Patent Description:
A portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, may provide various functions. The various functions can include voice communication, playback of videos, and internet searching, using various kinds of applications. The user may intend to use the above-mentioned functions through a wider screen. However, as the screen becomes larger, portability may deteriorate. Accordingly, a foldable portable electronic device that may increase portability by utilizing a folded structure has been developed.

<CIT> discloses a hinge structure comprising a first rotary bracket for rotating about a first virtual axis within a first range; a second rotary bracket for rotating about a second virtual axis within a second range; a fixing bracket on which the first rotary bracket and the second rotary bracket are fixed; a first rotary member for rotating around a first rotary shaft and a second rotary member for rotating around a second rotary shaft; a first arm unit including a first basic body, a first connection unit connected to the first rotary bracket, a first insertion unit of which one side is inserted into the first rotary member, and a first rotary cam arranged adjacent to the first insertion unit; a second arm unit including a second basic body, a second connection unit connected to the second rotary bracket, a second insertion unit of which one side is inserted into the second rotary member, and a second rotary cam arranged adjacent to the second insertion unit; a cam unit having irregularities corresponding to the first rotary cam and the second rotary cam; a first elastic body which is inserted into the first rotary member and supports at least one side of the cam unit toward the first arm unit; a second elastic body which is inserted into the second rotary member and supports at least the other side of the cam unit toward the second arm unit; and a support bracket to support the first elastic body and the second elastic body.

<CIT> discloses a foldable terminal device, including: a foldable flexible panel, a first support component, a second support component, and a connection mechanism, where the flexible panel includes a first display area, a second display area, and a bending area, and the bending area is located between the first display area and the second display area; the connection mechanism connects the first support component and the second support component, the connection mechanism connects the first support component and the second support component, the connection mechanism is scalable.

<CIT> discloses a compact rotational speed reduction device for use in a cell phone cover opening and closing device, and to a cell phone cover opening and closing device using the rotational speed reduction device. The rotational speed reduction device comprises a motor having a motor shaft at one end and an output rotating plate having an output shaft at the other end, and a gear housing having an internal gear formed on an inner circumferential surface, at least one power transmission rotor plate installed in said gearhousing and having a power transmission shaft for transmitting power in the output direction, and a speed reduction device comprising a spur gear meshed with the internal gear formed on the inner circumferential surface of said gearhousing and rotatably installed on said output rotor plate and at least one power transmission rotor plate in plurality, respectively, wherein the end of said motor shaft and the power transmission shaft provided on each of said output shaft and said one or more power transmission shafts are formed by gears, and wherein the end of said motor shaft engages a plurality of spur gears installed on a power transmission shaft adjacent to said motor in the output direction, wherein each of said at least one power transmission shaft is configured to mesh with a plurality of spur gears installed on the power transmission shaft or on the power transmission shaft adjacent to the power transmission shaft in the output direction.

<CIT> discloses a motor driven hinge which uses a double shaft motor wherein gear heads are provided at both sides of the double shaft motor, a shaft which is connected to a rotation shaft of each gear head, a circular or square rotation block is provided at a tip end of each shaft and an open/close unit for rotating is provided for each of the rotation block. The motor driven hinge can support load by rotating the motor even when stopping the open/close unit of a large load at an arbitral angle, preventing it from dropping.

<CIT> discloses a synchronous pivot mechanism of biax, including pivot group and drive assembly. The pivot group is equipped with a first pivot and a second pivot, the drive assembly is equipped with interlock spare, a first driving piece and a second driving piece, and the interlock spare is equipped with a first pin joint hole and a second pin joint hole.

In a foldable electronic device, a hinge structure may be connected to adjacent housings and a display positioned on the housings is folded or unfolded (or opened). Accordingly, a wider screen may be provided when the foldable electronic device is unfolded. In this process, a free-stop function may be provided such that the foldable electronic device is held at a specific angle less than <NUM> degrees. Accordingly, a foldable electronic device may employ a cam structure, and an elastic member to generate a frictional force for the cam operation.

The above-described foldable electronic device may generate friction with a related structure while performing a cam operation. This can produce dust. Furthermore, because of wear due to the cam operation, the smoothness of the cam operation may deteriorate as time elapses. Additionally, the holding angle in the free-stop state may be restricted.

Certain embodiments provide a hinge structure using an actuator, by which a hinge operation is performed. The hinge operation is performed by controlling folding or unfolding of a foldable electronic device by using the actuator. Certain embodiments include a foldable electronic device including the same.

The problem is solved as described in the appended claims.

A hinge structure that may be used in such a foldable electronic device may comprise: a first rotary member at least partially disposed in a fixing bracket; a second rotary member at least partially disposed in the fixing bracket; a first arm part adjacent to the first rotary member, and at least a portion of which is inserted onto a first rotary shaft; a second arm part adj acent to the second rotary member, and at least a portion of which is inserted onto a second rotary shaft; a first link connecting the first rotary member and the first arm part; a second link connecting the second rotary member and the second arm part; a first actuator connected to the first link and configured to provide a rotational force; and a second actuator connected to the second link and configured to provide a rotational force.

According to the hinge structure using an actuator and the foldable electronic device including the same according to various embodiments, a folded state of the electronic device may be easily changed to an unfolded state or the unfolded state may be easily changed to the folded state through a simple manipulation.

Furthermore, various embodiments may provide holding states of various angles may be provided while the angles are not restricted.

In addition, various embodiments may improve an easiness of assembling and durability through a more simplified structure, and may provide a slim shape.

Other various purposes and effects provided by the foldable electronic device according to various embodiments may be mentioned according to the embodiments of the detailed description.

Hereinafter, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various modifications and/or alternatives can be 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, 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, 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 following cases: 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 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 regardless 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)" is not limited to "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 certain 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 certain 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 certain 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 certain embodiments. <FIG> is a an external view of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a housing(s) of the foldable electronic device and a hinge structure according to certain embodiments.

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 the invention includes 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, a hinge member, a hinge part, or a hinge), a hinge housing <NUM>, inside of which at least a portion of the hinge structure <NUM> is disposed, and may include various electronic elements <NUM> (e.g., a battery, a printed circuit board, a camera, at least one sensor, a communication circuit, an antenna, an actuator driving circuit for driving (or driving a motor or driving a power part) at least one actuator disposed in the hinge structure <NUM>, or a wiring line between the actuator driving circuit and the actuator) related to driving 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 at least a portion of one surface of the second housing <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view of the foldable electronic device <NUM> in a first state (e.g., a flat state, a unfolding state, an unfolded state, or an opened state). <FIG> is a perspective view of the foldable electronic device <NUM> in a second state (e.g., a folded state, a folding state, or a closed state). <FIG> is a view illustrating housings and a hinge structure of the foldable electronic device <NUM> in the first state.

The first housing 110may be continuous to the second housing <NUM> in the y axis direction or may be parallel to the second housing <NUM> in the z axis direction. 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 face one surface (a surface that faces the z axis direction in <FIG>) of the second housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may be formed of a material having a specific strength to support at least a portion of the display <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the first housing <NUM> may be formed of a metallic material or at least a portion thereof is formed of a nonmetallic material. An area (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 on at least a portion of a front surface 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>. The bonding may be through a bonding means, a bonding member, or a bonding tape. Furthermore, at least a portion of a periphery of a front surface of the first housing <NUM> may be bonded to at least a portion of a periphery 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 a bonding means, a bonding member, or a 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 an inside of the first housing <NUM> may be hollow while being coupled to the first cover <NUM>. The electronic elements <NUM> (e.g., elements, such as a printed circuit board, at least one processor mounted on the printed circuit board, at least one memory, or a battery) that are necessary for driving the display <NUM> may be disposed inside of the first housing <NUM>.

