM> and/or the second cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the fixing bracket <NUM> may connect the hinge module <NUM> to the hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing <NUM> of <FIG>). For example, the fixing bracket <NUM> may be coupled with the hinge housing <NUM>, and the elastic member <NUM> may be connected to the fixing bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a hinge module including an interlocking structure and a fixing structure according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the hinge module <NUM> may include the interlocking structure <NUM> and the fixing structure <NUM>. The configurations of the interlocking structure <NUM> and the fixing structure <NUM> of <FIG> may be wholly or partially the same as those of the interlocking structure <NUM> and the fixing structure <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the arm members <NUM> and <NUM> may include the cam structures <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the first arm member <NUM> may include the first cam structure <NUM>, and the second arm member <NUM> may include the second cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first cam structure <NUM> may surround the first gear shaft <NUM>, and the second cam structure <NUM> may surround the second gear shaft <NUM>. As the first cam structure <NUM> rotates with the first gear shaft <NUM>, the first arm member <NUM> may rotate substantially around a rotation axis (e.g., the first interlocking axis Rx1) of the first gear shaft <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first cam structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first arm member <NUM>. For example, the second cam structure <NUM> may be mounted or fixed, while surrounding an outer circumferential surface of the second gear shaft <NUM>. As the second cam structure <NUM> rotates together with the second gear shaft <NUM>, the second arm member <NUM> may substantially rotate around a rotation axis (e.g., the second interlocking shaft Rx2) of the second gear shaft <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second cam structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second arm member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the arm members <NUM> and <NUM> may include or define accommodation recesses <NUM> and <NUM> to accommodate the pin members (e.g., the pin members <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>) therein. For example, the first arm member <NUM> may include a first accommodation recess <NUM> in which the first pin member <NUM> is disposed, and the second arm member <NUM> may include a second accommodating recess <NUM> in which the second pin member <NUM> is disposed. Each of the accommodation recesses <NUM> and <NUM> may be in the shape of a groove or a hole.

