Foldable electronic device including drive unit for state change

Abstract

The electronic device according to one embodiment may also include a plurality of sensors and a processor. In accordance with an embodiment, the processor may be configured to receive a user input indicating that a folded state of the flexible display in which at least a portion of the flexible display is covered by the second housing and the third housing transitions to an expanded state in which the flexible display is exposed toward the outside. According to one embodiment, a processor may be configured to, in response to a user input, identify a reference pose corresponding to a pose of an electronic device identified by a plurality of sensors from a plurality of reference poses predetermined for a folded state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a foldable electronic device including an actuator (or driving unit) for state change. Background Art

[0002] An electronic device including a large screen display can improve user usability. With the increasing demand for highly portable electronic devices, the electronic device can include a deformable display. Such a deformable display can be slidably deformable, foldably deformable, or rollably deformable. Summary of the invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] A foldable device including a foldable and deformable display may provide a structure that can be folded several times to provide a large screen display. A foldable device that can be folded two or more times may be folded in various ways.

[0005] For foldable devices that can be folded in various ways, any improper folding method during use may increase the risk of damage to the electronic device. Therefore, a solution that can prevent the electronic device from being damaged due to such improper use may be needed.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and ordinary technicians in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs will clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned herein from the following description.

[0007] Technical Solution

[0008] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include: a first housing including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a second housing including a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface; and a third housing including a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface. The electronic device according to the embodiment may also include a first hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing, a first actuator connected to the first hinge structure, a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing and the third housing, and a second actuator connected to the second hinge structure. The electronic device according to the embodiment may also include a flexible display arranged on the first surface, the third surface, and the fifth surface, the flexible display including a first area corresponding to the first surface, a second area corresponding to the third surface, and a third area corresponding to the fifth surface. The electronic device according to the embodiment may also include a plurality of sensors and a processor. According to the embodiment, the processor may be configured to receive a user input indicating a change (conversion) from a folded state to an unfolded state, the folded state including the flexible display being at least partially covered by the second housing and the third housing, and the unfolded state including the flexible display being exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to, in response to a user input, identify a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device identified by multiple sensors from a plurality of predetermined reference postures for the folded state. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to identify a reference drive scheme corresponding to the reference posture from a plurality of reference drive schemes. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to change the folded state to the unfolded state based on controlling the first actuator and the second actuator according to the reference drive scheme.

[0009] According to an embodiment, an electronic device may include: a first housing including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a second housing including a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface; and a third housing including a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include: a first hinge structure rotatably coupling the first housing and the second housing to change the angle between the first surface and the third surface from 0 to 180 degrees; a first actuator coupled to the first hinge structure; a second hinge structure rotatably coupling the first housing and the third housing to change the angle between the first surface and the fifth surface from 0 to 180 degrees; a second actuator coupled to the second hinge structure. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a flexible display disposed on the first surface, the third surface, and the fifth surface, the flexible display including a first area corresponding to the first surface, a second area corresponding to the third surface, and a third area corresponding to the fifth surface. According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a plurality of sensors and a processor. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to receive a user input indicating a change (conversion) from a folded state to an unfolded state, wherein the folded state includes the flexible display being at least partially covered by the second shell and the third shell, and the unfolded state includes the flexible display being exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to identify, in response to the user input, a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device identified by multiple sensors from a plurality of predetermined reference postures for the folded state. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to identify a reference drive scheme corresponding to the reference posture from a plurality of reference drive schemes. According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to change the folded state to the unfolded state based on controlling the first actuator and the second actuator according to the reference drive scheme.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to an embodiment, providing an electronic device with a designated folding order or unfolding order can reduce damage to the electronic device due to a disordered folding operation.

[0012] According to the embodiment, the electronic device may provide a designated order of folding or unfolding operations and perform folding or unfolding through an actuator, thereby improving user convenience.

[0013] Effects that can be obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and a person of ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs will clearly understand other effects not mentioned herein from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0015] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 A plurality of states of an electronic device having a first shape according to an embodiment are illustrated.

[0017] Figure 4 A plurality of states of the electronic device having a second shape according to the embodiment are illustrated.

[0018] Figure 5 A plurality of states of the electronic device having the third shape according to the embodiment are illustrated.

[0019] Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c and Figure 6d An unfolding operation corresponding to a posture of an electronic device having a first shape according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 7a , Figure 7b , Figure 7c and Figure 7d An unfolding operation corresponding to different postures of the electronic device having the second shape according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 8c and Figure 8d An unfolding operation corresponding to different postures of the electronic device having the third shape according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 9a and Figure 9b Folding operations corresponding to different postures of the electronic device having a first shape according to an embodiment are illustrated.

[0023] Fig.10a and 10b Folding operations corresponding to different postures of the electronic device having the second shape according to an embodiment are illustrated.

[0024] Fig.11a and 11b Folding operations corresponding to different postures of the electronic device having the third shape according to the embodiment are illustrated.

[0025] Fig.12 is a flowchart illustrating an expansion operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device 101 in a network environment 100 according to various embodiments.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 , the electronic device 101 in the network environment 100 may communicate with the electronic device 102 via the first network 198 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or communicate with at least one of the electronic device 104 or the server 108 via the second network 199 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 via the server 108. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a memory 130, an input module 150, a sound 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 user identification module (SIM) 196, or an antenna module 197. In some embodiments, at least one of the above components (e.g., the connection terminal 178) may be omitted from the electronic device 101, or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101. In some embodiments, some of the above-described components (eg, sensor module 176, camera module 180, or antenna module 197) may be implemented as a single integrated component (eg, display module 160).

[0028] The processor 120 may run, for example, software (e.g., program 140) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware component or software component) of the electronic device 101 coupled to the processor 120, and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 120 may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., sensor module 176 or communication module 190) in the volatile memory 132, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory 132, and store the resultant data in the non-volatile memory 134. According to an embodiment, 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 is operationally independent or combined with the main processor 121. For example, when the electronic device 101 includes a main processor 121 and an auxiliary processor 123, the auxiliary processor 123 may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 121, or adapted to be dedicated to a specific function. The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from the main processor 121, or implemented as part of the main processor 121.

[0029] When the main processor 121 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, the auxiliary processor 123 (rather than the main processor 121) may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190), or when the main processor 121 is in an active state (e.g., running an application), the auxiliary processor 123 may control at least some of the functions or states related to at least one component among the components of the electronic device 101 (e.g., display module 160, sensor module 176, or communication module 190) together with the main processor 121. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., camera module 180 or communication module 190) that is functionally related to the auxiliary processor 123. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 123 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure dedicated to artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. For example, such learning can be performed by the electronic device 101 where the artificial intelligence is executed or via a separate server (e.g., server 108). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, for example. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be 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 deep neural network (BRDNN) or a deep Q network or a combination of two or more thereof, but is not limited thereto. Additionally or optionally, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure in addition to a hardware structure.

[0030] The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (e.g., the processor 120 or the sensor module 176). The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program 140) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a nonvolatile memory 134.

[0031] The program 140 may be stored as software in the memory 130 , and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 142 , middleware 144 , or applications 146 .

[0032] The input module 150 may receive commands or data to be used by other components (e.g., the processor 120) of the electronic device 101 from outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device 101. The input module 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0033] The sound output module 155 can output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device 101. The sound output module 155 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing records. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. Depending on the embodiment, the receiver can be implemented as a separate part from the speaker, or as part of the speaker.