Peripheral ends 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 a periphery of at least one side of the display <NUM>. Furthermore, side walls, at least portions of which face a periphery of the display <NUM>, may be disposed at at least a portion of the periphery end of the first housing <NUM>. Side walls formed at at least a portion of a periphery of the first housing <NUM> may have specific heights at the remaining three peripheries, except for the periphery that faces the second housing <NUM>. A periphery portion of the first housing <NUM>, which 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. The first housing <NUM> may include seating parts 112a and 112b at a peripheral part that faces the second housing <NUM>. A portion of the hinge structure <NUM> may be seated in the seating parts 112a and 112b. The first housing <NUM>, for example, may include the first seating part 112a, on which at least a portion of a first hinge structure 200a is seated, and the second seating part 112b, on which at least a portion of an actuator of a second hinge structure 200b is seated. According to an embodiment, the second seating part 112b may include a first seating area 112b_1 (a recess, a hole, or an opening), on which at least a portion of the first actuator of the second hinge structure 200b is seated, and a second seating area 112b_2 (a recess, a hole, or an opening) (or an empty space area, in which at least a portion of a first link of the second hinge structure 200b is disposed), on which at least a portion of the first link (or a support member or a connecting member) connected to the first actuator of the second hinge structure 200b is seated. According to certain embodiments, the first seating part 112a of the first housing <NUM> may have a structure that is symmetrical to the second seating part 112b with respect to the y axis, and may include seating areas, which are disposed at a periphery on an opposite side of a location, at which the second seating part 112b is disposed, and on which the actuator and the link on one side of the first hinge structure 200a may be seated.

As described above, the first housing <NUM> may provide a space, of which a z axis height is larger (or higher) than that of the hinge housing <NUM>, and an actuator that is larger than an actuator that may be mounted on the hinge housing <NUM> may be mounted as first actuators of the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b. Accordingly, the first actuator may provide a higher torque in relation to hinge operations of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, than the actuator that may be mounted on the hinge housing <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the second housing <NUM>, according to disposition thereof, 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>. The second housing <NUM> may be formed of the same material as the first housing <NUM>. Because the second housing <NUM> is disposed to be symmetrical to the first housing <NUM> leftwards and rightwards or 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>, except for 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>. Furthermore, a periphery 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 a bonding means, a bonding member, or a 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 <NUM> that are necessary for driving the display <NUM> may be disposed.

According to certain embodiments, peripheral ends (e.g., peripheral ends of the remaining three sites, except for a periphery 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 a periphery of an opposite side 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 periphery of the display <NUM>, may be disposed at at least a portion of the peripheral end of the second housing <NUM>. Side walls formed at at least a portion of a periphery of the second housing <NUM> may have specific heights at the remaining three peripheries, except for the periphery 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 third seating part 122a and a fourth seating part 122b, on which a portion of the hinge structure <NUM> mounted on the hinge housing <NUM> is seated, at a peripheral part that faces the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the fourth seating part 122b may include a third seating area 122b_1, on which at least a portion of the second actuator of the second hinge structure 200b is seated, and a fourth seating area 122b_2 (or an empty space area, in which at least a portion of the second link of the second hinge structure 200b is disposed), on which at least a portion of the second link (or a support member or a connecting member) connected to the second actuator of the second hinge structure 200b is seated. According to certain embodiments, at a periphery of the third seating part 122a of the second housing <NUM>, which is opposite to a periphery at a location, at which the fourth seating part 122b is disposed, with respect to the y axis, the same structure (or a structure that is symmetrical with respect to the y axis) as that of the fourth seating part 122b may be formed, and the third seating part 122a of the second housing <NUM> may include a structure, on which a portion of the actuator of the first hinge structure 200a and at least a portion of the link are seated. As described above, the second housing <NUM> may provide a space, of which a z axis height is larger (or higher) than that of the hinge housing <NUM>, and an actuator that is larger than an actuator that may be mounted on the hinge housing <NUM> may be mounted as second actuators of the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b. Accordingly, the second actuator may provide a higher torque in relation to hinge operations of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, than the actuator that may be mounted on the hinge housing <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, 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> and related to 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 certain embodiments, the hinge housing <NUM> may be covered by one side of the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM> (e.g., an unfolded state of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>) or be exposed to the outside (e.g., 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 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 in <FIG>, when one surface of the first housing <NUM> and one surface of the second housing <NUM> are disposed to face each other, the hinge housing <NUM> may be disposed such that at least a portion thereof is exposed to the outside at peripheries (e.g., peripheries 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 certain embodiments, 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 certain 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. Furthermore, 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 certain embodiments, the bonding layer <NUM>, as illustrated, may be disposed only at the peripheries of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the hinge structure <NUM> may include the first hinge structure 200a, at least a portion of which is disposed on one side (e.g., a -x axis periphery) of the hinge housing <NUM>, and the second hinge structure 200b, at least a portion of which is disposed on an opposite side (e.g., a x axis periphery) of the hinge housing <NUM>. The first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b may include 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, certain embodiments of the disclosure are 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 certain embodiments, at least one of the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b may include an actuator related to a hinge operation. Correspondingly, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include an actuator driving circuit related to driving of the actuator, a wiring line between the actuator driving circuit and the actuator, and a battery for supplying electric power to the actuator and the actuator driving circuit. The actuator driving circuit may be implemented as a part of the processor, or may be controlled by the processor after being provided as a separate configuration.

According to certain embodiments, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may further include a physical button for triggering driving of the actuator. According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include a first physical button for a folding operation, and a second physical button for an unfolding operation. According to certain embodiments, the first cover <NUM> or the second cover <NUM> of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be implemented as a touch screen (or an auxiliary display). The foldable electronic device <NUM> may output at least one icon or menu related to adjustment (e.g., adjustment of a fully unfolding operation, in which an angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> is <NUM> degrees or an angle that is close to <NUM> degrees, or adjustment of a free stop operation for holding at a specific angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, which is smaller than <NUM> degrees and larger than <NUM> degrees) of a folding operation or an unfolding operation, through the touch screen. According to certain embodiments, an auxiliary display that is disposed at at least one site of an outer side of the first housing <NUM> or an outer side of the second housing <NUM> may be further included. The foldable electronic device <NUM> may include at least one processor for controlling the auxiliary display, and the processor may be configured to output a screen interface for controlling the first actuator or the second actuator on the auxiliary display in correspondence to a user input. According to certain embodiments, the display <NUM> may output the screen interface related to the first actuator or the second actuator. According to certain embodiments, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may further include a processor, and the processor may be configured to output a screen interface related to control of the first actuator and the second actuator in correspondence to execution of a specific application. Alternatively, the processor may be configured to change the folded state to the unfolded state by automatically controlling the first actuator and the second actuator in correspondence to execution of the specific application. Alternatively, the processor may be configured to change the unfolded state to the folded state by automatically controlling the first actuator and the second actuator in correspondence to execution of the specific application. According to certain embodiments, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may output at least one icon or menu related to adjustment of the unfolded state to the folded state, or adjustment of a free stop operation for holding at a specific angle that is smaller than <NUM> degrees, through the display <NUM>.