According to various embodiments, the hinge module <NUM> may include the gear member <NUM> including a plurality of idle gears <NUM> disposed between the first gear shaft <NUM> and the second gear shaft <NUM>. The plurality of (e.g., two) idle gears <NUM> may be connected to the first gear 332a of the first gear shaft <NUM> and the second gear 334a of the second gear shaft <NUM>. According to an embodiment, rotation of the first gear shaft <NUM> may be transferred to the second gear shaft <NUM> through the plurality of idle gears <NUM>, and rotation of the second gear shaft <NUM> may be transferred to the first gear shaft <NUM> through the plurality of idle gears <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the third cam structure <NUM> may provide pressure or a frictional force to the first cam structure <NUM> and/or the second cam structure <NUM>. For example, the third cam structure <NUM> may effectively prevent or substantially reduce rotational movement of the first arm member <NUM> and/or the second arm member <NUM> or rotational movement of the first arm member <NUM> and/or the second arm member <NUM> in a specified direction by contacting the first cam structure <NUM> of the first arm member <NUM> and/or the second cam structure <NUM> of the second arm member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the third cam structure <NUM> may include a first third cam structure (hereinafter, will be referred to as "(<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure") <NUM>-<NUM> facing the first cam structure <NUM> and a second third cam structure (hereinafter, will be referred to as "(<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure") <NUM>-<NUM> facing the second cam structure <NUM>. The (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> may surround the first gear shaft <NUM>, and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> may surround the second gear shaft <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed between a first elastic member <NUM> and the first cam structure <NUM>, and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed between a second elastic member <NUM> and the second cam structure <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front perspective view illustrating a first arm member, a second arm member, and a third cam structure according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a rear perspective view illustrating the first arm member, the second arm member, and the third cam structure according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating the first cam structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the first arm member <NUM> and the second arm member <NUM> may include outer cam structures <NUM> and <NUM> and inner cam structures <NUM> and <NUM>. The configuration of the first cam structure <NUM>, the second cam structure <NUM>, and/or the third cam structure <NUM> of <FIG> may be wholly or partially the same as that of the first cam structure <NUM>, the second cam structure <NUM>, and/or the third cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the first cam structure <NUM> and/or the second cam structure <NUM> may include the outer cam structures <NUM> and <NUM> and the inner cam structures <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first cam structure <NUM> may include a first inner cam structure <NUM> surrounding the first gear shaft (e.g., the first gear shaft <NUM> of <FIG>) and a first outer cam structure <NUM> surrounding the first inner cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second cam structure <NUM> may include a second inner cam structure <NUM> surrounding the second gear shaft (e.g., the second gear shaft <NUM> of <FIG>) and a second outer cam structure <NUM> surrounding the second inner cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the outer cam structures <NUM> and <NUM> may rotate around the substantially same axes (e.g., the first interlock shaft Rx1 or the second interlock shaft Rx2 of <FIG>) as those of the inner cam structures <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the first outer cam structure <NUM> and the first inner cam structure <NUM> may rotate around the first interlocking axis (e.g., the first interlocking axis Rx1 of <FIG>), and the second outer cam structure <NUM> and the second inner cam structure <NUM> may rotate around the second interlocking axis (e.g., the second interlocking axis Rx2 of <FIG>). The first outer cam structure <NUM> and the first inner cam structure <NUM> may be interpreted (or referred to) as cam structures formed in the first cam structure <NUM>, and the second outer cam structure <NUM> and the second inner cam structure <NUM> may be interpreted as cam structures formed in the second cam structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first cam structure <NUM> may include first mountain portions <NUM> and <NUM> and first valley portions <NUM> and <NUM> formed or defined on a first surface 311a facing the third cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first outer cam structure <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM> may include a first outer mountain portion <NUM> and a first outer valley portion <NUM>. The first outer mountain portion <NUM> and the first outer valley portion <NUM> may be arranged alternately along a rotation direction (e.g., the first interlocking axis Rx1 or the second interlocking axis Rx2) of the first cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first inner cam structure <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM> may include a first inner mountain portion <NUM> and a first inner valley portion <NUM>. The first inner mountain portion <NUM> and the first inner valley portion <NUM> may be alternately arranged along the rotation direction of the first cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the first surface 311a of the first cam structure <NUM> is viewed in a fourth direction (e.g., the -X direction), the first mountain portions <NUM> and <NUM> may protrude further than the first valley portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first cam structure <NUM> and the second cam structure <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A of <FIG>), and have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A. For example, the configuration of the second outer cam structure <NUM> and/or the second inner cam structure <NUM> of the second cam structure <NUM> may be wholly or partially the same as that of the first outer cam structure <NUM> and/or the first inner cam structure <NUM> of the first cam structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the third cam structure <NUM> may include the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> corresponding to the first cam structure <NUM>, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> corresponding to the second cam structure <NUM>, and a connection area <NUM>-<NUM> connecting the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third cam structure <NUM> may include a third surface 410a facing the first arm member <NUM> and the second arm member <NUM>, and a fourth surface 410b opposite to the third surface 410a and facing the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed on both sides of the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A of <FIG>) and have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A. For example, a first third outer cam structure (hereinafter, will be referred to as "(<NUM>-<NUM>)th outer cam structure") <NUM>-<NUM> and a first third inner cam structure (hereinafter, will be referred to as "(<NUM>-<NUM>)th inner cam structure") <NUM>-<NUM> of the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> may be symmetrical to a second third outer cam structure (hereinafter, will be referred to as "(<NUM>-<NUM>)th outer cam structure") <NUM>-<NUM> and a second third inner cam structure (hereinafter, will be referred to as "(<NUM>-<NUM>)th inner cam structure") <NUM>-<NUM> of the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> with respect to the folding axis A.

