Foldable electronic device comprising wireless transmission / reception structure

Abstract

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device comprises: a first housing; a second housing; a flexible display disposed over a first surface of the first housing and a second surface of the second housing; a hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; a first antenna positioned in the first housing; a second antenna positioned in the second housing; a first coupling pad disposed to face the radiation direction of the first antenna; a second coupling pad disposed to face the radiation direction of the second antenna; and a connection part which is disposed across the hinge structure and which electrically connects the first coupling pad and the second coupling pad.

Description

Foldable electronic device including a wireless transmitting and receiving structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device including a wireless transmitting and receiving structure.

[0002] The foldable electronic device may include a flexible printed circuit board extending across a hinge portion connecting the first housing and the second housing. The flexible printed circuit board may electrically connect a first electrical element (e.g., a first printed circuit board) housed in the first housing and a second electrical element (e.g., a second printed circuit board) housed in the second housing.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] As the number of signal lines transmitted or exchanged between the first circuit unit housed in the first housing and the second circuit unit housed in the second housing increases, the size of the flexible printed circuit board arranged across the hinge unit increases, which may make it difficult to arrange the flexible printed circuit board in the limited space within the foldable electronic device. In addition, if an external impact, such as a drop of the foldable electronic device, is applied to the hinge unit, the flexible printed circuit board may be damaged.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a foldable electronic device including a signal transmission and reception structure configured to transmit or exchange signals between the first circuit unit and the second circuit unit via wireless communication, replacing a flexible printed circuit board electrically connecting a first circuit unit housed in a first housing and a second circuit unit housed in a second housing. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to solve or at least alleviate the problems mentioned above.

[0006] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0007] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device is provided, comprising: a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display, a hinge structure, a first antenna, a second antenna, a first coupling pad, a second coupling pad, and a connecting portion. The flexible display is disposed across a first surface of the first housing and a second surface of the second housing. The hinge structure rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing. The first antenna is positioned in the first housing. The second antenna is positioned in the second housing. The first coupling pad is positioned to face a radiation direction of the first antenna. The second coupling pad is positioned to face a radiation direction of the second antenna. The connecting portion is disposed across the hinge structure and electrically connects the first coupling pad and the second coupling pad.

[0008] A foldable electronic device including a wireless transmission / reception structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can replace a flexible printed circuit board that electrically connects a first circuit unit accommodated in a first housing and a second circuit unit accommodated in a second housing, thereby improving maintenance compared to a wired connection and reducing constraints on mounting space.

[0009] In addition, the effects that can be obtained or expected from various embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the appearance of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state or a flat state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing appearances of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state taken along line D-D' of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state taken along line E-E' of FIG. 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a coupler taken along line F-F' of FIG. 10, and a cross-sectional view of a coupler taken along line G-G' of FIG. 10, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a circuit board included in a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a circuit board taken along line H-H' of FIG. 25, and a cross-sectional view of a circuit board taken along line I-I' of FIG. 25, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 28 is a graph showing signal transmission and reception performance in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device including a conductive pattern according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and a graph showing signal transmission and reception performance in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device of a comparative example in which the conductive pattern is omitted.

[0039] FIG. 29 is a graph showing signal transmission and reception performance in a folded state of a foldable electronic device including a conductive pattern according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and a graph showing signal transmission and reception performance in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device of a comparative example in which the conductive pattern is omitted.

[0040] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a multi-foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 32 is a block diagram of a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 34 is a block diagram of a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 36 is a block diagram of a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a multi-foldable electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an external electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an external electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). The electronic device (101) may communicate with the external electronic device (104) via the server (108). The electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), and / or an antenna module (197). In various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)) may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device (101). In various embodiments of the present disclosure, some of these components may be implemented as a single integrated circuitry. For example, a sensor module (176), a camera module (180), or an antenna module (197) may be implemented embedded in one component (e.g., a display module (160)).

[0053] The processor (120) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. For example, the term "processor" as used in this disclosure, including the claims, may include various processing circuits, including at least one processor, wherein one or more of the at least one processor may be individually and / or collectively configured to perform the various functions described in this disclosure in a distributed manner. When the terms "processor," "at least one processor," and "one or more processors" as used in this disclosure are described as being configured to perform a number of functions, these terms encompass, for example, without limitation, situations where one processor performs some of the recited functions and other processor(s) perform other of the recited functions, and situations where a single processor may perform all of the recited functions. Furthermore, the at least one processor may include a combination of processors that perform the various recited / disclosed functions, for example, in a distributed manner. The at least one processor may execute program instructions to achieve or perform the various functions.

[0054] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. As at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may load commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) into the volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in the non-volatile memory (134). The processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU)), a neural processing unit (NPU)), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0055] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. The auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor (ISP) or a communication processor (CP)) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing device) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. This learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or may be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be any one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent DNN (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure.

[0056] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., a processor (120) or a sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The various data can include, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include a volatile memory (132) and / or a non-volatile memory (134).

[0057] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), and / or an application (146).

[0058] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in other components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0059] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback, and the receiver can be used for incoming calls. The receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0060] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. The display module (160) may include a touch circuit configured to detect a touch (e.g., a touch sensor), or a sensor circuit configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch (e.g., a pressure sensor).

[0061] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. The audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), or output sound through an audio output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (102)) (e.g., a speaker or headphones) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0062] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. The sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0063] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (102)). The interface (177) may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, and / or an audio interface.

[0064] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (102)). The connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, and / or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0065] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. The haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0066] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. The camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors (ISPs), or flashes.

[0067] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to or consumed by the electronic device (101). The power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0068] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). The battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, and / or a fuel cell.

[0069] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., external electronic device (102), external electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor (AP)) and may include one or more communication processors (CPs) that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. The communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Of these communication modules, the corresponding communication module is a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as BLUETOOTH, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (IR data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, 5G (5 thThe wireless communication module (192) can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a wide area network (e.g., a LAN or WAN), a next generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in a subscriber identity module (SIM) (196) to identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199).

[0070] The wireless communication module (192) is 4G (4 thThe wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies after the 5G network, such as new radio access technology (NR). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (i.e., enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimizing terminal power and connecting multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) may support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., an external electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., a second network (199)). According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0071] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). The antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator including a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). The antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an antenna array). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0072] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board (PCB), an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent to a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0073] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0074] Commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be of the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). All or part of the operations executed by the electronic device (101) may be executed by one or more external electronic devices among the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of executing the function or service itself or in addition, request one or more external electronic devices to execute the function or at least a part of the service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least part of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be utilized, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low delay service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing (MEC). In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an external electronic device (104) or server (108) may be included in a second network (199). The electronic device (101) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0075] Electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may take various forms. Electronic devices may include portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. However, electronic devices are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0076] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present disclosure, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When one element (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected” to another element (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicatively,” the element can be connected to the other element directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0077] The term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, or any combination thereof, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or portion of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0078] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more commands stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more commands stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more commands may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, a 'non-transitory' storage medium is a tangible device, may not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0079] The methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., PLAYSTORE). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0080] Each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may comprise one or more entities. One or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component of the multiple components prior to the integration. The operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0081] In the present disclosure, “disposed on XX” can be understood as disposed adjacent to XX, disposed in substantial contact with XX, or coupled to XX.

[0082] In the present disclosure, “located on XX” may be understood as being located adjacent to XX, positioned in substantial contact with XX, or coupled to XX.

[0083] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, “conductivity” may be understood as “electrical conductivity,” and “non-conductivity” may be understood as “electrical insulation.” When referring to thermal properties, “conductivity” may be understood as “thermal conductivity.”

[0084] In the present disclosure, when the term "substantially" is used to define a structural part (a structure or structural component), the expression including the term "substantially" is understood or interpreted as a technical characteristic produced within the technical tolerances of the method used to manufacture it. Furthermore, the expression "comprising" means that a particular effect or result can be achieved within a certain tolerance, and that a person skilled in the art would know how to achieve that tolerance.

[0085] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating shapes of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state (also referred to as an unfolding state or a flat state) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating shapes of a foldable electronic device (2) in a folded state (also referred to as a folding state) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state taken along line D-D' of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed with respect to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. All combinations of the features described below with respect to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a foldable housing (20), a first display module (25), a second display module (26), a first camera module (301), a second camera module (302), a third camera module (303), a fourth camera module (304), a fifth camera module (305), a light-emitting module (306), a sensor module (307), a first audio input module (not shown separately), a second audio input module (not shown separately), a third audio input module (not shown separately), a fourth audio input module (not shown separately), a first audio output module (not shown separately), a second audio output module (not shown separately), a third audio output module (not shown separately), a key input module, a first connection terminal (311), and / or a second connection terminal (312). In various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (2) may be the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2) may be substantially provided (or formed) by the foldable housing (20). The 'unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2)' and the 'unfolded state of the foldable housing (20)' described in the present disclosure may be interpreted as being substantially the same. The 'folded state of the foldable electronic device (2)' and the 'folded state of the foldable housing (20)' described in the present disclosure may be interpreted as being substantially the same.

[0089] According to various embodiments, the foldable housing (20) may include a first housing (also referred to as a first housing portion or a first housing structure) (21), a second housing (also referred to as a second housing portion or a second housing structure) (22), a hinge cover (23), and / or a hinge portion (24). The first housing (21) and the second housing (22) may be rotatably connected via the hinge portion (24). The first housing (21) and the second housing (22) may be rotatable relative to each other with respect to the hinge portion (24). The hinge portion (also referred to as a hinge structure, a hinge module, or a hinge assembly) (24) may include, for example, one or more hinges (e.g., a first hinge (241), a second hinge (242), and / or a third hinge (243)).

[0090] According to various embodiments, a first display module (also referred to as a first display) (25) may be disposed in a foldable housing (20). The first display module (25) may include, for example, a flexible display module (also referred to as a flexible display) or a foldable display module (also referred to as a foldable display) that can be deformed in response to a transition between an unfolded state and a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0091] According to various embodiments, the first display module (25) may include a display area (250). The display area (250) may include an active area or a screen area capable of displaying an image based on an electrical signal. The display area (250) may include a first display area (251) corresponding to the first housing (21), a second display area (252) corresponding to the second housing (22), and a third display area (253) corresponding to the hinge portion (24). The third display area (253) may extend the first display area (251) and the second display area (252).

[0092] According to various embodiments, the first display area (251) may be disposed in the first housing (21). The shape of the first display area (251) may be maintained by support of the first housing (21). For example, the first display area (251) may be supported by the first housing (21) and provided (or formed) to be substantially flat.

[0093] According to various embodiments, the second display area (252) may be disposed in the second housing (22). The shape of the second display area (252) may be maintained by support of the second housing (22). For example, the second display area (252) may be provided (or formed) substantially flat by being supported by the second housing (22).

[0094] According to various embodiments, the third display area (253) may be positioned corresponding to the hinge portion (24). When the foldable electronic device (2) switches between an unfolded state and a folded state, the third display area (253) may be deformed corresponding to the relative position between the first display area (251) and the second display area (252). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third display area (253) may be arranged substantially flat. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third display area (253) may be arranged in a bent shape. The unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2) may be defined or interpreted as a state in which the third display area (253) is arranged flat. The folded state of the foldable electronic device (2) may be defined or interpreted as a state in which the third display area (253) is arranged in a bent shape.

[0095] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first display area (251) and the second display area (252) may form an angle of about 180 degrees, and the display area (250) may be provided (or arranged) in a substantially flat form. Due to the relative position between the first display area (251) arranged in the first housing (21) and the second display area (252) arranged in the second housing (22) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third display area (253) may be arranged flat. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third display area (253) can be pulled from both sides by the first display area (251) and the second display area (252), and the pulling force can be provided so as to reduce damage to the third display area (253) while placing the third display area (253) flat. The third display area (253) can be provided (or formed) with an extended width so as to be placed flat while reducing stress when pulled by the first display area (251) and the second display area (252) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0096] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the hinge portion (24) can support the third display area (253) of the first display module (25) substantially flat. The hinge portion (24) can, for example, support the third display area (253) so that the third display area (253) can be placed flat without sagging or with reduced sagging in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), thereby reducing a crease phenomenon.

[0097] According to various embodiments, when an external force (e.g., external pressure such as a touch input using a user's finger or a touch input using an electronic pen) is applied to the third display area (253) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the hinge portion (24) can support the third display area (253) so that the third display area (253) can be maintained flat by reducing a sagging phenomenon of the third display area (253).

[0098] According to various embodiments, when an external impact is applied to the foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state, such as due to a drop, the hinge portion (24) may be configured to reduce or absorb the external impact so as to reduce the impact of the external impact on the third display area (253).

[0099] According to various embodiments, the display area (250) of the first display module (25) may substantially provide (or form) the front surface of the exterior of the foldable electronic device (2). The front surface of the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first front surface area provided (or formed) by the first display area (251), a second front surface area provided (or formed) by the second display area (252), and a third front surface area provided (or formed) by the third display area (253). The illustrated coordinate axes of the foldable electronic device (2) are illustrated with respect to, for example, the first housing (21), and a direction parallel to the +z axis may be defined or interpreted as a direction in which the substantially flat first front surface area faces. For example, the first front surface area provided (or formed) by the first display area (251) may be substantially parallel to the xy plane. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the front surface of the foldable electronic device (2) can be provided (or formed) as a substantially flat surface.

[0100] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (2) may be implemented in an infolding manner in which the display area (250) of the first display module (25) (or the front surface of the foldable electronic device (2) where the display area (250) is visually visible) can be folded inward. FIG. 3 illustrates a fully folded state of the foldable electronic device (2) in which the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) are positioned so that they no longer come close to each other. In the fully folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first display area (251) and the second display area (252) (or the first front surface area and the second front surface area) may face each other. For example, in a fully folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) (or, the angle between the first display area (251) and the second display area (252), or the angle between the first front area and the second front area) may be from about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees. In a fully folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the display area (250) may be substantially invisible.

[0101] Although not shown separately, the foldable electronic device (2) may be arranged in an intermediate state between the unfolded state and the fully folded state. For example, in an intermediate state of the foldable electronic device (2) in which the angle between the first housing (21) and the second housing (22) is greater than a certain angle, the foldable electronic device (2) may be configured to provide a user environment in which the user can utilize the display area (250).

[0102] Hereinafter, the 'folded state of the foldable electronic device (2)' of the present disclosure may refer to a fully folded state in contrast to an intermediate state.

[0103] According to various embodiments, when viewing the foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state, the display area (250) of the first display module (25) may be provided (or formed) in a symmetrical shape with respect to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2). The center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) may correspond to the middle of the width of the third display area (253) extending from the first boundary between the first display area (251) and the third display area (253) to the second boundary between the second display area (251) and the third display area (253) when viewing the foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state. The illustrated +x coordinate axis may be, for example, substantially perpendicular to the center line (A), and the illustrated +y coordinate axis may be substantially parallel to the center line (A).

[0104] According to various embodiments, the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) may be defined or interpreted as a 'folding axis' of the foldable housing (20) or the foldable electronic device (2). The folding axis may be substantially provided (or formed) by the hinge portion (24).

[0105] According to various embodiments, the third display area (253) arranged in a bent shape in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2) may be provided (or formed) in a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0106] According to various embodiments, when viewing the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the display area (250) of the first display module (25) may be substantially rectangular.

[0107] According to various embodiments, the first housing (21) may include a first frame (also referred to as a first frame structure or a first framework) (211), and a first cover (also referred to as a first rear cover, a first rear plate, a first back cover, or a first back plate) (212) disposed on (or coupled to) the first frame (211). The combination of the first frame (211) and the first cover (212) may provide (or form) a first rear area and a first side area of ​​an exterior of the foldable electronic device (2). The first frame (211) may provide (or form) at least a portion of the first side area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2). The first cover (212) may provide (or form) at least a portion of the first rear area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2). The first rear area may be oriented in the opposite direction to the first front area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2) provided (or formed) by the first display area (251) of the first display module (25).

[0108] According to various embodiments, the first frame (211) may include a first side (also referred to as a first side member, a first side structure, or a first side bezel structure) (2112). The first side (2112) may surround at least a portion of the space between the first display area (251) and the first cover (212), and may provide (or form) at least a portion of the first side area of ​​the exterior of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0109] According to various embodiments, the first frame (211) may include a first support plate (also referred to as a first support member, a first support structure, a first support portion, or a first bracket) (2111) extending from or connected to the first side (2112). The first support plate (2111) may be a structural element positioned inside the foldable electronic device (2) corresponding to the first housing (21).

[0110] According to various embodiments, the first frame (211) may be provided (or formed) as an integrated or single structure (e.g., a single continuous structure or a complete structure) including a first support plate (2111) and a first side (2112).

[0111] According to various embodiments, the first frame (211) may be provided as a combination of a conductive body (or metal body) (not shown separately) including one or more conductive portions and a non-conductive body (or non-metal body) (not shown separately) including one or more non-conductive portions.

[0112] According to various embodiments, the first support plate (2111) may be positioned at least partially between the first display area (251) and the first cover (212). The first display area (251) may be disposed on the first support plate (2111), and the first support plate (2111) may support the first display area (251).

[0113] According to various embodiments, various electrical components, such as a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (41) of FIG. 4) or a first battery (not shown separately), may be at least partially disposed on the first support plate (2111) of the first frame (211) between the first frame (211) and the first cover (212).

[0114] According to various embodiments, electrical components (or electronic components), or various members related to electrical components, may be disposed on the first frame (211) or the first support plate (2111), or may be supported by the first frame (211) or the first support plate (2111). The first support plate (2111) may include, for example, a first support surface (2111A) and a third support surface (2111B). The first support surface (2111A) may be substantially oriented toward the first display area (251) of the first display module (25). The third support surface (2111B) may be positioned opposite the first support surface (2111A). The third support surface (2111B) may be substantially oriented toward the first cover (212). Electrical components (or electronic parts), or various members related to electrical components, may be disposed on the first support surface (2111A) and / or the third support surface (2111B), or may be supported by the first support surface (2111A) and / or the third support surface (2111B).

[0115] According to various embodiments, the second housing (22) may include a second frame (also referred to as a second frame structure or a second framework) (221) and / or a second cover (also referred to as a second rear cover, a second rear plate, a second back cover, or a second back plate) (222) disposed on the second frame (221). The combination of the second frame (221) and the second cover (222) may provide (or form) a second rear area and a second side area of ​​the exterior of the foldable electronic device (2). The second frame (221) may provide (or form) at least a portion of the second side area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2). The second cover (222) may provide (or form) at least a portion of the second rear area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2). The second rear area may be oriented in an opposite direction to the second front area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2) provided (or formed) by the second display area (252).

[0116] According to various embodiments, the second frame (221) may include a second side (also referred to as a second side member, a second side structure, or a second side bezel structure) (2212). The second side (2212) may surround at least a portion of the space between the second display area (252) and the second cover (222), and may provide (or form) at least a portion of the second side area of ​​the exterior of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0117] According to various embodiments, the second frame (221) may include a second support plate (also referred to as a second support member, a second support structure, a second support portion, or a second bracket) (2211) extending from or connected to the second side (2212). The second support plate (2211) may be a structural element positioned inside the foldable electronic device (2) corresponding to the second housing (22).

[0118] According to various embodiments, the second frame (221) may be provided as an integral or single structure (e.g., a single continuous structure or a complete structure) comprising a second support plate (2211) and a second side (2212).

[0119] According to various embodiments, the second frame (221) may be provided as a combination of a conductive body (or metal body) (not shown separately) including one or more conductive portions and a non-conductive body (or non-metal body) (not shown separately) including one or more non-conductive portions.

[0120] According to various embodiments, the second support plate (2211) may be positioned at least partially between the second display area (252) and the second cover (222). The second display area (252) may be disposed on the second support plate (2211), and the second support plate (2211) may support the second display area (252).

[0121] According to various embodiments, various electrical components, such as a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board (42) of FIG. 4) or a second battery (not shown separately), may be at least partially disposed on the second support plate (2211) of the second frame (221) between the second frame (221) and the second cover (222).

[0122] According to various embodiments, electrical components (or electronic components), or various members related to electrical components, may be disposed on the second frame (221) or the second support plate (2211), or may be supported by the second frame (221) or the second support plate (2211). The second support plate (2211) may include, for example, a second support surface (2211A) and a fourth support surface (2211B). The second support surface (2211A) may be substantially oriented toward the second display area (252) of the first display module (25). The fourth support surface (2211B) may be positioned opposite the second support surface (2211A). The fourth support surface (2211B) may be substantially oriented toward the second cover (222). Electrical components (or electronic parts), or various members related to electrical components, may be disposed on the second support surface (2211A) and / or the fourth support surface (2211B) or supported by the second support surface (2211A) and / or the fourth support surface (2211B).

[0123] According to various embodiments, the first side (2112) of the first frame (211) may include a first side portion (B1), a second side portion (B2), a third side portion (B3), and / or a fourth side portion (B4). The first side portion (B1) may extend in a direction perpendicular to a center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2). The third side portion (B3) may be spaced apart from the first side portion (B1) in a direction parallel to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (e.g., a direction parallel to the y-axis) and may be substantially parallel to the first side portion (B1). The second side portion (B2) may extend or connect one end of the first side portion (B1) and one end of the third side portion (B3). The fourth side portion (B4) may extend or connect the other end of the first side portion (B1) and the other end of the third side portion (B3). The second side portion (B2) and the fourth side portion (B4) may be substantially parallel. The fourth side portion (B4) may be positioned closer to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) than the second side portion (B2).

[0124] According to various embodiments, the first corner (C1) from which the first side portion (B1) and the second side portion (B2) are extended or connected, and / or the second corner (C2) from which the second side portion (B2) and the third side portion (B3) are extended or connected, may be provided (or formed) in a smooth curved shape.

[0125] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the first cover (212) (or in a direction perpendicular to the first cover (212)), the first side portion (B1), the second side portion (B2), the third side portion (B3), and the fourth side portion (B4) may surround the first cover (112).