The above-described foldable electronic device <NUM> may not include various configurations that are necessary for a cam operation, for example, a cam structure and elastic members, because the hinge structure performs a hinge operation through driving of the actuator while not performing a cam operation. According to certain embodiments, a magnet member related to maintenance of the folded state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be disposed on one side of the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>, for example, at a -y axis or y axis periphery thereof, and the magnet member may not be included as the actuator of the hinge structure <NUM> is applied.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of the foldable electronic device in a first direction according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a view illustrating an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of the foldable electronic device in a second direction according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of an actuator and a link according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a coupled state of a link and a peripheral structure according to certain embodiments.

In the following description, among the hinge structures 200a and 200b, the second hinge structure 200b will be described as an example. A structure and a configuration of the second hinge structure 200b described in <FIG> and <FIG> may be the same as those of the first hinge structure 200a described above. According to certain embodiments, the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b may have different structures. For example, the first hinge structure 200a may employ a structure including a cam structure and an elastic member while a separate actuator structure is not applied.

Referring to <FIG>, the second hinge structure 200b may include a fixing bracket <NUM>, a first rotary member <NUM>, a second rotary member <NUM>, a first fixing part <NUM>, a second fixing part <NUM>, a first arm part <NUM>, a second arm part <NUM>, a first link <NUM>, a second link <NUM>, a third fixing part <NUM>, a fourth fixing part <NUM>, a first actuator <NUM>, a second actuator <NUM>, a first rotary shaft <NUM>, a second rotary shaft <NUM>, a stopper <NUM>, a first idle gear <NUM>, a second idle gear <NUM>, and a plurality of fixing clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 293_1, and 293_2. At least some of the above-described configurations of the second hinge structure 200b may be formed of a metallic material to have a specific strength. Alternatively, at least a portion of the second hinge structure 200b may have a material such as a reinforced plastic or a resin.

At least a portion of a shape of a lower surface (e.g., a surface in the -z axis direction) of the fixing bracket <NUM> may include a curved surface. For example, the lower surface of the fixing bracket <NUM> may be formed to correspond to an inner shape of the hinge housing <NUM>, of which a z axis cross-section at least partially includes a curve. 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 the first rail groove 213a, of which at least a portion of a cross-section is arc-shaped from an upper surface (e.g., a surface in the z axis direction) thereof toward a lower surface (e.g., a 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 a cross-section is arc-shaped from an upper surface (e.g., a surface in the z axis direction) thereof toward a lower surface (e.g., a 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 disposed to be biased to the y axis direction as compared with the second rail groove 213b, and the second rail groove 213b may be disposed to be biased to 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 (or first axis) <NUM>, and the second rail groove 213b may be rotated about a second imaginary axis (or second axis) <NUM>. The first imaginary axis <NUM> and the second imaginary axis <NUM> may be formed on an upper side of an upper surface (e.g., a 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 first axis (e.g., the first imaginary axis <NUM>), about which the first rotary member <NUM> is rotated, and the second axis (e.g., the second imaginary axis <NUM>), about which the second rotary member <NUM> is rotated, may be formed on an area on an upper side of the first rotary shaft <NUM> and the second rotary shaft <NUM> in a direction of the display <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, a distance between the first axis, about which the first rotary member <NUM> is rotated, and the second axis, about which the second rotary member <NUM> is rotated, may be shorter than a distance between the first rotary shaft <NUM> and the second rotary shaft <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the fixing bracket <NUM> may include at least one holding groove, which is formed at a side thereof disposed in the fourth direction (e.g., the -x axis direction), and in which at least one of one end (e.g., an end in the x axis direction) of the first rotary shaft <NUM>, one end (e.g., an end in the x axis direction) of the second rotary shaft <NUM>, one end of the first idle gear <NUM>, and one end of the second idle gear <NUM> is held.

According to certain embodiments, 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 with respect to the x axis from the upper surface (e.g., a 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 link connecting part 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 link connecting hole 211_2a that passes through one side of the first link connecting part 211_2 in the x axis direction, a first rail 211_3 formed in 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 in the first fixing hole 213_1a formed in the fixing bracket <NUM>.

At least a portion of the upper surface (e.g., a 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 link connecting part 211_2 may be disposed in a downward direction (e.g., the -z axis direction) at an end of the first bracket body 211_1 in the -x axis direction, and the first rail 211_3 may be disposed on a lower surface (e.g., a surface in the -z axis direction) thereof on one side of the first bracket body 211_1.

The first link connecting part 211_2 may be disposed at an end (e.g., an end in the -x axis direction) on one side of the first bracket body 211_1, and may be disposed on a lower side of the first bracket body 211_1. The first link connecting hole 211_2a may be formed in the first link connecting part 211_2 such that the third fixing part <NUM> is inserted thereinto. Another portion of the third fixing part <NUM>, which is inserted into the first link connecting hole 211_2a, may be coupled to one side of the first link <NUM>.

The first rail 211_3 may be disposed on one side of the first bracket body 211_1. For example, the first rail 211_3 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. 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., a periphery 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, certain embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to the number. According to an embodiment, a coupling member may be coupled to a boss or the like 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 link connecting part 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 in 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 in 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 link connecting part 212_2 may be disposed at an end (e.g., an end in the -x axis direction) on one side of the second bracket body 212_1. For example, the second link connecting part 212_2 may be disposed on a lower side of the second bracket body 212_1. A second link connecting hole 212_2a that extends in the x axis and -x axis directions may be formed in the second link connecting part 212_2. The second link connecting hole 212_2a may be disposed to be symmetrical to the first link connecting hole 211_2a with respect to an x axis center of the fixing bracket <NUM>. The second link connecting hole 212_2a may have the same shape as that of the first link connecting hole 211_2a. At least a portion of the fourth fixing part <NUM> may be inserted into the second link connecting hole 212_2a.

The second rail 212_3 may be disposed in the second bracket body 212_1. For example, the second rail 212_3 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. The second rail 212_3 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., a periphery 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 link <NUM> may be used to connect the first rotary member <NUM>, the first arm part <NUM>, and the first actuator <NUM>. The first link <NUM>, for example, may have a U shape. The first link <NUM> may include a first link part 271_1, a second link part 271_2 that extends from one end of the first link part 271_1 in a direction that is perpendicular to the first link part 271_1, and a third link part 271_3 that extends from an end of the second link part 271_2 in parallel to the first link part 271_1. The first link part 271_1 may include a first link hole 271a, to which the first actuator <NUM> is connected, and a second link hole 271b, into which one side of the first fixing part <NUM> is inserted. The first link hole 271a may have a shape corresponding to a cross-section of a shaft of the first actuator <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first actuator <NUM> may include a first roller 261a and a first actuator shaft 261b. At least a portion of the first actuator shaft 261b may include a flat shape and a curved shape (e.g., a D-cut shape). Correspondingly, at least a portion of the first link hole 271a may include a flat area to correspond to the first actuator shaft 261b. Accordingly, when the first actuator shaft 261b is rotated, the first link <NUM> may be rotated. The third link part 271_3 may include a third link hole 271c, into which an opposite side of the first fixing part <NUM> is inserted, and a fourth link hole 271d, into which the third fixing part <NUM> is inserted. With respect to the x axis or -x axis direction, the first link hole 271a may be disposed in parallel to the fourth link hole 271d, and the second link hole 271b may be disposed in parallel to the third link hole 271c. The first link <NUM> may be rotated as the first actuator <NUM> is rotated, and the first arm part <NUM> and the first rotary member <NUM> connected to the first link <NUM> may be rotated as the first link <NUM> is rotated. At least a portion of the first link <NUM> may be disposed in the first seating part 112a of the first housing <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the first link <NUM> may be disposed in the first seating part 112a together with the first actuator <NUM>, and may be rotated in a specific space in the first seating part 112a. The first link <NUM> may be rotated as the first arm part <NUM> and the first rotary member <NUM> are rotated.