According to various embodiments, the third cam structure <NUM> may include a third inner cam structure <NUM> surrounding a gear shaft (e.g., the first gear shaft <NUM> and/or the second gear shaft <NUM> of <FIG>) and a third outer cam structure <NUM> surrounding the third inner cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third inner cam structure <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the first inner cam structure <NUM> and/or the second inner cam structure <NUM>. For example, the third inner cam structure <NUM> may include the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th inner cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> facing the first inner cam structure <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th inner cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> facing the second inner cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third outer cam structure <NUM> may contact the first outer cam structure <NUM> and/or the second outer cam structure <NUM>. For example, the third outer cam structure <NUM> may include the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th outer cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> facing the first outer cam structure <NUM> and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th outer cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> facing the second outer cam structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the third cam structure <NUM> may be formed to correspond to the first cam structure <NUM> and/or the second cam structure <NUM>. For example, the third cam structure <NUM> may include third mountain portions <NUM> and <NUM> and third valley portions <NUM> and <NUM> formed or defined on the third surface 410a facing the first cam structure <NUM> and/or the second cam structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the third outer cam structure <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM> may include a third outer mountain portion <NUM> and a third outer valley portion <NUM>. The third outer mountain portion <NUM> and the third outer valley portion <NUM> may be alternately arranged along a rotation direction of an interlocking axis (e.g., the first interlocking axis Rx1 or the second interlocking axis Rx2). The third outer mountain portion <NUM> and the third outer valley portion <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM> may contact the first outer mountain portion <NUM> and the first outer valley portion <NUM> of the first cam structure <NUM> and/or the second outer mountain portion <NUM> and the second outer valley portion <NUM> of the second cam structure <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the third inner cam structure <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM> may include the third inner mountain portion <NUM> and the third inner valley portion <NUM>. The third inner mountain portion <NUM> and the third inner valley portion <NUM> may be alternately arranged along the rotational direction of the interlocking axis (e.g., the first interlocking axis Rx1 or the second interlocking axis Rx2). The third inner mountain portion <NUM> and the third inner valley portion <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM> may contact the first inner mountain portion <NUM> and the first inner valley portion <NUM> of the first cam structure <NUM> and/or the second inner mountain portion <NUM> and the second inner valley portion <NUM> of the second cam structure <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an outer cam structure according to various embodiments of the disclosure, and <FIG> is a graph illustrating a first cam profile. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating an inner cam structure according to various embodiments of the disclosure, and <FIG> is a graph illustrating a second cam profile. <FIG> is a graph illustrating a cam profile obtained by combining a first cam profile and a second cam profile.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the first cam structure <NUM> may include the first outer cam structure <NUM> forming (or corresponding to) a first cam profile P1, and the first inner cam structure <NUM> forming a second cam profile P2. The configuration of the first cam structure <NUM> including the first outer cam structure <NUM> and the first inner cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> may be wholly or partially the same as the configuration of the first cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>. According to an embodiment, a cam profile (e.g., the first cam profile P1 or the second cam profile P2) may be interpreted as a cam contour. For example, the cam profiles P1 and P2 may be trajectories of a height of the first surface 311a of the first cam structure <NUM> changed based on an angle between the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, a cam profile may be interpreted as a value obtained by subtracting the radius of a base circle formed around a camshaft (not shown) from the surface (e.g., the first surface 310a) of a lobe of the camshaft and a cam. According to an embodiment, the radius of the base circle may be the distance between the camshaft and the surface of a valley portion (e.g., the first outer valley portion <NUM>). According to an embodiment, a specified angular range (e.g., a first specified angular range R1) may be interpreted as a range of angles between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the first specified angular range R1 may be an angle between the first front surface (e.g., the first front surface 110a of <FIG>) of the first housing <NUM> and the second front surface (e.g., the second front surface 120a of <FIG>) of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments (e.g., <FIG>), the first outer mountain portion <NUM> and the first outer valley portion <NUM> of the first outer cam structure <NUM> may be formed as (or configured to have) the first cam profile P1. According to an embodiment, the first outer mountain portion <NUM> may provide a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) to the third cam structure (e.g., the third cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) in a first rotation direction S1 for closing the electronic device <NUM> in the first specified angular range R1. For example, the first outer mountain portion <NUM> may include a first rising surface 313a formed in a direction (e.g., the +X direction) in which the length of the first outer cam structure <NUM> increases. In the first specified angular range R1, the first rising surface 313a may contact the third outer mountain portion (e.g., the third outer mountain portion <NUM> of <FIG>) of the third cam structure (e.g., the third cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>), and the first outer cam structure <NUM> may receive a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) in the direction for closing the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first specified angular range R1 may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees.

