Patent Description:
Electronic devices require a small profile for portability and require a large display area in order to provide a lot of information to users. In order to reconcile a small profile with a large display area of an electronic device, various form factors such as a foldable electronic device equipped with a flexible display have been used deviating from the existing rectangular bar-shaped form factor. An electronic device having a form factor such as a foldable display may include a foldable enclosure folded or unfolded around at least one hinge for folding or unfolding a flexible display.

For the convenience of use and various uses of a foldable electronic device, for example, folding or unfolding of a foldable enclosure may be stopped at an arbitrary folding angle in order to enable a foldable electronic device to be cradled and used in a partially folded state. In addition, for the convenience of a user, a foldable electronic device may provide tactile feedback by applying a reaction force to a user at a specific angle, for example, at an angle at which the foldable electronic device is completely folded or completely unfolded.

<CIT> relates to structure of arm and structure of hinge including the same and electronic device including the same. Disclosed is an electronic device comprising a hinge structure comprising an arm structure. The arm structure comprises: an arm body; a first cam disposed on one side of the arm body, including a first hole wherein at least a part of a rotation axis used for a folding operation of the foldable electronic device is inserted, and wherein mountains and valleys are formed around the first hole; a second cam disposed on the same axis as the one side of the arm body side by side, spaced apart from the first cam, including a second hole wherein at least a part of the rotation axis is inserted, and wherein mountains and valleys are formed around the second hole; and a connection unit disposed on another side of the arm body and fastened to a rotation unit used for rotation of the foldable electronic device.

<CIT> relates to a foldable display device and hinge device for the same. Disclosed are a foldable display device and a hinge device therefor. The foldable display device includes: a display panel including a foldable display area; a first panel support member overlapping a first area of the display panel to support the display panel; a second panel support member overlapping a second area of the display panel to support the display panel; and a hinge device coupled to the first panel support member and the second panel support member to guide folding and unfolding of the display panel based on two virtual rotation axes.

A free stop and/or a detent function of a foldable electronic device may be implemented by a friction element and/or a cam structure included in a hinge. However, in case that the sizes of the friction element and the cam are reduced in order to reduce the size of the foldable electronic device, the stress, which is applied to the friction element and the cam by the folding and unfolding operation of the foldable electronic device, increases, and thus the hinge may be damaged.

Various embodiments disclosed in the document may provide a foldable electronic device which is capable of reducing the risk of damage thereof at the time of folding and unfolding operations and in which a free stop and/or a detent function is implemented in spite of a small size so as to improve user convenience.

According to various embodiments disclosed in the document, provided is a foldable electronic device in which the direction of a force applied by a hinge actuator is changed to the direction of a pressing surface of a force transmission member and thus the force transmission member transmits a frictional force and detent torque to a rotation guide of a hinge leaf, thereby implementing a free stop and a detent function while having a reduced sized and a reduced risk of damage.

In connection with descriptions of the drawings, same or similar reference numerals will be used to refer to same or similar elements.

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

According to various embodiments, a portable electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may have a foldable housing divided into two housings around a folding axis. A first portion of a display (e.g., a flexible display) may be disposed in a first housing, and a second portion of the display may be disposed in a second housing. The foldable housing may be implemented in an in-folding type in which the first portion and the second portion face each other in case that the portable electronic device is folded. In addition, the foldable housing may be also implemented in an out-folding type in which the first portion and the second portion are oriented in directions opposite to each other in case that the portable electronic device is folded. A surface, on which the first portion and the second portion of the display are arranged, may be defined as the front surface of the portable electronic device, a surface opposite thereto may be defined as the rear surface of the portable electronic device, and a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the portable electronic device.

According to an embodiment mentioned in the document, although an in-folding type, in which the first portion of the display in the first housing and the second portion of the display in the second housing are arranged to face each other in case that the display of the portable electronic device is folded, is illustrated and described as an example, an embodiment mentioned in the document may also be identically applied to an out-folding type in which the first portion of the display in the first housing <NUM> and the second portion of the display in the second housing are arranged to be oriented in directions opposite to each other in case that the display is folded according to an embodiment. In addition, an embodiment may also be applied to a multi-foldable electronic device in which an in-folding type and an in-folding type are combined, an in-folding type and an out-folding type are combined, and an out-folding type and an out-folding type are combined.

<FIG> is a view showing an unfolded state of an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view showing a folded state of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> may include a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., a foldable housing structure) rotatably coupled through a hinge (e.g., the hinge <NUM> in <FIG>) to be folded to each other, a hinge cover (e.g., the hinge cover <NUM> in <FIG>) for covering the foldable portion of the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and a display <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display or, a first display) disposed in a space formed by the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the document, a surface, on which the display <NUM> is disposed, may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and a surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In the document, a surface, which surrounds a space between the front surface and the rear surface, may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In the document, the direction, in which the front surface is oriented, may be defined as a first direction, and the direction, in which the rear surface is oriented, may be defined as a second direction.

In describing a stacking order (e.g., the stacking order of a display) in the document, the expression "a layer B is formed above a layer A" may mean that the layer B is formed in the first direction from the layer A. Alternatively, in describing a stacking order (e.g., the stacking order of a display) in the document, the expression "a layer B is formed below layer A" may mean that the layer B is formed in the second direction from the layer A.

In an embodiment, the one pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> including a sensor area 231d, a second housing <NUM>, a first rear cover <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM>. The one pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> are not limited to the shape and the combination as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and may be implemented by other shapes or a combination and/or coupling of components. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed, and the second housing <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed.

