KR102711352B1 - Foldable Electronic Device including Structure for management of foreign material - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments may include a first housing (121), a second housing (122), a display (110) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) connecting the first housing and the second housing, a hinge housing (150) surrounding the hinge structure, and at least one foreign matter collecting member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522) disposed on one side of the hinge structure to collect foreign matters that have entered the interior of the electronic device.

Description

{Foldable Electronic Device including Structure for management of foreign material}

Various embodiments of the present document relate to electronic devices including a hinge structure.

Portable electronic devices such as smartphones can provide various functions such as calls, video playback, and Internet searches based on various types of applications. Recently, various types of foldable electronic devices are being developed as a way to use the screen of portable electronic devices more widely while maintaining the portability of portable electronic devices.

The above-described foldable electronic device includes a plurality of housings so that the display can be folded in a certain direction, and adopts a hinge structure connecting each of the housings. At this time, in the process of arranging the housings and the hinge structure, a space is formed between the housings and the hinge structure, and various foreign substances may enter the foldable electronic device through this space. The foreign substances entering the foldable electronic device may have a negative effect on the internal electronic components of the foldable electronic device or may affect the hinge operation of the hinge structure. For example, if the hinge operation of the foldable electronic device is performed while a specific foreign substance is placed on the rear of the display, the foreign substance may cause a malfunction of the display.

Various embodiments provide an electronic device that employs a structure capable of preventing foreign substances from entering a foldable electronic device, and includes a hinge structure capable of suppressing the movement of foreign substances so that the introduced foreign substances do not settle on or move around components of the foldable electronic device.

An electronic device according to various embodiments may include a first housing (121), a second housing (122), a display (110) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) connecting the first housing and the second housing, a hinge housing (150) surrounding the hinge structure, and at least one foreign matter capturing member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522) disposed on one side of the hinge structure to capture foreign matters introduced into the interior of the electronic device.

An electronic device according to various embodiments may include a first housing (121), a second housing (122), a display (110) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, at least one hinge structure (300) connecting edges where the first housing and the second housing meet when the display (110) is in an unfolded state and including at least one gear, a hinge housing (150) on which the hinge structure is mounted, a first virtual axis around which the first housing rotates and a second virtual axis around which the second housing rotates are formed at a position spaced apart from a bottom surface of the display by a predetermined distance upward, and at least one foreign matter collecting member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522) disposed between the hinge structure and the hinge housing.

An electronic device having a hinge structure according to various embodiments can minimize the inflow of foreign substances, suppress the movement of introduced foreign substances within the device, and minimize the influence of foreign substances between each component within a foldable electronic device.

In addition, various embodiments may provide an electronic device having a foreign substance-responsive structure that can prevent foreign substances from coming into contact with the rear surface of a display of an electronic device having a hinge structure.

In addition, various purposes and effects provided by the hinge module and the electronic device including the same according to various embodiments may be mentioned according to the embodiments of the detailed description.

FIG. 1A is a drawing showing an example of a first state front appearance of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 1b is a drawing showing an example of a first state rear appearance of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 1c is a drawing showing an example of an exterior appearance of a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments.
FIG. 1d is a drawing showing another example of the appearance of a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments.
FIG. 2 is an example of an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which some components of the foldable electronic device illustrated in FIG. 2 are combined.
FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of a hinge module and a hinge housing according to various embodiments.
FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a first hinge structure or a second hinge structure according to one embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a deformation of a first hinge structure or a second hinge structure according to one embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic device having a modified first or second hinge structure.
FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of deformation of a third hinge structure according to one embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of an electronic device equipped with a modified third hinge structure.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a deformed form of hinge structures according to one embodiment.
FIG. 11A is a drawing showing an example of an exploded perspective view of a third hinge structure of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 11b is a drawing showing an example of a third hinge structure of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state.
FIG. 11c is a cross-sectional view of a third hinge structure (300) according to various embodiments, taken along line A-A' of FIG. 11b.
FIG. 11d is a cross-sectional view of a third hinge structure (300) according to various embodiments, taken along line B-B' of FIG. 11b.
FIG. 11e is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 11b of a third hinge structure according to various embodiments.
FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an example of a detent structure according to one embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an example of a foreign substance collection member arrangement according to various embodiments.
FIG. 14a is a drawing showing another example of a foreign matter collection member arrangement according to various embodiments.
Figure 14b is a drawing showing a cross-section corresponding to the DD` cutting line of Figure 14a.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present document will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, it should be understood that the technology described in this document is not limited to specific embodiments, but includes various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of the embodiments of the present document. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

In this document, the expressions "have", "can have", "include", or "may include" indicate the presence of a feature (e.g., a numerical value, function, operation, or component such as a part), but do not exclude the presence of additional features.

In this document, the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A and/or B", or "one or more of A or/and B" can include all possible combinations of the items listed together. For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" can all refer to cases where (1) at least one A is included, (2) at least one B is included, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B are included.

The expressions "first", "second", "first", or "second" used in this document can describe various components, regardless of order and/or priority, and are only used to distinguish one component from another, but do not limit the components. For example, a first user device and a second user device can represent different user devices, regardless of order or priority. For example, without departing from the scope of the rights set forth in this document, a first component can be named a second component, and similarly, a second component can also be renamed as a first component.

When it is stated that a component (e.g., a first component) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that the component can be directly coupled to the other component, or can be connected via another component (e.g., a third component). On the other hand, when it is stated that a component (e.g., a first component) is "directly coupled to" or "directly connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that no other component (e.g., a third component) exists between the component and the other component.

The expression "configured to", as used herein, can be used interchangeably with, for example, "suitable for", "having the capacity to", "designed to", "adapted to", "made to", or "capable of". The term "configured to" does not necessarily mean something is "specifically designed to" in terms of hardware. Instead, in some contexts, the expression "a device configured to" can mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured to perform A, B, and C" can mean a dedicated processor for performing the operations (e.g., an embedded processor), or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that performs the operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

The terms used in this document are only used to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. The singular expression may include the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art described in this document. Among the terms used in this document, terms defined in general dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the related technology, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning unless explicitly defined in this document. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this document, it cannot be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this document.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present document may include at least one of, for example, a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop personal computer, a laptop personal computer, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), an MP3 player, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing-integrated type (e.g., an electronic garment), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments are described with reference to the attached drawings. In this document, the term user may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device using an electronic device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

FIG. 1A is a drawing illustrating an example of a front appearance of a foldable electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments, and FIG. 1B is a drawing illustrating an example of a rear appearance of a foldable electronic device in a first state according to various embodiments. FIG. 1C is a drawing illustrating an example of an appearance of a foldable electronic device in a second state according to various embodiments, and FIG. 1D is a drawing illustrating another example of an appearance of a foldable electronic device in the second state according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1D , an electronic device or foldable electronic device (100) (hereinafter, referred to as a foldable electronic device) according to an embodiment may include a housing (120) including a first housing structure (121) and a second housing structure (122), a display (110) (e.g., a flexible display), a first cover (161), a second cover (162), a hinge housing (150) in which a hinge structure (or a hinge structure) is disposed on the inside, and a sensor unit (190). FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate front and back views of the foldable electronic device (100) in a first state (e.g., a flat state, an unfolded state, or an unfolded state), and FIGS. 1C and 1D are perspective views including upper and lower views (or left and right sides) of the foldable electronic device (100) in a second state (e.g., a folded state or a folded state).

According to various embodiments, the first housing structure (121) may be arranged continuously with the second housing structure (122) depending on the arrangement (e.g., when the center of the display (110) is flattened or when the housing (120) is in an unfolded state) or may be arranged parallel to the second housing structure (122). Alternatively, when the center of the display (110) is folded, one side of the first housing structure (121) may be arranged to face one side of the second housing structure (122).

According to various embodiments, the first housing structure (121) may be formed of, for example, at least a portion of a metal material, or at least a portion of a non-metal material. For example, the first housing structure (121) may be formed of a material having a certain rigidity in order to support at least a portion of the display (110). A portion of the front surface of the first housing structure (121) may have an area (or a first portion) of the display (110) arranged thereon. At least a portion of the inner surface of the first housing structure (121) may be formed in a hollow form, or may be formed in a hollow form while being combined with the first cover (161), so that electronic elements required for driving the display (110) (e.g., elements such as a printed circuit board, at least one processor mounted on the printed circuit board, at least one memory, and a battery) may be arranged thereon. According to various embodiments, an edge of the first housing structure (121) may be arranged in a form that surrounds one edge of the display (110).

According to various embodiments, the second housing structure (122) may be arranged parallel to the first housing structure (121) depending on the arrangement, or may be arranged so that at least one side faces one side of the first housing structure (121) (e.g., the side on which the display (110) is arranged). The second housing structure (122) may be formed of the same material as the first housing structure (121). Since the second housing structure (122) is arranged in a form symmetrical to the first housing structure (121) in the left-right or up-down direction, the second housing structure (122) may be arranged to support at least a portion of the remaining area of the area of the display (110) arranged in the first housing structure (121) on the front. At least a portion of the inside of the second housing structure (122) may be formed in a hollow form similar to the first housing structure (121), or may be formed in a hollow form while being combined with the second cover (162), so that electronic elements necessary for operating the display (110) may be arranged. According to various embodiments, the edge of the second housing structure (122) may be formed to wrap around the other edge of the display (110).

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a sensor placement area (123) on one side of the second housing structure (122) in which at least one sensor related to the operation of a specific function of the foldable electronic device (100) is placed. For example, at least one of a proximity sensor, a light sensor, an iris sensor, an image sensor (or a camera), or a fingerprint sensor may be placed in the sensor placement area (123). According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device (100) places the at least one sensor on the rear side, the sensor placement area (123) may be placed on the rear side.

According to various embodiments, the hinge housing (150) may be covered (e.g., in the unfolded state of the housing (120)) or exposed to the outside (e.g., in the folded state of the housing (120)) by one side of the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122) depending on the folded or unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (100). For example, as in FIGS. 1A and 1B , when the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122) are arranged in parallel, the hinge housing (150) may be covered by the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122). As in FIG. 1c and FIG. 1d, when one side of the first housing structure (121) and one side of the second housing structure (122) are arranged to face each other, the hinge housing (150) can be arranged to be exposed to the outside on the side of the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122).

According to various embodiments, the display (110) may be provided in a foldable manner at least in part. According to one embodiment, the display (110) may include a first region disposed on a first housing structure (121), a second region disposed on a second housing structure (122), and a central region within a certain range centered on a region where the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122) are adjacent. At least a part of the central region may be provided in a flexible manner.

According to various embodiments, the sensor unit (190) may be arranged on a certain area of the rear surface of the foldable electronic device (100). The sensor unit (190) may include at least one of an image sensor, a light sensor, a heart rate sensor, and a fingerprint sensor. In the illustrated drawing, a form in which a plurality of image sensors are arranged is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited thereto. According to various embodiments, the sensor unit (190) may include a light-emitting unit (e.g., a lamp or LED) related to supporting a flash function.