According to an embodiment, the first outer mountain portion <NUM> may provide a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) to the third cam structure <NUM> in a second rotational direction S2 for opening the electronic device <NUM> in a second specified angular range R2 different from the first specified angular range R1. For example, the first outer mountain portion <NUM> may include a first falling surface 313b formed in a direction (e.g., the -X direction) in which the length of the first outer cam structure <NUM> decreases. In the second specified angular range R2, the first falling surface 313b may contact the third outer mountain portion <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM>, and the first outer cam structure <NUM> may receive a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) in a direction for opening the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second specified angular range R2 may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. According to an embodiment, the first outer valley portion <NUM>, the first rising surface 313a, a first connecting surface 313c, and the first falling surface 313b may be arranged in this order in the first direction S1 for closing the electronic device <NUM>, and the first connecting surface 313c may be a surface protruding further than the first outer valley portion <NUM>. The first rising surface 313a and/or the first falling surface 313b may be a surface formed to be inclined between the first outer valley portion <NUM> and the first connecting surface 313c.

According to an embodiment, the first outer cam structure <NUM> may not receive a force (e.g., frictional force or elastic force) for rotating the first cam structure <NUM> or maintaining the position of the first cam structure <NUM> in a sixth specified angular range R6 different from the first specified angular range R1 or the second specified angular range R2. For example, in the sixth specified angular range R6, the first outer valley portion <NUM> may face the third outer mountain portion <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sixth specified angular range R6 may be <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

According to an embodiment, the first outer mountain portion <NUM> may be located between the first rising surface 313a and the first falling surface 313b and include the first connecting surface 313c of which at least a part is substantially flat. In a seventh specified angular range R7, the first connecting surface 313c may contact the third outer mountain portion <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the seventh specified angular range R7 may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees.

According to various embodiments (e.g., <FIG>), the first inner mountain portion <NUM> and the first inner valley portion <NUM> of the first inner cam structure <NUM> may be formed as the second cam profile P2.

According to an embodiment, the first inner cam structure <NUM> may provide a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) to the third cam structure (e.g., the third cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) in the first rotation direction S1 for closing the electronic device <NUM> in a third specified angular range R3. For example, the first inner mountain portion <NUM> may include a second rising surface 316a formed in the direction (e.g., the +X direction) in which the length of the first inner cam structure <NUM> increases. In the third specified angular range R3 different from the first specified angular range R1, the second rising surface 316a may contact the third inner mountain portion <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM>, and receive a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) in the direction for closing the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third specified angular range R3 may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees.

According to an embodiment, the first inner mountain portion <NUM> may receive a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) from the third cam structure <NUM> in the second rotational direction S2 for opening the electronic device <NUM> in a fourth specified angular range R4 different from the third specified angular range R3. For example, the first inner mountain portion <NUM> may include a second falling surface 316b formed in the direction (e.g., the -X direction) in which the length of the first inner cam structure <NUM> decreases. In the fourth specified angle range R2, the second falling surface 316b may contact the third inner mountain portion <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM>, and the first cam structure <NUM> may receive a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) in the direction for opening the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the fourth specified angular range R4 may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. According to an embodiment, the first inner valley portion <NUM>, the second rising surface 316a, a second connecting surface 316c, and the second falling surface 316b may be arranged in this order in the first direction S1 for closing the electronic device <NUM>, and the second connecting surface 316c may protrude further than the first inner valley portion <NUM>. The second rising surface 316a and/or the second falling surface 316b may be a surface inclined between the first inner valley portion <NUM> and the second connecting surface 316c.

According to an embodiment, the first inner mountain <NUM> may be located between the second rising surface 316a and the second falling surface 316b and include the second connecting surface 316c, of which at least a part is substantially flat. In the seventh specified angular range R7, the first connecting surface 313c may contact the third outer mountain portion <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM>, and when an external force applied to the electronic device <NUM> is less than an external force applied to the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> may be maintained in a stationary state. The second connecting surface 316c may be interpreted as a free stop structure. According to an embodiment, the fifth specified angular range R5 may be about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees.