According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be arranged at both sides around a folding axis (the axis A), and may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (the axis A). According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may have different angles formed by each other or different distances from each other, depending on whether a state of the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state (e.g. a flat state or a completely unfolded state), a folded state(e.g. a completely folded state), or an intermediate state(e.g. between the completely folded state and the completely unfolded state). According to an embodiment, differently from the second housing <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> may additionally include the sensor area 231d in which various sensors are arranged, but, the first housing and the second housing may have a mutually symmetrical shape in other areas. As another embodiment, the sensor area 231d may be additionally provided in at least partial area of the second housing <NUM> or may be replaced.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured such that the first housing <NUM> rotates with respect to the second housing <NUM> by means of a hinge (e.g., the hinge <NUM> in <FIG>) within a range of <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, and thus may operate in an in-folding manner and/or in an out-folding manner. According to various embodiments, a hinge <NUM> may be formed in a vertical direction or formed in a horizontal direction when the electronic device <NUM> is seen from above. According to various embodiments, multiple hinges <NUM> may be provided. For example, all the multiple hinges may be arranged in the same direction. As another example, some hinges among the multiple hinges may be arranged in different directions to be folded.

In an embodiment, in an unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> connected to a hinge (e.g., the hinge <NUM> in <FIG>) and disposed to face the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> oriented in a direction opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a first lateral member <NUM> for surrounding at least a part of a space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the first lateral member <NUM> may include a first side surface 213a disposed parallel to the folding axis (the axis A), a second side surface 213b extending from one end of the first side surface 213a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and a third side surface 213c extending from the other end of the first side surface 213a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (the axis A).

In an embodiment, in an unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> may include a third surface <NUM> connected to a hinge (e.g., the hinge <NUM> in <FIG>) and disposed to face the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, a fourth surface <NUM> oriented in a direction opposite to the third surface <NUM>, and a second side member <NUM> for surrounding at least a part of a space between the third surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second lateral member <NUM> may include a fourth side surface 223a disposed parallel to the folding axis (the axis A), a fifth side surface 223b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 223a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (the axis A), and a sixth side surface 223c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 223a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (the axis A). In an embodiment, the third surface <NUM> may be disposed to face the first surface <NUM> in a folded state.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> formed by a structural shape coupling between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> so as to accommodate the display <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may have substantially the same size as the display <NUM>. In an embodiment, due to the sensor area 231d, the recess <NUM> may have two widths different from each other in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (the axis A). For example, the recess <NUM> may have a first width W1 between a first portion 220a of the second housing <NUM>, which is parallel to the folding axis (the axis A), and a first portion 210a of the first housing <NUM>, which is formed at the edge of the sensor area 231d, and may have a second width W2 formed by a second portion 220b of the second housing <NUM> and a second portion 210b of the first housing <NUM>, which is other than the sensor area 231d and is parallel to the folding axis (the axis A). In this case, the second width W2 may be formed longer than the first width W1. For example, the recess <NUM> may be formed to have the first width W1 which is formed from the first portion 210a of the first housing <NUM> to the first portion 220a of the second housing <NUM>, the first portion 210a and the first portion 220a having a mutually asymmetric shape, and to have the second W2 which is formed from the second portion 210b of the first housing <NUM> to the second portion 220b of the second housing <NUM>, the second portion 210b and the second portion 220b having a mutually symmetrical shape. In an embodiment, the first portion 210a and the second portion 210b of the first housing <NUM> may be formed to have distances different from the folding axis (the axis A). The width of the recess <NUM> is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. In an embodiment, the recess <NUM> may have two or more widths different from each other by the shape of the sensor area 231d or the portions of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, which have an asymmetric shape.

In an embodiment, at least a part of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be formed of a metal material or a non-metal material having rigidity of a magnitude selected to support the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the sensor area 231d may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to a side corner of the first housing <NUM>. However, the arrangement, shape, or size of the sensor area 231d is not be limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor area 231d may be provided in other corners of the first housing <NUM> or any area between the top corner and the bottom corner thereof. As another embodiment, the sensor area 231d may be disposed in at least a partial area of the second housing <NUM>. As another embodiment, the sensor area 231d may be disposed to extend from the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include components for performing various functions, which are arranged to be exposed on the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> through the sensor area 231d or through one or more openings provided through the sensor area 231d. In an embodiment, for example, the components may include at least one of a front camera device, a receiver, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

In an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and may have a substantially rectangular edge (periphery). In an embodiment, at least a part of the edge may be surrounded by the first housing <NUM>. Similarly thereto, the second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on a fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>, and at least a part of the edge thereof may be surrounded by the second housing <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may have a substantially symmetrical shape with reference to the folding axis (the axis A). As another embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may include various shapes different from each other. As another embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first housing <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second housing <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, the first housing <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may provide a space, in which various components (e.g., a printed circuit board, an antenna module, a sensor module, or a battery) of the electronic device <NUM> may be arranged, through a structure formed by being coupled to one another. In an embodiment, one or more components may be arranged or may be visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through a first rear area <NUM> of the first rear cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the sensor may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera device, and/or a flash. In another embodiment, at least a part of a sub-display <NUM> (e.g., a second display) may be visually exposed through a second rear area <NUM> of the second rear cover <NUM>. In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a speaker module <NUM> disposed through at least a partial area of the second rear cover <NUM>.