[0034] The display module 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., a user). The display module 160 may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling a corresponding one of the display, the holographic device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, the display module 160 may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the strength of a force caused by a touch.

[0035] The audio module 170 may change the sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 may obtain the sound via the input module 150, or output the sound via the sound output module 155 or an earphone of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102) directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101.

[0036] The sensor module 176 may detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an environmental state (e.g., a user's state) outside the electronic device 101, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illumination sensor.

[0037] The interface 177 may support one or more specific protocols to be used to connect the electronic device 101 directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102). According to an embodiment, the interface 177 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0038] The connection end 178 may include a connector, wherein the electronic device 101 can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 102) via the connector. According to an embodiment, the connection end 178 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0039] The haptic module 179 may change the electric signal into mechanical stimulation (eg, vibration or motion) or electric stimulation that can be recognized by the user via his sense of touch or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator.

[0040] The camera module 180 may capture still images or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0041] The power management module 188 may manage power supply to the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the power management module 188 may be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0042] The battery 189 may power at least one component of the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, the battery 189 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0043] The communication module 190 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device 101 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 102, electronic device 104, or server 108), and perform communication via the established communication channel. The communication module 190 may include one or more communication processors capable of operating independently from the processor 120 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, 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 (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a first network 198 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 199 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a traditional cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or a wide area network (WAN))). These various types of communication modules can be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or these various types of communication modules can be implemented as multiple components separated from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 192 can identify and authenticate the electronic device 101 in a communication network (such as the first network 198 or the second network 199) using user information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the user identification module 196.

[0044] The wireless communication module 192 can support 5G networks after 4G networks and next-generation communication technologies (e.g., new radio (NR) access technology). NR access technology can support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communication (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC). The wireless communication module 192 can support high-frequency bands (e.g., millimeter wave bands) to achieve, for example, high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 192 can support various technologies for ensuring performance on high-frequency bands, such as, for example, beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or massive antennas. The wireless communication module 192 can support various requirements specified in the electronic device 101, an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 104), or a network system (e.g., a second network 199). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 192 may support a peak data rate for implementing eMBB (e.g., 20 Gbps or greater), loss coverage for implementing mMTC (e.g., 164 dB or less), or U-plane delay for implementing URLLC (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less round trip).

[0045] The antenna module 197 may transmit a signal or power to the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive a signal or power from the outside of the electronic device 101 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include an antenna including a radiating element, the radiating element being formed of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 197 may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication scheme 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 (e.g., the wireless communication module 192). A signal or power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module 190 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module 197.

[0046] According to various embodiments, the antenna module 197 may form a millimeter wave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the millimeter wave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas), wherein the RFIC is disposed on a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., millimeter wave band), and the plurality of antennas are disposed on a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the specified high frequency band.

[0047] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)) and communicatively transmit signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween.

[0048] According to an embodiment, a command or data may be sent or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 via the server 108 connected to the second network 199. Each of the electronic device 102 or the electronic device 104 may be a device of the same type as the electronic device 101, or a device of a different type from the electronic device 101. According to an embodiment, all or some operations to be executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more of the external electronic device 102, the external electronic device 104, or the server 108. For example, if the electronic device 101 should automatically execute a function or service or should execute a function or service in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service instead of executing the function or service, or the electronic device 101 may request the one or more external electronic devices to execute at least part of the function or service in addition to executing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or execute another function or another service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may provide the result as at least a partial reply to the request in the case of further processing the result or in the case of not further processing the result. To this end, cloud computing technology, distributed computing technology, mobile edge computing (MEC) technology or client-server computing technology, for example, may be used. The electronic device 101 may use, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing to provide ultra-low latency services. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199. The electronic device 101 may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars or health care) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies.

[0049] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 , the electronic device 101 may have a flexible display 230 (eg, Figure 1 The electronic device 101 may be referred to as a foldable electronic device. Based on the multiple sensors 240 (e.g., Figure 1The electronic device 101 may use the first actuator 250 or the second actuator 260 to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 may change the flexible display 230 through the first actuator 250 or the second actuator 260. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a processor 120, a flexible display 230, a plurality of sensors 240, a first actuator 250, and / or a second actuator 260.

[0051] For example, the flexible display 230 may be flexible. For example, the flexible display 230 may include a display area exposed from the housing of the electronic device 101, which provides at least a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device 101. For example, since the flexible display 230 is flexible, at least a portion of the flexible display 230 may be folded or unfolded. For example, when the electronic device 101 is folded or unfolded, the display area may be exposed to the outside or covered by the housing. For example, the electronic device 101 may be in a plurality of states, including a first state for providing a display area unfolded with a flat surface and a second state for providing a display area at least partially folded. In terms of providing a display area unfolded with a flat surface, the first state may be referred to as an unfolded state. In terms of providing a state in which the housing is folded to face each other, the second state may be referred to as a folded state.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be an electronic device having a first shape, wherein the flexible display 230 is completely covered in the second state. The electronic device may be an electronic device having a second shape, wherein the flexible display 230 is exposed (visible) through one housing of the electronic device in the second state. The electronic device 101 may be an electronic device having a third shape, wherein the flexible display 230 is exposed (visible) through two housings of the electronic device in the second state. For example, Figure 3 The description shows a first shape.

[0053] Figure 3 A plurality of states of an electronic device having a first shape according to an embodiment are illustrated.

[0054] refer to Figure 3 , the electronic device 101 may include a first housing 310, a second housing 320, and a third housing 330. The electronic device 101 may be unfolded in a first state 300a.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include a first housing 310, a second housing 320, and a third housing 330. The first housing 310 may include a first surface 310a and a second surface 310b. The second surface 310b may be opposite to the first surface 310a. The second housing 320 may include a third surface 320a and a fourth surface 320b. The fourth surface 320b may be opposite to the third surface 320a. The third housing 330 may include a fifth surface 330a and a sixth surface 330b. The fifth surface 330a may be opposite to the sixth surface 330b. The first state 300a may be a state in which the first surface 310a, the third surface 320a, and the fifth surface 330a face substantially the same first direction (e.g., z-axis direction). The first state 300a is a state in which the first housing 310, the second housing 320, and the third housing 330 are unfolded, and may be referred to as an unfolded state. In the first state 300a, the first housing 310, the second housing 320, and the third housing 330 may be substantially planar. For example, since the first case 310 , the second case 320 , and the third case 330 substantially include flat surfaces, the first surface 310 a , the third surface 320 a , and the fifth surface 330 a may form flat surfaces.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include first hinge structures 302a and 302b and second hinge structures 303a and 303b. The first hinge structures 302a and 302b may be disposed between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320. The first hinge structures 302a and 302b may rotatably connect the second housing 320 relative to the first housing 310. For example, by the first hinge structures 302a and 302b, the second housing 320 may rotate around the first folding axis f1 along a first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) relative to the first housing 310. For example, the first hinge structures 302a and 302b may rotate clockwise when changing from the first state 300a to the second state 300b. At least one of the first hinge structures 302a and 302b may be connected to the first actuator 250. The first actuator 250 may be configured to transmit a rotational force to one of the plurality of gears in one of the first hinge structures 302a and 302b. For example, the first actuator 250 may be coupled to a gear shaft included in one of the first hinge structures 302b.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the second hinge structure 303a and 303b may be arranged between the first housing 310 and the third housing 330. The second hinge structure 303a and 303b may rotatably connect the third housing 330 relative to the first housing 310. For example, by the second hinge structure 303a and 303b, the third housing 330 may rotate around the second folding axis f2 relative to the first housing 310 in a second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise). For example, the second hinge structure 303a and 303b may rotate counterclockwise when changing from the first state 300a to the second state 300b. At least one second hinge structure 303b in the second hinge structure 303a and 303b may be connected to the second actuator 260. The second actuator 260 may be configured to transfer the rotational force to a gear in a plurality of gears in one of the hinge structures in the second hinge structures 303a and 303b. For example, the second actuator 260 may be coupled to a gear shaft included in a second hinge structure 303b. The first actuator 250 can be configured to control the operation of the first hinge structures 302a and 302b. For example, even if the first actuator 250 is connected to one of the first hinge structures 302a and 302b (e.g., hinge structure 302b), the first actuator 250 can also control the operation of the other of the first hinge structures 302a and 302b (e.g., hinge structure 302a). One hinge structure 302b in the first hinge structures 302a and 302b can be associated with another hinge structure 302a in the first hinge structures 302a and 302b. For example, the first hinge structures 302a and 302b can share an axis or can be connected by structure. The first hinge structures 302a and 302b connected to each other or sharing an axis can rotate another hinge structure based on the rotation of one hinge structure. Similar to the first actuator 250, the second actuator 260 can be configured to control the operation of the second hinge structures 303a and 303b. For example, even if the second actuator 260 is connected to one of the second hinge structures 303a and 303b (eg, hinge structure 303b), the second actuator 260 may control the operation of the other of the second hinge structures 303a and 303b (eg, hinge structure 303a).

