RU2776829C2 - Hinge module including locking structure and folding electronic device including hinge module - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: computing devices.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to structural elements of computing devices. The effect is achieved due to the fact that the device contains: a body, a flexible display, the first and second hinge plates attached to the body; wherein the hinge includes: first, second and third hinge structures attached to the first and second hinge plates, the first hinge structure includes: first, second and third gears; the second hinge structure includes: the first element with the first and second guide parts, the second element placed in the first guide part, the third element placed in the second guide part, rotatable in the first and second directions with respect to the first element, respectively; the third hinge structure is located between the second and first hinge structures, while the third hinge structure includes: first and second plate attachment sections, wherein the first and second plate attachment sections engage with each other when the body is unfolded, and disengage when the body is at least partly complex.

EFFECT: extending the life of foldable display devices by reducing the number of hinges.

15 cl, 39 dwg

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention generally relates to a foldable electronic device.

State of the art

[0002] A portable electronic device such as a smart phone can provide a variety of functions such as phone call, video playback, Internet search based on various types of applications. The user may wish to use the above functions through a wider screen. However, as the screen size increases, portability can be difficult. Accordingly, a foldable electronic device has been developed to improve portability.

[0003] In a foldable electronic device, the hinge structure may be connected to the body structures located adjacent to it, and when the body structures rotate through (i.e., more than) a predetermined angle, the hinge structure rotates while supporting the body structures. designs.

Description of the invention

Technical task

[0004] When a plurality of hinge structures including a plurality of mechanisms is used to provide hinge movements of the body structures, the hinge movements of the body structures may be unnatural and unpleasant for a user of a foldable electronic device. In this regard, it may be advantageous to reduce the number of hinge structures without weakening the overall force provided by the hinge structures.

The solution of the problem

[0005] The present invention has been made to overcome the aforementioned problems and disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below.

[0006] An aspect of the invention is to provide a hinge module including locking structures and various types of hinge structures for stably providing hinge movements of body structures, and a foldable electronic device including the hinge module.

[0007] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a hinge module including a locking structure for causing the foldable electronic device to maintain a specified angle depending on the hinge movements of the housing structures and to provide a feel of the stop to the user to allow the user to clearly recognize the hinge movements.

[0008] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a foldable electronic device including a hinged module.

[0009] According to an aspect of the invention, an electronic device is provided that includes a collapsible housing including a hinge structure, a first housing structure that couples to the hinge structure and includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a second a body structure that connects to the hinge structure and includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, and a hinge body, wherein the first body structure can be folded around the hinge structure with the second body structure, the first surface facing the third surface when folded state, and the first surface and the third surface face the same direction when unfolded. Between the folded state and the unfolded state, the first body structure can rotate about a first axis extending along the hinge structure, and the second body structure can rotate about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The electronic device further includes a flexible display including a first zone located on the first housing structure and a second zone located on the second housing structure, the first zone and the second zone forming the first surface and the third surface. In addition, the electronic device further includes a first locking structure located in the hinge body, the first locking structure including a first element that is connected to the first housing structure and includes a first through hole and a second through hole that are aligned with the third an axis that is spaced from and parallel to the first axis and the second axis, a second element that connects to the second body structure and is formed to receive a portion of the first element in the unfolded state, and includes a first recess or first opening that faces the first through hole, and a second recess or a second opening that faces the second through hole, the first ball associated with the first through hole and located between the first through hole and the first recess or first opening in the unfolded state, the second ball associated with the second through hole and arrange located between the second through hole and the second recess or second opening in the unfolded state, and the first elastic element, which is located in the first element between the first ball and the second ball and which pushes the first ball and the second ball outward.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a hinge module to which the first body structure and the second body structure are connected to perform an articulation. The hinge module includes a hinge body and a first locking structure installed in the hinge body. The first locking structure includes a first plate connection piece connected to the first body structure and a second plate connection piece connected to the second body structure. The first part of the plate attachment includes the first attachment body and the supporting sections, which are connected to the first attachment body, spaced apart from each other at a predetermined distance, and has installation zones formed at predetermined positions. The second attachment part of the plate includes a second attachment body, an installation body connected to the second attachment body, fixing holes formed on opposite sides of the installation body, installation parts that are installed in the fixing holes, and an elastic element that is installed in the installation body and presses installation parts to installation areas when the first body structure and the second body structure are in the unfolded state.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a hinge module to which the first body structure and the second body structure are connected to perform an articulation. The hinge module includes a hinge body, a plurality of locking structures that are installed in the hinge body and provide a sense of the stopper to the user in the specified range of angles during the hinge movement of the first body structure and the second body structure, the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure installed in the hinge body and which are driven independently of each other, each of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure are independently connected to the first body structure and the second body structure, and the third hinge structure, which is installed in the hinge body and connected to the first body structure and the second body structure and includes gears in engagement.

Useful results of the invention

[0012] According to various embodiments, the hinge module including the locking structure and the foldable electronic device including the hinge module allow the body structures to be more stably attached to the hinge module.

[0013] In addition, according to various embodiments, the hinge module including the lock structure and the foldable electronic device including the hinge module can provide a stable and stable feel of the stop to the user.

[0014] In addition, according to various embodiments, the hinge module including the locking structure and the foldable electronic device including the hinge module allow the user to quickly and easily realize a desired specific installation angle.

Brief description of the drawings

[0015] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1a is a view illustrating the front appearance of the foldable electronic device in the first state, according to the embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 1b is a view illustrating the rear external appearance of the foldable electronic device in the first state, according to the embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 1c is a view illustrating an appearance example of the foldable electronic device in the second state, according to the embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 1d is a view illustrating an example of the appearance of the foldable electronic device in the second state, according to the embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 3a is a view illustrating the stop structure according to the embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 3b is an exploded perspective view of the stop structure of FIG. 3a according to an embodiment;

[0023] FIG. 4a is a view illustrating a stop structure forming said angle according to an embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 4b is a view illustrating the first detail of the attachment of the plate of FIG. 4a according to an embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 5a is a view illustrating some components of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 5b is a view illustrating said first zone in FIG. 5a according to an embodiment;

[0027] FIG. 5c is a sectional view along the line A-A' in FIG. 5b according to an embodiment;

[0028] FIG. 5d is a sectional perspective view along the line B-B' in FIG. 5c according to an embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating arrangements of a plurality of stop structures, according to an embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 7a is a view illustrating first details of attaching a plate according to the embodiment;

[0031] FIG. 7b is a view illustrating states in which foldable electronic devices form said corners, according to an embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 8a is a view illustrating the shock absorbing structure of the stop structure, according to the embodiment;

[0033] FIG. 8b is a view illustrating an example of a shock-absorbing structure of a stop structure according to an embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 8c is a view illustrating an example of a shock-absorbing structure of the stop structure according to the embodiment;

[0035] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the flat state of the locking structure according to the embodiment;

[0036] FIG. 10a is a sectional view illustrating the layout of the lock structure in the foldable electronic device in the second state, according to the embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 10b is a perspective sectional view illustrating the layout of the locking structure in the foldable electronic device in the second state, according to the embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 11a is a sectional view illustrating the arrangement of a locking structure in a foldable electronic device that is unfolded at a predetermined angle, according to an embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 11b is a perspective sectional view illustrating the arrangement of a locking structure in a foldable electronic device that is unfolded at a predetermined angle, according to an embodiment;

[0040] FIG. 12a is a sectional view illustrating the arrangement of a locking structure in a foldable electronic device that is unfolded at a predetermined angle, according to an embodiment;

[0041] FIG. 12b is a perspective sectional view illustrating the arrangement of a locking structure in a foldable electronic device that is unfolded at a predetermined angle, according to an embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 13a is a perspective sectional view illustrating the layout of the lock structure in the foldable electronic device in the first state, according to the embodiment;

[0043] FIG. 13b is a perspective sectional view illustrating the layout of the lock structure in the foldable electronic device in the first state, according to the embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the shape of the stop structure according to the embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 15a is a view illustrating the shape of the stop structure according to the embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 15b is a view illustrating the collapsed state of the stop structure with respect to the section line D-D' in FIG. 15a according to an embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 16a is a collapsed perspective view of the third hinge structure of the foldable electronic device in the second state, according to the embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 16b is a sectional view illustrating the layout area of the third hinge structure of the foldable electronic device in the first state, according to the embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the third hinge structure along the line A-A' in FIG. 16b according to an embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the third hinge structure taken along line B-B' in FIG. 16b according to an embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a first hinge structure or a second hinge structure of a foldable electronic device, according to an embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 20a is a plan view of the hinged structure of FIG. 19 according to an embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 20b is an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of FIG. 19 according to an embodiment; and

[0054] FIG. 20c is a sectional view illustrating the attached state of the hinge structure and the hinge plates of FIG. 19 according to the embodiment.

Embodiment of the invention

[0055] Further, various embodiments of the invention can be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications, equivalents, and/or changes to the various embodiments described herein may be made in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. With respect to the description of the drawings, like components may be marked with like reference numerals.

[0056] In the invention, the expressions "has", "may have", "includes" and "comprises" or "may include" and "may contain" for the purposes of this document indicate the existence of the respective features (e.g., components, such as numerical values, functions, operations or parts), but does not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0057] In an embodiment, the expressions "A or B", "at least one of A or/and B", or "one or more of A or/and B" and the like may include any and all combinations of one or several of the associated listed elements. For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" may refer to case (1) when at least one A is included, case (2) when at least one B is included, or the case (3) when both at least one A and at least one B are included.

[0058] Terms such as "first", "second" and the like used in the invention can be used to refer to various components regardless of order and/or priority, and to distinguish the respective components from other components, but not to limit the components . For example, "first user device" and "second user device" indicate different user devices regardless of order or priority. For example, without departing from the scope of the invention, the first component may be referred to as the second component, and similarly, the second component may be referred to as the first component.

[0059] It should be understood that when a component (e.g., the first component) is referred to as "(operably or communicatively) attached to" or "connected to" another component (e.g., the second component), then it can be directly attached to or connected to another component, or an intermediate component (eg, a third component) may be present. In contrast, when a component (eg, the first component) is referred to as "directly attached to" or "directly connected to" another component (eg, the second component), it should be understood that there is no intermediate component (eg, the third component).

[0060] According to the situation, the expression "capable", which is used in the invention, can be used as, for example, the expression "suitable for", "capable for", "designed for", "adapted for", "made for" or "with the possibility of". The term "capable" should not only mean "concretely designed" in hardware. Conversely, the expression "capable device" may mean that the device is "capable" of working with another device or other parts. For example, "a processor capable of (or designed to) perform A, B, and C" may mean a dedicated processor (e.g., an embedded processor) to perform the corresponding operation, or a general purpose processor (e.g., a central control unit (CPU) or an application processor). ) that performs the corresponding operations by executing one or more software programs that are stored in the memory device.

[0061] The terms used in the invention are used to describe these embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Singular terms may include plural forms unless otherwise noted. All terms for the purposes of this document that include technical or scientific terms may have the same meaning as is generally understood by a person skilled in the art. Additionally, it will be understood that concepts that are defined in the dictionary and are commonly used should also be interpreted as usual in the relevant field of technology, and not in an idealized or overly formal way, provided that this is not explicitly defined in various embodiments of the invention. In some cases, even if the concepts are concepts that are defined in the invention, they should not be interpreted as excluding embodiments of the invention.

[0062] An electronic device in accordance with various embodiments of the invention may include at least one of, for example, smart phones, tablet personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video phones, e-book readers, desktop PCs, PC class laptops, netbooks, workstations, servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable media players (PMPs), Cinematography Expert Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) music players, Layer 3 Audio (MP3), mobile medical devices, cameras or wearables. In accordance with various embodiments, wearable devices may include at least one type of accessory (e.g., wristwatches, rings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, eyeglasses, contact lenses, or helmet-mounted displays (HMDs)) integrated into fabric type or type of garment (eg, electronic clothing), body-attached type (eg, skin patches or tattoos), or bio-implantable type (eg, implantable circuit).

[0063] Next, electronic devices according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the invention, the term "user" may refer to a person who uses an electronic device, or may refer to a device (eg, an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses an electronic device.

[0064] FIG. 1a is a view illustrating the front appearance of the foldable electronic device in the first state, according to the embodiment. Fig. 1b is a view illustrating the rear appearance of the foldable electronic device in the first state, according to the embodiment. Fig. 1c is a view illustrating an appearance example of the foldable electronic device in the second state, according to the embodiment. Fig. 1d is a view illustrating an appearance example of the foldable electronic device in the second state, according to the embodiment.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1a-1d, the foldable electronic device 100 includes 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 with a it with a hinge structure, and a sensor module 190. Fig. 1a and 1b illustrate the front side and back side of the foldable electronic device 100 in the first state (eg, flat state or unfolded state), and FIG. 1c and 1d are perspective views illustrating the top and bottom sides (eg, left and right sides) of the foldable electronic device 100 in the second state (eg, folded state).

[0066] Depending on the layout, the first cabinet structure 121 may be positioned to be continuous with the second cabinet structure 122 (for example, when the center portion of the display 110 is flat or when the cabinet 120 is in a flat state), or may be positioned side by side with the second cabinet structure 122. Alternatively, when the central portion of the display 110 is folded, one side of the first cabinet structure 121 may face the side of the second cabinet structure 122.