FIG. 2 is an example of an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 2, a foldable electronic device (100) according to an embodiment may include at least one of a display (110), a housing (120), an electronic device element, such as a first printed circuit board (131), a second printed circuit board (132), a first battery (133), a second battery (134), hinge plates (141, 142), a hinge module (200), a first cover (161), a second cover (162), and a foreign matter collecting member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522).

According to various embodiments, the display (110) may include a first region (51), a second region (52), and a central region (53). The central region (53) may include a predetermined region positioned at the inner center when the display (110) is folded. At least a portion of the first region (51) may be attached and fixed to the first housing structure (121). At least a portion of the second region (52) may be attached and fixed to the second housing structure (122). In this regard, an adhesive member may be disposed between the first region (51) of the display (110) and the first housing structure (121) and between the second region (52) and the second housing structure (122). The central region (53) may be disposed so as not to be fixed (or disposed so as not to be attached) to the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122). Accordingly, the central region (53) may be free to move while the display (110) is folded or unfolded without being attached to the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122). According to one embodiment, a certain gap may be formed between at least a portion of the central region (53) and the hinge module (200) in the folded state.

According to various embodiments, the first housing structure (121) may include a first surface (121a) and a second surface (121b) opposite the first surface (121a), and the second housing structure (122) may include a third surface (122a) and a fourth surface (122b) opposite the third surface (122a). The first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122) may perform a movement of folding or unfolding within a specified angular range about the hinge module (200) as an axis. When the display (110) is folded (or the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122) are arranged side by side or have relatively wide surfaces stacked), the third surface (122a) faces the first surface (121a), and when the display (110) is unfolded, the first surface (121a) and the third surface (122a) can be arranged to face the same direction. The first peripheral portion (121c) of the first housing structure (121) can be connected to the second peripheral portion (122c) of the second housing structure (122) via the hinge module (200). The display (110) (or the flexible display layer) can be arranged to cross at least a portion of the first surface (121a) and at least a portion of the third surface (122a). The above display (110) can be folded in the first peripheral portion (121c) and the second peripheral portion (122c) or in an adjacent area of the first peripheral portion (121c) and the second peripheral portion (122c). A sensor arrangement area (123) can be arranged on one side of the second housing structure (122).

According to various embodiments, the first printed circuit board (131) may be disposed between the second surface (121b) of the first housing structure (121) and the first cover (161). The second printed circuit board (132) may be disposed between the fourth surface (122b) of the second housing structure (122) and the second cover (162). Alternatively, the first printed circuit board (131) and the second printed circuit board (132) may be integrated into one printed circuit board and then disposed between the second surface (121b) of the first housing structure (121) and the first cover (161) or between the fourth surface (122b) of the second housing structure (122) and the second cover (162). The first printed circuit board (131) and the second printed circuit board (132) may have various electronic elements placed thereon necessary for driving the foldable electronic device (100). For example, a configuration such as a memory, at least one processor, a communication circuit, an antenna, a microphone, a speaker, at least one sensor and an electronic element related to driving a sensor, or a camera may be mounted on at least one of the first printed circuit board (131) and the second printed circuit board (132).

According to various embodiments, the first battery (133) may be disposed between the second surface (121b) of the first housing structure (121) and the first cover (161). The second battery (134) may be disposed between the fourth surface (122b) of the second housing structure (122) and the second cover (162). The first battery (133) and the second battery (134) may supply power required to drive the foldable electronic device (100). According to one embodiment, the first battery (133) and the second battery (134) may supply power to components such as at least one of the first printed circuit board (131) and the second printed circuit board (132), the display (110), and at least one sensor through wiring. Meanwhile, in the above description, a structure in which a plurality of batteries are provided has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may include only one battery.

According to various embodiments, the hinge plates (141, 142) may include a first hinge plate (141) coupled with one side of the first housing structure (121) and the hinge module (200), or a second hinge plate (142) coupled with the other side of the second housing structure (122) and the hinge module (200). The first hinge plate (141) may have one side fixed to an edge of the first housing structure (121) adjacent to the second housing structure (122), for example, and the other side fixed to a part of the hinge structures (or hinge structures) (200a, 300, 200b) and at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) included in the hinge module (200).

The above detent structures (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) are mechanical devices that temporarily stop the rotational operation of a device (e.g., a foldable electronic device (100)) or stop the rotational operation of the device when the pressure is lower than a specified amount, and enable the rotational operation of the device when the pressure exceeds a specified amount. According to one embodiment, the detent structures (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) may be configured to enable a specified angle of attachment according to a hinge operation of the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122). For example, the detent structures (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) may act to stop the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122) at a predetermined size of an inner angle formed by the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122) during the rotational motion of the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122), and when a force greater than a predetermined size is applied, the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122) may be supported to have a state of unfolding at a predetermined angle from a folded state or a state of folding at a predetermined angle from an unfolded state. Accordingly, while the user folds or unfolds the first housing structure (121) or the second housing structure (122), the force applied to fold or unfold the housing structures (121, 122) can be transmitted to at least a portion of the hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300) and at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d).

According to various embodiments, the second hinge plate (142) may have one end fixed to, for example, an edge of the second housing structure (122) adjacent to the first housing structure (121), and the other end fixed to the remaining portions of the hinge structures (200a, 300, 200b) and at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) included in the hinge module (200). Accordingly, a force (or pressure) applied to fold or unfold the first housing structure (121) or the second housing structure (122) may be transmitted to at least the remaining portions of the hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300) and at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d).

The hinge module (200) may include a hinge housing (150), at least one of a first hinge structure (200a), a second hinge structure (200b), and a third hinge structure (300), or at least one of detent structures (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d), and at least one foreign substance capturing member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522). At least a part of the foreign substance capturing member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522) may include an adhesive material capable of capturing foreign substances introduced into the foldable electronic device (100). Alternatively, at least a portion of the foreign matter capturing member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522) may include an electrically charged material or an elastic material capable of absorbing introduced foreign matter (e.g., dust or small sand, etc.).

According to various embodiments, the hinge housing (150) may be provided in a semi-cylindrical shape (or a cylinder whose overall cross-section shape is a semi-ellipse) and may have a structure in which both ends are closed. The inside of the hinge housing (150) is empty, and the first hinge structure (200a), the second hinge structure (200b), the third hinge structure (300), and at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) may be mounted. The hinge housing (150) may be formed to have a length corresponding to a length in one axis (e.g., long axis) of the display or a length in one axis (e.g., long axis) of the first housing structure (121). The shape of the short-axis cross-section of the hinge housing (150) may be a semicircle or a semi-ellipse, or at least a portion thereof may include a curved surface. The hinge housing (150) may include at least one boss (151) (e.g., a protrusion for screw coupling) used for fixing and securing at least one of the hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300) and the detent structures (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d). Foreign substance collecting members (521, 522) may be arranged on at least a portion of the inner side of the hinge housing (150). The foreign substance collecting members (521, 522) may collect foreign substances that have entered the foldable electronic device (100) and suppress the movement of the foreign substances. At least a portion of the foreign substance collecting members (521, 522) may be provided in at least one form of a tape, a liquid, or a gel, and may be applied and arranged on a certain area of the inner side of the hinge housing (150).

According to various embodiments, the first hinge structure (200a) may be arranged at a point of the hinge housing (150) that is symmetrical to the second hinge structure (200b) with respect to the center of the hinge housing (150). For example, the first hinge structure (200a) may be arranged to be offset upward with respect to the center of the illustrated hinge housing (150). According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure (200a) may be arranged adjacent to the upper end of the hinge housing (150). A part of the first hinge structure (200a) may be fixed to the hinge housing (150), and another part of the first hinge structure (200a) may be coupled to the hinge plates (141, 142). For example, one side of the first hinge structure (200a) may be coupled to one side of the first hinge plate (141), and the other side of the first hinge structure (200a) may be coupled to one side of the second hinge plate (142). The first hinge structure (200a) may perform a hinge operation in response to the rotational movement of the coupled hinge plates (141, 142). According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure (200a) may have two sub-hinge structures arranged alternately, and may perform a hinge operation independently of the hinge operation of the hinge plates (141, 142). At least a portion of the first hinge structure (200a) may be made of a metal material.

According to various embodiments, foreign matter capturing members (501, 502) may be arranged on one side of the first hinge structure (200a). For example, based on the illustrated drawing, the foreign matter capturing member (501) may be arranged on the left edge of the first hinge structure (200a), and the foreign matter capturing member (502) may be arranged on the right edge of the first hinge structure (200a). The foreign matter capturing members (501, 502) may preferentially capture foreign matters introduced through a gap between one side (e.g., the left side) of the hinge housing (150) and the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122), thereby suppressing movement of the introduced foreign matters. Accordingly, the foldable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can prevent the occurrence of a phenomenon in which an introduced foreign substance (e.g., sand or particles having a certain size and hardness) comes into contact with the display (110) and at least a portion of the display (110) is damaged.

According to various embodiments, the second hinge structure (200b) may be arranged at another point of the hinge housing (150) that is symmetrical to the first hinge structure (200a) with respect to the center of the hinge housing (150). Alternatively, the second hinge structure (200b) may be arranged to be offset downward with respect to the center of the illustrated hinge housing (150). According to one embodiment, the second hinge structure (200b) may be arranged adjacent to the lower end of the hinge housing (150). A portion of the second hinge structure (200b) may be fixed to the hinge housing (150), and another portion of the second hinge structure (200b) may be coupled to the hinge plates (141, 142). For example, one side of the second hinge structure (200b) may be coupled to the other side of the first hinge plate (141), and the other side of the second hinge structure (200b) may be coupled to the other side of the second hinge plate (142). The second hinge structure (200b) may perform a hinge operation in response to the rotational movement of the coupled hinge plates (141, 142). According to one embodiment, the second hinge structure (200b) may have two sub-hinge structures that are arranged alternately with each other, similar to the first hinge structure (200a), and may perform a hinge operation independently of the hinge operation of the hinge plates (141, 142). The second hinge structure (200b) may be made of the same material as the first hinge structure. According to various embodiments, the second hinge structure (200b) may have substantially the same structure and shape as the first hinge structure (200a), but the position at which it is arranged on the hinge housing (150) may be different.

According to various embodiments, foreign matter capturing members (503, 504) may be arranged on one side of the second hinge structure (200b). For example, based on the illustrated drawing, the foreign matter capturing member (503) may be arranged on the left edge of the second hinge structure (200b), and the foreign matter capturing member (504) may be arranged on the right edge of the second hinge structure (200b). The foreign matter capturing members (503, 504) may preferentially capture foreign matters introduced through the gap between the other side (e.g., the right side) of the hinge housing (150) and the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122), thereby suppressing the movement of the introduced foreign matters. Accordingly, the foldable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment can prevent the occurrence of a phenomenon in which an introduced foreign substance (e.g., sand or particles having a certain size and hardness) comes into contact with the display (110) and at least a portion of the display (110) is damaged.