[0058] The first hinge structure 302a and 302b and the second hinge structure 303a and 303b can have substantially the same structure. The hinge structures 302 and 303 may include a plurality of gears 351, 352, 353 and 354. Each of the plurality of gears 351, 352, 353 and 354 may be rotatably coupled to a gear shaft 359. Actuators 250 and 260 may be connected to the gear shaft 359 to rotate the gear shaft 359. One gear (e.g., gear 351) of the plurality of gears 351, 352, 353 and 354 may rotate with the rotation of the gear shaft 359. With the rotation of gear 351, the remaining gears 352, 353 and 354 may also rotate. When the plurality of gears 351, 352, 353 and 354 rotate, the posture of the electronic device 101 may be changed.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the first hinge structures 302a and 302b may be surrounded by a first hinge cover 350. One hinge structure 302a of the first hinge structures 302a and 302b may be disposed at one end of the first hinge cover 350, and the other hinge structure 302b may be disposed at the other end of the first hinge cover 350. The second hinge structures 303a and 303b may be surrounded by a second hinge cover 360. One hinge structure 303a of the second hinge structures 303a and 303b may be disposed at one end of the second hinge cover 360, and the other hinge structure 303b may be disposed at the other end of the second hinge cover 360.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include a flexible display 230. The flexible display 230 may be arranged on one surface formed by the first housing 310, the second housing 320, and the third housing 330. The flexible display 230 may be provided on the first surface 310a, the third surface 320a, and the fifth surface 330a. The flexible display 230 may include a first display area 230a, a second display area 230b, and a third display area 230c. The first display area 230a may be provided on the first surface 310a of the first housing 310. The first display area 230a may be an area coupled to the first surface 310a in a manner that does not deform it. The second display area 230b may be provided on the third surface 320a of the second housing 320. The second display area 230b may be an area coupled to the third surface 320a in a manner that does not deform it. The third display area 230c may be provided on the fifth surface 330a of the third housing 330. The third display area 230c may be an area coupled to the fifth surface 330a in a manner that does not deform it. The first display area 230 a , the second display area 230 b , and the third display area 230 c may be referred to as flat areas having a flat surface.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the flexible display 230 may further include a fourth display area 230d and a fifth display area 230e. The fourth display area 230d may be disposed on the first hinge cover 350. The fourth display area 230d may be coupled to the first hinge cover 350 or the first hinge structures 302a and 302b. For example, the fourth display area 230d may be supported by a hinge plate (not shown) included in the first hinge structures 302a and 302b. When the second housing 320 rotates relative to the first housing 310 about the first folding axis f1, the fourth display area 230d may be deformed.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the fifth display area 230e may be provided on the second hinge cover 360. The fifth display area 230e may be coupled to the second hinge cover 360 or the second hinge structures 303a and 303b. For example, the fifth display area 230e may be supported by a hinge plate (not shown) included in the second hinge structures 303a and 303b. When the third housing 330 rotates relative to the first housing 310 about the second folding axis f2, the fifth display area 230e may be deformed.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the area of ​​the fourth display area 230d may be greater than the area of ​​the fifth display area 230e. For example, the first distance d1 as the width of the fourth display area 230d may be greater than the second distance d2 as the width of the fifth display area 230e. When the electronic device 101 changes to the folded state, the radius of curvature of the fourth display area 230d may be greater than the radius of curvature of the fifth display area 230e.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 can be folded in the second state 300b. The second state 300b can be a state in which at least one of the first surface 310a, the third surface 320a and the fifth surface 330a faces different directions. In the second state 300b, the second surface 310b and the sixth surface 330b of the electronic device 101 can face the outside. In the second state, the directions facing the second surface 310b and the sixth surface 330b can be different from each other. In the second state 300b, the direction facing the second surface 310b can be opposite to the direction facing the sixth surface 330b. The third display area 230c corresponding to the fifth surface 330a can face the direction (e.g., -z axis direction) substantially the same as the direction facing the second display area 230b corresponding to the third surface 320a. The third display area 230c can face a direction different from the direction facing the first display area 230a corresponding to the first surface 310a. For example, the direction facing the third display area 230c (e.g., -z-axis direction) may be opposite to the direction facing the first display area 230a (e.g., +z-axis direction). The third display area 230c may face the first display area 230a. The second state 300b may be referred to as a folded state in which the first shell 310, the second shell 320, and the third shell 330 are folded together. In the second state 300b, the first shell 310, the second shell 320, and the third shell 330 may face each other. For example, in the second state 300b, the first shell 310, the third shell 330, and the second shell 320 may be stacked in a first direction (e.g., z-axis direction).

[0065] According to an embodiment, when changing from the first state 300a to the second state 300b, the second housing 320 may rotate relative to the first housing 310 about the first folding axis f1 through the first hinge structure 302. In the second state 300b, the second housing 320 may be folded to face the third housing 330. For example, in the second state 300b, the second display area 230b provided in the second housing 320 may face the sixth surface 330b of the third housing 330.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the third housing 330 may be rotated about the second folding axis f2 relative to the first housing 310 by the second hinge structure 303. In the second state 300b, the third housing 330 may be folded to face the first housing 310. For example, in the second state 300b, the third display area 230c provided in the third housing 330 may face the first display area 230a provided in the first housing 310. The side surface 332 of the third housing 330 may face the fourth display area 230d.