The display <NUM> may be disposed in a space formed by the one pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be seated in the recess <NUM> formed by the one pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and may be disposed to substantially occupy the majority of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM>, and a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the first housing <NUM> and a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the second housing <NUM>, which are adjacent to the display <NUM>. In an embodiment, the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first rear cover <NUM>, a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the first housing <NUM>, which is adjacent to the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, and a partial area (e.g., an edge area) of the second housing <NUM>, which is adjacent to the second rear cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may mean a display of which at least a partial area may be deformed into a flat surface or a curved-surface. In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a folding area 231c, a first area 231a disposed at one side (e.g., the right area of the folding area 231c) with reference to the folding area 231c, and a second area 231b disposed at the other side (e.g., the left area of the folding area 231c) thereof. For example, the first area 231a may be disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and the second area 231b may be disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, the division of an area of the display <NUM> may be exemplary, and an area of the display <NUM> may be divided into multiple (e.g., four or more, or two) areas according to a structure or a function thereof. For example, in the embodiment as illustrated in <FIG>, an area of the display <NUM> may be divided by the folding area 231c extending parallel to the y-axis or the folding axis (the axis A), but in another embodiment, an area of the display <NUM> may be divided with reference to another folding area (e.g., a folding area parallel to the x-axis) or another folding axis (e.g., a folding axis parallel to the x-axis). The division of an area of the display described above may be merely a physical division by the one pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and a hinge (e.g., the hinge <NUM> in <FIG>), and substantially, the display <NUM> may be displayed as one entire screen through the one pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge (e.g., the hinge <NUM> in <FIG>). In an embodiment, the first area 231a and the second area 231b may have an overall symmetrical shape with reference to the folding area 231c. However, differently from the second area 231b, the first area 231a may include a notch area (e.g., the notch area <NUM> in <FIG>) which is cut according to the presence of the sensor area 231d, and in an area other than the sensor area 231d, may have a symmetrical shape with the second area 231b. For example, the first area 231a and the second area 231b may include portions having a shape symmetric to each other and portions having a shape asymmetric to each other.

Referring to <FIG>, a hinge cover <NUM> may be disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and be configured to cover an internal component (e.g., the hinge <NUM> in <FIG>). In an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by a part of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> or may be exposed to the outside according to an operation state (an unfolded state (a flat state) or a folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>.

As an example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and thus may not be exposed. As an example, as illustrated in <FIG>, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state (e.g., a completely folded state), the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside, between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. As an example, in case that the electronic device is in an intermediate state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover <NUM> may be at least partially exposed to the outside the electronic device <NUM>, between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In this case, the exposed area may be smaller than that of the completely folded state. In an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may include a curved-surface.

Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and each area of the display <NUM> according to an operation state (e.g., an unfolded state (a flat state) and a folded state) of the electronic device <NUM> will be described.

In an embodiment, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state (a flat state) (e.g., the state in <FIG>), the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may form an angle of <NUM> degrees, and thus the first area 231a and the second area 231b of the display may be arranged to be oriented in the same direction. In addition, the folding area 231c may form the same flat surface as the first area 231a and the second area 231b. As another embodiment, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state (a flat state), the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be reversely folded such that the second surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> face each other, and thus the first area 231a and the second area 231b of the display may be arranged to be oriented in directions opposite to each other.

In an embodiment, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state (e.g., the state in <FIG>), the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be arranged to face each other. The first area 231a and the second area 231b of the display <NUM> may form a narrow angle (e.g., an angle between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees), and may also face each other. At least a part of the folding area 231c may be formed as a curved-surface having a predetermined curvature.

In an embodiment, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in an intermediate state, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be arranged at a certain angle to each other. The first area 231a and the second area 231b of the display <NUM> may form an angle larger than that a folded state and smaller than that of an unfolded state. At least a part of the folding area 231c may be formed as a curved-surface having a predetermined curvature, and at this time, the curvature may be smaller than that of a folded state.

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

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM>, a support member assembly <NUM>, at least one printed circuit board <NUM>, the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM>. In the document, the display (display unit) <NUM> (e.g., a first display) may be referred to as a display module or a display assembly.

The display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display panel) and one or more plates <NUM> or layers on which the display panel <NUM> is seated. In an embodiment, the one or more plates <NUM> may include a conductive plate (e.g., a Cu sheet or a SUS sheet) disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the support member assembly <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive plate may be formed to have substantially the same area as the display, and the area of the conductive plate, which faces the folding area of the display, may be formed to be bendable. The plate <NUM> may include at least one sub-material layer (e.g., a graphite member) disposed on the rear surface of the display panel <NUM>. In an embodiment, the plate <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display panel <NUM>. For example, a partial area of the first plate <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the notch area <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>.

The support member assembly <NUM> may include a first support member <NUM> (e.g., a first support plate), a second support member <NUM> (e.g., a second support plate), the hinge <NUM> disposed between the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>, the hinge cover <NUM> for covering the hinge <NUM> when seen from the outside thereof, and at least one wire member <NUM> (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) crossing the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the support member assembly <NUM> may be disposed between the plate <NUM> and the at least one printed circuit board <NUM>. As an example, the first support member <NUM> may be disposed between the first area 231a of the display <NUM> and a first printed circuit board <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> may be disposed between the second area 231b of the display <NUM> and a second printed circuit board <NUM>.

In an embodiment, at least a part of the wire member <NUM> and the hinge <NUM> may be arranged inside the support member assembly <NUM>. The wire member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) crossing the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. The wire member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis A in <FIG>) of the folding area 231c.