According to various embodiments, the third hinge structure (300) may be positioned at the center of the hinge housing (150). The third hinge structure (300) may have a portion fixed to the hinge housing (150) and the remaining portion connected to the first hinge plate (141) and the second hinge plate (142), respectively. The third hinge structure (300) can transmit force through the interlocking gears so that the first hinge plate (141) and the first housing structure (121) coupled to the first hinge plate (141) (or the second hinge plate (142) and the second housing structure (122) coupled to the second hinge plate (142)) perform the hinge operation while the second hinge plate (142) and the second housing structure (122) coupled to the second hinge plate (142) (or the first housing structure (121) coupled to the first hinge plate (141)) perform the hinge operation together.

According to one embodiment, at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) may be arranged at a predetermined position inside the hinge housing (150). For example, the first detent structure (400a) may be arranged between the first hinge structure (200a) and the third hinge structure (300). The second to fourth detent structures (400b, 400c, 400d) may be arranged between the second hinge structure (200b) and the third hinge structure (300). In the drawing, four detent structures (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) are illustrated as being arranged, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the hinge module (200) may include one or two or more detent structures. At least one of the above detent structures (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) may have the same structure. According to various embodiments, a plurality of detent structures may have the same structure and size, but may be arranged in different directions within the hinge housing (150).

According to various embodiments, the first cover (161) may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the second surface (121b) of the first housing structure (121) on the back surface of the first housing structure (121). The first cover (161) may be arranged to cover a portion of the hinge module (200) (e.g., one side of the hinge housing (150)) arranged between the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122). The corners of the first cover (161) may be rounded. The first cover (161) may have a hollow interior or may be fastened to the second surface (121b) of the first housing structure (121) to form a hollow space between the first housing structures (121). For example, the first cover (161) may have a bottom surface having a square shape and a structure in which side walls are formed on the upper or left and right sides of the bottom surface.

According to various embodiments, the second cover (162) may be arranged adjacent to the first cover (161) and fastened to the fourth surface (122b) of the second housing structure (122) so as to cover at least a portion (e.g., at least a portion of the fourth surface (122b)) of the second housing structure (122). The second cover (162) may be arranged so as to cover the remaining portion (e.g., the other side of the hinge housing (150)) of the hinge module (200) that is partially covered by the first cover (161). The second cover (162) may have rounded corners similar to the first cover (161). The second cover (162) may have a hollow interior or may be fastened to the fourth surface (122b) of the second housing structure (122) so as to form a hollow space between the second housing structure (122). In this regard, the second cover (162) may have a structure in which a bottom surface in a square shape and side walls are formed on the bottom and left and right sides of the bottom surface.

In the above description, the first hinge structure (200a) and the second hinge structure (200b) are arranged at both ends of the hinge housing (150) based on the center of the hinge housing (150), and the third hinge structure (300) is arranged between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure (200b). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, without including a separate linkage gear, only one of the unlinked first hinge structure (200a) or second hinge structure (200b) may be arranged in the hinge housing (150). For example, a foldable electronic device (100) according to one embodiment may have a first hinge structure (200a) having a non-interlocking structure disposed at one end of a hinge housing (150), and a plurality of hinge structures of a third hinge structure (300) type (e.g., an interlocking structure including interlocking gears) disposed at another location (e.g., at the center of the hinge housing (150) or the other end of the hinge housing (150)).

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a state in which some components of the foldable electronic device illustrated in FIG. 2 are combined.

Referring to FIG. 3, some components of the foldable electronic device (100) may include a first housing structure (121), a second housing structure (122), or a hinge module (200). The foldable electronic device (100) illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example of the foldable electronic device (100) described in FIG. 2 with the display (110) removed.

According to various embodiments, the first housing structure (121) may be combined with the first hinge plate (141). The first housing structure (121) may be arranged on one side of the hinge module (200), for example, on the upper side based on the illustrated drawing. A printed circuit board or a battery, etc., as described above in FIG. 2 may be mounted on the first housing structure (121), and a part of the first area and the central area of the display may be arranged.

According to various embodiments, the second housing structure (122) may be combined with the second hinge plate (142). The second housing structure (122) may be arranged on the other side of the hinge module (200), for example, on the lower side based on the illustrated drawing. A printed circuit board or a battery, etc., as described above in FIG. 2 may be mounted on the second housing structure (122), and the remaining part of the second area and the central area of the display may be arranged.

According to various embodiments, the hinge module (200) may have a hinge housing (150), a first hinge structure (200a), a second hinge structure (200b), a third hinge structure (300), or at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) (e.g., the detent structure (400c) of FIG. 3a) arranged therein. For example, the hinge module (200) may have a length specified in a horizontal direction and may be provided with a cross-section having a semi-elliptical shape.

According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure (200a) may be positioned at the left edge end based on the illustrated drawing, and the second hinge structure (200b) may be positioned at the right edge end. The third hinge structure (300) may be positioned between the first hinge structure (200a) and the second hinge structure (200b) or at the center of the hinge housing (150).

According to various embodiments, a signal wire (e.g., FPCB) that electrically connects an electronic element placed in the first housing structure (121) and an electronic element placed in the second housing structure (122) may be placed between the first detent structure (400a) and the third hinge structure (300). For example, a position where the signal wire is placed may be assigned to one side of the hinge module (200).

In one embodiment, the first detent structure (400a) may be disposed, for example, between the first hinge structure (200a) and the third hinge structure (300). The second detent structure (400b), the third detent structure (400c), and the fourth detent structure (400d) may be disposed between the third hinge structure (300) and the second hinge structure (200b). According to various embodiments, the first detent structure (400a) may be disposed adjacent to the first hinge structure (200a). The second detent structure (400b) may be disposed adjacent to the third hinge structure (300). The fourth detent structure (400d) may be disposed adjacent to the second hinge structure (200b). The third detent structure (400c) may be arranged between the second detent structure (400b) and the fourth detent structure (400d). In one embodiment, the detent structures (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) may be formed with substantially the same structure, but may be arranged with their arrangement directions alternating with each other.

According to various embodiments, the foreign substance capturing member (501) may be arranged on one side of the left edge of the first hinge structure (200a) based on the illustrated drawing. For example, the foreign substance capturing member (501) may be arranged on the upper side of the boss hole area (551a) provided for coupling the hinge housing (150) at the left edge of the first hinge structure (200a). The foreign substance capturing member (502) may be arranged on one side of the right edge of the first hinge structure (200a) based on the illustrated drawing. For example, the foreign substance capturing member (502) may be arranged on the upper side of the boss hole area (551b) provided for coupling the hinge housing (150) at the right edge of the first hinge structure (200a). The foreign substance capturing members (503, 504) above may also be placed on the second hinge structure (200b) similarly to the foreign substance capturing members (501, 502) placed on the first hinge structure (200a). For example, the foreign substance capturing member (503) may be placed on the boss hole area (552a) formed on the left edge of the second hinge structure (200b), and the foreign substance capturing member (504) may be placed on the boss hole area (552b) formed on the right edge of the second hinge structure (200b).

In the foldable electronic device (100) according to the above-described embodiment, if foreign substances are introduced through the areas where the hinge housing (150) and the first housing structure (121) or the second housing structure (122) are arranged, the introduced foreign substances can be captured by the foreign substance capturing members (501, 502, 503, 504). Accordingly, the foldable electronic device (100) can suppress internal diffusion of foreign substances and prevent damage or device failure caused by the foreign substances.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of a hinge module and a hinge housing according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 4, the hinge housing (150) may have a structure in which the interior is hollow and both ends are closed, as described above in FIG. 2, etc. The hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300, 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) may be arranged on the inside of the hinge housing (150). According to one embodiment, at least one foreign substance collecting member (521, 522, 531, 541, 542, 543, 544) may be arranged on at least a portion of the inner surface of the hinge housing (150). For example, based on the illustrated drawing, a first foreign substance capturing member (521) may be arranged on the inner surface of a hinge housing (150) on which a first hinge structure (200a) is mounted, and a second foreign substance capturing member (522) may be arranged on the inner surface of a hinge housing (150) on which a second hinge structure (200b) is mounted. The area where the first foreign substance capturing member (521) and the second foreign substance capturing member (522) are mounted may be an inner surface area of the hinge housing (150) excluding an inner surface area corresponding to a hinge bracket that rotates in the first hinge structure (200a) and the second hinge structure (200b). According to various embodiments, when the first hinge structure (200a) and the second hinge structure (200b) are arranged at a predetermined distance from the inner surface of the hinge housing (150), the first foreign substance capturing member (521) and the second foreign substance capturing member (522) may be arranged on the inner surface of the hinge housing (150) and may be arranged (or applied) at a height that does not come into contact with the first hinge structure (200a) and the second hinge structure (200b).

According to various embodiments, a third foreign material capturing member (531) may be arranged on an inner surface of a hinge housing (150) on which a third hinge structure (300) including at least one gear is mounted. The third foreign material capturing member (531) may be provided in a shape corresponding to the overall size of the third hinge structure (300). The third foreign material capturing member (531) may be arranged on the inner side of the hinge housing (150) so as to have a height that does not come into contact with a hinge-operating component (e.g., an inner bracket) among the third hinge structures (300).

According to various embodiments, the fourth to seventh foreign material capturing members (541, 542, 543, 544) may be disposed on an area of the hinge housing (150) where at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) is disposed. For example, the fourth foreign material capturing member (541) may be disposed on an inner surface of the hinge housing (150) where the first detent structure (400a) is disposed. Similarly, the fifth to seventh foreign material capturing members (542, 543, 544) may be disposed on an inner surface of the hinge housing (150) where the second to fourth detent structures (400b, 400c, 400d) are disposed.

Meanwhile, in the above description, the foreign substance capturing members (521, 522, 531, 541, 542, 543, 544) are described as being arranged in a certain area of the hinge housing (150), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the foreign substance capturing members (521, 522, 531, 541, 542, 543, 544) may be applied (or arranged) over the entire inner surface of the hinge housing (150). According to various embodiments, the size of the foreign substance capturing members (521, 522, 531, 541, 542, 543, 544) may vary depending on the location of the inner surface of the hinge housing (150). For example, among the foreign substance capturing members (521, 522, 531, 541, 542, 543, 544), the sizes of the foreign substance capturing members arranged closer to the both sides of the hinge housing (150) may be formed larger than the sizes of the foreign substance capturing members arranged at the center of the hinge housing (150). Alternatively, the foreign substance capturing members may be arranged with a structure including a plurality of pieces for each area where they are arranged. In this case, the number or sizes of the pieces of the foreign substance capturing members arranged closer to the both sides of the hinge housing (150) may be formed to be greater than or larger than the number or sizes of the pieces of the foreign substance capturing members located at the center of the hinge housing (150). According to various embodiments, as described above, the foreign substance capturing members may be arranged only at the both sides of the hinge housing (150).

FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a first hinge structure or a second hinge structure according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, a first hinge structure (200a) (or a second hinge structure (200b), hereinafter described based on the first hinge structure (200a)) according to an embodiment may include a first hinge bracket (1521) connected to a first hinge plate (141), a second hinge bracket (1522) connected to a second hinge plate (142), and a center bracket (1541) on which the first hinge bracket (1521) and the second hinge bracket (1522) are mounted. The first hinge structure (200a) according to an embodiment may include at least one foreign substance discharge port (e.g., 1561, 1562) for discharge of foreign substances.

According to various embodiments, the center bracket (1541) has a predetermined length and width so as to be mounted on the hinge housing (e.g., the hinge housing (150) of FIG. 2), and at least a portion of the lower portion may include a curved surface to correspond to an inner surface of the hinge housing (150). The center bracket (1541) may include a first rail portion (1541a) formed so as to perform a hinge operation after the first hinge bracket (1521) is mounted thereon, a second rail portion (1541b) formed so as to perform a hinge operation after the second hinge bracket (1522) is mounted thereon, and a bracket body (1541) on which the first rail portion (1541a) is formed on one side and the second rail portion (1541b) is formed on the other side. Boss hole areas (1551, 1552) used to secure the first hinge structure (200a) to the hinge housing (150) may be formed on both edges of the above bracket body (1541). After the first hinge structure (200a) is coupled to the hinge housing (150), the aforementioned foreign substance collecting members (501, 502) may be arranged on the upper portions of the boss hole areas (1551, 1552).

According to various embodiments, the first hinge bracket (1521) is provided with a semi-circular cross-section, and may be positioned to perform a hinge operation in the same first rotational direction as the inserted direction after being inserted into the first rail portion (1541a) in the first rotational direction. At this time, the first hinge bracket (1521) is operated so as not to rotate more than a specified angle in the first rotational direction by the first catch (4141) formed in the center bracket (1541), thereby preventing the first hinge bracket (1521) from being detached from the center bracket (1541).

The second hinge bracket (1522) may be formed to have substantially the same structure and size as the first hinge bracket (1521). For example, the second hinge bracket (1522) may be provided with a semi-circular cross-section, and may be positioned to perform a hinge operation in the second rotation direction after being inserted into the second rail portion (1541b) in the second rotation direction. At this time, the second hinge bracket (1522) may be prevented from being rotated more than a specified angle in the second rotation direction by the second catch (4142) formed in the center bracket (1541), thereby preventing the second hinge bracket (1522) from being detached from the center bracket (1541).

According to various embodiments, the foreign matter discharge ports (1561, 1562) may include, for example, a first foreign matter discharge port (1561) disposed in an adjacent area of a center bracket (1541) into which the first hinge bracket (1521) is inserted, and a second foreign matter discharge port (1562) disposed in an adjacent area of the center bracket (1541) into which the second hinge bracket (1522) is inserted. Since the foreign matter discharge ports (1561, 1562) are formed to penetrate the front and rear surfaces of the center bracket (1541), foreign matter introduced into the upper portion of the first hinge structure (200a) or the upper portion of the second hinge structure (200b) may be moved to the lower portion of the first hinge structure (200a) or the lower portion of the second hinge structure (200b) through the foreign matter discharge ports (1561, 1562). For example, foreign matter introduced into the upper portion of the first hinge structure (200a) may be moved to the inner surface of the hinge housing (150) through the first foreign matter discharge port (1561) and fixed by the first foreign matter capturing member (521) described above in FIG. 4. Similarly, foreign matter introduced into the upper portion of the second hinge structure (200b) may be moved to the inner surface of the hinge housing (150) through the second foreign matter discharge port (1562) and fixed by the second foreign matter capturing member (522) described above in FIG. 4. According to one embodiment, the foreign substance discharge ports (1561, 1562) may be arranged adjacent to or connected to the first rail portion (1541a) used for rotating the first hinge bracket (1521) and the second rail portion (1541b) used for rotating the second hinge bracket (1522). The foreign substance discharge ports (1561, 1562) may have any shape that penetrates the front and rear surfaces of the sensor bracket (1541), and for example, may be formed to penetrate the front and rear surfaces vertically and have a cross-section that is circular or polygonal, such as a square or triangle. The above foreign substance discharge ports (1561, 1562) can be formed so that foreign substances can be discharged even when the first hinge bracket (1521) and the second hinge bracket (1522) are in an unfolded state, and at least a part of the peripheral area where the first hinge bracket (1521) and the second hinge bracket (1522) are respectively seated on the first rail portion (1541a) and the second rail portion (1541b) can penetrate the front and rear surfaces.

FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a deformation of a first hinge structure or a second hinge structure according to one embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a part of a configuration of an electronic device equipped with a deformed first or second hinge structure.

Referring to FIG. 6, the first hinge structure (200a) (or the second hinge structure, hereinafter referred to as the first hinge structure) may include a first hinge bracket (1521), a second hinge bracket (1522), and a center bracket (1541). The first hinge bracket (1521) may be coupled to move from the inside to the outside (e.g., in the first rotational direction) based on the horizontal center of the center bracket (1541), and then may be coupled to the first hinge plate (141) based on the first coupling protrusions (1521a, 1521b). Accordingly, while the first hinge bracket (1521) performs a hinge operation, the first hinge plate (141) may be mounted at a certain angle according to the rotational movement of the first hinge bracket (1521). The second hinge bracket (1522) is arranged adjacent to the first hinge bracket (1521) and is coupled to move from the inside to the outside (e.g., in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction) based on the horizontal center of the center bracket (1541), and then can be coupled to the second hinge plate (142) based on the second coupling protrusions (1522a, 1522b). Accordingly, while the second hinge bracket (1522) performs a hinge operation, the second hinge plate (142) can be mounted at a certain angle according to the rotational movement of the second hinge bracket (1522).

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, as in state 601, the height of a portion (601a) of an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the back of the display) of the first hinge bracket (1521) may be lowered by a specified height as shown in 603 to form a portion (601b) of a deformed first hinge bracket (1521_1). Similarly, as in state 601, the height of a portion (602a) of an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the back of the display) of the second hinge bracket (1522) may be lowered by a specified height as in state 603 to form a portion (602b) of a deformed second hinge bracket (1522_1), and thus may have the same height as the deformed portion (601b) of the deformed first hinge bracket (1521_1). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of an upper surface of the deformed first hinge structure (200a_1) may be formed lower by a specified height compared to at least a portion of an upper surface of the first hinge structure (200a) before deformation. For example, a deformed portion (601b) of the deformed first hinge bracket (1521_1) may be formed lower by a specified height than a height of the surrounding first hinge plate (141). According to one embodiment, a portion (602b) of the deformed second hinge bracket (1522_1) may be formed lower by a specified height than a height of the second hinge plate (142). Accordingly, when the first hinge plate (141) and the second hinge plate (142) are in an unfolded state (e.g., one side of the first hinge plate (141) and one side of the second hinge plate (142) are arranged parallel while facing the rear surface of the display), a portion of an edge (601b) of the deformed first hinge bracket (1521_1) and a portion of an edge (602b) of the deformed second hinge bracket (1522_1) can be arranged to be spaced apart from the rear surface of the display placed thereon by a specified distance.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a deformation of a third hinge structure according to one embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a part of a configuration of an electronic device equipped with a deformed third hinge structure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the third hinge structure (300) may include a first main bracket (1411), a second main bracket (1412), a first inner bracket (1421), a second inner bracket (1422), and at least one gear (1441, 1442). The first inner bracket (1421) may be coupled to move from the inside to the outside (e.g., in the first rotational direction) with respect to the horizontal center of the first main bracket (1411), and then may be coupled to the first hinge plate (141). Accordingly, while the first inner bracket (1421) performs a hinge operation, the first hinge plate (141) may be mounted at a certain angle according to the rotational movement of the first inner bracket (1421).

According to various embodiments, the second main bracket (1412) may be positioned adjacent to the first main bracket (1411) and may be coupled with the second inner bracket (1422). The second inner bracket (1422) may be coupled so that the second main bracket (1412) moves from the inside to the outside (e.g., in the second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction) with respect to the horizontal center, and then may be coupled with the second hinge plate (142). Accordingly, while the second inner bracket (1422) performs a hinge operation, the second hinge plate (142) may be mounted at a certain angle according to the rotational movement of the second inner bracket (1422).

According to various embodiments, the at least one gear (1441, 1442) may gear-connect the first inner bracket (1421) and the second inner bracket (1422). Accordingly, a force generated while the first inner bracket (1421) rotates may be transmitted to the second inner bracket (1422) through the at least one gear (1441, 1442), and vice versa.

Referring to FIG. 8, the height of a portion of an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the back of the display) of the first inner bracket (1421) illustrated in 801 may be lowered by a specified height as illustrated in 803 to form a portion (801a) of a deformed first inner bracket (1421_1). Similarly, the height of a portion of an upper surface (e.g., a surface facing the back of the display) of the second inner bracket (1422) illustrated in 801 may be lowered by a specified height as illustrated in 803 to form a portion (801b) of a deformed second inner bracket (1422_1). For example, at least a portion of an upper surface of a deformed third hinge structure (300_1) may be formed to be lower by a specified height compared to at least a portion of an upper surface of the third hinge structure (300) before deformation. According to one embodiment, the portions (801a, 802a) to be deformed may be arranged to have the same height.

Referring to FIG. 9, the height of the remaining portion (802a) of the upper surface of the first inner bracket (1421) according to one embodiment, excluding the portion coupled with the first hinge plate (141), may be formed lower than the height of the surrounding first hinge plate (141). Similarly, the height of the remaining portion (802b) of the upper surface of the second inner bracket (1422), excluding the portion coupled with the second hinge plate (142), may be formed lower than the height of the surrounding second hinge plate (142).

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified form of hinge structures according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 shows at least a partial cross-section of an area including portions (601b, 602b, 801a, 801b, 802a, 802b) including hinge brackets, respectively, based on a state in which a hinge plate and a display are arranged on top of the hinge structures described in FIGS. 6 to 9.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, as in state 1001, an upper surface of at least one of the first hinge bracket (1521), the second hinge bracket (1522), the first inner bracket (1421), and the second inner bracket (1422) may be arranged to have the same height as the surrounding hinge plates (141, 142). Accordingly, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, an upper surface of at least one of the first hinge bracket (1521), the second hinge bracket (1522), the first inner bracket (1421), and the second inner bracket (1422) may be arranged to come into contact with the rear surface of the display (110). If a foreign substance (e.g., grease) is present on at least a portion of an upper surface of at least one of the first hinge bracket (1521), the second hinge bracket (1522), the first inner bracket (1421), and the second inner bracket (1422), the foreign substance may move to the rear surface of the display (110) when the upper surface of at least one of the first hinge bracket (1521), the second hinge bracket (1522), the first inner bracket (1421), and the second inner bracket (1422) comes into contact with the rear surface of the display (110). In this case, the foreign substance may damage the rear surface of the display (110) or the external visibility of the display (110) may be reduced (e.g., the foreign substance may appear as a stain).

