Patent Description:
A portable electronic device such as a smartphone may provide various functions, such as a call function, video playback, and Internet access and search, etc. based on various types of applications. Users often prefer to use the above-described various functions on larger displays. However, as the size of the screen is increased, portability of the electronic device may deteriorate. Accordingly, a screen size can be increased without hampering portability by using a foldable structure for the display.

<CIT> discloses a flexible electronic device including a flexible display, a support mechanism for carrying the flexible display thereon, and two hinge mechanisms. Each of the hinge mechanisms is disposed between first and second substrate units and interconnects inboard end edges of the first and second substrate units of the support mechanism, and includes first and second linking units pivotable relative to a mounting assembly. With a first height between first outer and inner pivot axes of the first linking unit and a second height between second outer and inner pivot axes of the second linking unit, substrate seats can be moved away from inner support plates, and the inner support plates are movable downwardly to provide a leeway space for a bending part of the flexible display to be bendably received therein.

A foldable electronic device may include a display, housings, and hinges. The display may be foldable along an axis thereof. The housings may surround a periphery of the display, and an electronic component for driving the display may be disposed within the housings. The hinges may be arranged between the housings to support a first sub-housing and a second sub-housing, rotatable relative to one another, to support configurations of the display, such as being unfolded to <NUM> degrees to form a plane, or folded to <NUM> (zero) degrees to close the flexible display.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, in a foldable electronic device equipped with a flexible display, a tactile sense of detent may be implemented in mounting portions, and a free stop may be implemented in both flat sections using cam structures that engage with each other within a hinge structure. However, when the free stop is implemented, and two flat surfaces within a central section of the cam are engaged, a reaction force of the flexible display gradually increases, which may render it more difficult to implement the free stop.

Therefore, an aspect of the disclosure provides a foldable flexible display device and an electronic device capable of variable configurations that are stable fixed, by variously setting an angle between a first housing and a second housing.

Aspects or embodiments that fall outside the scope of the appended claims are provided for understanding only.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an electronic device is provided according to claim <NUM>.

The first elastic member may apply an elastic force to the first sliding cam and the second sliding cam, along a direction in which the first sliding cam is movable away from the second sliding cam, and the second elastic member may apply an elastic force to the third sliding cam and the fourth sliding cam, along a direction in which the third sliding cam is movable away from the fourth sliding cam.

The cam body may be rotatable together with the axis shaft.

When the first housing and the second housing are disposed at a first angle relative to one another, the first rotation cam may be configured to receive a rotational force in a first direction by the first elastic member and the first sliding cam, and the third rotation cam may be configured to receive a rotational force in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the second elastic member and the third sliding cam.

When the first housing and the second housing are disposed at a second angle relative to one another, the second rotation cam may be configured to receive a rotational force in the second direction by the first elastic member and the second sliding cam, and the third rotation cam may be configured to receive a rotational force in the first direction by the second elastic member and the third sliding cam.

When the first housing and the second housing are disposed at a third angle relative to one another, the second rotation cam may be configured to receive a rotational force in the first direction by the first elastic member and the second sliding cam, and the fourth rotation cam may be configured to receive a rotational force in the second direction by the second elastic member and the fourth sliding cam.

The first angle may be greater than the second angle, and the second angle may be greater than the third angle.

When the first housing and the second housing may be rotated to an angle between the first angle and the second angle, the first sliding cam, the second sliding cam, and the first elastic member may be moved along a direction in which the axis shaft extends.

When the first housing and the second housing may be rotated to an angle between the second angle and the third angle, the third sliding cam, the fourth sliding cam, and the second elastic member may be moved along a direction in which the axis shaft extends.

When the first housing and the second housing may be disposed in an unfolded configuration, the first rotation cam nose may be supported on the first sliding cam nose by the first elastic member, in a direction along which the first housing and the second housing unfold relative to one another.

When the first housing and the second housing may be disposed in an folded configuration, the fourth rotation cam nose may be supported on the fourth sliding cam nose by the second elastic member, in a direction along which the first housing and the second housing fold together.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a foldable flexible display device is disclosed, including: a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display disposed on the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge structure provided to rotatably couple the first housing to the second housing, wherein the hinge structure includes: an axis shaft forming a rotational axis, a sliding cam slidably coupled to the axis shaft, and including a first sliding cam in which a first sliding cam nose is formed, a second sliding cam in which a second sliding cam nose is formed, a third sliding cam in which a third sliding cam nose is formed, and a fourth sliding cam in which a fourth sliding cam nose is formed, a cam body including a first rotation cam engaged with the first sliding cam and including a first rotation cam nose, a second rotation cam engaged with the second sliding cam and the third sliding cam, and including a second rotation cam nose and a third rotation cam nose, and a third rotation cam engaged with the fourth sliding cam and including a fourth rotation cam nose, wherein the first sliding cam nose, the second sliding cam nose, the third sliding cam nose, and the fourth sliding cam nose are disposed on a same imaginary line, and wherein the first rotation cam nose, the second rotation cam nose, the third rotation cam nose, and the fourth rotation cam nose are disposed on different imaginary lines extending parallel to the rotational axis of the axis shaft.

When an angle between the first housing and the second housing may be a first angle, the first rotation cam may be supported in a first direction by the first sliding cam, and the third rotation cam may be supported in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the third sliding cam.

When an angle between the first housing and the second housing may be a second angle, the second rotation cam may be supported in the second direction by the second sliding cam, and the third rotation cam may be supported in the first direction by the third sliding cam.

When an angle between the first housing and the second housing a third angle, the second rotation cam may be supported in the first direction by the second sliding cam, and the fourth rotation cam may be supported in the second direction by the fourth sliding cam.

The hinge structure may include a first elastic member disposed between the first sliding cam and the second sliding cam, and a second elastic member disposed between the third sliding cam and the fourth sliding cam.

When the first housing and the second housing may be disposed in an unfolded configuration, the first rotation cam may be supported by the first sliding cam, along a direction in which the first housing and the second housing unfold relative to one another.

When the first housing and the second housing may be disposed in a folded configuration, the fourth rotation cam may be supported by the fourth sliding cam, along a direction, in which the first housing and the second housing fold together.

The second rotation cam nose may be formed on a first surface of the second rotation cam facing the second sliding cam, and the third rotation cam nose may be formed on a second surface of the second rotation cam opposite to the first surface.

As is apparent from the above description, because a foldable flexible display device and an electronic device are configured such that a plurality of rotation cams and a plurality of sliding cams are coupled in various combinations, it is possible set various angles between a first housing and a second housing so as to implement stable fixation.

The electronic device according to certain embodiments disclosed in the disclosure may have various types of devices. For example, the electronic device may include a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to the embodiment of the disclosure is not limited to the above-described devices.