In an embodiment, as mentioned above, the at least one printed circuit board <NUM> may include the first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed at the side of the first support member <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed at the side of the second support member <NUM>. The first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be arranged in a space formed by the support member assembly <NUM>, the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM>. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device <NUM> may be mounted on the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed in a space formed through the first support member <NUM>, a first battery <NUM> disposed at a position facing a first swelling hole <NUM> of the first support member <NUM>, at least one sensor module <NUM>, or at least one camera module <NUM> may be included in a first space of the first housing <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> may include a window glass <NUM> disposed to protect at least one sensor module <NUM> and at least one camera module <NUM> at a position corresponding to the notch area <NUM> of the display <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed in a second space formed through the second support member <NUM>, and a second battery <NUM> disposed at a position facing a second swelling hole <NUM> of the second support member <NUM> may be included in a second space of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> may also be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the sub-display <NUM> may be disposed in the second space of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sub display <NUM> (e.g., a second display) may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least a partial area of the second rear cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include a first rotation support surface <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may include a second rotation support surface <NUM> corresponding to the first rotation support surface <NUM>. Each of the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may include a curved-surface corresponding to the curved-surface included in the hinge cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state in <FIG>), the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may cover the hinge cover <NUM> to prevent the hinge cover <NUM> from being exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> or to allow the hinge cover to be minimally exposed. In an embodiment, in case that the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state (e.g., the state in <FIG>), the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may rotate along the curved-surface included in the hinge cover <NUM> to maximally expose the hinge cover <NUM> to the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view showing a foldable enclosure <NUM> and a hinge <NUM> of a foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a foldable electronic device <NUM> includes multiple sub-enclosures 301a and 301b (for example, the housings <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>), and includes a foldable enclosure <NUM> which is foldable and unfoldable, and at least one hinge <NUM> for rotatably connecting the multiple sub-enclosures 301a and 301b around at least one axis. The hinge <NUM> is coupled to sub-enclosures 301a and 301b (for example, the hinge <NUM> may be coupled to an end of each of the sub-enclosures 301a and 301b), and is a portion which allows each of the sub-enclosures 301a and 301b to rotate along a predetermined rotation trajectory thereof so that the foldable enclosure <NUM> can be folded or unfolded. Detailed configurations of the hinge <NUM> will be described later with reference to the following drawings.

In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include an auxiliary hinge <NUM>. The auxiliary hinge <NUM> may synchronize rotation operations of the multiple sub-enclosures 301a and 301b so that folding operations of the multiple sub-enclosures 301a and 301b are performed simultaneously. Although not illustrated, the auxiliary hinge <NUM> may include multiple gears engaged with each other in order to synchronize the rotation operations thereof.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing an unfolded state of a hinge <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a folded state of a hinge <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a hinge <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a side view of a hinge <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a hinge <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a hinge <NUM> seen in another direction according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The cross-sections in <FIG> and <FIG> are cross-sections taken along direction A-A' and direction B-B' in <FIG>, respectively.

Referring to <FIG> together, the hinge <NUM> includes multiple hinge leaves <NUM>, multiple rotation guides <NUM>, a force transmission member <NUM>, a force diverting part <NUM>, and a hinge actuator <NUM> and may include a hinge base <NUM>.

The hinge base <NUM> may be an element to which elements of the hinge <NUM> to be described later are coupled and which supports a rotation and/or a sliding motion of each of the elements. In some embodiments, the hinge base <NUM> may include a rotational sliding rail <NUM> for supporting a rotational sliding motion of the rotation guides <NUM> to be described later. In some embodiments, the hinge base <NUM> may include a sliding rail <NUM> for supporting a sliding motion of the hinge actuator <NUM> to be described later.

The multiple hinge leaves <NUM> are coupled to the multiple sub-enclosures 301a and 301b, respectively, and are a member which is coupled to the rotation guides <NUM> to be described later and rotates to rotate the multiple sub-enclosures 301a and 301b. The hinge leaves <NUM> may be coupled to the sub-enclosures 301a and 301b by screws, rivets, or various fastening means similar thereto. Although not illustrated, in some embodiments, the hinge leaves <NUM> may be coupled to be slidable with respect the sub-enclosures 301a and 301b in order to implement the characteristic of a "blooming hinge <NUM>" in which the distance between the sub-enclosures 301a and 301b from the rotation axis of the hinge <NUM> is changed according to a rotation angle of the hinge <NUM>.

The multiple rotation guides <NUM> may be coupled to one end of the multiple hinge leaves <NUM>, respectively, or are formed on a portion of the hinge leaves <NUM>, respectively. Each of the rotation guides <NUM> includes a rotation surface <NUM> having a curved-surface corresponding to the rotation trajectory of the hinge leaves <NUM>. For example, the trajectory, by which the hinge leaves <NUM> are rotated, may follow various curves such as, an arc, an ellipse, or a hyperbola. The rotation guides <NUM> may be rotatably and/or slidably coupled to rails of the rotation guides <NUM> of the hinge base <NUM> described above.

In some embodiments, the rotation surface <NUM> may include a cam surface <NUM> for generating detent torque which is torque in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the hinge <NUM> at at least one rotation angle of the hinge <NUM>. Detailed configurations of the rotation surface <NUM> will be described later.

The force transmission member <NUM> is a member including a pressing surface <NUM> which comes into contact with and presses the rotation surfaces <NUM> of the rotation guides <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the force transmission member <NUM> may be positioned below (the - z-axis direction) of the hinge base <NUM>, and may press the rotation surfaces <NUM> of the rotation guides <NUM> upward (the z-axis direction) from therebelow by using the pressing surface <NUM>. The pressing surface <NUM> may be pressed against the rotation surfaces <NUM> and thus cause friction, and therefore it may be possible to generate a free stop effect in which the hinge <NUM> is fixed at an arbitrary angle. In some embodiments, the pressing surface <NUM> may press the cam surfaces <NUM> on the rotation surfaces <NUM> to generate detent torque.

The hinge actuator <NUM> may be a part for generating a force for a free stop and/or a detent effect of the hinge <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hinge actuator <NUM> may include an elastic member, for example, a spring <NUM> in order to generate a force. The hinge actuator <NUM> is disposed to generate a force in a direction substantially parallel to the pressing surface <NUM>, so as to reduce the entire thickness of the hinge <NUM> and save the inner space of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. Although the configuration, in which the hinge actuator <NUM> applies a force in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis (the y-axis) of the hinge <NUM>, is illustrated in <FIG>, the disclosure is not limited thereto.