As described in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, some of the hinge structures of the foldable electronic device (100) may be formed lower than the surroundings depending on deformation. In this case, even when the deformed first hinge bracket (1521_1), the deformed second hinge bracket (1522_1), the deformed first inner bracket (1421_1), and the deformed second inner bracket (1422_1) are placed in an unfolded state, as in state 1003, parts (e.g., 601b, 602b, 801a, 801b, 802a, 802b) of the deformed first hinge bracket (1521_1), the deformed second hinge bracket (1522_1), the deformed first inner bracket (1421_1), and the deformed second inner bracket (1422_1) can be spaced apart from the rear surface of the display (110) by a gap of a specified size. Accordingly, even if a foreign substance (e.g., grease or sand, etc.) is placed on a part of the modified first hinge bracket (1521_1), the modified second hinge bracket (1522_1), the modified first inner bracket (1421_1), or the modified second inner bracket (1422_1), the foreign substance may not have any significant adverse effect on the rear surface of the display (110) due to the gap.

FIG. 11a is a drawing showing an example of an exploded perspective view of a third hinge structure of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments, and FIG. 11b is a drawing showing an example of a third hinge structure of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, insertion spaces surrounded by a plurality of inner walls are formed in the main brackets (1412, 1411) of the third hinge structure (300), and inner brackets (1421, 1422) are inserted into the insertion spaces, so that even if an impact is applied to an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 of FIG. 2), assembled parts are prevented from being removed, and the number of parts is reduced, thereby reducing the occurrence rate of failure or defects.

In this regard, in a third hinge structure (300) connecting a plurality of housings of an electronic device, a plurality of main brackets (1411, 1412) including an insertion space (415) surrounded by a plurality of inner walls, a plurality of inner brackets (1421, 1422) each inserted into the insertion space (415) and rotating along a predetermined rotational path and including an internal gear therein, an outer peripheral surface of a rod of at least one gear (1431, 1432) meshes with the internal gear, respectively, and can rotate together when the plurality of inner brackets (1421, 1422) rotate.

According to various embodiments, the main brackets (1411, 1412) are fixed to the hinge housing (150) and become the body of the third hinge structure (300) to which other components are assembled. According to various embodiments, the main brackets (1411, 1412) include an insertion space (415) surrounded by a plurality of inner walls. In one embodiment, the main brackets (1411, 1412) may be formed in two, but are not limited thereto and may be formed in various numbers, such as in three or more.

According to various embodiments, the inner brackets (1421, 1422) are inserted into the insertion spaces (415) included in the main brackets (1411, 1412) and are fixed to the first and second housings (121, 122), respectively, to rotate the first and second housings (121, 122). According to various embodiments, they include internal gears therein. The inner brackets (1421, 1422) may be formed in two as illustrated, but are not limited thereto and may be formed in various numbers, such as three or more.

The third hinge structure (300) according to various embodiments may further include main gears (1431, 1432) and idle gears (1441, 1442). The idle gears (1441, 1442) may mesh with at least one of the main gears (1431, 1432) and connect a plurality of main brackets (1411, 1412) to each other. As a result, the rotational power of the first main gear (1431) may be transmitted to the second main gear (1432). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the third hinge structure (300) may not include idle gears (1441, 1442). In this case, the plurality of main brackets (1411, 1412) may be arranged to mesh directly with each other.

For example, the plurality of inner walls of the main brackets (1411, 1412) include a pair of inner walls, wherein the pair of inner walls are respectively arranged on both sides of the rotation axis (A.R.I) of the inner brackets (1421, 1422) and can be formed to face each other. When the first inner bracket (1421) rotates, rotational power is transmitted to the first internal gear (4241), the first main gear (1431), the first idle gear (1441), the second idle gear (1442), the second main gear (1432), and the second internal gear (4242), so that the second inner bracket (1422) can also rotate together.

FIG. 11c is a cross-sectional view of a third hinge structure (300) according to various embodiments, taken along line A-A' of FIG. 11b.

Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11C above, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 2) may be connected such that a first housing structure (121) (e.g., the first housing structure (121) of FIG. 2) and a second housing structure (122) (e.g., the second housing structure (122) of FIG. 2) can be rotated relative to each other. For example, if a user rotates the first or second housing structure (121, 122) to fold (fold) the electronic device in an unfolded state (or an unfolded state), the inner brackets (1421, 1422) fixed through the first or second housing structure (121, 122) and the plates (e.g., the hinge plates (141, 142) of FIG. 2) may rotate along a predetermined rotational path around the rotational axis (A.R.I). Since the inner brackets (1421, 1422) are fixed to the first and second housing structures (121, 122), respectively, the rotational path of the inner brackets (1421, 1422) may correspond to the path along which the first and second housing structures (121, 122) fold or unfold. As another example, the rotational axis (A.R.I) of the inner brackets (1421, 1422) may coincide with the rotational axis of the first and second housing structures (121, 122) fixed thereto, and may be parallel to the axis of symmetry (A.S) of the first and second housing structures (121, 112).

According to one embodiment, a circle having a radius of a predetermined length may be drawn centered on the rotation axis (A.R.I.) of the inner brackets (1421, 1422), as illustrated in FIG. 11C. At this time, the lower surfaces of the inner brackets (1421, 1422) may have an arc shape existing on the circle in order to minimize interference when the inner brackets (1421, 1422) rotate. For example, the lower surfaces of the inner brackets (1421, 1422) may have an arc shape centered on the rotation axis (A.R.I.) of the inner brackets (1421, 1422).

According to various embodiments, the inner brackets (1421, 1422) may be arranged inside the main brackets (1411, 1412) and may include a moving space (1426) in which at least one gear (1431, 1432) may move. The moving space (1426) may have an arc shape centered on the rotational axis (A.R.I) of the inner brackets (1421, 1422) and may move.

According to various embodiments, the inner brackets (1421, 1422) may include internal gears (4241, 4242) therein. The internal gears (4241, 4242) may mesh with gears of the main brackets (1411, 1412). Therefore, when the inner brackets (1421, 1422) rotate, the internal gears (4241, 4242) may rotate at least one main gear (1431, 1432). At this time, as illustrated, the internal gear (4241) may have an arc shape centered on the rotation axis (A.R.I 1 or A.R.I 2) of the inner brackets (1421, 1422).

According to various embodiments, the gear teeth of the internal gears (4241, 4242) may be formed to protrude toward the moving space (1426). According to various embodiments, the gear teeth of the internal gears (4241, 4242) may be formed to protrude radially about the rotational axis (A.R.I 1 or A.R.I 2) of the inner brackets (1421, 1422) at the inner diameter edge of the moving space (1426). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the gear teeth of the internal gears (4241, 4242) may also be formed to protrude toward the rotational axis (A.R.I 1 or A.R.I 2) of the inner brackets (1421, 1422) at the outer diameter edge of the moving space (1426).

FIG. 11d is a cross-sectional view of a third hinge structure (300) according to various embodiments, taken along line B-B' of FIG. 11b.

Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11D, when the first housing structure (121) rotates, the first inner bracket (1421) fixed through the first housing structure (121) and the plate (e.g., the hinge plates (141, 142) of FIG. 2) can rotate. Then, the first internal gear (4241) included inside the first inner bracket (1421) can be rotated by meshing with the gear of the first main gear (1431).

According to various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 11d, a first main gear (1431), a first idle gear (1441), a second idle gear (1442), and a second main gear (1432) may be sequentially engaged. Accordingly, the rotational power of the first main gear (1431) may be transmitted to the first idle gear (1441), the second idle gear (1442), and the second main gear (1432).

FIG. 11e is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 11b of a third hinge structure according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 11a to 11e, in the third hinge structure (300), the first main bracket (1411) and the first inner bracket (1421) may be arranged with a predetermined tolerance (e.g., the first gap (Gap1)) as in the state 1091. The first inner bracket (1421) may include a moving space (1421_3) as described above. The moving space (1421_3) may be formed by an upper rail (1421_1) formed on the second inner bracket (1422) and a lower rail (1421_2) spaced apart from the upper protrusion (1421_1) by a specified distance and having at least a portion of the inner side provided in an arc shape to correspond to the arc shape of the moving space (1421_3). A part of a surface of the first main bracket (1411) arranged on one side of the above-mentioned moving space (1421_3) faces the upper surface of the lower rail (1421_2) and can be spaced apart with a first gap (Gap1). A part of a surface of the first main bracket (1411) arranged on one side of the above-mentioned moving space (1421_3) faces the lower surface of the upper rail (1421_2) and can be spaced apart with a first gap (Gap1). The first gap (Gap1) can be changed as the first inner bracket (1421) rotates.

According to various embodiments, the modified third hinge structure (300_2) can be configured to minimize the first gap (Gap1), as in the 1093 state. For example, the modified third hinge structure (300_2) can include at least one of a modified upper rail (1421_1a), a modified lower rail (1421_2a), or a modified moving space (1421_3a). Depending on at least one of the modified upper rail (1421_1a), the modified lower rail (1421_2a), or the modified moving space (1421_3a), the gap between the modified upper rail (1421_1a) and the lower rail (1421_2a) can vary. Accordingly, a second gap (Gap2) may be formed between the lower surface of the first main bracket (1411) and the upper surface of the deformed lower rail (1421_2a). The second gap (Gap2) may be smaller than the first gap (Gap1). A third gap (Gap0) may be formed between the upper surface of the first main bracket (1411) and the lower surface of the deformed upper rail (1421_1a). The third gap (Gap0) may be 0. For example, the upper surface of the first main bracket (1411) and the lower surface of the upper rail (1421_1a) may be in contact. The above-described second gap (Gap2) and third gap (Gap0) may be changed or restored according to the movement of the first inner bracket (1421).

FIG. 12 is a drawing showing an example of a detent structure according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 12, the third detent structure (400c) may include a first plate coupling portion (410) and a second plate coupling portion (420). According to various embodiments, the structures of the first detent structure (400a), the second detent structure (400b), and the fourth detent structure (400d) may also include a first plate coupling portion and a second plate coupling portion similar to the third detent structure (400c).

According to one embodiment, the first plate coupling portion (410) may be coupled through the first housing structure (121) and the first hinge plate (141). As another example, the first plate coupling portion (410) may be coupled through the second housing structure (122) and the second hinge plate (142). The first plate coupling portion (410) may be formed at least in part of a metal material (e.g., SUS (Stainless steel), aluminum, or an alloy thereof), or may be formed at least in part of a non-metal material (e.g., a plastic structure). According to one embodiment, the first plate coupling portion (410) may include a first coupling body (411), a bridge (412), a first support portion (413), and a second support portion (414).