[0067] According to an embodiment, when the flexible display 230 is viewed from above in the first state 300a, the overlapping area between the flexible display 230 and the first hinge cover 350 may be greater than the overlapping area between the flexible display 230 and the second hinge cover 360. The first distance d1, which is the width of the first hinge cover 350 corresponding to the fourth display area 230d, may be greater than the second distance d2, which is the width of the second hinge cover 360 corresponding to the fifth display area 230e. In the second state 300b, the difference between the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 may correspond to the thickness of the second housing 320.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the first foldable shell of the second shell 320 and the third shell 330 can be determined based on the difference between the first distance d1 and the second distance d2. For example, the third shell 330 can first be rotated about the second folding axis f2 relative to the first shell 310. After the third shell 330 has been folded, the second shell 320 can be rotated about the first folding axis f1 relative to the first shell 310. Since the width of the second hinge cover 360 is narrower than the width of the first hinge cover 350, the third shell 330 can be folded to face the first shell 310. Since the width of the first hinge cover 350 is wider than the width of the second hinge cover 360, the second shell 320 can be folded to face the sixth surface 330b of the third shell 330.

[0069] The electronic device 101 according to the above embodiment may include a hinge structure in the plurality of hinge covers 350 and 360, thereby providing a flexible display 230 that can be folded at least once. By different widths of the hinge covers 350 and 360, the flexible display 230 can be folded several times.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be an electronic device having a second shape, wherein the flexible display 230 is exposed through a housing of the electronic device in the second state. Figure 4 The depiction is shown.

[0071] Figure 4 A plurality of states of the electronic device having a second shape according to the embodiment are illustrated.

[0072] refer to Figure 4, the electronic device 101 may include a first housing 410, a second housing 420, and a third housing 430. The electronic device 101 may be unfolded in a first state 400a. The first housing 410 may include a first surface 410a and a second surface 410b. The second surface 410b may be opposite to the first surface 410a. The second housing 420 may include a third surface 420a and a fourth surface 420b. The fourth surface 420b may be opposite to the third surface 420a. The third housing 430 may include a fifth surface 430a and a sixth surface 430b. The fifth surface 430a may be opposite to the sixth surface 430b. The first state 400a may be a state in which the first surface 410a, the third surface 420a, and the fifth surface 430a face substantially the same first direction (e.g., z-axis direction). The first state 400a is a state in which the first housing 410, the second housing 420, and the third housing 430 are unfolded, and may be referred to as an unfolded state. In the first state 400a, the first housing 410, the second housing 420 and the third housing 430 may be substantially flat. For example, since the first housing 410, the second housing 420 and the third housing 430 substantially include flat surfaces, the first surface 410a, the third surface 420a and the fifth surface 430a may form a flat surface.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include first hinge structures 402a and 402b and second hinge structures 403a and 403b. The first hinge structures 402a and 402b may be disposed between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420. The first hinge structures 402a and 402b may rotatably connect the second housing 420 relative to the first housing 410. For example, through the first hinge structures 402a and 402b, the second housing 420 may be rotatably connected relative to the first housing 410 along a first rotation direction (e.g., Figure 4 ) rotates around the first folding axis f1 in a clockwise direction.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the second hinge structures 403a and 403b may be provided between the first housing 410 and the third housing 430. The second hinge structures 403a and 403b may rotatably connect the third housing 430 relative to the first housing 410. For example, through the second hinge structures 403a and 403b, the third housing 430 may be rotatably connected relative to the first housing 410 along a first rotation direction (e.g., Figure 4 ) rotates around the second folding axis f2 in a clockwise direction.

[0075] According to an embodiment, when changing from the first state 400a to the second state 400b, the second housing 420 may be rotated about the first folding axis f1 relative to the first housing 410 by the first hinge structure 402. In the second state 400b, the second housing 420 may be folded to face the first housing 410. For example, in the second state 400b, the second display area 230b provided in the second housing 420 may face the first display area 230a provided in the first housing 410. According to an embodiment, the third housing 430 may be rotated about the second folding axis f2 relative to the first housing 410 by the second hinge structure 403. In the second state 400b, the third housing 430 may be folded to face the first housing 410. For example, in the second state 400b, the sixth surface 430b of the third housing 330 may face the second surface 410b of the first housing 410.

[0076] According to an embodiment, in the second state 400b, when the first hinge structures 402a and 402b and the second hinge structures 403a and 430b rotate in the same direction (eg, clockwise), a portion of the flexible display 230 may be exposed to the outside and the remaining portion may be covered by those cases.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include a flexible display 230. The flexible display 230 may be provided on one surface formed by the first housing 310, the second housing 320, and the third housing 330. The flexible display 230 may be arranged on the first surface 410a, the third surface 420a, and the fifth surface 430a. The flexible display 230 may further include a first display area 230a, a second display area 230b, a third display area 230c, a fourth display area 230d, and a fifth display area 230e. The first display area 230a, the second display area 230b, and the third display area 230c may be connected to the first display area 410a, the second display area 420a, and the third display area 430a. Figure 3 Basically the same or similar.

[0078] According to the embodiment, in the second state 400b, the second housing 420 rotates relative to the first housing 410 about the first folding axis f1 along the first rotation direction (eg, Figure 4 The fourth display area 230d provided on the first hinge cover 450 can be surrounded by the first shell 410 and the second shell 420. By rotating the third shell 430 relative to the first shell 410 in the first rotation direction (for example, Figure 4The electronic device 101 is rotated in the clockwise direction of the fourth hinge cover 460, and the fifth display area 230e provided on the second hinge cover 460 can be exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, the area of ​​the fourth display area 230d can be substantially the same as the area of ​​the fifth display area 230e. For example, the first distance d1 as the width of the fourth display area 230d can be substantially the same as the second distance d2 as the width of the fifth display area 230e. When the electronic device 101 is changed to the folded state, the radius of curvature of the fourth display area 230d can be substantially the same as the radius of curvature of the fifth display area 230e.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may be an electronic device having a third shape, in which the flexible display 230 is exposed through two housings of the electronic device in the second state. Figure 5 The depiction is shown.

[0080] Figure 5 A plurality of states of the electronic device having the third shape according to the embodiment are illustrated.

[0081] refer to Figure 5 , the electronic device 101 may include a first housing 510, a second housing 520, and a third housing 530. The electronic device 101 may be unfolded in a first state 500a. The first housing 510 may include a first surface 510a and a second surface 510b. The second surface 510b may be opposite to the first surface 510a. The second housing 520 may include a third surface 520a and a fourth surface 520b. The fourth surface 520b may be opposite to the third surface 520a. The third housing 530 may include a fifth surface 530a and a sixth surface 530b. The fifth surface 530a may be opposite to the sixth surface 530b. The first state 500a may be a state in which the first surface 510a, the third surface 520a, and the fifth surface 530a face substantially the same first direction (e.g., z-axis direction). The first state 500a is a state in which the first housing 510, the second housing 520, and the third housing 530 are unfolded, and may be referred to as an unfolded state. In the first state 500a, the first housing 510, the second housing 520 and the third housing 530 may be substantially flat. For example, since the first housing 510, the second housing 520 and the third housing 530 include substantially flat surfaces, the first surface 510a, the third surface 520a and the fifth surface 530a may form a flat surface.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may further include first hinge structures 502a and 502b and second hinge structures 503a and 503b. The first hinge structures 502a and 502b may be disposed between the first housing 510 and the second housing 520. The first hinge structures 502a and 502b may rotatably connect the second housing 520 relative to the first housing 510. For example, through the first hinge structures 502a and 502b, the second housing 520 may be rotatably connected relative to the first housing 510 in a first rotation direction (e.g., Figure 5 counterclockwise) rotates around the first folding axis f1.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the second hinge structures 503a and 503b may be provided between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530. The second hinge structures 503a and 503b may rotatably connect the third housing 530 relative to the first housing 510. For example, through the second hinge structures 503a and 503b, the third housing 530 may be rotatably connected relative to the first housing 510 in a second rotation direction (e.g., Figure 5 ) rotates around the second folding axis f2 in a clockwise direction.