The force diverting part <NUM> changes the direction of a force generated by the hinge actuator <NUM> to a direction substantially perpendicular to the pressing surface <NUM>, and then applies the force to the force transmission member <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the force diverting part <NUM> may include at least one inclined surface <NUM> inclined with respect to a direction in which the pressing surface <NUM> presses the rotation surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the force diverting part <NUM> may include a first slider <NUM> coupled to the hinge actuator <NUM> and a second slider <NUM> coupled to the force transmission member <NUM> and in slidable contact against the first slider <NUM>. The inclined surface <NUM> may be formed on at least one of the first slider <NUM> and the second slider <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the first slider <NUM> may include a first inclined surface 433a, and the second slider <NUM> may include a second inclined surface 433b. By an inclined sliding motion between the first slider <NUM> and the second slider <NUM>, which is generated on the inclined surface <NUM>, the direction of a force generated by the hinge actuator <NUM> may be changed to the pressing direction of the pressing surface <NUM>. Various configurations and operations of the force diverting part <NUM> will be described later.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a hinge actuator <NUM> of a hinge <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a hinge actuator <NUM> of a hinge <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the aspects of the hinge actuator <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> below may be combined with one or more aspects of the disclosure, including, but not limited to, aspects of the hinge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge base <NUM> and force transmission member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge leaf <NUM> and rotation guide <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the detent operation described with reference to <FIG>, and aspects of the force transmission member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the hinge actuator <NUM> may include a pusher <NUM>, a spring <NUM>, and a spring holder <NUM>. The pusher <NUM> may be a member which is driven by the spring <NUM> and thus applies a force to the force transmission member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first slider <NUM> may be formed at one end of the pusher <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hinge base <NUM> may include a sliding rail <NUM> for guiding a sliding motion of the pusher <NUM>, and the pusher <NUM> may include a sliding guide <NUM> coupled to be slidable with respect to the sliding rail <NUM>.

The spring <NUM> may be a member which applies a force to the pusher <NUM> by using an elastic force. Although a coil spring is illustrated, the spring <NUM> is not limited to a coil spring, and for example, may include a volute spring or a conical spring, or may include various elastic members other than or in addition to a spring. Although <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate an embodiment in which the spring <NUM> is oriented to apply a force in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis (the y-axis), the disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the pusher <NUM> may include a spring guide <NUM>, and thus straightness of the spring <NUM> may be maintained by the spring guide <NUM>.

The spring holder <NUM> may be a member which limits the movement of the end of the spring <NUM> and thus supports the spring <NUM> such that the spring <NUM> applies an elastic force to the pusher <NUM>. In some embodiments, the spring holder <NUM> may be fastened to the hinge base <NUM> by a fastening means such as a pin <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a hinge base <NUM> and a force transmission member <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view showing a hinge base <NUM> and a force transmission member <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the aspects of the hinge actuator hinge base <NUM> and force transmission member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> below may be combined with one or more aspects of the disclosure, including, but not limited to, aspects of the hinge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge actuator <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge leaf <NUM> and rotation guide <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the detent operation described with reference to <FIG>, and aspects of the force transmission member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

The cross-section of <FIG> corresponds to the cross-section taken along direction A-A' in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the force transmission member <NUM> may be coupled to be movable with respect to the hinge base <NUM> at the lower part (the -z direction) of the hinge base <NUM>. In some embodiments, the force transmission member <NUM> may have the end to which the second slider <NUM> is fixed and coupled, and thus may receive a force of the hinge actuator <NUM>, of which the direction is changed to the upward direction (the z direction) through the inclined surface <NUM> of the second slider <NUM>. The second sliders <NUM> may be symmetrically arranged at opposite ends of the force transmission member <NUM> so that the forces transmitted to the force transmission member <NUM> are balanced with each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the hinge base <NUM> may include a stopper which limits the upward and/or downward movement range D of the force transmission member <NUM>. Excessive movement or inclination of the force transmission member <NUM> may be limited by the stopper.

<FIG> is a side view showing a hinge leaf <NUM> and a rotation guide <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a side view showing a hinge base <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the aspects of the hinge base <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> below may be combined with one or more aspects of the disclosure, including, but not limited to, aspects of the hinge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge actuator <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge base <NUM> and force transmission member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the detent operation described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the force transmission member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, and aspects of the hinge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the rotation guide <NUM> may have the rotation surface <NUM> having a curved-surface corresponding to the rotation trajectory of the hinge leaf <NUM>. The angle indicated on the rotation surface <NUM> may indicate an area of the rotation surface <NUM>, which is in contact with the pressing surface <NUM> according to a rotation angle of the hinge <NUM>. The angles as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> have been calculated by defining a state, in which the hinge <NUM> is completely closed and thus the foldable electronic device <NUM> is folded, as <NUM> degrees, and a state, in which the hinge <NUM> is completely open and thus the foldable electronic device <NUM> is unfolded, as <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the rotation surface <NUM> may include the cam surface <NUM> configured to generate detent torque which is torque in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotation guide <NUM> at at least one rotation angle thereof. For example, multiple cam surfaces 412a and 412b may be formed on an area in which the rotation surface <NUM> is in contact with the pressing surface <NUM> in a state where the hinge <NUM> is completely closed (<NUM> degrees) and/or the hinge <NUM> is completely open (<NUM> degrees). The cam surface <NUM> may have a shape recessed with respect to the rotation trajectory thereof or may have a D-cut shape in the chord direction of an arc including the rotation trajectory. The D-cut shape may have relatively large detent torque, whereas the recessed shape may have small detent torque and a high degree of freedom of movement of the hinge <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the pressing surface <NUM> may be included therein. The pressing surface <NUM> may be parallel to a horizontal plane (the x-y plane), but in another embodiment, the pressing surface <NUM> may have both sides which are inclined to be lowered with respect to the horizontal, and the lowering angle θ may be constant or may vary depending on the position thereof. The pressing surface <NUM> may include an inclined area 421a to have a tangential directional component of the rotation trajectory of the rotation guide <NUM>. The effect resulting therefrom will be described later.