The certain embodiments and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology disclosed herein to specific forms, and the disclosure should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives to the corresponding embodiments. In describing the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to designate similar constituent elements. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless they are definitely different in a context. The expressions "A or B," "at least one of A or/and B," or "one or more of A or/and B," and the like used herein may include any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Herein, the expressions "a first", "a second", "the first", "the second", etc., may simply be used to distinguish an element from other elements, but is not limited to another aspect (importance or order) of elements. When an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "(functionally or communicatively) coupled," or "connected" to another element (e.g., a second element), the first element may be connected to the second element, directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

As used herein, the term "module" may refer to a unit that includes one or a combination of two or more of hardware, software, or firmware. A "module" may be interchangeably used with terms such as, for example, unit, logic, logical block, component, or circuit. The module may be a minimum unit or part of an integrated component. The module may be a minimum unit or part of performing one or more functions. The "module" can be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a "module" may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Certain embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory or an external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). For example, a processor (not shown) of a device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may call at least one instruction among one or more instructions stored in a storage medium and execute the instruction. This makes it possible for the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the called at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. Storage medium readable by machine, may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. "Non-transitory" means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave), and this term includes a case in which data is semi-permanently stored in a storage medium and a case in which data is temporarily stored in a storage medium.

The method according to the various disclosed embodiments may be provided by being included in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. Computer program products are distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or are distributed directly or online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) between two user devices (e.g., smartphones) through an application store (e.g., PlayStore™). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product (e.g., downloadable app) may be temporarily stored or created temporarily in a device-readable storage medium such as the manufacturer's server, the application store's server, or the relay server's memory.

According to certain embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a singular or a plurality of entities, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately arranged in other components. According to certain embodiments, one or more components or operations among the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. Operations performed by a module, a program module, or other elements according to certain embodiments of the disclosure may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic method. Also, a portion of operations may be executed in different sequences, omitted, or other operations may be added.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a folded state of the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, according to an embodiment, an electronic device <NUM> includes a foldable housing <NUM>, a hinge cover (e.g., a hinge cover <NUM> of <FIG>) provided to cover a foldable portion of the foldable housing <NUM>, and a flexible or foldable display <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "display" <NUM>) arranged in a space formed by the foldable housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a surface on which the display <NUM> is arranged is defined as a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. In addition, an opposite surface of the front surface is defined as a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. In addition, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface is defined as a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the foldable housing <NUM> may include a first housing structure <NUM>, a second housing structure <NUM> including a sensor region <NUM>, a first rear cover <NUM>, a second rear cover <NUM>, and a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>). The foldable housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited to the shape and coupling shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and may be implemented by other shapes or other combination and/or coupling of components. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed, and the second housing structure <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed.

According to certain embodiments, the first housing structure <NUM> may be connected to the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>), and include a first surface facing a first direction, and a second surface facing a second direction opposite the first direction. The second housing structure <NUM> may be connected to the hinge structure <NUM> and include a third surface facing a third direction and a fourth surface facing a fourth direction opposite to the third direction. The second housing structure <NUM> may be rotatable relative to the first housing structure <NUM> about the hinge structure <NUM>. Accordingly, the electronic device <NUM> may be variable in form, and include both folded and unfolded configurations (e.g., folded and unfolded "state"). The first surface of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed to face the third surface in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>, and the third direction may be the same as the first direction in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be arranged on opposite sides about a folding axis (A-axis), and may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A. As will be described later, an angle or a distance between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may vary depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, or the unfolded state, or an intermediate state that is partially unfolded. According to an embodiment, the second housing structure <NUM> further includes a sensor region <NUM> in which various sensors are arranged, unlike the first housing structure <NUM>, but in other region, the second housing structure <NUM> may have a shape symmetrical to the first housing structure <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may together form a recess for accommodating the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, because of the sensor region <NUM>, the recess may have at least two different widths set in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A.

According to an embodiment, the recess may define a first width w1 between a first portion 310a, which is parallel to the folding axis A of the first housing structure <NUM>, and a first portion 320a formed at a periphery of the sensor region <NUM> of the second housing structure <NUM>. The recess may define a second width w2 between a second portion 310b of the first housing structure <NUM> and a second portion 320b of the second housing structure <NUM> that does not correspond to the sensor region <NUM> and is parallel to the folding axis A. In this case, the second width w2 may be formed to be greater than the first width w1. As another example, the first portion 310a of the first housing structure <NUM> and the first portion 320a of the second housing structure <NUM> having an asymmetrical shape may have the first width w1 of the recess. The second portion 310b of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second portion 320b of the second housing structure <NUM> having a symmetrical shape may have the second width w2 of the recess. According to an embodiment, a distance from the folding axis A to the first portion 320a may be different from a distance from the folding axis A the second portion 320b of the second housing structure <NUM>. The width of the recess is not limited to the illustrated example. In another embodiment, the recess may have a plurality of widths due to the shape of the sensor region <NUM> or due to a portion, which has the asymmetric shape, of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, at least a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be formed of a metallic material or a non-metallic material having a rigidity sufficient to support the display <NUM>. The at least a portion formed of the metal material may provide a ground plane of the electronic device <NUM> and be electrically connected to a ground line formed on a printed circuit board (e.g., a printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to certain embodiments, the sensor region <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined region adjacent to one corner of the second housing structure <NUM>. However, an arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor region <NUM> are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor region <NUM> may be provided at another corner of the second housing structure <NUM> or provided at any region between an upper corner and a lower corner. In an embodiment, components for performing various functions and embedded in the electronic device <NUM> may be exposed on the front surface of the device <NUM> through the sensor region <NUM> or through one or more openings provided in the sensor region <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensor may include at least one of a front camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

According to certain embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> may be arranged on one side of the folding axis on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the first rear cover <NUM> may include a substantially rectangular periphery, and the periphery may be surrounded by the housing structure <NUM>. Similarly, the second rear cover <NUM> may be arranged on the other side of the folding axis on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and a periphery thereof may be surrounded by the second housing structure <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A-axis). However, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> do are not absolutely required to have symmetrical shapes, and in another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> formed in other various shapes. In another embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second housing structure <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> may form a space in which various components (e.g., a printed circuit board, or a battery) may be disposed. According to an embodiment, one or more components may be arranged or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of a sub-display may be visually exposed through a first rear region <NUM> of the first rear cover <NUM>. In another embodiment, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through a second rear region <NUM> of the second rear cover <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the sensor may include a proximity sensor and/or a rear camera.

According to certain embodiments, the front camera, which is exposed on the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> through one or more openings provided in the sensor region <NUM>, or the rear camera, which is exposed through the second rear region <NUM> of the second rear cover <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. A flash <NUM> may include a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In some embodiments, two or more lenses (infrared cameras, wide angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors may be arranged on one side of the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the hinge cover <NUM> may be arranged between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> to cover internal components (e.g., the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> or exposed to the outside according to the state of the electronic device <NUM>, such as the unfolded state (or flat state), the intermediate state and the folded state.