According to one embodiment, the first coupling body (411) may have, for example, a first length specified in a first axial direction (x, -x), a second length in a second axial direction (y, -y), and a bar shape or rod shape of a predetermined thickness with rounded edges or corners. In one embodiment, a first rivet hole (411b) may be arranged at an edge of the first coupling body (411) in the first direction (-x), a second rivet hole (411c) may be arranged at an edge of the first coupling body (411) in the second direction (x), and a first coupling hole (411a) may be arranged at at least a portion of the center of the first coupling body (411). The first rivet hole (411b) is arranged to pass through a hole provided on one side of the first hinge plate (141) (or the second hinge plate (142)), and then combined with a first rivet provided during the riveting process to secure the first hinge plate (141) (or the second hinge plate (142)) to the first joining body (411). The second rivet hole (411c) is arranged to pass through a hole provided on one side of the second hinge plate (142) (or the first hinge plate (141)), and then combined with a second rivet provided during the riveting process to secure the second hinge plate (142) (or the first hinge plate (141)) to the first joining body (411).

According to one embodiment, the bridge (412) may extend from the center of the first coupling body (411) in the third axis direction (-y) to a predetermined length and have a designated width. A part of the first coupling hole (411a) may be arranged on one side of the bridge (412). A first support member (413) and a second support member (414) may be connected to an end of the bridge (412).

According to one embodiment, the first support member (413) may be provided in an overall inverted “L” shape with one side extending from the bridge (412). According to one embodiment, the first support member (413) may include a first wing (413a), a second wing (413b), a first mounting hole (413c), or a first bent portion (413d). The first mounting hole (413c) may be formed as a through hole or a groove. The first wing (413a) may extend from the bridge (412) in a first direction (-x) with a predetermined width. The second wing (413b) may extend from an end of the first wing (413a) in a third direction (-y) with a predetermined width. The first mounting hole (413c) may be formed to have a predetermined size and penetrate the second wing (413b) (e.g., penetrate the second wing (413b) in the first axial direction (x, -x)). The first bent portion (413d) may be formed to have a curved shape and have a specified curvature in the first direction (-x) (e.g., the same direction as the direction in which the first wing (413a) extends from the end of the bridge (412)) at the end of the second wing (413b). The first bent portion (413d) may enable the first mounting portion (431) to be smoothly inserted into the first support portion (413) and the second support portion (414) while the first plate coupling portion (410) and the second plate coupling portion (420) are coupled. According to various embodiments, the first bending portion (413d) may serve to guide the first mounting portion (431) to move toward the first mounting hole (413c) while being inserted into the first mounting hole (413c). According to various embodiments, as the first plate coupling portion (410) and the second plate coupling portion (420) rotate according to the rotational motions of the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122), respectively, so that the first mounting portion (431) can be smoothly inserted into the first support portion (413), the first bending portion (413d) may be formed to protrude or bend by a specified height in one direction (e.g., a direction tilted by a specified angle in the -x-axis direction from the -y-axis) based on the illustrated drawing.

According to one embodiment, the second support member (414) may be provided in an “L” shape that extends from the bridge (412) in a second direction (x) and is symmetrical overall with respect to the first support member (413) in a third axial direction (-y, y). According to one embodiment, the second support member (414) may include a third wing (414a), a fourth wing (414b), a second mounting hole (414c), or a second bent portion (414d). The second mounting hole (414c) may be formed in a through-hole or groove shape. The third wing (414a) may extend from an end of the bridge (412) in the second direction (x) with a predetermined width. The fourth wing (414b) may extend from an end of the third wing (414a) in the third direction (-y) with a predetermined width. The second mounting hole (414c) may be formed in the fourth wing (414b). The second bent portion (414d) may be formed symmetrically with respect to the third axis (-y) at the end of the fourth wing (414b) with respect to the first bent portion (413d). According to various embodiments, the fourth wing (414b) and the second wing (413b) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the third axis (-y). The bending directions of the first bent portion (413d) and the first bent portion (413d) and the bending directions of the second bent portion (414d) and the second bent portion (414d) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the third axis (-y).

According to one embodiment, the second plate coupling portion (420) may be coupled to the second housing structure (122) through the second hinge plate (142). As another example, when the first plate coupling portion (410) is coupled to the second housing structure (122) through the second hinge plate (142), the second plate coupling portion (420) may be coupled to the first housing structure (121) through the first hinge plate (141). The second plate coupling portion (420) may be in contact with or spaced apart from the first plate coupling portion (410) depending on the angle formed between the coupled second housing structure (122) and the first housing structure (121). At least a portion of the second plate coupling portion (420) may be formed of a metal material or may be provided of the same material as the first plate coupling portion (410). According to one embodiment, the second plate joint (420) may be formed at least in part from a metal material, or at least in part from a non-metallic material (e.g., a plastic material).

According to one embodiment, the second plate coupling portion (420) may include at least one of a second coupling body (421), a mounting body (422), an elastic member (430), or mounting portions (431, 432). The second coupling body (421) and the mounting body (422) may be provided as an integral body. In one embodiment, the second coupling body (421) and the mounting body (422) may be provided with the same material as the first coupling body (411) and/or the support portions (413, 414).

According to one embodiment, the second coupling body (421) may have a predetermined thickness and width and may be made of a predetermined material, for example, a metal material. The second coupling body (421) may include a plate mounting portion (421a) formed lower by a predetermined height than the surrounding area so that the second hinge plate (142) (or the first hinge plate (141)) may be mounted thereon, a second coupling hole (421a_1) formed on the plate mounting portion (421a) and used for coupling with the hinge plate, and at least one coupling protrusion (421a_2) formed on the surrounding area formed higher by a predetermined height than the plate mounting portion (421a) and used for coupling the hinge plate. The above plate fixing portion (421a) may be formed to be stepped on one side (-z) by a specified depth (e.g., the thickness of the hinge plate) so that the portion where the first or second hinge plate (141, or 142) is fixed does not protrude more than the surrounding area when combined with the first or second hinge plate (141, or 142). The at least one coupling protrusion (421a_2) may be aligned with a groove or hole formed in the first or second hinge plate (141, or 142), may prevent the movement of the first or second hinge plate (141, or 142), and may serve to guide the first or second hinge plate (141, or 142) so that it is properly fixed on the plate fixing portion (421a) when combined with the first or second hinge plate (141, or 142).

According to one embodiment, the mounting body (422) extends in the fourth direction (y) from the second coupling body (421), and the elastic member (430) and mounting portions (431, 432) can be mounted thereon. For example, the mounting body (422) may be provided such that the plate mounting portion (421a) is stepped in the same direction (-z) as the step direction so that the elastic member (430) can be mounted thereon, and has a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the elastic member (430). For example, the mounting body (422) may include an elastic member mounting portion (422a) at least partially including a curved surface so as to correspond to the outer shape of the elastic member (430) in the form of a spring. Fixing holes (422_1, 422_2) may be formed on both sides of the mounting body (422) so that the mounting portions (431, 432) can be fixed thereon. For example, the mounting body (422) may include a first mounting hole (422_1) having a larger diameter than the protrusion of the mounting portions (431 or 432) on the side wall in the second direction (x) and a second mounting hole (422_2) having a larger diameter than the protrusion of the mounting portions (431 or 432) on the side wall in the first direction (-x).

According to one embodiment, the elastic member (430) may be mounted on the elastic member mounting portion (422a) of the mounting body (422). For example, the elastic member (430) may have a spring shape. As another example, the elastic member (430) may have a plate spring shape. The elastic member (430) may exert an elastic force so that the first mounting portion (431) and the second mounting portion (432) are mounted in the first direction (-x) and the second direction (x), respectively, on the elastic member mounting portion (422a).

According to one embodiment, the mounting portions (431, 432) may be connected to one side of the elastic member (430) and may be arranged so that a portion thereof protrudes in the first direction (-x) and the second direction (x) through the first fixing hole (422_1) and the second fixing hole (422_2) formed in the elastic member mounting portion (422a). For example, the second mounting portion (432) (or the first mounting portion (431)) may include a protrusion (432a) including a predetermined curved surface, a band (432b) provided at the bottom of the protrusion (432a) with a diameter larger than the diameter of the first fixing hole (422_1), and/or a pillar (432c) inserted and mounted on one side of the elastic member (430). At least a part of the above projections (432a) may protrude outward from the mounting body (422) through the fixing holes (422_1, 422_2) and may come into contact with the first plate coupling portion (410) according to the hinge operation of the housing structures (121, 122). The bands (432b) of the mounting portions (431, 432) may play a role in supporting the mounting portions (431, 432) so that they do not come off from the fixing holes (422_1, 422_2). The pillar (432c) may support the elastic member (430) so that the elastic member (430) does not come off from the elastic member mounting portion (422a) while preventing the mounting portions (431, 432) from coming off from the elastic member (430). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one of the above-described mounting portions (431, 432) may be formed of a metallic material, or at least a portion may be formed of a non-metallic material (e.g., plastic).

According to various embodiments, the mounting portions (431, 432) may first come into contact with the first curved portion (413d) and the second curved portion (414d) in the operation of coming into contact with the first plate coupling portion (410). In this state, if a specified pressure is not added, the mounting portions (431, 432) may remain in contact with the curved portions (413d, 414d). Accordingly, the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122) may be temporarily fixed at a specified first angle. If a pressure greater than a specified amount is added and the mounting portions (431, 432) are moved into the mounting body (422) through the fixing holes (422_1, 422_2), at least a portion of the second plate coupling portion (420) may move into the first plate coupling portion (410). When the mounting parts (431, 432) are aligned with the mounting holes (413c, 414c), a portion of the mounting body (422) that has been pushed into the mounting body (422) may be moved outward from the fixing holes (422_1, 422_2) by the elastic member (430), thereby allowing at least a portion of the mounting parts to be inserted into the mounting holes (413c, 414c). In this case, the first housing structure (121) and the second housing structure (122) may have an unfolded state.

In relation to the various embodiments described above, an electronic device according to one embodiment may include a first housing (121), a second housing (122), a display (110) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) connecting the first housing and the second housing, a hinge housing (150) surrounding the hinge structure, and at least one foreign matter capturing member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522) disposed on one side of the hinge structure to capture foreign matters introduced into the interior of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hinge structure may include a first hinge structure (200a) disposed at a left edge of the hinge housing, and a second hinge structure (200b) disposed at a right edge of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the at least one foreign matter capturing member (501, 502, 503, 504) may be positioned on at least one of the upper side of the first hinge structure and the upper side of the second hinge structure.

According to various embodiments, the at least one foreign matter capturing member (501, 502, 503, 504) may be positioned at at least one of the upper left edge and the upper right edge of the first hinge structure and at least one of the upper left edge and the upper right edge of the second hinge structure.