[0126] According to various embodiments, the second side (2212) of the second frame (221) may include a fifth side portion (B5), a sixth side portion (B6), a seventh side portion (B7), and / or an eighth side portion (B8). The fifth side portion (B5) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2). The seventh side portion (B7) may be spaced apart from the fifth side portion (B5) in a direction parallel to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) and may be substantially parallel to the fifth side portion (B5). The sixth side portion (B6) may extend or connect one end of the fifth side portion (B5) and one end of the seventh side portion (B7). The eighth side portion (B8) may extend or connect the other end of the fifth side portion (B5) and the other end of the seventh side portion (B7). The sixth side portion (B6) and the eighth side portion (B8) may be substantially parallel. The eighth side portion (B8) may be positioned closer to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) than the sixth side portion (B6).

[0127] According to various embodiments, the third corner (C3) from which the fifth side portion (B5) and the sixth side portion (B6) are extended or connected, and / or the fourth corner (C4) from which the sixth side portion (B6) and the seventh side portion (B7) are extended or connected, may be provided (or formed) in a smooth curved shape.

[0128] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the second cover (222) (or in a direction perpendicular to the second cover (222)), the fifth side portion (B5), the sixth side portion (B6), the seventh side portion (B7), and the eighth side portion (B8) may surround the second cover (222).

[0129] According to various embodiments, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first side (2112) of the first frame (211) and the second side (2212) of the second frame (221) can be aligned and overlapped. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first side portion (B1) and the fifth side portion (B5) can be aligned and overlapped. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the second side portion (B2) and the sixth side portion (B6) can be aligned and overlapped. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third side portion (B3) and the seventh side portion (B7) can be aligned and overlapped.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the first side portion (B1), the second side portion (B2), and the third side portion (B3) may be one-sided bezels (or first screen bezels) surrounding one area of ​​the first display module (25) based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2). The fifth side portion (B5), the sixth side portion (B6), and the seventh side portion (B7) may be other-sided bezels (or second screen bezels) surrounding the other area of ​​the first display module (25) based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0131] According to various embodiments, the fourth side portion (B4) and the eighth side portion (B8) may be positioned on opposite sides of the third display area (253). When viewed from above on the front side of the foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state, the fourth side portion (B4) and the eighth side portion (B8) may not be visible.

[0132] According to various embodiments, the hinge cover (also called hinge housing) (23) may be connected to one or more hinges included in the hinge portion (24) (e.g., a first hinge (241), a second hinge (242), and a third hinge (243)).

[0133] According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device (2) is converted from an unfolded state to a folded state, a gap between the first frame (211) and the second frame (221) connected through the hinge portion (24) may open on the opposite side of the third display area (253) due to a change in the relative position between the first frame (211) and the second frame (221) and a change in the state of the hinge portion (24) coupled with the hinge cover (23). The hinge cover (23) may be exposed to the outside through the opened gap. For example, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the hinge cover (23) may be exposed to the outside through the opened gap between the fourth side portion (B4) of the first frame (211) and the eighth side portion (B8) of the second frame (221). The width of the gap between the fourth side portion (B4) of the first frame (211) and the eighth side portion (B8) of the second frame (221) may vary depending on the angle between the first frame (211) and the second frame (221). The hinge cover (23) may be more exposed to the outside in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2) than in the intermediate state of the foldable electronic device (2). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the hinge cover (23) may become a part of the exterior that covers the inside of the foldable electronic device (2). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the side of the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first side area provided by the first side (2112) of the first frame (211), a second side area provided by the second side (2212) of the second frame (221), and a third side area provided by the hinge cover (23).

[0134] According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device (2) is switched from a folded state to an unfolded state, a gap between the first frame (211) and the second frame (221) on the opposite side of the third display area (253) may be closed due to a change in the relative position between the first frame (211) and the second frame (221) connected through the hinge portion (24) and a change in the state of the hinge portion (24) coupled with the hinge cover (23). For example, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a gap between the fourth side portion (B4) of the first frame (211) and the eighth side portion (B8) of the second frame (221) may be closed, and the hinge cover (23) may not be exposed to the outside.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the second display module (26) (also referred to as a second display) may be positioned between the second cover (222) and the second support plate (2211) of the second frame (221). The second display module (26) may be disposed or coupled to the second cover (222) and / or the second support plate (2211). The display area of ​​the second display module (26) may be visually visible through the second cover (222).

[0136] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (2) may be configured to display an image through a second display module (26) instead of the first display module (25) in a folded state.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the first camera module (301), the second camera module (302), the third camera module (303), the fourth camera module (304), and / or the fifth camera module (305) may include one or more lenses, image sensor(s), and / or image signal processor (ISP).

[0138] According to various embodiments, the first camera module (301), the second camera module (302), and the third camera module (303) may be accommodated in the first housing (21) corresponding to the first cover (212) (or the first rear area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2)). For example, the first cover (212) may include a first camera hole (or a first light-transmitting area) corresponding to the first camera module (301), a second camera hole (or a second light-transmitting area) corresponding to the second camera module (302), and / or a third camera hole (or a third light-transmitting area) corresponding to the third camera module (303). The positions or numbers of the camera modules accommodated in the first housing (21) corresponding to the first cover (212) are not limited to the illustrated examples and may vary.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the first camera module (301) (also referred to as a first camera, a first rear camera module, or a first rear camera), the second camera module (302) (also referred to as a second camera, a second rear camera module, or a second rear camera), or the third camera module (303) (also referred to as a third camera, a third rear camera module, or a third rear camera) may include a wide-angle camera module, a telephoto camera module, a color camera module, a black and white camera module, or an IR camera (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) camera, a structured light camera) module.

[0140] According to various embodiments, the first camera module (301), the second camera module (302), and the third camera module (303) may have different properties (e.g., angle of view) or functions.

[0141] According to various embodiments, the first camera module (301), the second camera module (302), or the third camera module (303) may provide different angles of view (or lenses with different angles of view). The foldable electronic device (2) may selectively use the angles of view of the first camera module (301), the second camera module (302), or the third camera module (303) based on a user's selection regarding the angle of view.

[0142] According to various embodiments, the fourth camera module (304) may be accommodated in the first housing (21) corresponding to the first front area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2).

[0143] According to various embodiments, the fourth camera module (304) (also referred to as the fourth camera, the first front camera module, or the first front camera) may overlap the first display area (251) of the first display module (25) when viewed from above the first front area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2). The fourth camera module (304) may be positioned on the back surface of the first display area (251) or below the first display area (251). When viewed from the outside of the foldable electronic device (2), the fourth camera module (304), or the position of the fourth camera module (304), may be substantially not visually distinguishable (or exposed). The fourth camera module (304) may include, for example, a hidden display back camera (e.g., an under display camera (UDC)). External light may pass through the first display module (25) to reach the fourth camera module (304).

[0144] According to various embodiments, although not shown separately, the fourth camera module (304) may be accommodated in the second housing (22) corresponding to the second front area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2).

[0145] According to various embodiments, although not shown separately, an additional camera module (not shown separately) may be accommodated in the second housing (22) corresponding to the second front area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2).

[0146] According to various embodiments, the fifth camera module (305) may be accommodated in the second housing (22) corresponding to the second cover (222) (or the second rear area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2)).

[0147] According to various embodiments, the fifth camera module (305) may be positioned in alignment with or at least partially inserted into an opening provided in the second display module (26). External light may pass through the opening provided in the second cover (222) and the second display module (26) to reach the fifth camera module (305). The opening of the second display module (26) aligned with or overlapping the fifth camera module (305) may be a through hole. In various embodiments, the opening of the second display module (26) aligned with or overlapping the fifth camera module (305) may be provided as a notch (not separately illustrated).

[0148] According to various embodiments, the fifth camera module (305) (also referred to as the fifth camera, the second front camera module, or the second front camera) may overlap the second display module (26) when viewed from above the second rear area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2). The fifth camera module (305) may be positioned on the back surface of the second display module (26) or below the second display module (26). When viewed from the outside of the foldable electronic device (2), the fifth camera module (305), or the position of the fifth camera module (305), may be substantially not visually distinguishable (or exposed). The fifth camera module (305) may include, for example, a hidden display rear camera (e.g., UDC). External light may pass through the second cover (222) and the second display module (26) to reach the fifth camera module (305).

[0149] According to various embodiments, the first camera module (301), the second camera module (302), the third camera module (303), the fourth camera module (304), or the fifth camera module (305) may operate as at least a part of the sensor module. For example, the IR camera module may operate as at least a part of the sensor module.

[0150] According to various embodiments, the light emitting module (306) may be accommodated in the first housing (21) corresponding to the first cover (212) (or the first rear area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2)). The first cover (212) may include a flash hole (or a fourth light transmitting area) corresponding to the light emitting module (306). The light emitting module (306) may include, for example, an LED or a xenon lamp. The light emitting module (306) may include a light source for the first camera module (301), the second camera module (302), and / or the third camera module (303).

[0151] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (2) may further include another light-emitting module (not shown separately) accommodated in the foldable housing (20) corresponding to the front surface of the foldable electronic device (2). The light-emitting module may provide status information of the foldable electronic device (2) in the form of light. In various embodiments, the light-emitting module may provide a light source that is linked to the operation of the fourth camera module (304).

[0152] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (307) may be accommodated in the foldable housing (20) corresponding to the front surface of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0153] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (307) may include an optical sensor module. The optical sensor module may include, for example, a proximity sensor module or a light sensor module.

[0154] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (307) may overlap the first display area (251) of the first display module (25) when viewed from above the first front area of ​​the foldable electronic device (2). The sensor module (307) may be positioned on the back surface of the first display area (251) or below the first display area (251). When viewed from the outside of the foldable electronic device (2), the sensor module (307) or the position of the sensor module (307) may be substantially not visually distinguishable (or exposed). External light may pass through the first display module (25) to reach the sensor module (307).

[0155] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (2) may further include various other sensor modules (e.g., a biometric sensor module) (not shown separately).

[0156] According to various embodiments, the first audio input module may include a first microphone (also referred to as a first microphone) (not shown separately). The second audio input module may include a second microphone (also referred to as a second microphone) (not shown separately). The third audio input module may include a third microphone (also referred to as a third microphone) (not shown separately). The fourth audio input module may include a fourth microphone (also referred to as a fourth microphone) (not shown separately). The first microphone may be accommodated in the first housing (21) in correspondence with, for example, a first microphone hole (H11) included in the first side portion (B1) of the first side (2112). The second microphone may be accommodated in the first housing (21), for example, corresponding to the second microphone hole (H12) included in the third side portion (B3) of the first side (2112). The third microphone may be accommodated in the first housing (21), for example, corresponding to the third microphone hole (H13) included in the third side portion (B3) of the first side (2112). The fourth microphone may be accommodated in the second housing (22), for example, corresponding to the fourth microphone hole (H14) included in the seventh side portion (B7) of the second side (2212). The positions or numbers of microphones and microphone holes corresponding to the microphones are not limited to the examples shown and may vary.

[0157] According to various embodiments, the first audio output module may include a first speaker (not shown separately). The second audio output module may include a second speaker (not shown separately). The first speaker or the second speaker may be a speaker for multimedia playback or recording playback. The first speaker may be accommodated in the second housing (22) corresponding to a first speaker hole (H21) included in the second side (2212), for example. The second speaker may be accommodated in the second housing (22) corresponding to a second speaker hole (H21) provided in the second side (2212), for example. The position or number of speakers for multimedia playback or recording playback and speaker holes corresponding to the speakers are not limited to the illustrated examples and may vary.

[0158] According to various embodiments, the third audio output module may include a third speaker (not shown separately). The third speaker may include a call receiver. The third speaker may be accommodated in the second housing (22) corresponding to a third speaker hole (H23) provided between the second cover (222) and the seventh side portion (B7) of the second side (2212), for example. The location or number of the call speaker and the speaker holes corresponding to the speaker are not limited to the illustrated example and may vary.

[0159] According to various embodiments, the key input module may include a first key (also referred to as a first side key) (309), a second key (also referred to as a second side key) (310), and / or a key signal generating unit (not shown separately). For example, the first key (309) may be positioned in a first key hole included in a second side portion (B2) of the first side (2112), and the second key (310) may be positioned in a second key hole included in the second side portion (B2) of the first side (2112). The key signal generating unit may be configured to generate a first key signal in response to a press or touch on the first key (309), and a second key signal in response to a press or touch on the second key (310). The location or number of key input modules may vary and is not limited to the examples shown.

[0160] According to various embodiments, the first connection terminal (311) (also referred to as a first connector or a first interface terminal) may be accommodated in the first housing (21) corresponding to a first connection terminal hole (e.g., a first connector hole) included in the first side portion (B1) of the first side (2112). The foldable electronic device (2) may transmit and / or receive power and / or data to and from an external electronic device electrically connected to the first connection terminal (311). The first connection terminal (311) may include, for example, a USB connector or an HDMI connector. The positions of the first connection terminal (311) and the first connection terminal hole corresponding to the first connection terminal (311) are not limited to the illustrated example and may vary.

[0161] According to various embodiments, a second connection terminal (also referred to as a second connector or a second interface terminal) (312) may be accommodated in the second housing (22) corresponding to a second connection terminal hole (e.g., a second connector hole) included in the sixth side portion (B6) of the second side (2212). An external storage medium such as a secure digital memory (SD) card, a SIM card, or a universal SIM (USIM) may be connected to the second connection terminal (312). The positions of the second connection terminal (312) and the second connection terminal hole corresponding to the second connection terminal (312) are not limited to the illustrated example and may vary.

[0162] The foldable electronic device (2) may further include various components depending on its provision form. These components are subject to various modifications in accordance with the convergence trend of the foldable electronic device (2), and therefore cannot be all enumerated. However, components equivalent to the aforementioned components may be additionally included in the foldable electronic device (2). In various embodiments, depending on the provision form, certain components may be excluded from the aforementioned components or replaced with other components.

[0163] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0164] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a foldable housing (20) and a first display module (25).

[0166] According to various embodiments, the foldable housing (20) may include a first housing (21), a second housing (22), a hinge cover (23), and / or a hinge portion (24).

[0167] According to various embodiments, the first housing (21) may include a first frame (211). The first frame (211) may include a first support plate (2111) and a first side (2112).

[0168] According to various embodiments, the first support surface (2111A) of the first support plate (2111) may include a first front mounting portion for stably positioning or supporting one or more components, such as the first display area (251) of the first display module (25). The first front mounting portion may be formed, for example, by a combination of surface areas of different heights.

[0169] According to various embodiments, the third support surface (2111B) of the first support plate (2111) (see FIG. 4) may include a first rear mounting portion for stably positioning or supporting one or more components, such as a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board (41) of FIG. 4) and / or a first battery (not shown separately). The first rear mounting portion may be formed, for example, by a combination of surface areas of different heights.

[0170] According to various embodiments, the second housing (22) may include a second frame (221). The second frame (221) may include a second support plate (2211) and a second side (2212).

[0171] According to various embodiments, the second support surface (2211A) of the second support plate (2211) may include a second front mounting portion for stably positioning or supporting one or more components, such as the second display area (252) of the first display module (25). The second front mounting portion may be formed, for example, by a combination of surface areas of different heights.

[0172] According to various embodiments, the fourth support surface (2211B) of the second support plate (2211) (see FIG. 4) may include a second rear mounting portion for stably positioning or supporting one or more components, such as a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board (42) of FIG. 4) and / or a second battery (not shown separately). The second rear mounting portion may be formed, for example, by a combination of surface areas of different heights.

[0173] According to various embodiments, the first display area (251) of the first display module (25) may be disposed on the first support surface (2111A) of the first support plate (2111), and the second display area (252) of the first display module (25) may be disposed on the second support surface (2211A) of the second support plate (2211) via an adhesive material (or bonding material). The adhesive material (or bonding material) may include, for example, a heat-responsive adhesive material (or heat-responsive adhesive material), a photo-responsive adhesive material (or photo-responsive adhesive material), a general adhesive (or general glue), and / or a double-sided tape.

[0174] According to various embodiments, the hinge cover (23) may include a first side wall (also referred to as a first end) (231) and a second side wall (also referred to as a second end) (232). The hinge cover (23) may extend from the first side wall (231) to the second side wall (232) in a direction parallel to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0175] According to various embodiments, the first side wall (231) and the second side wall (232) of the hinge cover (23) may be substantially perpendicular to a direction parallel to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) and may be spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0176] According to various embodiments, the first side wall (231) and the second side wall (232) of the hinge cover (23) may be provided (or formed) to be convex in opposite directions.

[0177] According to various embodiments, the first side wall (231) and the second side wall (232) of the hinge cover (23) may be provided (or formed) substantially symmetrically on opposite sides.

[0178] According to various embodiments, the first side wall (231) of the hinge cover (23) may be positioned corresponding to the first side portion (B1) of the first frame (211) and the fifth side portion (B5) of the second frame (221). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first side wall (231) may be covered by the first side portion (B1) of the first frame (211) and the fifth side portion (B5) of the second frame (221). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first side wall (231) may be exposed to the outside through a gap between the first side portion (B1) of the first frame (211) and the fifth side portion (B5) of the second frame (121).

[0179] According to various embodiments, the second side wall (232) of the hinge cover (23) may be positioned corresponding to the third side portion (B3) of the first frame (211) and the seventh side portion (B7) of the second frame (221). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the second side wall (232) may be covered by the third side portion (B3) of the first frame (211) and the seventh side portion (B7) of the second frame (221). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the second side wall (232) may be exposed to the outside through a gap between the third side portion (B3) of the first frame (211) and the seventh side portion (B7) of the second frame (221).

[0180] According to various embodiments, a portion between the first and second side walls (231, 232) of the hinge cover (23) (hereinafter referred to as a “side wall extension portion (233)”) may extend or connect the first side wall (231) and the second side wall (232). The side wall extension portion (233) may be exposed to the outside through an open gap between the fourth side portion (B4) of the first frame (211) and the eighth side portion (B8) of the second frame (221) in a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2). In an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the gap between the fourth side portion (B4) of the first frame (211) and the eighth side portion (B8) of the second frame (221) may be closed, and the side wall extension portion (233) may not be exposed to the outside.

[0181] According to various embodiments, the hinge cover (23) may include a first side and a second side (2302) provided by a combination of a first side wall (231), a second side wall (232), and a side wall extension (233). The first side may be exposed to the outside in a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2). The second side (2302) may be disposed on an opposite side from the first side. The second side (2302) may include a hinge mounting portion configured to stably position and support the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and the third hinge (243). The hinge mounting portion may be provided by a combination of surface areas of different heights. The hinge mounting portion may include, for example, a first recess (R1) corresponding to the first hinge (241), a second recess (R2) corresponding to the second hinge (242), and a third recess (R3) corresponding to the third hinge (243).

[0182] According to various embodiments, the hinge cover (23) may be coupled with the hinge portion (24). The hinge cover (23) may be connected to the first frame (211) of the first housing (21) and the second frame (221) of the second housing (22) via the hinge portion (24). In the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), when viewed in a direction parallel to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (e.g., a direction parallel to the y-axis), the first housing (21) and the second housing (22), which are connected via the hinge portion (24), may rotate in different directions with respect to the hinge portion (24). The hinge cover (23) may be covered by the first frame (211) of the first housing (21) and the second frame (221) of the second housing (22) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2). The hinge cover (23) may be exposed to the outside through the space between the first frame (211) of the first housing (21) and the second frame (221) of the second housing (22) in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0183] According to various embodiments, the hinge cover (23) may be defined or interpreted as a component included in the hinge portion (24).

[0184] According to various embodiments, the hinge portion (24) may include a first hinge (241), a second hinge (242), a third hinge (243), a first plate (also referred to as a first hinge plate or a first wing plate) (51), and / or a second plate (also referred to as a second hinge plate or a second wing plate) (52).

[0185] According to various embodiments, the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and the third hinge (243) can connect the first frame (211) and the second frame (221). The first frame (211) and the second frame (221) can be rotatably connected to each other through the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and the third hinge (243).

[0186] According to various embodiments, the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and the third hinge (243) may be arranged along the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2), and the third hinge (243) may be positioned between the first hinge (241) and the second hinge (242).

[0187] According to various embodiments, the third hinge (243) may be positioned relative to a center between the first hinge (241) and the second hinge (242) (e.g., a point on the center line (A) that is substantially the same distance from the first hinge (241) and the second hinge (242).

[0188] According to various embodiments, the first hinge (241) may include a first hinge bracket (2411), a second hinge bracket (2412), and / or a first bracket connecting portion (2413). The first hinge bracket (2411) may be positioned or coupled to a first support surface (2111A) of the first frame (211), for example, by screw fastening. The second hinge bracket (2412) may be positioned or coupled to a second support surface (2211A) of the second frame (221), for example, by screw fastening. The first bracket connecting portion (2413) may connect the first hinge bracket (2411) and the second hinge bracket (2412). The first hinge bracket (2411) and the second hinge bracket (2412) may be rotatable with respect to the first bracket connecting portion (2413). The first bracket connecting portion (2413) may be configured such that the first frame (211) to which the first hinge bracket (2411) is fixed and the second frame (221) to which the second hinge bracket (2412) is fixed may be rotated at substantially the same angle in opposite directions. The first bracket connecting portion (2413) may be configured such that the first frame (211) to which the first hinge bracket (2411) is fixed and the second frame (221) to which the second hinge bracket (2412) is fixed may be rotated and maintained at at least one specified angle. The first bracket connection (1413) may have, for example, a free-stop function.

[0189] According to various embodiments, the first bracket connection (2413) of the first hinge (241) may be configured to provide a force that allows the first frame (211) to which the first hinge bracket (2411) of the first hinge (241) is fixed and the second frame (221) to which the second hinge bracket (2412) of the first hinge (241) is fixed to rotate relative to each other. Although not shown separately, the first bracket connection (2413) may be configured as a combination of, for example, at least one shaft, at least one cam gear, and / or at least one compression spring providing elasticity.