[0067] At least a portion of the first body structure 121 may be formed from a metallic material, or at least a portion of the first body structure 121 may be formed from a non-metallic material. For example, the first cabinet structure 121 may be formed from a material with a predetermined stiffness to support at least a portion of the display 110. One zone (or first region) of the display 110 may be located on the front side portion of the first cabinet structure 121. The first cabinet structure 121 may have an empty space, or may be attached to the first cover 161 to form an empty space. The electronic components (eg, a printed circuit board and/or at least one processor, at least one memory, and a battery mounted on the printed circuit board) that are required to drive the display 110 may be located in the empty space. The periphery of the first cabinet structure 121 may surround the periphery on one side of the display 110.

[0068] Depending on the layout, the second hull structure 122 may be positioned side by side with the first hull structure 122, or may be positioned such that at least one side of the second hull structure 122 faces one side (e.g., the side on which the display 110) of the first body structure 121 is located. The second body structure 122 may be formed from the same material as that of the first body structure 121. The second body structure 122 may be positioned horizontally or vertically symmetrically to the first body structure 121, and at least a portion of the remaining area of the display 110, other than the area located in the first case structure 121, may be located in and rest on the front side of the second case structure 121. Similar to the first case structure 121, the second case structure 122 may have an empty space or may be attached to the second cover 162, to form an empty space. Electronic components that are required to operate the display 110 may be located in the empty space. The periphery of the second housing structure 122 may surround the periphery on the opposite side of the display 110.

[0069] The foldable electronic device 100 may include, on one side of the second housing structure 122, a sensor arrangement area 123 that houses at least one sensor associated with the operation of a particular function of the foldable electronic device 100. For example, at least one of a proximity sensor, an ambient light sensor, an iris sensor, an image sensor (eg, a camera), or a fingerprint sensor may be located in the sensor arrangement area 123. The sensor arrangement area 123 may be located on the back side of the foldable electronic device 100 when at least one sensor is located on the back side of the foldable electronic device 100.

[0070] Depending on the folded or flat state of the foldable electronic device 100, the hinge body 150 may be hidden by one side of the first body structure 121 and one side of the second body structure 122 (for example, the flat state of the body 120) or may be exposed (for example, folded state of the body 120). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1a and 1b, the hinge body 150 may be hidden by the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 when the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 are side by side. As illustrated in FIG. 1c and 1d, the hinge body 150 may be exposed to the outside (eg, outside of the foldable electronic device 100) between the side portions of the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 when one side of the first body structure 121 and one side of the second body structure 122 face each other. friend.

[0071] At least a portion of the display 110 may be foldable. The display 110 may include a first area located on the first body structure 121, a second area located on the second body structure 122, and a central area within a predetermined range with respect to the area adjacent to the first body structure 121 and the second body structure. 122. At least a portion of the central zone may be flexible.

[0072] The sensor module 190 may be located in a predetermined area on the rear side of the foldable electronic device 100. The sensor module 190 may include at least one of an image sensor, an ambient light sensor, a heart rate sensor, and a fingerprint sensor. On FIG. 1b-1d, sensor module 190 includes a plurality of image sensors. However, the invention is not limited to this. The sensor module 190 may include a light emitting device (LED) (eg, a lamp) that is associated with providing a flash function.

[0073] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 2, the foldable electronic device 100 includes a display 110, a housing 120, a first circuit board 131 and a second circuit board 132, a first battery 133, a second battery 134, hinge plates 141 and 142, a hinge module 200, a first cover 161, and a second cover 162. .

[0075] The display 110 includes a first area 51, a second area 52, and a center area 53. The center area 53 may include a predetermined area that is located in a central portion of the interior of the display 110 at the time the display is folded. At least a portion of the first zone 51 may be attached to the first hull structure 121. At least a portion of the second zone 52 may be attached to the second hull structure 122. The central zone 53 may be positioned so as not to be fixed (attached) to the first the cabinet structure 121 and the second cabinet structure 122. Accordingly, the center area 53 can move without being attached to the first cabinet structure 121 and the second cabinet structure 122 at the time the display is folded and unfolded.

[0076] The first hull structure 121 includes a first surface 121a and a second surface 121b opposite the first surface 121a, and the second hull structure 122 may include a third surface 122a and a fourth surface 122b opposite the third surface 122a. The first hull structure 121 and the second hull structure 122 can be folded around the hinge module 200 within a specified range of angles (ie, up to a predetermined range of angles). When the display 110 is folded (or the first cabinet structure 121 and the second cabinet structure 122 are overlapped), the third surface 122a may face the first surface 121a, and in the state in which the display 110 is unfolded, the first surface 121a and the third surface 122a may face the same direction, and the first peripheral portion 212c of the first housing structure 121 may be connected to the second peripheral portion 122c of the second housing structure 122. The display 110 (or flexible display layer) may be located on at least a portion of the first surface 121a and at least a portion of the third surface 122a. The display 110 may be folded in the first peripheral portion 121c and the second peripheral portion 122c or in areas adjacent to the first peripheral portion 121c and the second peripheral portion 122c. The sensor arrangement area 123 may be located on one side of the second hull structure 122.

[0077] The first circuit board 131 may be located between the second surface 121b of the first body structure 121 and the first cover 161. The second circuit board 132 may be located between the fourth surface 122b of the second body structure 122 and the second cover 162. Alternatively, the first circuit board 131 and the second printed circuit board 132 may be combined into one printed circuit board and may be located between the second surface 121b of the first package structure 121 and the first cover 161, or between the fourth surface 122b of the second package structure 122 and the second cover 162. Various electronic components that are required for actuating the foldable electronic device 100 may be located on the first printed circuit board 131 and the second printed circuit board 132. For example, components such as memory, at least one processor, communication circuit, antenna, microphone, loudspeaker, at least one sensor and an electronic component associated with p by actuating at least one sensor, and the camera can be mounted on at least one of the first printed circuit board 131 and the second printed circuit board 132.

[0078] The first battery 133 may be positioned between the second surface 121b of the first body structure 121 and the first cover 161. The second battery 134 may be positioned between the fourth surface 122b of the second body structure 122 and the second cover 162. The first battery 133 and the second battery 134 may supply power required to operate the foldable electronic device 100. The first battery 133 and the second battery 134 can 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. While the foldable electronic device 100 includes a plurality of batteries 133 and 134, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the foldable electronic device 100 may include only one battery.

[0079] The hinge plates 141 and 142 may include a first hinge plate 141 attached to the first body structure 121 and one side of the hinge module 200, and a second hinge plate 142 attached to the second body structure 122 and the opposite side of the hinge module 200. For example, , one side of the first hinge plate 141 can be fixed at the periphery of the first body structure 121 that is adjacent to the second body structure 122, and the opposite side of the first hinge plate 141 can be fixed at a portion of each of the hinge structures 200a, 300, and 200b and a portion of each of locking structures 400a, 400b, 400c and 400d.

[0080] Stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c and 400d may be components that allow the mechanical device to stop temporarily or allow the mechanical device to stop at or less than a specified pressure and/or move at a pressure greater than a specified one. The stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may be components that provide the function of mounting at a specified (i.e., predetermined) angle depending on the hinge movements of the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122. The stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c and 400d may stop rotation of the first hull structure 121 and the second hull structure 122 when the inside angle between the first hull structure 121 and the second hull structure 122 reaches the specified angle. When a force of the specified amount or more is applied, the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 can be unfolded at a specified angle from a folded state, or can be folded at a specified angle from a flat state.

[0081] While the user folds or unfolds the first body structure 121 or the second body structure 122, the force that is generated by folding or expanding the body structures 121 and 122 can be transmitted to at least a portion of each of the hinge structures 200a, 200b and 300, and at least a portion of each of the stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d. For example, one side of the second hinge plate 142 may be fixed to the periphery of the second body structure 122 that is adjacent to the first body structure 121, and the opposite side of the second hinge plate 142 may be fixed to the remaining portion of each of the hinge structures 200a, 300, and 200b, and the remaining portion of each of the stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d. The force (or pressure) applied by the user to fold or unfold the first body structure 121 or the second body structure 122 can be transmitted to the remaining portion of each of the hinge structures 200a, 200b, and 300 and the remaining portion of each of the locking structures 400a, 400b, 400c and 400d.

[0082] The hinge module 200 may include a hinge body 150, a first hinge structure 200a, a second hinge structure 200b, a third hinge structure 300, and lock structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d.

[0083] The hinge body 150 may have a semi-cylindrical (or semi-elliptical) design that is closed at both ends. The hinge body 150 may have an empty space inside into which the first hinge structure 200a, the second hinge structure 200b, the third hinge structure 300, and the lock structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d are installed. The hinge body 150 may be formed such that its length corresponds to the length of the display 110 in the direction of one of its axis (eg, long axis) or the length of the first housing structure 121 in the direction of one of its axis (eg, long axis). The hinge body 150 may have a semi-circular, semi-elliptical, or partially curved cross section. The hinge body 150 may include at least one boss 151 (e.g., a screwing lug) that is used to receive and lock at least one hinge structure 200a, 200b, and 300 and lock structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d.

[0084] The first hinge structure 200a may be located at one point of the hinge body 150 that is symmetrical to the second hinge structure 200b with respect to the central portion of the hinge body 150. For example, the first hinge structure 200a may be disposed offset to the upper side with respect to the central portion of the illustrated hinge body 150. The first hinge structure 200a may be located near the upper end of the hinge body 150. A portion of the first hinge structure 200a may be fixed to the hinge body 150, and other portions of the first hinge structure 200a may be attached to the hinge plates 141 and 142. For example, one side of the first hinge structure 200a may be attached to one side of the first hinge plate 141, and the opposite side of the first hinge structure 200a may be attached to one side of the second hinge plate 142. The first hinge structure 200a can perform a hinge movement corresponding to rotational movements of the hinge plates 141 and 142 attached thereto. The two sub-hinge structures of the first hinge structure 200a may be arranged in alternating arrangement and may perform hinge movements independent of the hinge movements of the hinge plates 141 and 142. At least a portion of the first hinge structure 200a may be formed from a metallic material.

[0085] The second hinge structure 200b may be located at an opposite point of the hinge body 150 that is symmetrical to the first hinge structure 200a with respect to the central portion of the hinge body 150. Alternatively, the second hinge structure 200b may be positioned offset toward (eg, in the direction of) the lower side with respect to the central portion of the hinge body 150. The second hinge structure 200b may be located near the lower end of the hinge body 150. A portion of the second hinge structure 200b may be fixed to the hinge body 150, and other portions of the second hinge structure 200b may be attached to the hinge plates 141 and 142. For example, one side of the second hinge structure 200b may be attached to the opposite side of the first hinge plate 141, and the opposite side of the second hinge structure 200b may be attached to the opposite side of the second hinge plate 142. The second hinge structure 200b can perform a hinge movement corresponding to rotational movements of the hinge plates 141 and 142 attached thereto. Like the first hinge structure 200a, the second hinge structure 200b may include two sub-hinge structures, and the two sub-hinge structures of the second hinge structure 200b may be alternately arranged and can perform hinge movements independent of the hinge movements of the hinge plates 141 and 142. The second hinge structure 200b may be formed from the same material as that of the first hinge structure 200a. The second hinge structure 200b may have substantially the same design and shape as the first hinge structure 200a, but may differ from the first hinge structure 200a in consideration of the position within the hinge body 150.

[0086] The third hinge structure 300 may be located in the central portion of the hinge body 150. A portion of the third hinge structure 300 may be fixed to the hinge body 150, and other portions of the third hinge structure may be connected to the first hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142. The third hinge structure 300 can transmit force through the engaged gears so that the first hinge plate 141 and the first body structure 121 attached to the first hinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142 and the second body structure 122 attached to the second hinge plate 142) perform an articulation movement with the second hinge plate 142 and the second body structure 122 attached to the second hinge plate 142 (or the first hinge plate 141 and the first body structure 121 attached to the first hinge plate 141).

[0087] The stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may be located at predetermined positions in the hinge body 150. The first lock structure 400a may be located between the first hinge structure 200a and the third hinge structure 300. The second to fourth lock structures 400b, 400c, and 400d may be located between the second hinge structure 200b and the third hinge structure 300.

[0088] The hinge module 200 may include one, two, or more locking structures. The stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c and 400d may be of the same design. Additionally, the locking structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may be of the same design and size, but may be located in different directions in the hinge body 150.

[0089] The first cover 161 may be positioned on the rear surface of the first body structure 121 to cover at least a portion of the second surface 121b of the first body structure 121. The first cover 161 may be positioned to cover a portion of the hinge module 200 (e.g., one side of the body 150 hinge) that is located between the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122. The first cover 161 may have rounded corners, may have an empty space inside, or may be bonded to the second surface 121b of the first body structure 121 to form an empty space between the first body structure design 121 and the first cover. For example, the first cover 161 may be structured with a rectangular bottom surface and side walls formed on the top side and the left and right sides of the bottom surface.

[0090] The second lid 162 may be positioned adjacent to the first lid 161 and may be secured to the fourth surface 122b of the second hull structure 122 to cover at least a portion of the second hull structure 122 (e.g., at least a portion of the fourth surface 122b). The second cover 162 may be positioned to cover the remaining portion of the hinge structure 200 (eg, the opposite side of the hinge body 150) that is partially hidden 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 an empty space inside, or may be bonded to the fourth surface 122b of the second body structure 122 to form an empty space between the second body structure 122 and the second cover 162. In this regard, the second cover 162 may have a structure with a rectangular bottom surface and side walls formed on the bottom side and the left and right sides of the bottom surface.