[0084] According to an embodiment, when the first hinge structures 502a and 502b and the second hinge structures 503a and 530b are rotated in different directions, the flexible display 230 may be exposed to the outside in the second state 500b.

[0085] According to an embodiment, in the second state 500b, the first display area 230a, the third display area 230c, the fourth display area 230d, and the fifth display area 230e of the flexible display 230 may be exposed to the outside.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the first display area 230a, the second display area 230b, and the third display area 230c may be Figure 3 or 4 are substantially the same or similar.

[0087] The flexible display 230 may further include a fourth display area 230d and a fifth display area 230e.

[0088] According to an embodiment, when changing from the first state 500a to the second state 500b, the second housing 520 may be rotated about the first folding axis f1 relative to the first housing 510 by the first hinge structure 502. In the second state 500b, the second housing 520 may face the first housing 510. According to an embodiment, the third housing 530 may be rotated about the second folding axis f2 relative to the first housing 510 by the second hinge structure 503. In the second state 500b, the third housing 530 may face the second housing 520. For example, in the second state 500b, the third housing 530 may face the second display area 230b provided in the second housing 520.

[0089] According to an embodiment, in the second state 500b, the portion of the flexible display 230 disposed on the first surface 510a, the fifth surface 530a, the first hinge structures 502a and 502b, and the second hinge structures 503a and 503b may be exposed to the outside. For example, in the second state 500b, the first display area 230a, the third display area 230c, the fourth display area 230d, and the fifth display area 230e of the flexible display 230 may be exposed to the outside. In the second state 500b, the fourth display area 230d disposed on the first hinge cover 550 may be exposed to the outside by the second housing 520 rotating relative to the first housing 510 about the first folding axis f1 in the first rotation direction. In the second state 500b, the fifth display area 230e disposed on the second hinge cover 560 may be exposed to the outside by the third housing 530 rotating relative to the first housing 510 in the second rotation direction. According to an embodiment, the first foldable shell of the second shell 520 and the third shell 530 can be determined based on the difference between the first distance d1 and the second distance d2. For example, the second shell 520 can first be rotated around the first folding axis f1 relative to the first shell 510. After the second shell 520 has been folded, the third shell 530 can be rotated around the second folding axis f2 relative to the first shell 510. Since the width of the first hinge cover 550 is narrower than the width of the second hinge cover 560, the second shell 520 can be folded to face the first shell 510. Since the width of the second hinge cover 560 is wider than the width of the first hinge cover 550, the third shell 530 can be folded to face the third surface 520a of the second shell 520.

[0090] Return to reference Figure 2 , the first state can be changed to the second state. For example, the first state (or the second state) can be changed to the second state (or the first state) via one or more intermediate states between the first state and the second state. Figure 3 The first shape, Figure 4 The second shape or Figure 5The third shape of the electronic device 101, the first state and the second state may be different.

[0091] For example, the electronic device 101 may change the first state (or the second state) to the second state (or the first state) based on a predefined user input.

[0092] For example, in response to user input to a physical button exposed through a portion of the first shell (310, 320, 330) or a portion of the second shell (320, 420, 520) or the third shell (330, 430, 530), the first state (or second state) can be changed to the second state (or first state). For example, in response to a touch input to an executable object displayed in the display area, the first state (or second state) can be changed to the second state (or first state). For example, in response to a touch input having a contact point located on the display area and having a pressing strength greater than or equal to a reference strength, the first state (or second state) can be changed to the second state (or first state). For example, in response to a voice input received via a microphone of the electronic device 101, the first state (or second state) can be changed to the second state (or first state). For example, in response to an external force applied to the first hinge structure (302, 402, 502) to rotate the second housing (320, 420, 520) relative to the first housing (310, 410, 510) and applied to the second hinge structure (303, 403, 503) to rotate the third housing (330, 430, 530) relative to the first housing (310, 410, 510), the first state (or second state) can be changed to the second state (or first state). For example, in response to a user input recognized by an external electronic device (e.g., earplugs or a smart watch) connected to the electronic device 101, the first state (or second state) can be changed to the second state (or first state). However, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0093] According to an embodiment, in response to a predefined user input, the electronic device 101 can drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260, and the first state (or the second state) can be changed to the second state (or the first state). The first actuator 250 can be connected to the shaft in the first hinge structure (302, 402, 502) to rotate the gear. As the gear rotates, the second housing (320, 420, 520) connected to the first hinge structure (302, 402, 502) can rotate relative to the first housing (310, 410, 510). The second actuator 260 can be connected to the shaft in the second hinge structure (303, 403, 503) to rotate the gear. Through the rotation of the gear, the third housing (330, 430, 530) connected to the second hinge structure (303, 403, 503) can rotate relative to the first housing (310, 410, 510).

[0094] According to an embodiment, the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 may be actuators capable of providing a rotational force. For example, the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 may be motors, stepper motors, or servo motors having a rotating shaft. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 may be actuators capable of transmitting a rotational force to the first hinge structure (302, 402, 502) or the second hinge structure (303, 403, 503).

[0095] According to an embodiment, the plurality of sensors 240 may identify the state or posture of the electronic device 101. The plurality of sensors 240 may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the identified state or posture. According to an embodiment, the plurality of sensors 240 may include, for example, a gyroscope sensor, an acceleration sensor, a proximity sensor, or a Hall sensor. The processor 120 may acquire data about the posture of the electronic device 101 through the plurality of sensors 240.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may obtain first data related to the posture of the second shell (320, 420, 520) through a sensor disposed in the second shell (320, 420, 520) among the plurality of sensors 240. For example, the sensor in the second shell (320, 420, 520) may be a sensor capable of obtaining sensing data related to the posture of the second shell (320, 420, 520). For example, the sensor in the second shell (320, 420, 520) may obtain data related to the angle between the first shell (310, 410, 510) and the second shell (320, 420, 520).

[0097] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may obtain second data related to the posture of the third housing (330, 430, 530) through a sensor disposed in the third housing (330, 430, 530) among the plurality of sensors 240. The sensor in the third housing (330, 430, 530) may be a sensor capable of obtaining sensing data related to the posture of the third housing (330, 430, 530). For example, the sensor in the third housing (330, 430, 530) may obtain data related to the angle between the first housing 310 and the third housing 330.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the plurality of sensors 240 may obtain data related to the detected distance, angle, posture, or magnetic field change. Based on the change in distance, angle, posture, or magnetic field, the processor 120 may identify the angle between the first shell (310, 410, 510) and the second shell (320, 420, 520) and the angle between the first shell (310, 410, 510) and the third shell (330, 430, 530).