The second link <NUM> may have the same structure and size as those of the first link <NUM>. For example, like the first link <NUM>, the second link <NUM> may include a fourth link part 272_1, in which fifth and sixth link holes 272a and 272b are formed, a sixth link part 272_3, in which the seventh and eighth link holes 272c and 272d, a fifth link part 272_2 that connects the fourth link part 272_1 and the sixth link part 272_3. The second link <NUM> may be disposed to be symmetrical to the first link <NUM> with respect to the x axis. One side of the second link <NUM> may be connected to the second actuator <NUM>. The second link <NUM> may be rotated as the second actuator <NUM> is rotated, and the second arm part <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> connected to the second link <NUM> may be rotated as the second link <NUM> is rotated. At least a portion of the second link <NUM> may be disposed in the second seating part 122b of the second housing <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the second link <NUM> may be disposed in the second seating part 122b together with the second actuator <NUM>, and may be rotated in a specific space in the second seating part 122b. The second link <NUM> may be rotated as the second arm part <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> are rotated, and a rotational direction of the second link <NUM> may be opposite to a rotational direction of the first link <NUM>.

The first fixing part <NUM> may have a pin shape having a specific length in one direction (e.g., the x axis direction). The first fixing part <NUM> may be formed to be at least larger than a sum of a length (e.g., the x axis depth) of the second link hole 271b of the first link part 271_1, a length (or an x axis depth) of a first fixing part hole 221_2a formed in a first wing 221_2 of the first arm part <NUM>, and a length of the third link hole 271c of the third link part 271_3. After the first fixing part <NUM> is inserted into the second link hole 271b, the first fixing part hole 221_2a formed in the first wing 221_2, and the third link hole 271c, at least one of the opposite sides of the first fixing part <NUM> may be fixed (e.g., fixed by using a separate E-ring 291_1). A diameter of the first fixing part <NUM> may be formed to be smaller than diameters of the second link hole 271b, the third link hole 271c, and the first fixing part hole 221_2a of the first wings 221_2.

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 an x axis center of the fixing bracket <NUM>, and at least a portion thereof may be inserted into and fixed to a second fixing part hole 222_2a of a second wing 222_2 of the second arm part <NUM> and the sixth and seventh link holes 272b and 272c of the second link <NUM>.

The first am part <NUM> may include a first arm body 221_1, a first shaft part 221_4, in which a first rotary shaft hole 221_4a, into which the first rotary shaft <NUM> is inserted, is formed, and the first wing 221_2, in which the first fixing part hole 221_2a, into which one side of the first fixing part <NUM> is inserted, is formed. At least a portion of the first arm body 221_1, for example, may have an L shape. The first shaft part 221_4 may extend from a -y axis periphery of the first arm body 221_1 in the -z axis direction, and may be formed along the -y axis periphery of the first arm body 221_1. At least a portion of the first rotary shaft <NUM> may be inserted into the first rotary shaft hole 221_4a. A first stopper boss 221_4b engaged with the stopper <NUM> may be disposed at an x axis end of the first shaft part 221_4. The first stopper boss 221_4b may restrict a rotation range of the first arm part <NUM> while being engaged with the stopper <NUM> as the first arm part <NUM> is rotated. The first wing 221_2 may extend from a -y axis end of the first arm body 221_1 perpendicularly in the -z axis direction. The first fixing part hole 221_2a formed to cross the x axis and the -x axis may be disposed at a -z axis periphery of the first wing 221_2. At least a portion of the first actuator <NUM> may be disposed between the first wing 221_2 and the first shaft part 221_4.

The second arm part <NUM> may have a structure that is the same as or similar to the first arm part <NUM>. For example, the second arm part <NUM> may include a second arm body 222_1 corresponding to the first arm body 221_1, a second shaft part 222_4 corresponding to the first shaft part 221_4, and in which a second rotary shaft hole 222_4a, into which the second rotary shaft <NUM> is inserted, is formed, and the second wing 222_2 corresponding to the first wing 221_2, and in which the second fixing part hole 222_2a, into which one side of the second fixing part <NUM> is inserted, is formed. The above-described configuration of the second arm part <NUM> may be disposed to be symmetrical to the first arm part <NUM> with respect to the x axis. According to certain embodiments, the second rotary shaft hole 222_4a may have a shape that is similar to the first rotary shaft hole 221_4a, but the disposition forms may be different with respect to the x axis. A second stopper boss 222_4b engaged with the stopper <NUM> may be disposed at an x axis end of the second shaft part 222_4. The second stopper boss 222_4b may restrict a rotation range of the second arm part <NUM> while being engaged with the stopper <NUM> as the second arm part <NUM> is rotated. At least a portion of the second actuator <NUM> may be disposed between the second wing 222_2 and the second shaft part 222_4.

The third fixing part <NUM> may have a pin shape, of which a length in the x axis direction is longer. The third fixing part <NUM> may be shorter than the first fixing part <NUM>. One side of the third fixing part <NUM> may inserted into the first link connecting hole 211_2a formed in the first rotary member <NUM>, and an opposite side thereof may be inserted into the fourth link hole 271d of the first link <NUM>. The first fixing clip 291_1 may be coupled to an end of the third fixing part <NUM>, and may prevent the third fixing part <NUM> from deviating from the fourth link hole 271d.

The fourth fixing part <NUM> may be disposed to be symmetrical to the third fixing part <NUM> with respect to the x axis of the fixing bracket <NUM>. The fourth fixing part <NUM> may have a structure that is the same as or similar to that of the third fixing part <NUM>. One side of the fourth fixing part <NUM> may be inserted into the second link connecting hole 212_2a formed in the second rotary member <NUM>, and an opposite side thereof may be inserted into the eighth link hole 272d of the second link <NUM>. The second fixing clip 291_2 may be coupled to an end of the fourth fixing part <NUM>, and may prevent the fourth fixing part <NUM> from deviating from the second link <NUM>.

The first actuator <NUM> may include the first roller 261a (or first body part) formed long in the x axis lengthwise direction, and the first actuator shaft 261b that protrudes from the first roller 261a in the x axis direction and is coupled to the first link <NUM>. At least a portion of the first roller 261a may be disposed in the first seating part <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. The first actuator shaft 261b may be inserted into a hole (e.g., the first link hole 271a) of the first link <NUM>. In addition, a fixing clip may be disposed at an end of the first actuator shaft 261b inserted into the first link <NUM> such that the first actuator shaft 261b is prevented from deviating from the hole of the first link <NUM>.

The second actuator <NUM> may have the same structure as that of the first actuator <NUM>. For example, the second actuator <NUM> may include a second roller 262a (or second body part) that is formed long in the x axis lengthwise direction, and a second actuator shaft 262b that protrudes from the second roller 262a in the x axis direction, is disposed in parallel to the first actuator shaft 261b, and is coupled to the second link <NUM>. At least a portion of the second roller 262a may be disposed in the second seating part <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. The second actuator shaft 262b may be inserted into the fifth link hole 272a of the second link <NUM>. In addition, a fixing clip may be disposed at an end of the second actuator shaft 262b inserted into the second link <NUM> such that the second actuator shaft 262b is prevented from deviating from the eighth link hole 272d of the second link <NUM>.

