Patent Description:
A portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, may provide various functions, such as voice communication, playback of videos, and online internet searches, using various kinds of applications. For many of the provided functions, such as video playback, a larger screen is preferred. However, having larger screens negatively impact the portability of the devices. Accordingly, a foldable portable electronic device that may increase portability by utilizing a folded structure and a foldable screen has been developed.

<CIT> discloses a foldable electronic device including a hinge structure. The objective is to provide a hinge structure capable of optimizing a structure arrangement associated with hinge operations.

In a foldable electronic device, because a hinge structure is connected to adjacent housings and a display positioned on the housings can be folded or unfolded (or opened), a wider or larger screen may be provided if necessary. In this process, a free-stop function may be provided such that the foldable electronic device is held at a specific angle that is smaller than <NUM> degrees. In this regard, the foldable electronic device according to the embodiment employs a cam structure, and uses an elastic member in relation to the cam structure for generation of an elastic force (or a frictional force) for cam operation.

While the state of the above-described foldable electronic device is changed from a closed state to an unfolded state, the elastic force by the elastic member may be applied such that the closed state is maintained. Accordingly, when the device is closed, excessive force may be needed to open the device when the user attempts to open the device with one hand.

Various embodiments provide a hinge structure that may release a closed state of a foldable electronic device more easily, and a foldable electronic device including the same.

The invention is set out in the appended claims set.

According to the above-described various embodiments, an electronic device (or a portable electronic device, a portable communication device, a foldable electronic device, or a foldable electronic device having a communication function) of an embodiment may include a flexible display, a first housing and a second housing, a hinge housing, and a hinge structure, at least a portion of which is seated in the hinge housing, the hinge structure may further include a first rotary member coupled to the first housing, a second rotary member coupled to the second housing, a first arm part coupled to the first rotary member and including a first rotary cam, a second arm part coupled to the second rotary member and including a second rotary cam, a fixed cam part including a first fixed cam engaged with the first rotary cam, a second fixed cam engaged with the second rotary cam, and a cam body connecting the first fixed cam and the second fixed cam, a stopper that restrict rotational angles of the first arm part and the second arm part, and an additional structure having a specific thickness and disposed between the stopper and the fixed cam part.

A hinge structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure may further include a first rotary member coupled to a first housing, a second rotary member coupled to a second housing, a first arm part coupled to the first rotary member and including a first rotary cam, a second arm part coupled to the second rotary member and including a second rotary cam, a first fixed cam engaged with the first rotary cam and a second fixed cam engaged with the second rotary cam, a fixed cam part including a cam body connecting the first fixed cam and the second fixed cam, a stopper that restricts rotational angles of the first arm part and the second arm part, and an additional structure disposed between the stopper and the fixed cam part.

The hinge structure and the foldable electronic device including the same according to certain embodiments may easily release the closed state of the foldable electronic device when the user attempts to open the device with one hand.

Furthermore, damage to the display may be prevented by reducing the pressure applied to release the closed state of the foldable electronic device and reducing the pressure applied by the user to the display when the user attempts to open the device (or a closed state of the device is released by the user).

Other various purposes and effects provided by the foldable electronic device according to certain embodiments may be mentioned in the descriptions of the embodiments of the detailed description or be discerned therefrom.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that modification, equivalent, and/or alternative on the various embodiments described herein can be variously made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. With regard to the description of drawings, similar components may be denoted by similar reference numerals.

In the disclosure disclosed herein, the expressions "have", "may have", "include" and "comprise", or "may include" and "may comprise" used herein indicate existence of corresponding features (e.g., elements such as numeric values, functions, operations, or components) but do not exclude presence of additional features.

In the disclosure disclosed herein, 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. For example, the term "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" may refer to all of the case (<NUM>) where at least one A is included, the case (<NUM>) where at least one B is included, or the case (<NUM>) where both of at least one A and at least one B are included.

The terms, such as "first", "second", and the like used herein may refer to various elements of various embodiments of the disclosure, but do not limit the elements. For example, such terms are used only to distinguish an element from another element and do not limit the order and/or priority of the elements. For example, a first user device and a second user device may represent different user devices irrespective of sequence or importance. For example, without departing the scope of the disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

It will be understood that when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" or "connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it can be directly coupled with/to or connected to the other element or an intervening element (e.g., a third element) may be present. In contrast, when an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being "directly coupled with/to" or "directly connected to" another element (e.g., a second element), it should be understood that there are no intervening element (e.g., a third element).

According to the situation, the expression "configured to" used herein may be used as, for example, the expression "suitable for", "having the capacity to", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of". The term "configured to (or set to)" must not mean only "specifically designed to" in hardware. Instead, the expression "a device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" operating together with another device or other components. CPU, for example, a "processor configured to perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor) which may perform corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs which are stored in a memory device.

Terms used in this specification are used to describe specified embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise defined herein, all the terms used herein, which include technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning that is generally understood by a person skilled in the art. It will be further understood that terms, which are defined in a dictionary and commonly used, should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant related art and not in an idealized or overly formal detect unless expressly so defined herein in various embodiments of the disclosure. According to occasions, even a term defined in the disclosure cannot be construed to exclude the embodiments of the disclosure.

A foldable electronic device or an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include at least one of smartphones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic book readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), MP3 players, mobile medical devices, cameras, and wearable devices. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the wearable devices may include accessories (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets, ankle bracelets, glasses, contact lenses, or head-mounted devices (HMDs)), cloth-integrated types (e.g., electronic clothes), body-attached types (e.g., skin pads or tattoos), or implantable types (e.g., implantable circuits).

Hereinafter, electronic devices according to an embodiment of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The term "user" used herein may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial electronic device) that uses an electronic device.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an external appearance of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a foldable electronic device <NUM> (or an electronic device, a portable electronic device, or a portable foldable electronic device) according to an embodiment may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM>, a display <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display), a hinge structure <NUM> (or a hinge structure, or a hinge member), a hinge housing <NUM>, in which the hinge structure <NUM> is disposed on an inside thereof, various electronic elements <NUM> (e.g., a battery, a printed circuit board, a camera, at least one sensor, a communication circuit, and an antenna) related to the functioning of the foldable electronic device <NUM>, a first cover <NUM> covering at least a portion of one surface (e.g., a surface that faces the +z axis direction) of the first housing <NUM>, and a second cover <NUM> covering one surface (e.g., a surface that faces the -z axis direction) of the second housing <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view in a first state (e.g., a flat state, an unfolding state, an unfolded state, or an opened state) of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view in a second state (e.g., a folded state, a folding state, or a closed state) of the foldable electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may be disposed to be continuous to the second housing <NUM> in the y axis direction or may be disposed in parallel to the second housing <NUM> in the z axis direction in the various states of the electronic device. Furthermore, when at least a portion of a central part <NUM> of the display <NUM> is folded, one surface (e.g., a surface that faces the z axis direction in <FIG>) of the first housing <NUM> may be disposed to face one surface (a surface that faces the z axis direction in <FIG>) of the second housing <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM>, for example, may be configured such that at least a portion thereof is made of a metallic material or at least a portion thereof is made of a nonmetallic material. For example, the first housing <NUM> may be made of a material having a specific strength to support at least a portion of the display <NUM>. An area (e.g., a first part <NUM> and a portion of the central part <NUM> of the display <NUM>) of the display <NUM> may be disposed at at least a portion of a front surface (e.g., a surface that faces the z axis direction in <FIG>) of the first housing <NUM>. At least a portion of the first housing <NUM> may be bonded to an area (e.g., at least a portion of the first part <NUM> and the portion of the central part <NUM>) of the display <NUM> using a bonding means, a bonding member, or bonding tape. For example, at least a portion of an edge of a front surface of the first housing <NUM> may be bonded to at least a portion of an edge of an area (e.g., the first part <NUM> and the portion of the central part <NUM>) of the display <NUM>. Furthermore, one side of an upper portion of the front surface of the first housing <NUM> may be bonded to one side of the first part <NUM> of the display <NUM>. In this regard, at least a portion of a bonding layer <NUM> (or bonding means, bonding member, or bonding tape) may be disposed at at least a portion between the first housing <NUM> and the first part <NUM> of the display <NUM>. At least a portion of the inside of the first housing <NUM> may be provided such that the interior thereof is empty or may be provided such that the interior thereof is empty after the first housing <NUM> is coupled to the first cover <NUM> so that the electronic element <NUM> (e.g., an element, such as a printed circuit board, at least one processor mounted on the printed circuit board, at least one memory, or a battery) that is necessary for driving the display <NUM> may be disposed.