[0099] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may receive a user input related to the posture of the electronic device 101. The processor 120 may receive a user input indicating that the second state (300b, 400b, 500b) is changed to the first state (300a, 400a, 500a), the second state (300b, 400b, 500b) including the flexible display 230 being at least partially covered by the second shell (320, 420, 520) and the third shell (330, 430, 530), and the first state (300a, 400a, 500a) including the flexible display 230 being exposed to the outside.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may identify a reference gesture corresponding to the gesture of the electronic device 101. In response to a user input, the processor 120 may identify a reference gesture corresponding to the gesture of the electronic device 101 identified by the plurality of sensors 240 from a plurality of reference gestures predetermined with respect to the first state 300a, 400a, or 500a. The identification of the reference gesture corresponding to the gesture of the electronic device 101 may be performed before receiving the user input. The meaning of identification may include: after receiving the user input, selecting a reference gesture corresponding to the gesture of the electronic device 101 from a plurality of reference gestures. The meaning of identification may include loading data about a reference gesture selected from a plurality of reference gestures to identify a reference drive scheme. The meaning of identification may mean checking.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the reference posture may be identified based on a plane facing the gravity direction identified by the plurality of sensors 240. In response to a user input, when the posture of the electronic device 101 identified by the plurality of sensors 240 for the first state (300a, 400a, 500a) is different from a plurality of predetermined reference postures, the processor 120 may be configured to provide a notification related to the posture of the electronic device 101 to the user.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the posture of the electronic device may be related to the arrangement of the electronic device identified by the plurality of sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may identify the direction in which the electronic device 101 is facing through the plurality of sensors 240. For example, the posture of the electronic device relative to the bottom surface supporting the electronic device 101 may be defined based on the position at which the electronic device 101 contacts the bottom surface supporting the electronic device 101. The reference posture may be the following posture of the electronic device: the electronic device is stably supported on the bottom surface. For example, the reference posture may be a posture in which one surface of the electronic device is supported on the bottom surface. For example, the posture of the electronic device may include a state in which the supporting surface and the electronic device are in line contact with each other and a state in which the supporting surface and the electronic device 101 are in surface contact with each other. The reference posture may include a face-to-face contact state among the postures of the electronic device, which face-to-face contact state is a state in which it is stably supported on the supporting surface.

[0103] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may identify a reference drive scheme corresponding to a reference posture from a plurality of reference drive schemes. Identifying a reference drive scheme may include selecting a reference drive scheme corresponding to a reference posture. Identifying a reference drive scheme based on a reference posture may be an example of an implementation of a state conversion of an electronic device. The reference drive scheme may be a driving sequence and a driving scheme of a first actuator 250 and / or a second actuator 260 assigned to each of a plurality of reference postures. For example, when the electronic device is changed from a first state to a second state, the reference drive scheme may include a sequence and a scheme in which the electronic device changes from a posture corresponding to the first state in a plurality of reference postures to a second state. The second state may be a state in which the flexible display 230 is arranged to face the user in an unfolded state. For example, in an unfolded state, the second state may be a state in which the flexible display 230 is arranged on a surface opposite to a surface of the electronic device 101 in contact with a support surface supporting the electronic device 101.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may be configured to change the first state (or the second state) to the second state (or the first state) based on controlling the first actuator 250 and / or the second actuator 260 according to a reference driving scheme.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may store a reference posture and a reference driving scheme of the first shape. Figures 6a to 6d To illustrate the electronic device 101 (eg, Figure 3 A reference posture and a reference driving scheme of a first shape of the electronic device 101).

[0106] Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c and Figure 6d An unfolding operation corresponding to a posture of an electronic device having a first shape according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0107] Figure 6a The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 601a may be a first reference posture. Figure 6b The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 601b may be a second reference posture. Figure 6c The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 601c may be a third reference posture. Figure 6d The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 601d may be a fourth reference posture. The plurality of reference postures may include the first reference posture, the second reference posture, the third reference posture, and the fourth reference posture as described above.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may use the acceleration sensor and / or the gyroscope sensor in the multiple sensors 240 to identify the surface facing the direction of gravity. When the processor 120 identifies that the surface facing the direction of gravity is a surface of the first housing 310 (e.g., the second surface 310b), the processor 120 may identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the first reference posture. For example, the first reference posture may be the second surface (e.g., Figure 3 The state of structural support of the second surface 310b).

[0109] refer to Figure 6a , the processor 120 may be based on a first reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 6a The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to actuation of the first actuator 250 or the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the first state 300a to the second state 300b by changing from the state 601a to the state 607a or from the state 601a to the state 611a. For example, the state 601a may be the second state 300b (e.g., the folded state). The state 607a and the state 611a may be the first state 300a (e.g., the unfolded state).

[0111] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may drive the first actuator to drive the first hinge structure in the first hinge cover 350 to rotate the second housing 320 relative to the first housing 310. For example, in state 601a, the processor 120 may recognize through the plurality of sensors 240 that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the first reference posture. The processor 120 may cause the first actuator 250 to operate to change from state 601a to state 603a or state 609a. For example, the processor 120 may drive the first hinge structure 350 through the first actuator 250. The processor 120 may cause the second housing 320 to rotate relative to the first housing 310 so that the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 reaches a specified angle.

[0112] According to an embodiment, in state 603a or state 609a, the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 may be a predetermined angle. The processor 120 may be configured to rotate the third housing 330 relative to the first housing 310 in response to the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 matching the predetermined angle. For example, in state 603a, when it is recognized that the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 is a predetermined angle (e.g., 60 degrees), the processor 120 may use the second actuator 260 to rotate the third housing 330 relative to the first housing 310, thereby changing to state 605a. The predetermined angle may be an angle at which the second housing 320 may not contact the third housing 330 when changing from state 603a to state 605a. The predetermined angle may be about 50 degrees to about 70 degrees.

[0113] According to an embodiment, in state 605a, when it is recognized that the angle between the third housing 330 and the first housing 310 is a predetermined angle, the processor 120 may rotate the second housing 320 and the third housing 330 relative to the first housing 310 to change the electronic device 101 to state 607a.

[0114] According to an embodiment, in state 609a, when it is recognized that the angle between the second housing 320 and the first housing 310 is about 180 degrees, the processor 120 may rotate the third housing 330 relative to the first housing 310 to change the electronic device 101 to state 611a.

[0115] According to an embodiment, in the state 607a and the state 611a, the electronic device 101 may provide the flexible display 230 arranged to face the user.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the operation of changing from state 601a to state 603a and state 605a can be performed simultaneously. For example, the processor 120 can make the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 work simultaneously with a specific time difference. For example, when the angle between the second housing 320 and the first housing 310 reaches a specified angle, when the second housing 320 is pre-rotated by the first actuator 250, the processor 120 can drive the second actuator 260 at the same time. By driving the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 at the same time, the electronic device 101 can reduce the operation time of changing from state 601a (e.g., second state 300b) to state 607a (e.g., first state 300a).

[0117] refer to Figure 6b , the processor 120 may be based on a second reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 6b The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to actuation of the first actuator 250 or the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the plurality of sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may use an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor among the plurality of sensors 240 to identify a plane facing the direction of gravity. When it is identified that the plane facing the direction of gravity is a surface of the second housing 320 (e.g., the fourth surface 320b), the processor 120 may identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the second reference posture. For example, the second reference posture may be the fourth surface (e.g., Figure 3 The state of structural support of the fourth surface 320b).

