Patent Description:
Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays folded and unfolded using hinge assemblies are being developed. A user may use an electronic device from a closed state to an open state more frequently than using the electronic device from the closed state through a stop section to the open state. Some hinge assemblies may stay in the stop section where folding/unfolding of electronic devices is stopped by friction between a fully closed state and a fully open state and may require an additional motion of a user to enter the fully closed state or the fully open state from the stop section.

<CIT>discloses a double hinge module comprising a first rotary cam which is rotatable on a first shaft; a first coupling slot extended from one end of the first rotary cam in a direction which gets farther from the first shaft; a second rotary cam which is rotatable on the second shaft parallel with the first shaft in the reverse direction of the first rotary cam; a second coupling slot extended from one end of the second rotary cam which gets farther from the second shaft; and a link having one end coupled to the first coupling slot and the other end coupled to the second coupling slot, wherein when the first rotary cam and the second rotary cam are rotating, the link is linearly movable in parallel with a central line connecting the first shaft and the second shaft with each other, so that the double hinge module may fold the mobile terminal from <NUM>° to <NUM>° naturally like a book.

<CIT>discloses a hinge device whereby a latching sensation comparable to one furnished with two cams can be achieved, while reducing the drawbacks, such as the difficulty of size reduction for example, associated with a configuration having two cams. The hinge device is equipped with: a center cam having irregular surfaces on both sides; a first side cam having an irregular surface facing the center cam; a second side cam having an irregular surface facing the center cam; first and second springs for energizing the first and second side cams towards the center cam; and a retaining member for retaining the center cam, the first and second side cams, and the first and second springs in parallel-arrayed fashion along a prescribed axis of rotation, in a state such that the first and second cam are rotatable relative to the center cam about the axis of rotation.

Various example embodiments provide a foldable electronic device including a hinge assembly that operates from a fully closed state to a fully open state at once rather than staying in a stop section during the opening of the electronic device and that enters the stop section during the closing of the electronic device.

According to the invention, a foldable electronic device includes: a display including a first area, a second area, and a flexible area between the first area and the second area, a first housing located around the first area of the display, a second housing located around the second area of the display, and a hinge assembly connected between the first housing and the second housing adjacent to at least a portion of the flexible area of the display and configured to operate between a folded position at which the first area and the second area face each other and an unfolded position at which the first area and the second area do not face each other, wherein the hinge assembly includes: a hinge cover connected to the first housing and the second housing, a first hinge connected to the hinge cover to support the first area of the display, and a second hinge connected to the hinge cover to support the second area of the display, wherein each of the first hinge and the second hinge includes: a shaft with a folding axis, a first cam configured to perform a linear motion along the folding axis, a second cam configured to contact the first cam, and a third cam configured to contact the first cam, wherein the first cam is configured to contact only one of the second cam and the third cam at a time.

According to various example embodiments, it is possible to improve user convenience through a hinge assembly that operates from a fully closed state to a fully open state at once rather than staying in a stop section during the opening of the electronic device and that enters the stop section during the closing of the electronic device.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> in a network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with at least one of an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an example embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may communicate with the electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, at least one (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) of the above components may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, some (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) of the components may be integrated as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

The processor <NUM> may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program <NUM>) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device <NUM> connected to the processor <NUM> and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an example embodiment, as at least a portion of data processing or computation, the processor <NUM> may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) in a volatile memory <NUM>, process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory <NUM>, and store resulting data in a non-volatile memory <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the processor <NUM> may include a main processor <NUM> (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently of, or in conjunction with the main processor <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> includes the main processor <NUM> and the auxiliary processor <NUM>, the auxiliary processor <NUM> may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor <NUM> or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor <NUM> may be implemented separately from the main processor <NUM> or as a portion of the main processor <NUM>.

The auxiliary processor <NUM> may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one (e.g., the display module <NUM>, the sensor module <NUM>, or the communication module <NUM>) of the components of the electronic device <NUM>, instead of the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state or along with the main processor <NUM> while the main processor <NUM> is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an example embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an ISP or a CP) may be implemented as a portion of another component (e.g., the camera module <NUM> or the communication module <NUM>) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., an NPU) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence (AI) model processing. An AI model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed by, for example, the electronic device <NUM> in which an artificial intelligence model is executed, or performed via a separate server (e.g., the server <NUM>). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. An artificial neural network may include, for example, a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), and a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. The AI model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure other than the hardware structure.

The non-volatile memory <NUM> may include an internal memory <NUM> and an external memory <NUM>.

The program <NUM> may be stored as software in the memory <NUM>, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) <NUM>, middleware <NUM>, or an application <NUM>.

The sound output module <NUM> may output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The receiver may be used to receive an incoming call. According to an example embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as a portion of the speaker.

The display module <NUM> may include, for example, a control circuit for controlling a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, the hologram device, and the projector. According to an example embodiment, the display module <NUM> may include a touch sensor adapted to sense a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure an intensity of a force incurred by the touch.

The audio module <NUM> may convert a sound into an electrical signal or vice versa. According to an example embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input module <NUM> or output the sound via the sound output module <NUM> or an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM> such as a speaker or a headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device <NUM>.

The sensor module <NUM> may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device <NUM> or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device <NUM> and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an example embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

According to an example embodiment, the interface <NUM> may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

The connecting terminal <NUM> may include a connector via which the electronic device <NUM> may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>). According to an example embodiment, the connecting terminal <NUM> may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

The haptic module <NUM> may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or an electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his or her tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an example embodiment, the haptic module <NUM> may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

The camera module <NUM> may capture a still image and moving images. According to an example embodiment, the camera module <NUM> may include one or more lenses, image sensors, ISPs, or flashes.

According to an example embodiment, the power management module <NUM> may be implemented as, for example, at least a portion of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

According to an example embodiment, the battery <NUM> may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell.

The communication module <NUM> may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently of the processor <NUM> (e.g., an AP) and that support a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an example embodiment, the communication module <NUM> may include a wireless communication module <NUM> (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module <NUM> (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device <NUM> via the first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range communication network, such as a legacy cellular network, a <NUM> network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN)). The wireless communication module <NUM> may identify and authenticate the electronic device <NUM> in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the SIM <NUM>.

The wireless communication module <NUM> may support a <NUM> network after a <NUM> network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The wireless communication module <NUM> may support a high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module <NUM> may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), an array antenna, analog beam-forming, or a large scale antenna. According to an example embodiment, the wireless communication module <NUM> may support a peak data rate (e.g., <NUM> Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., <NUM> dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., <NUM> or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of <NUM> or less) for implementing URLLC.

According to an example embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an example embodiment, the antenna module <NUM> may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected by, for example, the communication module <NUM> from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may be transmitted or received between the communication module <NUM> and the external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. According to an example embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as a portion of the antenna module <NUM>.