According to an embodiment, edge ends (edge ends of the three sides other than the edge that faces the second housing <NUM>) of the first housing <NUM> may protrude by a specific height further than a bottom surface of a central part of the housing to surround an edge of at least one side of the display <NUM>. Furthermore, side walls, at least portions of which face an edge of the display <NUM>, may be disposed at at least a portion of the edge ends of the first housing <NUM>. Side walls formed at at least a portion of an edge of the first housing <NUM> may have specific heights at the three edges other than the edge that faces the second housing <NUM>. The edge portion of the first housing <NUM> that faces the second housing <NUM> may include a recessed part <NUM>, at least a portion of which has a specific curvature such that at least a portion of the hinge housing <NUM> is disposed. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include a first stepped part <NUM>, in which a portion of the hinge structure <NUM> mounted on the hinge housing <NUM> is seated, at an edge part that faces the second housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may be disposed in parallel to the first housing <NUM> or may be disposed such that at least one surface thereof faces one surface (e.g., a surface on which the display <NUM> is disposed) of the first housing <NUM> in the various states of the electronic device. The second housing <NUM> may be made of the same material as the first housing <NUM>. Because the second housing <NUM> is disposed to be symmetrical to the first housing <NUM> in several directions, such as leftwards, rightwards, upwards, and downwards, at least a portion (e.g., a second part <NUM> of the display <NUM> and an opposite side of the central part <NUM>) of the remaining area of the display <NUM>, other than the area disposed in the first housing <NUM>, may be disposed to be supported by a front surface of the second housing <NUM>. At least a portion of the second housing <NUM> may be bonded to at least a portion of the second part <NUM> and the opposite side of the central part <NUM> of the display <NUM>. For example, an edge of the front surface of the second housing <NUM> may be bonded to at least a portion of the second part <NUM> and the opposite side of the central part <NUM> of the display <NUM>. Furthermore, one side of a lower portion of a front surface (e.g., a surface that faces the z axis direction in <FIG>) of the second housing <NUM> may be bonded to one side of the second part <NUM> of the display <NUM>. In this regard, at least a portion of the bonding layer <NUM> (or bonding means, bonding member, adhesive member, or bonding tape) may be disposed at at least a portion between the second housing <NUM> and the second part <NUM> of the display <NUM>. At least a portion of the inside of the second housing <NUM> may be configured such that the interior thereof is empty similarly to the first housing <NUM> or may be configured such that the interior thereof is empty after the second housing <NUM> is coupled to the second cover <NUM> so that electronic elements that are necessary for driving the display <NUM> may be disposed. At least one magnet member (or magnet structure) <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the second housing, for example, in the far +y direction (or at a y axis edge). The magnet member <NUM> may pull at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> through an attractive force such that ends (e.g., edges in the z axis direction) of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are prevented from being widened in the closed state of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. In this regard, in the closed state of the foldable electronic device <NUM>, a partial area of the first housing <NUM>, which corresponds to an area of the second housing <NUM>, in which the magnet member <NUM> is disposed, may be made of a metal member (or metal structure, or metal layer, or metal sheet) that may generate an attractive force with the magnet member <NUM>. Furthermore, another magnet member having a polarity that may generate an attractive force with the magnet member <NUM> may be disposed in a corresponding location in the first housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, edge ends (edge ends of the three edges other than the edge that faces the first housing <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM> may protrude by a specific height further than a bottom surface of a central part of the second housing <NUM> to surround the corresponding edges of the display <NUM>. Furthermore, similarly to the side walls formed in the first housing <NUM>, side walls, at least portions of which face the edge of the display <NUM>, may be disposed at at least a portion of the edge end of the second housing <NUM>. Side walls formed at at least a portion of an edge of the second housing <NUM> may have specific heights at the three edges other than the edge that faces the first housing <NUM>.

A portion of the second housing <NUM>, which faces the first housing <NUM>, may include a recessed part <NUM>, at least a portion of which has a specific curvature such that the hinge housing <NUM> is disposed. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may include a second stepped part <NUM>, in which a portion of the hinge structure <NUM> mounted on the hinge housing <NUM> is seated, at an edge part that faces the first housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include at least one sensor disposed on one side of the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> for management of a specific function of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. The sensor, for example, may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an iris sensor, an image sensor (or a camera), or a fingerprint sensor.

According to an embodiment, the hinge housing <NUM> may be covered by one side of the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> (e.g., in an unfolded state of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>) or be exposed to the outside (e.g., in a folded state of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>) according to the folded or unfolded state of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are disposed parallel to each other, the hinge housing <NUM> may be covered by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when one surface of the first housing <NUM> and one surface of the second housing <NUM> are disposed to face each other in the closed state of the electronic device, the hinge housing <NUM> may be disposed such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside at edges (e.g., edges of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, which face each other in the unfolded state) of one side of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the display <NUM> may be flexible. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include the first part <NUM> disposed on the first housing <NUM>, the second part <NUM> disposed on the second housing <NUM>, and the central part <NUM> or a central area that are adjacent to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to another embodiments, the entire display <NUM> may be flexible. The central part <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be disposed not to be bonded to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. For example, the central part <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be spaced apart from front surfaces (e.g., surfaces that face the z axis direction in <FIG>) of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> by a specific interval. In other words, a specific gap may be formed between the central part <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The first part <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be bonded to at least a portion of the first housing <NUM>, and the second part <NUM> of the display <NUM> may be bonded to at least a portion of the second housing <NUM>. In this regard, a portion of the bonding layer <NUM> may be disposed in at least a partial area between the display <NUM> and the first housing <NUM>, and another portion of the bonding layer <NUM> may be disposed in at least a partial area between the display <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bonding layer <NUM>, as illustrated, may be disposed only at the edges of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the hinge structure <NUM> may include a first hinge structure 200a, at least a portion of which is disposed on one side (e.g., in the far -x direction or -x axis edge) of the hinge housing <NUM>, and a second hinge structure 200b, at least a portion of which is disposed on an opposite side (e.g., in the far +x direction or +x axis edge) of the hinge housing <NUM>. The first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b may have the same structure and the same configuration, and may be disposed to be symmetrical to each other leftwards and rightward with respect to the y axis. Although it is exemplified in the illustrated drawings that two hinge structures (e.g., the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b) are disposed, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, at least portions of the two or more hinge structures may be received or disposed in the hinge housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b may support a cam operation. The first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b may include an additional structure (or an auxiliary structure or a structure) that may reduce the magnitude of pressure applied to a cam structure (e.g., rotary cam and fixed cam) during the cam operation. For example, the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b may include an additional structure disposed such that pressure applied by a pressing structure (e.g., an elastic member) is <NUM> (there is no pressure or the pressure is balanced) or less than a specific reference value (e.g., a value that converges to <NUM>). According to an embodiment, a state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> that reduces the magnitude of the pressing force provided by the pressing structure to the additional structure may include a state in which the electronic device is opened to a specific angle range (e.g., the angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> is <NUM> degrees) from the closed state. Further, the state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> that reduces the magnitude of the pressing force provided by the pressing structure to the additional structure may include a state in which the electronic device is opened to a specific angle range (e.g., the angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> is <NUM> degrees) from a fully unfolded state (e.g., the angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> is <NUM> degrees or more). In the following description, technology of operating an additional structure to be in an unfolded state of a specific angle from the closed state will be described as a representative example. The operation technology of the additional structure, which will be described below, may be applied similarly to other state operations, such as changing the device to an unfolded state of a specific angle from the fully unfolded state, or changing the device from the fully unfolded state to the folded state. The disclosed embodiments may apply a relatively low force even when the fully unfolded foldable electronic device <NUM> is changed to be fully folded.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an exploded perspective view of a hinge structure of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment.

In the following description, between the hinge structures 200a and 200b, the first hinge structure 200a will be described as an example. The structure and configuration of the first hinge structure 200a described in <FIG> may be the same as those of the second hinge structure 200b described above in relation to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first hinge structure 200a may include a fixing bracket <NUM>, a first rotary member (or first rotary structure) <NUM>, a second rotary member (or second rotary structure) <NUM>, a first fixing part (or portion, unit, structure) <NUM> and a second fixing part (or portion, unit, structure) <NUM>, a first arm part <NUM> (or arm part, arm unit, arm portion, arm structure), a second arm part <NUM>, a first rotary shaft <NUM> (or first shaft), a second rotary shaft <NUM> (or second shaft), a stopper <NUM> (or stop-unit, stop-structure, stop-member), a fixed cam part <NUM> (or fixed cam portion, fixed cam member, fixed cam structure), a first elastic body 242a, a second elastic body 242b, a support bracket <NUM>, a first idle gear <NUM> (or first gear), a second idle gear <NUM> (or second gear), a support plate <NUM>, and a plurality of fixing clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, and 249_2. At least some of the above-described configurations of the first hinge structure 200a may be made of a metallic material to have a specific strength. Furthermore, depending on what is required, at least a portion of the first hinge structure 200a may be made of a material such as reinforced plastic or resin.

At least a portion of the shape of a lower surface (e.g., a surface in the -z axis direction) of the fixing bracket <NUM> may have a curved surface. For example, a z axis cross-section of at least a portion of the lower surface of the fixing bracket <NUM> may include a curve to correspond to an inner shape of the hinge housing <NUM> for fixing and bracketing. At least a portion of the upper surface (e.g., a surface in the z axis direction) of the fixing bracket <NUM> may have a flat shape, and rail grooves 213a and 213b may be formed such that the rotary members <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled thereto. According to an embodiment, the fixing bracket <NUM> may include a first rail groove 213a, of which at least a portion of its cross-section is arc-shaped from an upper surface (e.g., the surface in the z axis direction) thereof toward a lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z axis direction), and into which a first rail <NUM>-<NUM> of the first rotary member <NUM> is inserted from the first direction (e.g., the y axis direction) to the second direction (e.g., the -y axis direction). According to an embodiment, the fixing bracket <NUM> may include a second rail groove 213b, of which at least a portion of its cross-section is arc-shaped from an upper surface (e.g., the surface in the z axis direction) thereof toward a lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z axis direction), and into which a second rail <NUM>-<NUM> of the second rotary member <NUM> is inserted from the second direction (e.g., the -y axis direction) to the first direction (e.g., the y axis direction). The first rail groove 213a may be biased in the y axis direction as compared with the second rail groove 213b, and the second rail groove 213b may be biased in the -y axis direction as compared with the first rail groove 213a. The first rail groove 213a may be rotated about a first imaginary axis <NUM>, and the second rail groove 213b may be rotated about a second imaginary axis <NUM>. The first imaginary axis <NUM> and the second imaginary axis <NUM> may be formed on an upper surface (e.g., the surface in the z axis direction) of the fixing bracket <NUM>, and the first imaginary axis <NUM> and the second imaginary axis <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by a specific interval. According to an embodiment, the fixing bracket <NUM> may include a first holding recess 213_2a, in which one end (e.g., at least a portion of a first seating part 231_3) of the first rotary shaft <NUM>, and a second holding recess 213_2b, in which one end (e.g., at least a portion of a second seating part 232_3) of the second rotary shaft <NUM> is seated.

According to an embodiment, the fixing bracket <NUM> may include a first fixing hole 213_1a and a second fixing hole 213_1b that are used to fix the fixing bracket <NUM> to the hinge housing <NUM>. In the foldable electronic device <NUM>, the fixing bracket <NUM> may be fixed to the hinge housing <NUM> by using a coupling member (e.g., a screw or the like). According to an embodiment, the first fixing hole 213_1a and the second fixing hole 213_1b may be disposed to be symmetrical to each other in a diagonal direction on the upper surface (e.g., the surface in the z axis direction) of the fixing bracket <NUM> to fix the fixing bracket <NUM> to the hinge housing <NUM> more firmly and stably.