[0190] According to various embodiments, the first bracket connecting portion (2413) of the first hinge (241) may be coupled with the hinge cover (23). The first bracket connecting portion (2413) may be coupled with the hinge cover (23) through, for example, a screw fastening.

[0191] According to various embodiments, the first bracket connecting portion (2413) of the first hinge (241) may be positioned or coupled to the first recess (R1) of the hinge cover (23) through screw fastening.

[0192] According to various embodiments, the second hinge (242) may be provided at least partially identical to or substantially identical to the first hinge (241). The second hinge (242) may include, for example, a third hinge bracket (2421) (e.g., the first hinge bracket (2411)), a fourth hinge bracket (2422) (e.g., the second hinge bracket (2412)), and / or a second bracket connecting portion (2423) (e.g., the first bracket connecting portion (2413)). In various embodiments, the second hinge (242) may be arranged on the foldable electronic device (2) in an opposite arrangement direction to the first hinge (241). The third hinge bracket (2421) of the second hinge (242) may be arranged or coupled to the second support surface (2211A) of the second frame (221), and the fourth hinge bracket (2422) of the second hinge (242) may be arranged or coupled to the first support surface (2111A) of the first frame (211).

[0193] According to various embodiments, the second bracket connecting portion (2423) of the second hinge (242) may be coupled with the hinge cover (23). The second bracket connecting portion (2423) may be coupled with the hinge cover (23) through, for example, screw fastening.

[0194] According to various embodiments, the second bracket connecting portion (2423) of the second hinge (242) may be positioned or coupled to the second recess (R2) of the hinge cover (23) through screw fastening.

[0195] According to various embodiments, the third hinge (243) may include a guide rail assembly or a rotational motion guide. The third hinge (243) may include, for example, a first slider (2431), a second slider (2432), and a guide rail (2433). The first slider (2431) may be slidably connected to the guide rail (2433) with respect to the guide rail (2433). The second slider (2432) may be slidably connected to the guide rail (2433) with respect to the guide rail (2433). The guide rail (2433) may include a first guide rail in a sliding pair relationship with the first slider (2431), and a second guide rail in a sliding pair relationship with the second slider (2432).

[0196] According to various embodiments, the guide rail (2433) of the third hinge (243) may be coupled with the hinge cover (23). The guide rail (2433) may be coupled with the hinge cover (23), for example, through screw fastening.

[0197] According to various embodiments, the guide rail (2433) of the third hinge (243) can be placed or coupled to the third recess (R3) of the hinge cover (23) through screw fastening.

[0198] According to various embodiments, the first plate (51) may be positioned corresponding to the first frame (211) of the first housing (21), and the second plate (52) may be positioned corresponding to the second frame (221) of the second housing (22). The first plate (51) and the second plate (52) may be positioned on either side of the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2). The first plate (51) and the second plate (52) may have a first width in a direction parallel to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (e.g., a direction parallel to the y-axis) that is relatively larger than a second width in a direction perpendicular thereto. The first plate (51) and the second plate (52) may extend from the first hinge (241) across the third hinge (243) to the second hinge (242). With respect to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2), one side of the first, second, and third hinges (241, 242, 243) may be positioned between the first plate (51) and the first support plate (2111) of the first frame (211), and the other side of the first, second, and third hinges (241, 242, 243) may be positioned between the second plate (52) and the second support plate (2211) of the second frame (221).

[0199] According to various embodiments, the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) may be connected to the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and the third hinge (243). The first plate (51) and the second plate (52) may be coupled to the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and the third hinge (243), for example, through screw fastening.

[0200] According to various embodiments, the first plate (51) and / or the second plate (52) may be formed of a metal material.

[0201] According to various embodiments, the first plate (51) and / or the second plate (52) may include a conductive portion formed of a metallic material and a non-conductive portion formed of a non-metallic material.

[0202] According to various embodiments, the hinge portion (24) may be configured such that the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) flatly support the third display area (253) of the first display module (25) in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0203] According to various embodiments, the first plate (51) may include a first display support surface (51A) provided corresponding to the third display area (253) of the first display module (25). The second plate (52) may include a second display support surface (52A) provided corresponding to the third display area (253) of the first display module (25). The first display support surface (51A) and the second display support surface (52A) may support the third display area (253) flatly with respect to the first display area (251) and the second display area (252) in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2). The first display support surface (51A) may include a plane that can support one side of the third display area (253) flatly with respect to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2). The second display support surface (52A) of the second plate (52) may include a plane that can support the other side of the third display area (253) flatly with respect to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0204] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first display support surface (51A) of the first plate (51) and the second display support surface (52A) of the second plate (52) can form an angle of substantially about 180 degrees and can be arranged without a substantial height difference. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), even if an external force (e.g., external pressure such as a touch input using a user's finger or a touch input using an electronic pen) is applied to the third display area (253) of the first display module (25), the third display area (253) can be maintained flat due to the support of the first plate (51) and the second plate (52).

[0205] According to various embodiments, although not shown separately, the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) may be provided (or formed) in a form in which a plurality of plates are stacked.

[0206] According to various embodiments, the first bracket connection portion (2413) of the first hinge (241) may include a first center plate (2414) aligned with the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2). The second bracket connection portion (2423) of the second hinge (242) may include a second center plate (2424) aligned with the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2). The center plate (2414) and the second center plate (2424) may support a portion of the third display area (253) of the first display module (25) corresponding to a first display support surface (51A) of the first plate (51) and a second display support surface (52A) of the second plate (52) in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2). The first center plate (2414) and the second center plate (2424) can reduce or prevent sagging or creasing in a portion of the third display area (253) corresponding to the gap between the first display support surface (51A) of the first plate (51) and the second display support surface (52A) of the second plate (52) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0207] According to various embodiments, the third hinge (243) may support a portion of the third display area (253) of the first display module (25) corresponding to a portion between the first display support surface (51A) of the first plate (51) and the second display support surface (52A) of the second plate (52) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0208] According to various embodiments, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) may face each other and be spaced apart from each other. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third display area (253) of the first display module (25) may be bent and positioned between the first plate (51) and the second plate (52).

[0209] According to various embodiments, the hinge portion (24) may be configured such that the relative position of the first plate (51) with respect to the first frame (211) and the relative position of the second plate (52) with respect to the second frame (221) change during the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0210] According to various embodiments, the hinge portion (24) may be configured such that the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) are substantially parallel in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first display support surface (51A) of the first plate (51) and the second display support surface (52A) of the second plate (52) may face each other and be substantially parallel.

[0211] According to various embodiments, the hinge portion (24) may be configured such that the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) form an acute angle in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the space between the first display support surface (51A) of the first plate (51) and the second display support surface (52A) of the second plate (52) may be provided in a form that widens toward the hinge cover (23) so that the third display area (253) of the first display module (25) can be arranged in a bent form that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0212] According to various embodiments, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third display area (253) may be arranged in a bent shape that can reduce a conflict (e.g., bending stress) between a compressive stress occurring in one area of ​​the third display area (253) and a tensile stress occurring in the other area of ​​the third display area (253) based on a neutral plane inside the third display area (253).

[0213] According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device (2) is converted from an unfolded state to a folded state, the third display area (253) of the first display module (25) may be positioned between the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) in a water drop shape or dumbbell shape that can reduce breakage or permanent deformation.

[0214] According to various embodiments, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) can support the third display area (253) of the first display module (25). The third display area (253) can be arranged in a bent shape (e.g., a water drop shape or a dumbbell shape) between the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) to be supported by the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) to reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0215] According to various embodiments, the first slider (2431) of the third hinge (243) can be coupled with the first plate (51), and the second slider (2432) of the third hinge (243) can be coupled with the second plate (52). In response to the change in the relative position of the first plate (51) with respect to the first frame (211) and the relative position of the second plate (52) with respect to the second frame (221) due to the change in the operation (or state change) of the first hinge (241) and the second hinge (242) when the angle between the first frame (211) and the second frame (221) changes, the first guide rail may be configured to guide the path along which the first slider (2431) coupled with the first plate (51) moves with respect to the guide rail (2433), and the second guide rail may be configured to guide the path along which the second slider (2432) coupled with the second plate (52) moves with respect to the guide rail (2433).

[0216] According to various embodiments, the structure in which the third hinge (243) between the first hinge (241) and the second hinge (242) is coupled to the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) can reduce or prevent the phenomenon of the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) being lifted, or the phenomenon of the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) being separated.

[0217] According to various embodiments, the first support plate (2111) of the first frame (211) may include a first hole (also referred to as a first through hole) (401). The first hole (401) may, for example, pass through between a first support surface (2111A) and a third support surface (2111B) (see FIG. 4) of the first support plate (2111). The second support plate (2211) of the second frame (221) may include a second hole (also referred to as a second through hole) (402). The second hole (402) may, for example, pass through between a second support surface (2211A) and a fourth support surface (2211B) (see FIG. 4) of the second support plate (2211).

[0218] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (not shown) that crosses the hinge portion (24). The substrate of the flexible printed circuit may pass through the first hole (401) and the second hole (402).

[0219] According to various embodiments, the first hole (401) and the second hole (402) can overlap and be aligned with each other in a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0220] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0221] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 7. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIG. 7 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0222] Referring to FIG. 7, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first circuit portion (710), a second circuit portion (720), a first antenna (also referred to as a first antenna radiator or a first antenna element) (ANT1), a second antenna (also referred to as a second antenna radiator or a second antenna element) (ANT2), and a conductive pattern (900).

[0223] According to various embodiments, the first circuit portion (710) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the first housing (21) (see FIG. 2).

[0224] According to various embodiments, the first circuit unit (710) may include a first printed circuit board (41) (see FIG. 4) accommodated in a first housing (21) (see FIG. 2), and a plurality of first electrical components electrically connected to the first printed circuit board (41). For example, at least one of the plurality of first electrical components may be disposed on the first printed circuit board (41) or may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board (41) via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of first electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the first printed circuit board (41). The plurality of first electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0225] According to various embodiments, the first circuit unit (710) may include a processor (also referred to as a processing circuit or a control circuit) (711) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a first communication circuit (712), and a plurality of first peripheral elements (713).

[0226] According to various embodiments, the processor (711) may control at least one component (hardware or software component) included in the foldable electronic device (2) and perform various data processing or operations.

[0227] According to various embodiments, the processor (711) may be electrically connected to a first antenna (ANT1) via a first communication circuit (712). The first communication circuit (712) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via the first antenna (ANT1). The first communication circuit (712) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0228] According to various embodiments, the first communication circuit (712) may include a first circuit (7121) for aggregation and disaggregation and a first modem (MODEM (modulator and demodulator)) (7122). The processor (711) may be electrically connected to the first modem (7122) through the first circuit (7121) for aggregation and disaggregation. The first circuit (7121) for aggregation and disaggregation may be electrically connected to the first antenna (ANT1) through the first modem (7122). When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (720), the first circuit (7121) for aggregation and disaggregation may convert a plurality of signals received from the processor (711) into a single signal. Can be aggregated. When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (720), the first modem (7122) modulates the aggregated signal received from the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (7121), and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the first antenna (ANT1). When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (720), the first modem (7122) can demodulate the signal received through the first antenna (ANT1). When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (720), the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (7121) disaggregates the demodulated signal received from the first modem (7122), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to the processor (711).

[0229] According to various embodiments, although not shown separately, the first communication circuit (712) may further include elements such as a filter, an amplifier, a mixer, an oscillator, a digital to analog converter (DAC), or an analog to digital converter (ADC).

[0230] According to various embodiments, the first antenna (ANT1) may be accommodated in the first housing (21) (see FIG. 2). The first antenna (ANT1) may be electrically connected to the first circuit unit (710). The first antenna (ANT1) may receive (or be supplied with) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the first communication circuit (712) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. In various embodiments, the first antenna (ANT1) may be defined as a component included in the first circuit unit (710).

[0231] According to various embodiments, a plurality of first peripheral elements (713) may be electrically connected to the processor (711). The plurality of first peripheral elements (713) may include a display panel included in a display module (e.g., the first display module (25) of FIG. 2), and a touch circuit (e.g., a touch screen panel (TSP)) included in the display module or coupled with the display panel. For example, the plurality of first peripheral elements (713) may include at least one camera module (e.g., the first camera module (301), the second camera module (302), the third camera module (303), and / or the fourth camera module (304) of FIG. 2). For example, the plurality of first peripheral elements (713) may include at least one light-emitting module (e.g., the light-emitting module (306) of FIG. 2). For example, the plurality of first peripheral elements (713) may include at least one sensor module (e.g., the sensor module (307) of FIG. 2). For example, the plurality of first peripheral elements (713) may include at least one audio input module (e.g., a first audio input module corresponding to the first microphone hole (H11), a second audio input module corresponding to the second microphone hole (H12), and / or a third audio input module corresponding to the third microphone hole (H13) as shown in FIG. 2). For example, the plurality of first peripheral elements (713) may include at least one audio output module. For example, the plurality of first peripheral elements (713) may include at least one connection terminal (e.g., the first connection terminal (311) of FIG. 2). For example, at least one of these components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added to the plurality of first peripheral elements (713).

[0232] According to various embodiments, the second circuit portion (720) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the second housing (22) (see FIG. 2).

[0233] According to various embodiments, the second circuit unit (720) may include a second printed circuit board (42) (see FIG. 4) accommodated in a second housing (22) (see FIG. 2), and a plurality of second electrical components electrically connected to the second printed circuit board (42). At least one of the plurality of second electrical components may be disposed on the second printed circuit board (42) or may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board (42) via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of second electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the second printed circuit board (42). For example, the plurality of second electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0234] According to various embodiments, the second circuit unit (710) may include a second communication circuit (722) and a plurality of second peripheral elements (723).

[0235] According to various embodiments, the second communication circuit (722) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via a second antenna (ANT2). The second communication circuit (722) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0236] According to various embodiments, the second communication circuit (722) may include a second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (7221) and a second modem (7222). The second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (7221) may be electrically connected to a second antenna (ANT2) via the second modem (7222). A plurality of second peripheral elements (723) may be electrically connected to the second modem (7222) via the second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (7221). Upon receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (710), the second modem (7222) may demodulate the signal received via the second antenna (ANT2). When receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (710), the second circuit (7221) for aggregation and disaggregation can disaggregate the demodulated signal received from the second modem (7222), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to a plurality of second peripheral elements (723). When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (710), the second circuit (7221) for aggregation and disaggregation can aggregate a plurality of signals received from the plurality of second peripheral elements (723) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (710), the second modem (7222) can modulate the aggregated signal received from the second circuit (7221) for aggregation and disaggregation, and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the second antenna (ANT2).

[0237] According to various embodiments, although not shown separately, the second communication circuit (722) may further include elements such as a filter, an amplifier, a mixer, an oscillator, a DAC, or an ADC.

[0238] According to various embodiments, the second antenna (ANT2) may be accommodated in the second housing (22) (see FIG. 2). The second antenna (ANT2) may be electrically connected to the second circuit unit (720). The second antenna (ANT2) may receive (or be fed) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the second communication circuit (722) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. In various embodiments, the second antenna (ANT2) may be defined as a component included in the second circuit unit (720).

[0239] According to various embodiments, the plurality of second peripheral elements (723) may be electrically connected to a second circuit (7221) for aggregation and disaggregation. For example, the plurality of second peripheral elements (723) may include a display panel included in a display module (e.g., the second display module (26) of FIG. 2) and a touch circuit (e.g., a TSP) included in or coupled to the display module. For example, the plurality of second peripheral elements (723) may include at least one camera module (e.g., the fifth camera module (305) of FIG. 2). For example, the plurality of second peripheral elements (723) may include at least one light-emitting module. For example, the plurality of second peripheral elements (723) may include at least one sensor module. For example, the plurality of second peripheral elements (723) may include at least one acoustic input module (e.g., a fourth acoustic input module corresponding to the fourth microphone hole (H14) as shown in FIG. 2). For example, the plurality of second peripheral elements (723) may include at least one acoustic output module (e.g., a first acoustic output module corresponding to the first speaker hole (H21), a second acoustic output module corresponding to the second speaker hole (H22), and / or a third acoustic output module corresponding to the third speaker hole (H23) as shown in FIG. 2). For example, the plurality of second peripheral elements (723) may include at least one connecting terminal (e.g., the second connecting terminal (312) as shown in FIG. 2). For example, at least one of these components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added to the plurality of second peripheral elements (723).

[0240] According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern (900) may be arranged at least partially across the hinge portion (24) (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of the foldable electronic device (2). The conductive pattern (900) may be arranged across the folding axis (e.g., the center line (A) of FIG. 2) of the foldable electronic device (2). In the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the conductive pattern (900) may be bent.

[0241] According to various embodiments, a signal can be transmitted between the first circuit unit (710) and the second circuit unit (720) through electromagnetic coupling between the first antenna (ANT1) and the conductive pattern (900), and through electromagnetic coupling between the second antenna (ANT2) and the conductive pattern (900).

[0242] According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern (900) may include a third antenna (also referred to as a first coupling pad, a third antenna radiator, or a third antenna element) (ANT3), a fourth antenna (also referred to as a second coupling pad, a fourth antenna radiator, or a fourth antenna element) (ANT4), and an electrical path (also referred to as a thermal connection) (EP). The third antenna (ANT3) may include a conductive pattern positioned in the first housing (21) (see FIG. 2) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the first antenna (ANT1). The fourth antenna (ANT4) may include a conductive pattern positioned in the second housing (22) (see FIG. 2) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the second antenna (ANT2). The electrical path (EP) may electrically connect the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4). The electrical path (EP) may be arranged at least partially across the hinge portion (24) (see FIGS. 2 and 3) of the foldable electronic device (2). The electrical path (EP) may be arranged across the folding axis (e.g., the center line (A) of FIG. 2) of the foldable electronic device (2). When a signal is transmitted from the first circuit portion (710) to the second circuit portion (720), the signal transmitted from the first antenna (ANT1) to the third antenna (ANT3) through the electromagnetic coupling between the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the conductive pattern (900) may move to the fourth antenna (ANT4) through the electrical path (EP), and may be transmitted from the fourth antenna (ANT4) to the second antenna (ANT2) through the electromagnetic coupling between the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the conductive pattern (900).When a signal is transmitted from the second circuit unit (720) to the first circuit unit (710), the signal transmitted from the second antenna (ANT2) to the fourth antenna (ANT4) through the electromagnetic coupling between the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) moves to the third antenna (ANT3) through the electrical path (EP), and can be transmitted from the third antenna (ANT3) to the first antenna (ANT1) through the electromagnetic coupling between the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3).

[0243] According to various embodiments, although not shown separately, a direct electrical connection between the conductive pattern (900) and the first printed circuit board (41) (see FIG. 4) of the first circuit portion (710) can be implemented by replacing the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the conductive pattern (900).

[0244] According to various embodiments, although not shown separately, a direct electrical connection between the conductive pattern (900) and the second printed circuit board (42) of the second circuit portion (720) (see FIG. 4) can be implemented by replacing the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the conductive pattern (900).

[0245] Below, various examples of foldable electronic devices (2) including a challenging pattern (900) will be described with drawings.

[0246] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state taken along line E-E' of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a coupler (90) taken along line F-F' of FIG. 10 and a cross-sectional view of the coupler (90) taken along line G-G' of FIG. 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The position of line E-E' of FIG. 2 corresponding to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 is not limited to the example of FIG. 2.

[0247] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed with respect to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11. All combinations of the features described below with respect to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0248] Referring to FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first support plate (e.g., a first bracket) (2111), a second support plate (e.g., a second bracket) (2211), a hinge cover (23), a first cover (e.g., a first rear cover) (212), a second cover (e.g., a second rear cover) (222), a first display module (25), a first plate (e.g., a first hinge plate or a first wing plate) (51), a second plate (e.g., a second hinge plate or a second wing plate) (52), a first printed circuit board (41), a second printed circuit board (42), a first antenna module (81), a second antenna module (82), and a coupler (also called a coupling member) (90).

[0249] According to various embodiments, the first display module (25) may be arranged flat in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third display area (253) may extend substantially smoothly and flatly from the first display area (251) and the second display area (252).

[0250] According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device (2) is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state, the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) can support the third display area (253) of the first display module (25) in a flat manner. One or more hinges (e.g., the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and / or the third hinge (243) of FIG. 5) operatively connected to the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) can be configured such that the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) support the third display area (253) in a flat manner when the foldable electronic device (2) is converted from a folded state to an unfolded state.

[0251] According to various embodiments, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first display area (251) and the second display area (252) of the first display module (25) may face each other, and the third display area (253) of the first display module (25) may be positioned between the first plate (51) and the second plate (52). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third display area (253) may be positioned between the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) in a bent shape (e.g., a water drop shape or a dumbbell shape) that may be supported by the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) to reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0252] According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device (2) is converted from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) operatively connected to one or more hinges (e.g., the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and / or the third hinge (243) of FIG. 5) may face each other and form an acute angle (not separately illustrated). When the foldable electronic device (2) is converted from an unfolded state to a folded state, the space between the first plate (51) and the second plate (52) may be provided in a form that widens toward the hinge cover (23) so that the third display area (253) of the first display module (25) can be arranged in a bent shape (e.g., a teardrop shape or a dumbbell shape) that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon.

[0253] According to various embodiments, the first support plate (2111) may include a first portion (also referred to as a first support area or a first hinge area) (61) extending from a fourth side portion (B4) of the first side (2112) (see FIG. 4). A first hinge bracket (2411) of the first hinge (241) (see FIG. 5), a fourth hinge bracket (2422) of the second hinge (242) (see FIG. 5), and a first slider (2431) of the third hinge (243) (see FIG. 5) may be coupled with the first portion (61).

[0254] According to various embodiments, the first portion (61) of the first support plate (2111) may be positioned at least partially between the first cover (212) and the first plate (51).