According to various example embodiments, the antenna module <NUM> may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an example embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a PCB, an RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the PCB or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., a top or a side surface) of the PCB, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

According to an example embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device <NUM> and the external electronic device <NUM> via the server <NUM> coupled with the second network <NUM>. Each of the external electronic devices <NUM> or <NUM> may be a device of the same type as or a different type from the electronic device <NUM>. According to an example embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed by the electronic device <NUM> may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. For example, if the electronic device <NUM> needs to perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device <NUM>, instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least portion of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least portion of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request and may transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least portion of a reply to the request. The electronic device <NUM> may provide ultra-low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In certain embodiments, the external electronic device <NUM> may include an Internet-of-things (IoT) device. According to an example embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> or the server <NUM> may be included in the second network <NUM>.

The electronic device according to various example embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to those described above.

It should be appreciated that various example embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular example embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding example embodiment. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. As used herein, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "A, B, or C," each of which may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may simply be used to distinguish the component from other components in question, and may refer to components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order) is not limited.

As used in connection with various example embodiments of the disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, "logic," "logic block," "part," or "circuitry". For example, according to an example embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various example embodiments as set forth herein may be implemented as software (e.g., the program <NUM>) including one or more instructions that are stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory <NUM> or an external memory <NUM>) that is readable by a machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) For example, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM>) of the machine (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may invoke at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium, and execute it. Here, the term "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not differentiate between where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and where the data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an example embodiment, a method according to various example embodiments of the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. If distributed online, at least portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of the manufacturer's server, a server of the application store, or a relay server.

According to various example embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various example embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. In such a case, according to various example embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various example embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a foldable electronic device <NUM> may include a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> rotatably coupled to each other through a hinge to be folded with respect to each other, a hinge cover <NUM> for covering foldable portions of the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and a display <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display or a foldable display) disposed in a space formed by the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>. In the present disclosure, a surface on which the display <NUM> is disposed may be defined as a front surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>, and a surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as a rear surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. In addition, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> including a sensor area <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a first rear cover <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM>. The pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> are not limited to the shapes or the combination and/or coupling of components shown in <FIG> and <FIG> and may be implemented in other shapes or by another combination and/or coupling of components.

In certain example embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed on both sides with respect to a folding axis A, and may be disposed substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis A. In certain example embodiments, an angle or distance between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may vary depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In certain example embodiments, unlike the second housing <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> may include the sensor area <NUM> in which various sensor modules (e.g., the sensor modules <NUM> of <FIG>) are arranged. However, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be mutually symmetrical in areas other than the sensor area <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the sensor area <NUM> may be disposed in at least a partial area of the second housing <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the sensor area <NUM> may be replaced with at least a partial area of the second housing <NUM>. The sensor area <NUM> may include, for example, a camera hole area, a sensor hole area, an under-display camera (UDC) area, and/or an under-display sensor (UDS) area.

In certain example embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may be connected to a hinge in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> facing the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> facing a direction opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a first side portion <NUM> enclosing at least a portion of a space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. The first side portion <NUM> may include a first side surface 213a disposed substantially in parallel with the folding axis A, a second side surface 213b extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis A from one end of the first side surface 213a, and a third side surface 213c extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis A from another end of the first side surface 213a and substantially parallel to the second side surface 213b. The second housing <NUM> may be connected to the hinge in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> may include a third surface <NUM> facing the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a fourth surface <NUM> facing a direction opposite to the third surface <NUM>, and a second side portion <NUM> enclosing at least a portion of a space between the third surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM>. The second side portion <NUM> may include a fourth side surface 223a disposed substantially in parallel with the folding axis A, a fifth side surface 223b extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis A from one end of the fourth side surface 223a, and a sixth side surface 223c extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis A from another end of the fourth side surface 223a and substantially parallel to the fifth side surface 223b. The first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> may face each other when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state.

In certain example embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a recessed accommodating portion <NUM> for accommodating the display <NUM> through the structural coupling of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The accommodating portion <NUM> may have substantially the same size as the display <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, due to the sensor area <NUM>, the accommodating portion <NUM> may have at least two different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis A. For example, the accommodating portion <NUM> may have a first width W1 between a first portion 210a of the first housing <NUM> formed on a periphery of the sensor area <NUM> and a second portion 220a of the second housing <NUM> parallel to the folding axis A, and a second width W2 between a third portion 210b of the first housing <NUM> parallel to the folding axis A and not overlapping the sensor area <NUM> and a fourth portion 220b of the second housing <NUM>. Here, the second width W2 may be greater than the first width W1. In other words, the accommodating portion <NUM> may be formed to have the first width W1 from the first portion 210a of the first housing <NUM> to the second portion 220a of the second housing <NUM> that are mutually asymmetrical, and the second width W2 from the third portion 210b of the first housing <NUM> to the fourth portion 220b of the second housing <NUM>. The first portion 210a and the third portion 210b of the first housing <NUM> may be formed at different distances from the folding axis A. Meanwhile, the widths of the accommodating portion <NUM> may not be limited to the shown example. For example, the accommodating portion <NUM> may have three or more different widths due to the shape of the sensor area <NUM> or the asymmetric shapes of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be formed of a metal material or a non-metal material having a predetermined magnitude of rigidity appropriate to support the display <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the sensor area <NUM> may be formed adjacent to one corner of the first housing <NUM>. However, the arrangement, shape, or size of the sensor area <NUM> are not limited to the shown example. In certain example embodiments, the sensor area <NUM> may be formed at another corner of the first housing <NUM> or in a predetermined area of an upper corner and a lower corner. In certain example embodiments, the sensor area <NUM> may be disposed in at least a partial area of the second housing <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the sensor area <NUM> may be formed to extend between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one component arranged on the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> to be exposed through the sensor area <NUM> or through at least one opening formed in the sensor area <NUM> to perform various functions. For example, the component may include at least one of a front camera module, a receiver, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

In certain example embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and may have a substantially rectangular periphery. At least a portion of the periphery of the first rear cover <NUM> may be surrounded by the first housing <NUM>. The second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and may have a substantially rectangular periphery. At least a portion of the periphery of the second rear cover <NUM> may be surrounded by the second housing <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis A. In certain embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may have different shapes. In still another example embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed, and the second housing <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed.