The first rotary member <NUM> may include a first bracket body 211_1, a first slide hole 211_2 formed at an end (e.g., an end in the x axis direction) on one side of the first bracket body 211_1, a first rail 211_3 formed at an end (e.g., an end in the -y axis direction) on an opposite side of the first bracket body 211_1, and a first housing coupling hole 211_4 used for coupling to the first housing <NUM>. Additionally, the first rotary member <NUM> may further include a first bracket opening hole 211_5 arranged to correspond to the first fixing hole 213_1a formed in the fixing bracket <NUM>.

At least a portion of the upper surface (e.g., the surface disposed in the z axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1 may be formed flat. With reference to the illustrated drawings, the first slide hole 211_2 may be disposed in a downward direction (e.g., the -z axis direction) at a right end (e.g., an end in the x axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1, and the first rail 211_3 may be disposed on a lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z axis direction) thereof at an end (e.g., an end in the -y axis direction) on one side of the first bracket body 211_1.

The first slide hole 211_2 may be disposed at an end (e.g., the end in the x axis direction) on a side of the first bracket body 211_1, and may be disposed on a lower side of the first bracket body 211_1. A length of the first slide hole 211_2 in the first direction (e.g., the y axis direction) may be longer than a length thereof in a third direction (e.g., the x axis direction). Accordingly, the first fixing part <NUM> inserted into the first slide hole 211_2 may be slid in any one of the first direction (e.g., the y axis direction) and the second direction (e.g., the -y axis direction) in the first slide hole 211_2. The first slide hole 211_2 may be disposed to face a surface in a fourth direction of the first arm part <NUM> (e.g., the surface disposed in the -x axis direction). At least a partial area of the first slide hole 211_2 may be arranged with a first connector 221_2 of the first arm part <NUM>. Accordingly, at least a portion of the first fixing part <NUM> may be disposed inside the first slide hole 211_2 and the first connector 221_2.

The first rail 211_3 may be disposed at an end in the second direction (e.g., the end in the - y axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1, and may be disposed on a lower side of the first bracket body 211_1. The first rail 211_3 may have an arc shape having a specific angle with respect to the x axis. The first rail 211_3 may be inserted into the first rail groove 213a disposed in the fixing bracket <NUM>, and may be rotated along the first rail groove 213a in a specific angle range with respect to the first imaginary axis <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a rotation range of the first rail 211_3, for example, may be a range of -<NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees (or a range of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees). The first rail 211_3 may be rotated (e.g., rotated in a clockwise direction or in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the x axis) between the y axis and the z axis with respect to the first imaginary axis <NUM> formed by the first rail groove 213a.

The first housing coupling hole 211_4 may be formed on one side (e.g., an edge on one side that faces the y axis direction) of the first bracket body 211_1, and may be formed to pass through a surface in the z axis direction and a surface in the -z axis direction. Although it is exemplified in the illustrated drawings that three first housing coupling holes 211_4 are formed in the first bracket body 211_1, various embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the number. A coupling member may be coupled to a coupling member (e.g., a boss) provided in the first housing <NUM> while at least a portion thereof is coupled to the first housing coupling hole 211_4, and thus the first rotary member <NUM> may be fixed to the first housing <NUM>.

The second rotary member <NUM> may include a second bracket body 212_1, a second slide hole 212_2 formed at an end (e.g., an end in the x axis direction) on one side of the second bracket body 212_1, a second rail 212_3 formed at an end (e.g., an end in the y axis direction) on an opposite side of the second bracket body 212_1, and a second housing coupling hole 212_4 used for coupling to the second housing <NUM>. Additionally, the second rotary member <NUM> may further include a second bracket opening hole 211_5 arranged to correspond to the second fixing hole 213_1b formed in the fixing bracket <NUM>.

The second bracket body 212_1 may have substantially the same shape as that of the first bracket body 211_1. Accordingly, at least a portion of the upper surface (e.g., a surface disposed in the z axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1 may be formed flat.

The second slide hole 212_2 may be disposed at a right end (e.g., the end in the x axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1, and may be disposed on a lower side of the second bracket body 212_1. The second slide hole 212_2 may be disposed to be symmetrical to the first slide hole 211_2 with respect to the fixing bracket <NUM>. The second slide hole 212_2 may have the same shape as that of the first slide hole 211_2.

The second rail 212_3 may be disposed at an end in the first direction (e.g., the end in the y axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1, and may be disposed on a lower side of the second bracket body 212_1. The second rail 212_3 may have substantially the same shape as that of the first rail 211_3, and may be inserted into the second rail groove 213b. For example, the second rail 212_3 may have an arc shape in a specific angle range with respect to the x axis. The second rail 212_3 may be rotated in a specific angle range with respect to the second imaginary axis <NUM>, for example, <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees (or <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees). For example, the second rail 212_3 may be rotated (e.g., rotated in a counterclockwise direction or a clockwise direction about the x axis) in a range between the -y axis and the z axis.

The second housing coupling hole 212_4 may be formed on one side (e.g., an edge on one side that faces the -y axis direction) of the second bracket body 212_1, and may be formed to pass through a surface in the z axis direction and a surface in the -z axis direction.

The first fixing part <NUM> may have a pin shape having a specific length in one direction (e.g., the x axis direction). A length of the first fixing part <NUM> may be larger than a total sum of the hole length (e.g., an x axis depth) of the first slide hole 211_2 and the hole length (or an x axis depth) of the first connector 221_2 of the first arm part <NUM>. After the first fixing part <NUM> is inserted into the first slide hole 211_2 and the first connector 221_2, at least one of the opposite sides of the first fixing part <NUM> may be fixed (for example, by using a separate E ring). A diameter of the first fixing part <NUM> may be smaller than a diameter of the first connector 221_2. The first fixing part <NUM> may be located in the first slide hole 211_2, and may be slid in the y axis or -y axis direction.

The second fixing part <NUM> may have substantially the same shape as that of the first fixing part <NUM>. The second fixing part <NUM> may be disposed at a location that is symmetrical to the first fixing part <NUM> with respect to the fixing bracket <NUM>, and at least a portion thereof may be inserted into and fixed to the second slide hole 212_2 and a second connector 222_2. One side of the second fixing part <NUM> may be slid in the second slide hole 212_2 in the y axis or -y axis direction.

The first arm part <NUM> may be coupled to the first rotary member <NUM> through the first fixing part <NUM>, and may be rotated in a specific angle range in association with the first rotary member <NUM> during a hinge operation. According to an embodiment, the first arm part <NUM> may include a first basic body 221_1, the first connector 221_2, a first insertion portion 221_3, and a first rotary cam 221_4.

An upper surface (e.g., the surface disposed in the z axis direction) of the first basic body 221_1 may be formed flat. The first connector 221_2 may be disposed on a lower surface (e.g., a surface in the -z axis direction) of an upper edge (e.g., a y axis end) of the first basic body 221_1. The first connector 221_2 may include a hole that is opened in the fourth direction (e.g., the -x axis direction). The first fixing part <NUM> may be seated in and fixed to the first connector 221_2.

The first insertion portion 221_3 may be disposed on a lower surface (e.g., the surface in the -z axis direction) of a lower edge (e.g., the -y axis end) of the first basic body 221_1. The first insertion portion 221_3 may include a hole that is opened in the fourth direction (e.g., the -x axis direction). At least a portion in the hole may include a flat area and at least a portion of the hole may be angled. At least a portion of the first rotary shaft <NUM> may be seated at the first insertion portion 221_3. The first rotary cam 221_4 may be disposed on one side (e.g., the end in the x axis direction) of the first insertion portion 221_3.

The first rotary cam 221_4 may include at least one mountain and at least one valley disposed in a direction in which the first rotary shaft <NUM> is inserted into the first insertion portion 221_3 (e.g., the x axis direction). According to an embodiment, at least portions of the mountain and the valley of the first rotary cam 221_4 may include a flat area of a specific length. Accordingly, while the first rotary cam 221_4 is engaged with a first fixed cam 241_1a of the fixed cam part <NUM> and is rotated, a section, in which ends of a mountain of the first rotary cam 221_4 and a mountain of the first fixed cam 241_1a contact each other may be formed to have a specific width. When the section, in which the ends of the mountain of the first rotary cam 221_4 and the mountain of the first fixed cam 241_1a contact each other, is formed to have the specific width, a holding state of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> at a specific angle may be maintained more firmly in the corresponding section, and holding states (e.g., a free-stop state) of various angle ranges may be provided.

The second arm part <NUM> may have substantially the same shape as that of the first arm part <NUM>. For example, the second arm part <NUM> may include a second basic body 222_1, the second connector 222_2, a second insertion portion 222_3, and a second rotary cam 222_4. The second basic body 222_1 may be disposed to be symmetrical to the first basic body 221_1, and the second connector 222_2 may be coupled to one side of the second fixing part <NUM>. The second insertion portion 222_3 may be inserted into the second rotary shaft <NUM>, and the second rotary cam 222_4 may be engaged with a second fixed cam 241_1b of the fixed cam part <NUM>.

One end of the first rotary shaft <NUM> may be seated in the first holding recess 213_2a formed in the fixing bracket <NUM>, and the first rotary shaft <NUM> may be geared with the first idle gear <NUM>, may be disposed to pass through the stopper <NUM>, the first insertion portion 221_3, the first rotary cam 221_4 of the first arm part <NUM>, the first fixed cam 241_1a of the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the first elastic body 242a, and may be fixed to the support bracket <NUM>. The first rotary shaft <NUM> may include a first shaft body 231_1, a first shaft gear 231_2 (or a first main gear), and the first seating part 231_3.