One side of the first rotary shaft <NUM> may be seated in a holding groove formed on one side of the fixing bracket <NUM>, may be geared with the first idle gear <NUM>, and may pass through (or at least a portion thereof is located in the structure) one side (e.g., the first rotary shaft hole 221_4a) of the first arm part <NUM> and one side of the stopper <NUM>. The first rotary shaft <NUM> may include a first shaft body 231_1 and a first shaft gear 231_2 (or a first main gear). The first shaft body 231_1 may have a column shape, of which an x axis direction length is larger, and may have a length, by which it may pass through one side of the stopper <NUM> and the first rotary shaft hole 221_4a of the first arm part <NUM>. A z axis cross-section of the first shaft body 231_1 may have a cross-section that is similar to a z axis cross-section of the first rotary shaft hole 221_4a. Accordingly, when the first arm part <NUM> is rotated, the first shaft body 231_1 may be rotated, and the first shaft gear 231_2 may be rotated as the first shaft body 231_1 is rotated. The first shaft gear 231_2 may deliver a rotational force to the first idle gear <NUM>.

One end of the second rotary shaft <NUM> may be seated in the holding groove formed on an opposite side of the fixing bracket <NUM>, and the second rotary shaft <NUM> may be geared with the second idle gear <NUM> and may pass through the stopper <NUM> and the second rotary shaft hole 222_4a of the second arm part <NUM>. The second rotary shaft <NUM> may include a second shaft body 232_1 and a second shaft gear 232_2 (or a second main gear). The second shaft body 232_1 may have a length, by which it may pass through the stopper <NUM> and the second rotary shaft hole 222_4a. The second shaft body 232_1 may have substantially the same shape and size as those of 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 length. 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 with respect to an x axis center off the fixing bracket <NUM>. When the second arm part <NUM> is rotated, the second shaft body 232_1 may be rotated, and the second shaft gear 232_2 may be rotated as the second shaft body 232_1 is rotated. The second shaft gear 232_2 may deliver a rotational force to the second idle gear <NUM>.

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 prevented from being rotated by a specific limit angle or more.

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 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>.

The plurality of fixing clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 293_1, and 293_2 may be disposed such that at least one configuration included in the second hinge structure 200b is rotated while the corresponding configuration is fixed not to deviate from the corresponding location. The plurality of fixing clips 291_1, 291_2, 292_1, 292_2, 293_1, and 293_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, 293_1, and 293_2 may include the first fixing clip 291_1 that fixes the first fixing part <NUM> such that the first fixing part <NUM> is prevented from deviating from the first link <NUM>, the second fixing clip 291_2 that fixes the second fixing part <NUM> such that the second fixing part <NUM> is prevented from deviating from the second link <NUM>, the third fixing clip 292_1 that is coupled to a -x axis periphery of the first rotary shaft <NUM> to couple the first rotary shaft <NUM> to prevent the first rotary shaft <NUM> from deviating from the first rotary shaft hole 221_4a, the fourth fixing clip 292_2 that is coupled to a -x axis periphery of the second rotary shaft <NUM> to couple the second rotary shaft <NUM> to prevent the second rotary shaft <NUM> from deviating from the second rotary shaft hole 222_4a, the fifth fixing clip 293_1 that is coupled to an x axis end of the third fixing part <NUM> to prevent the third fixing part <NUM> from deviating from the first link <NUM>, and the sixth fixing clip 293_2 that is coupled to an x axis end of the fourth fixing part <NUM> to prevent the fourth fixing part <NUM> from deviating from the second link <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a rotation structure of the hinge structure in the unfolded state according to certain embodiments. <FIG> is a view illustrating a rotation structure of the hinge structure in the folded state according to certain embodiments. Prior to a description, a disposition state of the hinge structure exemplified in <FIG> and <FIG> corresponds to the disposition state of the second hinge structure described above in <FIG>. However, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the hinge structure illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> also may be applied to the first hinge structure described in <FIG> in the same way.

Referring to <FIG>, the second hinge structure 200b may include the first rotary member <NUM> coupled to the first housing <NUM>, the second rotary member <NUM> coupled to the first housing <NUM>, the fixing bracket <NUM> coupled to the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM>, the first link <NUM>, one side of which is coupled to the first rotary member <NUM>, the second link <NUM>, one side of which is coupled to the second rotary member <NUM>, the first arm part <NUM> connected to the first rotary member <NUM> through the first link <NUM>, the second arm part <NUM> connected to the second rotary member <NUM> through the second link <NUM>, the first actuator <NUM> coupled to the first link <NUM>, and the second actuator <NUM> coupled to the second link <NUM>. The first arm part <NUM> may be coupled to the first rotary shaft <NUM>. The second arm part <NUM> may be coupled to the second rotary shaft <NUM>. The first shaft gear 231_2 is disposed in the first rotary shaft <NUM>. The first idle gear <NUM>, the second idle gear <NUM>, and the second shaft gear 232_2 are disposed in the second rotary shaft <NUM> and may be geared with each other, and may share a mutual rotational force when the first arm part <NUM> or the second arm part <NUM> is rotated.

In the second hinge structure 200b of the above-described structure, an upper surface of the first rotary member <NUM> and an upper surface of the second rotary member <NUM> face the z axis direction. Correspondingly, an upper surface of the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> may also face the z axis direction. The first rotary member <NUM> may be rotated about the first imaginary axis <NUM> through the first rail 211_3 coupled to the first rail groove 213a of the fixing bracket <NUM>. The second rotary member <NUM> may be rotated about the second imaginary axis <NUM> through the second rail 212_3 coupled to the second rail groove 213b of the fixing bracket <NUM>. In the unfolded state, the first imaginary axis <NUM> and the second imaginary axis <NUM> may be formed on an upper side (air) of the upper surfaces of the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM>. The first arm part <NUM> may be rotated within a specific angle range with respect to a third imaginary axis (or third axis) <NUM> that is a center point of the first rotary shaft <NUM>. The second arm part <NUM> may be rotated within a specific angle range with respect to a fourth imaginary axis (or fourth axis) <NUM> that is a center point of the second rotary shaft <NUM>. When the first actuator <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the first link <NUM> may be similarly rotated. The first arm part <NUM> and the first rotary member <NUM> that are connected to the first link <NUM> may be also be similarly rotated. At the same time, when the second actuator <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction, the second link <NUM> may be similarly rotated. The second arm part <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> that are connected to the second link <NUM> may be also be similarly rotated. As described above, when the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> are rotated in the counterclockwise direction and the clockwise direction, respectively, the state of the second hinge structure 200b may be changed from the unfolded state of <FIG> to the folded state of <FIG>.

The first link part 271_1 of the first link <NUM> may be rotated about a fifth imaginary axis (or fifth axis) <NUM> to a specific angle. The fifth axis can correspond to a center of the third fixing part <NUM> or a center of the first actuator <NUM>. The third fixing part <NUM> is inserted into the fourth link hole 271d. The first actuator is inserted into the first link hole 271a of the first link. The fourth link part 272_1 of the second link <NUM> may be rotated about a sixth imaginary axis (or sixth axis) <NUM>. The sixth axis may correspond to a center of the fourth fixing part <NUM> or a center of the second actuator <NUM>. A seventh imaginary axis (or seventh axis) <NUM> may correspond to a center of the first fixing part <NUM>. The first fixing part <NUM> may be inserted into the second link hole 271b and the third link hole 271c of the first link <NUM> may be moved as the first link <NUM> is rotated. An eighth imaginary axis (or eight axis) <NUM> corresponds to a center of the second fixing part <NUM>. The second fixing part <NUM> can be inserted into the sixth link hole 272b and the seventh link hole 272c of the second link <NUM> may be moved as the second link <NUM> is rotated.