[0255] According to various embodiments, in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first portion (61) of the first support plate (2111) may be positioned relative to the hinge cover (23) so as to cover a portion of the hinge cover (23) with respect to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (see FIG. 2). In a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first portion (61) may be positioned relative to the hinge cover (23) so as not to cover a portion of the hinge cover (23) with respect to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (see FIG. 2).

[0256] According to various embodiments, the hinge cover (23) may include a third curved surface that is exposed to the outside in a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2) based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (see FIG. 2), and the first part (61) of the first support plate (2111) may include a first curved surface (611) corresponding to the third curved surface of the hinge cover (23).

[0257] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a portion of the hinge cover (23) may be positioned between the first portion (61) of the first support plate (2111) and the first plate (51).

[0258] According to various embodiments, the first portion (61) of the first support plate (2111) may include a first recessed portion (also referred to as a first recessed surface) (610). By virtue of the first recessed portion (610), the first portion (61) may have a fine-shaped space (6101) toward the first cover (212) with respect to the first display area (251) that is arranged substantially flat. When viewed from above the first cover (212) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2) (or in a direction perpendicular to the first cover (212)), the first recessed portion (610) (or the space (6101) by the first recessed portion (610)) can be positioned between the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (see FIG. 2) and the first display area (251). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a portion (511) of the first plate (51) can be accommodated in the first recessed portion (610) (or the space (6101) by the first recessed portion (610)). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a portion of the first plate (51) may be accommodated in the first recessed portion (610) (or the space (6101) by the first recessed portion (610)). In the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the relative position of the first plate (51) with respect to the first recessed portion (610) may change. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a portion of the hinge cover (23) may be accommodated in the first recessed portion (610) (or the space (6101) by the first recessed portion (610)) and may face the first curved surface (611) included in the first recessed portion (610).

[0259] According to various embodiments, the fourth side portion (B4) may be defined or interpreted as an element included in the first portion (61) of the first support plate (2111) rather than the first side (2112) (see FIG. 4).

[0260] According to various embodiments, the first support plate (2111) may be provided (or formed) as a combination of at least one conductive portion and at least one non-conductive portion.

[0261] According to various embodiments, the second support plate (2211) may include a second portion (also referred to as a second support area or a second hinge area) (62) extending from the eighth side portion (B8) of the second side (2212) (see FIG. 4). A second hinge bracket (2412) of the first hinge (241) (see FIG. 5), a third hinge bracket (2421) of the second hinge (242) (see FIG. 5), and a second slider (2432) of the third hinge (243) (see FIG. 5) may be coupled with the second portion (62).

[0262] According to various embodiments, the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211) may be positioned at least partially between the second cover (222) and the second plate (52).

[0263] According to various embodiments, in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211) may be positioned relative to the hinge cover (23) so as to cover a portion of the hinge cover (23) with respect to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (see FIG. 2). In a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the second portion (62) may be positioned relative to the hinge cover (23) so as not to cover a portion of the hinge cover (23) with respect to the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (see FIG. 2).

[0264] According to various embodiments, the hinge cover (23) may include a fourth curved surface that is exposed to the outside in a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2) based on the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (see FIG. 2), and the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211) may include a second curved surface (621) corresponding to the fourth curved surface of the hinge cover (23).

[0265] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a portion of the hinge cover (23) may be positioned between the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211) and the second plate (52).

[0266] According to various embodiments, the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211) may include a second recessed portion (also referred to as a second recessed surface) (620). By virtue of the second recessed portion (620), the second portion (62) may have a space (6201) having a fine shape toward the second cover (222) with respect to the second display area (252) that is substantially flatly arranged. When viewed from above the second cover (222) in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2) (or in a direction perpendicular to the second cover (222)), the second recessed portion (620) (or the space (6201) by the second recessed portion (620)) may be positioned between the center line (A) of the foldable electronic device (2) (see FIG. 2) and the second display area (252). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a portion (521) of the second plate (52) can be accommodated in the second recessed portion (620) (or a space (6201) by the second recessed portion (620)). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a portion of the second plate (52) can be accommodated in the second recessed portion (620) (or a space (6201) by the second recessed portion (620)). In the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the relative position of the second plate (52) with respect to the second recessed portion (620) can vary. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a portion of the hinge cover (23) may be accommodated in the second recessed portion (620) (or the space (6201) by the second recessed portion (620)) and may face the second curved surface (621) included in the second recessed portion (620).

[0267] According to various embodiments, the eighth side portion (B8) may be defined or interpreted as an element included in the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211) rather than the second side (2212) (see FIG. 4).

[0268] According to various embodiments, the second support plate (2211) may be provided (or formed) as a combination of at least one conductive portion and at least one non-conductive portion.

[0269] According to various embodiments, the combination of the first curved surface (611) of the first support plate (2111) and the second curved surface (621) of the second support plate (2211) can provide (or form) a recess in which the hinge cover (23) is positioned in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0270] According to various embodiments, the first printed circuit board (41) may be positioned between the first cover (212) and the first support plate (2111). The first printed circuit board (41) may be placed or coupled to the first support plate (2111).

[0271] According to various embodiments, the second printed circuit board (42) may be positioned between the second cover (222) and the second support plate (2211). The second printed circuit board (42) may be placed or coupled to the second support plate (2211).

[0272] According to various embodiments, the first antenna module (81) may include a first antenna structure (811), a first flexible printed circuit board (812), and / or a first connector (813). The first antenna structure (811) may include a first antenna (ANT1). One end of the first flexible printed circuit board (812) may be electrically connected to the first antenna structure (811), and the first connector (813) may be disposed at the other end of the first flexible printed circuit board (812) and electrically connected to a third connector (not shown separately) of the first printed circuit board (41). The first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna structure (811) can be electrically connected to the first communication circuit (712) (see FIG. 7) disposed on the first printed circuit board (41) via the first flexible printed circuit board (812) and the first connector (813).

[0273] According to various embodiments, the first antenna structure (811) may include a first insulating layer (e.g., a first dielectric layer or a first layer of non-conductive material) (8111), a first antenna (ANT1), and a first ground plane (8112). The first insulating layer (8111) may include a first side (801) and a second side (802) facing in an opposite direction from the first side (801). The first antenna (ANT1) may be disposed on the first side (801) of the first insulating layer (8111). The first ground plane (8112) may be disposed on the second side (802) of the first insulating layer (8111). The first insulating layer (8111) may be disposed to be substantially flat. The first ground plane (8112) can guide electromagnetic waves (or electromagnetic wave energy) from the first antenna (ANT1) to be relatively more radiated or concentrated in the direction toward the first face (801). The first ground plane (8112) can reduce electromagnetic waves from the first antenna (ANT1) from being radiated in the direction toward the second face (802). To reduce or prevent signal loss and electromagnetic interference (EMI) for the first antenna (ANT1), the first ground plane (8112) can be configured to provide electromagnetic shielding. Although not shown separately, the first antenna structure (811) may include an insulating cover layer (e.g., a coverlay) to reduce or prevent physical contact between the first antenna (ANT1) and the first ground plane (8112) with the surrounding conductive portions within the foldable electronic device (2).

[0274] According to various embodiments, the first antenna structure (811) of the first antenna module (81) may be formed as a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. The first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna structure (811) may be defined as a first patch, a first patch antenna, or a first strip antenna.

[0275] According to various embodiments, the first antenna structure (811) of the first antenna module (81) may be implemented as a chip antenna. A chip antenna may be an antenna (also called an antenna element) arranged on a printed circuit board.

[0276] According to various embodiments, the first flexible printed circuit board (812) may include a first conductive line (also referred to as a first conductor line) (e.g., a first stripline as a first transmission line) and a ground plane. The first conductive line may electrically connect a first connector (813) and a first antenna (ANT1) of a first antenna structure (811). To reduce or prevent signal loss and electromagnetic interference for the first conductive line, the ground plane may be configured to provide electromagnetic shielding.

[0277] According to various embodiments, a flexible printed circuit board may be provided (or formed) that is implemented as an integral or single structure (e.g., a single continuous structure or a complete structure) that replaces the first antenna structure (811) and the first flexible printed circuit board (812).

[0278] According to various embodiments, the first antenna module (81) may include a reinforcing member (not shown separately) disposed or included in the first antenna structure (811). The reinforcing member may include, for example, a reinforcing plate, a reinforcing film, a reinforcing layer, or a stiffener. The reinforcing member may form the first antenna structure (811) rigidly and flatly. In various embodiments, the reinforcing member may include a reinforcing plate formed of FR4 (e.g., glass-reinforced epoxy laminate material) or PI (polyimide).

[0279] According to various embodiments, a ridged flexible printed circuit board may be provided (or formed) as an integral or single structure (e.g., a single continuous structure or a complete structure) replacing the first antenna structure (811) and the first flexible printed circuit board (812). A portion of the ridged flexible printed circuit board corresponding to the first antenna structure (811) may be rigid, and a portion of the ridged flexible printed circuit board corresponding to the first flexible printed circuit board (812) may be flexible.

[0280] According to various embodiments, the first antenna structure (811) may be positioned between the first support plate (2111) and the first cover (212). For example, the first antenna structure (811) may be positioned between the first portion (61) of the first support plate (2111) and the first cover (212).

[0281] According to various embodiments, the first antenna structure (811) may be disposed or coupled to the first support plate (2111). For example, the first antenna structure (811) may be disposed or coupled to the first portion (61) of the first support plate (2111). The first support plate (2111) may support the first antenna structure (811).

[0282] According to various embodiments, a first side (801) of a first insulating layer (8111) included in a first antenna structure (811) may face a first display area (251) of a first display module (25). A second side (802) of a first insulating layer (8111) included in a first antenna structure (811) may face a first cover (212).

[0283] According to various embodiments, the first portion (61) of the first support plate (2111) may include a first conductive region (612). The first conductive region (612) may include a first opening (613). When viewed from above the first cover (212) (or in a direction perpendicular to the first cover (212)), the first antenna structure (811) may overlap the first opening (613) of the first conductive region (612). When viewed from above the first cover (212) (or in a direction perpendicular to the first cover (212)), the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna structure (811) may overlap the first opening (613) of the first conductive region (612).

[0284] According to various embodiments, the first plate (51) may include a third opening (512). When viewed from above the first cover (212) (or in a direction perpendicular to the first cover (212)), the first opening (613) of the first conductive region (612) may overlap with the third opening (512) of the first plate (51). When viewed from above the first cover (212) (or in a direction perpendicular to the first cover (212)), the first antenna structure (811) may overlap with the third opening (512) of the first plate (51). When viewed from above the first cover (212) (or in a direction orthogonal to the first cover (212)), the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna structure (811) may overlap with the third opening (512) of the first plate (51).

[0285] According to various embodiments, the second antenna module (82) may include a second antenna structure (821), a second flexible printed circuit board (822), and a second connector (823). The second antenna structure (821) may include a second antenna (ANT2). One end of the second flexible printed circuit board (822) may be electrically connected to the second antenna structure (821), and the second connector (823) may be disposed at the other end of the second flexible printed circuit board (822) and electrically connected to a fourth connector (not shown separately) of the second printed circuit board (42). The second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna structure (821) can be electrically connected to the second communication circuit (722) (see FIG. 7) disposed on the second printed circuit board (42) via the second flexible printed circuit board (822) and the second connector (823).

[0286] According to various embodiments, the second antenna structure (821) may include a second insulating layer (e.g., a second dielectric layer or a layer of a second non-conductive material) (8211), a second antenna (ANT2), and a second ground plane (8212). The second insulating layer (8211) may include a third side (803) and a fourth side (804) facing in an opposite direction from the third side (803). The second antenna (ANT2) may be disposed on the third side (803) of the second insulating layer (8211). The second ground plane (8212) may be disposed on the fourth side (804) of the second insulating layer (8211). The second insulating layer (8211) may be disposed substantially flat. The second ground plane (8212) can guide electromagnetic waves (or electromagnetic wave energy) from the second antenna (ANT2) to be relatively more radiated or concentrated in the direction toward the third face (803). The second ground plane (8212) can reduce electromagnetic waves from the second antenna (ANT2) from being radiated in the direction toward the fourth face (804). To reduce or prevent signal loss and electromagnetic interference to the second antenna (ANT2), the second ground plane (8212) can be configured to provide electromagnetic shielding. Although not separately illustrated, the second antenna structure (821) can include an insulating cover layer (e.g., a coverlay) to reduce or prevent physical contact between the second antenna (ANT2) and the second ground plane (8212) with the surrounding conductive portions within the foldable electronic device (2).

[0287] According to various embodiments, the second antenna structure (821) of the second antenna module (82) may be formed as a printed circuit board or a flexible printed circuit board. The second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna structure (821) may be defined as a second patch, a second patch antenna, or a second strip antenna.

[0288] According to various embodiments, the second antenna structure (821) of the second antenna module (82) may be implemented as a chip antenna.

[0289] According to various embodiments, the second flexible printed circuit board (822) may include a second conductive line (also referred to as a second conductor) (e.g., a second stripline as a second transmission line) and a ground plane. The second conductive line may electrically connect a second connector (823) and a second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna structure (821). To reduce or prevent signal loss and electromagnetic interference to the second conductive line, the ground plane may be configured to provide electromagnetic shielding.

[0290] According to various embodiments, a flexible printed circuit board may be provided (or formed) that is implemented as an integral or single structure (e.g., a single continuous structure or a complete structure) that replaces the second antenna structure (821) and the second flexible printed circuit board (822).

[0291] According to various embodiments, the second antenna module (82) may include a reinforcing member (not shown) disposed or included in the second antenna structure (821). The reinforcing member may include, for example, a reinforcing plate, a reinforcing film, a reinforcing layer, or a stiffener. The reinforcing member may form the second antenna structure (821) rigidly and flatly. In various embodiments, the reinforcing member may include a reinforcing plate formed of FR4 or PI.

[0292] According to various embodiments, a rigid-flexible printed circuit board may be provided (or formed) that is implemented as an integral or single structure (e.g., a single continuous structure or a complete structure) that replaces the second antenna structure (821) and the second flexible printed circuit board (822). A portion of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board corresponding to the second antenna structure (821) may be rigid, and a portion of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board corresponding to the second flexible printed circuit board (822) may be flexible.

[0293] According to various embodiments, the second antenna structure (821) may be positioned between the second support plate (2211) and the second cover (222). The second antenna structure (821) may be positioned between the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211) and the second cover (222).

[0294] According to various embodiments, the second antenna structure (821) may be disposed or coupled to the second support plate (2211). For example, the second antenna structure (821) may be disposed or coupled to the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211). The second support plate (2211) may support the second antenna structure (821).

[0295] According to various embodiments, the third side (803) of the second insulating layer (8211) included in the second antenna structure (821) may face the second display area (252) of the first display module (25). The fourth side (804) of the second insulating layer (8211) included in the second antenna structure (821) may face the second cover (222).

[0296] According to various embodiments, the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211) may include a second conductive region (622). The second conductive region (622) may include a second opening (623). When viewed from above the second cover (222) (or in a direction perpendicular to the second cover (222)), the second antenna structure (821) may overlap the second opening (623) of the second conductive region (622). When viewed from above the second cover (222) (or in a direction perpendicular to the second cover (222)), the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna structure (821) may overlap the second opening (623) of the second conductive region (622).

[0297] According to various embodiments, the second plate (52) may include a fourth opening (522). When viewed from above the second cover (222) (or in a direction perpendicular to the second cover (222)), the second opening (623) of the second conductive region (622) may overlap the fourth opening (522) of the second plate (52). When viewed from above the second cover (222) (or in a direction perpendicular to the second cover (222)), the second antenna structure (821) may overlap the fourth opening (522) of the second plate (52). When viewed from above the second cover (222) (or in a direction orthogonal to the second cover (222)), the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna structure (821) may overlap the fourth opening (522) of the second plate (52).

[0298] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be configured to transmit a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave) between the first antenna module (81) and the second antenna module (82). The coupler (90) may include a conductive pattern (900) of FIG. 7, which includes a third antenna (ANT3), a fourth antenna (ANT4), and an electrical path (EP).

[0299] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be positioned across the hinge portion (24) (see FIG. 2). The coupler (90) may be positioned across the folding axis (e.g., the center line (A) of FIG. 2) of the foldable electronic device (2). The coupler (90) may extend from a portion located between the first support plate (2111) and the first display module (25) to another portion located between the second support plate (2211) and the first display module (25).

[0300] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may extend between the first portion (61) of the first support plate (2111) and the first display module (25) and between the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211).

[0301] According to various embodiments, a portion of the coupler (90) may be accommodated in a first recessed portion (610) comprised by a first portion (61) of a first support plate (2111) (or a space (6101) comprised by the first recessed portion (610)). Another portion of the coupler (90) may be accommodated in a second recessed portion (620) comprised by a second portion (62) of a second support plate (2211) (or a space (6201) comprised by the second recessed portion (620)).

[0302] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be positioned at least partially across a hinge (240) of the hinge portion (24) (e.g., the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), or the third hinge (243) of FIG. 5).

[0303] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be positioned at least partially across an area between the first hinge (241) (see FIG. 5) and the third hinge (243) (see FIG. 5) of the hinge portion (24) (see FIG. 2). For example, in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), when viewed from above the first display module (25) (or in a direction orthogonal to the first display module (25)), the coupler (90) may not overlap the first hinge (241) (see FIG. 5), the second hinge (see FIG. 5), and the third hinge (243).

[0304] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be positioned at least partially across an area between the second hinge (242) (see FIG. 5) and the third hinge (243) (see FIG. 5) of the hinge portion (24) (see FIG. 2). For example, in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), when viewed from above the first display module (25) (or in a direction orthogonal to the first display module (25)), the coupler (90) may not overlap the first hinge (241) (see FIG. 5), the second hinge (see FIG. 5), and the third hinge (243).

[0305] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be provided (or formed) in the form of a flexible film or sheet.

[0306] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be disposed or coupled to the back surface of the first display module (25). For example, an adhesive material (or bonding material) may be disposed between the coupler (90) and the back surface of the first display module (25). The adhesive material (or bonding material) may include, for example, a heat-responsive adhesive material (or heat-responsive adhesive material), a photo-responsive adhesive material (or photo-responsive adhesive material), a general adhesive (or general glue), or a double-sided tape. The coupler (90) (see FIG. 10) may include a first region (901) disposed in a first display region (251) of the first display module (25), a second region (902) disposed in a second display region (252) of the first display module (25), and a third region (903) disposed in a third display region (253). In the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third region (903) of the coupler (90) can be bent together with the third display region (253).

[0307] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be implemented as a flexible printed circuit board (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The coupler (90) may include, for example, a third insulating layer (e.g., a third dielectric layer or a layer of a third non-conductive material) (910), a first conductive pattern layer (920), a second conductive pattern layer (930), a plurality of first conductive vias (940), and a plurality of second conductive vias (950). The third insulating layer (910) may include a fifth surface (911) and a sixth surface (912) positioned opposite the fifth surface (911). The sixth surface (912) may face the back surface of the first display module (25). A first conductive pattern layer (920) may be disposed on a fifth side (911) of a third insulating layer (910). For example, the first conductive pattern layer (920) may include a first conductive pattern (P1) and a second conductive pattern (P2). The first conductive pattern (P1) may be the conductive pattern (900) of FIG. 7 as a part of the first conductive pattern layer (920), and may include a third antenna (ANT3), a fourth antenna (ANT4), and an electrical path (EP) extending between the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4). The third antenna (ANT3) may be included in a first region (901) of the coupler (90), and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be included in a second region (902) of the coupler (90). The electrical path (EP) can extend to the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) through the third region (903) of the coupler (90). The second conductive pattern (P2) can be physically separated from the first conductive pattern (P1) as another part of the first conductive pattern layer (920). In various embodiments, the second conductive pattern (P2) can surround the first conductive pattern (P1). The second conductive pattern layer (930) can be disposed on the sixth side (912) of the third insulating layer (910).A plurality of first conductive vias (e.g., plated through holes (PTHs)) (940) and a plurality of second conductive vias (e.g., PTHs) (950) can electrically connect the second conductive pattern layer (930) and the second pattern (P2) of the first conductive pattern layer (920). The plurality of first conductive vias (940) and the plurality of second conductive vias (950) can be conductive holes in which connecting conductors are arranged. The plurality of first conductive vias (940) can be included in a first region (901) of the coupler (90). The plurality of second conductive vias (950) can be included in a second region (902) of the coupler (90). Since the third region (903) of the coupler (90) is bent when the foldable electronic device (2) transitions between the unfolded state and the folded state, a conductive via may not be formed in the third region (903) due to a via crack. The second pattern (P2) of the first conductive pattern layer (920), the second conductive pattern layer (930), the plurality of first conductive vias (940), and the plurality of second conductive vias (950) may provide (or form) a ground structure for electromagnetic shielding to reduce or prevent signal loss and electromagnetic interference to the first conductive pattern (P1) when a signal is transmitted between the first antenna structure (811) and the second antenna structure (821) through the first conductive pattern (P1). The second pattern (P2) of the first conductive pattern layer (920) may be defined as a third ground plane, and the second conductive pattern layer (930) may be defined as a fourth ground plane. Although not separately illustrated, the coupler (90) may include an insulating cover layer (e.g., a coverlay) to reduce or prevent the first conductive pattern layer (920) and the second conductive pattern layer (930) from physically contacting the peripheral conductive portions within the foldable electronic device (2).Although not illustrated separately, the coupler (90) is a flexible printed circuit board and is not limited to the illustrated example and can be implemented in various other laminated structures. Although not illustrated separately, the shape of the coupler (90) is not limited to the illustrated example. The coupler (90) can be provided (or formed) in a form in which, for example, the third region (903) has a narrower width in the y-axis direction than the first region (901) and the second region (902).

[0308] According to various embodiments, the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) may be defined as a third patch, a third patch antenna, or a third strip antenna. The fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) may be defined as a fourth patch, a fourth patch antenna, or a fourth strip antenna.

[0309] According to various embodiments, the electrical path (EP) of the coupler (90) may be defined as a third stripline.