The first shaft body 231_1 may have a length, by which the first shaft body 231_1 passes through the stopper <NUM>, the first insertion portion 221_3, the first rotary cam 221_4, the first fixed cam 241_1a, the first elastic body 242a, and a first support bracket 243_2a of the support bracket <NUM>. The first shaft body 231_1 may be coupled to the first rotary cam 221_4, and may have a shape (e.g. flat shape), of which least a portion in the y axis cross-section is angled such that the first rotary cam 221_4 is rotated while the first shaft body 231_1 is rotated. For example, the first shaft body 231_1 may include a plurality of surfaces that are flat in a lengthwise direction (e.g., the x axis direction or the -x axis direction). In correspondence to this, an inner wall of the first insertion portion 221_3 in which the first rotary cam 221_4 is disposed may have a shape corresponding to a cross-section (e.g., the z axis cross-section) of the first shaft body 231_1. The first shaft gear 231_2 may be biased in the fourth direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) of the first shaft body 231_1. The first shaft gear 231_2 may be disposed to be geared with the first idle gear <NUM>.

The first seating part 231_3 may protrude further to a surface in the fourth direction (e.g., the surface in the -x axis direction) of the first shaft gear 231_2. At least a portion of the first seating part 231_3 may pass through a guide hole formed in the support plate <NUM>, and may be seated in the first holding recess 213_2a formed in the fixing bracket <NUM>. Because the first fixing part <NUM> fixes the first rotary member <NUM> and the first arm part <NUM>, the first seating part 231_3 may be firmly fixed to the first holding recess 213_2a, and may prevent separation or distortion of the first shaft body 231_1.

One end of the second rotary shaft <NUM> may be seated in the second holding recess 213_2b formed in the fixing bracket <NUM>, and the second rotary shaft <NUM> may be geared with the second idle gear <NUM> and may be disposed to pass through the stopper <NUM>, the second insertion portion 222_3, the second rotary cam 222_4, the second fixed cam 241_1b of the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the second elastic body 242b, and an opposite end of the second rotary shaft <NUM> may be fixed to the support bracket <NUM>. The second rotary shaft <NUM> may include a second shaft body 232_1, a second shaft gear 232_2 (or second main gear), and the second seating part 232_3.

The second shaft body 232_1 may have a length, by which the second shaft body 232_1 passes through the stopper <NUM>, the second insertion portion 222_3, the second rotary cam 222_4, the second fixed cam 241_1b, the second elastic body 242b, and a second support bracket hole 243_2b of the support bracket <NUM>. The second shaft body 232_1 may have substantially the same shape and size as the first shaft body 231_1. The second shaft body 232_1 may be disposed at a location that is spaced apart from the first shaft body 231_1 by a specific interval. The second shaft gear 232_2 may have the same shape as that of the first shaft gear 231_2, and may be disposed on the second shaft body 232_1. A disposition location of the second shaft gear 232_2 may be symmetrical to a disposition location of the first shaft gear 231_2. At least a portion of the second seating part 232_3 may have the same shape and size as those of the first seating part 231_3, and may be seated in the second holding recess 213_2b. In this process, at least a portion of the second seating part 232_3 may pass through the guide hole of the support plate <NUM>, and may be seated in the second holding recess 213_2b. The second seating part 232_3 may be seated in the second holding recess 213_2b more firmly while the second rotary member <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> are fixed with the second fixing part <NUM>.

The second shaft body 232_1 may be coupled to the second rotary cam 222_4, and may have a shape (e.g. flat shape), of which least a portion in the y axis cross-section is angled such that the second rotary cam 222_4 is rotated while the second shaft body 232_1 is rotated. For example, the second shaft body 232_1 may include a plurality of surfaces that are flat in a lengthwise direction (e.g., the x axis direction or the -x axis direction). In correspondence to this, an inner wall of the second insertion portion 222_3 in which the second rotary cam 222_4 is disposed may have a shape corresponding to a cross-section (e.g., the z axis cross-section) of the second shaft body 232_1.

The stopper <NUM> may support at least portions of the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> such that the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> are not rotated by a specific limit angle or more or, when a pressure that deviates from a specific angle range is applied, the corresponding rotation pressure is offset. Furthermore, the stopper <NUM> may function to support one side of the fixed cam part <NUM> such that a pressure applied to the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> converges to <NUM> or becomes <NUM> within a specific range of the rotation range of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. In this regard, according to an embodiment, the stopper <NUM> may include a stopper body 236_1, a stopper fixing hole 236_1a, a first wing part 236a, and a second wing part 236b.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the cross-section of the stopper body 236_1 in one direction may have a T shape. One side of the stopper body 236_1 may be disposed between the first wing part 236a and the second wing part 236b. An opposite side of the stopper body 236_1 may extend from one side of the stopper body 236_1 in the x axis direction. A stopper fixing hole 236_1a that passes through the stopper body 236_1 in the z axis direction may be disposed on a side of the stopper body 236_1. An opposite side of the stopper body 236_1 may include a first support portion 236_1b1 and a second support portion 236_1b2 that extend from the z axis in the -z axis direction, a first recess 236_1b3 (or a hole) formed between the first support portion 236_1b1 and the second support portion 236_1b2, a second recess 236_1b4 formed between one side of the stopper body 236_1 and the first support portion 236_1b1, and a third recess 236_1b5 formed between one side of the stopper body 236_1 and the second support portion 236_1b2.

The first support portion 236_1b1 and the second support portion 236_1b2 may have a structure, of which the z axis cross-section gradually increases as it goes from the z axis to the -z axis. Surfaces in the x axis direction of the first support portion 236_1b1 and the second support portion 236_1b2 may be located on the same plane with respect to the y axis, such that the lengths thereof extend from sides of the stopper body 236_1 in the y axis direction. The first recess 236_1b3, the second recess 236_1b4, or the third recess 236_1b5 may be disposed perpendicular with respect to the xy plane. The second recess 236_1b4 and the third recess 236_1b5 may be disposed in parallel to each other with respect to the y axis or be continuous to each other along the y direction. The stopper fixing hole 236_1a may be disposed at central portions of the first recess 236_1b3, the second recess 236_1b4, and the third recess 236_1b5 on the xy plane. Meanwhile, in the above description, the stopper body 236_1, in which the first recess 236_1b3, the second recess 236_1b4, and the third recess 236_1b5 are formed, has been described, but according to the other embodiments, at least one of the first recess 236_1b3, the second recess 236_1b4, and the third recess 236_1b5 may be removed. For example, the first recess 236_1b3 between the first support portion 236_1b1 and the second support portion 236_1b2 may be removed. In this case, the first support portion <NUM>_1b1 and the second support portion 236_1b2 may be connected to each other to form one flat surface that faces the y axis.

The first wing part 236a may include a ring-shaped first wing 236a_1, a first shaft insertion hole 236a_2 that passes through a central portion of the first wing 236a_1 in the x axis direction, and a first stopper boss 236a_3 that restricts a rotational angle of the first arm part <NUM>. One side of the first wing 236a_1 may be connected to one side of the stopper body 236_1, and may have a ring shape having a specific thickness in the x axis. The first shaft insertion hole 236a_2 may be formed at the center of the first wing 236a_1, and a portion of the first rotary shaft <NUM> may be inserted into and seated in the first shaft insertion hole 236a_2. The first stopper boss 236a_3 may protrude in the x axis direction in a partial area (e.g., an area that is adjacent to one side of the stopper body 236_1) of a surface of the first wing 236a_1 in the x axis direction. The first stopper boss 236a_3 may restrict a rotation range of one side of the first arm part <NUM> (e.g., a surface in the -x axis direction of the first insertion portion) while the first arm part <NUM> is rotated.

The second wing part 236b may include a ring-shaped second wing 236b_1, a second shaft insertion hole 236b_2 that passes through a central portion of the second wing 236b_1 in the x axis direction, and a second stopper boss 236b_3 that restricts a rotational angle of the second arm part <NUM>. Similarly to the first wing 236a_1, one side of the second wing 236b_1 may be connected to one side of the stopper body 236_1, and the second wing 236b_1 may have a ring shape having a specific thickness in the x axis. The second wing 236b_1 may be disposed to be symmetrical to the first wing 236a_1 with respect to the center of the stopper body 236_1. The second shaft insertion hole 236b_2 may be formed at the center of the second wing 236b_1, and a portion of the second rotary shaft <NUM> may be inserted into and seated in the second shaft insertion hole 236b_2. The second shaft insertion hole 236b_2 may be disposed to be symmetrical to the first shaft insertion hole 236a_2 with respect to the center of the stopper body 236_1. The second stopper boss 236b_3 may have a size that is similar to or the same as that of the first stopper boss 236a_3, may protrude in the same direction, for example, in the x axis direction, and may be disposed to be symmetrical to the first stopper boss 236a_3 with respect to the center of the stopper body 236_1. The second stopper boss 236b_3 may restrict a rotation range of one side of the second arm part <NUM> while the second arm part <NUM> is rotated.

The first wing part 236a and the second wing part 236b may be disposed such that sides (e.g., surfaces in the x axis direction) face a fourth direction surface (e.g., a surface in the -x axis direction) of the first insertion portion 221_3 of the first arm part <NUM> and a fourth direction surface (e.g., a surface in the -x axis direction) of the second insertion portion 222_3. A third direction surface (e.g., at least a partial area of the x axis direction) of the stopper body 236_1 may be disposed to face a fourth direction surface (e.g., at least a partial area of the -x axis direction) of a cam body 241_1 of the fixed cam part <NUM>.