[0119] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may be based on a second reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 6b The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0120] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the second state 300b (e.g., folded state) to the first state 300a (e.g., unfolded state) by changing the electronic device 101 from state 601b to state 605b. For example, state 601b may be the second state. State 607b may be the first state.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may drive the first hinge structure in the first hinge cover 350 through the first actuator 250. The first actuator 250 may rotate the first housing 310 relative to the second housing 320. The second housing 320 may contact the structure, and the first housing 310 may rotate relative to the second housing.

[0122] For example, in state 601b, the processor 120 can identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is a second reference posture of the first shape through multiple sensors 240. The processor 120 can make the first actuator 250 work to change from state 601b to state 605b. For example, the processor 120 can drive the first hinge structure in the first hinge cover 350 through the first actuator 250. The processor 120 can rotate the angle between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 to a specified angle. The specified angle can be about 180 degrees. For example, the first surface 310a of the first shell 310 and the third surface 320a of the second shell 320 can be substantially the same plane. The second surface 310b of the first shell 310 and the fourth surface 320b of the second shell 320 can be substantially the same plane. State 603b can be an intermediate state between state 601b and state 605b. State 603b can be one of the states in which the angle between the first shell 310 and the second shell 320 exceeds 0 degrees and is less than about 180 degrees.

[0123] According to an embodiment, when it is recognized that the angle between the second housing 320 and the first housing 310 is about 180 degrees, in state 605b, the processor 120 may rotate the third housing 330 relative to the first housing 310 to change the electronic device 101 to state 607b. In state 607b, the electronic device 101 may provide a flexible display 230 arranged to face the user. The processor 120 may operate the second actuator 260 to rotate the third housing 330 while changing from state 601b to state 6035. By driving the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 at the same time, the electronic device 101 may reduce the working time of changing from state 601b to state 607b.

[0124] refer to Figure 6c , the processor 120 may be based on a third reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 6cThe reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the plurality of sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may identify the plane facing the direction of gravity using an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor among the plurality of sensors 240. Based on identifying that the plane facing the direction of gravity is the first hinge cover 350, the processor 120 may identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the third reference posture. For example, the third reference posture may be a state supported by a structure in contact with the first hinge cover 350.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may be based on a third reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 6c The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the second state 300b (e.g., folded state) to the first state 300a (e.g., unfolded state) by changing the electronic device 101 from the state 601c to the state 607c. For example, the state 601c may be the second state 300b. The state 607c may be the first state 300a.

[0128] According to an embodiment, for stable support, the processor 120 may change the posture of the electronic device 101 from state 601c to state 605c so that the fourth surface 320b of the second housing 320 and the second surface 310b of the first housing 310 are in contact with the structure. In state 601c, the processor 120 may rotate the second housing 320 relative to the first housing 310 through the first actuator 250. The electronic device 101 may increase the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 while the first hinge structure 350 is supported by the structure. The electronic device 101 may be converted from state 603c to state 605c, in which the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 move away from each other, in which the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 form a substantially flat surface.

[0129] According to an embodiment, when changing from state 603c to state 605c, the processor 120 may rotate the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 to a specified angle. The specified angle may be approximately 180 degrees. For example, the first surface 310a of the first housing 310 and the third surface 320a of the second housing 320 may be substantially the same plane. The second surface 310b of the first housing 310 and the fourth surface 320b of the second housing 320 may be substantially the same plane.

[0130] According to an embodiment, when it is recognized that the angle between the second housing 320 and the first housing 310 is about 180 degrees, in state 605c, the processor 120 can rotate the third housing 330 relative to the first housing 310 to change the electronic device 101 to state 607c. In state 607c, the electronic device 101 can provide a flexible display 230 arranged to face the user. While changing from state 601c to state 605c, the processor 120 can operate the second actuator 260 to rotate the third housing 330. For example, the processor 120 can be configured to operate the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 simultaneously in state 603c. By driving the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 simultaneously, the electronic device 101 can reduce the operation time of changing from state 601c to state 607c.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the plurality of sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may identify the plane facing the direction of gravity using an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor among the plurality of sensors 240. When the processor 120 identifies that the plane facing the direction of gravity is a surface of the second hinge cover 360, the processor 120 may identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is a fourth reference posture. For example, the fourth reference posture may be a state supported by a structure in contact with the second hinge cover 360.

[0132] refer to Figure 6d , the processor 120 may be based on a fourth reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 6d The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0133] According to an embodiment, in state 601d, the processor 120 may rotate the second housing 320 relative to the first housing 310 through the first actuator 250. The electronic device 101 may increase the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 while the second hinge cover 360 and one side of the second housing 320 are supported by the structure. The electronic device 101 may change from state 602d in which the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 move away from each other to state 603d in which the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 form a substantially flat surface.

[0134] According to an embodiment, when changing from state 602d to state 603d, the processor 120 may rotate the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 to a specified angle. The specified angle may be approximately 180 degrees. For example, the first surface 310a of the first housing 310 and the third surface 320a of the second housing 320 may be substantially the same plane. The second surface 310b of the first housing 310 and the fourth surface 320b of the second housing 320 may be substantially the same plane. Figure 6c In a state 603d different from the state 605c, the third housing 330 may be in contact with the supporting surface of the structure. For example, the flexible display 230 exposed from the first housing 310 may be arranged to face the bottom.

[0135] According to an embodiment, in order to change from state 603d to state 613d in which the flexible display 230 is in the first state (e.g., unfolded state) facing the user, the first housing 310 may be rotated relative to the third housing 330 by the hinge structure in the second hinge cover 360. In order to prevent damage caused by accidental movement due to the weight of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320, states 605d to 611d may be further performed to distribute the weight.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 to change from state 603d to state 609d. The processor 120 may fold the second housing 320 relative to the first housing 310 through the first actuator 250, and may unfold the third housing 330 relative to the first housing through the second actuator 260.

[0137] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may change to the state 609d via the states 605d to 607d. Based on recognizing that the angle between the first housing 310 and the third housing 330 is approximately 180 degrees, the processor 120 may unfold the second housing 320 relative to the first housing 310. According to the unfolding operation of the second housing 320, the electronic device 101 may change from the state 611d to the state 613d which is the first state (e.g., the unfolded state).

[0138] According to the above embodiment, the electronic device 101 may change the inward-folding type of the electronic device 101 to the first state 300a in which the flexible display 230 is arranged to face the user based on the reference driving scheme according to the plurality of reference postures.

[0139] Return to reference Figure 2 In the second shape, the electronic device 101 may store a reference posture and a reference driving scheme. Figures 7a to 7d The electronic device 101 (eg, Figure 4 A reference posture and a reference driving scheme of a second shape of the electronic device 101).

[0140] Figure 7a , Figure 7b , Figure 7c and Figure 7d An unfolding operation corresponding to the posture of the electronic device having the second shape according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0141] The electronic device 101 having the second shape may include a plurality of reference postures. Figure 7a The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 701a may be a first reference posture. Figure 7b The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 701b may be a second reference posture. Figure 7c The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 701c may be a third reference posture. Figure 7d The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 701d may be a fourth reference posture. The plurality of reference postures may include the first reference posture, the second reference posture, the third reference posture, and the fourth reference posture.