In certain example embodiments, the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may provide a space in which various components (e.g., a PCB, the antenna module <NUM> of <FIG>, the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>, or the battery <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may be arranged through a structure in which the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> are coupled to one another. In certain example embodiments, at least one component may be visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, at least one component may be visually exposed through a first rear area <NUM> of the first rear cover <NUM>. Here, the component may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera module, and/or a flash. In certain example embodiments, at least a portion of a sub-display <NUM> may be visually exposed through a second rear area <NUM> of the second rear cover <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a sound output module (e.g., the sound output module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed through at least a partial area of the second rear cover <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the display <NUM> may be disposed in the accommodating portion <NUM> formed by the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be arranged to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include an area in which the display <NUM> is disposed, and a partial area (e.g., a periphery area) of the first housing <NUM> and a partial area (e.g., a periphery area) of the second housing <NUM>, which are adjacent to the display <NUM>. The rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first rear cover <NUM>, a partial area (e.g., a periphery area) of the first housing <NUM> adjacent to the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, and a partial area (e.g., a periphery area) of the second housing <NUM> adjacent to the second rear cover <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the display <NUM> may be a display in which at least one area is deformable into a planar surface or a curved surface. In certain example embodiments, the display <NUM> may include a folding area 261c, a first area 261a on a first side (e.g., the right side) of the folding area 261c, and a second area 261b on a second side (e.g., the left side) of the folding area 261c. For example, the first area 261a may be disposed in the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and the second area 261b may be disposed in the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. However, the area division of the display <NUM> is merely an example, and the display <NUM> may be divided into a plurality of areas depending on the structure or functions of the display <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the display <NUM> may be divided into areas based on the folding axis A or the folding area 261c extending in parallel to a y-axis, or the display <NUM> may be divided into areas based on another folding area (e.g., a folding area extending in parallel to an x-axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the x-axis). The area division of the display <NUM> as above is merely physical division based on the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge, and the display <NUM> may display substantially one screen through the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge. In certain example embodiments, the first area 261a may include a notch area formed along the sensor area <NUM> but may be substantially symmetrical to the second area 261b in the other areas. In certain example embodiments, the first area 261a and the second area 261b may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding area 261c.

In certain example embodiments, the hinge cover <NUM> may be disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and configured to cover the hinge. The hinge cover <NUM> may be hidden by at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> or exposed to the outside according to the operating state of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state as shown in <FIG>, the hinge cover <NUM> may be hidden by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and not exposed to the outside, and when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state as shown in <FIG>, the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. Meanwhile, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an intermediate state in which the first housing <NUM> forms an angle with the second housing <NUM>, at least a portion of the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In this case, an area of the hinge cover <NUM> exposed to the outside may be smaller than the area of the hinge cover <NUM> exposed when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state. In certain example embodiments, the hinge cover <NUM> may have curved surfaces.

Describing the operation of the electronic device <NUM>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), the first housing <NUM> may form a first angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees) with the second housing <NUM>, and the first area 261a and the second area 261b of the display <NUM> may be oriented in substantially the same direction. The folded area 261c of the display <NUM> may be on substantially the same plane as the first area 261a and the second area 261b. In certain embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the first housing <NUM> may rotate at a second angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees) relative to the second housing <NUM>, whereby the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be reversely folded such that the second surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> may face each other. Meanwhile, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may face each other. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may form an angle of about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees, and the first area 261a and the second area 261b of the display <NUM> may face each other. At least a portion of the folding area 261c of the display <NUM> may be deformed into a curved surface. Meanwhile, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the intermediate state, the first housing <NUM> may form a predetermined angle with the second housing <NUM>. An angle (e.g., a third angle, about <NUM> degrees) formed by the first area 261a and the second area 261b of the display <NUM> may be greater than that when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state and less than that when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state. At least a portion of the folding area 261c of the display <NUM> may be deformed into a curved surface. In this case, a curvature of the curved surface of the folding area 261c may be smaller than that when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state.

Meanwhile, the various example embodiments of the electronic device described herein are not limited to a form factor of the electronic device <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> and may also apply to electronic devices with various form factors.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a display module <NUM> (e.g., the display module <NUM>), a hinge assembly <NUM>, a substrate <NUM>, a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first housing <NUM>), a second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM>), a first rear cover <NUM> (e.g., the first rear cover <NUM>) including a first rear area <NUM> (e.g., the first rear area <NUM>), and a second rear cover <NUM> (e.g., the second rear cover <NUM>) including a second rear area <NUM> (e.g., the second rear area <NUM>).

The display module <NUM> may include a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM>) and at least one layer or plate <NUM> on which the display <NUM> is seated. In certain example embodiments, the plate <NUM> may be disposed between the display <NUM> and the hinge assembly <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be disposed on at least a portion of one surface (e.g., a top surface) of the plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display <NUM>. For example, a partial area of the plate <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to a notch area <NUM> of the display <NUM>.

The hinge assembly <NUM> may include a first bracket <NUM>, a second bracket <NUM>, a hinge disposed between the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>, a hinge cover <NUM> for covering the hinge when viewed from the outside, and a wiring member <NUM> (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) that traverses the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the hinge assembly <NUM> may be disposed between the plate <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>. For example, the first bracket <NUM> may be disposed between a first area 361a of the display <NUM> and a first substrate <NUM>. The second bracket <NUM> may be disposed between a second area 361b of the display <NUM> and a second substrate <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, at least a portion of the hinge and the wiring member <NUM> may be disposed inside the hinge assembly <NUM>. The wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axial direction) that traverses the first bracket <NUM> and the second bracket <NUM>. The wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axial direction) perpendicular to a folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis A of <FIG>) of a flexible area 361c of the electronic device <NUM>.

The substrate <NUM> may include the first substrate <NUM> disposed on the first bracket <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> disposed on the second bracket <NUM>. The first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM> may be disposed in a space formed by the hinge assembly <NUM>, the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM>. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device <NUM> may be mounted on the first substrate <NUM> and the second substrate <NUM>.

The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be assembled together to be coupled to both sides of the hinge assembly <NUM> in a state in which the display module <NUM> is coupled to the hinge assembly <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled to the hinge assembly <NUM> by sliding from both sides of the hinge assembly <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may include a first rotation support surface <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may include a second rotation support surface <NUM> corresponding to the first rotation support surface <NUM>. The first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surfaces included in the hinge cover <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may cover the hinge cover <NUM> such that the hinge cover <NUM> may not be exposed through the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> or may be minimally exposed. Meanwhile, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may rotate along the curved surfaces included in the hinge cover <NUM> such that the hinge cover <NUM> may be maximally exposed through the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a hinge assembly <NUM> (e.g., the hinge assembly <NUM>) may include a hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>), and a hinge <NUM> connected to the hinge cover to support a display (e.g., the first area 361a and/or the second area 361b of the display <NUM>). The hinge <NUM> may allow an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) to be unfolded without going through a stop section when unfolded by a motion of a user and allow the electronic device to be folded going through the stop section when folded by a motion of the user. The hinge <NUM> may include a fixing body <NUM>, a rotating body <NUM>, a first cam <NUM>, a second cam <NUM>, a third cam <NUM>, a support ring <NUM>, a first elastic body <NUM>, a support body <NUM>, a shaft <NUM>, and a second elastic body <NUM>.

The shaft <NUM> may be positioned on at least a portion of the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>) and extend in one direction (e.g., the Y-axial direction of <FIG>) of the hinge cover. The shaft <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> (e.g., an upper end when viewed in <FIG>), a second end <NUM> (e.g., a lower end when viewed in <FIG>) opposite the first end <NUM>, and an extension <NUM> extending between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>. The extension <NUM> may have a folding axis A (e.g., the folding axis A of <FIG>).

The support body <NUM> may support the shaft <NUM> with respect to the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>). In certain example embodiments, the support body <NUM> may include a substantially annular support base <NUM> connected to the second end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>, and a contact protrusion <NUM> positioned on at least a portion of the circumference of the support base <NUM> and configured to protrude from the support base <NUM> in a radial direction and contact the hinge cover.