The fixed cam part <NUM> (or fixed cam unit, fixed cam portion) may include the cam body 241_1, the first fixed cam 241_1a, the second fixed cam 241_1b, a first cam hole 241_2a, and a second cam hole 241_2b. The cam body 241_1 may have a specific length, and the first fixed cam 241_1a and the second fixed cam 241_1b may be disposed on opposite edges. At least an area of a fourth direction surface (e.g., a surface in the -x axis direction) of the cam body 241_1 may be disposed to face at least one surface of a third direction surface (e.g., a surface in the x axis direction) of the stopper body 236_1. A mountain and a valley of the first fixed cam 241_1a may be disposed in the fourth direction (e.g., the -x axis direction), and the first cam hole 241_2a may be formed at a central portion thereof such that the first rotary shaft <NUM> passes through. The first fixed cam 241_1a may be disposed to be engaged with the first rotary cam 221_4. At least one surface of a third direction surface (e.g., a surface in the x axis direction) of the first fixed cam 241_1a may contact one side of the first elastic body 242a. The second fixed cam 241_1b may be disposed in the same direction as that of that of the first fixed cam 241_1a, and may be spaced apart from the first fixed cam 241_1a by a y axis length of the cam body 241_1. The second fixed cam 241_1b may be disposed to be engaged with the second rotary cam 222_4, and one side of the second elastic body 242b may contact at least an area of a third direction surface (e.g., a surface in the x axis direction) of the second fixed cam 241_1b. The second cam hole 241_2b may be formed at a central portion of the second fixed cam 241_1b such that the second rotary shaft <NUM> passes therethrough. The second cam hole 241_2b may have a shape that is the same as or similar to that of the first cam hole 241_2a. For example, z axis cross-sections of the second cam hole 241_2b and the first cam hole 241_2a may be circular such that the first rotary shaft <NUM> and the second rotary shaft <NUM> are not rotated together while being rotated. According to an embodiment, the fixed cam part <NUM> may retreat in the third direction (e.g., the x axis direction) by forces exerted by the first rotary cam 221_4 and the second rotary cam 222_4 while the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> are rotated within a specific angle range, and may move in the fourth direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) by elasticity of the first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b and return (e.g., linearly move in the x axis direction) to an original location when the mountains and the valleys of the cams are engaged with each other.

The first elastic body 242a may be a shape having a hollow central portion. The first shaft body 231_1 of the first rotary shaft <NUM> that passes through the first fixed cam 241_1a may be seated at a central portion of the first elastic body 242a. The first elastic body 242a and the second elastic body 242b may be disposed between the fixed cam part <NUM> and the support bracket <NUM>, and may function to push the fixed cam part <NUM> in the fourth direction (e.g., the -x axis direction) as the support bracket <NUM> is fixed. The second elastic body 242b may be disposed to be spaced apart from the first elastic body 242a by a specific interval, and may be disposed to contact a third direction surface (e.g., the x axis direction surface) of the second fixed cam 241_1b.

According to an embodiment, an additional structure <NUM> is disposed between an area (e.g., an area of the stopper <NUM> in the x axis direction, and an area on an opposite side of the stopper body 236_1) of the stopper <NUM> and the fixed cam part <NUM>. The additional structure <NUM>, for example, may have a shape that is the same as or similar to the shape of an area of the stopper body 236_1 (e.g., a shape of a surface of an area of the stopper body 236_1 extending in the x axis direction or facing the x axis direction). Furthermore, the additional structure <NUM> has a shape corresponding to an area of a surface of the cam body 241_1 of the fixed cam part <NUM>, which faces the stopper <NUM> (e.g., at least an area of a surface of the cam body 241_1 facing the -x axis). Because the additional structure <NUM> is disposed between the stopper <NUM> and the fixed cam part <NUM>, pressures of the elastic bodies 242a and 242b applied between the first rotary cam 221_4 of the first arm part <NUM> and the first fixed cam 241_1a and between the second rotary cam 222_4 of the second arm part <NUM> and the second fixed cam 241_1b may become <NUM> (e.g., in a state in which the first rotary cam 221_4 and the first fixed cam 241_1a do not contact each other) or a value that converges to <NUM> (e.g., in a state in which the first rotary cam 221_4 and the first fixed cam 241_1a slightly contact each other such that pressure that is lower than the pressure that would be applied by the elastic bodies 242a and 242b otherwise) when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in a specific state (e.g., the closed state). In this regard, the additional structure <NUM> may be made of a material that may maintain a specific interval between the stopper <NUM> and the fixed cam part <NUM>, for example, a material having a strength (or hardness), by which an external shape thereof is not deformed by pressing forces of the elastic bodies 242a and 242b. For example, the additional structure <NUM> may be made of plastic, wood, or metallic material having sufficient hardness. Furthermore, the additional structure <NUM> may be made of a material, by which pressing forces of the elastic bodies 242a and 242b may be reduced even when an external shape thereof is deformed. For example, the additional structure <NUM> may be made of a polymer material that returns to an original shape, paper material, rubber material, cotton flannel material, or metallic material (e.g., a leaf spring) having an elastic force. The additional structure <NUM> removes at least a portion of a pressure applied between the rotary cams 221_4 and 222_4 and the fixed cams 241_1a and 241_2b when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the closed state, and thus may cause the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> connected to the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> to be more easily rotated. Accordingly, a user may widen a gap between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> at a specific angle by applying only a force that is strong enough to release a magnetic force of the magnet member <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>. In this way, in certain embodiments disclosed herein, the user may open the foldable electronic device <NUM> from the closed state with one hand or release the closed state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> by using a relatively low force.

The support bracket <NUM> may include a support portion 243_1, a first support bracket hole 243_2a, and the second support bracket hole 243_2b. The support portion 243_1 may include a through-hole 243_1a that passes therethrough upwards and downwards (e.g., the -z axis direction at one z axis point). The through-hole 243_1a may be used to fix the support bracket <NUM> to the hinge housing <NUM>. The first support bracket hole 243_2a may be disposed to protrude from one side of the support portion 243_1, and may support one side of the first elastic body 242a. Furthermore, one end of the first rotary shaft <NUM> may be inserted into the first support bracket hole 243_2a. The second support bracket hole 243_2b may be disposed at a location that is spaced apart from the first support bracket hole 243_2a by a specific distance, may be disposed to protrude from one side of the support portion 243_1, and may support one side of the second elastic body 242b. Furthermore, one end of the second rotary shaft <NUM> may be inserted into the second support bracket hole 243_2b.

The first idle gear <NUM> may be disposed between the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second shaft gear 232_2, and one side thereof may be geared with the first shaft gear 231_2 and an opposite side thereof may be geared with the second idle gear <NUM>. The first idle gear <NUM> may include a boss inserted into the guide hole formed in the support plate <NUM>, and a boss fixed to a fourth direction surface (e.g., a surface in the -x direction) of the stopper <NUM>.

The second idle gear <NUM> may be disposed between the first shaft gear 231_2 and the second shaft gear 232_2, and one side thereof may be geared with the first idle gear <NUM> and an opposite side thereof may be geared with the second shaft gear 232_2. The second idle gear <NUM> may have substantially the same shape and size as those of the first idle gear <NUM>. Accordingly, the second idle gear <NUM> may include a boss inserted into the guide hole formed in the support plate <NUM>, and a boss fixed to a fourth direction surface (e.g., a surface in the -x direction) of the stopper <NUM>. In this regard, recesses or holes for holding the boss of the first idle gear <NUM> and the boss of the second idle gear <NUM> may be formed on a fourth direction surface (e.g., a surface in the -x axis direction) of the stopper <NUM>.

The support plate <NUM> may be disposed between the fixing bracket <NUM> and the rotary shafts <NUM> and <NUM>, and may be disposed to prevent separation of the rotary shafts <NUM> and <NUM> and the idle gears <NUM> and <NUM>. In this regard, the support plate <NUM> may include a plurality of guide holes. For example, the support plate <NUM> may include a guide hole, through which the first seating part 231_3 of the first rotary shaft <NUM> passes, a guide hole, through which the second seating part 232_3 of the second rotary shaft <NUM> passes, and guide holes (or guide grooves), in which the boss of the first idle gear <NUM> and the bosses of the second idle gear <NUM> are seated.

The plurality of fixing clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, and 249_2 may be disposed such that at least one component included in the first hinge structure 200a may rotate while other components may be fixed so that they do not deviate from their locations. The plurality of fixing clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, and 249_2, for example, may include an E clip or a C clip. The plurality of fixing clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 249_1, and 249_2, for example, may include the first fixing clip 291_1 for fixing the first fixing part <NUM> to a third direction surface (e.g., a surface in the x axis direction) of the first connector 221_2, the second fixing clip 291_2 for fixing the second fixing part <NUM> to a third direction surface (e.g., a surface in the x axis direction) of the second connector 222_2, the third fixing clip 292_1 coupled to the first seating part 231_3 of the first rotary shaft <NUM> such that the first seating part 231_3 does not deviate from the support plate <NUM>, the fourth fixing clip 292_2 coupled to the second seating part 232_3 of the second rotary shaft <NUM> such that the second seating part 232_3 does not deviate from the support plate <NUM>, the a fifth fixing clip 249_1 coupled to an end of the first rotary shaft <NUM> such that the first rotary shaft <NUM> does not deviate from the first support bracket hole 243_2a of the support bracket <NUM>, and the sixth fixing clip 249_2 coupled to an end of the second rotary shaft <NUM> such that the second rotary shaft <NUM> does not deviate from the second support bracket hole 243_2b of the support bracket <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of shapes and disposition forms of a rotary cam and a fixed cam according to an embodiment. The rotary cam illustrated in <FIG> may correspond to the second rotary cam 222_4 illustrated in <FIG>, and the fixed cam may correspond to the second fixed cam 241_1b illustrated in <FIG>. The following description will be made with reference to the second rotary cam 222_4 and the second fixed cam 241_1b, but the same structure may be applied to the first rotary cam 221_4 and the first fixed cam 241_1a. In the following description, at least portions of the mountains and valleys of the rotary cam and the fixed cam may be symmetrical to each other. In the following description, according to the disposition state of the foldable electronic device <NUM>, disposition of the rotary cam and the fixed cam will be described with reference to some mountains and valleys shown through the drawings.

Referring to <FIG>, referring to state <NUM> to state <NUM>, the second rotary cam 222_4 may include at least a first mountain Ma, and a first valley V1a and a second valley V2a disposed on opposite sides of the first mountain Ma. Additionally, the second rotary cam 222_4 may further include two or more mountains and one or more valleys. The second fixed cam 241_1b may include at least one second mountain Mb, and a third valley V1b and a fourth valley V2b disposed on opposite sides of the second mountain Mb. Additionally, the second fixed cam 241_1b may further include two or more mountains and one or more valleys.