According to an embodiment, the first inner cam structure <NUM> may not a frictional force or an elastic force from the third cam structure <NUM> in an eighth specified angular range R8 different from the third specified angular range R3, the fourth specified angular range R4, or a fifth specified angular range R5. For example, in the eighth specified angular range R8, the first inner valley portion <NUM> may contact the third inner valley portion <NUM> of the third cam structure <NUM>, and the first inner valley portion <NUM> may contact the third inner valley portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the eighth specified angular range R8 may be <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

According to various embodiments, the first cam structure <NUM> may rotate based on a cam profile P formed by the first outer cam structure <NUM> and the first inner cam structure <NUM>. The cam profile P may be interpreted as a cam profile in which the first cam profile P1 and the second cam profile P2 are combined. For example, the first cam structure <NUM> may rotate based on the first cam profile P1 and the second cam profile P2.

According to an embodiment, in the first specified angular range R1 (e.g., <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees), the first cam structure <NUM> may receive a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) in the direction for closing the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) by the third cam structure (e.g., the third cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, in the seventh specified angular range R7 (e.g., <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees), the first cam structure <NUM> may receive an elastic force from the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>). When an external force applied to the electronic device <NUM> is less than the sum of a force applied to the first cam structure <NUM> and the third cam structure <NUM> and a force applied to the second cam structure <NUM> and the third cam structure <NUM> by the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> may be maintained in the stationary state.

In the second specified angular range R2 (e.g., about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees), the first cam structure <NUM> may receive a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) from the third cam structure <NUM> in the direction for opening the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees). As the first cam structure <NUM> rotates in the direction for opening the electronic device <NUM>, an external force to unfold the electronic device <NUM> may be reduced, and user convenience may be increased. For example, the user may open the electronic device <NUM> with a relatively weak force (e.g., with one hand). According to an embodiment, the first cam structure <NUM> may be stopped at a specified angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees) between the second specified angular range R2 and the third specified angular range R3.

In the third specified angular range R3 (e.g., about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees), the first cam structure <NUM> may receive a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) from the third cam structure (e.g., the third cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) in the direction for closing the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>). In the fifth specified angular range R5 (e.g., about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees), the first cam structure <NUM> may receive an elastic force from the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>). When an external force applied to the electronic device <NUM> is less than the sum of a force applied to the first cam structure <NUM> and the third cam structure <NUM> and a force applied to the second cam structure <NUM> and the third cam structure <NUM> by the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> may be maintained in the stationary state. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may be maintained in the stationary state in the fifth specified angular range R5.

In the fourth specified angular range R4 (e.g., about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees), the first cam structure <NUM> may receive a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) from the third cam structure <NUM> in the direction for opening the electronic device <NUM>. As the first cam structure <NUM> rotates in the direction for opening the electronic device <NUM>, the strength of an external force to unfold the electronic device <NUM> may be reduced, and user convenience may be increased.

According to various embodiments, the configuration of the second cam structure (e.g., the second cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) may be substantially the same as that of the first cam structure <NUM>. For example, the second cam structure <NUM> may form a cam profile substantially the same as the first cam profile P1 and/or the second cam profile P2 of the first cam structure <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a cam structure according to another embodiment of the disclosure. <FIG> are diagrams illustrating an inner cam line and an outer cam line according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, a cam structure <NUM> may include an outer cam structure <NUM> and an inner cam structure <NUM> surrounded by the outer cam structure <NUM>. The configurations of the cam structure <NUM>, the outer cam structure <NUM>, and the inner cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG> may be wholly or partially the same as those of the cam structures <NUM> and <NUM>, the outer cam structures <NUM> and <NUM>, the inner cam structures <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, respectively.