According to an embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is configured in the unfolded state, the hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> so as not to be exposed. As another example, as shown in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is configured in the folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside through between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. As another example, in response to the intermediate state in which the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> are folded to a certain angle between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, the hinge cover <NUM> may be partially exposed to the outside through between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM>. However, in this case, the exposed region may be less than that of the fully folded state. In an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may include a curved surface.

According to certain embodiments, the display <NUM> may be arranged in a space formed by the foldable housing <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> is seated on the recess formed by the foldable housing <NUM> and may form most of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM>, and a partial region of the first housing structure <NUM> and a partial region of the second housing structure <NUM> adjacent to the display <NUM>. In addition, the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first rear cover <NUM>, a partial region of the first housing structure <NUM> adjacent to the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, and a partial region of the second housing structure <NUM> adjacent to the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the display <NUM> may include at least a region that is deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a folding region <NUM>, a first region <NUM> arranged on one side (e.g., the left side of the folding region <NUM> shown in <FIG>) with respect to the folding region <NUM>, and a second region <NUM> arranged on the other side (e.g., the right side of the folding region <NUM> shown in <FIG>) with respect to the folding region <NUM>.

However, the division of the region of the display <NUM> shown in <FIG> is shown merely as an example, and the display <NUM> may be divided into a plurality (e.g., two or four or more) regions according to a structure or function. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the region of the display <NUM> may be divided by the folding region <NUM> extending parallel to y-axis or the folding axis (A-axis), but in another embodiment, the display region <NUM> may be divided based on another folding region (e.g., a folding region parallel to x-axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to x-axis). According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be coupled to or arranged adjacent to a touch sensing circuit, a pressure sensor may be configured to measure an intensity (pressure) of a touch, and/or a digitizer may also be provided to detect a magnetic field type stylus pen.

According to certain embodiments, the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding region <NUM>. However, the second region <NUM> may include a notch that is cut according to the presence of the sensor region <NUM>, unlike the first region <NUM>, but in other regions, the second region <NUM> may have a shape symmetrical with the first region <NUM>. In other words, the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> may include a portion having a shape symmetrical to each other and a portion having a shape asymmetrical to each other.

Hereinafter operations of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> and each region of the display <NUM> according to the state (e.g., the folded state, the unfolded state, or the intermediate state) of the electronic device <NUM> will be described.

According to certain embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is set in the unfolded state (e.g., <FIG>), the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may form an angle of <NUM> degrees and be arranged to face a same direction. A surface of the first region <NUM> and a surface of the second region <NUM> of the display <NUM> may form <NUM> degrees and may face the same direction (e.g., the front direction of the electronic device). The folding region <NUM> may form the same plane as the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is set in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>(e.g., <FIG>), the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be arranged to face each other. The surface of the first region <NUM> and the surface of the second region <NUM> of the display <NUM> may face each other while forming a relatively small angle (e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees). The folding region <NUM> may be formed of a curved surface having a predetermined curvature in at least a portion thereof.

According to certain embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is set in the intermediate state (or folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be arranged at a certain interim angle between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. The surface of the first region <NUM> and the surface of the second region <NUM> of the display <NUM> may form an angle greater than that in the folded state and less than that in the unfolded state. The folding region <NUM> may be formed of a curved surface having a predetermined curvature in at least a portion thereof, and the curvature in this case may be less than that in the folded state.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, in certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include the foldable housing <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and a substrate portion <NUM>. The foldable housing may include the first housing structure <NUM>, the second housing structure <NUM>, a bracket assembly <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, and the hinge structure <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the display <NUM> may include a display panel (e.g., a flexible display panel) and one or more plates or layers (e.g., a support plate <NUM>) on which the display panel is mounted. In an embodiment, the support plate <NUM> may be arranged between the display panel and the bracket assembly <NUM>. An adhesive structure (not shown) may be positioned between the support plate <NUM> and the bracket assembly <NUM> to bond the support plate <NUM> and the bracket assembly <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the bracket assembly <NUM> may include a first support plate <NUM> and a second support plate <NUM>. The hinge structure <NUM> may be arranged between the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>, and the hinge cover <NUM> that is provided to cover the hinge structure <NUM> when the hinge structure <NUM> is viewed from the outside may be disposed between the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>. As another example, a printed circuit board (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPC)) may be arranged to cross the first support plate <NUM> and the second support plate <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the substrate unit <NUM> may include a first main circuit board <NUM> arranged on the first support plate <NUM> side and a second main circuit board <NUM> arranged on the second support plate <NUM> side. The first main circuit board <NUM> and the second main circuit board <NUM> may be arranged inside a space formed by the bracket assembly <NUM>, the first housing structure <NUM>, the second housing structure <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device <NUM> may be mounted on the first main circuit board <NUM> and the second main circuit board <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be coupled to opposite sides of the bracket assembly <NUM> in response to coupling the display <NUM> to the bracket assembly <NUM>. For example, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may slide from opposite sides of the bracket assembly <NUM> so as to be coupled to the bracket assembly <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM>, and a second surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> may include a third surface <NUM>, and a fourth surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the third surface <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> may include a first rotation support surface <NUM>, and the second housing structure <NUM> may include a second rotation support surface <NUM> corresponding to the first rotation support surface <NUM>. The first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may include a curved surface corresponding to the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in response to the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device of <FIG>), the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may cover the hinge cover <NUM> to prevent the hinge cover <NUM> from being exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> or to allow the hinge cover <NUM> to be minimally exposed. As another example, in response to the folded state of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device of <FIG>), the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may be rotated along the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM> so as to allow the hinge cover <NUM> to be maximally exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a front surface of a hinge structure provided in the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating a rear surface of the hinge structure provided in the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an exploded perspective view of some components of the hinge structure provided in the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the hinge structure <NUM> which operably connects the first housing <NUM> to the second housing <NUM>.

The hinge structure <NUM> may include axis shafts <NUM> and <NUM>. The axis shafts <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first axis shaft <NUM> and a second axis shaft <NUM>. The first axis shaft <NUM> may form a rotation axis of the first housing <NUM>. The second axis shaft <NUM> may form a rotation axis of the second housing <NUM>.

The hinge structure <NUM> may include a first housing coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the first housing <NUM> and a second housing coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may be coupled to the first housing coupling portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the first housing <NUM> may be rotatable with respect to the rotation axis formed by the first axis shaft <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> may be coupled to the second housing coupling portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the second housing <NUM> may be rotatable with respect to the rotation axis formed by the second axis shaft <NUM>.

The first housing coupling portion <NUM> may include a first coupling portion guide <NUM>. The first coupling portion guide <NUM> may have a substantially semicircular shape. The second housing coupling portion <NUM> may include a second coupling portion guide <NUM>. The second coupling portion guide <NUM> may have a substantially semicircular shape.