Referring to state <NUM>, the first mountain Ma may include a first inclined surface M1a of a specific size, which extends from one side (e.g., a y axis end) of the first valley V1a and has a first inclination that is larger than <NUM> in the x axis direction on the xy axis plane (or when viewed in the z axis direction on the xy axis plane), a second inclined surface M2a of a specific size, which extends from an end (e.g., a y axis end) of one side of the first inclined surface M1a and has an inclination of <NUM> (or an inclination that is smaller than the first inclination), and a third inclined surface M3a of a specific size, which extends from an end (e.g., a y axis end) of one side of the second inclined surface M2a to an end (e.g., a -y axis end) of one side of the second valley V2a and has a third inclination. According to an embodiment, the first inclination may be larger than the third inclination. The second inclination may be smaller than the third inclination. The length of the first inclined surface M1a may be smaller than the length of the third inclined surface M3a.

The second mountain Mb may include a fourth inclined surface M1b of a specific size, which extends from one side (e.g., a y axis end) of the third valley V1b and has a fourth inclination that is larger than <NUM> in the -x axis direction on the xy axis plane(or when viewed in the z axis direction on the xy axis plane), a fifth inclined surface M2b of a specific size, which extends from an end (e.g., a y axis end) of one side of the fourth inclined surface M1b and has an inclination of <NUM> (or an inclination that is smaller than the fourth inclination), and a sixth inclined surface M3b of a specific size, which extends from an end (e.g., a y axis end) of one side of the fifth inclined surface M2b to an end (e.g., a -y axis end) of one side of the fourth valley V2b and has a sixth inclination. According to an embodiment, the fourth inclination may be smaller than the sixth inclination (for example, the fourth inclined surface M1b may have an inclination that is smoother than the sixth inclined surface M3b). The fifth inclination may be smaller than the fourth inclination. The length of the fourth inclined surface M1b may be smaller than the length of the sixth inclined surface M3b. According to various embodiments, the fourth inclined surface M1b may have a size and an inclination corresponding to those of the first inclined surface M1a. The sixth inclined surface M3b may have a size and an inclination corresponding to those of the first inclined surface M1a. The third inclined surface M3a may have a size and an inclination corresponding to those of the fifth inclined surface M2b.

As in state <NUM>, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the closed state, the first mountain Ma of the second rotary cam 222_4 may be disposed to face a specific area of the third valley V1b of the second fixed cam 241_1b, and the first valley V1a of the second rotary cam 222_4 may be disposed to face a specific area of the second mountain Mb of the second fixed cam 241_1b. According to an embodiment, the first mountain Ma of the second rotary cam 222_4 and the second mountain Mb of the second fixed cam 241_1b, as illustrated, may be spaced apart from each other by an offset section (or distance). The offset section, for example, may be implemented by the additional structure <NUM> so that the first mountain Ma and the third valley V1b (or the second mountain Mb and the second valley V2a) do not contact each other. In relation to the offset section, while the foldable electronic device <NUM> is opened by a specific angle from the closed state (for example, an interval between the first mountain Ma and the second mountain Mb is reduced as the arm part is rotated), the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be in a state, in which the pressing of the elastic bodies 242a and 242b is reduced or reduced. When the pressing by the elastic bodies 242a and 242b disappears or is reduced, the user may release the closed state with a force (e.g., a force that is strong enough to release an attractive force by the magnet member <NUM> formed on one side of the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>) while the foldable electronic device <NUM> is opened by a specific angle in the closed state. Furthermore, the user may release the closed state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> by using only the force that is the difference between the force applied to change the folded state of the display <NUM> to the unfolded state and the attractive force by the magnet member <NUM>.

When the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> are rotated in correspondence to rotation of the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> and the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> are rotated in correspondence, as in state <NUM>, the third inclined surface M3a of the first mountain Ma and the fourth inclined surface M1b of the second mountain Mb may contact each other. As the third inclined surface M3a and the fourth inclined surface M1b, which have relatively smooth inclinations as compared with the first inclined surface M1a or the sixth inclined surface M3b, contact each other, a specific holding state section (e.g., a free-stop, a section, in which a current holding state is maintained even though an additional pressure is not applied) may be reached from the closed state by applying a relatively low force. As described above, even though a torque is generated in a counterclockwise direction of the second rotary cam 222_4 with respect to the -x axis as the third inclined surface M3a and the fourth inclined surface M1b contact each other while the pressing by the elastic bodies 242a and 242b are made in the -x axis, the third inclined surface M3a and the fourth inclined surface M1b are relatively smooth, and thus the user may change the state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> from the closed state to the unfolded state (or the unfolding angle may become larger) with a relatively lower force as compared with the state, in which the first inclined surface M1a and the sixth inclined surface M3b contact each other.

After state <NUM>, when an additional force is applied in a direction, in which the foldable electronic device <NUM> is opened, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be in a fully unfolded state (e.g., a state, in which the display <NUM> forms <NUM> degrees or an angle that is close thereto). When the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in state <NUM> that is the fully unfolded state, the first inclined surface M1a of the first mountain Ma and the sixth inclined surface M3b of the second mountain Mb may contact each other. Then, the pressing by the elastic members 242a and 242b is made in the -x axis direction, a torque of the second rotary cam 222_4 due to a contact of the first inclined surface M1a and a sixth inclined surface M3b may be applied in a clockwise direction. Then, as the first inclined surface M1a and the sixth inclined surface M3b contact each other while having a relatively large inclination, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may maintain the fully unfolded state more firmly. When the state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> is changed from the fully unfolded state to a holding state (e.g., a free-stop state) of a specific angle (or the foldable electronic device <NUM> is folded), the second rotary cam 222_4 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a disposition state of a portion of a hinge structure in a closed state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include at least the first arm part <NUM>, the second arm part <NUM>, the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the stopper <NUM>. Additionally, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include the elastic bodies 242a and 242b, and the elastic bodies 242a and 242b may provide an elastic force in the -x axis direction. Accordingly, as in state <NUM>, the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the first rotary cam 221_4 of the first arm part <NUM> and the second rotary cam 222_4 of the second arm part <NUM> may face each other. When the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the closed state, the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> are disposed to be parallel to each other in the z axis direction, or an angle between the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> may become a specific angle or less.

As in state <NUM>, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the closed state, the cam body 241_1 of the fixed cam part <NUM> and the additional structure <NUM> may contact each other. When the cam body 241_1 contacts the additional structure <NUM>, the elastic force applied to the fixed cam part <NUM> may be delivered to the additional structure <NUM> through the cam body 241_1. Accordingly, because the first rotary cam 221_4 and the first fixed cam 241_1a and the second rotary cam 222_4 and the second fixed cam 241_1b are in a noncontact state or a portion of the pressure applied by the elastic force is delivered to the additional structure <NUM> even when they contact each other, only the remaining portions of the pressure applied to the elastic force may be delivered.

According to an embodiment, even when the elastic forces of the elastic bodies 242a and 242b are delivered in the x axis direction as in state <NUM>, the additional structure <NUM> of the stopper <NUM> supports the cam body 241_1, whereby a specific gap (e.g., an offset gap) may be formed between the second rotary cam 222_4 and the second fixed cam 241_1b. Similarly, a specific gap may be also formed between the first rotary cam 221_4 and the first fixed cam 241_1a like the gap between the second rotary cam 222_4 and the second fixed cam 241_1b. Because the second rotary cam 222_4 and the second fixed cam 241_1b are in a noncontact state while the second arm part <NUM> is rotated by a specific angle in a counterclockwise direction from the closed state with respect to the x axis (or the first rotary cam 221_4 and the first fixed cam 241_1a are in a noncontact state while the first arm part <NUM> is rotated by a specific angle in a clockwise direction), the closed state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be released by the user in the state where the pressure by the elastic bodies 242a and 242b is released.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a disposition state of a portion of a hinge structure in a first angle unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include at least the first arm part <NUM>, the second arm part <NUM>, the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the stopper <NUM>. Additionally, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include the elastic bodies 242a and 242b, and the elastic bodies 242a and 242b may provide an elastic force in the -x axis direction. Accordingly, as in state <NUM>, the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the first rotary cam 221_4 of the first arm part <NUM> and the second rotary cam 222_4 of the second arm part <NUM> may face each other. When the foldable electronic device <NUM> is unfolded at a first angle after the closed state, an angle between the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> may be larger than an angle between the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to state <NUM> and state <NUM>, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is unfolded at a specific angle or more from the closed state, the cam body 241_1 of the fixed cam part <NUM> and the additional structure <NUM> may be in a noncontact state. Furthermore, pressures of the elastic bodies 242a and 242b delivered to the additional structure <NUM> through the cam body 241_1 may be lower than those in the closed state. The second rotary cam 222_4 may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the -x axis, and the second fixed cam 241_1b may be in a fixed state. Correspondingly, a portion of the mountain Ma of the second rotary cam 222_4 and a portion of the mountain Mb of the second fixed cam 241_1b may contact each other. According to an embodiment, an inclined surface of the mountain Ma of the first rotary cam 221_4, which has a relatively smooth inclination, may contact an inclination of the mountain Mb of the first fixed cam 241_1a, which has a relatively smooth inclination. In the same way, a portion of the mountain of the first rotary cam 221_4 and a portion of the mountain of the first fixed cam 241_1a may contact each other. As an inclined surface of the mountain Ma of the second rotary cam 222_4 and an inclined surface of the mountain Mb of the second fixed cam 241_1b contact each other, the elastic forces applied to the elastic bodies 242a and 242b may be applied to the contact surfaces (the contact surfaces of the first rotary cam 221_4 and the first fixed cam 241_1a) of the second rotary cam 222_4 and the second fixed cam 241_1b.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a disposition state of a portion of a hinge structure in a second angle unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include at least the first arm part <NUM>, the second arm part <NUM>, the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the stopper <NUM>. Additionally, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include the elastic bodies 242a and 242b, and the elastic bodies 242a and 242b may provide an elastic force in the -x axis direction. Accordingly, as in state <NUM>, the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the first rotary cam 221_4 of the first arm part <NUM> and the second rotary cam 222_4 of the second arm part <NUM> may face each other. When the foldable electronic device <NUM> is unfolded by an angle that is larger than the angle between the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> described in <FIG>, a second angle between the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> may be larger than the first angle in <FIG>.