The first elastic body <NUM> may apply an elastic force to the first cam <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the first elastic body <NUM> may be positioned between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM> to surround the extension <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the first elastic body <NUM> may be stretched or compressed along the extension <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the first elastic body <NUM> may be a compression spring. In certain example embodiments, a first end <NUM> of the first elastic body <NUM> may be connected to the support base <NUM>, and a second end <NUM>, opposite the first end <NUM>, of the first elastic body <NUM> may be connected to the first cam <NUM>.

The fixing body <NUM> may fix the shaft <NUM> to the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>). In certain example embodiments, the fixing body <NUM> may include a substantially annular fixing base <NUM> connected to the first end <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>, and a fixing plate <NUM> having at least one first fixing hole H1 for fixing the fixing plate <NUM> to the hinge cover. In certain example embodiments, the fixing body <NUM> may include a curved surface portion <NUM> spaced apart from the shaft <NUM> in a radial direction of the shaft <NUM> and surround at least a portion of the shaft <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the curved surface portion <NUM> may be integrally formed seamlessly with the fixing plate <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the fixing body <NUM> may include a first stopper <NUM> for stopping the rotation of the support ring <NUM>. The first stopper <NUM> may be formed on at least a portion of the curved surface portion <NUM> and protrude from at least a portion of the curved surface portion <NUM> toward the shaft <NUM> in a normal direction of the curved surface portion <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the first stopper <NUM> may be integrally formed seamlessly with the curved surface portion <NUM>.

The rotating body <NUM> may support a display (e.g., the display <NUM>). In certain example embodiments, the rotating body <NUM> may include a substantially annular rotating base <NUM> rotatably connected to the shaft <NUM>, and a rotating plate <NUM> having at least one second fixing hole H2 for fixing the rotating plate <NUM> to a bracket (e.g., the first bracket <NUM> and/or the second bracket <NUM>) supporting one area (e.g., the first area 361a and/or the second area 361b) of the display. In certain example embodiments, the rotating base <NUM> may be formed integrally and seamlessly with the rotating plate <NUM>. The rotating plate <NUM> may include a first surface 4822a (e.g., a top surface based on <FIG>), a second surface 4822b (e.g., a bottom surface based on <FIG>) opposite the first surface 4822a, and a third surface 4822c (e.g., a left curved surface based on <FIG>) between the first surface 4822a and the second surface 4822b. In certain example embodiments, the rotating body <NUM> may include a fixing protrusion <NUM> formed on the third surface 4822c of the rotating plate <NUM>, and a second stopper <NUM> formed on the second surface 4822b of the rotating plate <NUM>.

The first cam <NUM> is configured to perform a linear motion along the folding axis A of the shaft <NUM>. The first cam <NUM> performs the linear motion while elastically moving by means of the first elastic body <NUM> in the axial direction of the folding axis A of the shaft <NUM> when the first elastic body <NUM> is stretched or compressed in the axial direction of the folding axis A of the shaft <NUM>. The first cam <NUM> is configured to selectively contact any one of the second cam <NUM> and the third cam <NUM>. In other words, the first cam <NUM> does not contact the third cam <NUM> when the first cam <NUM> contacts the second cam <NUM>, and the first cam <NUM> contacts the third cam <NUM> when the first cam <NUM> does not contact the second cam <NUM>. The first cam <NUM> releases the contact with the second cam <NUM> and then contact the third cam <NUM>. The first cam <NUM> releases the contact with the third cam <NUM> and then contact the second cam <NUM>.

The first cam <NUM> may include a first cam body <NUM> and a first cam surface <NUM>. The first cam body <NUM> may surround the shaft <NUM>. The first cam surface <NUM> may contact the second cam <NUM> and/or the third cam <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the first cam body <NUM> may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, and the first cam surface <NUM> may be formed on one surface (e.g., a top surface) of the first cam body <NUM> in a circumferential direction of the first cam body <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the first cam <NUM> may include a plurality (e.g., three) of first cam surfaces <NUM>, and a plurality (e.g., three) of first cam notches <NUM> between the plurality of first cam surfaces <NUM>. The plurality of first cam surfaces <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other on one surface (e.g., the top surface) of the first cam body <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the first cam body <NUM>. The plurality of first cam notches <NUM> may form at least a portion of one surface (e.g., the top surface) on the circumference of the first cam body <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the first cam surface <NUM> may include a first inclined portion 4832a that is inclined with respect to one first cam notch <NUM> of a pair of adjacent first cam notches <NUM>, a second inclined portion 4832b that is inclined with respect to the other first cam notch <NUM> of the adjacent first cam notches <NUM>, and a substantially rounded portion 4832c between the first inclined portion 4832a and the second inclined portion 4832b. In certain example embodiments, a slope of the first inclined portion 4832a and a slope of the second inclined portion 4832b may be substantially the same. In certain example embodiments, the first inclined portion 4832a and the second inclined portion 4832b may be substantially symmetrical based on the rounded portion 4832c.

In certain example embodiments, the plurality of first cam notches <NUM> may be formed substantially invariable (e.g., horizontal) in the circumferential direction of the first cam body <NUM>.

The second cam <NUM> may be configured to contact the first cam <NUM>. The second cam <NUM> may include a second cam body <NUM> and a second cam surface <NUM>. The second cam body <NUM> may surround the shaft <NUM>. The second cam surface <NUM> may be configured to contact the first cam surface <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the second cam body <NUM> may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, and the second cam surface <NUM> may be formed on one surface (e.g., a top surface) of the second cam body <NUM> in a circumferential direction of the second cam body <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the second cam <NUM> may include a plurality (e.g., three) of second cam surfaces <NUM>, and a plurality (e.g., three) of second cam notches <NUM> between the plurality of second cam surfaces <NUM>. The plurality of second cam surfaces <NUM> may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other on one surface (e.g., the top surface) of the second cam body <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the second cam body <NUM>. The plurality of second cam notches <NUM> may form at least a portion of one surface (e.g., the top surface) on the circumference of the second cam body <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the plurality of second cam notches <NUM> may be formed substantially invariable (e.g., horizontal) in the circumferential direction of the second cam body <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the second cam surface <NUM> may include a first variable portion 4842a whose height is variable with respect to one second cam notch <NUM> of a pair of adjacent second cam notches <NUM>, a second variable portion 4842b whose height is variable with respect to the other second cam notch <NUM> of the pair of adjacent second cam notches <NUM>, and a non-variable portion 4842c between the first variable portion 4842a and the second variable portion 4842b and whose height is substantially invariable with respect to the pair of adjacent second cam notches <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the second cam surface <NUM> may include an intermediate variable portion 4842c between the first variable portion 4842a and the second variable portion 4842b and whose height is variable with respect to the pair of adjacent second cam notches <NUM>. To compensate for or offset a repulsive force that unfolds the display (e.g., the display <NUM>), the intermediate variable portion 4842c may have a shape that increases in height with respect to a second cam notch <NUM> in a direction from the first variable portion 4842a toward the second variable portion 4842b. In certain example embodiments, a slope of the intermediate variable portion 4842c of the second cam surface <NUM> with respect to the second cam notch <NUM> may be smaller than a slope of the first variable portion 4842a and a slope of the second variable portion 4842b with respect to the second cam notch <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, a change in the height of the first variable portion 4842a and/or a change in the height of the second variable portion 4842b with respect to a pair of adjacent second cam notches <NUM> may be substantially constant. In other words, each of the first variable portion 4842a and the second variable portion 4842b may have a surface with a substantially linear profile. In certain embodiments, the first variable portion 4842a and the second variable portion 4842b may have a curved profile with a substantially varying change in height. In certain example embodiments, a change in the height of the first variable portion 4842a may be substantially the same as a change in the height of the second variable portion 4842b. In certain embodiments, a change in the height of the first variable portion 4842a may be different from a change in the height of the second variable portion 4842b.