According to certain embodiments, when the first actuator <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction, the first link <NUM> may be similarly rotated. The first arm part <NUM> and the first rotary member <NUM> that are connected to the first link <NUM> may be also be rotated in the clockwise direction. At the same time, when the second actuator <NUM> is rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the second link <NUM> may be similarly rotated. The second arm part <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> that are connected to the second link <NUM> may be also be similarly rotated. As described above, when the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> are rotated in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively, the state of the second hinge structure 200b may be changed from the folded state of <FIG> to the unfolded state of <FIG>. According to certain embodiments, the first hinge structure 200a described in <FIG> may be disposed to be symmetrical to the second hinge structure 200b with respect to the y axis. An operation of the actuator of the first hinge structure 200a may cause rotation in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and correspondingly, each of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

A first imaginary line (or first imaginary link) 41a may be drawn from the first imaginary axis <NUM> and the third fixing part <NUM>. A second imaginary line (or second imaginary link) 41b (e.g., corresponding to the first link <NUM>) may drawn from the third fixing part <NUM> to the first fixing part <NUM>. A third imaginary line (or third imaginary link) 41c may be drawn from the first fixing part <NUM> and the third imaginary axis <NUM>. A fourth imaginary line (or fourth imaginary link) 41d may be drawn between the third imaginary axis <NUM> and the first imaginary axis <NUM>. Furthermore, a fifth imaginary line (or fifth imaginary link) 42a may be drawn between the second imaginary axis <NUM> and the fourth fixing part <NUM>. A sixth imaginary line (or sixth imaginary link) 42b may be drawn between the fourth fixing part <NUM> and the second fixing part <NUM>. A seventh imaginary line (or seventh imaginary link) 42c may be drawn between the second fixing part <NUM> and the fourth imaginary axis <NUM> (e.g., corresponding to a center of the second rotary shaft <NUM>). An eighth imaginary line (or eight imaginary link) 42d may be drawn between the fourth imaginary axis <NUM> and the second imaginary axis <NUM>.

The first imaginary line 41a may correspond to the fifth imaginary line 42a, and may maintain the same length. In the same way, the second imaginary line 41b, the third imaginary line 41c, and the fourth imaginary line 41d may correspond to the sixth imaginary line 42b, the seventh imaginary line 42c, and the eighth imaginary line 42d, respectively, and may maintain the same length. In correspondence to a change in the folded or unfolded state of the second hinge structure 200b, included angles between the imaginary lines may be changed. For example, while the state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, an angle between the first imaginary line 41a and the second imaginary line 41b and an angle between the fifth imaginary line 42a and the sixth imaginary line 42b may become gradually smaller, and an angle between the first imaginary line 41a and the fourth imaginary line 41d and an angle between the fifth imaginary line 42a and the eighth imaginary line 42d may become gradually larger. Furthermore, while the state of the foldable electronic device <NUM> is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, an angle between the second imaginary line 41b and the third imaginary line 41c and an angle between the sixth imaginary line 42b and the seventh imaginary line 42c may become gradually larger, and an angle between the third imaginary line 41c and the fourth imaginary line 41d and an angle between the seventh imaginary line 42c and the eighth imaginary line 42d may become gradually smaller.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of various states of the second hinge structure according to certain embodiments.

Referring to <FIG>, the second hinge structure 200b may be in a fully unfolded state like state <NUM>. For example, as the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> of the second hinge structure 200b are parallel to each other along the y axis, an angle between the upper surface (e.g., a surface in the z axis direction) of the first rotary member <NUM> and the upper surface (e.g., a surface in the z axis direction) of the second rotary member <NUM> may be <NUM> degrees, substantially <NUM> degrees, or within <NUM> degrees of <NUM> degrees (<NUM> degrees). In this state, the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> may be coupled to the fixing bracket <NUM>, respectively. According to an embodiment, a distance between the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> may be a first distance h1.

The second hinge structure 200b may be in a first holding angle state like state <NUM>. The first holding angle of the first holding angle state between the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> may be <NUM> degrees, or each of the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> form a <NUM> degree angle with respect to the y axis. The first holding angle may be fixed when operations of the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> are stopped as the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> are in rotated states. When the second hinge structure 200b is in the first holding angle state, a portion of the first rail 211_3 of the first rotary member <NUM> and a portion of the second rail 212_3 of the second rotary member <NUM> may be extracted from the first rail groove 213a and the second rail groove 213b of the fixing bracket <NUM>. A second distance h2 between the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> may be the same as the first distance h1 in state <NUM> above or may be a distance that is smaller than the first distance h1.

The second hinge structure 200b may be in a second holding angle state like state <NUM>. In the second holding angle state <NUM>, the second holding angle between the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> may be <NUM> degrees, or the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> may each form a <NUM> degree angle with the y-axis. The second holding angle may be fixed when operations of the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> are stopped as the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> are in rotated states. A third distance h3 between the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> may be smaller than the first distance h1 in state <NUM> above or the second distance h2. in state <NUM>.

The second hinge structure 200b may be in the folded state like state <NUM>. When the second hinge structure 200b is in the folded state, one side of the first housing <NUM> and one side of the second housing <NUM> may contact each other. In the folded state, an angle between the first rotary member <NUM> and the -y axis may be <NUM> degrees or an angle that is larger than <NUM> degrees by a specific angle (e.g., around <NUM> degrees) and an angle between the second rotary member <NUM> and the y axis may be <NUM> degrees or an angle that is larger than <NUM> degrees by a specific angle. In the folded state, at least a portion of one surface of the first rotary member <NUM> and at least a portion of one surface of the second rotary member <NUM> may face each other. In state <NUM>, a fourth distance h4 between the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> of the second hinge structure 200b may be smaller than the distances (e.g., the first distance h1, the second distance h2, and the third distance h3) in the other states.

A hinge operation may be performed while a height (e.g., a height in the z axis direction) between the upper surfaces of the first rotary member <NUM> and the first arm part <NUM> and a height (e.g., a height in the z axis direction) between the upper surfaces of the second rotary member <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM> are changed in states <NUM> to <NUM>. For example, in state <NUM>, because the heights of the upper surfaces of the first rotary member <NUM> and the first arm part <NUM> (or the second rotary member <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM>) are the same, a flat shape may be maintained whereby the display <NUM> may be supported at the same height. In state <NUM> or <NUM>, because the heights of the upper surfaces of the first rotary member <NUM> and the first arm part <NUM> (or the second rotary member <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM>) are different. For example, referring to state <NUM>, the upper surface of the first rotary member <NUM> and the upper surface of the second rotary member <NUM> may be disposed to be closer to a z axis center (or a center of the foldable electronic device <NUM> or a center of the fixing bracket <NUM>) than the upper surfaces of the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is partially folded or closed, heights of surfaces of the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM>, which faces the rear surface of the display <NUM>, and heights of surfaces of the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM>, which faces the rear surface of the display <NUM>, may be different. According to certain embodiments, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is partially folded or closed, surfaces of portions of the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member 212may be closer to the rear surface of the display <NUM> than surfaces of portions of the first arm part <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM>, which faces the rear surface of the display <NUM>, at a location that faces the rear surface of the display <NUM>, which faces the folded area. In states <NUM> to <NUM>, the first link <NUM> that connects the first rotary member <NUM>, the first arm part <NUM>, and the first actuator <NUM>, and the second link <NUM> that connects the second rotary member <NUM>, the second arm part, and the second actuator <NUM> may be rotated in an opposite direction to a direction, in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are rotated.