The hinge structure <NUM> may include a hinge body <NUM> coupled to the first axis shaft <NUM> and the second axis shaft <NUM>. The hinge body <NUM> may include a first body guide 513a coupled to the first coupling portion guide <NUM> to guide movement of the first coupling portion guide <NUM>, and a second body guide 513b coupled to the second coupling portion guide <NUM> to guide movement of the second coupling portion guide <NUM>.

The hinge structure <NUM> may include shaft gears <NUM> and <NUM> linking the first axis shaft <NUM> and the second axis shaft <NUM>. The shaft gears <NUM> and <NUM> may connect the first axis shaft <NUM> to the second axis shaft <NUM>, and thus, when the first axis shaft <NUM> is rotated in a first direction, the second axis shaft <NUM> may be rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first axis shaft <NUM> may be connected to the first shaft gear <NUM>, and the second axis shaft <NUM> may be connected to the second shaft gear <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates that two first shaft gears <NUM> and two second shaft gears <NUM> are provided on opposite sides of the hinge body <NUM>, respectively, but if the first axis shaft <NUM> and the second shaft gear <NUM> are provided to be rotated in directions opposite to each other, it is understood that the number of shaft gears is not limited to the description provided herein.

The hinge structure <NUM> may include a shaft bracket <NUM> provided to rotatably support ends of the first axis shaft <NUM> and the second axis shaft <NUM>. As the shaft bracket <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the first axis shaft <NUM> and the second axis shaft <NUM>, it is possible to prevent the components coupled to the first axis shaft <NUM> and the second axis shaft <NUM> from being separated.

According to this configuration, during rotation of the first axis shaft <NUM> and the second axis shaft <NUM> of the hinge structure <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be rotated.

Because the hinge structure <NUM> is provided such that the components interlocked with the first axis shaft <NUM> are approximately symmetrical with the components interlocked with the second axis shaft <NUM>, for convenience of description, a configuration related to the first axis shaft <NUM> will be described in detail, and a configuration related to the second axis shaft <NUM> will be omitted but for brief descriptions thereof, in the interests of brevity. Further, components interlocked with the first axis shaft <NUM> are approximately symmetrical with the first housing coupling portion <NUM>, and for convenience of description, components located on one side of the first housing coupling portion <NUM> will be described.

The hinge structure <NUM> includes sliding cams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> rotatably and slidably coupled to the first axis shaft <NUM>. The sliding cams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> include a first sliding cam <NUM>, a second sliding cam <NUM>, a third sliding cam <NUM>, and a fourth sliding cam <NUM>. The first sliding cam <NUM>, the second sliding cam <NUM>, the third sliding cam <NUM>, and the fourth sliding cam <NUM> are coupled to the axis shaft <NUM> not to be rotated but to be moved linearly along the axis shaft <NUM> in response to rotation of the axis shaft <NUM>.

The hinge structure <NUM> may include sliding cams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> rotatably and slidably coupled to the second axis shaft <NUM>. The sliding cams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include a fifth sliding cam <NUM>, a sixth sliding cam <NUM>, a seventh sliding cam <NUM>, and an eighth sliding cam <NUM>. The fifth sliding cam <NUM>, the sixth sliding cam <NUM>, the seventh sliding cam <NUM>, and the eighth sliding cam <NUM> may correspond to the first sliding cam <NUM>, the second sliding cam <NUM>, the third sliding cam <NUM>, and the fourth sliding cam <NUM>, respectively.

The hinge structure <NUM> may include a first bridge 541b extending between the first sliding cam <NUM> and the fifth sliding cam <NUM>. By the first bridge 541b, the first sliding cam <NUM> may slide without rotating even when the first axis shaft <NUM> is rotated, and the fifth sliding cam <NUM> may slide without rotating even when the second axis shaft <NUM> is rotated. The hinge structure <NUM> may include a second bridge 542b extending between the second sliding cam <NUM> and the sixth sliding cam <NUM>. By the second bridge 542b, the second sliding cam <NUM> may slide without rotating even when the first axis shaft <NUM> is rotated, and the sixth sliding cam <NUM> may slide without rotating even when the second axis shaft <NUM> is rotated. The hinge structure <NUM> may include a third bridge 543b extending between the third sliding cam <NUM> and the seventh sliding cam <NUM>. By the third bridge 543b, the third sliding cam <NUM> may slide without rotating even when the first axis shaft <NUM> is rotated, and the seventh sliding cam <NUM> may slide without rotating even when the second axis shaft <NUM> is rotated. The hinge structure <NUM> may include a fourth bridge 544b extending between the fourth sliding cam <NUM> and the eighth sliding cam <NUM>. By the fourth bridge 544b, the fourth sliding cam <NUM> may slide without rotating even when the first axis shaft <NUM> is rotated, and the eighth sliding cam <NUM> may slide without rotating even when the second axis shaft <NUM> is rotated.

The first sliding cam <NUM> is engaged with a first rotation cam <NUM>, the second sliding cam <NUM> and the third sliding cam <NUM> are engaged with a second rotation cam <NUM>, and the fourth sliding cam <NUM> may be engaged with a third rotation cam <NUM>.

The fifth sliding cam <NUM> may be engaged with a fourth rotation cam <NUM>, the sixth sliding cam <NUM> and the seventh sliding cam <NUM> may be engaged with a fifth rotation cam <NUM>, and the eighth sliding cam <NUM> may be engaged with a sixth rotation cam <NUM>.

The first sliding cam <NUM> includes a first sliding cam nose 541a. The first sliding cam nose 541a may be a protruding portion of the first sliding cam <NUM>, and is formed to engage and interact with a first rotation cam nose 531a of the first rotation cam <NUM>. The second sliding cam <NUM> includes a second sliding cam nose 542a. The second sliding cam nose 542a may be a protruding portion of the second sliding cam <NUM>, and is formed to engage and interact with a second rotation cam nose 532a of the second rotation cam <NUM>. The third sliding cam <NUM> includes a third sliding cam nose 543a. The third sliding cam nose 543a may be a protruding portion of the third sliding cam <NUM>, and is formed to engage and interact with a third rotation cam nose 532b of the second rotation cam <NUM>. The fourth sliding cam <NUM> includes a fourth sliding cam nose 544a. The fourth sliding cam nose 544a may be a protruding portion of the fourth sliding cam <NUM>, and is formed to engage and interact with a fourth rotation cam nose 533a of the third rotation cam <NUM>.

The fifth sliding cam <NUM> may include a fifth sliding cam nose 591a. The sixth sliding cam <NUM> may include a sixth sliding cam nose 592a. The seventh sliding cam <NUM> may include a seventh sliding cam nose 593a. The eighth sliding cam <NUM> may include an eighth sliding cam nose 594a. The fifth sliding cam nose 591a, the sixth sliding cam nose 592a, the seventh sliding cam nose 593a, and the eighth sliding cam nose 594a may correspond to the first sliding cam nose 541a, the second sliding cam nose 542a, the third sliding cam nose 543a, and the fourth sliding cam nose 544a, respectively.