According to various embodiments, the at least one foreign matter capturing member (501, 502, 503, 504) may be disposed at at least one of the upper portion of at least one boss hole region provided on one side of the first hinge structure and used for coupling the first hinge structure and the hinge housing, and the upper portion of at least one boss hole region provided on one side of the second hinge structure and used for coupling the second hinge structure and the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, at least one of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure includes a center bracket (1541), a first hinge bracket (1521) connected to the center bracket and rotatable in a first direction, and a second hinge bracket (1522) connected to the center bracket and rotatable in a second direction, and when the first housing and the second housing are in an unfolded state, a gap of a specified distance can be formed between at least a portion of the first hinge bracket and the rear surface of the display or between at least a portion of the second hinge bracket and the rear surface of the display.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hinge structure includes a first hinge structure (200a) disposed at a left edge of the hinge housing, a second hinge structure (200b) disposed at a right edge of the hinge housing, and the at least one foreign matter capturing member (521, 522) can be disposed at least one of between the first hinge structure and an inner surface of the hinge housing and between the second hinge structure and an inner surface of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, at least one of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure may include at least one foreign matter discharge port that penetrates the front and rear surfaces to guide foreign matter into the interior of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hinge structure may include a third hinge structure (300) disposed in the center of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the at least one foreign matter capturing member (531) may be positioned between the third hinge structure and the inner surface of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the third hinge structure includes main brackets (1411, 1412), inner brackets (1421, 1422) coupled with the main brackets and rotating in different directions, at least one idle gear (1441, 1442) gear-engaged with the internal gears of the inner brackets, and main gears (1431, 1432) gear-engaged with the idle gears, and when the first housing and the second housing are in an unfolded state, a gap of a specified interval can be formed between at least a portion of the first inner bracket and the rear surface of the display or between at least a portion of the second inner bracket and the rear surface of the display.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hinge structure further includes a first hinge structure (200a) disposed at a left edge of the hinge housing, a second hinge structure (200b) disposed at a right edge of the hinge housing, a third hinge structure (300) disposed at a center of the hinge housing, and a first detent structure (400a) disposed between the first hinge structure and the third hinge structure, and the at least one foreign matter capturing member (541) can be disposed between the first detent structure and an inner surface of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hinge structure further includes a first hinge structure (200a) disposed at a left edge of the hinge housing, a second hinge structure (200b) disposed at a right edge of the hinge housing, a third hinge structure (300) disposed at a center of the hinge housing, and at least one detent structure (400b, 400c, 400d) disposed between the second hinge structure and the third hinge structure, and the at least one foreign matter capturing member (542, 543, 544) can be disposed between the at least one detent structure and an inner surface of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hinge structure further includes a first hinge structure (200a) disposed at a left edge of the hinge housing, a second hinge structure (200b) disposed at a right edge of the hinge housing, a third hinge structure (300) disposed at a center of the hinge housing, a first detent structure (400a) disposed between the first hinge structure and the third hinge structure, and at least one detent structure (400b, 400c, 400d) disposed between the second hinge structure and the third hinge structure, and the at least one foreign matter collecting member (521, 522, 531, 541, 542, 543, 544) is disposed between the first hinge structure, the second hinge structure, the third hinge structures and an inner surface of the hinge housing, and between the plurality of detent structures and the It can be placed between the inner surfaces of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the size of the foreign matter capturing member arranged between the first hinge structure and the inner surface of the hinge housing may be formed larger than the size of the foreign matter capturing member arranged between the third hinge structures and the inner surface of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the number of foreign matter capturing members arranged between the first hinge structure and the inner surface of the hinge housing may be greater than the number of foreign matter capturing members arranged between the third hinge structures and the inner surface of the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the foreign matter collecting member may be placed below the display.

According to various embodiments, the foreign matter capturing member may include at least one of a tape, a gel, and a liquid form.

In relation to the various embodiments described above, an electronic device according to one embodiment may include a first housing (121), a second housing (122), a display (110) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) connecting edges where the first housing and the second housing meet when the display (110) is in an unfolded state, a hinge housing (150) on which the hinge structure is mounted, a first virtual axis around which the first housing rotates and a second virtual axis around which the second housing rotates are formed at a position spaced apart from a bottom surface of the display by a predetermined distance upward, and at least one foreign matter collecting member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522) disposed between the hinge structure and the hinge housing.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hinge structure includes a hinge structure (300) disposed at the center of the hinge housing, the hinge structure includes main brackets (1411, 1412), inner brackets (1421, 1422) coupled with the main brackets and rotating in different directions, at least one idle gear (1441, 1442) gear-engaged with the internal gears of the inner brackets, and main gears (1431, 1432) gear-engaged with the idle gears, and when the first housing and the second housing are in an unfolded state, a gap of a specified interval can be formed between at least a part of the first inner bracket and the rear surface of the display or between at least a part of the second inner bracket and the rear surface of the display.

FIG. 13 is a drawing showing an example of a foreign substance collection member arrangement according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 13, the hinge housing (150) may have an overall cylindrical shape, an interior that is hollow, and closed at both ends, as described above in FIG. 4. At least a portion of the inner or outer surface of the hinge housing (150) may include a curved area or a flat area. The hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300, 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) may be arranged on the inner side of the hinge housing (150). Additionally or alternatively, at least one signal wire (610, 620) may be arranged on one side of the hinge housing (150). The at least one signal wire (610, 620) may support signal transmission between, for example, a first electronic element (or electronic component, electronic part) disposed in a first housing structure (e.g., the first housing structure (121) described in FIG. 1 or 2) and a second electronic element (or electronic component, electronic part) disposed in a second housing structure (e.g., the second housing structure (122) described in FIG. 1 or 2). According to one embodiment, the at least one signal wire (610, 620) may include a first signal wire (610) (e.g., a first FPCB (flexible printed circuit board)) and a second signal wire (620) (e.g., a second FPCB). According to various embodiments, the first signal wire (610) and the second signal wire (620) may be implemented as one signal wire (e.g., one FPCB). According to various embodiments, at least some of the first signal wire (610) and the second signal wire (620) may be implemented as a rigid type. For example, at least some areas of the first signal wire (610) and the second signal wire (620) arranged inside the hinge housing (150) may be provided as a flexible type, and at least some of the remaining portions connected to at least some areas arranged inside the hinge housing (150) (e.g., wiring portions extending beyond both edges of the hinge housing (150) based on the illustrated drawing) may be provided as a rigid type.

In the above description, at least one of the first and second electronic elements can be, for example, at least one processor, at least one camera, at least one display, at least one sensor, and at least one memory. The first electronic element and the second electronic element can be provided as the same series (for example, both the first electronic element and the second electronic element are processors) or as different series (for example, when the first electronic element is a processor, the second electronic element is a display or a memory).

According to various embodiments, at least one foreign substance collecting member (541, 542, 543, 544) may be arranged in at least a portion of the inner surface of the hinge housing (150) excluding areas (159a, 159b, 157) in which a structure supporting a hinge function of an electronic device (e.g., at least one of a first hinge structure (200a), a second hinge structure (200b), and a third hinge structure (300)) is arranged. For example, based on the illustrated drawing, foreign substance capturing members may not be arranged on the first inner surface (159a) of the hinge housing (150) on which the first hinge structure (200a) is installed, the second inner surface (159b) on which the second hinge structure (200b) is arranged, and the third inner surface (157) on which the third hinge structure (300) is arranged. According to one embodiment, foreign substance capturing members (541, 542, 543, 544) may be arranged only on the inner surface of the hinge housing (150) on which the first to fourth detent structures (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) are arranged, respectively. An electronic device having such a structure can prevent the hinge operation of the hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300) from being interfered with by the captured foreign substances by not arranging a separate foreign substance collecting member under the hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300) that perform the hinge operation. Alternatively, since direct contact between the foreign substance collecting member including adhesive or sticky property and the hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300) does not occur, interference with the hinge operation of the hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300) by the foreign substance collecting member can be suppressed.

According to various embodiments, the foreign matter capturing member may not be placed in the first wire arrangement area (158a) (or inner surface) and the second wire arrangement area (158b) (or inner surface) of the hinge housing (150) where the first signal wire (610) and the second signal wire (620) are secured. Accordingly, damage to the first signal wire (610) and the second signal wire (620) by the foreign matter capturing member having adhesiveness or bonding property can be prevented, and replacement of the signal wires (610, 620) can be facilitated. For example, after the foreign matter capturing member is applied to the first wire arrangement area (158a) and the second wire arrangement area (158b), when the signal wires (610, 620) are secured in the corresponding areas, the signal wires (610, 620) can be fixed by being adhered or bonded to the foreign matter capturing member. Accordingly, the signal wires (610, 620) may be damaged or at least partially worn out due to contact with surrounding structures while the electronic device performs the hinge operation. Alternatively, since the signal wires (610, 620) are bonded to the bottom surface of the hinge housing (150) via the foreign matter collecting member, at least partially the signal wires (610, 620) may be damaged during the replacement or relocation process. Accordingly, the signal wire areas (158a, 158b) may be processed so as not to have a separate foreign matter collecting member disposed therein. According to various embodiments, a foreign matter collecting member may be applied to at least a portion of at least one of the upper surface of the first signal wire (610) (e.g., the surface opposite to the direction in which the first signal wire (610) is mounted on the hinge housing (150), or the surface facing the rear of the display) and the upper surface of the second signal wire (620). According to various embodiments, since the display is arranged above the signal wires (610, 620), interference between the signal wires (610, 620) and the display may occur during hinge operation. Accordingly, the foreign matter collecting member is arranged in a portion of the signal wires (610, 620), and the portion may be arranged inside the hinge housing (150) so as to be an area that does not come into contact with the display during hinge operation.

According to various embodiments, a partition wall (541a) may be arranged between the second signal wiring region (158b) and an area of the hinge housing (150) where the first detent structure (541) is mounted. A conduit (541a) (e.g., at least one groove and/or at least one hole) may be arranged on one side of the partition wall (541a) to connect a space including the second signal wiring region (158b) and an area including the hinge housing (150) where the first detent structure (541) is mounted. Accordingly, foreign substances introduced into the space including the second signal wiring region (158b) may be moved through the conduit (541a) to an area of the hinge housing (150) where the first detent structure (541) on which the first foreign substance collecting member (541) is mounted (or applied). According to various embodiments, the hinge housing (150) may further include a partition wall that divides the first signal wiring region (158a) and the second signal wiring region (158b). A conduit identical to the conduit (541a) may be formed in the partition wall formed between the first signal wiring region (158a) and the second signal wiring region (158b). Foreign substances introduced into the first signal wiring region (158a) may move to the second signal wiring region (158b) through the conduits formed in the partition walls, and foreign substances introduced into the second signal wiring region (158b) may move to the first foreign substance collecting member (541) through the conduit (541a) mentioned above and be collected.

FIG. 14a is a drawing showing another example of a foreign substance collection member arrangement according to various embodiments, and FIG. 14b is a drawing showing a cross-section corresponding to the D-D` cutting line of FIG. 14a.

Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, at least one foreign substance capturing member (at least one of 541, 542, 543, and 544) may be arranged on at least a portion of the inner surface of the hinge housing (150) on which the first to fourth detent structures (400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d) are mounted. According to one embodiment, at least one foreign substance capturing pattern (157a, 157b, and 157c) may be arranged on at least a portion of the third inner surface (157) of the hinge housing (150) on which the third hinge structure (300) is mounted. The foreign matter capturing patterns (157a, 157b, 157c) are partially arranged on the third inner side (157), and may be arranged in an area that does not affect the hinge operation of the third hinge structure (300). According to one embodiment, the third hinge structure (300) may include at least one gear as illustrated in FIG. 14b. The foreign matter capturing patterns (157a, 157b, 157c) may be arranged in an area excluding an area where the gear and the third inner side (157) face each other within a certain distance. For example, the third hinge structure (300) may include a first main gear (1431), a second main gear (1432), a first idle gear (1441), and a second idle gear (1442). The first foreign matter capturing pattern (157a) may be arranged in an inner surface area of the hinge housing (150) corresponding between the first main gear (1431) and the first idle gear (1441). The second foreign matter capturing pattern (157b) may be arranged in an inner surface area of the hinge housing (150) corresponding between the first idle gear (1441) and the second idle gear (1442). The third foreign matter capturing pattern (157c) may be arranged in an inner surface area of the hinge housing (150) corresponding between the second idle gear (1442). In the illustrated drawing, the foreign substance capturing patterns (157a, 157b, 157c) are arranged in a stripe shape having a predetermined length (e.g., the horizontal length of the third hinge structure (300) based on the illustrated drawing) in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the horizontal axis direction) of the hinge housing (150), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the foreign substance capturing patterns (157a, 157b, 157c) may be formed in a dot type, or at least part of them may be formed in a curved (or curved) shape.

According to various embodiments, a foreign material capturing pattern may be partially arranged on at least a portion of a first inner surface (159a) and a second inner surface (159b) on which a first hinge structure (200a) or a second hinge structure (200b) is secured. For example, a foreign material capturing pattern (200F, 200G) may be arranged on a remaining area except for an area where the hinge bracket and the hinge housing of the hinge structures (200a, 200b) face each other on the first inner surface (159a) or the second inner surface (159b). The foreign material capturing pattern (200F, 200G) may include at least one dot and at least one vertical (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hinge housing (150) based on the illustrated drawing) stripe. According to various embodiments, a plurality of foreign substance capturing patterns may be arranged on the first inner side (159a). For example, foreign substance capturing patterns may be arranged on one area of the hinge housing (150) corresponding to the right edge of the first hinge structure (200a) of the first hinge structure (200a) and on the other area of the hinge housing (150) corresponding to the left edge of the first hinge structure (200a) on the first inner side (159a). A plurality of foreign substance capturing patterns may be arranged on the second inner side (159b) similarly to the first inner side (159a). Alternatively, foreign substance capturing patterns may be arranged only on the right edge of the first inner side (159a) and the left edge of the second inner side (159b).

According to various embodiments, the hinge housing (150) may include a partition (156a) that divides a space including the second inner side (159b) where the second hinge structure (200b) is disposed and a region where the fourth detent structure (400d) is disposed. The partition (156a) may include a conduit (156b) that connects a space including the second inner side (159b) and a space including a region where the fourth detent structure (400d) is disposed. The conduit (156b) may move foreign substances introduced into the space including the second inner side (159b) to the fourth foreign substance collecting member (544). Accordingly, the conduit (156b) can be used to capture foreign substances that have entered the peripheral hinge housing (150) region of the fourth foreign substance capturing member (544). Similarly, the hinge housing (150) includes a partition wall that divides the first inner surface (159a) and the region where the first detent structure (541) is arranged, and the partition wall can include at least one groove or hole that is provided to allow foreign substances to flow between the space including the first inner surface (159a) and the space including the region where the first detent structure (541) is arranged. According to various embodiments, the hinge housing (150) further includes a partition wall that divides a space including a third inner surface (157) and a space including a first signal wiring region (158a), and a conduit may be further formed in the partition wall so that foreign substances introduced into the space including the first signal wiring region (158a) can move to the third inner surface (157).

As described above, the electronic device according to various embodiments does not place or minimizes a separate foreign substance collecting member in an area of a hinge housing (150) where hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300) performing a hinge operation are placed, thereby minimizing elements that may interfere with the hinge operation, while providing a foreign substance collecting member in an area other than the area, thereby supporting the processing of foreign substance collecting. Accordingly, the electronic device can minimize the flow of foreign substances and suppress damage to components caused by the foreign substances.

An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention among the various embodiments described above includes a first housing (121), a second housing (122), a display (110) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) connecting the first housing and the second housing, a hinge housing (150) surrounding the hinge structure, and at least one foreign substance collecting member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522) disposed on one side of the hinge structure to collect foreign substances introduced into the electronic device, and the at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b, 300) includes at least one bracket (1521, 1522, 1421, 1422) or at least one gear (1431, 1432, 1433) used for rotation of the first housing and the second housing. 1441, 1442) and may further include at least one foreign material capturing pattern (157a, 157b, 157c) used for capturing foreign materials in a peripheral area of an inner surface of the hinge housing facing the at least one bracket or the at least one gear.

According to various embodiments, the at least one hinge structure further includes a first hinge structure (200a) disposed at a left edge of the hinge housing, a second hinge structure (200b) disposed at a right edge of the hinge housing, a third hinge structure (300) disposed at a center of the hinge housing, and at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) disposed between the first hinge structure and the third hinge structure or between the second hinge structure and the third hinge structure, and the at least one foreign matter capturing member (541) can be disposed on an inner surface of the hinge housing on which the at least one detent structure is mounted.

According to one embodiment of the various embodiments described above, an electronic device comprises: a first housing (121), a second housing (122), a display (110) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, at least one hinge structure (200a, 200b, 300) connecting edges where the first housing and the second housing meet when the display (110) is in an unfolded state, at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) connected to the first housing and the second housing, a hinge housing (150) on which the at least one hinge structure and the at least one detent structure are mounted, a first virtual axis along which the first housing rotates and a second virtual axis along which the second housing rotates are formed at a position spaced apart from a bottom surface of the display by a predetermined distance upward, and at least one foreign substance catcher disposed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the hinge housing on which the at least one detent structure is mounted. Absence (541, 542, 543, 544) may be included.

According to various embodiments, the hinge housing (150) includes at least one partition (156a, 541a) that divides an area where the at least one hinge structure is arranged and an area where the at least one detent structure is arranged, and the partition may include at least one conduit (156b, 541b) that is used to move foreign substances introduced into an area where the at least one hinge structure is arranged to an area where the at least one detent structure is arranged.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device further includes at least one signal wire (610, 620) that is disposed at least partially inside the hinge housing and connects a first electronic element disposed in the first housing and a second electronic element disposed in the second housing, and further includes a partition wall that divides an area of the hinge housing where the at least one signal wire is disposed and a peripheral area, and the partition wall may include at least one conduit that is used to move foreign substances that have entered the area of the hinge housing where the signal wire is disposed to the peripheral area.

According to various embodiments, at least one foreign matter capturing pattern formed in at least one pattern, either partially or peripherally, may be arranged in at least a portion of the hinge housing (150).

Each of the components (e.g., modules or programs) according to various embodiments may be composed of a single or multiple entities, and some of the corresponding sub-components described above may be omitted, or other sub-components may be further included in various embodiments. Alternatively or additionally, some of the components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single entity, which may perform the same or similar functions performed by each of the corresponding components prior to integration. Operations performed by modules, programs or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively or heuristically, or at least some of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations may be added.

Claims (20)

In electronic devices,
First housing (121);
Second housing (122);
A display (110) disposed on the first housing and the second housing;
At least one hinge structure (200a, 200b) connecting the first housing and the second housing;
A hinge housing (150) on which at least a portion of at least one of the above hinge structures is secured;
At least one foreign matter capturing member (501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522) disposed on one side of the at least one hinge structure to capture foreign matter that has entered the electronic device;
When the center of the display is unfolded, the hinge housing is covered by the first housing and the second housing, and when the center of the display is folded, the hinge housing is positioned to be exposed.
At least one of the above hinge structures
A first hinge structure disposed at a left edge of the hinge housing and a second hinge structure disposed at a right edge of the hinge housing;
At least one of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure,
A center bracket mounted within the hinge housing;
A first hinge bracket that rotates in the first direction and is connected to the center bracket;
a second hinge bracket that rotates in a second direction and is connected to the center bracket;
An electronic device in which a gap, through which foreign matter is introduced, is formed between at least a portion of the first hinge bracket and the rear surface of the display or between at least a portion of the second hinge bracket and the rear surface of the display when the first housing and the second housing are in a flat state.
delete In the first paragraph,
At least one of the foreign matter capturing members (501, 502, 503, 504)
At least one of the upper side of the first hinge structure and the upper side of the second hinge structure,
At least one of the upper left edge and the upper right edge of the first hinge structure, or
An electronic device positioned at least on one of the upper left edge and upper right edge of the second hinge structure. delete In the third paragraph,
At least one of the foreign matter capturing members (501, 502, 503, 504)
The upper portion of at least one boss hole area provided on one side of the first hinge structure and used to connect the first hinge structure and the hinge housing;
An electronic device provided on one side of the second hinge structure and positioned at least on an upper portion of at least one boss hole area used to couple the second hinge structure and the hinge housing. delete In the first paragraph,
At least one of the above foreign matter capturing members (521, 522)
An electronic device disposed at least one of the first hinge structure and the inner surface of the hinge housing and the second hinge structure and the inner surface of the hinge housing. In Article 7,
An electronic device comprising at least one foreign matter discharge port formed through the front and rear surfaces of at least one of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure to guide foreign matter into the inside of the hinge housing. In the first paragraph,
At least one of the above hinge structures
Including a third hinge structure (300) positioned at the center of the hinge housing;
At least one foreign matter capturing member (531) is
An electronic device disposed between the third hinge structure and the inner surface of the hinge housing. In Article 9,
At least one of the above hinge structures (200a, 200b, 300)
At least one bracket (1521, 1522, 1421, 1422) or at least one gear (1431, 1432, 1441, 1442) used for rotation of the first housing and the second housing,
An electronic device further comprising at least one foreign matter capturing pattern (157a, 157b, 157c) used for capturing foreign matter in a peripheral area of an inner surface of the hinge housing facing the at least one bracket or the at least one gear. In Article 9,
The above third hinge structure
Main brackets (1411, 1412);
First and second inner brackets (1421, 1422) which are coupled with the above main brackets and rotate in different directions;
At least one idle gear (1441, 1442) gear-engaged with the internal gears of the inner brackets;
including main gears (1431, 1432) that engage with the above-mentioned idle gears;
An electronic device wherein, when the first housing and the second housing are in an unfolded state, a gap of a specified distance is formed between at least a portion of the first inner bracket and the rear surface of the display or between at least a portion of the second inner bracket and the rear surface of the display. In the first paragraph,
At least one of the above hinge structures
A third hinge structure (300) positioned at the center of the hinge housing;
It further includes at least one detent structure (400a, 400b, 400c, 400d) disposed between the first hinge structure and the third hinge structure or between the second hinge structure and the third hinge structure,
At least one foreign matter capturing member is
An electronic device disposed between at least one of the first hinge structure, the second hinge structure, the third hinge structure and the inner surface of the hinge housing, and between the at least one detent structure and the inner surface of the hinge housing. delete delete delete In the first paragraph,
The above foreign substance capture member
is placed below the above display,
An electronic device comprising at least one of a tape, gel, and liquid form. delete delete delete delete

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