According to various embodiments, the outer cam structure <NUM> and/or the inner cam structure <NUM> of the cam structure <NUM> may be formed to be inclined with respect to the cam structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the outer cam structure <NUM> may include an outer mountain portion <NUM> (e.g., first outer mountain portion <NUM> and/or the second outer mountain portion <NUM> of <FIG>) and an outer valley portion <NUM> (e.g., the first outer valley portion <NUM> and/or the second outer mountain portion <NUM> of <FIG>). The outer mountain portion <NUM> may be formed to be inclined at a first specified angle x with respect to a first imaginary line L1 perpendicular to an interlocking axis Rx (e.g., the first interlocking axis Rx1 and/or the second interlocking axis Rx2 of <FIG>). For example, the outer mountain portion <NUM> may include an outer cam line 512a that is a skew line with respect to the interlocking axis Rx. According to an embodiment, the first specified angle x may be about <NUM> degrees. According to an embodiment, the outer cam line 512a may be a line crossing an outer circumferential surface 512b of the outer cam structure <NUM> forming the outer surface of the outer cam structure <NUM> and an inner circumferential surface 512c of the outer cam structure <NUM> surrounding the inner cam structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the inner cam structure <NUM> may include an inner mountain portion <NUM> (e.g., the first inner mountain portion <NUM> and/or the second inner mountain portion <NUM> of <FIG>) and an inner valley portion <NUM> (e.g., the first inner valley portion <NUM> and/or the second inner valley portion <NUM> of <FIG>). The inner mountain portion <NUM> may be formed to be inclined at a second specified angle (not shown) with respect to the first imaginary line L1 perpendicular to the interlocking axis Rx (e.g., the first interlocking axis Rx1 and/or the second interlocking axis Rx2 of <FIG>). For example, the inner mountain portion <NUM> may include an inner cam line 512a which is a skew line with respect to the interlocking axis Rx. According to an embodiment, the second specified angle (not shown) may be about <NUM> degrees. According to an embodiment, the inner cam line 522a may be a line crossing an outer circumferential surface 522b of the inner cam structure <NUM> forming the outer surface of the outer cam structure <NUM> and an inner circumferential surface 522c of the inner cam structure <NUM> surrounding a gear shaft (e.g., the first gear shaft <NUM> or the second gear shaft <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments (e.g., <FIG> or <FIG>), the outer cam line 512a and/or the inner cam line 522a may be a curved line. According to an embodiment, the outer cam line 512a may be a line extending from the outer circumferential surface 512b to the inner circumferential surface 512c of the outer cam structure <NUM> and located at substantially the same height (e.g., in the X-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the inner cam line 522a may extend from the outer circumferential surface 522b of the inner cam structure <NUM> to the inner circumferential surface 522c of the inner cam structure <NUM> and be located at substantially the same height (e.g., in the X-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the outer cam line 512a and/or the inner cam line 522a may be a curved line formed along a first rotational direction (e.g., the first rotational direction S1 of <FIG>) and/or a second rotational direction (e.g., the second rotational direction S2 of <FIG>) with respect to the interlocking axis Rx.

According to an embodiment, as the outer cam line 512a is bent, the length of line contact between the outer cam structure <NUM> and the third cam structure (e.g., the third cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) may be increased, and the strength of a force applied to the cam structure <NUM> per length may be reduced. According to an embodiment, the durability of the cam structure <NUM> (e.g., <FIG> or <FIG>) including the bent outer cam line 512a and/or the bent inner cam line 522a may be greater than that of the outer cam structure <NUM> (e.g., <FIG>) including the substantially straight outer cam line 512a and/or the substantially straight outer cam line 512a.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>), a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>) which provides movement relative to the first housing, a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>) connecting the first housing and the second housing to be rotatable from a folded state to an unfolded state. The hinge module may include a first rotation member (e.g., the first rotation member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the first housing, a second rotation member (e.g., the second rotation member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the second housing, a rotation bracket (e.g., the rotation bracket <NUM> of <FIG>) in which the first rotation member and the second rotation member are disposed, a first arm member (e.g., the first arm member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the first rotation member and including a first cam structure (e.g., the first cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>), a second arm member (e.g., the second arm member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the second rotation member and including a second cam structure (e.g., the second cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>), and a third cam structure (e.g., the third cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) facing the first cam structure and the second cam structure. The first cam structure and the second cam structure may include an outer cam structure (e.g., the first outer cam structure <NUM> and/or the second outer cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) having a first cam profile (e.g., the first cam profile P1 of <FIG>) and an inner cam structure (e.g., the first inner cam structure <NUM> and/or the second inner cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounded by the outer cam structure and having a second cam profile (e.g., the second cam profile P2 of <FIG>) different from the first cam profile.