[0310] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be configured to have an impedance value substantially the same as the impedance values ​​(e.g., characteristic impedance values) of the first antenna module (81) and the second antenna module (82). Impedance matching between the coupler (90) and the first antenna module (81) may reduce transmission loss (e.g., power loss or signal reflection) and / or reduction in transmission speed when a signal is transmitted between the coupler (90) and the first antenna module (81). Impedance matching between the coupler (90) and the second antenna module (82) may reduce transmission loss (e.g., power loss or signal reflection) and / or reduction in transmission speed when a signal is transmitted between the coupler (90) and the second antenna module (82).

[0311] According to various embodiments, in the coupler (90), the electrical path (EP) may be formed with a narrower width than the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4). The electrical path (EP) having a narrower width than the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) can reduce transmission loss and / or reduction in transmission speed when a signal is transmitted through the electrical path (EP) through impedance matching.

[0312] According to various embodiments, the first region (901) of the coupler (90) may be formed substantially rigidly and flat. The third antenna (ANT3) included in the first region (901), a portion of the second conductive pattern (P2) included in the first region (901), and a portion of the second conductive pattern layer (930) included in the first region (901) may be arranged flat.

[0313] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may include a reinforcing member (not shown separately) disposed or included in the first region (901). The reinforcing member may include, for example, a reinforcing plate, a reinforcing film, a reinforcing layer, or a stiffener. The reinforcing member may form the first region (901) rigidly and flatly. In various embodiments, the reinforcing member may include a reinforcing plate formed of FR4 or PI.

[0314] According to various embodiments, the second region (902) of the coupler (90) may be formed substantially rigidly and flat. The fourth antenna (ANT4) included in the second region (902), a portion of the second conductive pattern (P2) included in the second region (902), and a portion of the second conductive pattern layer (930) included in the second region (902) may be arranged flat.

[0315] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may include a reinforcing member (not shown) disposed or included in the second region (902). The reinforcing member may include, for example, a reinforcing plate, a reinforcing film, a reinforcing layer, or a stiffener. The reinforcing member may form the second region (902) rigidly and flatly. In various embodiments, the reinforcing member may include a reinforcing plate formed of FR4 or PI.

[0316] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be implemented as a rigid-flexible printed circuit board. Parts corresponding to the first region (901) and the second region (902) of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board may be rigid, and parts corresponding to the third region (903) of the rigid-flexible printed circuit board may be flexible.

[0317] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the first cover (212) (or in a direction orthogonal to the first cover (212)), the first area (901) of the coupler (90) may overlap the first antenna structure (811) of the first antenna module (81). The first opening (613) of the first support plate (2111) and the third opening (512) of the first plate (51) may be positioned between the first area (901) of the coupler (90) and the first antenna structure (811) of the first antenna module (81).

[0318] According to various embodiments, the first antenna structure (811) and the first region (901) of the coupler (90) may be substantially parallel to each other. The first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna structure (811) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0319] According to various embodiments, the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna structure (811) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) may face each other. A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) through the first opening (613) of the first conductive area (612) included in the first part (61) of the first support plate (2111). The first opening (613) of the first conductive region (612) included in the first part (61) of the first support plate (2111) can reduce the electromagnetic influence of the first conductive region (612) on the electromagnetic wave transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90), compared to the comparative example in which the first opening (613) is omitted.

[0320] According to various embodiments, the ground structure of the coupler (90) (e.g., a combination of the second pattern (P2) of the first conductive pattern layer (920), the second conductive pattern layer (930), the plurality of first conductive vias (940), and the plurality of second conductive vias (950)) can guide electromagnetic waves (or electromagnetic wave energy) from the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) to be relatively more radiated or concentrated to the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81). The ground structure of the coupler (90) can guide electromagnetic waves from the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) to be concentrated and transmitted to the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90).

[0321] According to various embodiments, the ground structure of the coupler (90) (e.g., a combination of the second pattern (P2) of the first conductive pattern layer (920), the second conductive pattern layer (930), the plurality of first conductive vias (940), and the plurality of second conductive vias (950)) can reduce electromagnetic interference between the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) and the first display module (25). The ground structure of the coupler (90) can reduce electromagnetic waves from the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) from being radiated toward the first display module (25).

[0322] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be provided (or formed) in a form in which the second pattern (P2) of the first conductive pattern layer (920), the plurality of first conductive vias (940), and the plurality of second vias (950) are omitted. The ground structure of the coupler (90) may be the second conductive pattern layer (930). The coupler (90) is not limited to being implemented as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0323] According to various embodiments, the first support plate (2111) may include a first non-conductive portion (also referred to as a first non-conductive member) (614) disposed (e.g., filled) in a first opening (613) of the first conductive region (612). A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) through the first non-conductive portion (614) disposed in the first opening (613) of the first support plate (2111). The first non-conductive portion (614) may have a permittivity that can reduce electromagnetic influence on the electromagnetic wave transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90).

[0324] According to various embodiments, the first antenna structure (811) may be disposed or coupled to the first non-conductive portion (614) of the first support plate (2111). For example, an adhesive material (or adhesive material) (not separately illustrated) may be disposed between the first antenna structure (811) and the first non-conductive portion (614). The adhesive material (or adhesive material) between the first antenna structure (811) and the first non-conductive portion (614) may have a permittivity that can reduce electromagnetic influence on electromagnetic waves transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90).

[0325] According to various embodiments, a signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) through the third opening (512) of the first plate (51). The third opening (512) of the first plate (51) may reduce the electromagnetic influence of the first plate (51) on the electromagnetic wave transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) compared to a comparative example in which the third opening (512) is omitted.

[0326] According to various embodiments, although not separately illustrated, the first plate (51) may include a non-conductive portion disposed (e.g., filled) in the third opening (512). A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) through the non-conductive portion disposed in the third opening (512). The non-conductive portion disposed in the third opening (512) may have a permittivity that can reduce electromagnetic influence on the electromagnetic wave transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90).

[0327] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the second cover (222) (or in a direction orthogonal to the second cover (222)), the second area (902) of the coupler (90) may overlap the second antenna structure (821) of the second antenna module (82). The second opening (623) of the second support plate (2211) and the fourth opening (522) of the second plate (52) may be positioned between the second area (902) of the coupler (90) and the second antenna structure (821) of the second antenna module (82).

[0328] According to various embodiments, the second antenna structure (821) and the second region (902) of the coupler (90) may be substantially parallel to each other. The second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna structure (821) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0329] According to various embodiments, the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna structure (821) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) may face each other. A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) through the second opening (623) of the second conductive area (622) included in the second part (62) of the second support plate (2211). The second opening (623) of the second conductive region (622) included in the second part (62) of the second support plate (2211) can reduce the electromagnetic influence of the second conductive region (622) on the electromagnetic wave transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90), compared to the comparative example in which the second opening (623) is omitted.

[0330] According to various embodiments, the ground structure of the coupler (90) (e.g., a combination of the second conductive pattern (P2) of the first conductive pattern layer (920), the second conductive pattern layer (930), the plurality of first conductive vias (940), and the plurality of second conductive vias (950)) can guide electromagnetic waves (or electromagnetic wave energy) from the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) to be relatively more radiated or concentrated to the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82). The ground structure of the coupler (90) can guide electromagnetic waves from the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) to be concentrated and transmitted to the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90).

[0331] According to various embodiments, the ground structure of the coupler (90) (e.g., a combination of the second conductive pattern (P2) of the first conductive pattern layer (920), the second conductive pattern layer (930), the plurality of first conductive vias (940), and the plurality of second conductive vias (950)) can reduce electromagnetic interference between the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) and the first display module (25). The ground structure of the coupler (90) can reduce electromagnetic waves from the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) from being radiated toward the first display module (25).

[0332] According to various embodiments, the second support plate (2211) may include a second non-conductive portion (also referred to as a first non-conductive member) (624) disposed (e.g., filled) in the second opening (623) of the second conductive region (622). A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the first antenna module (81) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) through the second non-conductive portion (624) disposed in the second opening (623) of the second support plate (2211). The second non-conductive portion (624) may have a permittivity that can reduce electromagnetic influence on the electromagnetic wave transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90).

[0333] According to various embodiments, the second antenna structure (821) may be disposed or coupled to the second non-conductive portion (624) of the second support plate (2211). For example, an adhesive material (or adhesive material) (not separately illustrated) may be disposed between the second antenna structure (821) and the second non-conductive portion (624). The adhesive material (or adhesive material) between the second antenna structure (821) and the second non-conductive portion (624) may have a permittivity that can reduce electromagnetic influence on electromagnetic waves transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90).

[0334] According to various embodiments, a signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) through the fourth opening (522) of the second plate (52). The fourth opening (522) of the second plate (52) may reduce the electromagnetic influence of the second plate (52) on the electromagnetic wave transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) as compared to a comparative example in which the fourth opening (522) is omitted.

[0335] According to various embodiments, although not separately illustrated, the second plate (52) may include a non-conductive portion disposed (e.g., filled) in the fourth opening (522). A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) through the non-conductive portion disposed in the fourth opening (522). The non-conductive portion disposed in the fourth opening (522) may have a permittivity that may reduce electromagnetic influence on the electromagnetic wave transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90).

[0336] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (2) may be configured to transfer power (or wireless power) between the first antenna module (81) and the second antenna module (82) via a coupler (90).

[0337] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) is not limited to the illustrated example and may be provided (or formed) in various other forms that can secure the performance of transmitting a signal (e.g., electromagnetic wave) between the first antenna module (81) and the second antenna module (82). The coupler (90) may be provided (or formed) in a form that includes the first conductive pattern (P1) (e.g., the conductive pattern (900) of FIG. 7) but in which one or more other components are omitted or one or more other components are added, depending on various conditions such as the structure around the coupler (90) and / or the position where the coupler (90) is arranged. The coupler (90) disclosed in the present disclosure and the drawings is merely a specific example presented to more easily explain the technical content and help in the understanding of the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure for the coupler (90) should be interpreted that forms that are changed or modified in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein are included within the scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0338] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0339] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 12 and 13. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIGS. 12 and 13 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0340] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first frame (211), a second frame (221), a first hinge (241), a second hinge (242), a third hinge (243), a first plate (51), and a second plate (52). The first frame (211) may include a first support plate (2111) and a first side (2112). The second frame (221) may include a second support plate (2211) and a second side (2122). The first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and the third hinge (243) can connect the first support plate (2111) of the first frame (211) and the second support plate (2211) of the second frame (221). The first plate (51) is positioned corresponding to the first frame (211) and can be operatively connected to the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and the third hinge (243). The second plate (52) is positioned corresponding to the second frame (221) and can be operatively connected to the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and the third hinge (243).

[0341] According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device (2) includes a first antenna module (81) and / or a second antenna module (82). The first antenna module (81) may include a first antenna structure (811) including a first antenna (ANT1) (see FIG. 8), a first flexible printed circuit board (812), and a first connector (813). The first antenna structure (811) may be disposed on or coupled to a first support plate (2111) of a first frame (211), and the first connector (813) may be electrically connected to a first printed circuit board (41) (see FIG. 8) supported on the first support plate (2111). The second antenna module (82) may include a second antenna structure (821) including a second antenna (ANT2) (see FIG. 8), a second flexible printed circuit board (822), and a second connector (823). The second antenna structure (821) may be disposed or coupled to a second support plate (2211) of the second frame (221), and the second connector (823) may be electrically connected to a second printed circuit board (42) (see FIG. 8) supported on the second support plate (2211).

[0342] According to various embodiments, a foldable electronic device (2) includes a first conductive pattern (P1) (e.g., conductive pattern (900) of FIG. 7). The first conductive pattern (P1) may be configured to transmit a signal between a first antenna module (81) and a second antenna module (82). The first conductive pattern (P1) may include a third antenna (ANT3) configured to be electromagnetically coupled with a first antenna structure (811) of the first antenna module (81). The first conductive pattern (P1) may include a fourth antenna (ANT4) configured to be electromagnetically coupled with a second antenna structure (821) of the second antenna module (82). The first conductive pattern (P1) may include an electrical path (EP) that connects or extends the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4).

[0343] According to various embodiments, the first conductive pattern (P1) may be disposed on the back surface of the first display module (25) (see FIG. 8). Through the third opening (512) of the first plate (51), a signal may be transmitted between the third antenna (ANT3) of the first conductive pattern (P1) and the first antenna structure (811) of the first antenna module (81). Through the fourth opening (522) of the second plate (51), a signal may be transmitted between the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the first conductive pattern (P1) and the second antenna structure (821) of the second antenna module (82).

[0344] According to various embodiments, the electrical path (EP) of the first conductive pattern (P1) may be arranged to at least partially cross the area between the second hinge (242) and the third hinge (243) of the hinge portion (24) (see FIG. 2). Although not illustrated separately, the electrical path (EP) of the first conductive pattern (P1) may be arranged to at least partially cross the area between the first hinge (241) and the third hinge (243) of the hinge portion (24) (see FIG. 2).

[0345] According to various embodiments, although not shown separately, the electrical path (EP) of the first conductive pattern (P1) may be arranged to at least partially cross the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and / or the third hinge (243). The electrical path (EP) may overlap the first hinge (241), the second hinge (242), and / or the third hinge (243), for example, when viewed from above the first display module (25) in the foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state (or in a direction orthogonal to the first display module (25)).

[0346] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0347] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 14. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIG. 14 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0348] Referring to FIG. 14, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first display module (25) and a coupler (90).

[0349] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be positioned or coupled to the back surface of the first display module (25) via an adhesive material (e.g., double-sided tape) (1400). A first region (901) of the coupler (90) may be coupled to the first display region (251) of the first display module (25). A second region (902) of the coupler (90) may be coupled to the second display region (252) of the first display module (25). A third region (903) of the coupler (90) may be coupled to the back surface of the first display module (25) at least partially across the third display region (253) of the first display module (25). The coupler (90) may be provided (or formed) with a thickness that can prevent breakage by reducing the fracture stress that may occur in the coupler (90) during the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0350] According to various embodiments, the third region (903) of the coupler (90) may be attached to the back surface of the third display region (253) of the first display module (25), the first region (901) of the coupler (90) may not be attached to the back surface of the first display region (251) of the first display module (25), and the second region (902) of the coupler (90) may not be attached to the back surface of the second display region (252) of the first display module (25). Attaching only the third region (903) of the coupler (90) to the back surface of the third display region (253) of the first display module (25) can reduce the breaking stress that may occur in the coupler (90) during the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), thereby preventing breakage of the coupler (90). In the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the first region (901) of the coupler (90) can be slidable with respect to the first display area (251) of the first display module (25) and the first support plate (2111) (or the first plate (51)) (see FIGS. 8 and 9). In the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the second region (902) of the coupler (90) can be slidable with respect to the second display area (252) of the first display module (25) and the second support plate (2211) (or the second plate (52)) (see FIGS. 8 and 9). In the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a change in the relative position between the first region (901) of the coupler (90) and the first antenna structure (811) (see FIGS. 8 and 9) can occur at a level where signal transmission performance between the third antenna (ANT3) included in the first region (901) and the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna structure (811) can be secured.In the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2), a change in the relative position between the second region (902) of the coupler (90) and the second antenna structure (821) (see FIGS. 8 and 9) can occur at a level where signal transmission performance between the fourth antenna (ANT4) included in the second region (902) and the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna structure (821) can be secured.

[0351] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0352] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 15. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIG. 15 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0353] Referring to FIG. 15, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first display module (25) and a conductive pattern (900).

[0354] According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern (900) includes a third antenna (ANT3), a fourth antenna (ANT4), and an electrical path (EP), and may be disposed or bonded to the back surface of the first display module (25) via an adhesive material (or bonding material) (1500). The adhesive material (1500) may include a non-conductive material.

[0355] According to various embodiments, the back surface of the first display module (25) may be formed by a conductive sheet (or metal sheet) for electromagnetic shielding. The conductive sheet may reduce or prevent electromagnetic interference between the first display module (25) and the conductive pattern (900). The conductive sheet may guide electromagnetic radiation of the conductive pattern (900) between the first antenna structure (811) (see FIG. 8) and the second antenna structure (821) (see FIG. 8). The non-conductive adhesive material (1500) may, for example, serve as the third insulating layer (910) in the example of FIG. 10, and the conductive sheet of the first display module (25) may serve as the second conductive pattern layer (930) in the example of FIG. 10. In the example of FIG. 15, the combination of the conductive pattern (900) and the adhesive material (1500) can be defined as a modification of the coupler (90) according to the example of FIG. 10, corresponding to the position where the coupler (90) is placed (e.g., the back surface of the first display module (25)).

[0356] According to various embodiments, although not shown separately, an additional ground plane (e.g., the second conductive pattern layer (930) of FIG. 10) for electromagnetic shielding may be placed between the non-conductive adhesive material (1500) and the back surface of the first display module (25).

[0357] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0358] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 16 and 17. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIGS. 16 and 17 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0359] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first antenna module (81), a second antenna module (82), and a coupler (90).

[0360] According to various embodiments, the first antenna module (81) may include a first antenna structure (811), a first flexible printed circuit board (812), and a first connector (813). The second antenna module (82) may include a second antenna structure (821), a second flexible printed circuit board (822), and a second connector (823).

[0361] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may include a third antenna (ANT3) corresponding to the first antenna structure (811) of the first antenna module (81), a fourth antenna (ANT4) corresponding to the second antenna structure (821) of the second antenna module (82), and an electrical path (EP) extending the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4).

[0362] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may include a first region (901) positioned in the first housing (21) (see FIG. 2), a second region (902) positioned in the second housing (22) (see FIG. 2), and a third region (903) extending from the first region (901) and the second region (902) and positioned at least partially across the hinge portion (24) (see FIG. 2). The third region (903) of the coupler (90) may be positioned across a folding axis (e.g., a center line (A) of FIG. 2) of the foldable electronic device (2). The third antenna (ANT3) may be included in the first region (901). The fourth antenna (ANT4) may be included in the second region (902). The electrical path (EP) can extend to the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) via the third region (903).

[0363] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may include a lattice structure (1700) including a plurality of openings included in a third region (903). The lattice structure (1700) may enhance flexibility of the third region (903) of the coupler (90) when transitioning between an unfolded state and a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0364] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0365] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 18. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIG. 18 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0366] Referring to FIG. 18, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first frame (211), a second frame (221), a first cover (212), a second cover (222), a hinge cover (23), a first display module (25), a second display module (26), a first printed circuit board (41), a second printed circuit board (42), a first antenna module (81), a second antenna module (82), and / or a coupler (90).

[0367] According to various embodiments, the first frame (211) may include a first support plate (2111). The first support plate (2111) may include a first conductive region (612) (see FIG. 8) and a first non-conductive portion (614) disposed in a first opening (613) (see FIG. 8) of the first conductive region (612). The first cover (212) may be disposed or coupled to the first frame (211).

[0368] According to various embodiments, the second frame (221) may include a second support plate (2211). The second support plate (2211) may include a second conductive region (622) (see FIG. 8) and a second non-conductive portion (624) disposed in a second opening (623) (see FIG. 8) of the second conductive region (622). The second cover (222) may be disposed or coupled to the second frame (221).

[0369] According to various embodiments, the first printed circuit board (41) may be disposed on the first support plate (2111) between the first support plate (2111) and the first cover (212). The second printed circuit board (420) may be disposed on the second support plate (2211) between the second support plate (2211) and the second cover (222).

[0370] According to various embodiments, the first antenna module (81) may be positioned between the first support plate (2111) and the first cover (212). For example, the first antenna structure (811) of the first antenna module (81) may be positioned on the first non-conductive portion (614) of the first support plate (2111). The first connector (813) of the first antenna module (81) may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board (41).

[0371] According to various embodiments, the second antenna module (82) may be positioned between the second support plate (2211) and the second cover (222). For example, the second antenna structure (821) of the second antenna module (82) may be positioned on the second non-conductive portion (624) of the second support plate (2211). The second connector (823) of the second antenna module (82) may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board (42).

[0372] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may include a first region (901), a second region (902), and a third region (903) between the first region (901) and the second region (902). The first region (901) may be disposed on a back surface of the first display region (251) of the first display module (25). The second region (902) may be disposed on a back surface of the second display region (252) of the first display module (25). The third region (903) may be disposed in the third display region (253) of the first display module (25).

[0373] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may include a third antenna (ANT3) corresponding to the first antenna structure (811) of the first antenna module (81), a fourth antenna (ANT4) corresponding to the second antenna structure (821) of the second antenna module (82), and an electrical path (EP) extending the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4). The third antenna (ANT3) may be included in the first region (901). The fourth antenna (ANT4) may be included in the second region (902). The electrical path (EP) may connect or extend the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) through the third region (903).

[0374] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may include a lattice structure (1700) including a plurality of openings included in a third region (903). The lattice structure (1700) may improve the flexibility of the third region (903) of the coupler (90) when transitioning between an unfolded state and a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2). The lattice structure (1700) may reduce a degradation in the flexibility of the third display region (253) of the first display module (25) when transitioning between an unfolded state and a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2).

[0375] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device (2) in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0376] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 19 and 20. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIGS. 19 and 20 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0377] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first support plate (2111), a second support plate (2211), a hinge cover (23), a first cover (212), a second cover (222), a first display module (25), a first plate (51), a second plate (52), a first printed circuit board (41), a second printed circuit board (42), a first antenna module (81), a second antenna module (82), and / or a coupler (90). Descriptions of some components that are the same as those in the previous embodiments are omitted.

[0378] According to various embodiments, the first antenna structure (811) of the first antenna module (81) may be disposed on the first support plate (2111) so as not to be parallel to the first cover (212), the first display area (251) of the first display module (25), and / or the first area (901) of the coupler (90) (see FIG. 10) so as to reduce the length of the first conductive pattern (P1) of the coupler (90). For example, the examples of FIGS. 19 and 20 can reduce the length of the electrical path (EP) compared to the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, thereby reducing line loss.