[0091] Although the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b are located at opposite ends of the hinge body 150 with respect to the central portion of the hinge body 150, and the third hinge structure 300 is located between the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b, the invention is not limited to this. For example, one of the first hinge structure 200a or the second hinge structure 200b, which does not include individual gears in engagement, may be located in the hinge housing 150. In the foldable electronic device 100, the first hinge structure 200a with a non-engagement structure may be disposed at one end of the hinge body 150, and a plurality of hinge structures of the third hinge structure 300 (for example, an engaged structure including gears in engagement) may be disposed in other positions (eg, in the central portion of the hinge body 150 or at the opposite end of the hinge body 150).

[0092] FIG. 3a is a view illustrating the stop structure according to the embodiment. Fig. 3b is an exploded perspective view of the stop structure of FIG. 3a according to the embodiment. Fig. 4a is a view illustrating a state in which the stop structure forms the specified angle, according to the embodiment. Fig. 4b is a view illustrating the first detail of the attachment of the plate in FIG. 4a according to the embodiment.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 3a-4b, the third locking structure 400c includes a first plate attachment piece 410 and a second plate attachment piece 420. The first stop structure 400a, the second stop structure 400b, and the fourth stop structure 400d may also include a first plate attachment part and a second plate attachment part, similarly to the third stop structure 400c.

[0094] The first plate connection piece 410 may be attached to the first body structure 121 via the first hinge plate 141 and/or attached to the second body structure 122 via the second hinge plate 142. At least a portion of the first plate attachment portion 410 may be formed from a metallic material (for example, stainless steel (SUS), aluminum, or an alloy thereof), or at least a portion of the first plate attachment portion 410 may be formed from a non-metallic material (for example, a plastic material ). The first plate attachment piece 410 may include a first attachment body 411, a bridge 412, a first support section 413, and a second support section 414.

[0095] The first attachment body 411 may, for example, take the form of a strip or bar of a predetermined thickness, which has a first length in the first axial direction (x, -x) and a second length in the second axial direction (y, -y), and has rounded edges or corners. The first rivet hole 411b may be located in the edge region (i.e., the first edge region) of the first attachment body 411 that faces the first (-x) direction, the second rivet hole 411c may be located in the edge region (i.e., the second edge region) of the first attachment body 411 that faces in the second direction (x), and the first attachment hole 411a may be located at least in a portion of the central area of the first attachment body 411. For example, the first rivet 411b_1 may be inserted into the first rivet hole 411b, and the second rivet 411c_1 may be inserted into the second rivet hole 411c. The hole guide 411a_1 may be located in the first attachment hole 411a. The first rivet 411b_1 can pass through a hole formed on one side of the first hinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142) and can fix the first hinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142) with the first attachment body 411 by using a riveting process. The second rivet 411c_1 may pass through a hole formed on one side of the second hinge plate 142 (or the first hinge plate 141) and may fix the second hinge plate 142 (or the first hinge plate 141) with the first attachment body 411 by using a riveting process. The hole guide 411a_1, after being inserted into the first attachment hole 411a, can be attached to the first hinge plate 141 placed on the first attachment body 411.

[0096] The bridge 412 may have the specified width and may extend from the central portion of the first attachment body 411 for a predetermined length in the third direction (-y). The portion of the first attachment hole 411a may be located on one side of the bridge 412. The first support section 413 and the second support section 414 may be connected to the end of the bridge 412.

[0097] The first support portion 413 may include one side extending from the bridge 412 and may have an overall inverted L-shape. The first support portion 413 may include a first wing 413a, a second wing 413b, a first mounting hole 413c, and a first curved portion 413d. The first mounting hole 413c may be formed in the form of a through hole or recess. The first wing 413a may have a predetermined width and may extend from the web 412 in the first (-x) direction. The second wing 413b may have a predetermined width and may extend from the end of the first wing 413a in a third direction (-y). The first installation hole 413c may be formed through the second wing 413b (for example, in the first axial direction (x, -x)) and may have a predetermined size. The first curved portion 413d may be formed into a shape that curves with the specified curvature from the end of the second wing 413b in the first direction (-x) (for example, in the same direction as the direction in which the first wing 413a extends from the end of the bridge 412) . The first curved portion 413d may allow the first fitting part 431 to be smoothly inserted into the first support portion 413 while the first plate attachment part 410 and the second plate attachment part 420 are attached to each other. The first curved portion 413d can serve to guide movement of the first mounting piece 431 into the first mounting hole 413c while the first mounting piece 431 is being inserted into the first mounting hole 413c. The first plate attachment part 410 and the second plate attachment part 420 can be rotated depending on the rotation of the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122, and therefore the first curved portion 413d can be formed to protrude, or be bent, to a specified height in one direction (for example, a direction that is inclined by a specified angle from the -y-axis to the -x-axis) with respect to the drawings so as to allow the first installation part 431 to be smoothly inserted into the first support portion 413.

[0098] The second support portion 414 may extend from the bridge 412 in the second direction (x) and may have an overall L-shape that is symmetrical to the first support portion 413 with respect to the third axis (-y). The second support portion 414 may include a third wing 414a, a fourth wing 414b, a second mounting hole 414c, and a second curved portion 414d. The second mounting hole 414c may be formed in the form of a through hole or recess. The third wing 414a may have a predetermined width and may extend from the end of web 412 in the second (x) direction. The fourth wing 414b may have a predetermined width and may extend from the end of the third wing 414a in a third (-y) direction. The second mounting hole 414c may be formed through the fourth wing 414b. The second curved portion 414d may be formed at the end of the fourth wing 414b so as to be symmetrical to the first curved portion 413d with respect to the third axis (-y). The fourth wing 414b and the second wing 413b may be arranged to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the third axis (-y). With respect to the third axis (-y), the first curved portion 413d and the direction in which the first curved portion 413d is curved may be symmetrical to the second curved portion 414d and the direction in which the second curved portion 414d is curved.

[0099] The second plate connection piece 420 may be attached to the second body structure 122 via the second hinge plate 142. When the first plate attachment piece 410 is attached to the second body structure 122 via the second hinge plate 142, the second plate attachment piece 420 can be attached to the first body structure 121 via the first hinge plate 141. The second plate attachment part 420 may come into contact or be spaced apart from the first plate attachment part 410 depending on the angle between the second body structure 122 attached to the second plate attachment part 420 and the first body structure 121. At least a portion of the second part 420 the plate attachment may be formed from a metallic material or exactly the same material as that of the first plate attachment part 410 . At least a portion of the second plate attachment portion 420 may be formed from a metallic material, or at least a portion of the second plate attachment portion 420 may be formed from a non-metallic material (eg, a plastic material).

[0100] The second plate attachment part 420 includes a second attachment body 421, an installation body 422, an elastic member 430, and installation parts 431 and 432. The second attachment body 421 and the installation body 422 may be combined with each other. The second attachment body 421 and the installation body 422 may be formed from the same material as the first attachment body 411 and/or the support portions 413 and 414.

[0101] The second attachment body 421 may have a predetermined thickness and width, and may be formed from a predetermined material such as a metal material. The second attachment body 421 may include a plate mounting portion 421a which is formed at a position lower than the peripheral portions by a specified height and on which the second hinge plate 142 (or the first hinge plate 141) is mounted, the second attachment hole 421a_1 formed in the portion 421a of the plate mounting and used for attaching the hinge plate, and attachment protrusions 421a_2 formed on the respective peripheral portions and used for attaching the hinge plate, the peripheral portions being formed at a higher position than the plate mounting portion 421a at the specified height. The plate installation portion 421a can be formed with a step to a specified depth (for example, the thickness of the hinge plate) in one direction (-z) so that the portion to which the first hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142 is attached no longer protrudes upward beyond the peripheral plots. The attachment protrusions 421a_2 may be aligned with recesses or holes formed on the first hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142. The attachment protrusions 421a_2 can prevent movement of the first hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142 and, when attached to the first hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142, can guide the first hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142 so that the first hinge plate 141 or the second the hinge plate 142 is clearly mounted on the plate mounting portion 421a.

[0102] The installation body 422 can extend from the second attachment body 421 in a fourth direction (y), and the resilient member 430 and installation parts 431 and 432 can be installed in the installation body 422. For example, the installation body 422 may be formed with a step in the same direction (-z) as the direction in which the plate installation portion 421a is formed with a step, so that the elastic member 430 is mounted in the installation body 422. The mounting body 422 may be shaped to match the appearance of the resilient member 430. For example, the mounting body 422 may include a resilient mounting portion 422a, at least a portion of which includes a curved surface to match the appearance of the resilient member 430 in coiled spring shape. The mounting body 422 may have, on its opposite side walls, fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2, into which the mounting parts 431 and 432 are inserted abutting. For example, the installation body 422 may include a first fixing hole 422_1, which is formed on the side wall facing the first (-x) direction, and may have a diameter that is larger than the protrusion of the first installation part 431. The second fixing hole 422_2, which is formed on the side wall facing the second (x) direction, may have a diameter that is larger than the protrusion of the second fitting part 432.

[0103] The elastic element 430 can be installed in the installation section 422a of the elastic element of the installation body 422. The resilient element 430 may be in the form of a coil spring or in the form of a leaf spring. In the elastic member mounting portion 422a, the elastic member 430 can generate an elastic force such that the first mounting member 431 and the second mounting member 432 are mounted in the first direction (-x) and the second direction (x).

[0104] The installation parts 431 and 432 can be connected to opposite sides of the elastic member 430 and can be positioned to partially protrude 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 body 422 installations. The second mounting piece 432 (or the first mounting piece 431) may include a protrusion 432a including a curved surface, a flange 432b that is provided at the bottom of the protrusion 432a and having a diameter larger than the second fixing hole 422_2, and/or a column 432c inserted into one side of the resilient member 430. The protrusion 432a may at least partially protrude outside the installation body 422 through the locking holes 422_1 and 422_2, and may come into contact with the first plate attachment part 410 depending on the hinge movements of the body structures 121 and 122. The flanges 432b of the mounting parts 431 and 432 can support the mounting parts 431 and 432 so that the mounting parts 431 and 432 do not separate from the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2. The columns 432c may support the elastic member 430 to prevent separation of the mounting parts 431 and 432 from the elastic member 430 and to prevent the separation of the elastic member 430 from the elastic member mounting portion 422a. At least a portion of at least one of the mounting members 431 and 432 may be formed from a metallic material, or at least a portion of at least one of the mounting members 431 and 432 may be formed from a non-metallic material (eg, a plastic material).

[0105] Parts 431 and 432 installation can first come into contact with the first curved section 413d and the second curved section 414d in contact with the first part 410 joining the plate. In this state, the installation parts 431 and 432 can remain in contact with the curved portions 413d and 414d in the case where the specified pressure is not added. Accordingly, the first hull structure 121 and the second hull structure 122 can be temporarily fixed at the first specified angle. When the specified pressure or more is added so that the installation parts 431 and 432 move into the installation body 422 through the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2, at least a part of the second plate attachment part 420 can be moved to the first plate attachment part 410. Mounting members 431 and 432, when aligned with mounting holes 413c and 414c, can be at least partially inserted into mounting holes 413c and 414c with portions of mounting members 431 and 432 that have been advanced into mounting body 422 moving beyond the locking holes 422_1 and 422_2 through the elastic member 430. In this case, the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 may be in a flat state.

[0106] FIG. 5a is a view illustrating some components of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment. Fig. 5b is a view illustrating said first zone 30_1 in FIG. 5a according to the embodiment. Fig. 5c is a sectional view along the line A-A' in FIG. 5b according to the embodiment. Fig. 5d is a sectional perspective view along the line B-B' in FIG. 5c according to the embodiment.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 5a, the foldable electronic device 100 includes a first case structure 121, a second case structure 122, and a hinge module 200. The foldable electronic device 100 illustrated in FIG. 5a exemplifies the form in which the display 110 is removed from the foldable electronic device 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1a.

[0108] The first body structure 121 can be attached to the first hinge plate 141. The first body structure 121 may be located on one side of the hinge module 200, for example, on the top side with respect to FIG. 5a. The circuit board 131 or battery 133 described above with reference to FIG. 2 may be mounted in the first cabinet structure 121, and the first area 51 of the display 110 may be located on the first cabinet structure 121.

[0109] The second body structure 122 may be attached to the second hinge plate 142. The second body structure 122 may be positioned on the opposite side of the hinge module 200, such as on the underside of FIG. 5a. Circuit board 132 or battery 134, as described above with reference to FIG. 2 may be mounted in the second housing structure 122, and the second area 52 of the display 110 may be located on the second housing structure 122.

[0110] The hinge module 200 may include a hinge body 150, a first hinge structure 200a, a second hinge structure 200b, a third hinge structure 300, and lock structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d. The hinge module 200 may have the indicated length in the horizontal direction and may have a semi-elliptical shape in transverse section.

[0111] The first hinge structure 200a may be located on the left side with respect to FIG. 5a, and the second hinge structure 200b may be located on the right side. The third hinge structure 300 may be located between the first hinge structure 200a and the second hinge structure 200b, or in the center of the hinge body 150.