As in state <NUM> and state <NUM>, when the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> are in an unfolded state of the second angle, a gap gap1 between the cam body 241_1 of the fixed cam part <NUM> and the additional structure <NUM> may be larger than that in <FIG>. Furthermore, the gap gap1 between the cam body 241_1 and the additional structure <NUM> may be a maximum size that is allowed in the hinge structure. In this operation, a portion of an apex of the mountain Ma of the second rotary cam 222_4 and a portion of an apex of the mountain Mb of the second fixed cam 241_1b may be in a contact state. In a state, in which the gap gap1 is maximum or in a state, in which the apex of the mountain Ma and the apex of the mountain Mb contact each other, pressing or compacting of the elastic bodies 242a and 242b may be at a maximum. When the apex of the mountain Ma and the apex of the mountain Mb maintain contact while the second rotary cam 222_4 is rotated about the -x axis, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may maintain a holding state (e.g., a free stop) in a specific range of the current state even when there is no additional pressure.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a disposition state of a portion of a hinge structure in a fully unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include at least the first arm part <NUM>, the second arm part <NUM>, the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the stopper <NUM>. Additionally, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include the elastic bodies 242a and 242b, and the elastic bodies 242a and 242b may provide an elastic force in the -x axis direction. Accordingly, as in state <NUM>, the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the first rotary cam 221_4 of the first arm part <NUM> and the second rotary cam 222_4 of the second arm part <NUM> may face each other. The foldable electronic device <NUM> may be in a fully unfolded state as the angle between the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> is <NUM> degrees or an angle (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> degrees) that is close to <NUM> degrees.

As in state <NUM> and state <NUM>, when the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> are in a fully unfolded state, the cam body 241_1 of the fixed cam part <NUM> and the additional structure <NUM> may be a near contact state. Furthermore, even when a gap between the cam body 241_1 of the fixed cam part <NUM> and the additional structure <NUM> is formed, a gap that is smaller than the gap gap1 in the second angle state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be formed. In the above-described structure, the first stopper boss 236a_3 and the second stopper boss 236b_3 formed in the stopper <NUM> may support the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> to prevent further rotation in the -z axis direction (e.g., the clockwise direction for the first arm part <NUM> and the counterclockwise direction for the second arm part <NUM>).

In the fully unfolded state, another inclined surface (an inclined surface having a relatively large inclination) of the mountain Ma of the second rotary cam 222_4 and another inclined surface (an inclined surface having a relatively large inclination) of the mountain Mb of the second fixed cam 241_1b may be in contact, as shown in <NUM>. Accordingly, a torque of the second rotary cam 222_4 may be applied in the counterclockwise direction (e.g., a direction, in which the display <NUM> or the foldable electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded). Similarly, a torque of the first rotary cam 221_4 may be applied in the clockwise direction (e.g., a direction, in which the display <NUM> or the foldable electronic device <NUM> is fully unfolded). Accordingly, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may maintain the fully unfolded state more firmly.

<FIG> is a view illustrating examples of various forms of an additional structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the stopper <NUM> according to the embodiment may include the stopper body 236_1, the stopper fixing hole 236_1a, the first wing part 236a, and the second wing part 236b. At least a portion of a cross-section of the stopper body 236_1 in one direction, as described above, may have a T shape. One side of the stopper body 236_1 may be disposed between the first wing part 236a and the second wing part 236b. An opposite side of the stopper body 236_1 may extend from one side of the stopper body 236_1 in the x axis direction. An opposite side of the stopper body 236_1 may include a first support portion 236_1b1 and the second support portion 236_1b2 that extend from the z axis in the -z axis direction, the first recess 236_1b3 (or a hole) formed between the first support portion 236_1b1 and the second support portion 236_1b2, the second recess 236_1b4 formed between one side of the stopper body 236_1 and the first support portion 236_1b1, and the third recess 236_1b5 formed between one side of the stopper body 236_1 and the second support portion 236_1b2.

Referring to state <NUM> and state <NUM>, a first additional structure <NUM> may have a specific thickness in the x axis, a surface of the first additional structure <NUM>, which faces the x axis or the - x axis, may be flat, and a width of the first additional structure <NUM> from the z axis to the -z axis may be different according to a location thereof. For example, the width of the first additional structure <NUM> becomes gradually smaller as it goes from the -z axis to the z axis. At least a portion of the above-described shape of the first additional structure <NUM> may include a shape corresponding to a surface of the stopper body 236_1 which faces the x axis. The first additional structure <NUM>, for example, may be made of plastic having a specific strength.

Referring to state <NUM> and state <NUM>, a second additional structure <NUM> may include a support body 262a having a specific thickness in the x axis direction, and of which a surface facing the x axis or the -x axis is flat, and a coupling boss 262b protruding from one side of the support body 262a in the -x axis direction. Although it is illustrated that a thickness of the support body 262a of the second additional structure <NUM> may be larger than a thickness of the first additional structure <NUM> in state of <NUM>, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. A thickness of the support body 262a may vary in correspondence to rotational angles of the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM>, by which the pressures applied to the elastic bodies 242a and 242b are prevented from being applied. At least a portion of the coupling boss 262b may be held in the first recess 236_1b3 of the stopper body 236_1. Because the above-described coupling boss 262b of the second additional structure <NUM> is inserted into the first recess 236_1b3 of the stopper body 236_1, movement of the second additional structure <NUM> may be prevented more effectively while the second additional structure <NUM> and the cam body 241_1 of the fixed cam part <NUM> are in a contact or noncontact state. According to an embodiment, a bonding member may be further disposed between the above-described second additional structure <NUM> and the stopper body 236_1.

Referring to state <NUM> and state <NUM>, similarly to the second additional structure described in state <NUM>, a third additional structure <NUM> may include a support body 263a and a coupling boss 263b. The support body 263a may include a first support body 263_1 having a surface facing the x axis or the -x axis that is flat, contacting the stopper body 236_1, and a second support body 263_2 disposed in parallel to the first support body 263_1 and contacting the cam body 241_1. The first support body 263_1 and the second support body 263_2 have the same size. Furthermore, the first support body 263_1 and the second support body 263_2 have different materials or different sizes. The first support body 263_1 may be bonded to the stopper body 236_1 more firmly, and may be made of a material (e.g., plastic) that may support the cam body 241_1. The second support body 263_2 may be made of a material (e.g., at least one of cotton flannel, leather, sponge, and an adhesive material as a material having a specific elasticity) that may reduce noise that may be generated by the contact with the cam body 241_1. According to an embodiment, at least one of a bonding member, a bonding layer, or a bonding tape may be disposed between the first support body 263_1 and the stopper body 236_1 or between the first support body 263_1 and the second support body 263_2. Furthermore, the first support body 263_1 and the second support body 263_2 may be bonded to each other through thermal curing, and a bonding layer may be formed between the first support body 263_1 and the stopper body 236_1. According to formed, the third additional structure <NUM> may include the first support body 263_1 of a first material, from which the coupling boss may be removed, and the second support body 263_2 of a second material that is different from the first material.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of another form of an additional structure according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, referring to state <NUM> and state <NUM>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include at least the stopper <NUM>, the first arm part <NUM>, the second arm part <NUM>, and the fixed cam part <NUM>, in which a fourth additional structure 241_6 is formed. The stopper <NUM> may have the same structure and size as those of the stopper <NUM> described above in <FIG>, except for the part in which the additional structure is disposed. The first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> may have the same structure and shape as those of the first arm part and the second arm part described above in <FIG>. The fixed cam part <NUM> may have the same structure as that of the fixed cam part <NUM> described above in <FIG>, except for the fourth additional structure 241_6. For example, the fixed cam part <NUM> may include the first fixed cam 241_1a, the second fixed cam 241_1b, and the cam body 241_1. The cam body 241_1 may be disposed between the first fixed cam 241_1a and the second fixed cam 241_1b.

The fourth additional structure 241_6 may be disposed on one side of the cam body 241_1. For example, the fourth additional structure 241_6 may be disposed on a surface of the cam body 241_1, which faces the -x axis. The fourth additional structure 241_6 may be disposed between the cam body 241_1 and the stopper <NUM>. The fourth additional structure 241_6 may have a thickness corresponding to a thickness of the additional structure described above in <FIG>. The fourth additional structure 241_6 may be integrally formed with the cam body 241_1. Furthermore, after the fourth additional structure 241_6 is formed of a separate structure, it may be coupled to one side of the cam body 241_1 by using a coupling member or a bonding member. At least a portion of the fourth additional structure 241_6 may be made of the same material as that of the cam body 241_1. Furthermore, at least a portion of the fourth additional structure 241_6 may be formed through plastic injection-molding.

Referring to <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to the embodiment may include at least the first hinge structure 200a and the hinge housing <NUM>. Additionally, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may further include at least a second hinge structure having the same structure as that of the first hinge structure 200a. The first hinge structure 200a may have the same structure as that of the hinge structure described above in <FIG>, except for the structure in which the additional structure is disposed.

As in state <NUM> and state <NUM>, a fifth additional structure <NUM> may protrude from a bottom surface of an inside of the hinge housing <NUM> in the z axis direction by a specific height. The fifth additional structure <NUM> may be integrally formed with the hinge housing <NUM> to be fixed to the bottom surface of the inside of the hinge housing <NUM>. The width of the fifth additional structure <NUM> in the x axis direction may be larger than the width thereof in the y axis direction. According to an embodiment, the fifth additional structure <NUM> may have a structure that is similar to at least a portion of the additional structure described above in <FIG>. The fifth additional structure <NUM> may be disposed between the stopper <NUM> and the fixed cam part <NUM> (e.g., the cam body) when the first hinge structure 200a is seated in the hinge housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a bonding member may be further disposed between the fifth additional structure <NUM> and the stopper body 236_1.

According to an embodiment, the fifth additional structure <NUM> may include at least one boss that protrudes in the -x axis direction. The at least one boss formed in the fifth additional structure <NUM> may be coupled to at least one recess (e.g., the recess or the hole formed in the stopper body 236_1) formed in the stopper <NUM>. Furthermore, the fifth additional structure <NUM> may include at least one recess or hole, and at least one boss may be disposed in the stopper body 236_1. Accordingly, the at least one boss formed in the stopper body 236_1 may be coupled to the recess (or hole) formed in the fifth additional structure <NUM>, and may prevent movement of the fifth additional structure <NUM>.