[0379] According to various embodiments, the first support plate (2111) may include a first conductive region (612) (see FIG. 8) and a first non-conductive portion (614) disposed in a first opening (613) (see FIG. 8) of the first conductive region (612). The first plate (51) may include a third opening (512). A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the coupler (90) through the first non-conductive portion (614) of the first support plate (2111) and the third opening (512) of the first plate (51).

[0380] According to various embodiments, the second antenna structure (821) of the second antenna module (82) may be disposed on the second support plate (2211) so as not to be parallel to the second cover (222), the second display area (252) of the first display module (25), and / or the second area (902) of the coupler (90) (see FIG. 10) so as to reduce the length of the first conductive pattern (P1) of the coupler (90). For example, the examples of FIGS. 19 and 20 may reduce the length of the electrical path (EP) compared to the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, thereby reducing line loss.

[0381] According to various embodiments, the first support plate (2211) may include a second conductive region (622) (see FIG. 8) and a second non-conductive portion (624) disposed in a second opening (623) (see FIG. 8) of the second conductive region (622). The second plate (52) may include a fourth opening (522). A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the coupler (90) through the second non-conductive portion (624) of the second support plate (2211) and the fourth opening (522) of the second plate (52).

[0382] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device (2) in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0383] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed with respect to FIGS. 21, 22, 23, and 24. All combinations of the features described below with respect to FIGS. 21, 22, 23, and 24 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0384] Referring to FIGS. 21, 22, 23, and 24, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first support plate (2111), a second support plate (2211), a hinge cover (23), a first cover (212), a second cover (222), a first display module (25), a first plate (51), a second plate (52), a first printed circuit board (41), a second printed circuit board (42), a first antenna module (81), a second antenna module (82), and / or a coupler (90). Descriptions of some components that are the same as those in the previous embodiments are omitted.

[0385] According to various embodiments, the coupler (90) may include a first region (901) positioned in the first housing (21) (see FIG. 2), a second region (902) positioned in the second housing (22) (see FIG. 2), and a third region (903) extending from the first region (901) and the second region (902) and positioned at least partially across the hinge portion (24) (see FIG. 2). The third region (903) of the coupler (90) may be positioned across a folding axis of the foldable electronic device (2) (e.g., a center line (A) of FIG. 2). A third antenna (e.g., a third antenna (ANT3) of FIG. 8) may be included in the first region (901). A fourth antenna (e.g., a fourth antenna (ANT4) of FIG. 8) may be included in the second region (902). An electrical path (e.g., the electrical path (EP) of FIG. 8) may extend through the third antenna and the fourth antenna via the third region (903). In various embodiments, the coupler (90) may be provided (or formed) in the form of a flexible film or sheet. The coupler (90) may be implemented as, for example, a flexible printed circuit board.

[0386] According to various embodiments, the first region (901) of the coupler (90) may be disposed or coupled to the first support plate (2111) between the first support plate (2111) and the first plate (51). The first region (901) of the coupler (90) may be disposed or coupled to the first portion (61) of the first support plate (2111). Through the first non-conductive portion (614) of the first support plate (2111), a signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) and the third antenna of the coupler (90). The first plate (51) may be provided (or formed) in a form in which the third opening (512) (see FIG. 8) is omitted.

[0387] According to various embodiments, the second region (902) of the coupler (90) may be disposed or coupled to the second support plate (2211) between the second support plate (2211) and the second plate (52). The second region (902) of the coupler (90) may be disposed or coupled to the second portion (62) of the second support plate (2211). Through the second non-conductive portion (624) of the second support plate (2211), a signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) and the fourth antenna of the coupler (90). The second plate (52) may be provided (or formed) in a form in which the fourth opening (522) (see FIG. 8) is omitted.

[0388] According to various embodiments, the third region (903) of the coupler (90) can be deformed in response to the transition between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2), the third region (903) of the coupler (90) can be supported on the inner surface of the hinge cover (23) and arranged in a form that can reduce bending stress in the space of the hinge cover (23).

[0389] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a circuit board (2500) included in a foldable electronic device (2) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the circuit board (2500) taken along line H-H' of FIG. 25, and a cross-sectional view of the circuit board (2500) taken along line I-I' of FIG. 25, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0390] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 25 and 26. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIGS. 25 and 26 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0391] Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the circuit board (2500) may be positioned at least partially across the hinge portion (24) (see FIG. 2). The circuit board (2500) may be positioned across the folding axis (e.g., the center line (A) of FIG. 2) of the foldable electronic device (2). The circuit board (2500) is a modified or altered form of the coupler (90) and should be construed as being within the scope of various embodiments of the present disclosure for the coupler.

[0392] According to various embodiments, the circuit board (2500) may be a flexible printed circuit board. One end of the flexible printed circuit board may be electrically connected to a first printed circuit board (41) (see FIG. 4), and the other end of the flexible printed circuit board may be electrically connected to a second printed circuit board (42) (see FIG. 4). The flexible printed circuit board may pass through a first hole (401) (see FIG. 5) of a first support plate (2111) and a second hole (402) (see FIG. 5) of a second support plate (2211).

[0393] According to various embodiments, the circuit board (2500) may be an electromagnetic induction panel for detecting input from a pen input device (e.g., a stylus pen). The electromagnetic induction panel may include, for example, a digitizer. The circuit board (2500) may also be of various other types.

[0394] According to various embodiments, the circuit board (2500) may include a first region (2501) positioned in the first housing (21) (see FIG. 2), a second region (2502) positioned in the second housing (22) (see FIG. 2), and a third region (2503) extending the first region (2501) and the second region (2502) at least partially across the hinge portion (24) (see FIG. 2).

[0395] According to various embodiments, the circuit board (2500) may include an insulating layer (2510) (e.g., the third insulating layer (910) of FIG. 10), a first conductive pattern layer (2520) disposed on one surface of the insulating layer (2510) (e.g., the first conductive pattern layer (920) of FIG. 10), and a second conductive pattern layer (2530) disposed on the other surface of the insulating layer (2510) (e.g., the second conductive pattern layer (930) of FIG. 10). The first conductive pattern layer (2520) may include one or more first signal lines (S1, S2), at least one first ground plane (G1), and a conductive pattern (900). The conductive pattern (900) may include a third antenna (ANT3) included in a first region (2501) of the circuit board (2500), a fourth antenna (ANT4) included in a second region (1202) of the circuit board (2500), and an electrical path (EP) extending the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) through a third region (2503) of the circuit board (2500). The second conductive pattern layer (2530) may include at least one second signal line (S3, S4) and at least one second ground plane (G2). A circuit board (2500) may include a plurality of first conductive vias (2540) (e.g., the plurality of first conductive vias (940) of FIG. 10) and a plurality of second conductive vias (2550) (e.g., the plurality of second conductive vias (950) of FIG. 10) electrically connecting at least one first ground plane (G1) and at least one second ground plane (G2). The plurality of first conductive vias (2540) may be included in a first region (2501) of the circuit board (2500). The plurality of second conductive vias (2550) may be included in a second region (2502) of the circuit board (2500). The stacked structure of the circuit board (2500) is not limited to the illustrated example and may vary.

[0396] According to various embodiments, the third antenna (ANT3) included in the conductive pattern (900) of the circuit board (2500) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal (or electromagnetic wave) with respect to the first antenna (ANT1) of the first antenna module (81) of FIG. 8.

[0397] According to various embodiments, the fourth antenna (ANT4) included in the conductive pattern (900) of the circuit board (2500) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal (or electromagnetic wave) with respect to the second antenna (ANT2) of the second antenna module (82) of FIG. 8.

[0398] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a portion of a foldable electronic device (2) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0399] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 27. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIG. 27 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0400] Referring to FIG. 27, the foldable electronic device (2) may include a first antenna module (81), a second antenna module (82), and a conductive pattern (900). Descriptions of some components that are the same as those in the previous embodiments are omitted.

[0401] According to various embodiments, 2701 is a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 10, wherein the electrical path (EP) of the coupler (90) may be replaced with an electrical connecting member such as a coaxial cable.

[0402] According to various embodiments, 2702 is a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 14 or 15, wherein the electrical path (EP) may be replaced with an electrical connecting member such as a coaxial cable.

[0403] According to various embodiments, 2703 is a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 25, wherein the electrical path (EP) of the circuit board (2500) may be replaced with an electrical connecting member such as a coaxial cable.

[0404] FIG. 28 is a graph (2801) showing signal transmission and reception performance in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device (2) including a conductive pattern (900) (see FIG. 7) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and a graph (2802) showing signal transmission and reception performance in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device of a comparative example in which the conductive pattern (900) is omitted. FIG. 29 is a graph (2891) showing signal transmission and reception performance in a folded state of a foldable electronic device (2) including a conductive pattern (900) (see FIG. 7) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and a graph (2902) showing signal transmission and reception performance in an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device of a comparative example in which the conductive pattern (900) is omitted.

[0405] Referring to FIG. 28, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2) including the conductive pattern (900), the signal transmission / reception performance between the first antenna module (81) and the second antenna module (82) through the conductive pattern (900) may have, for example, a value of about -19 dB at a usage frequency of about 60 GHz. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2) from which the conductive pattern (900) is omitted, the signal transmission / reception performance between the first antenna module (81) and the second antenna module (82) may have, for example, a value of about -33 dB at a usage frequency of about 60 GHz.

[0406] Referring to FIG. 29, in a folded state of a foldable electronic device (2) including a conductive pattern (900), the signal transmission / reception performance between the first antenna module (81) and the second antenna module (82) through the conductive pattern (900) may have, for example, a value of about -17 dB at a frequency of use of about 60 GHz. In a folded state of a foldable electronic device (2) in which the conductive pattern (900) is omitted, the signal transmission / reception performance between the first antenna module (81) and the second antenna module (82) may have, for example, a value of about -27 dB at a frequency of use of about 60 GHz.

[0407] Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, the signal transmission and reception performance can be improved due to the conductive pattern (900). The foldable electronic device (2) including the conductive pattern (900) can reduce the difference between the signal transmission and reception performance in the unfolded state and the signal transmission and reception performance in the folded state, compared to the foldable electronic device of the comparative example. In the foldable electronic device of the comparative example, since the relative positions between the first antenna (ANT1) (see FIG. 8) of the first antenna module (81) and the second antenna (ANT2) (see FIG. 8) of the second antenna module (82) vary depending on the unfolded state or the folded state, it may be difficult to reduce the difference between the signal transmission and reception performance in the unfolded state and the signal transmission and reception performance in the folded state, compared to the foldable electronic device (2) including the conductive pattern (900).

[0408] FIG. 30 is a drawing showing a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0409] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 30. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIG. 30 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0410] Referring to FIG. 30, a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first housing (3010), a second housing (3020), a third housing (3030), and a flexible display (3040).

[0411] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may be implemented to be foldable between a first housing (3010) and a second housing (3020). The first housing (3010) and the second housing (3020) may be rotatably connected via, for example, a first hinge portion (3050) including one or more hinges (or also referred to as hinge modules).

[0412] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may be implemented to be foldable between a second housing (3020) and a third housing (3030). The second housing (3010) and the third housing (3030) may be rotatably connected via, for example, a second hinge portion (3060) including one or more hinges (or also referred to as hinge modules).

[0413] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (3040) may be disposed in a first housing (3010), a second housing (3020), and a third housing (3030). The flexible display (3040) may include a first display area disposed in the first housing (3010), a second display area extending from the first display area and disposed in the second housing (3020), and a third display area extending from the second display area and disposed in the third housing (3030).

[0414] According to various embodiments, in the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000), the third housing (3030) may be disposed between the first housing (3010) and the second housing (3020). In the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000), the first housing (3010) may be angled about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees with respect to the third housing (3030) so as to face the third housing (3030). In the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000), the second housing (3020) may be angled about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees with respect to the third housing (3030) so as to face the third housing (3030). In the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000), the flexible display (3040) may not be exposed to the outside. In the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000), the second display area disposed in the second housing (3020) and the third display area disposed in the third housing (3030) can face each other between the second housing (3020) and the third housing (3030). In the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000), the first display area disposed in the first housing (3010) can be positioned between the first housing (3010) and the third housing (3030).

[0415] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000), the flexible display (3040) may be arranged substantially flat, such that the first housing (3010) and the second housing (3020), and the second housing (3020) and the third housing (3030) may form an angle of about 180 degrees.

[0416] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first circuit unit accommodated in a first housing (3010), a second circuit unit accommodated in a second housing (3020), and a third circuit unit accommodated in a third housing (3030). The multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include at least one antenna accommodated in the first housing (3010) and electrically connected to the first circuit unit. The multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include at least one antenna accommodated in the second housing (3020) and electrically connected to the second circuit unit. The multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include at least one antenna accommodated in the third housing (3030) and electrically connected to the third circuit unit.

[0417] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may be configured to transmit a signal (or electromagnetic wave) between the first circuit unit and the second circuit unit through a wireless transmission / reception structure including at least one antenna electrically connected to the first circuit unit, at least one antenna electrically connected to the second circuit unit, and a coupler.

[0418] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may be configured to transmit a signal (or electromagnetic wave) between the first circuit unit and the third circuit unit through a wireless transmission / reception structure including at least one antenna electrically connected to the first circuit unit, at least one antenna electrically connected to the third circuit unit, and a coupler.

[0419] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may be configured to transmit a signal (or electromagnetic wave) between the second circuit unit and the third circuit unit through a wireless transmission / reception structure including at least one antenna electrically connected to the second circuit unit, at least one antenna electrically connected to the third circuit unit, and a coupler.

[0420] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 32 is a block diagram of a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0421] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed with respect to FIGS. 31 and 32. All combinations of the features described below with respect to FIGS. 31 and 32 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0422] Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first housing (3010), a second housing (3020), and a third housing (3030). The multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first folding axis (A11) between the first housing (3010) and the second housing (3020). The first folding axis (A11) may be formed by a first hinge portion (3050) (see FIG. 30). The multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a second folding axis (A12) between the second housing (3020) and the third housing (3030). The second folding axis (A12) may be formed by a second hinge portion (3050) (see FIG. 30).

[0423] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first circuit portion (3210), a second circuit portion (3220), a third circuit portion (3230), a first antenna (also referred to as a first antenna radiator or a first antenna element) (ANT11), a second antenna (also referred to as a second antenna radiator or a second antenna element) (ANT12), a third antenna (also referred to as a third antenna radiator or a third antenna element) (ANT13), and / or a conductive pattern (3100).

[0424] According to various embodiments, the first circuit portion (3210) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the first housing (3010). The first circuit portion (3210) may include a first printed circuit board accommodated in the first housing (3010), and a plurality of first electrical components electrically connected to the first printed circuit board. At least one of the plurality of first electrical components may be disposed on the first printed circuit board or may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of first electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the first printed circuit board. The plurality of first electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0425] According to various embodiments, the first circuit unit (3210) may include a processor (also referred to as a processing circuit or a control circuit) (3211) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a first communication circuit (3212), and a plurality of first peripheral elements (3213). The processor (3211) may be electrically connected to a first antenna (ANT11) via the first communication circuit (3212). The first communication circuit (3212) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via the first antenna (ANT11). The first communication circuit (3212) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0426] According to various embodiments, the first communication circuit (3212) may include a first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32121) and a first modem (32122). The processor (3211) may be electrically connected to the first modem (32122) via the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32121). The first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32121) may be electrically connected to the first antenna (ANT11) via the first modem (32122). When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (3220), the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32121) may aggregate a plurality of signals received from the processor (3211) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (3220), the first modem (32122) modulates the aggregated signal received from the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32121), and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the first antenna (ANT11). When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (3220), the first modem (32122) can demodulate the signal received through the first antenna (ANT11). When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (3220), the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32121) disaggregates the demodulated signal received from the first modem (32122), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to the processor (3211).

[0427] According to various embodiments, a plurality of first peripheral elements (3213) may be electrically connected to the processor (3211).

[0428] According to various embodiments, the second circuit portion (3220) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the second housing (3020). The second circuit portion (3220) may include a second printed circuit board accommodated in the second housing (3020), and a plurality of second electrical components electrically connected to the second printed circuit board. At least one of the plurality of second electrical components may be disposed on the second printed circuit board or may be electrically connected to the second printed circuit board via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of second electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the second printed circuit board. The plurality of second electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0429] According to various embodiments, the second circuit unit (3220) may include a second communication circuit (3222) and a plurality of second peripheral elements (3223). The second communication circuit (3222) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via a second antenna (ANT12). The second communication circuit (3222) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0430] According to various embodiments, the second communication circuit (3222) may include a second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32221) and a second modem (32222). The second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32221) may be electrically connected to a second antenna (ANT12) via the second modem (32222). A plurality of second peripheral elements (3223) may be electrically connected to the second modem (32222) via the second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32221). Upon receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (3210), the second modem (32222) may demodulate the signal received via the second antenna (ANT12). When receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (3210), the second circuit (32221) for aggregation and disaggregation disaggregates the demodulated signal received from the second modem (32222), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to a plurality of second peripheral elements (3223). When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (3210), the second circuit (32221) for aggregation and disaggregation can aggregate a plurality of signals received from a plurality of second peripheral elements (3223) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (3210), the second modem (32222) modulates the aggregated signal received from the second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32221), and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the second antenna (ANT12).

[0431] According to various embodiments, the third circuit portion (3230) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the third housing (3030). The third circuit portion (3230) may include a third printed circuit board accommodated in the third housing (3030), and a plurality of third electrical components electrically connected to the third printed circuit board. At least one of the plurality of third electrical components may be disposed on the third printed circuit board or may be electrically connected to the third printed circuit board via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of third electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the third printed circuit board. The plurality of third electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0432] According to various embodiments, the third circuit unit (3230) may include a third communication circuit (3232) and a plurality of third peripheral elements (3233). The third communication circuit (3232) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via a third antenna (ANT13). The third communication circuit (3232) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0433] According to various embodiments, the third communication circuit (3232) may include a third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32321) and a third modem (32322). The third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32321) may be electrically connected to a third antenna (ANT13) via the third modem (32322). A plurality of third peripheral elements (3233) may be electrically connected to the third modem (32322) via the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32321). When receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (3210), the third modem (32322) may demodulate the signal received via the third antenna (ANT13). When receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (3210), the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32321) disaggregates the demodulated signal received from the third modem (32322), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to a plurality of third peripheral elements (3233). When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (3210), the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32321) can aggregate a plurality of signals received from a plurality of third peripheral elements (3233) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (3210), the third modem (32322) modulates the aggregated signal received from the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (32321), and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the third antenna (ANT13).

[0434] According to various embodiments, the first antenna (ANT11) may be located in the first housing (3010). The first antenna (ANT11) may be electrically connected to the first circuit unit (3210). The first antenna (ANT11) may receive (or be powered by) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the first communication circuit (3212) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. The first antenna (ANT11) may be located in the first housing (3010) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the first antenna (ANT1) or the second antenna (ANT2) of the foldable electronic device (2) of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the first antenna (ANT11) may be defined as a component included in the first circuit unit (3210).

[0435] According to various embodiments, the second antenna (ANT12) may be located in the second housing (3020). The second antenna (ANT12) may be electrically connected to the second circuit unit (3220). The second antenna (ANT12) may receive (or be powered by) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the second communication circuit (3222) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. The second antenna (ANT12) may be located in the second housing (3020) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the first antenna (ANT1) or the second antenna (ANT2) of the foldable electronic device (2) of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the second antenna (ANT12) may be defined as a component included in the second circuit unit (3220).

[0436] According to various embodiments, the third antenna (ANT13) may be located in the third housing (3030). The third antenna (ANT13) may be electrically connected to the third circuit unit (3230). The third antenna (ANT13) may receive (or be powered by) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the third communication circuit (3232) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. The third antenna (ANT13) may be located in the third housing (3030) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the first antenna (ANT1) or the second antenna (ANT2) of the foldable electronic device (2) of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the third antenna (ANT13) may be defined as a component included in the third circuit unit (3230).

[0437] According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern (3100) may be arranged across the first folding axis (A11) and the second folding axis (A12) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0438] According to various embodiments, a signal can be wirelessly transmitted between the first circuit unit (3210) and the second circuit unit (3220) through electromagnetic coupling between the first antenna (ANT1) and the conductive pattern (3100), and through electromagnetic coupling between the second antenna (ANT2) and the conductive pattern (3100).

[0439] According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern (3100) may include a fourth antenna (ANT14), a fifth antenna (ANT15), a sixth antenna (ANT16), a first electrical path (EP11), and a second electrical path (EP12). The fourth antenna (ANT14) may be positioned in the first housing (3010) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the first antenna (ANT11). The fifth antenna (ANT15) may be positioned in the second housing (3020) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the second antenna (ANT12). The sixth antenna (ANT16) may be positioned in the third housing (3030) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the third antenna (ANT13). The first electrical path (EP11) may electrically connect the fourth antenna (ANT14) and the fifth antenna (ANT15). The first electrical path (EP11) may be arranged across the first folding axis (A11) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000). The second electrical path (EP12) may electrically connect the fifth antenna (ANT15) and the sixth antenna (ANT16). The second electrical path (EP12) may be arranged across the second folding axis (A12) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0440] According to various embodiments, a first antenna (ANT11) electrically connected to a first circuit unit (3210), a second antenna (ANT12) electrically connected to a second circuit unit (3220), a third antenna (ANT13) electrically connected to a third circuit unit (3230), and a conductive pattern (3100) may form a wireless transmission / reception structure configured to transmit a signal (or electromagnetic wave) between the first circuit unit (3210) and the second circuit unit (3220), and / or between the first circuit unit (3210) and the third circuit unit (3230).

[0441] According to various embodiments, a signal can be wirelessly transmitted between the first circuit unit (3210) and the second circuit unit (3220) through electromagnetic coupling between the first antenna (ANT11) and the fourth antenna (ANT14), and electrical coupling between the second antenna (ANT12) and the fifth antenna (ANT15).