[0112] Signal wiring (for example, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) may be disposed between the first locking structure 400a and the third hinge structure 300 to electrically connect the electronic components placed in the first housing structure 121 and the electronic components placed in the second housing structure 122. For example, the location where the signal wiring is placed can be assigned to one side of the hinge module 200.

[0113] The first lock structure 400a may be located between the first hinge structure 200a and the third hinge structure 300. The second lock structure 400b, the third lock structure 400c, and the fourth lock structure 400d may be located between the third hinge structure 300 and the second hinge structure 200b. The first lock structure 400a may be positioned adjacent to the first hinge structure 200a. The second stop structure 400b may be positioned adjacent to the third hinge structure 300. The fourth stop structure 400d may be positioned adjacent the hinge structure 200b. The third stop structure 400c may be located between the second stop structure 400b and the fourth stop structure 400d.

[0114] The retainer structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may be formed with basically the same structure. The locking structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may each include a first plate attachment piece 410, mounting pieces 431 and 432, a resilient member 430, and a second plate attachment piece 420 that attaches to the first plate attachment piece 410. The arrangements of the stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may differ from each other.

[0115] For example, the first locking structure 400a may be located in the hinge body 150, the first plate attachment member may be fixed on the first hinge plate 141, and the second plate attachment member may be fixed on the second hinge plate 142. The second locking structure 400b may be disposed in the hinge body 150, the first plate attachment member may be fixed on the second hinge plate 142, and the second plate attachment member may be fixed on the first hinge plate 141. The third stop structure 400c may have exactly the same layout shape as that of the first stop structure 400a. The fourth stop structure 400d may have exactly the same layout shape as that of the second stop structure 400b. The first stop structure 400a and the fourth stop structure 400d may have the same arrangement state, and the second stop structure 400b and the third stop structure 400c may have the same arrangement state. As described above, the plate attachment portions of the stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d can be zigzagged in the hinge body 150 so as to be in different positions, thereby providing a sense of movement and a sense of stability to the user.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 5b-d, the third lock structure 400c includes a first plate attachment part 410 installed in the hinge body 150 and fixed to the first hinge plate 141. For example, at least part of the first hinge plate 141 can be placed on the first plate attachment part 410, and the first hinge plate 141 and the first plate attachment part 410 can be attached to each other by the first attachment member 400c_1. The first attachment element 400c_1 may include a screw. When the first body structure 121 and the first hinge plate 141 rotate, the first plate attachment part 410 can rotate with them through the specified angle.

[0117] The first locking structure 400c may include a second plate attachment piece 420 installed in the hinge body 150 and fixed to the second hinge plate 142. The second hinge plate 142 can be placed on the second plate attachment piece 420, and the second hinge plate 142 and the second plate attachment piece 420 can be attached to each other by the second attachment member 400c_2. The second plate attachment part 420 can perform a hinge movement corresponding to the rotation of the second body structure 122 and the second hinge plate 142.

[0118] In the case where the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 are in a flat state, the first plate attachment part 410 and the second plate attachment part 420 may be positioned such that at least their parts come into contact with each other. In this operation, the elastic force of the elastic member 430 located in the second plate attachment part 420 may be exerted in the first direction (−x) or the second direction (x) of the hinge body 150. The resilient member 430 may allow the first mounting piece 431 (or the second mounting piece 432) to protrude in a direction in which the second plate attachment piece 420 and the first plate attachment piece 410 are in contact with each other, and the first mounting piece 431 (or second mounting piece 432 installation) can be moved into the second plate attachment part 420 while in contact with the wings of the first plate attachment part 410, and can then be installed in a recess or hole formed in the first plate attachment part 410. Each of the installation parts 431 and 432 may include a column 432c on which the end of the elastic member 430 is mounted, a protrusion 432a extending from the column 432c and having at least a portion formed with a hemispherical shape and installed in the installation area, and a flange 432b, formed between the protrusion 432a and the column 432c and configured to prevent the elastic member 430 from separating from the locking hole 422_2.

[0119] The plate attachment parts 410 and 420 of the locking structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d can be separated from each other in a state in which the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 are folded, and the plate attachment parts 410 and 420 can be are attached to each other while the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 perform an articulation from the collapsed state to the flat state. In this operation, the fitting parts 431 and 432 pressed in predetermined directions by the resilient member 430 can be installed in or separated from the recesses or holes, and the locking structures 400a, 400b, 400c and 400d can provide the user with a permanent stopper feeling.

[0120] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating arrangements of a plurality of stop structures, according to an embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates the operating states of the stop structures 400c and 400d (e.g., corresponding to zone 30_2 in Fig. 5a) in a state in which the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 form a predetermined suggestion angle (e.g., 120 degrees or 140 degrees) with each other. .

[0121] Referring to FIG. 5a and 6, the hinge module 200 includes a plurality of locking structures. The plurality of locking structures included in the hinge module 200 may have layout states in which plate attachment parts are located in different positions, as illustrated in FIG. 6. The fourth stop structure 400d adjacent to the third stop structure 400c may include a third plate attachment part 410_2 and a fourth plate attachment part 420_2. The third plate attachment part 410_2 may have basically exactly the same shape or design as the first plate attachment part 410 of the third locking structure 400c, and the fourth plate attachment part 420_2 can have basically exactly the same shape or design as the second one. parts 420 for attaching the plate of the third stop structure 400c. The first plate attachment part 410 of the third locking structure 400c may be located on the upper side with respect to FIG. 5a and can be attached to the first hinge plate 141, and the second plate attachment part 420 can be located on the lower side with respect to FIG. 5a and can be attached to the second hinge plate 142. The third plate attachment part 410_2 of the fourth locking structure 400d can be connected to the second body structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142, and the fourth plate attachment part 420_2 can be connected to the first body structure 121 through the first hinge plate 141.

[0122] The first plate attaching part 410 of the third locking structure 400c may include the first mounting hole 413c and the second mounting hole 414c, and may be connected to the first body structure 121. The first mounting hole 413c and the second mounting hole 414c may be formed into a recess shape. (for example, deepening the installation).

[0123] The second plate attachment part 420 of the third locking structure 400c may include a first fixing hole 422_1 and a second fixing hole 422_2, and may be connected to the second body structure 122. The second plate attachment part 420 may include a third virtual axis 601, and the third virtual axis 601 may be spaced apart from the first virtual axis about which the first body structure 121 rotates and the second virtual axis about which the second body structure 122 rotates, and can be placed parallel to the first fixing hole 422_1 and the second fixing hole 422_2.

[0124] The first plate attaching part 410 may include a first mounting hole 413c (or recess or opening) that is located in the area facing the first flat fixing hole 422_1 of the body structures 121 and 122, and a second mounting hole 414c (or recess or opening), which is located in the area facing the second fixing hole 422_2. The first plate attachment part 410 may have a structure that receives at least a portion of the second plate attachment part 420 and can be connected to the first body structure 121.

[0125] In the flat state of the body structures 121 and 122, the third locking structure 400c may include a first setting piece 431 attached to the first fixing hole 422_1 and located between the first fixing hole 422_1 and the first setting hole 413c, the second setting piece 432 attached to the second fixing hole 422_2 and located between the second fixing hole 422_2 and the second installation hole 414c, and the elastic member 430 located in the second plate attachment part 420 between the first installation part 431 and the second installation part 432 and configured to extrude the first installation part 431 and the second part 432 of the installation outward.

[0126] The fourth locking structure 400d may include a third plate attachment piece 410_2, a fourth plate attachment piece 420_2, a third setting piece 431_2, a fourth setting piece 432_2, and a second elastic member 430_2.

[0127] The fourth plate connection part 420_2 may be connected to the first body structure 122 and may include a third fixing hole 422_3 and a fourth fixing hole 422_4, which are placed with respect to the fourth virtual axis 602, which is spaced from the first virtual axis, related to the articulation of the first body structure 121, a second virtual axis that is related to the articulation of the second body structure 122, and a third virtual axis 601. faces the third fixing hole 422_3 in the flat state of the body structures 121 and 122, and the fourth mounting hole 414c_2 (or recess or opening) that faces the fourth fixing hole 422_4. The third plate attachment part 410_2 may have a structure that receives (i.e., connects to) at least a portion of the fourth plate attachment part 420_2, and can be connected to the second body structure 122. The third installation hole 413c_2 and the fourth installation hole 414c_2, formed in the third plate attachment part 410_2 may be formed into a mounting recess shape.

[0128] In the flat state of the body structures 121 and 122, the third installation part 431_2 can be attached to the third fixing hole 422_3 and can be located between the third fixing hole 422_3 and the third installation hole 413c_2. In the flat state of the body structures 121 and 122, the fourth fitting part 432_2 can be attached to the fourth fixing hole 422_4 and can be located between the fourth fixing hole 422_4 and the fourth fitting hole 414c_2. The second elastic member 430_2 may be positioned in the fourth plate connection piece 420_2 between the third mounting piece 431_2 and the fourth mounting piece 432_2, and may be positioned to extrude the third mounting piece 431_2 and the fourth mounting piece 432_2 outward.

[0129] When a plurality of locking structures are placed, the plate attachment part of one locking structure that includes the resilient member may be located at a different position from the plate attachment part of the other locking structure that includes the resilient member, and therefore the locking structures may be arranged in zigzags in the hinge body 150 as viewed from the position of the resilient members.

[0130] The stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d can be placed in various types of arrangements. For example, the first type of arrangement may be such that the second plate attachment 420 including the resilient member 430 is connected to the second body structure 122 via the second hinge plate 142, and the first plate attachment 410 including the support portions 413 and 414 surrounding at least a portion of the second plate attachment part 420 is connected to the first body structure 121 via the first hinge plate 141 . The second type of arrangement may be such that the second plate attachment part 420, including the resilient member 430, is connected to the first body structure 121 through the first hinge plate 141, and the first plate attachment part 410, including the support portions 413 and 414, surrounding at least part of the second part 420 joining the plate, is connected to the second body structure 122 through the second plate 142 of the hinge.

[0131] In the case where the first stop structure is placed in the first arrangement type, the second stop structure 400b is placed in the second arrangement type, the third stop structure 400c may be placed in the first arrangement type, and the fourth stop structure 400d may be placed in the second arrangement type .

[0132] Additionally, the first stop structure 400a may be placed in the first arrangement type, the second stop structure 400b may be placed in the first arrangement type, the third stop structure 400c may be placed in the second arrangement type, and the fourth stop structure 400d may be placed in the second layout type. In the case where the first stop structure 400a is placed in the first arrangement type, the second stop structure 400b may be placed in the second arrangement type, the third stop structure 400c may be placed in the second arrangement type, and the fourth stop structure 400d may be placed in the first arrangement type.

[0133] The retainer structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may have arrangements other than those described above. For example, the fourth stop structure 400d may be placed in the first arrangement type, the third stop structure 400c may be placed in the second arrangement type, the second stop structure 400b may be placed in the first arrangement type, and the first stop structure 400a may be placed in the second arrangement type.

[0134] The fourth stop structure 400d may be placed in the first arrangement type, the third stop structure 400c may be placed in the first arrangement type, the second stop structure 400b may be placed in the second arrangement type, and the first stop structure 400a may be placed in the second arrangement type .

[0135] The fourth stop structure 400d may be placed in a second arrangement type, the third stop structure 400c may be placed in a first arrangement type, the second stop structure 400b may be placed in a first arrangement type, and the first stop structure 400a may be placed in a second arrangement type . Additionally, the stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d may all be placed in the same direction (eg, in the first arrangement type or in the second arrangement type).

[0136] FIG. 7a is a view illustrating the first details of attaching a plate, according to the embodiment. Fig. 7b is a view illustrating states in which foldable electronic devices form said angles, according to the embodiment.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 7a-7b, the first plate attachment part 410_a of the first type includes the first attachment body 411, the web 412, the first support section 413_1 of the first type, and/or the second support section 414_1 of the first type. The first support section 413_1 of the first type and the second support section 414_1 of the first type may include a curved section of a specified length and a specified size. The first support portion 413_1 of the first type and the second support portion 414_1 of the first type may be designed such that the internal angle between the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 of the first foldable electronic device 800a is equal to the first specified angle (for example, 120 degrees) when the first the first type bearing portion 413_1 and the first type second bearing portion 414_1 are in contact with the installation parts 431 and 432 of the second plate attaching part 420. The first folding electronic device 800a can keep the first specified angle within a predetermined pressure, thereby providing a setting function at the specified angle. The predetermined pressure may vary depending on the elastic force of the elastic member 430, the curvature of the mounting parts 431 and 432, or the shapes of the mounting zones.

[0138] The first plate attachment part 410_b of the second type may include the first attachment body 411, the web 412, the first support section 413_2 of the second type, and the second support section 414_2 of the second type. The first attachment body 411 and the jumper 412 of the first plate attachment part 410_b of the second type may have the same or similar configuration as the first attachment body 411 and the jumper 412 of the first plate attachment part 410_a of the first type.