Meanwhile, although an area of the hinge housing <NUM> in which the fifth additional structure <NUM> is disposed, is illustrated in the illustrated drawings, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the same structure as the fifth additional structure <NUM> may be disposed also in an area of the hinge housing <NUM>, in which the second hinge structure is seated, and thus may be disposed between the stopper of the second hinge structure and the fixed cam part in correspondence to the seating of the second hinge structure.

According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may employ at least one of the above-described structures described in <FIG>. For example, as described in <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of the additional structures <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> disposed in the stopper <NUM>, the fourth additional structure 241_6 disposed in the fixed cam part <NUM>, and the fifth additional structure <NUM> disposed in the hinge housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a change in torque according to an operation of a cam of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to the embodiment may provide a section, in which a hinge force is <NUM>, as torque values of the elastic bodies 242a and 242b are <NUM> while the foldable electronic device <NUM> is unfolded to a specific angle (e.g., an angle between the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> is about <NUM> degrees) from the closed state. The closed state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be maintained by the magnet member <NUM> described above in <FIG>.

When an angle between the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> increases to about <NUM> degrees or more, the torque gradually increases, and between about <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be in a holding state (e.g., a free-stop, a state in which the current state is maintained when an additional pressure is not applied).

When an additional pressure is applied in a direction, in which the foldable electronic device <NUM> is unfolded in the holding state of <NUM> degrees, the torque may increase between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. At <NUM> degrees, the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> may be supported by the first stopper boss 236a_3 and the second stopper boss 236b_3 to be fixed such that an additional rotation is not made.

<FIG> is a view illustrating another example of a shape of a cam according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a cam (e.g., a rotary cam or a fixed cam) and a contact state of some mountains of a cam structure (e.g., a fixed cam or a rotary cam). A cam 2400a according to an embodiment may be applied to at least one of the cam or the cam structure described above in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cam 2400a (or the cam structure) according to the embodiment may include a cam support portion B0, a plurality of mountains M1, M2, and M3, and a plurality of valleys V1 and V2. Although the illustrated drawings suggest the cam 2400a including three mountains M1, M2, and M3 and three valleys V1 and V2 (a valley covered by the first mountain M1 is not illustrated), the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the cam 2400a may have a structure including two or more cams and valleys. All of the plurality of mountains M1, M2, and M3 may have the same structure. Furthermore, a mountain of at least one of the plurality of mountains M1, M2, and M3 may have formed that are different from those of the other mountains. For example, as illustrated, at least one mountain may have a structure, in which a second part P2 corresponding to the center of the mountain has a specific inclination angle (an inclination angle that is larger than <NUM>, for example, around about <NUM> degrees), and at least one of the remaining mountains may have a structure, in which a central portion of the mountain is flat.

According to an embodiment, at least one mountain of the plurality of mountains M1, M2, and M3, for example, the first mountain M1, as illustrated, may include a first part P1 having a first inclination angle as <NUM>, the second part P2 having a second inclination angle as2, and a third part P3 having a third inclination angle as3. One side (e.g., a -y axis end) of the first part P1 is connected to one side (e.g., a y axis end) of the first valley V1, and an opposite side (e.g., a y axis end) of the first part P1 may be connected to one side (e.g., a -y axis end) of the second part P2. The first part P1, for example, may have a ridge line having the first inclination angle as1 with respect to the y axis. The first inclination angle as1 may include an acute angle that is smaller than <NUM> degrees from the -y axis to the y axis direction.

One side (e.g., a -y axis end) of the second part P2 is connected to an opposite side (e.g., a y axis end) of the first part P1, and an opposite side (e.g., a y axis end) of the second part P2 may be connected to one side (e.g., a -y axis end) of the third part P3. The second part P2 may be disposed to protrude further than the first part P1 and the third part P3 in the x axis direction. A border area of the first part P1 and the second part P2 may be rounded at a specific first curvature R1. The second part P2 may have the second inclination angle as2 with respect to the y axis. The second inclination angle as2 may include an acute angle that is smaller than <NUM> degrees from the -y axis in the y axis direction, and an absolute value of the second inclination angle as2 may be smaller than an absolute value of the first inclination angle as1.

One side (e.g., a -y axis end) of the third part P3 may be connected to an opposite side (e.g., a y axis end) of the second part P2, and an opposite side (e.g., a y axis end) of the third part P3 may be connected to one side (e.g., a -y axis end) of the second valley V2. The third part P3 may be formed to have a specific inclination that is inclined from the second part P2 in the y axis direction. A border area of the second part P2 and the third part P3 may be rounded at a specific second curvature R2. The second curvature R2 may have a value that is smaller than the first curvature R1 (e.g., the first curvature R1 is smoother than the second curvature R2). The third part P3 may have a third inclination angle as3 with respect to the -y axis. The third inclination angle as3 may include an acute angle that is smaller than <NUM> degrees from the -y axis in the y axis direction, and an absolute value of the third inclination angle as3 may be smaller than an absolute value of the second inclination angle as2. According to certain embodiments, an absolute value of the third inclination angle as3 may be the same as or larger than the absolute value of the first inclination angle as1.

Referring to <FIG>, the cam shape described in <FIG> may be applied to the at least one cam or the at least one cam structure described above in <FIG>. For example, in the illustrated drawings, a protrusion of the cam 2400a may be disposed to protrude in the -x axis direction, and a protrusion of a cam structure 2400b may be disposed to protrude in the x axis direction. Furthermore, a convex-concave part of the cam 2400a and a convex-concave part of the cam structure 2400b may be disposed to face each other. At least a portion of a second part 2400a_P2 of the cam 2400a and at least a portion of a second part 2400b_P2 of the cam structure 2400b, as illustrated, may contact each other in a free-stop section (a section, in which the electronic device is held at a specific angle range due to the friction of the cam 2400a and the cam structure 2400b) of the electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, when the electronic device is in a free-stop state, a repulsive force for restoring the display (the display <NUM> of <FIG>) to the unfolding state (the state of <FIG>) may be shown.

According to an embodiment, the cam 2400a may be pushed in the y axis direction by a restoring force of the display (e.g., a repulsive force of the display is applied in the counter clockwise direction), and the cam structure 2400b may be pushed in the -y axis direction by a restoring force of the display (e.g., a repulsive force of the display is applied in the clockwise direction). In this process, because the second part 2400a_P2 of the cam 2400a and the second part 2400b_P2 of the cam structure 2400b contact each other while having the above-described second inclination angle as2, the cam 2400a and the cam structure 2400b of the disclosure may restrain pushing in the free-stop state (e.g., maintaining 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>), which may occur regardless of an intention of the user by offsetting at least a portion of the repulsive force (or the restoring force) generated in the unfolding direction of the display. According to an embodiment, as described above in <FIG>, the electronic device may be in a holding state (or a free-stop state) of a specific angle. In this case, the electronic device, as illustrated, may be disposed such that the cam 2400a and the cam structure 2400b are engaged with each other, and may offset a force, by which the repulsive force or the restoring force is applied in the unfolded state. Although <FIG> exemplifies a structure, in which apex portions of the mountains of both of the cam 2400a and the cam structure 2400b have the second inclination angle as2, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the second part P2 having the second inclination angle as2 may be formed in any one of the cam 2400a or the cam structure 2400b.

Meanwhile, although <FIG> is illustrated with respect to a direction, in which the cam 2400a is rotated from the -y axis (or the left side) in the y axis (or rightward) direction, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, according to a design layout of the electronic device, a direction, in which the cam 2400a is rotated from the y axis in the -y axis direction, may be a direction, in which the display is operated in the unfolded state, from the closed state. Furthermore, in the illustrated description, the structure, in which the cam 2400a is rotated in the y axis direction and the cam 2400b is rotated in the -y axis direction, has been described, but as described above, the cam disposed in the cam member may not be rotated but may be linearly moved. Accordingly, any one of the cam 2400a or the cam 2400b may be fixed, and the other may be rotated in the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction. In this case, an inclined surface, in which an inclination increases in a rotational direction that is opposite to a direction, in which the flexible display is to be unfolded, may be formed in the corresponding cams 2400a and 2400b.

According to an embodiment, the additional structure may adjust a gap or a contact state between the fixing cam part and the first rotary cam or between the fixed cam part and the second rotary cam in the closed state of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the hinge structure may further include a bonding member disposed between the stopper and the additional structure.

According to an embodiment, the stopper may include a stopper body protruding toward the fixed cam part, and at least one hole formed in the stopper body, and the additional structure may further include at least one support body of a specific thickness disposed between the stopper and the fixed cam part, and a coupling boss disposed from one side of the support body toward the recess, and inserted into the recess.

According to an embodiment, the additional structure may be integrally formed with the fixed cam part, and is configured to extend from one surface of the fixed cam part to protrude toward the stopper.

Each of the elements (e.g., a module or a program) according to various embodiments may include a single or a plurality of entities, and some of the corresponding sub-elements may be omitted or another sub-element may be further included in various embodiments.

Claim 1:
A foldable electronic device comprising:
a flexible display (<NUM>);
a first housing (<NUM>) and a second housing (<NUM>);
a hinge housing (<NUM>); and
a hinge structure (200a), at least a portion of which is seated in the hinge housing,
wherein the hinge structure includes:
a first rotary member (<NUM>) coupled to the first housing;
a second rotary member (<NUM>) coupled to the second housing;
a first arm part (<NUM>) coupled to the first rotary member and including a first rotary cam;
a second arm part (<NUM>) coupled to the second rotary member and including a second rotary cam;
a fixed cam part (<NUM>) including a first fixed cam engaged with the first rotary cam, a second fixed cam engaged with the second rotary cam, and a cam body connecting the first fixed cam and the second fixed cam;
a stopper (<NUM>) configured to restrict rotational angles of the first arm part and the second arm part; and
characterized in that the hinge structure further includes:
an additional structure (<NUM>) disposed between the stopper (<NUM>) and the fixed cam part (<NUM>), having a shape corresponding to at least an area of a surface of the cam body which faces the stopper (<NUM>), and having a specific thickness such as to remove at least a portion of a pressure applied between the first rotary cam of the first arm part and the first fixed cam and between the second rotary cam and the second fixed cam in a closed state of the foldable electronic device.