The first sliding cam nose 541a, the second sliding cam nose 542a, the third sliding cam nose 543a, and the fourth sliding cam nose 544a may be provided at an approximately same position along a radial direction from the first axis shaft <NUM>. In other words, the first sliding cam nose 541a, the second sliding cam nose 542a, the third sliding cam nose 543a, and the fourth sliding cam nose 544a may be located on approximately a same (imaginary) line.

A first elastic member <NUM> is provided between the first sliding cam <NUM> and the second sliding cam <NUM>. The first elastic member <NUM> may be provided to apply an elastic force, along a direction in which the first sliding cam <NUM> and the second sliding cam <NUM> are movable away from each other, towards the first sliding cam <NUM> and the second sliding cam <NUM>.

As mentioned above, in a state in which the first sliding cam <NUM> and the second sliding cam <NUM> are configured to share the first elastic member <NUM>, it is possible to reduce a size thereof in comparison with a state in which an elastic member provided to elastically press the first sliding cam <NUM> toward the first rotation cam <NUM> and an elastic member provided to elastically press the second sliding cam <NUM> toward the second rotation cam <NUM> are respectively provided.

A second elastic member <NUM> is provided between the third sliding cam <NUM> and the fourth sliding cam <NUM>. The second elastic member <NUM> may be provided to apply an elastic force, along a direction in which the third sliding cam <NUM> and the fourth sliding cam <NUM> are movable away from each other, towards the third sliding cam <NUM> and the fourth sliding cam <NUM>.

As mentioned above, in a state in which the third sliding cam <NUM> and the fourth sliding cam <NUM> are configured to share the second elastic member <NUM>, it is possible to reduce a size thereof in comparison with a state in which an elastic member provided to elastically press the third sliding cam <NUM> toward the second rotation cam <NUM> and an elastic member provided to elastically press the fourth sliding cam <NUM> toward the third rotation cam <NUM> are respectively provided.

In other words, in the hinge structure <NUM> according to the embodiment of the disclosure, the first sliding cam <NUM> and the second sliding cam <NUM> are configured to share the first elastic member <NUM>, and the third sliding cam <NUM> and the fourth sliding cam <NUM> are configured to share the second elastic member <NUM>, and thus it is possible to reduce a size thereof in comparison with a state in which an elastic member for the first sliding cam <NUM>, an elastic member for the second sliding cam <NUM>, an elastic member for the third sliding cam <NUM> and an elastic member for the fourth sliding cam <NUM> are individually provided.

A third elastic member <NUM> may be provided between the fifth sliding cam <NUM> and the sixth sliding cam <NUM>. The third elastic member <NUM> may be provided to apply an elastic force, along a direction in which the fifth sliding cam <NUM> and the sixth sliding cam <NUM> are movable away from each other, towards the fifth sliding cam <NUM> and the sixth sliding cam <NUM>. The third elastic member <NUM> may correspond to the first elastic member <NUM>.

A fourth elastic member <NUM> may be provided between the seventh sliding cam <NUM> and the eighth sliding cam <NUM>. The fourth elastic member <NUM> may be provided to apply an elastic force, along a direction in which the seventh sliding cam <NUM> and the eighth sliding cam <NUM> are movable away from each other, towards the seventh sliding cam <NUM> and the eighth sliding cam <NUM>. The fourth elastic member <NUM> may correspond to the second elastic member <NUM>.

The hinge structure <NUM> includes a first cam body <NUM> coupled to the first housing coupling portion <NUM>. The first cam body <NUM> may be coupled to the first housing coupling portion <NUM> by a first sliding shaft <NUM>. The first sliding shaft <NUM> may be rotatably coupled to the first cam body <NUM>. The first sliding shaft <NUM> may be slidably coupled to the first housing coupling portion <NUM>. The first sliding shaft <NUM> may guide the first housing coupling portion <NUM> to allow the first housing coupling portion <NUM> to be rotated and moved in response to rotation of the first cam body <NUM>. By the structure, when the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are disposed in the folded configuration, the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be moved and rotated to face each other.

The hinge structure <NUM> may include a second cam body <NUM> coupled to the second housing coupling portion <NUM>. The second cam body <NUM> may be coupled to the second housing coupling portion <NUM> by a second sliding shaft <NUM>. The second cam body <NUM> and the second sliding shaft <NUM> may correspond to the first cam body <NUM> and the first sliding shaft <NUM>.

The first cam body <NUM> includes the first rotation cam <NUM>, the second rotation cam <NUM>, and the third rotation cam <NUM>. The first rotation cam <NUM>, the second rotation cam <NUM>, and the third rotation cam <NUM> may be fixed to the first axis shaft <NUM> to be rotatable together with the first axis shaft <NUM>. The first rotation cam <NUM> engages and interacts with the first sliding cam <NUM>. The second rotation cam <NUM> engages and interacts with the second sliding cam <NUM>, and the third sliding cam <NUM>. The third rotation cam <NUM> engages and interacts with the fourth sliding cam <NUM>.

The second cam body <NUM> may include the fourth rotation cam <NUM>, the fifth rotation cam <NUM>, and the sixth rotation cam <NUM>. The fourth rotation cam <NUM>, the fifth rotation cam <NUM>, and the sixth rotation cam <NUM> may correspond to the first rotation cam <NUM>, the second rotation cam <NUM>, and the third rotation cam <NUM>, respectively.

The first rotation cam <NUM> includes the first rotation cam nose 531a. The first rotation cam nose 531a is a protruding portion of the first rotation cam <NUM>, and is formed to engage and interact with the first sliding cam nose 541a of the first sliding cam <NUM>. The second rotation cam <NUM> includes the second rotation cam nose 532a and the third rotation cam nose 532b. The second rotation cam nose 532a is a protruding portion of the second rotation cam <NUM>, and is formed to engage and interact with the second sliding cam nose 542a of the second sliding cam <NUM>. The third rotation cam nose 532b is a protruding portion of the second rotation cam <NUM>, and is formed to engage and interact with the third sliding cam nose 543a of the third sliding cam <NUM>. The second rotation cam <NUM> may be formed in such a way that the second rotation cam nose 532a is formed on one surface facing the second sliding cam <NUM>, and the third rotation cam nose 532b is formed on one surface facing the third sliding cam <NUM>. The third rotation cam nose 532b may be formed on a surface opposite to the surface on which the second rotation cam nose 532a is formed. The third rotation cam <NUM> includes the fourth sliding cam nose 533a. The fourth rotation cam nose 533a is a protruding portion of the third rotation cam <NUM>, and is formed to engage and interact with the fourth sliding cam nose 544a of the fourth sliding cam <NUM>.