[0139] The first support section 413_2 of the second type and the second support section 414_2 of the second type may include a curved section with a specified length and a specified size. The first support portion 413_2 of the second type and the second support portion 414_2 of the second type may be designed such that the internal angle between the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 of the second foldable electronic device 800b is equal to the second specified angle (for example, 140 degrees) when the first support the second type section 413_2 and the second type second support section 414_2 come into contact with the installation parts 431 and 432 of the second plate attachment part 420. The first support section 413_1 of the first type (or the second support section 414_1 of the first type) may include a curved section 413d_1 of the first type of the first length L1. The second type first support portion 413_2 (or the second type second support portion 414_2) may include a second type curved portion 413d_2 of a second length L2 (eg, the second length L2 is shorter than the first length L1).

[0140] In order to differently construct the temporary fixed angle of the first foldable electronic device 800a including the first plate attachment part 410_a of the first type and the temporary fixed angle of the second foldable electronic device 800b including the first plate attachment part 410_b of the second type, the first the first type support section 413_1 (or the first type second support section 414_1) may include the first type first wing 413b_1 of the first length, and the second type first support section 413_2 (or the second type second support section 414_2) may include the second type second wing 413b_2 length.

[0141] Although the wings 413b_1 and 413b_2 and the curved sections 413d_1 and 413d_2 described above have different lengths depending on their types, the invention is not limited to this. In the first folding electronic device 800a temporarily fixed at the first specified angle and the second folding electronic device 800b temporarily fixed at the second specified angle, at least one of the wings 413b_1 and 413b_2 and the curved portions 413d_1 and 413d_2 may be implemented in a different shape. In this case, the moment at which the mounting parts 431 and 432 come into contact with the curved portions 413d_1 and 413d_2 may vary depending on the lengths of the support portions, and therefore, the temporary fixed angles of the foldable electronic devices 800a and 800b can be realized according to in different ways.

[0142] FIG. 8a is a view illustrating the shock absorbing structure of the stop structure, according to the embodiment. The stop structure using the shock absorbing structure may be at least one of the plurality of stop structures 400a, 400b, 400c, and 400d.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 8a, the stop structure using the cushion structure includes a first plate attachment part 410 and a second plate attachment part 420.

[0144] The first plate attachment part 410 may basically have exactly the same design and configuration as the first plate attachment part described above with reference to FIG. 3a. For example, the first plate attachment piece 410 may include a first attachment body 411, a bridge 412, a first support section 413, and a second support section 414.

[0145] The second plate attachment piece 420 may have the same or similar configuration as the second plate attachment piece described above with reference to FIG. 3a and may exclude some components. The second plate attachment part 420 may include a second attachment body 421, an installation body 422, and an elastic member 430. In addition, the second plate attachment part 420 may include installation parts 431_1 and 432_1, which are located in the installation body 422 and which are at least partially protrude outward through the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 formed in the installation body 422, and the damping elements 441a and 442a, which are installed on the installation parts 431_1 and 432_1 and which absorb the shock that is generated at the time when the installation parts 431_1 and 432_1 enter in contact with the body 422 installation.

[0146] The second attachment body 421 may have a predetermined thickness and width, and may be formed from a predetermined material, such as a metal material. The second attachment body 421 may be a component that is exactly the same or similar to the second attachment body described above with reference to FIG. 3a.

[0147] The setting body 422 may extend from the second attachment body 421 in a fourth direction (y), and may have a resilient member mounting portion 422a formed therein, into which the resilient member 430, the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1, and the damping members 441a and 442a are mounted. . For example, the installation body 422 may have an empty space formed therein into which the elastic member 430 is installed, and may include, at its upper portion, an opening through which the elastic member 430, the installation parts 431_1 and 432_1, and the damping members 441a and 442a are installed in the installation body 422. The mounting body 422 may have, on its opposite side walls, locking holes 422_1 and 422_2 in which the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1 are fixed and through which at least parts of the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1 protrude outside the mounting body 422.

[0148] The elastic element 430 can be installed in the empty space of the installation body 422. The elastic element 430 may be in the form of a coiled spring. The resilient member 430 may be inserted into the machine body 422 and then positioned to extrude the machine parts 431_1 and 432_1 and the cushion members 441a and 442a in opposite directions. Accordingly, the elastic member 430 may be formed to be shorter than the elastic member described above with reference to FIG. 3a.

[0149] Installation parts 431_1 and 432_1 can be connected to opposite sides of the elastic member 430 and can be positioned to partially protrude in the first direction (-x) and the second direction (x) through the first fixing hole 422_1 and the second fixing hole 422_2, which are formed in the installation body 422. For example, the second fitting part 432_1 (or the first fitting part 431_1) may include a protrusion 432a including a curved surface, a flange 432b that is provided on the bottom of the protrusion 432a, and which has a larger diameter than that of the second locking hole 422_2, a column 432c inserted into one side of the elastic member 430; and an annular groove 432d in which the damping member 442a (or damping member 441a) is located. The annular grooves 431d and 432d, in which the shock-absorbing elements 441a and 442a are installed, may be located adjacent to the flanges 431b and 432b. The ring-shaped damping elements 441a and 442a can be installed in the annular grooves 431d and 432d.

[0150] The damping elements 441a and 442a can be fixed in the annular grooves 431d and 432d formed in front of the flanges 431b and 432b. Cushioning elements 441a and 442a can be located inside the installation body 422 so as to be located near the flanges 431b and 432b of the installation parts 431_1 and 432_1. At least a portion of each of the cushion members 441a and 442a may be formed from an elastic material, or at least a portion of each of the cushion members 441a and 442a may be formed from an external shock absorbing material such as rubber, flexible plastic, fiber, or their combinations.

[0151] Cushioning elements 441a and 442a may be located between the inner surfaces around the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 of the installation body 422 and the flanges 431b and 432b of the installation parts 431_1 and 432_1, and can absorb the shock generated when the installation parts 431_1 and 432_1 move into the setting body 422 during the locking operation come into contact with the inner surfaces around the locking holes 422_1 and 422_2 of the setting body 422 when returning to their original positions. Accordingly, the cushion members 441a and 442a can reduce the noise or shock that is generated when the installation parts 431_1 and 432_1 come into contact with the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2, thereby suppressing noise and preventing damage to the installation parts 431_1 and 432_1.

[0152] FIG. 8b is a view illustrating an example of a shock-absorbing structure of the stop structure, according to the embodiment.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 8b, the shock-absorbing structure locking structure may be a design that is exactly the same or similar to the locking structure described above with reference to FIG. 8a, but may not include installation details and damping elements. The locking structure may include the first plate attachment part 410 and the second plate attachment part 420, and the second plate attachment part 420 may include the second attachment body 421, the installation body 422 with the elastic element installation portion 422a formed therein, in which the elastic member 430, elastic member 430, mounting parts 431_2 and 432_2, to which a plurality of damping members 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, and 442b_2 are attached, and fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2, which are formed on opposite sides of the mounting body 422 and through which at least one or several parts of parts 431_2 and 432_2 of the installation are exposed to the outside.

[0154] Mounting piece 432_2 (or mounting piece 431_2) may include a plurality of annular grooves 432d_1 and 432d_2 and an auxiliary flange 432b_2 formed between column front flange 432b_1 432c and projection 432a, and the plurality of damping members 442b_1 and 442b_2 may be installed in the annular grooves 432d_1 and 432d_2. The protrusions 432a of the installation parts 431_2 and 432_2 may be formed to be longer than the protrusions 432a of the installation parts 431_1 and 432_1 described above with reference to FIG. 8a. The mount body 422 may be formed to be longer than the mount body 422 described with reference to FIG. 8a. Alternatively, the resilient member 430 installed in the installation body 422 may be formed to be shorter than the resilient member 430 described above with reference to FIG. 8a.

[0155] At least one or more parts of the protrusions 432a of the installation parts 431_2 and 432_2, on which the damping elements 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1 and 442b_2 are installed, can be located in the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 formed in the installation body 422. At least some of the damping elements 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1 and 442b_2 may be located in the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2. At least a portion of each of the cushion members 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, and 442b_2 may be formed from an elastic material, or at least a portion of each of the cushion members 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, and 442b_2 may be formed from an external shock absorbing material, such as , rubber, flexible plastic, fiber, or combinations thereof. Accordingly, the damping members 441b_1, 441b_2, 442b_1, and 442b_2 can come into contact with the inner walls of the locking holes 422_1 and 422_2, and can reduce noise and shock that are generated by contacting the parts 431_2 and 432_2 with the locking holes 422_1 and 422_2.

[0156] FIG. 8c is a view illustrating an example of a shock-absorbing structure of a stop structure, according to embodiments.

[0157] Referring to FIG. 8c, the shock-absorbing structure locking structure may be a design that is exactly the same or similar to the locking structure described above with reference to FIG. 8a, but may not include installation details and damping elements. The locking structure may include the first plate attachment part 410 and the second plate attachment part 420, and the second plate attachment part 420 may include the second attachment body 421, the installation body 422 with the elastic member installation portion 422a formed therein, into which the elastic member 430, elastic member 430, machine parts 431_3 and 432_3, to which shock-absorbing members 441c and 442c are attached, and fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2, which are formed on opposite sides of the machine body 422 and through which at least one or more parts of the parts 431_3 and 432_3 settings are exposed outside.

[0158] The installation part 432_3 (or the installation part 431_3) may include a guide groove 432d_3 that is formed between the flange 432b and the protrusion 432a and which is longer than the fixing hole 422_2 formed in the installation body 422. The locking structure may include cap-shaped cushion members 441c and 442c with a through hole inside, and the cushion members 441c and 442c may be installed in the guide grooves 432d_3 formed on the installation parts 431_3 and 432_3, and may come into contact with the inner surfaces of the locking holes 422_1 and 422_2. When the installation parts 431_3 and 432_3 are inserted into the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 so that the ends of the protrusions 432a are exposed outward, the damping elements 441c and 442c can come into contact with at least one or more parts of one or more inputs of the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2, being in contact with the entire inner surfaces of the locking holes 422_1 and 422_2. Accordingly, when the setting parts 431_3 and 432_3, which are moved in the setting body 422 to a predetermined depth during the locking operation, are returned to their original positions by an additional locking operation, the damping members 441c and 442c can reduce the noise and shock caused by the contact between the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 and installation parts 431_3 and 432_3.

[0159] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the flat state of the locking structure according to the embodiment.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 9, when the first body structure and the second body structure of the foldable electronic device are in a flat state, the first plate attachment part 410 and the second plate attachment part 420 can be bonded to each other as illustrated. For example, the second mounting part 432 of the second plate attachment part 420 can be installed in the second mounting hole 414c formed in the first plate attachment part 410. The second mounting hole 414c may be in the shape of a circular hole, and at least a portion of the second mounting piece 432 that is inserted into the second mounting hole 414c may be hemispherical in shape.

[0161] The center 900_1 of the second mounting piece 432 and the center 900_2 of the second mounting hole 414c may be offset from each other. For example, the first plate attachment part 410 may be eccentrically designed such that the center 900_1 of the second installation part 432 is located eccentric from the center 900_2 of the second installation hole 414c in one direction (eg, the y direction). Since the second mounting member 432, a protruding portion that has a hemispherical shape, is disposed in one direction offset (i.e., facing in the same direction) in the flat state of the foldable electronic device, the second mounting member 432 can be positioned near the inner peripheral surface. the second mounting hole 414c, and thus the third locking structure 400c, can prevent the second mounting piece 432 from moving at the second plate attachment piece 420 in the direction of rotation 900.

[0162] The third locking structure 400c can support the housing structures 121 and 122 such that the foldable electronic device in a flat state does not further bulge outward (eg, in the z direction) such that the display does not bulge outward. For example, a secure stop in a 180 degree flat state can be realized by providing force in the 900 direction during the hinge movement of the electronic device.

[0163] FIG. 10a is a sectional view illustrating the layout of the lock structure in the foldable electronic device in the second state, according to the embodiment. Fig. 10b is a perspective sectional view illustrating the arrangement of the lock structure in the foldable electronic device in the second state, according to the embodiment.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 10a and 10b, when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the second state (for example, the folded state in which the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 face each other), the first plate attachment part 410 attached to the first hinge plate 141 can is in a vertical position in the hinge body 150 in one direction (eg, the z direction). Similarly, the second plate attachment piece 420 attached to the second hinge plate 142 may be vertical in the hinge body 150 in one direction. Accordingly, the first plate attachment part 410 and the second plate attachment part 420 can face each other in a state that they are separated from each other by a predetermined interval. The display 110 may be positioned between the first cabinet structure 121 and the second cabinet structure 122 with the central area 53 of the display 110 folded.

[0165] FIG. 11a is a sectional view illustrating the arrangement of a locking structure in a foldable electronic device unfolded at a predetermined angle according to an embodiment. Fig. 11b is a perspective sectional view illustrating the layout of the locking structure in the foldable electronic device unfolded at a predetermined angle according to the embodiment.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 11a and 11b, when the foldable electronic device 100 is unfolded at a predetermined angle (for example, when the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 are rotated through the specified angle to go from the folded state to the flat state), the first plate attachment part 410 attached to the first hinge plate 141 can transition in the hinge body 150 from a state of forming a first angle (e.g., about 90 degrees) with the y-axis to a state of forming a second angle (e.g., about 45 degrees) that is different from the first angle with the y-axis. Similarly, the second plate attaching part 420 attached to the second hinge plate 142 can change in the hinge body 150 from a state of forming a first angle (for example, about 90 degrees) with the y-axis to a state of forming a second angle (for example, about 45 degrees), which is different from the first angle, with the y-axis. The first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 can be folded out about 45 degrees (or about -45 degrees) in opposite directions when folded. Accordingly, the internal angle between the first plate attachment part 410 and the second plate attachment part 420 may be about 90 degrees. In this operation, the first plate attachment part 410 and the second plate attachment part 420 can be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined interval and can be in an inclined state without being in contact with each other. The display 110 may be positioned between the first cabinet structure 121 and the second cabinet structure 122, with the central display area 53 decomposed into a specified range of angles from the folded state. The first plate attachment part 410, connected to the first body structure 121 through the first hinge plate 141, can rotate about the first virtual axis 1001 in a specified range of angles (eg, 0 degrees to 90 degrees). The second plate attachment piece 420, connected to the second body structure 122 via the second hinge plate 142, can rotate about the second virtual axis 1002 in a specified range of angles (eg, 180 degrees to 90 degrees). The first virtual axis 1001 and the second virtual axis 1002 may be virtually formed over the first hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142.