[0442] According to various embodiments, a signal can be wirelessly transmitted between the first circuit unit (3210) and the third circuit unit (3230) through electromagnetic coupling between the first antenna (ANT11) and the fourth antenna (ANT14), and electrical coupling between the third antenna (ANT13) and the sixth antenna (ANT16).

[0443] According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern (3100) can be accommodated in the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the conductive pattern (900) included in the coupler (90) of the preceding embodiments.

[0444] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 34 is a block diagram of a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0445] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 33 and 34. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIGS. 33 and 34 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0446] Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first housing (3010), a second housing (3020), and a third housing (3030). The multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first folding axis (A11) between the first housing (3010) and the second housing (3020). The first folding axis (A11) may be formed by a first hinge portion (3050) (see FIG. 30). The multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a second folding axis (A12) between the second housing (3020) and the third housing (3030). The second folding axis (A12) may be formed by a second hinge portion (3050) (see FIG. 30).

[0447] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first circuit portion (3410), a second circuit portion (3420), a third circuit portion (3430), a first antenna (also referred to as a first antenna radiator or a first antenna element) (ANT21), a second antenna (also referred to as a second antenna radiator or a second antenna element) (ANT22), a third antenna (also referred to as a third antenna radiator or a third antenna element) (ANT23), a fourth antenna (also referred to as a fourth antenna radiator or a fourth antenna element) (ANT24), a first conductive pattern (3310), and a second conductive pattern (3320).

[0448] According to various embodiments, the first circuit portion (3410) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the first housing (3010). The first circuit portion (3410) may include a first printed circuit board accommodated in the first housing (3010), and a plurality of first electrical components electrically connected to the first printed circuit board. At least one of the plurality of first electrical components may be disposed on the first printed circuit board or may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of first electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the first printed circuit board. The plurality of first electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0449] According to various embodiments, the first circuit unit (3410) may include a processor (also referred to as a processing circuit or a control circuit) (3411) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a first communication circuit (3412), and a plurality of first peripheral elements (3413). The processor (3411) may be electrically connected to a first antenna (ANT21) and a second antenna (ANT22) via the first communication circuit (3412). The first communication circuit (3412) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via the first antenna (ANT21) and the second antenna (ANT22). The first communication circuit (3412) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0450] According to various embodiments, the first communication circuit (3412) may include a first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34121), a first modem (34122), and a second modem (34123). The processor (3411) may be electrically connected to the first modem (34122) and the second modem (34123) via the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34121). The first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34121) may be electrically connected to a first antenna (ANT21) via the first modem (34122). A first circuit (34121) for aggregation and disaggregation can be electrically connected to a second antenna (ANT22) via a second modem (34123). When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (3420), the first circuit (34121) for aggregation and disaggregation can aggregate a plurality of signals received from the processor (3411) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (3420), the first modem (34122) can modulate the aggregated signal received from the first circuit (34121) for aggregation and disaggregation, and the modulated signal can be transmitted via the first antenna (ANT21). When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (3420), the first modem (34122) can demodulate the signal received through the first antenna (ANT21). When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (3420), the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34121) can disaggregate the demodulated signal received from the first modem (34122), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to the processor (3411). When transmitting a signal to the third circuit unit (3430), the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34121) can aggregate a plurality of signals received from the processor (3411) into a single signal.When transmitting a signal to the third circuit unit (3430), the second modem (34123) modulates the aggregated signal received from the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34121), and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the second antenna (ANT22). When receiving a signal from the third circuit unit (3430), the second modem (34123) can demodulate the signal received through the second antenna (ANT22). When receiving a signal from the third circuit unit (3430), the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34121) disaggregates the demodulated signal received from the second modem (34123), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to the processor (3411).

[0451] According to various embodiments, a plurality of first peripheral elements (3413) may be electrically connected to the processor (3411).

[0452] According to various embodiments, the second circuit portion (3420) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the second housing (3020). The second circuit portion (3420) may include a second printed circuit board accommodated in the second housing (3020), and a plurality of second electrical components electrically connected to the second printed circuit board. At least one of the plurality of second electrical components may be disposed on the second printed circuit board or electrically connected to the second printed circuit board via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of second electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the second printed circuit board. The plurality of second electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0453] According to various embodiments, the second circuit unit (3420) may include a second communication circuit (3422) and a plurality of second peripheral elements (3423). The second communication circuit (3422) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via a third antenna (ANT23). The second communication circuit (3422) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0454] According to various embodiments, the second communication circuit (3422) may include a second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34221) and a third modem (34222). The second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34221) may be electrically connected to a third antenna (ANT23) via the third modem (34222). A plurality of second peripheral elements (3423) may be electrically connected to the third modem (34222) via the second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34221). When receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (3410), the third modem (34222) may demodulate the signal received via the third antenna (ANT23). When receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (3410), the second circuit (34221) for aggregation and disaggregation disaggregates the demodulated signal received from the third modem (34222), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to a plurality of second peripheral elements (3423). When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (3410), the second circuit (34221) for aggregation and disaggregation can aggregate a plurality of signals received from a plurality of second peripheral elements (3423) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (3410), the third modem (34222) modulates the aggregated signal received from the second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34221), and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the third antenna (ANT23).

[0455] According to various embodiments, the third circuit portion (3430) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the third housing (3030). The third circuit portion (3430) may include a third printed circuit board accommodated in the third housing (3030), and a plurality of third electrical components electrically connected to the third printed circuit board. At least one of the plurality of third electrical components may be disposed on the third printed circuit board or may be electrically connected to the third printed circuit board via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of third electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the third printed circuit board. The plurality of third electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0456] According to various embodiments, the third circuit unit (3430) may include a third communication circuit (3432) and a plurality of third peripheral elements (3433). The third communication circuit (3432) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via a fourth antenna (ANT24). The third communication circuit (3432) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0457] According to various embodiments, the third communication circuit (3432) may include a third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34321) and a fourth modem (34322). The third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34321) may be electrically connected to a fourth antenna (ANT24) via the fourth modem (34322). A plurality of third peripheral elements (3433) may be electrically connected to the fourth modem (34322) via the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34321). When receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (3410), the fourth modem (34322) may demodulate the signal received via the fourth antenna (ANT24). When receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (3410), the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34321) disaggregates the demodulated signal received from the fourth modem (34322), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to a plurality of third peripheral elements (3433). When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (3410), the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34321) can aggregate a plurality of signals received from a plurality of third peripheral elements (3433) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (3410), the fourth modem (34322) modulates the aggregated signal received from the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (34321), and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the fourth antenna (ANT24).

[0458] According to various embodiments, the first antenna (ANT21) may be located in the first housing (3010). The first antenna (ANT21) may be electrically connected to the first circuit unit (3410). The first antenna (ANT21) may receive (or be powered by) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the first communication circuit (3412) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. The first antenna (ANT21) may be located in the first housing (3010) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the first antenna (ANT1) or the second antenna (ANT2) of the foldable electronic device (2) of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the first antenna (ANT21) may be defined as a component included in the first circuit unit (3410).

[0459] According to various embodiments, the second antenna (ANT22) may be located in the first housing (3010). The second antenna (ANT22) may be electrically connected to the first circuit unit (3410). The second antenna (ANT22) may receive (or be powered by) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the first communication circuit (3412) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. The second antenna (ANT22) may be located in the first housing (3010) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the first antenna (ANT1) or the second antenna (ANT2) of the foldable electronic device (2) of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the second antenna (ANT22) may be defined as a component included in the first circuit unit (3410).

[0460] According to various embodiments, the third antenna (ANT23) may be located in the second housing (3020). The third antenna (ANT23) may be electrically connected to the second circuit unit (3420). The third antenna (ANT23) may receive (or be powered by) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the second communication circuit (3422) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. The third antenna (ANT23) may be located in the second housing (3020) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the first antenna (ANT1) or the second antenna (ANT2) of the foldable electronic device (2) of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the third antenna (ANT23) may be defined as a component included in the second circuit unit (3420).

[0461] According to various embodiments, the fourth antenna (ANT24) may be located in the third housing (3030). The fourth antenna (ANT24) may be electrically connected to the third circuit unit (3430). The fourth antenna (ANT24) may receive (or be powered by) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the third communication circuit (3432) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. The fourth antenna (ANT24) may be located in the third housing (3030) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the first antenna (ANT1) or the second antenna (ANT2) of the foldable electronic device (2) of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the fourth antenna (ANT24) may be defined as a component included in the third circuit unit (3430).

[0462] According to various embodiments, the first conductive pattern (3310) may be arranged across the first folding axis (A11) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0463] According to various embodiments, a signal may be wirelessly transmitted between a first circuit unit (3410) and a second circuit unit (3420) through electromagnetic coupling between a first antenna (ANT21) and a first conductive pattern (3310), and through electromagnetic coupling between a third antenna (ANT23) and the first conductive pattern (3310). The first antenna (ANT21) electrically connected to the first circuit unit (3410), the third antenna (ANT23) electrically connected to the second circuit unit (3420), and the first conductive pattern (3310) may form a first wireless transmission / reception structure configured to transmit a signal (or electromagnetic wave) between the first circuit unit (3410) and the second circuit unit (3420).

[0464] According to various embodiments, the first conductive pattern (3310) may include a fifth antenna (ANT25), a sixth antenna (ANT26), and a first electrical path (EP21). The fifth antenna (ANT25) may be positioned in the first housing (3010) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the first antenna (ANT21). The sixth antenna (ANT26) may be positioned in the second housing (3020) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the third antenna (ANT23). The first electrical path (EP21) may electrically connect the fifth antenna (ANT25) and the sixth antenna (ANT26). The first electrical path (EP21) may be disposed across the first folding axis (A11) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0465] According to various embodiments, the first conductive pattern (3310) can be accommodated in the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the conductive pattern (900) included in the coupler (90) of the preceding embodiments.

[0466] According to various embodiments, the second conductive pattern (3320) may be arranged across the first folding axis (A11) and the second folding axis (A12) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0467] According to various embodiments, a signal may be wirelessly transmitted between the first circuit unit (3410) and the third circuit unit (3430) through electromagnetic coupling between the second antenna (ANT22) and the second conductive pattern (3320), and through electromagnetic coupling between the fourth antenna (ANT24) and the second conductive pattern (3320). The second antenna (ANT22) electrically connected to the first circuit unit (3410), the fourth antenna (ANT24) electrically connected to the third circuit unit (3430), and the second conductive pattern (3320) may form a second wireless transmission / reception structure configured to transmit a signal (or electromagnetic wave) between the first circuit unit (3410) and the third circuit unit (3430).

[0468] According to various embodiments, the second conductive pattern (3320) may include a seventh antenna (ANT27), an eighth antenna (ANT28), and a second electrical path (EP22). The seventh antenna (ANT27) may be positioned in the first housing (3010) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the second antenna (ANT22). The eighth antenna (ANT28) may be positioned in the third housing (3030) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the fourth antenna (ANT24). The second electrical path (EP22) may electrically connect the seventh antenna (ANT27) and the eighth antenna (ANT28). The second electrical path (EP22) may be arranged across the first folding axis (A11) and the second folding axis (A12) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0469] According to various embodiments, the second conductive pattern (3320) can be accommodated in the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the conductive pattern (900) included in the coupler (90) of the preceding embodiments.

[0470] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 36 is a block diagram of a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0471] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 35 and 36. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIGS. 35 and 36 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0472] Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first housing (3010), a second housing (3020), and a third housing (3030). The multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first folding axis (A11) between the first housing (3010) and the second housing (3020). The first folding axis (A11) may be formed by a first hinge portion (3050) (see FIG. 30). The multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a second folding axis (A12) between the second housing (3020) and the third housing (3030). The second folding axis (A12) may be formed by a second hinge portion (3050) (see FIG. 30).

[0473] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first circuit portion (3610), a second circuit portion (3620), a third circuit portion (3630), a first antenna (also referred to as a first antenna radiator or a first antenna element) (ANT31), a second antenna (also referred to as a second antenna radiator or a second antenna element) (ANT32), a third antenna (also referred to as a third antenna radiator or a third antenna element) (ANT33), a fourth antenna (also referred to as a fourth antenna radiator or a fourth antenna element) (ANT34), a first conductive pattern (3510), and a second conductive pattern (3520).

[0474] According to various embodiments, the first circuit portion (3610) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the first housing (3010). The first circuit portion (3610) may include a first printed circuit board accommodated in the first housing (3010), and a plurality of first electrical components electrically connected to the first printed circuit board. At least one of the plurality of first electrical components may be disposed on the first printed circuit board or may be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of first electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the first printed circuit board. The plurality of first electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0475] According to various embodiments, the first circuit unit (3610) may include a processor (also referred to as a processing circuit or a control circuit) (3611) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), a first communication circuit (3612), and a plurality of first peripheral elements (3613). The processor (3611) may be electrically connected to a first antenna (ANT31) via the first communication circuit (3612). The first communication circuit (3612) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via the first antenna (ANT31). The first communication circuit (3612) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0476] According to various embodiments, the first communication circuit (3612) may include a first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36121) and a first modem (36122). The processor (3611) may be electrically connected to the first modem (36122) via the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36121). The first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36121) may be electrically connected to the first antenna (ANT31) via the first modem (36122). When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (3620), the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36121) may aggregate a plurality of signals received from the processor (3611) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (3620), the first modem (36122) modulates the aggregated signal received from the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36121), and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the first antenna (ANT31). When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (3620), the first modem (36122) can demodulate the signal received through the first antenna (ANT31). When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (3620), the first circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36121) disaggregates the demodulated signal received from the first modem (36122), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to the processor (3611).

[0477] According to various embodiments, a plurality of first peripheral elements (3613) may be electrically connected to the processor (3611).

[0478] According to various embodiments, the second circuit portion (3620) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the second housing (3020). The second circuit portion (3620) may include a second printed circuit board accommodated in the second housing (3020), and a plurality of second electrical components electrically connected to the second printed circuit board. At least one of the plurality of second electrical components may be disposed on the second printed circuit board or electrically connected to the second printed circuit board via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of second electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the second printed circuit board. The plurality of second electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0479] According to various embodiments, the second circuit unit (3620) may include a second communication circuit (3622) and a plurality of second peripheral elements (3623). The second communication circuit (3622) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via a second antenna (ANT32). The second communication circuit (3622) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0480] According to various embodiments, the second communication circuit (3622) may include a second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36221), a second modem (36222), and a third modem (36223). The second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36221) may be electrically connected to a second antenna (ANT32) via the second modem (36222). The second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36221) may be electrically connected to a third antenna (ANT33) via the third modem (36223). A plurality of second peripheral elements (3623) can be electrically connected to a second modem (36222) and a third modem (36223) via a second circuit (36221) for aggregation and disaggregation. When receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (3610), the second modem (36222) can demodulate the signal received via the second antenna (ANT32). When receiving a signal from the first circuit unit (3610), the second circuit (36221) for aggregation and disaggregation can disaggregate the demodulated signal received from the second modem (36222), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to the plurality of second peripheral elements (3623). When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (3610), the second circuit (36221) for aggregation and disaggregation can aggregate a plurality of signals received from a plurality of second peripheral elements (3623) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the first circuit unit (3610), the second modem (36222) can modulate the aggregated signal received from the second circuit (36221) for aggregation and disaggregation, and the modulated signal can be propagated through the second antenna (ANT32). When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (3620), the third modem (36223) can demodulate the signal received through the third antenna (ANT33).When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (3620), the second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36221) disaggregates the demodulated signal received from the third modem (36223), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to a plurality of second peripheral elements (3623). When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (3620), the second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36221) can aggregate a plurality of signals received from a plurality of second peripheral elements (3623) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (3620), the third modem (36223) modulates the aggregated signal received from the second circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36221), and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the third antenna (ANT33).

[0481] According to various embodiments, the third circuit portion (3630) may be at least partially accommodated or disposed in the third housing (3030). The third circuit portion (3630) may include a third printed circuit board accommodated in the third housing (3030), and a plurality of third electrical components electrically connected to the third printed circuit board. At least one of the plurality of third electrical components may be disposed on the third printed circuit board or electrically connected to the third printed circuit board via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board. The plurality of third electrical components may be electrically connected via a plurality of electrical paths (e.g., a plurality of wires) included in the third printed circuit board. The plurality of third electrical components may include some of the components included in the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0482] According to various embodiments, the third circuit unit (3630) may include a third communication circuit (3632) and a plurality of third peripheral elements (3633). The third communication circuit (3632) may be configured to transmit and / or receive a signal via a fourth antenna (ANT34). The third communication circuit (3632) may perform functions for transmitting or receiving a signal via a wireless channel.

[0483] According to various embodiments, the third communication circuit (3632) may include a third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36321) and a fourth modem (36322). The third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36321) may be electrically connected to a fourth antenna (ANT34) via the fourth modem (36322). A plurality of third peripheral elements (3633) may be electrically connected to the fourth modem (36322) via the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36321). Upon receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (3620), the fourth modem (36322) may demodulate the signal received via the fourth antenna (ANT34). When receiving a signal from the second circuit unit (3620), the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36321) disaggregates the demodulated signal received from the fourth modem (36322), and the disaggregated signal can be transmitted to a plurality of third peripheral elements (3633). When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (3620), the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36321) can aggregate a plurality of signals received from a plurality of third peripheral elements (3633) into a single signal. When transmitting a signal to the second circuit unit (3620), the fourth modem (36322) modulates the aggregated signal received from the third circuit for aggregation and disaggregation (36321), and the modulated signal can be transmitted through the fourth antenna (ANT34).

[0484] According to various embodiments, the first antenna (ANT31) may be located in the first housing (3010). The first antenna (ANT31) may be electrically connected to the first circuit unit (3610). The first antenna (ANT31) may receive (or be powered by) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the first communication circuit (3612) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. The first antenna (ANT31) may be located in the first housing (3010) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the first antenna (ANT1) or the second antenna (ANT2) of the foldable electronic device (2) of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the first antenna (ANT31) may be defined as a component included in the first circuit unit (3610).

[0485] According to various embodiments, the second antenna (ANT32) and the third antenna (ANT33) may be positioned in the second housing (3020). The second antenna (ANT32) and the third antenna (ANT33) may be electrically connected to the second circuit unit (3620). The second antenna (ANT32) and the third antenna (ANT33) may receive (or be powered by) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the second communication circuit (3622) and radiate electromagnetic waves. The second antenna (ANT32) and / or the third antenna (ANT33) may be positioned in the second housing (3020) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the first antenna (ANT1) or the second antenna (ANT2) of the foldable electronic device (2) of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the second antenna (ANT32) and / or the third antenna (ANT33) may be defined as components included in the second circuit unit (3620).

[0486] According to various embodiments, the fourth antenna (ANT34) may be located in the third housing (3030). The fourth antenna (ANT34) may be electrically connected to the third circuit unit (3630). The fourth antenna (ANT34) may receive (or be powered by) a signal (e.g., a power supply signal, an electromagnetic signal, a wireless signal, an RF signal, or a radiated current) from the third communication circuit (3632) and radiate an electromagnetic wave. The fourth antenna (ANT34) may be located in the third housing (3030) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the first antenna (ANT1) or the second antenna (ANT2) of the foldable electronic device (2) of the above embodiments. In various embodiments, the fourth antenna (ANT34) may be defined as a component included in the third circuit unit (3640).

[0487] According to various embodiments, the first conductive pattern (3510) may be arranged across the first folding axis (A11) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0488] According to various embodiments, a signal may be wirelessly transmitted between a first circuit unit (3610) and a second circuit unit (3620) through electromagnetic coupling between a first antenna (ANT31) and a first conductive pattern (3510), and through electromagnetic coupling between a second antenna (ANT32) and the first conductive pattern (3510). The first antenna (ANT31) electrically connected to the first circuit unit (3610), the second antenna (ANT32) electrically connected to the second circuit unit (3620), and the first conductive pattern (3510) may form a first wireless transmission / reception structure configured to transmit a signal (or electromagnetic wave) between the first circuit unit (3610) and the second circuit unit (3620).

[0489] According to various embodiments, the first conductive pattern (3510) may include a fifth antenna (ANT35), a sixth antenna (ANT36), and a first electrical path (EP31). The fifth antenna (ANT35) may be positioned in the first housing (3010) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the first antenna (ANT31). The sixth antenna (ANT36) may be positioned in the second housing (3020) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the second antenna (ANT32). The first electrical path (EP31) may electrically connect the fifth antenna (ANT35) and the sixth antenna (ANT36). The first electrical path (EP31) may be disposed across the first folding axis (A11) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0490] According to various embodiments, the first conductive pattern (3510) can be accommodated in the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the conductive pattern (900) included in the coupler (90) of the preceding embodiments.

[0491] According to various embodiments, the second conductive pattern (3520) may be arranged across the second folding axis (A12) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0492] According to various embodiments, a signal may be wirelessly transmitted between the second circuit unit (3620) and the third circuit unit (3630) through electromagnetic coupling between the third antenna (ANT33) and the second conductive pattern (3520), and through electromagnetic coupling between the fourth antenna (ANT34) and the second conductive pattern (3520). The third antenna (ANT33) electrically connected to the second circuit unit (3620), the fourth antenna (ANT34) electrically connected to the third circuit unit (3630), and the second conductive pattern (3520) may form a second wireless transmission / reception structure configured to transmit a signal (or electromagnetic wave) between the second circuit unit (3620) and the third circuit unit (3630). A signal between the first circuit unit (3610) and the third circuit unit (3630) can be transmitted through the first wireless transmission / reception structure between the first circuit unit (3610) and the second circuit unit (3620), the second circuit unit (3620), and the second wireless transmission / reception structure between the second circuit unit (3620) and the third circuit unit (3630).