In certain example embodiments, the slope of the first variable portion 4842a and the slope of the second variable portion 4842b with respect to a pair of adjacent second cam notches <NUM> may be substantially the same. In certain example embodiments, the slope of the first variable portion 4842a may be different the slope of the second variable portion 4842b with respect to a pair of adjacent second cam notches <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, a position between the first variable portion 4842a and the non-variable portion 4842c may be defined as a first freestop position of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>), and a portion between the second variable portion 4842b and the non-variable portion 4842c may be defined as a second freestop position of the electronic device. When the first cam surface <NUM> is at the first freestop position, a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may form a first angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees). When the first cam surface <NUM> is at the second freestop position, the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) may form a second angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees). When the first cam surface <NUM> is at a predetermined position between the first freestop position and the second freestop position, that is, when the first cam surface <NUM> stays at a predetermined position of the non-variable portion 4842c while contacting the non-variable portion 4842c, the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) of the electronic device may form a predetermined angle between the first angle and the second angle and maintain the formed angle, thereby implementing a freestop of the electronic device.

In certain example embodiments, the second cam <NUM> may include a protruding portion <NUM>. The protruding portion <NUM> may contact at least a portion of the support ring <NUM>. The protruding portion <NUM> may be formed on the other surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the second cam body <NUM> in the circumferential direction and protrude from the surface in a normal direction of the surface. In certain example embodiments, a plurality (e.g., three) of protruding portions <NUM> may be provided, and the plurality of protruding portions <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other on the other surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the second cam body <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the second cam body <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the positions of the plurality of protruding portion <NUM> formed in the circumferential direction of the second cam body <NUM> may be different from the positions of the plurality of second cam surfaces <NUM> formed in the circumferential direction of the second cam body <NUM>. For example, the plurality of protruding portions <NUM> and the plurality of second cam notches <NUM> may be formed at the same circumferential positions.

The third cam <NUM> may be configured to contact the first cam <NUM>. The third cam <NUM> may include a third cam body <NUM> and a third cam surface <NUM>. The third cam body <NUM> may surround the shaft <NUM>. The third cam surface <NUM> may be configured to contact the first cam surface <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the third cam body <NUM> may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape, and the third cam surface <NUM> may be formed on one surface (e.g., a top surface) of the third cam body <NUM> in a circumferential direction of the third cam body <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the third cam <NUM> may include a plurality (e.g., three) of third cam surfaces <NUM>, and a plurality (e.g., three) of third cam notches <NUM> between the plurality of third cam surfaces <NUM>. The plurality of third cam surfaces <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other on one surface (e.g., the top surface) of the third cam body <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the third cam body <NUM>. The plurality of third cam notches <NUM> may form at least a portion of one surface (e.g., the top surface) on the circumference of the third cam body <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the plurality of third cam notches <NUM> may be formed substantially invariable (e.g., horizontal) in the circumferential direction of the third cam body <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the third cam surface <NUM> may include a third variable portion 4852a whose height is variable with respect to one third cam notch <NUM> of a pair of adjacent third cam notches <NUM>, a fourth variable portion 4852b whose height is variable with respect to the other third cam notch <NUM> of the pair of adj acent third cam notches <NUM>, and a fifth variable portion 4852c between the third variable portion 4852a and the fourth variable portion 4852b and whose height is variable with respect to the pair of adjacent third cam notches <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, a change in the height of the third variable portion 4852a, a change in the height of the fourth variable portion 4852b, and/or a change in the height of the fifth variable portion 4852c with respect to a pair of adj acent third cam notches <NUM> may be substantially constant. In other words, each of the third variable portion 4852a, the fourth variable portion 4852b, and the fifth variable portion 4852c may have a surface with a substantially linear profile. In certain embodiments, at least one of the third variable portion 4852a, the fourth variable portion 4852b, and the fifth variable portion 4852c may have a curved profile with a substantially varying change in height. For example, a change in the height of the fifth variable portion 4852c may vary when viewed in the circumferential direction of the third cam body <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, a change in the height of the fifth variable portion 4852c adjacent to the third variable portion 4852a may be smaller than a change in the height of the fifth variable portion 4852c adjacent to the fourth variable portion 4852b. In certain example embodiments, a change in the height of the third variable portion 4852a may be substantially the same as a change in the height of the fourth variable portion 4852b. In certain embodiments, a change in the height of the third variable portion 4852a may be different from a change in the height of the fourth variable portion 4852b.

In certain example embodiments, a slope of the third variable portion 4852a, a slope of the fourth variable portion 4852b, and a slope of the fifth variable portion 4852c with respect to a pair of adjacent third cam notches <NUM> may be different from each other. For example, the third variable portion 4852a may have a first slope that is positive, the fourth variable portion 4852b may have a second slope that is negative, the fifth variable portion 4852c may have a third slope that is negative. In certain embodiments, the slope of the third variable portion 4852a and the slope of the fourth variable portion 4852b may be substantially the same, and the slopes may be different from the slope of the fifth variable portion 4852c.

In certain example embodiments, the fifth variable portion 4852c of the third cam surface <NUM> may guide the first cam surface <NUM> from the fourth variable portion 4852b toward the third variable portion 4852a when in contact with the first cam surface <NUM>. When the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) form a third angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees), the first cam surface <NUM> may be on the fifth variable portion 4852c at a position adjacent to the fourth variable portion 4852b, and while the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) form a fourth angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees) greater than the third angle, the first cam surface <NUM> may be guided along the fifth variable portion 4852c toward the third variable portion 4852a. The shape of the third cam surface <NUM> as described above may allow the electronic device to be unfolded by a single motion of a user without staying at a stop section where the hinge <NUM> implements a freestop.

In certain example embodiments, a radial distance between the second cam <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> may be greater than a radial distance between the third cam <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>. In other words, the second cam <NUM> may be positioned further from the shaft <NUM> than the third cam <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the radial distance between the second cam <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> may be less than the radial distance between the third cam <NUM> and the shaft <NUM>, which may be understood as that the second cam <NUM> is positioned closer to the shaft <NUM> than the third cam <NUM>.