[0167] FIG. 12a is a sectional view illustrating the arrangement of a locking structure in a foldable electronic device unfolded at a predetermined angle according to an embodiment. Fig. 12b is a perspective sectional view illustrating the layout of the locking structure in the foldable electronic device unfolded at a predetermined angle according to the embodiment.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 12a and 12b, when the foldable electronic device 100 is unfolded at a predetermined angle (for example, when the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 are further unfolded from the state of Figs. 11a and 11b during the articulation movement), the first plate attachment part 410 attached to the first hinge plate 141 may be tilted in the hinge body 150 at a specified angle (eg, about 60 degrees or about 70 degrees) from one direction (eg, the z direction) to a third direction (eg, -y). Similarly, the second plate attachment piece 420 attached to the second hinge plate 142 can be tilted in the hinge body 150 at a specified angle (e.g., about -60 degrees or about -70 degrees) from one direction to a fourth direction (e.g., y) . The first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 may be folded out 60 degrees and -60 degrees (or 70 degrees and -70 degrees) in opposite directions when folded (eg, the state in Figs. 10a and 10b). Accordingly, the internal angle between the first plate attachment part 410 and the second plate attachment part 420 may be 120 degrees (or 140 degrees). In this operation, at least a portion of the first plate attachment portion 410 and at least a portion of the second plate attachment portion 420 may come into contact with each other. For example, the curved portions 413d and 414d of the first plate attachment part 410 may come into contact with the mounting parts 431 and 432 of the second plate attachment part 420. In this state, the foldable electronic device 100 can be temporarily fixed in the current state by the elastic force of the elastic member 430 of the second plate attachment part 420 and the friction between the mounting parts 431 and 432 and the curved portions 413d and 414d. The display 110 located on the cabinet structures 121 and 122 can be folded out at a larger angle than the folding angle in FIG. 11a and 11b to match the layout angle of the hull structures 121 and 122.

[0169] FIG. 13a is a sectional view illustrating the layout of the lock structure in the foldable electronic device in the first state, according to the embodiment. Fig. 13b is a perspective sectional view illustrating the layout of the lock structure in the foldable electronic device in the first state, according to the embodiment.

[0170] Referring to FIG. 13a and 13b, when the foldable electronic device 100 is in the first state (for example, when the first body structure 122 and the second body structure 122 are in the flat state), the first plate attachment part 410 attached to the first hinge plate 141 and the second attachment part 420 plates attached to the second hinge plate 142 may be attached to each other and may be located in the hinge body 150. The mounting parts 431 and 432 of the second plate attachment part 420 can be installed in the installation holes 413c and 414c of the first plate attachment part 410. The display 110 can be folded 180 degrees to fit the 180 degree folded cabinet structures 121 and 122.

[0171] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the shape of the stop structure according to the embodiment.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 14, the locking structure 1200 includes a first plate attachment piece 1210 and a second plate attachment piece 1220.

[0173] The first plate attachment piece 1210 may include a first attachment body 1211, a first support section 1213, and/or a second support section 1214.

[0174] The first attachment body 1212 may have a predetermined thickness and surface, and may include, at its center, a plate mounting portion 1211a formed with a step so as to be attached to the first hinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142). The plate attachment hole 1211a_1, which is used to attach the hinge plate, may be located on one side of the plate installation portion 1211a. The first attachment body 1211 may include at least one attachment protrusion 1211_2 that guides the hinge plate at the time the hinge plate is attached to the first attachment body 1211.

[0175] The first support portion 1213 may extend from one end of the first attachment body 1211 (eg, the -x direction) in one direction (-y). The first support portion 1213 may include, for example, a first wing 1213a of a predetermined width and extending in the same direction (-y), and a first step 1213b (or raised portion) extending from the end of the first wing 1213a in the same direction (-y) and protruding inward (for example, in the x direction) by the specified height. The first step 1213b may have a predetermined slope from the top (eg, z direction) to the bottom (eg, -z direction) to smoothly support inward movement of the first mounting piece 1231 of the second plate attachment piece 1220 by making contact with the first mounting piece 1231 through rotational movement.

[0176] The second support portion 1214 may extend from the opposite end of the first attachment body 1211 (eg, the x direction) in one direction (-y). The second support section 1214 may include, for example, a second wing 1214a of a predetermined width and extending in the same direction (-y), and a second step 1214b (or raised portion) extending from the end of the second wing 1214a in the same direction (-y) and protruding inward (for example, in the -x direction) to the specified height. The second leg 1214 may be positioned to be symmetrical to the first leg 1213 while facing the first leg 1213. Similar to the first step 1213b, the second step 1213b may have a predetermined slope from the top (e.g., z direction) to the bottom. (for example, the -z direction) to smoothly support movement inward of the second installation part 1232 of the second plate attachment part 1220 by making contact with the second installation part 1232 through rotational motion.

[0177] The second plate attachment part 1220 may include a second attachment body 1221, an installation body 1222, an elastic member 1230, and installation parts 1231 and 1232. The second attachment body 1221, the installation body 1222, and the resilient member 1230 may be components that are exactly the same or similar to the second attachment body 421, the installation body 422, and the resilient member 430 described above with reference to FIG. 4a. For example, the second attachment body 1221 may include a plate mounting portion 1221a, a plate attachment hole 1221a_1, and at least one attachment protrusion 1221a_2.

[0178] Mounting parts 1231 and 1232 may include a column 1232_1, a flange 1232_2 that extends from the column 1232_1 and which locks into a locking hole formed in the mounting body 1222, and a cam-shaped (or ridge-shaped) protrusion 1232_3 (or body). or shape, at least part of which has a cross section in the form of a triangular top) that protrudes from the flange 1232_2 and has a cross section that is smaller than the flange 1232_2, and sloping sides at the distal end. The protrusions 1232_3 can move into the first part 1210 joining the plate, being in contact with the surfaces of the steps 1213b and 1214b. The support portions 1213 and 1214 of the locking structure 1200 may not have separate mounting holes formed therein, and thus the manufacture of the device may be further simplified.

[0179] All or at least a portion of at least one of the first plate attachment part 1210, the second plate attachment part 1220, and the mounting parts 1231 and 1232 may be formed from a non-metallic material or a metallic material. At least a partial area of the first plate connection part 1210, which includes the areas in contact with the installation parts 1231 and 1232, may be formed from a metal material for rigidity. At least a partial area of the mounting holes into which the mounting parts 1231 and 1232 are installed may be formed from a metallic material for rigidity or wear resistance.

[0180] FIG. 15a is a view illustrating the shape of the stop structure according to the embodiment. Fig. 15b is a view illustrating the collapsed state of the stop structure with respect to the section line D-D' in FIG. 15a according to the embodiment.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 15a and 15b, the stop structures 1600a and 1600b are connected to the first hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142. The first locking structure 1600a may include a first plate attachment piece 1610 coupled to the first hinge plate 141 and a second plate attachment piece 1620 coupled to the second hinge plate 142. At least a portion of the first plate attachment piece 1610 and at least a portion of the second plate attachment piece 1620 may be formed from a metallic material or a non-metallic material (eg, a plastic material).

[0182] The first plate attachment part 1610 may include a first base body 1611 that is attached to the first hinge plate 141 and that is shaped like a panel that extends in one direction (e.g., a first axis (x) or a second axis (-x) ), a first wing 1612a and a second wing 1612b that extend from opposite sides of the first base body 1611 in a third direction (-y), a first mounting piece 1613a extending vertically from the first wing 1612a in an upward (z) direction, and a second mounting piece 1613b extending vertically from the second wing 1612b in the upward (z) direction. The first wing 1612a and the second wing 1612b may be positioned to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the third axis (-y axis). The first fitting part 1613a and the second fitting part 1613b may be arranged to be symmetrical to each other with respect to the third axis (-y axis). The first attachment holes 1615, which are used to attach to the first hinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142), may be formed in the first base body 1611. the first part 1613a installation. One surface of the first recess 1614a may be formed to extend further beyond the surrounding area. The second recess 1614b, which is used for fastening with the second plate attachment part 1620, can be formed on the second installation part 1613b. The surface of the second recess 1614b may be formed to extend further beyond the surrounding area. The first recess 1614a and the second recess 1614b may be located facing each other. At least a portion of the first recess 1614a and the second recess 1614b may include a through hole formed through its front and rear, or may be formed into a hole shape by removing a protruding portion thereof.

[0183] The second plate attachment piece 1620 may include a second base body 1621 that is attached to the second hinge plate 142 (or the first hinge plate 141) and that is shaped like a panel that extends in one direction (e.g., the direction of the first axis (x ) or the second axis (-x)), a bridge 1624 extending from opposite sides of the second base body 1621 in the direction of the fourth axis (y), and a third installation part 1621a and a fourth installation part 1621b that extend from opposite sides of the bridge 1624 in the direction ( z-axis direction) which is perpendicular to the surface of the web 1624. The second attachment hole 1623, which is used to attach the second hinge plate 142, may be formed in the second base body 1621. parts 1613a installation, can be formed on the third part 1621a installation. The third recess 1622a may be formed to be larger than the first recess 1614a. The fourth recess 1622b, which is bonded to the second recess 1614b formed on the second fitting part 1613b, may be formed on the fourth fitting part 1621b. The fourth recess 1622b may be formed to be larger than the second recess 1614b. The third recess 1622a and the fourth recess 1622b may be positioned facing each other. At least one of the third recess 1622a and the fourth recess 1622b can be formed into the shape of a hole by removing at least a portion thereof. For example, the third and fourth recesses 1622a and 1622b can be formed into a hole shape by retaining the outwardly protruding portions of the third and fourth recesses 1622a and 1622b of the installation parts 1621a and 1621b, and removing the remaining upper protrusion portions.

[0184] When the foldable electronic device is in a flat state (for example, when the first hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142 are placed side by side), the third installation part 1621a and the fourth installation part 1621b can be located between the first installation part 1613a and the second part 1613b installation. The interval between the third fitting part 1621a and the fourth fitting part 1621b may be shorter than the interval between the first fitting part 1613a and the second fitting part 1613b. The first to fourth parts 1613a, 1613b, 1621a, and 1621b of the installations may have the same thickness or a similar thickness.

[0185] When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state (for example, when the first hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142 face each other), the first plate attachment part 1610 connected to the first hinge plate 141 and the second plate attachment part 1620, connected to the second hinge plate 142 may face each other. The first fitting part 1613a can be spaced apart from the third fitting part 1621a by a predetermined interval, and the second fitting part 1613b can be spaced apart from the fourth fitting part 1621b by a predetermined interval. The recesses 1614a, 1614b, 1622a, and 1622b can be fastened, or separated, to each other while the first through fourth fittings 1613a, 1613b, 1621a, and 1621b rotate through a specified angle in the hinge body 150.

[0186] The second stop structure 1600b may be placed in the same direction as, or in a direction different from, the first stop structure 1600a. The first plate attachment part 1610 of the second lock structure 1600b can be connected to the second hinge plate 142, and the second plate attachment part 1620 of the second lock structure 1600b can be connected to the first hinge plate 141.

[0187] The hinge module 200 may include a hinge body 150 and a locking structure 1600a mounted in the hinge body 150. The lock structure 1600a may include a first plate attachment piece 1610 connected to the first body structure 121 and a second plate attachment piece 1620 connected to the second body structure 122. The first plate attachment piece 1610 may include a first base body 1611, a first wing 1612a and a second wing 1612b that extend from opposite ends of the first base body 1611 so as to be perpendicular to the first base body 1611, with the first mounting piece 1613a extending vertically from the first wing 1612a, the second mounting piece 1613b extending vertically from the second wing 1612b. The second plate connection piece 1620 may include a second base body 1621, a web 1624 connected to the second base body 1621, and a third mounting piece 1621a and a fourth mounting piece 1621b that extend from opposite ends of the web 1624 so as to be perpendicular to the web 1624. The first fitting part 1613a and the second fitting part 1613b may have a first recess 1614a and a second recess 1614b formed on the surfaces facing the first fitting part 1613a and the second fitting part 1613b, respectively, and the third fitting part 1621a and the fourth fitting part 1621b may have a third a recess 1622a and a fourth recess 1622b formed on the surfaces facing the third fitting part 1621a and the fourth fitting part 1621b, respectively. When the first hull structure and the second hull structure are in a flat state, the first recess 1614a may be bonded to the third recess 1622a, and the second recess 1614b may be bonded to the fourth recess 1621b.