<FIG> is a side view showing a detent operation in a closed state of a hinge <NUM> of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a side view showing a free stop operation of a hinge <NUM> of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a side view showing a detent operation in an open state of a hinge <NUM> of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the aspects of the detent operation described with reference to <FIG> below may be combined with one or more aspects of the disclosure, including, but not limited to, aspects of the hinge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge actuator <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge base <NUM> and force transmission member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge leaf <NUM> and rotation guide <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the force transmission member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, and aspects of the hinge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in a state where the hinge <NUM> of the disclosure is closed, the force transmission member <NUM> may apply a force upward (in the z-axis direction), and the pressing surface <NUM> may apply a force to press the first cam surface 412a formed on the rotation surface <NUM>. The first cam surface 412a may have a distance closer from the rotation axis of the hinge <NUM> compared to other areas of the rotation surface <NUM>, and thus in case that the pressing surface <NUM> presses the first cam surface 412a, the force transmission member <NUM> may move upward. A force applied to the first cam surface 412a by the pressing surface <NUM> may function as detent torque for rotating the rotation guide <NUM>. Since the partial area 421a of the pressing surface <NUM> is inclined toward a direction having the tangential directional component of the rotation trajectory of the rotation surface <NUM>, the tangential directional component among components of the force applied to the first cam surface 412a by the pressing surface <NUM> increases, and thus detent torque applied to the rotation guide <NUM> may increase. Due to the detent torque, since torque to close the hinge <NUM> is generated in case that an angle of the hinge <NUM> approaches the closed angle, the torque may provide tactile feedback to a user in case that the user folds the foldable electronic device <NUM>, thereby facilitating the folding operation and thus improving a user experience of the foldable electronic device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in a state where the hinge <NUM> of the disclosure is partially open with an arbitrary rotation angle, the pressing surface <NUM> may press the rotation surface <NUM> to apply a frictional force to the rotation guide <NUM>. Due to frictional force, since a free stop function, which allows the rotation of the hinge <NUM> to be stopped at an arbitrary rotation angle, is implemented, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be folded and used in various postures so that user convenience is improved.

Referring to <FIG>, in a state where the hinge <NUM> of the disclosure is open, the pressing surface <NUM> may press the second cam surface 412b. Since detent torque is generated as the second cam surface 412b is pressed, torque to unfold the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be generated in case that an angle of the hinge <NUM> approaches the completely open angle. Accordingly, the torque may provide tactile feedback to a user in case that the user unfolds the foldable electronic device <NUM> and may help that the foldable electronic device <NUM> is completely unfolded, so that a user experience is improved. The description of the detent operation of the first cam surface may apply to the detent operation of the second cam surface insofar as there is no contradiction.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing an operation of a force transmission member <NUM> of a hinge <NUM> according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing an operation of a force transmission member <NUM> of a hinge <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a schematic view showing an operation of a force transmission member <NUM> of a hinge <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the aspects of the force transmission member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> below may be combined with one or more aspects of the disclosure, including, but not limited to, aspects of the hinge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge actuator <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge base <NUM> and force transmission member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the hinge leaf <NUM> and rotation guide <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, aspects of the detent operation described with reference to <FIG>, and aspects of the hinge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, in various embodiments of the disclosure, in case that there is an error in synchronization between the rotational motions of the multiple rotation guides <NUM>, the force transmission member <NUM> may be inclined with respect to a horizontal line (the y-axis direction) since the multiple rotation guides <NUM> are rotated with different angles.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, first sliding members each may include a first inclined surface 433a and second sliding members each may include a second inclined surface 433b, and in case that the force transmission member <NUM> maintains the horizontal (the xy plane) when the second inclined surface and the first inclined surface 433a slide, the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b may maintain a surface contact. However, in case that the force transmission member <NUM> is tilted, the surface contact between the first inclined surface 433a and the second inclined surface 433b may be converted into a point contact, and thus contact points P1 and P2, in which the second sliding members positioned at opposite ends of the force transmission member <NUM> are in contact with the first sliding members, may be different from each other so that a couple of forces is generated with respect to the force transmission member <NUM>. The couple of forces may generate restoring torque for rotating the force transmission member <NUM> in a direction opposite to the direction in which the force transmission member <NUM> is tilted. The restoring torque may generate a difference in detent torque applied to the multiple rotation guides <NUM> in contact with the force transmission member <NUM>, and may move the multiple rotation guides <NUM> in a direction in which a synchronization error in rotation angles between the multiple rotation guides <NUM> is reduced. Therefore, the occurrence of error in folding angles between the multiple sub-enclosures 301a and 301b of the foldable enclosure <NUM> may be reduced.