The support ring <NUM> may support the second cam <NUM> and/or the third cam <NUM>. The support ring <NUM> may include a ring body <NUM>. The ring body <NUM> may support the second cam body <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> and/or the third cam body <NUM> of the third cam <NUM>. The ring body <NUM> may surround the shaft <NUM>. The ring body <NUM> may be connected to the rotating base <NUM> of the rotating body <NUM>, and while the rotating base <NUM> rotates about the shaft <NUM> (e.g., about the folding axis A), the ring body <NUM> may also rotate about the shaft <NUM> along with the second elastic body <NUM> and the rotating base <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the ring body <NUM> may have a substantially annular shape having a circumferential surface 4861a and a radial surface 4861d. In certain example embodiments, the ring body <NUM> may include a first recess 4861b and a second recess 4861c formed in the circumferential surface 4861a. The first recess 4861b may accommodate at least a portion of the fixing protrusion <NUM> of the rotating body <NUM> and a first portion of the second elastic body <NUM> (e.g., a first end <NUM> of the second elastic body <NUM>). The second recess 4861c may accommodate a second portion, different from the first portion, of the second elastic body <NUM> (e.g., a second end <NUM> of the second elastic body <NUM>). The first recess 4861b may be formed to be spaced apart the second recess 4861c in the circumferential direction of the ring body <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the support ring <NUM> may include a stopping protrusion <NUM> configured to meet the stopper <NUM> of the fixing body <NUM>. The stopping protrusion <NUM> may be formed on the radial surface 4861d of the ring body <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the stopping protrusion <NUM> may protrude from the radial surface 4861d of the ring body <NUM> in one direction (e.g., a tangential direction). When the stopping protrusion <NUM> meets the first stopper <NUM>, the ring body <NUM> may stop rotating about the shaft <NUM> (e.g., about the folding axis A), and the rotating base <NUM> may rotate about the shaft <NUM>. In other words, when the stopping protrusion <NUM> meets the stopper <NUM>, the ring body <NUM> may rotate in a direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction based on <FIG>) opposite to the direction of rotation about the shaft <NUM> (e.g., the rotation direction of the rotating body <NUM>, a clockwise direction based on <FIG>).

In certain example embodiments, the support ring <NUM> may include a support protrusion <NUM> configured to support the second cam body <NUM> and/or the protruding portion <NUM>. The support protrusion <NUM> may be formed on the circumferential surface 4861a of the ring body <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the support ring <NUM> may include a plurality of (e.g., two) support protrusions <NUM>. The plurality of support protrusions <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other on the circumference of the ring body <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the plurality of support protrusions <NUM> may be positioned to face each other on the circumference of the ring body <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the support protrusion <NUM> may include an inclined surface 4863a that is inclined with respect to the ring body <NUM>, a horizontal surface 4863b that is substantially horizontal to the ring body <NUM>, and a vertical surface 4863c that is substantially vertical to the ring body <NUM>. The horizontal surface 4863b may be positioned between the inclined surface 4863a and the vertical surface 4863c. In certain example embodiments, the horizontal surface 4863b may be configured to support the protruding portion <NUM> of the second cam <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the horizontal surface 4863b may be configured not to support the protruding portion <NUM> of the second cam <NUM>, and at this time, the inclined surface 4863a may guide the protruding portion <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> to one surface (e.g., the top surface) on the circumference of the ringing body <NUM>, and the ring body <NUM> may support the protruding portion <NUM> of the second cam <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the inclined surface 4863a may be configured to guide the protruding portion <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> positioned on one circumferential surface (e.g., the top surface) of the ring body <NUM> onto the horizontal surface 4863b, and at this time, the horizontal surface 4863b may support the protruding portion <NUM> of the second cam <NUM>.

In certain example embodiments, the support ring <NUM> may include a radial protrusion <NUM> radially protruding from the radial surface 4861d of the ring body <NUM>. The radial protrusion <NUM> may be configured to meet the second stopper <NUM> while the rotating plate <NUM> rotates about the shaft <NUM> in one direction (e.g., a clockwise direction based on <FIG>). When the radial protrusion <NUM> meets the second stopper <NUM>, the support ring <NUM> may rotate along with the second elastic body <NUM> and the rotating plate <NUM> until the stopping protrusion <NUM> meets the first stopper <NUM>.

The second elastic body <NUM> may generate a torsional force in the support ring <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the second elastic body <NUM> may include a first end <NUM> fixed or connected to the fixing protrusion <NUM> of the rotating body <NUM> and accommodated in the first recess 4861b formed in the circumferential surface 4861a of the ring body <NUM>, a second end <NUM> accommodated in the second recess 4861c formed in the circumferential surface 4861a of the ring body <NUM>, and a circumferential extension <NUM> extending in the circumferential direction of the ring body <NUM> between the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> and inside the support protrusions <NUM>. The second elastic body <NUM> may be in a compressed state by a predetermined initial amount of compression when the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) is in an unfolded state or a fully unfolded state and may rotate along with the rotating plate <NUM> and the ring body <NUM> when the ring body <NUM> rotates in one direction (e.g., the clockwise direction based on <FIG>) and the radial protrusion <NUM> meets the second stopper <NUM>. On the other hand, when the stopping protrusion <NUM> meets the first stopper <NUM> and the ring body <NUM> starts to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating plate <NUM>, the second elastic body <NUM> may be compressed further than the initial amount of compression as the first end <NUM> comes closer the second end <NUM>. Meanwhile, when the support protrusion <NUM> that did not support the protruding portion <NUM> starts to support the protruding portion <NUM>, the ring body <NUM> may rotate in the original rotation direction again and return to its original initial position by the torsional force of the second elastic body <NUM>. In certain example embodiments, the second elastic body <NUM> may be a torsion spring.

Hereinafter, an exemplary operation scenario of a closing operation of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) entering a stop section from a fully open state (e.g., a state of an electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) and then operating to a fully closed state (e.g., a state of an electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) and an opening operation of the electronic device operating at once from the fully closed state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) to the fully open state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) without staying in the stop section will be described. Meanwhile, the following operation scenario is an exemplary scenario, and the electronic device according to various example embodiments described herein is not limited to the following operation scenario. For example, there may also be a scenario of the electronic device entering the stop section from the fully closed state and operating to the fully open state and the electronic device operating at once from the fully open state to the fully closed state.

Referring to <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM>) is in a fully open state, a hinge assembly <NUM> (e.g., the hinge assembly <NUM>) may be at an unfolded position at which a first area 561a (e.g., the first area 261a) and a second area 561b (e.g., the second area 261b) of a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM>) do not face each other. When the display <NUM> starts to be folded for the first area 561a and the second area 561b to face each other as a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and a second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) are folded by a motion of a user, the hinge assembly <NUM> may change to a folded position at which the first area 561a and the second area 561b face each other.