[0188] FIG. 16a is an exploded perspective view of the third hinge structure of the foldable electronic device in the second state, according to the embodiment. Fig. 16b is a sectional view illustrating the layout area of the third hinge structure of the foldable electronic device in the first state, according to the embodiment.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 16a and 16b, insertion sites 415 each surrounded by a plurality of inner walls are formed in the main brackets 1411 and 1412 of the third hinge structure 40, and the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 can be inserted into the insertion sites 415. Even when an impact is applied to an electronic device (for example, the foldable electronic device 100), separation of the assembled parts can be prevented and the number of parts can be reduced, resulting in a decrease in the failure rate.

[0190] To achieve this, the third hinge structure 40 for connecting a plurality of electronic device bodies may include a plurality of main brackets 1411 and 1412, including insertion sites 415 each surrounded by a plurality of inner walls, a plurality of inner brackets 1421 and 1422 , which are inserted into the insertion positions 415 and include internal gears 4241 and 4242 and rotate along a certain rotation path, and a plurality of main shafts 1431 and 1432 which include gears formed on their outer peripheral surfaces and which engage with internal gears 4241 4242, and which rotate together when the plurality of inner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate.

[0191] The main brackets 1411 and 1412 can be fixed to the hinge body 150 and can serve as a body for a third hinge structure 40 on which other parts are assembled. The main brackets 1411 and 1412 may include insertion sites 415 each surrounded by a plurality of internal walls. The number of main brackets is not limited to the two main brackets 1411 and 1412, and other numbers of main brackets (for example, three main brackets or more) can be formed.

[0192] The inner brackets 1421 and 1422 can be inserted into the insertion positions 415 included in the main brackets 1411 and 1412 and can be fixed on the first body and the second body 122 to rotate the first body 121 and the second body 122. The inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may include inner gears 4241 and 4242. The number of inner brackets is not limited to two inner brackets 1421 and 1422, and other number of inner brackets (eg, three inner brackets or more) can be formed.

[0193] The gears may be formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of the main shafts 1431 and 1432 with an elongated shape, and may be engaged with the inner gears 4241 and 4242. The main shafts 1431 and 1432 may rotate together when the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate. The number of main shafts is not limited. two, and a different number of main shafts can be formed according to the number of inner brackets.

[0194] The third articulated structure 40 may further include parasitic gears 1441 and 1442. Parasitic gears 1441 and 1442 may mesh with gears of main shafts 1431 and 4132 and may connect a plurality of main shafts 1431 and 4132. Accordingly, parasitic gears 1441 and 1442 may transfer the rotational power of the first main shaft 1431 to the second main shaft 1432. The third articulated structure 40 may not include idle gears 1441 and 1442. In this case, the plurality of main shafts 1431 and 1432 may be directly engaged with each other.

[0195] As illustrated in FIG. 16a and 16b, insertion sites 415 each surrounded by a plurality of inner walls are formed in the main brackets 1411 and 1412 of the third hinge structure 40, and the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 can be inserted into the insertion sites 415. The plurality of interior walls may include a pair of interior walls. A pair of inner walls may be located on opposite sides of each of the main brackets 1411 and 1412 in the direction of rotation axes A.R.I of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422. When the first inner bracket 1421 rotates, rotational power can be successively transferred to the first inner gear 4241, the first main shaft 1431 , the first idle gear 1441, the second idle gear 1442, the second main shaft 1432, and the second inner gear 4242, and thus the second inner bracket 1422 can also rotate together.

[0196] FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the third hinge structure 40 taken along the line A-A' in FIG. 16b according to the embodiment.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 16a-17, in an electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 100 in FIG. 2), the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 are connected to rotate relative to each other. For example, when the user rotates the first cabinet structure 121 or the second cabinet structure 122 to unfold the electronic device into the unfolded state, the inner bracket 1421 or 1422 fixed on the first cabinet structure 121 or the second cabinet structure 122 through the first hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142 can be rotated around the A.R.I rotation axis along a predefined rotation path. Since the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 are fixed with the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122, the rotation paths of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may correspond to the ways in which the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 are folded and unfolded. Additionally, the axes of rotation A.R.I of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may correspond to the axes of rotation of the first hull structure 121 and the second hull structure 122 fixed with the inner brackets 1421 and 1422, and may be parallel to the axis of symmetry of the first hull structure 121 and the second hull structure 122.

[0198] Circles of a predetermined radius may be drawn around the rotation axes A.R.I of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422, as illustrated in FIG. 17. The bottom surfaces of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may have arcuate shapes that exist on circumferences to minimize interference when the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate. For example, the bottom surfaces of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may have arcuate shapes, the centers of which are the axes of rotation A.R.I of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422.

[0199] When the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate, the main shafts 1431 and 1432 can also rotate. Axes of rotation A.M. main shafts 1431 and 1432 may correspond to the central axes of the main shafts 1431 and 1432, but may differ from the rotation axes A.R.I of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422. Accordingly, when the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate, the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 can move away from the main brackets 1411 and 1412 such that the upper surfaces of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422, which are fixed to the hinge plates 141 and 142, have a predetermined angle. In contrast, the main shafts 1431 and 1432 can rotate without moving from the main brackets 1411 and 1412. Accordingly, when the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate, the main shafts 1431 and 1432 can move relative to the inner brackets 1421 and 1422.

[0200] The inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may include places 1426 to move, in which the main shafts 1431 and 1432 can move. The rotation paths of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may correspond to the paths along which the main shafts 1431 and 1432 move in the inner brackets 1421 and 1422, and the directions may be opposite to each other. Accordingly, the places 1426 to move can also have arcuate shapes, the centers of which are the axes of rotation A.R.I of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422.

[0201] The inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may include inner gears 4241 and 4242. The inner gears 4241 and 4242 can engage with the gears of the main shafts 1431 and 1432. Accordingly, when the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate, the inner gears 4241 and 4242 can rotate main shafts 1431 and 1432. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the inner gear 4241 may have an arcuate shape centered on the rotation axis A.R.I. 2 internal brackets 1421.

[0202] The gear teeth of the inner gears 4241 and 4242 may protrude into the movement locations 1426. The gear teeth of the inner gears 4241 and 4242 may protrude from the inner peripheral surfaces of the seats 1426 to move in radial directions with respect to the respective axes of rotation A.R.I 1 and A.R.I 2 of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422. The gear teeth of the inner gears 4241 and 4242 may protrude from the outer peripheral surfaces places 1426 for movement in directions to the respective axes of rotation A.R.I 1 and A.R.I 2 of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422.

[0203] The axis of rotation of the first body structure 121 and the axis of rotation A.R.I 1 of the first inner bracket 1421 may be the same, and the axis of rotation of the second body structure 122 and the axis of rotation A.R.I 2 of the second inner bracket 1421 may be the same. The axis of rotation A.R.I 1 of the first inner bracket 1421 may be different from the axis of rotation A.R.I 2 of the second inner bracket 1422. each other when turning. Accordingly, the rotation axes of the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 may be different from each other.

[0204] FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the third hinge structure 40 taken along the line B-B' in FIG. 16b according to the embodiment.

[0205] Referring to FIG. 16a and 18, when the first body structure 121 is rotated, the first inner bracket 1421 fixed to the first body structure 121 through the first hinge plate 141 can be rotated. The first main shaft 1431 is rotatable by the first inner gear 4241 of the first inner bracket 1421, which engages with the gear of the first main shaft 1431.

[0206] As illustrated in FIG. 18, the first main shaft 1431, the first idle gear 1441, the second idle gear 1442, and the second main shaft 1432 are sequentially engaged with each other. The rotational power of the first main shaft 1431 may be transmitted to the first idle gear 1441, the second idle gear 1442, and the second main shaft 1432.

[0207] When the user rotates the first body structure 121 to unfold the electronic device into the unfolded state, the first inner gear 4241 of the first inner bracket 1421 can rotate the first main shaft 1431 in a clockwise direction with respect to FIG. 18. The first main shaft 1431 can transfer rotational power from the first internal gear 4241 to the first idle gear 1441, and can rotate the first idle gear 1441 in a counterclockwise direction with respect to FIG. 18. The first idle gear 1441 can transfer rotational power from the first main shaft 1431 to the second idle gear 1442 and can rotate the second idle gear 1442 in a clockwise direction with respect to FIG. 18. The second idle gear 1442 can transfer rotational power from the first idle gear 1441 to the second main shaft 1432 and can rotate the second main shaft 1432 in a counterclockwise direction with respect to FIG. eighteen.

[0208] The second main shaft 1432 can transfer rotational power from the second idle gear 1442 to the second inner gear 4242 of the second inner bracket 1422. Accordingly, the second body structure 122 fixed to the second inner bracket 1422 through the second hinge plate 142 can be rotated.

[0209] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating the first hinge structure or the second hinge structure of the foldable electronic device, according to the embodiment. Fig. 20a is a plan view of the hinge structure of FIG. 19 according to the embodiment. Fig. 20b is an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of FIG. 19 according to the embodiment. Fig. 20c is a sectional view illustrating the attached state of the hinge structure and the hinge plates of FIG. 19 according to the embodiment.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 19-20c, the first hinge structure 200a (or the second hinge structure 200b) includes a first hinge bracket 1521 connected to the first hinge plate 141, a second hinge bracket 1522 connected to the second hinge plate 142, and a center bracket 1541 on which the a first hinge bracket 1521; and a second hinge bracket 1522.

[0211] The center bracket 1541 may have a predetermined length and width so as to fit into the hinge body 150, and at least a portion of the lower portion of the center hinge 1541 may include a curved surface to fit the inner surface of the hinge body 150. The center bracket 1541 may include a first guide piece 1541a into which the first hinge bracket 1521 is mounted and performs the hinge movement, a second guide piece 1541b into which the second hinge bracket 1522 is mounted and performs the hinge movement, and a bracket body 1541c with the first guide piece 1541a formed on one side thereof, and a second guide piece 1541b formed on its opposite side.

[0212] The first hinge bracket 1521 may have a semicircular cross section and may be inserted into the first guide piece 1541a in the first direction of rotation and then positioned to perform the hinge movement in the first direction of rotation. The first stop 4141 formed on the center bracket 1541 can prevent the first hinge bracket 1521 from rotating through an angle that is greater than the specified angle in the first direction of rotation, and thus the first hinge bracket 1521 cannot be separated from the center bracket 1541.

[0213] The second hinge bracket 1522 may be substantially the same design and size as the first hinge bracket 1521. The second hinge bracket 1522 may have a semicircular cross section and may be inserted into the second guide piece 1541b in the second direction of rotation and then positioned to perform the hinge movement in the second direction of rotation. The second stop 4142 formed on the center bracket 1541 may prevent the second hinge bracket 1522 from rotating through an angle that is greater than the specified angle in the second direction of rotation, and thus the second hinge bracket 1522 cannot be separated from the center bracket 1541.

[0214] The electronic device 100 according to an embodiment may include a hinge body 150, a hinge structure 300 that is located in the hinge body, a first body structure 121 that rotates about a first axis A.R.I 2 that extends along the hinge structure, a second body a structure 122 that rotates about a second axis A.R.I 1 that is parallel to the first axis, a flexible display (e.g., display 110) that includes a first area located on the first body structure and a second area located on the second body structure, and the first a locking structure (for example, the third locking structure 400c) which is located in the hinge body. The first locking structure may include a first member (for example, the second plate attachment part 420) that is connected to the first body structure and includes a first through hole (for example, the first fixing hole 422_1) and a second through hole (for example, the second fixing hole 422_2) located at a distance from the first axis and the second axis, and placed parallel to the third axis 601, the second element (for example, the first plate attachment part 410) which is connected to the second body structure and which is structured to receive part of the first element and includes in itself the first recess or first opening (for example, the first mounting hole 431c) and the second recess or second opening (for example, the second mounting hole 432c) that face the first through hole or the second through hole, respectively, in the unfolded state, the first ball (for example , the first installation part 431), which is associated with the first sk a second through hole and located between the first through hole and the first recess or first opening in the unfolded state, the second ball (for example, the second part 432 of the installation), which is associated with the second through hole and is located between the second through hole and the second recess or second opening in the unfolded state , and an elastic element (for example, the elastic element 430), which is located in the first element between the first ball and the second ball, and which pushes the first ball and the second ball out.

[0215] The electronic device may further include a second locking structure (eg, fourth locking structure 400d) that is located in the hinge body. The second locking structure may include a third member (for example, a third plate attachment part 410_2) which is connected to the second body structure and which includes a third through hole (for example, a third fixing hole 422_3) and a fourth through hole (for example, a fourth fixing hole 422_2) that are spaced from the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis and are arranged parallel to the fourth axis 602 in the folded state, the fourth member (for example, the fourth plate attachment part 420_2) which is connected to the first body structure and which has a structure for receiving part of the third member, and includes a third recess or a third opening (for example, the third installation hole 413_2) and a fourth recess or fourth opening (for example, the fourth installation hole 414_2) that face the third through hole and the fourth through hole, respectively, unfolded, the third ball (for example, the third installation part 431_2) which is connected with the third through hole and is located between the third through hole and the third recess or the third opening in the unfolded state, the fourth ball (for example, the fourth installation part 432_2) which is connected with the fourth through hole and located between the fourth through hole and the fourth recess or the fourth opening in the unfolded state, and the second elastic member 430_2, which is located in the third member between the third ball and the fourth ball, and which pushes the third ball and the fourth ball outward.