Referring to <FIG>, in another embodiment, second sliding members each may include an inclined surface <NUM>, and first sliding members each may have the shape of a curved-surface (for example, a spherical surface, an ellipsoidal surface, or a cylindrical surface) in point or line contact with the inclined surface <NUM>. Due to the first sliding members having the shape of a curved-surface which is in point contact and line contact with the inclined surface <NUM> of each of the second sliding members, the position difference in contact points P3 and P4 in which the second sliding members of opposite ends of the force transmission member <NUM> are contact with the first sliding members may be reduced compared to the position difference between the contact points P1 and P2 of the embodiment as illustrated in <FIG>. Accordingly, the above-described couple of forces and the resulting restoring torque may also be reduced. Therefore, an operation noise of the hinge <NUM> or damage between components of the hinge <NUM> caused by the restoring torque excessively applied thereto may be prevented, so that the lifespan of the foldable electronic device <NUM> is increased and a user experience is improved. Through adjustment of parameters such as the radius of curvature and/or the size of the curved-surface of the first sliding members, the magnitude of the restoring torque may be adjusted to an optimal level in order to increase the lifespan of the foldable electronic device <NUM> and improve the user experience thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, in another embodiment, first sliding members each may include an inclined surface <NUM>, and the second sliding members each may have the shape of a curved-surface (for example, a spherical surface, an ellipsoidal surface, or a cylindrical surface) in point or line contact with the inclined surface <NUM>. Due to the second sliding members having the shape of a curved-surface which is in point contact and line contact with the inclined surface <NUM> of each of the first sliding members, the position difference in contact points P5 and P6 in which the second sliding members of opposite ends of the force transmission member <NUM> are contact with the first sliding members may be generated opposite to the position difference between the contact points P1 and P2 and between the contact points P3 and P4 of the embodiments as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Therefore, the couple of forces generated in the embodiment of <FIG> may generate torque in a direction in which the tilt of the force transmission member <NUM> is increased. Therefore, it may prevent friction by the restoring torque generated at the time of a synchronization error thereof so that the operation flexibility of the hinge <NUM> is maximized.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing a hinge <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of a hinge <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that the aspects of the hinge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> below may be combined with one or more aspects of the disclosure, including, but not limited to, aspects of the hinge <NUM> described with reference to <FIG> insofar as there is no contradiction, aspects of the hinge leaf <NUM> and rotation guide <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, and aspects of the detent operation described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a hinge <NUM> according to another embodiment of the disclosure may include multiple hinge leaves <NUM>, multiple rotation guides <NUM>, a hinge base <NUM>, a force transmission member <NUM>, a force diverting part, a hinge actuator <NUM>, and a hinge housing <NUM>. The description of the hinge <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> may apply to the hinge leaves <NUM>, the rotation guides <NUM>, and the hinge base <NUM> insofar as there is no contradiction.

The hinge actuator <NUM> may include a spring <NUM> and a pusher <NUM> positioned at the end of the spring <NUM> and operated by the spring <NUM>, and a first slider <NUM> may be formed at the end of the pusher <NUM>. The hinge actuator <NUM> may be positioned below (the - z direction) a cantilever of the force transmission member <NUM> to be described later. The upper surface of the pusher <NUM> may be in contact with the lower surface of the force transmission member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hinge actuator <NUM> may be oriented in a direction (for example, the x-axis direction) substantially parallel to a pressing surface thereof and substantially perpendicular to the rotation direction of an axis of the hinge <NUM>. Accordingly, the size of the hinge <NUM> with respect to the axial direction (the y-axis direction) of the hinge <NUM> may be reduced.

The force transmission member <NUM> may include the pressing surface for pressing rotation surfaces of the rotation guides <NUM> from therebelow and a cantilever of which the lower surface is in contact with the upper surface of the pusher <NUM> and which receives a force applied upward (the z-axis direction) by the pusher <NUM>.

The hinge housing <NUM> may be a member for at least partially surrounding the hinge actuator <NUM> and the force transmission member <NUM>. In some embodiments, the hinge housing <NUM> may include a spring guide <NUM> for guiding the spring <NUM> of the hinge actuator <NUM>.

The force diverting part may include a first slider <NUM> formed at the end of the hinge actuator <NUM> and a second slider <NUM> formed in an area of the inner surface of the housing, which is in contact with the first slider <NUM>. At least one of the first slider <NUM> and the second slider <NUM> may include an inclined surface, and the first slider <NUM> may be in slidable contact with respect to the second slider <NUM>. For example, the first slider <NUM> may include a first inclined surface 533a, and the second slider <NUM> may include a second inclined surface 533b in contact with the first inclined surface 533a.

In case that the pusher <NUM> is pressed by the elastic force of the spring <NUM>, the first slider <NUM> slides on the second inclined surface 533b, and thus the pusher <NUM> may move in a direction including a component (a component of the z-axis) of the direction in which the pressing surface is pressed. Due to the movement of the pusher <NUM>, the force transmission member <NUM> may press the pressing surface onto the rotation surfaces of the rotation guides <NUM>. Therefore, a frictional force and detent torque may be applied to the rotation guides <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments of the disclosure may be in accordance with one or more of the following paragraphs:.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, there is provided a foldable electronic device comprising a foldable enclosure which comprises multiple sub-enclosures and is foldable and unfoldable and a hinge configured to rotatably connect the multiple sub-enclosures around at least one rotation axis, wherein the hinge comprises multiple hinge leaves respectively coupled to ends of the multiple sub-enclosures and configured to rotate during folding and unfolding operations of the foldable enclosure, a rotation guide which is formed on each of the hinge leaves and comprises a rotation surface having a curved-surface of a shape corresponding to a rotation trajectory of the hinge leaves, a force transmission member having a pressing surface configured to press against the rotation surface of the rotation guide, a force diverting part configured to convert a force having a directional component parallel to the pressing surface to a force having a directional component perpendicular to the pressing surface, to change the direction in which the force is applied, thereby pressing the force transmission member against the curved-surface of the rotation guide, and a hinge actuator configured to apply a force to the force diverting part in a direction having a directional component parallel to the pressing surface.

In various embodiments, the rotation surface of the rotation guide may comprise a cam surface which is an area recessed based on the rotation trajectory.

In various embodiments, the cam surface may be formed on an area of the rotation surface which is configured to contact with the pressing surface in a state where the foldable enclosure is folded.