<FIG> is a view illustrating a change in an angle between the link and the arm part according to a change in a holding state of the second hinge structure according to certain embodiments.

The second hinge structure 200b may be in a fully unfolded state like state <NUM>. The fully unfolded state, for example, may include a state, in which the first rotary member <NUM> or the second rotary member <NUM> is not rotated further in the -z axis direction. Alternatively, the fully unfolded state may include a state, in which the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> of the second hinge structure 200b may be unfolded maximally. Alternatively, the fully unfolded state may include a state, in which an included angle between the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> of the second hinge structure 200b is <NUM> degrees or an angle that is close to <NUM> degrees. In the fully unfolded state of the second hinge structure 200b, the display <NUM> of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be in a flat unfolded state. When the second hinge structure 200b is in the fully unfolded state, an angle (or an angle between the first rotary member <NUM> and the first link <NUM>) between the second rotary member <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may be a first angle "a". The first angle "a" is for explaining an angle defined by the second link <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM>, and for example, the first angle "a" may be an angle between an arbitrary line that is parallel to the second rotary member <NUM> and an arbitrary line that passes a center of the second link <NUM> when viewed in the x axis direction.

The first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> included in the second hinge structure 200b may be operated according to execution of a user input or a specific function of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. As the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> are operated, the second hinge structure 200b in state <NUM> may be in a state, in which it is folded at a specific angle as in state <NUM>. For example, in the second hinge structure 200b, an angle between the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> may be <NUM> degrees or an angle that is close to <NUM> degrees. Correspondingly, an angle between the second rotary member <NUM> and the second link <NUM> may be a second angle "b". The second angle "b", for example, may be an angle that is larger than the first angle "a". According to an embodiment, the second angle "b" may be <NUM> degrees or an angle that is close to <NUM> degrees.

When the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> included in the second hinge structure 200b are additionally operated, the state of the second hinge structure 200b may be changed from state <NUM> to state <NUM>. For example, the second hinge structure 200b may be in the folded state. In the folded state, for example, at least a portion of the first rotary member <NUM> and at least a portion of the second rotary member <NUM> may face each other. Alternatively, the folded state may include a state, in which at least portions of the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> are disposed to be parallel to each other in the z axis direction. When the first rotary member <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> are disposed to be parallel to each other in the z axis direction (or upper ends of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> of the foldable electronic device <NUM> contact each other), a third angle "c" may be defined between the second rotary member <NUM> and the second link <NUM>. The third angle "c" may be an angle that is larger than the second angle "b". For example, the third angle "c" may be an angle between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees.

As described above, the second link <NUM> included in the second hinge structure 200b may support hinge operations of the second rotary member <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM>, center axes of which are different, because an included angle between the second link <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> becomes different as the second rotary member <NUM> is rotated. In this way, the first link <NUM> may support hinge operations of the second rotary member <NUM> and the second arm part <NUM>, center axes of which are different, because an included angle between the first link <NUM> and the first rotary member <NUM> is changed as the first rotary member <NUM> is rotated. As the first link <NUM> and the second link <NUM> are rotated, the disposition states of the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> may be maintained in a fixed state.

<FIG> is a view illustrating another example of a hinge structure.

Referring to <FIG>, a hinge structure <NUM> may include the fixing bracket <NUM>, the first rotary member <NUM>, the second rotary member <NUM>, the first arm part <NUM>, the second arm part <NUM>, a first actuator <NUM>, and a second actuator <NUM>.

The first actuator <NUM>, for example, may include a first roller 961a and a first actuator shaft 961b. The first actuator shaft 961b may protrude from the first roller 961a in the x axis direction. The first actuator shaft 961b, for example, may have a rod shape that extends long in the x axis direction. At least a portion of the first actuator shaft 961b may be a flat area. At least a portion of a z axis cross-section of the first actuator shaft 961b may include a D-cut shape. The first actuator shaft 961b, for example, may be directly inserted into one side of the first arm part <NUM>. Tthe second actuator <NUM> also may include a first roller and a second actuator shaft like the first actuator <NUM>, and the second actuator shaft of the second actuator <NUM> also may be directly coupled to the second arm part <NUM>.

In the hinge structure <NUM> having the above-described structure, the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> may be rotated in opposite directions. For example, when the first actuator shaft 961b of the first actuator <NUM> is rotated in a first direction 900a, the second actuator shaft of the second actuator <NUM> may be rotated in a second direction 900b. Correspondingly, the first arm part <NUM> and the first rotary member <NUM> coupled to the first arm part <NUM> may be rotated in the first direction 900a, and the second arm part <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> coupled to the second arm part <NUM> may be rotated in the second direction 900b.

Tthe hinge structure <NUM> may further include the first rotary shaft, to which the first arm part <NUM> is coupled, and the second rotary shaft, to which the second arm part <NUM> is coupled, similarly to the structure described in <FIG> and <FIG>, and the first shaft gear may be formed in the first rotary shaft and the second shaft gear may be formed in the second rotary shaft. The first idle gear and the second idle gear may be disposed between the first shaft gear and the second shaft gear, and a rotational force may be shared. In the above-described structure, an insertion groove, into which the first actuator shaft 961b is inserted, may be formed in the first rotary shaft in the x axis direction, and an insertion groove, into which the second actuator shaft is inserted, may be formed in the second rotary shaft in the x axis direction. In the structure, when the first actuator shaft 961b of the first actuator <NUM> rotates the first rotary shaft, the first arm part <NUM> coupled to the first rotary shaft and the first rotary member <NUM> coupled to the first arm part <NUM> may be rotated in the first direction 900a. Similarly or in the same way, when the second actuator shaft of the second actuator <NUM> rotates the second rotary shaft, the second arm part <NUM> coupled to the second rotary shaft and the second rotary member <NUM> coupled to the second arm part <NUM> may be rotated in the second direction 900b.

In the above-described structure, the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> may be inserted into and fixed to an inside of the hinge housing <NUM> described in <FIG>. In this regard, a space, into which the first actuator <NUM> and the second actuator <NUM> are inserted, may be provided in the hinge housing <NUM>. The hinge structure <NUM> may be applied to at least one of the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b described above.