According to various embodiments, the outer cam structure may include an outer mountain portion (e.g., the outer mountain portion <NUM> of <FIG>) including an outer cam line (e.g., the outer cam line 512a of <FIG>) inclined at a first specified angle (e.g., the first specified angle x1 of <FIG>) with respect to a first imaginary line (e.g., the first imaginary line L1 of <FIG>) perpendicular to an interlocking axis (e.g., the first interlocking axis Rx1 and/or the second interlocking axis Rx2 of <FIG>). The inner cam structure may include an inner mountain portion (e.g., the inner mountain portion <NUM> of <FIG>) including an inner cam line (e.g., the inner cam line 522a of <FIG>) inclined at a second specified angle with respect to the first imaginary line.

According to various embodiments, the inner cam line and the outer cam line may be curved lines.

According to various embodiments, the hinge module may include a first pin member (e.g., the first pin member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the first arm member and a second pin member (e.g., the second pin member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the second arm member. The first rotation member may be provided with a first pin hole (e.g., the first pin hole <NUM> of <FIG>) in which the first pin member is disposed, and the second rotation member may be provided with a second pin hole (e.g., the second pin hole <NUM> of <FIG>) in which the second pin member is disposed.

According to various embodiments, the first arm member may be configured to slide with respect to the first rotation member, and the second arm member may be configured to slide with respect to the second rotation member.

According to various embodiments, the hinge module may include a first gear shaft (e.g., the first gear shaft <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the first arm member, a second gear shaft (e.g., the second gear shaft <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the second arm member, and a plurality of idle gears (e.g., the idle gears <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft.

According to various embodiments, the first cam structure may include a first inner cam structure (e.g., the first inner cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding the first gear shaft and a first outer cam structure (e.g., the first outer cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding the first inner cam structure, and the second cam structure may include a second inner cam structure (e.g., the second inner cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding the second gear shaft and a second outer cam structure (e.g., the second outer cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding the second inner cam structure.

According to various embodiments, the hinge module may include an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member <NUM> of <FIG>) which provides an elastic force to the first cam structure and the second cam structure and facing the third cam structure.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the first rotation member and the second rotation member, wherein at least a part of the hinge module is disposed in the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the hinge module may include a fixing bracket (e.g., the fixing bracket <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the elastic member and the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the hinge module may include a first hinge module (e.g., the first hinge module <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>) and a second hinge module (e.g., the second hinge module <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>) facing the first hinge module.

According to various embodiments, the outer cam structure may provide a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) to the third cam structure in a first rotational direction (e.g., the first rotational direction S1 of <FIG>) for closing the electronic device in a first specified angular range (e.g., the first specified angular range R1 of <FIG>), and provide a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) to the third cam structure in a second rotational direction (e.g., the second rotational direction S2 of <FIG>) for opening the electronic device in a second specified angular range (e.g., the second specified angular range R2 of <FIG>) different from the first specified angular range. The inner cam structure may provide a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) to the third cam structure in the first rotational direction in a third specified angular range (e.g., the third specified angular range R3 of <FIG>) different from the first specified angular range, and provide a force (e.g., frictional force and/or elastic force) to the third cam structure in the second rotational direction in a fourth specified angular range (e.g., the fourth specified angular range R4 of <FIG>) different from the second specified angular range.

According to various embodiments, the inner cam structure may include a connecting surface (e.g., the first connecting surface 313c of <FIG> or the second connecting surface 316c of <FIG>), where at least a part of the connecting surface contacting the third cam structure in a fifth specified angular range (e.g., the fifth specified angular range R5 of <FIG>) between the third specified angular range R3 and the fourth specified angular range R4 is substantially flat.

According to various embodiments, the third cam structure may include a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure (e.g., the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>) corresponding to the first cam structure, a (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure (e.g., the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>) corresponding to the second cam structure, and a connection area (e.g., the connection area <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure.

According to various embodiments, the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure and the (<NUM>-<NUM>)th cam structure may include a third inner cam structure (e.g., the third inner cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) contacting the inner cam structure and a third outer cam structure (e.g., the third outer cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) contacting the outer cam structure.