The fourth rotation cam <NUM> may include the fifth rotation cam nose 581a. The fifth rotation cam <NUM> may include the sixth rotation cam nose 582a and the seventh rotation cam nose 582b. The sixth rotation cam <NUM> may include the eighth sliding cam nose 583a. The fifth rotation cam nose 581a, the sixth rotation cam nose 582a, the seventh rotation cam nose 582b, and the eighth rotation cam nose 583a may correspond to the first rotation cam nose 531a, the second rotation cam nose 532a, the third rotation cam nose 532b, and the fourth rotation cam nose 533a, respectively.

The first rotation cam <NUM> may be moved according to a relative position of the first rotation cam nose 531a with respect to the first sliding cam nose 541a of the first sliding cam <NUM>. The second rotation cam <NUM> may be moved according to a relative position of the second rotation cam nose 532a with respect to the second sliding cam nose 542a of the second sliding cam <NUM> or according to a relative position of the third rotation cam nose 532b with respect to the third sliding cam nose 543a of the third sliding cam <NUM>. The fourth rotation cam <NUM> may be moved according to a relative position of the fourth rotation cam nose 533a with respect to the fourth sliding cam nose 544a of the fourth sliding cam <NUM>.

The first rotation cam nose 531a, the second rotation cam nose 532a, the third rotation cam nose 532b, and the fourth sliding cam nose 533a are arranged at different positions from each other along the radial direction from the first axis shaft <NUM>. In other words, the first rotation cam nose 531a, the second rotation cam nose 532a, the third rotation cam nose 532b, and the fourth rotation cam nose 533a are located on different lines from each other.

Particularly, referring to <FIG>, the first sliding cam nose 541a, the second sliding cam nose 542a, the third sliding cam nose 543a, and the fourth sliding cam nose 544a are extended to be positioned on the same line. However, the first rotation cam nose 531a, the second rotation cam nose 532a, the third rotation cam nose 532b, and the fourth rotation cam nose 533a are extended to be positioned on different lines from each other. That is, an imaginary line, on which the first rotation cam nose 531a is extended, is different from imaginary lines on which the second rotation cam nose 532a, the third rotation cam nose 532b, and the fourth rotation cam nose 533a are extended. An imaginary line, on which the second rotation cam nose 532a is extended, is different from imaginary lines on which the third rotation cam nose 532b, and the fourth rotation cam nose 533a are extended. An imaginary line, on which the third rotation cam nose 532b is extended, is different from an imaginary line on which the fourth rotation cam nose 533a is extended.

By the configuration, a position in which the first rotation cam nose 531a interacts with the first sliding cam nose 541a is different from a position in which the second rotation cam nose 532a interacts with the second sliding cam nose 542a, a position in which the third rotation cam nose 532b interacts with the third sliding cam nose 543a and a position in which the fourth rotation cam nose 533a interacts with the fourth sliding cam nose 544a. The position in which the second rotation cam nose 532a interacts with the second sliding cam nose 542a is different from the position in which the third rotation cam nose 532b interacts with the third sliding cam nose 543a and the position in which the fourth rotation cam nose 533a interacts with the fourth sliding cam nose 544a. The position in which the third rotation cam nose 532b interacts with the third sliding cam nose 543a is different from the position in which the fourth rotation cam nose 533a interacts with the fourth sliding cam nose 544a.

Accordingly, the hinge structure <NUM> may set various stopping angles between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> by variously combining the position in which the first rotation cam nose 531a interacts with the first sliding cam nose 541a, the position in which the second rotation cam nose 532a interacts with the second sliding cam nose 542a, the position in which the third rotation cam nose 532b interacts with the third sliding cam nose 543a and the position in which the fourth rotation cam nose 533a interacts with the fourth sliding cam nose 544a. Hereinafter the configuration will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a rear view illustrating an unfolded state of the hinge structure provided in the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of part A shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side view illustrating the unfolded state of the hinge structure provided in the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the hinge structure <NUM> may be set in the unfolded state.

Particularly, as for the components coupled to the first axis shaft <NUM>, the first rotation cam nose 531a of the first rotation cam <NUM> is disposed as to contact and interact with the first sliding cam nose 541a of the first sliding cam <NUM>. That is, an end of the first rotation cam nose 531a is out of a flat section of the first sliding cam <NUM> and is in a position proximate to the end of the first sliding cam nose 541a.

At this time, the second rotation cam nose 532a of the second rotation cam <NUM> is in a position in which the second rotation cam nose 532a does not come into contact so as not to interact with the second sliding cam nose 542a of the second sliding cam <NUM>. The third rotation cam nose 532b of the second rotation cam <NUM> is in a position in which the third rotation cam nose 532b does not come into contact so as not to interact with the third sliding cam nose 543a of the third sliding cam <NUM>. The fourth rotation cam nose 533a of the third rotation cam <NUM> is in a position in which the fourth rotation cam nose 533a does not come into contact so as not to interact with the fourth sliding cam nose 544a of the fourth sliding cam <NUM>. That is, the end of the second rotation cam nose 532a is spaced apart from the second sliding cam nose 542a and is located in a flat section of the second sliding cam <NUM>. The end of the third rotation cam nose 532b is spaced apart from the third sliding cam nose 543a and is located in a flat section of the third sliding cam <NUM>. The end of the fourth rotation cam nose 533a is spaced apart from the fourth sliding cam nose 544a and is located in a flat section of the fourth sliding cam <NUM>.

The first elastic member <NUM> may apply a force to the first sliding cam <NUM> in a direction in which the first sliding cam <NUM> moves away from the second sliding cam <NUM> (i.e., R-direction in <FIG>). That is, the first sliding cam <NUM> receives a force in a direction proximate to the first rotation cam <NUM>. Accordingly, the first rotation cam nose 531a receives a force causing it to move to a position, in which the end of the first rotation cam nose 531a is moved away from the end of the first sliding cam nose 541a so as not to interact with the first sliding cam nose 541a (e.g., in <FIG>, the first rotation cam nose 531a in contact with an upper surface of the first sliding cam nose 541a receives a force that is to move further upward toward the flat section of the first sliding cam <NUM>). That is, the first rotation cam <NUM> receives a force along a direction in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> unfolded relative to each other.

In this case, the first housing coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the first cam body <NUM> is in a state, in which, during rotation in a direction as to unfold the device (e.g., in <FIG>, the first rotation cam nose 531a in contact with the upper surface of the first sliding cam nose 541a is rotated in a direction of moving further upward toward the flat section of the first sliding cam <NUM>) is limited by the hinge body <NUM>, and thus the rotation of the first rotation cam <NUM> for separating the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> into the unfolded state is limited. That is, in the first rotation cam <NUM>, an elastic force received from the first elastic member <NUM> and a force supported by the hinge body <NUM> are balanced, and thus the first rotation cam nose 531a may maintain a position with respect to the first sliding cam nose 541a.