In the hinge assembly <NUM>, a protruding portion <NUM> (e.g., the protruding portion <NUM>) of a second cam <NUM> (e.g., the second cam <NUM>) may be supported by a support protrusion <NUM> (e.g., the support protrusion <NUM>) of a support ring <NUM> (e.g., the support ring <NUM>), and the second cam <NUM> may maintain a state of a translational motion stopped for a rotating body <NUM> (e.g., the rotating body <NUM>). At this time, a second cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the second cam surface <NUM>) of the second cam <NUM> may be positioned on a more outer side than a third cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the third cam surface <NUM>) of a third cam <NUM> (e.g., the third cam <NUM>). Thus, a first cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the first cam surface <NUM>) of a first cam <NUM> (e.g., the first cam <NUM>) may start to contact a first variable portion (e.g., the first variable portion 4842a) of the second cam surface <NUM> of the second cam <NUM>. Here, the first cam surface <NUM> may apply an open maintain torque T1 to the second cam surface <NUM> by an elasticity of the first elastic body <NUM>. The open maintain torque T1 may be defined as a moment for maintaining the electronic device <NUM> in a fully open state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> form about <NUM> degrees. When the second cam <NUM> is supported by the support ring <NUM>, the first cam <NUM> may contact the second cam <NUM>. However, when the second cam <NUM> moves by a translational motion (e.g., moves downward) as the support ring <NUM> moves, the third cam <NUM> at a lower position than the second cam <NUM> may contact the first cam <NUM>. Meanwhile, an example embodiment in which the second cam surface <NUM> is on a more inner side than the third cam surface <NUM> is also possible, and it may be understood that a cam relatively far from a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis A) may first contact the first cam surface <NUM>.

Meanwhile, when the display <NUM> starts to be folded for the first area 561a and the second area 561b to face each other as the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded by a motion of a user, the radial protrusion <NUM> may meet a first stopper <NUM> in a state in which the support ring <NUM> receives a force to rotate in one direction (e.g., a clockwise direction based on <FIG>) due to an initial amount of compression of a second elastic body <NUM>. Accordingly, a rotating plate <NUM> (e.g., the rotating plate <NUM>) of the rotating body <NUM>, the support ring <NUM>, and the second elastic body <NUM> may rotate together in one direction (e.g., the clockwise direction based on <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> operating in a first intermediate folded state in which a first area 661a (e.g., the first area 561a) and a second area 661b (e.g., the second area 561b) of a display <NUM> (e.g., the display <NUM>) are folded as a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and a second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) form a predetermined angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees), after operating from a fully open state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), is shown.

In a hinge assembly <NUM> (e.g., the hinge assembly <NUM>), a second cam <NUM> (e.g., the second cam <NUM>) may continuously maintain a state of a translational motion stopped for a rotating body <NUM> (e.g., the rotating body <NUM>) while supported by a support ring <NUM> (e.g., the support ring <NUM>), as in the state shown in <FIG>.

A first cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the first cam surface <NUM>) of a first cam <NUM> (e.g., the first cam <NUM>) may contact a non-variable portion 6842c (e.g., the non-variable portion 4842c) of a second cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the second cam surface <NUM>) of the second cam <NUM> (e.g., the second cam <NUM>). As an example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the first intermediate folded state, the hinge assembly <NUM> may be at a first freestop position, and the first cam surface <NUM> may be at a position adjacent to a first variable portion 6842a of the non-variable portion 6842c of the second cam surface <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the non-variable portion 6842c may substantially have no change in height. Thus, when the first cam surface <NUM> is at a predetermined position of the non-variable portion 6842c while contacting the non-variable portion 6842c, a stopping operation of the electronic device <NUM> may be implemented at a predetermined angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees) by friction between the first cam surface <NUM> and the non-variable portion 6842c.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> operating in a second intermediate folded state in which a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and a second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) form a predetermined angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees), after operating from a first intermediate folded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), is shown.

In a hinge assembly <NUM> (e.g., the hinge assembly <NUM>), a second cam <NUM> (e.g., the second cam <NUM>) may continuously maintain a state of a translational motion stopped for a rotating body <NUM> (e.g., the rotating body <NUM>), as in the state shown in <FIG>.

A first cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the first cam surface <NUM>) of a first cam <NUM> (e.g., the first cam <NUM>) may continuously contact a non-variable portion 7842c (e.g., the non-variable portion 6842c) of a second cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the second cam surface <NUM>) of the second cam <NUM> (e.g., the second cam <NUM>). As an example, while the electronic device <NUM> reaches the second intermediate folded state from the first intermediate folded state, the hinge assembly <NUM> may operate from a first freestop position to a second freestop position, and the first cam Surface <NUM> may move from a position adjacent to a first variable portion 7842a (e.g., the first variable portion 4842a) of the non-variable portion 7842c of the second cam surface <NUM> to a position adjacent to a second variable portion 7842b (e.g., the second variable portion 4842b). Further, a stopping operation of the electronic device <NUM> may be implemented to a predetermined angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees) by friction between the first cam surface <NUM> and the non-variable portion 7842c.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> operating in a state immediately before a fully folded state or the fully folded state in which a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and a second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) form an angle between about <NUM> degrees and about <NUM> degrees, after operating from a second intermediate folded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), is shown.

In a hinge assembly <NUM> (e.g., the hinge assembly <NUM>) during the state immediately before the fully folded state of the electronic device <NUM>, when a stopping protrusion <NUM> (e.g., the stopping protrusion <NUM>) of a support ring <NUM> (e.g., the support ring <NUM>) meets a first stopper <NUM> (e.g., the first stopper <NUM>) of a fixing body <NUM> (e.g., the fixing body <NUM>) while the support ring <NUM> rotates about the folding axis A, a rotating body <NUM> (e.g., the rotating body <NUM>) may continuously rotate in one direction (e.g., a clockwise direction), whereas the support ring <NUM> may rotate in an opposite direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction), and a second elastic body (e.g., the second elastic body <NUM>) may be compressed further than an initial amount of compression. At this time, a second cam <NUM> (e.g., the second cam <NUM>) having maintained a state of a translational motion stopped may continuously rotate about the folding axis A along with the rotating body <NUM>, and a protruding portion <NUM> (e.g., the protruding portion <NUM>) of the second cam <NUM> may not be supported by a support protrusion <NUM> (e.g., the support protrusion <NUM>) of the support ring <NUM> any further and guided to one surface (e.g., a top surface) on the circumference of the support ring <NUM> along an inclined surface 8863a (e.g., the inclined surface 4863a) of the support protrusion <NUM>. Accordingly, the second cam <NUM> may perform a translational motion along an axial direction of the folding axis A.

Thereafter, when the electronic device <NUM> enters the fully folded state, the second cam <NUM> performing the translational motion, in the hinge assembly <NUM>, may release the contact with a first cam <NUM> (e.g., the first cam <NUM>), and a first cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the first cam surface <NUM>) of the first cam <NUM> may start to contact a third cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the third cam surface <NUM>) of a third cam <NUM> (e.g., the third cam <NUM>) positioned on a more inner side than the second cam <NUM>. Here, the first cam surface <NUM> of the first cam <NUM> may contact a fourth variable portion 8852b (e.g., the fourth variable portion 4852b) of the third cam surface <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> operating in an intermediate unfolded state in which a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and a second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) form a predetermined angle (e.g., about <NUM> degrees), after operating from a fully folded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), is shown.