In various embodiments, the cam surface may be formed on an area of the rotation surface which is configured to contact with the pressing surface in a state where the foldable enclosure is unfolded.

In various embodiments, an area of the pressing surface, which comprises an area configured to contact with the rotation surface, may have an inclined area oriented in a direction having a tangential directional component of the rotation trajectory.

In various embodiments, the force diverting part may comprise: a first slider coupled to the hinge actuator, and a second slider coupled to the force transmission member and configured to slidably contact against the first slider. At least one of the first slider and the second slider may comprise an inclined surface inclined with respect to the pressing direction of the pressing surface.

In various embodiments, the hinge actuator may be configured to press the second slider, via the first slider, in a direction having a directional component parallel to the rotation axis of the hinge, and the second slider may be configured to slide against the first slider along the inclined surface and thus to move such that the pressing surface of the force transmission member is pressed against the rotation guide by the hinge actuator.

In various embodiments, the first slider and the second slider may comprise a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface which slide in contact with each other.

the first slider comprises the inclined surface and the second slider comprises a curved-surface part slidably in contact against the inclined surface.

In various embodiments, the second slider may comprise the inclined surface and the first slider may comprise a curved-surface part slidably in contact against the inclined surface.

In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device may comprise a hinge housing configured to at least partially surround and support the hinge actuator and the force transmission member, and the force diverting part may comprise: a first slider positioned at the end of the hinge actuator and positioned below the force transmission member, and a second slider which is formed on an area configured to contact with the first slider in the inside of the hinge housing and to allow sliding of the first slider, and at least one of the first slider and the second slider may comprise an inclined surface inclined with respect to the pressing direction of the pressing surface.

In various embodiments, the hinge actuator may be oriented in a direction having a directional component perpendicular to the rotation axis of the hinge and configured to press the first slider against the second slider, and the first slider may be configured to slide against the second slider such that the force transmission member moves to press the pressing surface against the rotation guide.

A hinge device, according to is a hinge device for a foldable electronic device, the foldable electronic device comprising a foldable enclosure which comprises multiple sub-enclosures and is foldable and unfoldable and a hinge configured to rotatably connect the multiple sub-enclosures around at least one axis of rotation, and comprising: multiple hinge leaves respectively coupled to ends of the multiple sub-enclosures and configured to rotate during folding and unfolding operations of the foldable enclosure, a rotation guide which is formed on each of the hinge leaves and comprises a rotation surface having a curved-surface of a shape corresponding to a rotation trajectory of the hinge leaves, a force transmission member having a pressing surface configured to press against the rotation surface of the rotation guide, a force diverting part configured to convert a force having a directional component parallel to the pressing surface to a force having a directional component perpendicular to the pressing surface, to change the direction in which the force is applied, thereby pressing the force transmission member against the curved-surface of the rotation guide, and a hinge actuator configured to press the force diverting part in a direction having a directional component parallel to the pressing surface.

In various embodiments, the force diverting part may comprise: a first slider coupled to the hinge actuator, and a second slider coupled to the force transmission member and configured to slidably contact against the first slider, and at least one of the first slider and the second slider may comprise an inclined surface inclined with respect to the pressing direction of the pressing surface.

In various embodiments, the hinge actuator may be configured to press the second slider, via the first slider, in a direction having a directional component parallel to the rotation axis of the hinge, and the second slider may be configured to slide against the first slider along the inclined surface such that the pressing surface of the force transmission member is moved to press against the rotation guide by the hinge actuator.

In various embodiments, the hinge device may further comprise a hinge housing configured to at least partially surround and support the hinge actuator and the force transmission member, wherein the force diverting part may comprise: a first slider positioned at the end of the hinge actuator and positioned below the force transmission member, and a second slider which is formed on an area configured to contact with the first slider in the inside of the hinge housing and to allow sliding of the first slider, and at least one of the first slider and the second slider may comprise an inclined surface inclined with respect to the pressing direction of the pressing surface.

Embodiments disclosed in the document including the specification and the drawings are merely specific examples presented to easily describe the technical content according to the embodiments disclosed in the document and to help understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the document, and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments disclosed in the document. Accordingly, in connection with the scope of various embodiments disclosed in the document, it should be interpreted that not only embodiments disclosed herein but also all changed or modified forms derived based on the technical idea of various embodiments disclosed in the document are included in the scope of various embodiments disclosed in the document.

Claim 1:
A foldable electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a foldable enclosure (<NUM>) comprising multiple sub-enclosures (301a, 301b) and being able to be folded or unfolded; and
a hinge (<NUM>) configured to rotatably connect the multiple sub-enclosures (301a, 301b) to each other around at least one rotation axis,
wherein the hinge (<NUM>) comprises:
multiple hinge leaves (<NUM>) respectively coupled to ends of the multiple sub-enclosures (301a, 301b) and configured to rotate during folding and unfolding operations of the foldable enclosure (<NUM>);
a rotation guide (<NUM>) which is formed on each of the hinge leaves (<NUM>) and comprises a rotation surface (<NUM>) having a curved-surface of a shape corresponding to a rotation trajectory of the hinge leaves (<NUM>);
a force transmission member (<NUM>) having a pressing surface (<NUM>) configured to press against the rotation surface (<NUM>) of the rotation guide (<NUM>);
a force diverting part (<NUM>) configured to convert a force having a directional component parallel to the pressing surface (<NUM>) to a force having a directional component perpendicular to the pressing surface (<NUM>), to change the direction in which the force is applied, thereby pressing the force transmission member (<NUM>) against the curved-surface of the rotation guide (<NUM>); and
a hinge actuator (<NUM>) configured to apply a force to the force diverting part (<NUM>) in a direction having a directional component parallel to the pressing surface (<NUM>).