The sliding cams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> coupled to the second axis shaft <NUM> and the rotation cams <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> engaged therewith are operated in the same manner as the above-mentioned sliding cams <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> coupled to the first axis shaft <NUM> and the rotation cams <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> engaged therewith, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<FIG> is a rear view illustrating a state in which the hinge structure provided in the electronic device is fixed at a first angle according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of part B shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side view illustrating the state in which the hinge structure provided in the electronic device is fixed at the first angle according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the hinge structure <NUM> may be fixed at a position in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> form approximately a <NUM>° angle. The angle shown in <FIG> may be referred to as a first angle.

Particularly, the first rotation cam nose 531a of the first rotation cam <NUM> may cross the end of the first sliding cam nose 541a of the first sliding cam <NUM>, and may be moved in the opposite direction (e.g., in the case of the first rotation cam nose 531a in contact with the upper surface of the first sliding cam nose 541a in <FIG>, it is downward). Because the first elastic member <NUM> applies a force in a direction in which the first sliding cam <NUM> moves away from the second sliding cam <NUM>, the first sliding cam <NUM> may receive a force having directionality towards the first rotation cam <NUM>(R-direction in <FIG>). That is, the first rotation cam nose 531a receives a force having directionality pointing away from the end of the first sliding cam nose 541a. That is, the first rotation cam <NUM> may receive a force in the direction in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded (a direction in which the first rotation cam nose 531a in contact with a lower surface of the first sliding cam nose 541a in <FIG> is further moved downward).

On the other hand, the third rotation cam nose 532b of the second rotation cam <NUM> may be disposed in a position of contacting and interacting with the third sliding cam nose 543a of the third sliding cam <NUM>. At this time, because the second elastic member <NUM> presses the third sliding cam <NUM> in a direction away from the fourth sliding cam <NUM>, the third rotation cam nose 532b may receive a force in a direction away from the third sliding cam nose 543a. That is, the second rotation cam <NUM> receives a force in the direction by which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are unfolded (a direction in which the third rotation cam nose 532b in contact with the upper surface of the third sliding cam nose 543a in <FIG> is moved further upwards).

That is, when described based on the components located below in <FIG>, because the first rotation cam nose 531a is located below the first sliding cam nose 541a and the third rotation cam nose 532b is located above the third sliding cam nose 543a, the rotational force applied to the first cam body <NUM> may be balanced. Accordingly, the positions of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be fixed without unfolding or folding.

The second rotation cam nose 532a of the second rotation cam <NUM> and the second sliding cam nose 542a of the second sliding cam <NUM> are located in positions in which the second rotation cam nose 532a and the second sliding cam nose 542a are not in contact with each other and do not interact with each other. That is, the second rotation cam nose 532a is positioned in a flat section of the second sliding cam <NUM>, and the second sliding cam nose 542a is positioned in a flat section of the second rotation cam <NUM>.

The fourth rotation cam nose 533a of the third rotation cam <NUM> and the fourth sliding cam nose 544a of the fourth sliding cam <NUM> are located in positions in which the fourth rotation cam nose 533a and the fourth sliding cam nose 544a are not in contact with each other and do not interact with each other. That is, the fourth rotation cam nose 533a is positioned in a flat section of the fourth sliding cam <NUM>, and the fourth sliding cam nose 544a is positioned in the flat section of the second rotation cam <NUM>.

In response to rotation of the first cam body <NUM>, the first sliding shaft <NUM> slides along the guide slit 514a of the first housing coupling portion <NUM>, and the first coupling portion guide <NUM> is guided by the first body guide 513a. Accordingly, the first housing coupling portion <NUM> is rotated and moved in a direction in which the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> of the display <NUM> face each other.

<FIG> is a rear view illustrating a state in which the hinge structure provided in the electronic device is fixed at a second angle according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of part C shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side view illustrating the state in which the hinge structure provided in the electronic device is fixed at the second angle according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the hinge structure <NUM> may be fixed at a position in which an angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> forms approximately <NUM>°. The angle shown in <FIG> may be referred to as a second angle.

Particularly, the first rotation cam nose 531a is moved to a position in which the first rotation cam nose 531a is not in contact with and does not interact with the first sliding cam nose 541a. At the same time, the second rotation cam nose 532a is moved to a position of contacting and interacting with the second sliding cam nose 542a. That is, the second rotation cam nose 532a is out of the flat section of the second sliding cam <NUM> and is in a position close to the end of the second sliding cam nose 542a. Accordingly, referring to <FIG>, the first sliding cam <NUM>, the second sliding cam <NUM>, and the first elastic member <NUM> are moved together in the R-direction. Because the first elastic member <NUM> applies a force in a direction in which the second sliding cam <NUM> is away from the first sliding cam <NUM>, the second sliding cam <NUM> receives a force in a direction closer to the second rotation cam <NUM>. Accordingly, the second rotation cam nose 532a receives a force in a direction away from the end of the second sliding cam nose 542a. That is, referring to <FIG>, the second rotation cam nose 532a in contact with the upper surface of the second sliding cam nose 542a receives a force in a direction of moving further upward (a direction in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are unfolded).

Meanwhile, the third rotation cam nose 532b crosses the end of the third sliding cam nose 543a and is moved to the opposite direction. That is, the third rotation cam nose 532b in contact with the upper surface of the third sliding cam nose 543a as shown in <FIG> is moved to contact a lower surface of the third sliding cam nose 543a as shown in <FIG>. Because the second elastic member <NUM> applies a force in a direction in which the third sliding cam <NUM> is moved away from the fourth sliding cam <NUM>, the third sliding cam <NUM> receives a force in a direction closer to the second rotation cam <NUM>. Accordingly, the third rotation cam nose 532b receives a force in a direction away from the end of the third sliding cam nose 543a (the direction in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded).

That is, when described based on the components located below in <FIG>, because the second rotation cam nose 532a is located on the upper surface of the second sliding cam nose 542a and the third rotation cam nose 532b is located on the lower surface of the third sliding cam nose 543a, the rotational force applied to the first cam body <NUM> is balanced. Accordingly, the positions of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be fixed without folding or unfolding.

The fourth rotation cam nose 533a of the third rotation cam <NUM> is located in a position in which the fourth rotation cam nose 533a is not in contact with and does not interact with the fourth sliding cam nose 544a. That is, the fourth rotation cam nose 533a is positioned in a flat section of the fourth sliding cam <NUM>.

In response to rotation of the first cam body <NUM>, the first sliding shaft <NUM> slides along the guide slit 514a of the first housing coupling portion <NUM>, and the first coupling portion guide <NUM> is guided by the first body guide 513a. Accordingly, the first housing coupling portion <NUM> is rotated and moved in a direction in which the hinge cover <NUM> is exposed.