According to various embodiments, the outer cam structure may include a first outer cam structure (e.g., the first outer cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to rotate around a first interlocking axis (e.g., the first interlocking axis Rx1 of <FIG>), and a second outer cam structure (e.g., the second outer cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to rotate around a second interlocking axis (e.g., the second interlocking axis Rx2 of <FIG>) spaced apart from the first interlocking axis. The inner cam structure may include a first inner cam structure (e.g., the first inner cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to rotate around the first interlocking axis and a second inner cam structure (e.g., the second inner cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to rotate around the second interlocking axis.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a hinge module includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member, a rotation bracket in which the first rotation member and the second rotation member are disposed, a first arm member connected to the first rotation member and including a first cam structure, a second arm member connected to the second rotation member and including a second cam structure, and a third cam structure facing the first cam structure and the second cam structure. The first cam structure and the second cam structure include an inner cam structure having a first cam profile and an outer cam structure surrounding the inner cam structure and having a second cam profile different from the first cam profile.

According to various embodiments, the hinge module may include a first pin member (e.g., the first pin member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the first arm member, and a second pin member (e.g., the second pin member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the second arm member. The first rotation member may be provided with a first pin hole (e.g., the first pin hole <NUM> of <FIG>) in which the first pin member is disposed, and the second rotation member may be provided with a second pin hole (e.g., the second pin hole <NUM> of <FIG>) in which the second pin member is disposed.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>), a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>), and a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module <NUM> of <FIG>) connecting the first housing and the second housing. The hinge module may include a first rotation member (e.g., the first rotation member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the first housing, a second rotation member (e.g., the second rotation member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the second housing, a first arm member (e.g., the first arm member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the first rotation member and including a first inner cam structure (e.g., the first inner cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) having a second cam profile (e.g., the second cam profile P1 of <FIG>), and a first outer cam structure (e.g., the first outer cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding the first inner cam structure and having a first cam profile (e.g., the first cam profile P1 of <FIG>) different from the second cam profile, a second arm member (e.g., the second arm member <NUM> of <FIG>) connected to the second rotation member and including a second inner cam structure (e.g., the second inner cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) having the second cam profile, and a second outer cam structure (e.g., the second outer cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) surrounding the second inner cam structure and having the first cam profile different from the second cam profile, and a third cam structure (e.g., the third cam structure <NUM> of <FIG>) facing the first cam structure and the second cam structure. The first outer cam structure and the second outer cam structure may include an outer mountain portion (e.g., the outer mountain portion <NUM> of <FIG>) forming an outer cam line (e.g., the outer cam line 512a) inclined with respect to a first imaginary line (e.g., the first imaginary line L1 of <FIG>) perpendicular to an interlocking axis (e.g., the first interlocking axis Rx1 or the second interlocking axis Rx2 of <FIG>), and the first inner cam structure and the second inner cam structure may include an inner mountain portion (e.g., the inner mountain portion <NUM> of <FIG>) forming an inner cam line (e.g., the inner cam line 522a of <FIG>) inclined with respect to the first imaginary line.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) configured to move relative to the first housing (<NUM>);
a display (<NUM>) disposed in the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>); and
a hinge module (<NUM>) connecting the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>) to be rotatable from a folded state to an unfolded state,
wherein the hinge module (<NUM>) includes:
a first rotation member (<NUM>) connected to the first housing (<NUM>);
a second rotation member (<NUM>) connected to the second housing (<NUM>);
a rotation bracket (<NUM>) in which the first rotation member (<NUM>) and the second rotation member (<NUM>) are disposed;
a first arm member (<NUM>) connected to the first rotation member (<NUM>) and including a first cam structure (<NUM>);
a second arm member (<NUM>) connected to the second rotation member (<NUM>) and including a second cam structure (<NUM>); and
a third cam structure (<NUM>) facing the first cam structure (<NUM>) and the second cam structure (<NUM>); and
characterized in that each of the first cam structure (<NUM>) and the second cam structure (<NUM>) includes an outer cam structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a first cam profile (P1) and an inner cam structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) surrounded by the outer cam structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) and having a second cam profile (P2) different from the first cam profile (P1);
wherein the outer cam structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes an outer mountain portion (<NUM>) having an outer cam line (512a) inclined at a first specified angle (x1) with respect to a first imaginary line (L1) perpendicular to an interlocking axis (Rx1, Rx2), and
wherein the inner cam structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) includes an inner mountain portion (<NUM>) having an inner cam line (522a) inclined at a second specified angle with respect to the first imaginary line (L1); and
wherein the inner cam line (522a) and the outer cam line (512a) are curved lines.