In a hinge assembly <NUM> (e.g., the hinge assembly <NUM>), a protruding portion <NUM> (e.g., the protruding portion <NUM>) of a second cam <NUM> (e.g., the second cam <NUM>) may still not be supported by a support protrusion <NUM> (e.g., the support protrusion <NUM>) of a support ring <NUM> (e.g., the support ring <NUM>) and maintain a state of contact on one surface (e.g., a top surface) on the circumference of the support ring <NUM> or an inclined surface 9863a (e.g., the inclined surface 8863a) of the support protrusion <NUM>, as in the state shown in <FIG>.

A first cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the first cam surface <NUM>) of a first cam <NUM> (e.g., the first cam <NUM>) may move from a fourth variable portion 9852b (e.g., the fourth variable portion 8852b) of a third cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the third cam surface <NUM>) of a third cam <NUM> (e.g., the third cam <NUM>) to a fifth variable portion 9852c (e.g., the fifth variable portion 4852c), and move along the fifth variable portion 9852c. At this time, the fifth variable portion 9852c may be formed with an inclined surface in the direction in which the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded. Thus, the first cam <NUM> may receive a moment along the fifth variable portion 9852c due to a torsional force of a second elastic body (e.g., the second elastic body <NUM>). Accordingly, a large force from a user may not be required to unfold the electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> operating in a state immediately before a fully unfolded state or the fully unfolded state in which a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first housing <NUM>) and a second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM>) substantially form about <NUM> degrees, after operating from an intermediate unfolded state (e.g., the state of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>), is shown.

In a hinge assembly <NUM> (e.g., the hinge assembly <NUM>) during the state immediately before the fully unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, when a first cam <NUM> (e.g., the first cam <NUM>) is in contact with a third cam <NUM> (e.g., the third cam <NUM>), a first cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the first cam surface <NUM>) of the first cam <NUM> may be in a state of moving to an end position of a fifth variable portion 10852c (e.g., the fifth variable portion 9852c) of a third cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the third cam surface <NUM>) (e.g., a position, on the fifth variable portion 10852c, adjacent to a third variable portion 10852a). An extra space where the first cam <NUM> may perform a translational motion in one direction (e.g., upward) may be generated between the first cam <NUM> and a second cam <NUM> (e.g., the second cam <NUM>), whereby the first cam surface <NUM> may release the contact with the third cam surface <NUM> by means of a restoring force of a support ring <NUM>, and move to a second cam surface <NUM> (e.g., the second cam surface <NUM>) and contact the second cam surface <NUM>.

At this time, when an elastic restoring moment of a second elastic body (e.g., the second elastic body <NUM>) is applied to the support ring <NUM> (e.g., the support ring <NUM>), the support ring <NUM> may start to return to its original state (e.g., the state of <FIG>) by rotating about the folding axis A, the second cam <NUM> may perform a translational motion by the elastic restoring moment of the second elastic body and an inclined surface 10863a (e.g., the inclined surface 4863a) of a support protrusion <NUM> (e.g., the support protrusion <NUM>) of the support ring <NUM>, and a protruding portion <NUM> (e.g., the protruding portion <NUM>) of the second cam <NUM> may contact a horizontal surface 10863b (e.g., the horizontal surface 4863b) of the support protrusion <NUM> and be supported by the horizontal surface 10863b, whereby the support ring <NUM> may suppress the translational motion of the second cam <NUM>. In this process, as the second cam surface <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> meets the first cam surface <NUM> of the first cam <NUM>, the translational motion of the second cam <NUM> may be stopped, and the protruding portion <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> may be secured on the horizontal surface 10863b of the support protrusion <NUM>.

Thereafter, when the electronic device <NUM> enters the fully unfolded state, in the hinge assembly <NUM>, the second cam <NUM> may maintain a state of being supported by the support ring <NUM>, and the contact between the first cam surface <NUM> of the first cam <NUM> and the second cam surface <NUM> of the second cam <NUM> may be maintained.

Referring to <FIG>, a hinge assembly <NUM> may include a first hinge 1180a having a first folding axis A1 and a second hinge 1180b having a second folding axis A2. Here, the first hinge 1180a and the second hinge 1180b may include fixing bodies 1181a and 1181b (e.g., the fixing body <NUM>), rotating bodies 1182a and 1182b (e.g., the rotating body <NUM>), first cams 1183a and 1183b (e.g., the first cam <NUM>), second cams 1184a and 1184b (e.g., the second cam <NUM>), third cams 1185a and 1185b (e.g., the third cam <NUM>), support rings 1186a and 1186b (e.g., the support ring <NUM>), first elastic bodies 1187a and 1187b (e.g., the first elastic body <NUM>), support bodies 1188a and 1188b (e.g., the support body <NUM>), shafts 1189a and 1189b (e.g., the shaft <NUM>), and second elastic bodies (e.g., the second elastic body <NUM>), respectively, as described above with reference to <FIG>. The first fixing body 1181a of the first hinge 1180a and the first fixing body 1181b of the second hinge 1180b may be fixed to at least a portion of a hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>), and the first rotating body 1182a of the first hinge 1180a may rotate about the first folding axis A1 and support a first area (e.g., the first area 361a) of a display (e.g., the display <NUM>), while the second rotating body 1182b of the second hinge 1180b may rotate about the second folding axis A2 and support a second area (e.g., the second area 361b) of the display. In certain example embodiments, the components of the first hinge 1180a and the components of the second hinge 1180b may be arranged symmetrically with respect to an imaginary centerline C of the hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM>).

Claim 1:
A foldable electronic device (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a display (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a first area (261a, 361a), a second area (261b, 361b), and a flexible area (261c, 361c) between the first area (261a, 361a) and the second area (261b, 361b);
a first housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) located around the first area (261a, 361a) of the display (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) located around the second area (261b, 361b) of the display (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a hinge assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) connected between the first housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) adjacent to at least a portion of the flexible area (261c, 361c) of the display (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to operate between a folded position at which the first area (261a, 361a) and the second area (261b, 361b) face each other and an unfolded position at which the first area (261a, 361a) and the second area (261b, 361b) do not face each other,
wherein the hinge assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises:
a hinge cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) connected to the first housing (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a first hinge (1180a) connected to the hinge cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) to support the first area (261a, 361a) of the display (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a second hinge (1180b) connected to the hinge cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) to support the second area (261b, 361b) of the display (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein each of the first hinge (1180a) and the second hinge (1180b) comprises:
a shaft (<NUM>, 1189a, 1189b) with a folding axis;
a first elastic body (<NUM>) configured to apply an elastic force to a first cam (<NUM>, 1183a, 1183b);
the first cam (<NUM>, 1183a, 1183b) configured to perform a linear motion while elastically moving by means of the first elastic body (<NUM>) in an axial direction of the folding axis of the shaft (<NUM>, 1189a, 1189b) when the first elastic body (<NUM>) is stretched or compressed in the axial direction of the folding axis;
a second cam (<NUM>, 1184a, 1184b) configured to contact the first cam (<NUM>, 1183a, 1183b); and
a third cam (<NUM>, 1185a, 1185b) configured to contact the first cam (<NUM>, 1183a, 1183b), and
wherein the first cam (<NUM>, 1183a, 1183b) is configured to contact only one of the second cam (<NUM>, 1184a, 1184b) and the third cam (<NUM>, 1185a, 1185b) at a time.