<FIG> is a rear view illustrating a state in which the hinge structure provided in the electronic device is fixed at a third angle according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of part D shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side view illustrating the state in which the hinge structure provided in the electronic device is fixed at the third angle according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the hinge structure <NUM> may be fixed at a position in which an angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> forms approximately <NUM>°. The angle shown in <FIG> may be referred to as a third angle.

Particularly, the third rotation cam nose 532b is moved to a position in which the third rotation cam nose 532b is not in contact with and does not interact with the third sliding cam nose 543a. At the same time, the fourth rotation cam nose 533a is moved to a position of contacting and interacting with the fourth sliding cam nose 544a. That is, the fourth rotation cam nose 533a is out of the flat section of the fourth sliding cam <NUM> and is in a position close to the end of the fourth sliding cam nose 544a. Accordingly, referring to <FIG>, the fourth sliding cam <NUM>, the third sliding cam <NUM>, and the second elastic member <NUM> are moved together in the R-direction. Because the second elastic member <NUM> applies a force in a direction in which the fourth sliding cam <NUM> is away from the third sliding cam <NUM>, the fourth sliding cam <NUM> receives a force in a direction closer to the third rotation cam <NUM>. Accordingly, the fourth rotation cam nose 533a receives a force in a direction away from the end of the fourth sliding cam nose 544a. That is, referring to <FIG>, the fourth rotation cam nose 533a in contact with the upper surface of the fourth sliding cam nose 544a receives a force in a direction of moving further upward (the direction in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are unfolded).

Meanwhile, the second rotation cam nose 532a crosses the end of the second sliding cam nose 542a and is moved to the opposite direction. That is, the second rotation cam nose 532a in contact with the upper surface of the second sliding cam nose 542a as shown in <FIG> is moved to contact the lower surface of the second sliding cam nose 542a, as shown in <FIG>. Because the first elastic member <NUM> applies a force in a direction in which the second sliding cam <NUM> is away from the first sliding cam <NUM>, the second sliding cam <NUM> receives a force in a direction closer to the second rotation cam <NUM>. Accordingly, the second rotation cam nose 532a receives a force in a direction away from the end of the second sliding cam nose 542a (the direction in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded).

That is, when described based on the components located below in <FIG>, because the second rotation cam nose 532a is located on the lower surface of the second sliding cam nose 542a and the fourth rotation cam nose 533a is located on the upper surface of the fourth sliding cam nose 544a, the rotational force applied to the first cam body <NUM> is balanced. Accordingly, the positions of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be fixed without folding or unfolding.

The first rotation cam nose 531a of the first rotation cam <NUM> is located in a position in which the first rotation cam nose 531a is not in contact with and does not interact with the first sliding cam nose 541a of the first sliding cam <NUM>. That is, the first rotation cam nose 531a is positioned in a flat section of the first sliding cam <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view illustrating a folded state of the hinge structure provided in the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of part E shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a side view illustrating the folded state of the hinge structure provided in the electronic device according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the hinge structure <NUM> may be fixed in the state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded.

Particularly, the second rotation cam nose 532a is moved to a position in which the second rotation cam nose 532a is not in contact with and does not interact with the second sliding cam nose 542a. That is, the second rotation cam nose 532a is positioned in a flat section of the second sliding cam <NUM>.

The fourth rotation cam nose 533a may cross the end of the fourth sliding cam nose 544a and is moved to the opposite direction. That is, the fourth rotation cam nose 533a may be in contact with the upper surface of the fourth sliding cam nose 544a as shown in <FIG>, and may be moved to contact the lower surface of the fourth sliding cam nose 544a, as shown in <FIG>. Because the second elastic member <NUM> applies a force in a direction in which the fourth sliding cam <NUM> is moved away from the third sliding cam <NUM>, the fourth sliding cam <NUM> receives a force in a direction coming closer to the fourth rotation cam <NUM>. Accordingly, the fourth rotation cam nose 533a receives a force in a direction away from the end of the fourth sliding cam nose 544a (the direction in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded).

In this case, because of the limitation imposed on the first housing coupling portion <NUM> coupled to the first cam body <NUM> being rotated towards the folding direction, by the hinge body <NUM>, the rotational force applied to the first cam body <NUM> is balanced and the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> do not rotate and maintain positions thereof.

In response to rotation of the first cam body <NUM>, the first sliding shaft <NUM> may slide along the guide slit 514a of the first housing coupling portion <NUM>, and the first coupling portion guide <NUM> is guided by the first body guide 513a. Accordingly, the first housing coupling portion <NUM> is rotated and moved in a direction in which the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> of the display <NUM> are closed to each other.

According to certain embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a singular or a plurality of entities, and some of the plurality of entities may be separately arranged in other components. According to certain embodiments, one or more components or operations among the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. Operations performed by a module, a program module, or other elements according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may be executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic method. Also, a portion of operations may be executed in different sequences, omitted, or other operations may be added.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a flexible display (<NUM>) including a first region (<NUM>) and a second region (<NUM>);
a first housing (<NUM>) supporting the first region (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) supporting the second region (<NUM>); and
a hinge structure (<NUM>) connecting the first housing (<NUM>) to the second housing (<NUM>), wherein the hinge structure (<NUM>) comprises:
an axis shaft (<NUM>) forming a rotational axis;
a sliding cam (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) slidably coupled to the axis shaft (<NUM>), and including a first sliding cam (<NUM>) in which a first sliding cam nose (541a) is formed, a second sliding cam (<NUM>) in which a second sliding cam nose (542a) is formed, a third sliding cam (<NUM>) in which a third sliding cam nose (543a) is formed, and a fourth sliding cam (<NUM>) in which a fourth sliding cam nose (544a) is formed;
a cam body including a first rotation cam (<NUM>) including a first rotation cam nose (531a) engaged with the first sliding cam (<NUM>), a second rotation cam (<NUM>) including a second rotation cam nose (532a) engaged with the second sliding cam (<NUM>) and a third rotation cam nose (532b) engaged with the third sliding cam (<NUM>), and a third rotation cam (<NUM>) including a fourth rotation cam nose (533a) engaged with the fourth sliding cam (<NUM>); and
elastic members including a first elastic member (<NUM>) disposed between the first sliding cam (<NUM>) and the second sliding cam (<NUM>), and a second elastic member (<NUM>) disposed between the third sliding cam (<NUM>) and the fourth sliding cam (<NUM>),
wherein the first rotation cam nose (531a), the second rotation cam nose (532a), the third rotation cam nose (532b), and the fourth rotation cam nose (533a) are disposed on different imaginary lines extending parallel to the rotational axis of the axis shaft (<NUM>), and
wherein the first sliding cam nose (541a), the second sliding cam nose (542a), the third sliding cam nose (543a), and the fourth sliding cam nose (544a) are disposed on a same imaginary line.