[0493] According to various embodiments, the second conductive pattern (3520) may include a seventh antenna (ANT37), an eighth antenna (ANT38), and a second electrical path (EP32). The seventh antenna (ANT37) may be positioned in the second housing (3020) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the third antenna (ANT33). The eighth antenna (ANT38) may be positioned in the third housing (3030) so as to be electromagnetically coupled with the fourth antenna (ANT34). The second electrical path (EP32) may electrically connect the seventh antenna (ANT37) and the eighth antenna (ANT38). The second electrical path (EP32) may be disposed across the second folding axis (A12) of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0494] According to various embodiments, the second conductive pattern (3520) can be accommodated in the multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a manner at least partially identical or similar to the conductive pattern (900) included in the coupler (90) of the preceding embodiments.

[0495] FIG. 37 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 38 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0496] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIGS. 37 and 38. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIGS. 37 and 38 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0497] Referring to FIGS. 37 and 38, a multi-foldable electronic device (3000) may include a first housing (3010), a second housing (3020), a third housing (3030), a flexible display (3040), a first hinge portion (3050), a second hinge portion (3060), a first antenna structure (3710), a second antenna structure (3720), a third antenna structure (3730), a fourth antenna structure (3740), a first coupler (3810), and a second coupler (3820). Descriptions of some components that are the same as those in the previous embodiments are omitted.

[0498] According to various embodiments, the first housing (3010) may include a first bracket (or first frame) (3011) and a first rear cover (3012). One or more electrical elements, such as a first printed circuit board, may be housed or disposed in the first housing (3010).

[0499] According to various embodiments, the second housing (3020) may include a second bracket (or second frame) (3021) and a second rear cover (3022). One or more electrical elements, such as a second printed circuit board (not shown separately), may be housed or disposed in the second housing (3020).

[0500] According to various embodiments, the third housing (3030) may include a third bracket (or third frame) (3031) and a third rear cover (not shown separately). One or more electrical elements, such as a third printed circuit board (not shown separately), may be housed or arranged in the third housing (3030).

[0501] According to various embodiments, the first housing (3010) and the second housing (3020) may be connected via a first hinge portion (3050). The second housing (3020) and the third housing (3030) may be connected via a second hinge portion (3060). In a folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000), the third housing (3030) may be disposed between the first housing (3010) and the second housing (3020).

[0502] According to various embodiments, the first hinge portion (3050) may connect the first housing (3010) and the second housing (3020) so that the flexible display (3040) may be placed with the third housing (3030) interposed therebetween in the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000). The first hinge portion (3050) may include a first hinge cover and at least one hinge positioned on the inside of the first hinge cover and connecting the first housing (3010) and the second housing (3020).

[0503] According to various embodiments, the second hinge portion (3060) may include a second hinge cover and at least one hinge positioned on the inner side of the second hinge cover and connecting the second housing (3020) and the third housing (3030). The second hinge portion (3060) may include a first plate (e.g., a first hinge plate or a first wing plate) (3061) and a second plate (e.g., a second hinge plate or a second wing plate) (3062) operatively connected to the at least one hinge. A portion corresponding between the second housing (3020) and the third housing (3030) of the flexible display (3040) may be arranged in a bent shape (e.g., a water drop shape or a dumbbell shape) that can reduce bending stress and / or buckling phenomenon by being supported by the first plate (3061) and the second plate (3062) in the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000). A portion corresponding between the second housing (3020) and the third housing (3030) of the flexible display (3040) may be arranged flat by being supported by the first plate (3061) and the second plate (3062) in the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3000).

[0504] According to various embodiments, the first antenna structure (3710) may be accommodated in the first housing (3010). For example, the first antenna structure (3710) may be disposed or coupled to the first bracket (3011) of the first housing (3010). The first antenna structure (3710) may be configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic waves through the first non-conductive portion (3071) of the first bracket (3011). The first antenna structure (3710) may include, for example, the first antenna (ANT31) of the embodiment of FIG. 36. The first antenna structure (3710) may be formed in a shape at least partially identical to or similar to, for example, the first antenna structure (811) according to the embodiment of FIG. 10. The first antenna structure (3710) can be electrically connected to a first printed circuit board accommodated in the first housing (3010) via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0505] According to various embodiments, the second antenna structure (3720) and the third antenna structure (3730) may be accommodated in the second housing (3020). For example, the second antenna structure (3720) and the third antenna structure (3730) may be disposed or coupled to the second bracket (3021) of the second housing (3020). The second antenna structure (3720) may be configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic waves through the second non-conductive portion (3072) of the second bracket (3021). The third antenna structure (3730) may be configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic waves through the third non-conductive portion (3073) of the second bracket (3021). A second antenna structure (3720) may include, for example, the second antenna (ANT32) of the embodiment of FIG. 36. A third antenna structure (3730) may include, for example, the third antenna (ANT33) of the embodiment of FIG. 36. The second antenna structure (3720) and / or the third antenna structure (3730) may be formed in a shape at least partially identical to or similar to, for example, the first antenna structure (811) according to the embodiment of FIG. 10. The second antenna structure (3720) may be electrically connected to a second printed circuit board accommodated in the second housing (3020) via an electrical connection member, such as a flexible printed circuit board. The third antenna structure (3730) may be electrically connected to a second printed circuit board accommodated in the second housing (3020) via an electrical connection member, such as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0506] According to various embodiments, the fourth antenna structure (3740) may be accommodated in the third housing (3030). For example, the fourth antenna structure (3740) may be disposed or coupled to the third bracket (3031) of the third housing (3030). The fourth antenna structure (3740) may be configured to transmit and / or receive electromagnetic waves through the fourth non-conductive portion (3074) of the third bracket (3031). The fourth antenna structure (3740) may include, for example, the fourth antenna (ANT34) of the embodiment of FIG. 36. The fourth antenna structure (3740) may be formed in a shape at least partially identical or similar to, for example, the first antenna structure (811) according to the embodiment of FIG. 10. The fourth antenna structure (3740) may be electrically connected to a third printed circuit board housed in the third housing (3030) via an electrical connection member such as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0507] According to various embodiments, the first coupler (3810) may be electromagnetically coupled with the first antenna structure (3710) and the second antenna structure (3720). The first coupler (3810) may be positioned across the first hinge portion (3050). The first coupler (3810) may include, for example, the first conductive pattern (3510) of FIG. 36. A signal can be wirelessly transmitted between a first circuit portion (e.g., the first circuit portion (3610) of FIG. 36) at least partially located in the first housing (3010) and a second circuit portion (e.g., the second circuit portion (3620) of FIG. 36) at least partially accommodated in the second housing (3020) through electromagnetic coupling between the first antenna structure (3710) and the first coupler (3810), and between the second antenna structure (3720) and the first coupler (3810).

[0508] According to various embodiments, a first antenna (e.g., the first antenna (ANT31) of FIG. 36) included in a first antenna structure (3710) and a fifth antenna (e.g., the fifth antenna (ANT35) of FIG. 36) included in a first coupler (3810) may face each other with a first non-conductive portion (3071) of a first bracket (3011) therebetween. A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the first antenna and the fifth antenna through the first non-conductive portion (3071).

[0509] According to various embodiments, a second antenna (e.g., the second antenna (ANT32) of FIG. 36) included in a second antenna structure (3720) and a sixth antenna (e.g., the sixth antenna (ANT36) of FIG. 36) included in a first coupler (3810) may face each other with a second non-conductive portion (3072) of a second bracket (3021) therebetween. A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the second antenna and the sixth antenna through the second non-conductive portion (3072).

[0510] According to various embodiments, the first coupler (3810) may be positioned across the first hinge portion (3050) and may be positioned or coupled to the back surface of the flexible display (3040).

[0511] According to various embodiments, the second coupler (3820) may be electromagnetically coupled with the third antenna structure (3730) and the fourth antenna structure (3740). The second coupler (3820) may be positioned across the second hinge portion (3060). The second coupler (3820) may include, for example, the second conductive pattern (3520) of FIG. 36. A signal can be wirelessly transmitted between a second circuit portion (e.g., the second circuit portion (3620) of FIG. 36) at least partially located in the second housing (3020) and a third circuit portion (e.g., the third circuit portion (3630) of FIG. 36) at least partially accommodated in the third housing (3030) through electromagnetic coupling between the third antenna structure (3730) and the second coupler (3820), and through electromagnetic coupling between the fourth antenna structure (3740) and the second coupler (3820).

[0512] According to various embodiments, a third antenna (e.g., the third antenna (ANT33) of FIG. 36) included in a third antenna structure (3730) and a seventh antenna (e.g., the seventh antenna (ANT37) of FIG. 36) included in a second coupler (3820) may face each other with a third non-conductive portion (3073) of a second bracket (3021) therebetween. A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the third antenna and the seventh antenna through the third non-conductive portion (3073).

[0513] According to various embodiments, a fourth antenna (e.g., the fourth antenna (ANT34) of FIG. 36) included in a fourth antenna structure (3740) and an eighth antenna (e.g., the eighth antenna (ANT38) of FIG. 36) included in a second coupler (3820) may face each other with a fourth non-conductive portion (3074) of a third bracket (3031) therebetween. A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be transmitted between the fourth antenna and the eighth antenna through the fourth non-conductive portion (3074).

[0514] According to various embodiments, the second coupler (3820) may be positioned across the second hinge portion (3060) and may be positioned or coupled to the back surface of the flexible display (3040).

[0515] FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating a multi-foldable electronic device (3900) in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0516] It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses and includes all combinations of the features and / or embodiments disclosed in connection with FIG. 39. All combinations of the features described below in connection with FIG. 39 may be considered to be encompassed by the present disclosure as specific examples.

[0517] Referring to FIG. 39, a multi-foldable electronic device (3900) may include a first housing (3910), a second housing (3920), a third housing (3930), and a flexible display (3940).

[0518] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3900) may be implemented to be foldable between a first housing (3910) and a second housing (3920). The first housing (3910) and the second housing (3920) may be rotatably connected via, for example, a first hinge portion (3950) including one or more hinges (or also referred to as hinge modules).

[0519] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3900) may be implemented to be foldable between a second housing (3920) and a third housing (3930). The second housing (3910) and the third housing (3930) may be rotatably connected via a second hinge portion (3960) including, for example, one or more hinges (or also referred to as hinge modules).

[0520] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (3940) may be disposed in a first housing (3910), a second housing (3920), and a third housing (3930). The flexible display (3940) may include a first display area disposed in the first housing (3910), a second display area extending from the first display area and disposed in the second housing (3920), and a third display area extending from the second display area and disposed in the third housing (3930).

[0521] According to various embodiments, in a folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3900), the second housing (3920) may be disposed between the first housing (3910) and the third housing (3930). In a folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3900), the first housing (3910) may be angled about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees with respect to the second housing (3920) so as to face the second housing (3920). In a folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3900), the second housing (3920) may be angled about 0 degrees to about 10 degrees with respect to the third housing (3930) so as to face the third housing (3930). In the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3900), the first display area disposed in the first housing (3910) and the second display area disposed in the second housing (3920) may face each other between the first housing (3910) and the second housing (3920). In the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3900), the third display area disposed in the third housing (3930) may be exposed to the outside.

[0522] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (3900), the flexible display (3940) may be arranged substantially flat, such that the first housing (3910) and the second housing (3920), and the second housing (3920) and the third housing (3930) may form an angle of about 180 degrees.

[0523] According to various embodiments, a multi-foldable electronic device (3900) may include a first circuit unit accommodated in a first housing (3910), a second circuit unit accommodated in a second housing (3920), and a third circuit unit accommodated in a third housing (3930). The multi-foldable electronic device (3900) may include at least one antenna accommodated in the first housing (3910) and electrically connected to the first circuit unit. The multi-foldable electronic device (3900) may include at least one antenna accommodated in the second housing (3920) and electrically connected to the second circuit unit. The multi-foldable electronic device (3900) may include at least one antenna accommodated in the third housing (3930) and electrically connected to the third circuit unit.

[0524] According to various embodiments, a multi-foldable electronic device (3900) includes at least one antenna (e.g., the first antenna (ANT11) of FIG. 32, the first antenna (ANT21) of FIG. 34, or the first antenna (ANT31) of FIG. 36) electrically connected to a first circuit unit (e.g., the first circuit unit (3210) of FIG. 32, the first circuit unit (3410) of FIG. 34, or the first circuit unit (3610) of FIG. 36)), at least one antenna (e.g., the second antenna (ANT12) of FIG. 32, the third antenna (ANT23) of FIG. 34, or the second antenna (ANT32) of FIG. 36) electrically connected to a second circuit unit (e.g., the second circuit unit (3220) of FIG. 32, the second circuit unit (3420) of FIG. 34, or the second circuit unit (3620) of FIG. 36)), and A signal (or electromagnetic wave) may be configured to be transmitted between the first circuit unit and the second circuit unit through a wireless transmission / reception structure including a coupler (e.g., a coupler including a conductive pattern (3100) of FIG. 32, a coupler including a first conductive pattern (3310) of FIG. 34, or a coupler including a first conductive pattern (3510) of FIG. 36).

[0525] According to various embodiments, a multi-foldable electronic device (3900) includes a wireless transmission / reception structure including at least one antenna (e.g., a first antenna (ANT11) of FIG. 32 or a second antenna (ANT22) of FIG. 34) electrically connected to a first circuit unit (e.g., a first circuit unit (3210) of FIG. 32 or a first circuit unit (3410) of FIG. 34), at least one antenna (e.g., a third antenna (ANT13) of FIG. 32 or a fourth antenna (ANT24) of FIG. 34) electrically connected to a third circuit unit (e.g., a third circuit unit (3230) of FIG. 32 or a third circuit unit (3430) of FIG. 34), and a coupler (e.g., a coupler including a conductive pattern (3100) of FIG. 32, or a coupler including a second conductive pattern (3320) of FIG. 34). It can be configured so that a signal (or electromagnetic wave) is transmitted between the circuit unit and the third circuit unit.

[0526] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (3900) may be configured to transmit a signal (or electromagnetic wave) between the second circuit unit and the third circuit unit through a wireless transmission / reception structure including at least one antenna (e.g., the third antenna (ANT33) of FIG. 36) electrically connected to a second circuit unit (e.g., the second circuit unit (3620) of FIG. 36), at least one antenna (e.g., the fourth antenna (ANT34) of FIG. 36) electrically connected to a third circuit unit (e.g., the third circuit unit (3630) of FIG. 36), and a coupler (e.g., a coupler including a second conductive pattern (3520) of FIG. 36).

[0527] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (2) includes a first housing (21), a second housing (22), a hinge portion (24), a first antenna (ANT1), and a second antenna (ANT2). The hinge portion (24) rotatably connects the first housing (21) and the second housing (22). The first antenna (ANT1) is positioned in the first housing (21). The second antenna (ANT2) is positioned in the second housing (22). A conductive pattern (900) is arranged across the hinge portion (24). The conductive pattern (900) is configured to transmit and receive signals with the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2).

[0528] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the foldable electronic device (2) may further include a flexible display module (e.g., a first display module (25)) disposed in the first housing (21) and the second housing (22). The conductive pattern (900) may be disposed on the back surface of the flexible display module.

[0529] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first housing (21) may include a first rear cover (e.g., a first cover (212)) and a first bracket (e.g., a first support plate (2111)). The second housing (22) may include a second rear cover (e.g., a second cover (222)) and a second bracket (e.g., a second support plate (2211)). The conductive pattern (900) may include a third antenna (ANT3), a fourth antenna (ANT4), and an electrical path (EP). The third antenna (ANT3) may be disposed in the first bracket between the first rear cover and the first bracket. The fourth antenna (ANT4) may be disposed in the second bracket between the second rear cover and the second bracket. The electrical path (EP) can extend to the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4). In a direction orthogonal to the first rear cover, the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) can overlap. In a direction orthogonal to the second rear cover, the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) can overlap.

[0530] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a first opening (613) may be formed in a first conductive area (612) of a first bracket (e.g., a first support plate (2111)). The first bracket may include a first non-conductive portion (614) disposed in the first opening (613). The first non-conductive portion (614) may be positioned between a first antenna (ANT1) and a third antenna (ANT3).

[0531] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a second opening (623) may be formed in a second conductive region (622) of a second bracket (e.g., a second support plate (2211)). The second bracket may include a second non-conductive portion (624) disposed in the second opening (623). The second non-conductive portion (624) may be positioned between the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4).

[0532] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the hinge portion (24) may include a first hinge plate (e.g., a first plate (51)) and a second hinge plate (e.g., a second plate (52)). The first hinge plate may be positioned between the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) and may include a third opening (512) formed between the first...

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device (2), 1st housing (21); Second housing (22); A flexible display (25) arranged across the first surface (2111A) of the first housing (21) and the second surface (2211A) of the second housing (22); A hinge structure (24) that rotatably connects the first housing (21) and the second housing (22); A first antenna (ANT1) located in the first housing (21); A second antenna (ANT2) located in the second housing (22); A first coupling pad (ANT3) arranged to face the radiation direction of the first antenna (ANT1); A second coupling pad (ANT4) arranged to face the radiation direction of the second antenna (ANT2); and A foldable electronic device comprising a connecting portion (EP) arranged across the hinge structure (24) and electrically connecting the first coupling pad (ANT3) and the second coupling pad (ANT4).

2. In paragraph 1, The first coupling pad (ANT3) includes a first conductive pattern for transmitting or receiving a signal with the first antenna (ANT1), and A foldable electronic device in which the second coupling pad (ANT4) includes a second conductive pattern for transmitting or receiving a signal with the second antenna (ANT2).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, A foldable electronic device in which the connecting portion (EP) electrically connecting the first coupling pad (ANT3) and the second coupling pad (ANT4) includes a stripline.

4. In paragraph 1 or 2, A foldable electronic device in which the connecting portion (EP) electrically connects the first coupling pad (ANT3) and the second coupling pad (ANT4) includes a coaxial cable.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The hinge structure (24) is further arranged across the insulator (910) including a third side (912) facing the back surface of the flexible display (25) and a fourth side (911) positioned opposite the third side (912). A foldable electronic device wherein the first coupling pad (ANT3) and the second coupling pad (ANT4) are disposed on the fourth surface (911) of the insulator (910).

6. In paragraph 5, A first ground plane (930) disposed on the third surface (912) of the insulator (910); A second ground plane (P2) arranged on the fourth surface (912) of the insulator (910); and Further comprising a plurality of first conductive holes (940) and a plurality of second conductive holes (950) formed in the insulator (910) to electrically connect the first ground plane (930) and the second ground plane (P2), The above plurality of first conductive holes (940) are located within the first housing (21), and A foldable electronic device in which the plurality of second conductive holes (950) are located within the second housing (22).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A foldable electronic device in which the first coupling pad (ANT3) and the second coupling pad (AN4) are arranged on the back surface of the flexible display (25).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above first housing (21) includes a first rear cover (212) and a first bracket (2111), The second housing (22) includes a second rear cover (222) and a second bracket (2211), The first coupling pad (ANT3) is placed on the first bracket (2111) between the first rear cover (212) and the first bracket (2111), The second coupling pad (ANT4) is placed on the second bracket (2211) between the second rear cover (222) and the second bracket (2211), In a direction orthogonal to the first rear cover (212), the first antenna (ANT1) and the first coupling pad (ANT3) overlap, and A foldable electronic device in which the second antenna (ANT2) and the second coupling pad (ANT4) are overlapped in a direction orthogonal to the second rear cover (222).

9. In paragraph 8, A first opening (613) is formed in the first conductive area (612) of the first bracket (2111), The above first bracket (2111) includes a first non-conductive portion (614) arranged in the first opening (613), The first non-conductive portion (614) is located between the first antenna (ANT1) and the first coupling pad (ANT3), A second opening (623) is formed in the second conductive area (622) of the second bracket (2211), The second bracket (2211) includes a second non-conductive portion (624) arranged in the second opening (623), and The above second non-conductive portion (624) is a foldable electronic device located between the second antenna (ANT2) and the second coupling pad (ANT4).

10. In paragraph 8, The above hinge structure (24) includes a first hinge plate (51) and a second hinge plate (52), The first hinge plate (51) is positioned between the first antenna (ANT1) and the first coupling pad (ANT3), and includes a third opening (512) formed between the first antenna (ANT1) and the first coupling pad (ANT3), and A foldable electronic device, wherein the second hinge plate (52) is positioned between the second antenna (ANT2) and the second coupling pad (ANT4), and includes a fourth opening (522) formed between the second antenna (ANT2) and the second coupling pad (ANT4).

11. In paragraph 8, The first antenna (ANT1) and the first coupling pad (ANT3) are arranged parallel to the first rear cover (212), and A foldable electronic device in which the second antenna (ANT2) and the second coupling pad (ANT4) are arranged parallel to the second rear cover (222).

12. In paragraph 1, The first antenna (ANT1) and the first coupling pad (ANT3) are arranged not parallel to each other, and A foldable electronic device in which the second antenna (ANT2) and the second coupling pad (ANT4) are arranged not parallel to each other.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A flexible member (90) including the first coupling pad (ANT3), the second coupling pad (ANT4), and the connecting portion (EP), The above flexible member (90) is A first area (901) arranged in the first housing (21), A second area (902) arranged in the second housing (22), and A third region (903) extending from the first region (901) and the second region (902) and arranged across the hinge structure (24), The third region (903) is a foldable electronic device including a lattice structure (1700) including a plurality of openings.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, Includes an electromagnetic induction panel (2500) for detecting input of a pen input device, A foldable electronic device in which the first coupling pad (ANT3), the second coupling pad (ANT4), and the connecting portion (EP) are disposed on the electromagnetic induction panel (2500).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, A first circuit unit (710) located in the first housing (21) and electrically connected to the first antenna (ANT1), and A second circuit unit (720) is located in the second housing (22) and is electrically connected to the second antenna (ANT2), The first circuit unit (710) includes a processor (711) and a first communication circuit (712) configured to transmit and receive signals through the first antenna (ANT1), and A foldable electronic device including a second communication circuit (722) configured to transmit and receive signals through the second antenna (ANT2) in the second circuit section (720).

Images