[0216] The foldable electronic device 100 may include a foldable housing (eg, hinge module 200) that includes a hinge structure (eg, a third hinge structure 300), a first housing structure 121 that is connected to the hinge structure and that includes the first surface 121 and the second surface 121b which is opposite the first surface, the second body structure 122 which is connected to the hinge structure and which includes the third surface 122a and the fourth surface 122b which is opposite the third surface, and the hinge body 150 in which the first the body structure can be folded around the hinge structure with the second body structure, the first surface facing the third surface in the collapsed state, the first surface and the third surface facing the same direction in the unfolded state, and between the folded state and the unfolded state, the first body the oral structure can rotate about a first axis (for example, the axis of rotation A.R.I 1) that passes through the hinged structure, and the second body structure can rotate about a second axis (for example, the axis of rotation A.R.I 2) parallel to the first axis, flexible display (for example, display 110 ), which includes a first zone 51 that is located on the first hull structure, and a second zone 52 that is located on the second hull structure, in which the first zone and the second zone form the first surface and the third surface together, and the first locking structure (for example , locking structure 400c), which is disposed in the hinge body 150, the first locking structure including a first member (e.g., a second plate attachment part 420) that connects to the first body structure and which includes a first through hole (e.g., a first fixing hole 422_1) and a second through hole (e.g. second fixing its opening 422_2) that are aligned with a third axis (for example, the virtual axis 601) that is spaced from and parallel to the first axis and the second axis, the second member (for example, the first plate attachment part 410) that is connected to the second body structure and formed to receive a portion of the first member in the unfolded state, and which includes a first recess or first opening (e.g., first mounting hole 413c) that faces the first through hole and a second recess or second opening (e.g., second mounting hole 414c), which faces the second through hole, the first ball (for example, the first part 431 of the installation), which is associated with the first through hole and is located between the first through hole and the first recess or the first opening in the unfolded state, the second ball (for example, the second part 432 of the installation) , which is associated with the second through hole and is located between the second through hole and a second recess or second opening in the unfolded state, and a first resilient element (eg, resilient element 430) that is located in the first element between the first ball and the second ball and which pushes the first ball and the second ball outward.

[0217] The foldable electronic device may further include a second locking structure (eg, locking structure 400d) that is located in the hinge body. The second locking structure may include a third member (for example, a fourth plate attachment part 420_2) which is connected to the second body structure and which includes a third through hole (for example, a third fixing hole 422_3) and a fourth through hole (for example, a fourth fixing hole 422_4) that are aligned with a fourth axis (for example, the virtual axis 602) that is spaced from and parallel to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axis in the collapsed state, the fourth element (for example, the third plate attachment part 410_2) that is connected with the first body structure and is formed to receive a part of the third element in the unfolded state and which includes a third recess or third opening (for example, the third installation hole 413c_2) that faces the third through hole, and a fourth recess or fourth opening (for example, the fourth installation hole 414_2) which faces to the fourth through hole, the third ball (for example, the third installation part 431_2), which is connected with the third through hole and is located between the third through hole and the third recess or third opening in the unfolded state, the fourth ball (for example, the fourth installation part 432_2), which connected to the fourth through hole and located between the fourth through hole and the fourth recess or the fourth opening in the unfolded state, and the second elastic member 430_2, which is located in the third member between the third ball and the fourth ball, and which pushes the third ball and the fourth ball out.

[0218] The hinge module 200, to which the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 are connected to perform the hinge movement, may include a hinge body 150 and at least a portion of the first lock structure (for example, the lock structure 400c) that is installed in hinge body. The first locking structure may include a first plate attachment piece (e.g., first plate attachment piece 410) that connects to the first body structure and a second plate attachment piece (e.g., second plate attachment piece 420) that connects to the second body structure. The first plate attachment part may include a first attachment body 411 and support portions 413 and 414 that are connected to the first attachment body and are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance and that have installation zones formed at predetermined positions. The second attachment part of the plate may include a second attachment body 421, an installation body 422 that is connected to the second attachment body, fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 that are formed on opposite sides of the installation body, installation parts 431 and 432 that are installed in the fixing holes, and at least a portion of a resilient member 430 which is installed in the installation body and which presses the installation parts in the direction of the installation zones when the first body structure and the second body structure are in the unfolded state.

[0219] The hinge module may further include a second lock structure 400d. The second locking structure may include a third plate attachment part 410_2, which has exactly the same structure as the first plate attachment part and which is connected to the second body structure, and a fourth plate attachment part 420_2, which has exactly the same design as at the second part of the plate connection and which is connected to the first body structure.

[0220] The first plate connection piece may further include a bridge 412 that extends from the first attachment body, and the support portions may include a first support region 413 that extends from the bridge in a first direction and a second support region 414 that extends from the jumper in the second direction.

[0221] The end of the first support portion may be formed to be curved with a predetermined curvature in a first direction, and the end of the second support portion may be curved with a predetermined curvature in a second direction.

[0222] Each of the installation parts may include at least a portion of a column 432c that is installed on one end of the elastic element, a protrusion 432a that extends from the column and has at least a section installed in the installation area, and a flange 432b, which is located between the column and the ledge and which prevents the installation part from separating from the fixing hole.

[0223] At least a partial protrusion zone opposite the mounting zone may be formed in the form of a cam or a ridge.

[0224] The installation area may be formed in the form of a raised portion protruding from the support portion.

[0225] At least a partial protrusion zone opposite the installation zone may be formed in the shape of a ball.

[0226] The installation area may be formed in the form of a hole formed through the front and back of the support portion.

[0227] The installation area may be formed in the form of a recess in which at least a portion of the surface of the support portion is formed with a step.

[0228] The hinge module 200, with which the first body structure 121 and the second body structure 122 are connected to perform the hinge movement, may include a hinge body 150, at least a part of a plurality of lock structures 400a, 400b, 400c and 400d, which are installed in the hinge body and which provide a stopper feeling in the specified range of angles during the hinge movement of the first body structure and the second body structure, at least a part of the first hinge structure 200a and at least a part of the second hinge structure 200b, which are installed in the hinge body and driven independently of each other, in which each of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure is independently connected to the first body structure and the second body structure, and at least part of the third hinge structure 300, which is installed in the hinge body and connected to the first body structure and the second housing structure, and which includes an intermeshing gear.

[0229] The first hinge structure may be located at one end of the hinge body, and the second hinge structure may be located at the opposite end of the hinge body.

[0230] The third hinge structure may be located between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure.

[0231] At least one of the plurality of lock structures may be located between the first hinge structure and the third hinge structure, and at least one remaining lock structure may be located between the third hinge structure and the second hinge structure.

[0232] The second locking structure adjacent to the first locking structure of the plurality of locking structures may include a third plate attachment part that has exactly the same design as the first plate attachment part and that connects to the second body structure, and a fourth plate connection part which has exactly the same structure as the second plate connection part and which is connected to the first body structure.

[0233] The first hinge structure or the second hinge structure may include a center bracket 1541, a first hinge bracket 1521 that connects to the first body structure and that rotates a specified angle in the first direction, and a second hinge bracket 1522 that connects to the second body structure. structure and which rotates through a specified angle in a direction that is opposite to the first direction. The first hinge bracket and the second hinge bracket may be positioned to be driven independently of each other.

[0234] The third hinge structure may include a first bracket 1421 that is connected to the first body structure, a second bracket 1422 that is connected to the second body structure, and a plurality of gears 43 and 44 that are positioned in connection with gear engagement between the first bracket and a second bracket.

[0235] Each component (e.g., module or program) in accordance with various embodiments may be composed of a single object or multiple objects, some of the sub-components described above may be omitted or additional sub-components may be included in various embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, once combined in a single object, some components (eg, modules or programs) may identically or similarly perform the function that was performed by each respective component prior to combining. According to various embodiments, operations performed by modules, program, or other components may be performed by a serial method, parallel method, iterative method, or heuristic method, or at least some of the operations may be performed in other sequences or omitted. Alternatively, other operations may be added.

[0236] While the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (49)

1. Portable communication device, containing: a body including a first body section (121) and a second body section (122); flexible display (110) placed in the first section of the housing and the second section of the housing; a first hinge plate (141) attached to the first body portion; a second hinge plate (142) attached to the second body section; and hinge (200) attached to the first section of the body and the second section of the body, while the hinge includes: a first hinge structure (140) connected to the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, the first hinge structure including: a first gear (1431) rotatable in accordance with the rotation of the first hinge plate; a second gear (1432) rotatable in accordance with the rotation of the second hinge plate; and a third gear (44) located between the first gear and the second gear and configured to link the first gear and the second gear; a second hinge structure (200a, 200b) connected to the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, the second hinge structure including: a first element (1541) with a first guide piece (1541a) and a second guide piece (1541b) formed thereon; a second element (1521) at least partially housed in the first guide piece and rotatable in a first direction with respect to the first element, the second element being coupled to the first hinge plate; and a third element (1522) at least partially housed in the second guide piece and rotatable in a second direction with respect to the first element, the third element being coupled to the second hinge plate; and a third hinge structure (400b, 1600a) connected to the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate and located between the second hinge structure and the first hinge structure, the third hinge structure including: a first plate attachment portion (410, 1610) attached to the first hinge plate; and the second section (420, 1620) attaching the plate attached to the second hinge plate, wherein the first plate attachment portion and the second plate attachment portion are engaged with each other in a state in which the body is unfolded, and disengaged from each other in a state in which the body is at least partially folded, wherein the first plate attachment portion includes a first wing (1612a) and a second wing (1612b) spaced from each other by a predetermined interval; and wherein at least a portion of the second plate attachment portion is inserted and secured between the first wing and the second wing in a state in which the body is unfolded. 2. The portable communications device of claim 1, wherein the first plate attachment portion includes a first mounting portion (1613a) extending from the first wing and a second mounting portion (1613b) extending from the second wing, and wherein the second plate attachment portion is inserted and fastened between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion when the second plate attachment portion and the first plate attachment portion are attached. 3. The portable communication device of claim 2, wherein the first insertion portion includes a first recess (1614a) into which one side of the second plate attachment portion is inserted when the second plate attachment portion is inserted into the first plate attachment portion, and wherein the second plate attachment portion includes a second recess (1614b) into which the opposite side of the second plate attachment portion is inserted when the second plate attachment portion is inserted into the first plate attachment portion. 4. The portable communication device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second plate attachment portion includes: base body (1621) connected to the second hinge plate; a bridge (1624) extending from the base body; the third section (1621a) installation, passing from the jumper; and a fourth installation section (1621b) extending from the web, the fourth installation section being at a distance from the third installation section. 5. The portable communication device according to claim 4, wherein the second plate attachment portion and the first plate attachment portion are attached, at least a portion of the third mounting portion is mounted in the first recess of the first mounting portion, and at least a portion of the fourth mounting portion is mounted in the second recess the second site of the installation. 6. The portable communication device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the third installation section and the fourth installation section extend from opposite sides of the bridge so as to be perpendicular to the bridge. 7. The portable communication device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the third hinge structure is formed from a metallic material. 8. The portable communication device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in a state in which the body is unfolded, the flexible display is disposed on the front surfaces of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, the first plate attachment portion is disposed on the rear surface of the first hinge plate, and the second portion the attachment plate is located on the rear surface of the second hinge plate. 9. The portable communication device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a fourth hinge structure (400d) connected to the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate and located between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure, the fourth hinge structure having a structure similar to that of the third hinge structure (400b). 10. The portable communications device of claim 9, wherein the fourth hinge structure includes: a third plate attachment portion with a structure corresponding to the first plate attachment portion, the third plate attachment portion being connected to the first hinge plate; and a fourth plate attachment portion with a structure corresponding to the second plate attachment portion, the fourth plate attachment portion being connected to the second hinge plate. 11. Portable communications device according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising: a fifth hinge structure (400c) connected to the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate and positioned between the third hinge structure and the fourth hinge structure, the fifth hinge structure having a structure similar to that of the third hinge structure (400b). 12. The portable communications device of claim 11, wherein the fifth hinge structure includes: a fifth plate attachment portion with a structure corresponding to the first plate attachment portion, the fifth plate attachment portion being connected to the second hinge plate; and a sixth plate attachment portion with a structure corresponding to the second plate attachment portion, wherein the sixth plate attachment portion is connected to the first hinge plate. 13. The portable communication device according to claim 12, wherein in the state in which the body is unfolded, the flexible display is disposed on the front surfaces of the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, the third plate attachment portion and the sixth plate attachment portion are disposed on the back surface of the first hinge plate , and the fourth plate attachment portion and the fifth plate attachment portion are located on the rear surface of the second hinge plate. 14. Portable communication device according to any one of paragraphs. 11-13, further comprising: a sixth hinge structure (400a) connected to the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate and spaced apart from the third hinge structure, the fourth hinge structure and the fifth hinge structure, the sixth hinge structure having a structure similar to that of the third hinge structure (400b ). 15. The portable communications device of claim 14, wherein the sixth hinge structure includes: a seventh plate attachment portion with a structure corresponding to the first plate attachment portion, the seventh plate attachment portion being connected to the second hinge plate; and an eighth plate attachment portion with a structure corresponding to the second plate attachment portion, wherein the eighth plate attachment portion is connected to the first hinge plate.

Images