The first actuator <NUM>, for example, may include a first roller 1061a and a first actuator shaft 1061b. The first actuator shaft 1061b may protrude from the first roller 1061a in the -y axis direction. The first actuator shaft 1061b, for example, may have a rod shape that extends long in the -y axis direction. The first actuator shaft 1061b may be linearly moved in a first direction 1000a (e.g., in the y axis and -y axis direction or in the -y axis direction from the -y axis). A first slide hole that passes through the x axis and the -x axis and is formed long in the y axis or -y axis direction may be formed in the first rotary member <NUM> that is adjacent to the first arm part <NUM>, and a first fixing part that passes through one side of the first arm part <NUM> and the first slide hole and is disposed in the corresponding hole may be disposed therein. The first fixing part may be linearly moved by the first actuator shaft 1061b. The first actuator shaft 1061b may be operated to push the first fixing part in the -y axis direction in the y axis, or pull the first fixing part in the y axis direction in the -y axis. When the first fixing part is moved in the -y axis direction in the y axis or in the y axis direction in the -y axis, the first arm part <NUM> and the first rotary member <NUM> coupled to the first arm part <NUM> may be rotated. In the same way, the second actuator <NUM> may include a second roller 1062a and a second actuator shaft 1062b. Correspondingly, a second slide hole that passes through the x axis and the -x axis and is formed long in the y axis or -y axis direction may be formed in the second rotary member <NUM> that is adjacent to the second arm part <NUM>, and a second fixing part that passes through one side of the second arm part <NUM> and the second slide hole and is disposed in the corresponding hole may be disposed therein. The second fixing part may be linearly moved by the second actuator shaft 1062b. The second actuator shaft 1062b may be linearly moved in a second direction 1000b (e.g., from the -y axis to the y axis or from the y axis to the -y axis). Alternatively, the second actuator shaft 1062b may be operated in an opposite direction to that of the linear movement of the first actuator shaft 1061b. When the second actuator shaft 1062b is moved, the second fixing part may be moved correspondingly, and as the second fixing part is moved, the second arm part <NUM> and the second rotary member <NUM> coupled to the second arm part <NUM> may be rotated.

According to certain unclaimed embodiments, a foldable electronic device may include a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a display <NUM>, wherein at least a portion of the display is positioned on the first housing and at least another portion of the display is disposed on the second housing, a hinge structure 200b coupling the first housing and the second housing, wherein the hinge structure includes the first rotary member <NUM> coupled to the first housing, the second rotary member <NUM> coupled to the second housing, the first arm part <NUM> disposed adjacent to the first rotary member, wherein at least a portion of the first arm part is at least partially inserted onto the first rotary shaft, the second arm part <NUM> disposed adjacent to the second rotary member, wherein at least a portion of the second arm part <NUM> is at least partially inserted onto the second rotary shaft, the first link <NUM> coupling the first rotary member and the first arm, the second link <NUM> coupling the second rotary member and the second arm, the first actuator <NUM> coupled to the first link and that provides a rotational force, and the second actuator <NUM> coupled to the second link and that provides a rotational force.

The first rotary member may rotate about a first axis, and the second rotary member may rotate about a second axis, and the first axis and the second axis may be formed in areas on upper sides of the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft in a direction of the display.

The first rotary member may rotate about a first axis, and the second rotary member may rotate about a second axis, and a distance between the first axis and the second axis may be shorter than a distance between the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft.

The first housing may include a seating part including a first seating area receiving at least a portion of the first actuator, and a second seating area receiving at least a portion of the first link.

The second housing may include a seating part including a first seating area receiving at least a portion of the second actuator, and a second seating area receiving at least a portion of the second link.

The first link may include a first link part including a first link hole and a second link hole, a second link part extending from one end of the first link part, and a third link part extending from one end of the second link part, the third link part including a third link hole and a fourth link hole, and disposed in parallel to the first link part.

The first actuator may include a first roller that generates a rotational force, and a first actuator shaft protruding from the first roller, wherein at least a portion of the first actuator shaft is inserted into the first link hole.

At least a portion of the first actuator shaft may include a flat area, and the first link hole has a shape that corresponds to the first actuator shaft.

The foldable electronic device may further include a fixing part, at least a portion of which is disposed in a hole of a first connecting part formed on one side of the first arm part, and the second link hole and the third link hole.

The foldable electronic device may further include a fixing part, wherein at least a portion of the fixing part is disposed in a first link connecting hole formed on one side of the first rotary member and the fourth link hole.

A height of upper surfaces of the first rotary member and the second rotary member, which facing a rear surface of the display, and a height of upper surfaces of the first arm part and the second arm part, facing the rear surface of the display, may be substantially the same when the foldable electronic device is in a fully unfolded state.

A height of surfaces of the first rotary member and the second rotary member, facing the rear surface of the display, and a height of surfaces of the first arm part and the second arm part, facing the rear surface of the display, may be different when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state.

Surfaces of portions of the first rotary member and the second rotary member may be closer to the rear surface of the display than surfaces of portions of the first arm part and the second arm part, facing the rear surface of the display, at locations that face the rear surface of the display, and a location that faces a folded area, when the foldable electronic device is in the folded state.

The foldable electronic device may further include an auxiliary display disposed on an outer side of the first housing or on an outer side of the second housing.

The display may output a graphical user interface configured to receive user inputs to control of the first actuator and the second actuator.

According to certain embodiments, a hinge structure may include a first rotary member <NUM> at least partially disposed in a fixing bracket <NUM>, a second rotary member <NUM> at least partially disposed in the fixing bracket <NUM>, a first arm part <NUM> adjacent to the first rotary member, and at least a portion of which is inserted onto the first rotary shaft, a second arm part <NUM> adjacent to the second rotary member, and at least a portion of which is inserted onto the second rotary shaft, a first link <NUM> connecting the first rotary member and the first arm part, a second link <NUM> connecting the second rotary member and the second arm part, a first actuator <NUM> connected to the first link and that provides a rotational force, and a second actuator (<NUM> connected to the second link and that provides a rotational force.

The first rotary member may rotate about a first axis, and the second rotary member may rotate about a second axis, and the distance between the first axis and the second axis may be shorter than a distance between the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft.

The first link may include a first link part including a first link hole and a second link hole, a second link part extending from one end of the first link part, and a third link part extending from one end of the second link part, including a third link hole and a fourth link hole, and disposed substantially parallel to the first link part.

The first actuator may include a first roller that generates a rotational force, and a first actuator shaft protruding from the first roller to one side, and at least a portion of which is inserted into the first link hole, and at least a portion of the first actuator shaft may include a flat area, and the first link hole has a shape that is corresponding to the first actuator shaft.

The hinge structure may further include at least one of a first fixing part, at least a portion of which is disposed in a hole of a first connecting part formed on one side of the first arm part, and the second link hole and the third link hole, or second fixing part, at least a portion of which is disposed in a first link connecting hole formed on one side of the first rotary member and the fourth link hole.

Claim 1:
A foldable electronic device comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>);
a display (<NUM>), wherein at least a portion of the display (<NUM>) is positioned on the first housing (<NUM>) and at least another portion of the display (<NUM>) is disposed on the second housing (<NUM>);
a hinge structure (<NUM>) coupling the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>); and
a hinge housing (<NUM>), into which at least a portion of the hinge structure (<NUM>) is configured to be accommodated;
wherein the hinge structure (<NUM>) includes: a first rotary member (<NUM>) coupled to the first housing (<NUM>) and configured to be rotated about a first axis;
a second rotary member (<NUM>) coupled to the second housing (<NUM>) and configured to be rotated about a second axis;
a first rotary shaft (<NUM>); and
a second rotary shaft (<NUM>)
a first arm part (<NUM>) disposed adjacent to the first rotary member(<NUM>) and including a first rotary shaft hole (221_4a) into which the first rotary shaft (<NUM>) is inserted;
a second arm part (<NUM>) disposed adjacent to the second rotary member (<NUM>) and including a second rotary shaft hole (222_4a) into which the second rotary shaft (<NUM>) is inserted;
characterized in that the foldable electronic device further comprises:
a first link (<NUM>) coupling the first rotary member (<NUM>) and the first arm part (<NUM>);
a second link (<NUM>) coupling the second rotary member (<NUM>) and the second arm part (<NUM>);
a first actuator (<NUM>) coupled to the first link (<NUM>) and configured to provide rotational force; and
a second actuator (<NUM>) coupled to the second link (<NUM>) and configured to provide rotational force.