[0142] refer to Figure 7a In the state 701a of the electronic device 101, the third housing 430, the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 may be stacked sequentially. The state 701a may be Figure 4 In the folded state, the flexible display 230 may be disposed on the first hinge structure 450 and the second housing 420 in a manner of being exposed to the outside.

[0143] The processor 120 may use the multiple sensors 240 to identify the posture of the electronic device 101. For example, the processor 120 may use an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor among the multiple sensors 240 to identify a plane facing the direction of gravity. When the processor 120 identifies that the plane facing the direction of gravity is a surface of the second housing 420, the processor 120 may identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is a first reference posture. For example, the first reference posture may be a fourth surface (e.g., Figure 4 The state of structural support of the fourth surface 420b).

[0144] refer to Figure 7a , the processor 120 may be based on a first reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 7a The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0145] The processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the second state 400b (eg, folded state) to the first state 400a (eg, unfolded state) by changing the electronic device 101 from the state 701a to the state 707a. For example, the state 701a may be the second state. The state 707a may be the first state.

[0146] The processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 to drive the first hinge structure in the first hinge cover 450 to rotate the second housing 430 relative to the first housing 410. For example, in state 701a, the processor 120 may recognize through the plurality of sensors 240 that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the first reference posture. The processor 120 may cause the first actuator 250 to operate to change from state 701a to state 703a. For example, the processor 120 may drive the first hinge structure (e.g., Figure 4 The processor 120 may cause the second housing 430 to rotate relative to the first housing 410 so that the angle between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 reaches a specified angle.

[0147] In state 703a, the angle between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 may be a predetermined angle (e.g., 90 degrees). The processor 120 may operate the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 in response to the angle between the first housing 410 and the third housing 430 matching the predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be approximately 90 degrees. For example, based on recognizing that the angle between the first housing 410 and the third housing 430 is approximately 90 degrees in state 703a, the processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 simultaneously.

[0148] The electronic device 101 may unfold the second housing 420 relative to the first housing 410 according to the operation of the first actuator 250. While the first actuator 250 is being driven, the electronic device 101 may unfold the third housing 430 relative to the first housing 410 according to the operation of the second actuator 260. The electronic device 101 may change to the first state 707a via the unfolded state 705a.

[0149] refer to Figure 7b , the processor 120 may be based on a second reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 7b The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0150] The processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may use an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor among the multiple sensors 240 to identify a plane facing the direction of gravity. When the processor 120 identifies that the plane facing the direction of gravity is a surface of the third housing 430, the processor 120 may identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the second reference posture. For example, the second reference posture may be a second reference posture that is aligned with the fifth surface (e.g., Figure 4 The second reference posture may be a state in which the third display area (eg, Figure 4 The third display area 230c) is in contact with the supporting surface of the structure.

[0151] The processor 120 may be based on the second reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 7b The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0152] The processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the second state 400b to the first state 400a by changing the electronic device 101 from the state 701b to the state 707b. For example, the state 701b may be the second state. The state 709b may be the first state.

[0153] The processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 to drive the first hinge structure in the first hinge cover 450, so that the second housing 420 rotates relative to the first housing 410. For example, in state 701b, the processor 120 may recognize through the plurality of sensors 240 that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the second reference posture. The processor 120 may cause the first actuator 250 to operate to change from state 701b to state 705b. For example, the processor 120 may drive the first hinge structure (e.g., Figure 4The processor 120 may cause the second housing 420 to rotate relative to the first housing 410 so that the angle between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 reaches a specified angle (eg, 180 degrees).

[0154] The electronic device 101 may change from state 701b to state 705b via state 703b. State 703b may be an intermediate step to change to state 705b. In state 703b, the angle between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 of the electronic device 101 may be in the range of 0 degrees to about 180 degrees.

[0155] In state 705b, the angle between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 may be a predetermined angle (e.g., 180 degrees). The processor 120 may operate the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 in response to the angle between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 matching the predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be approximately 180 degrees. For example, the first surface 410a of the first housing 410 and the third surface 420a of the second housing 420 may be substantially the same plane. The first surface 410a of the first housing 410 and the third surface 420a of the second housing 420 may be exposed toward the outside.

[0156] For example, based on recognizing that the angle between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 is approximately 180 degrees in the state 705b, the processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 simultaneously.

[0157] In state 705b, the first actuator 250 may fold the first shell 410 and the second shell 420 to a specified angle (eg, 145 degrees), and the second actuator 260 may unfold the first shell 410 and the third shell 430 to a specified angle (eg, 90 degrees).

[0158] The electronic device 101 may be changed to a state 707 b by the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 , in which the housings 410 , 420 , and 430 each have a predetermined angle therebetween.

[0159] In state 707b, the processor 120 may identify a first angle between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 and a second angle between the first housing 410 and the third housing 430. In response to recognizing that the recognized first angle reaches a pre-specified angle (e.g., 145 degrees) and the recognized second angle reaches a pre-specified angle (e.g., 90 degrees), the processor 120 may change the operation of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260, thereby changing to state 709b. For example, through the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260, the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 and the first housing 410 and the third housing may be unfolded from each other.

[0160] refer to Figure 7c , the processor 120 may be based on a third reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 7c The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0161] The processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the plurality of sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may identify the plane facing the direction of gravity using an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor among the plurality of sensors 240. Based on identifying that the plane facing the direction of gravity is the first hinge cover 450, the processor 120 may identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the third reference posture. For example, the third reference posture may be a state supported by a structure in contact with the first hinge cover 450.

[0162] The processor 120 may be based on a third reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 7c The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change of driving the first actuator 250 or the second actuator 260 according to the driving sequence.

[0163] The processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the second state 400b to the first state 400a by changing the electronic device 101 from the state 701c to the state 705c. For example, the state 701c may be the second state. The state 705c may be the first state.

[0164] In state 701c, the processor 120 may rotate the second housing 420 relative to the first housing 410 by the first actuator 250, and may rotate the third housing 430 relative to the first housing 410 by the second actuator 260. The electronic device 101 may increase the angle between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 and the angle between the first housing 410 and the third housing 430 when the sides of the first hinge structure 450 and the third housing 430 are supported by the structure. The electronic device 101 may change from state 703c to state 705c, in which the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 and the first housing 410 and the third housing 430 are spaced apart from each other and move away from each other, in state 705c, the first housing 410, the second housing 420, and the third housing 430 form a substantially flat surface. In state 705c, the electronic device 101 may provide a flexible display 230 arranged to face the user.

[0165] The processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the plurality of sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may identify the plane facing the direction of gravity using an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor among the plurality of sensors 240. When the processor 120 identifies that the plane facing the direction of gravity is a surface of the second hinge cover 460, the processor 120 may identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is a fourth reference posture. For example, the fourth reference posture may be a state supported by a structure in contact with the second hinge cover 460.

[0166] refer to Figure 7d , the processor 120 may be based on a fourth reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 7d The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0167] In state 701d, the processor 120 can drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 to change to state 705d. In order to reduce any unexpected external impact on the electronic device, the processor 120 can change from state 701d to state 705d through state 703d. State 701d can be a folded posture of the electronic device 101 in the second shape. State 703d can maintain a specified distance between the second shell 420 and the first shell 410 to prevent it from falling, and can make the third shell 430 unfold relative to the first shell 410. When the third shell 430 (for example, the fifth surface 430a of the third shell 430) contacts the support surface of the structure, the second shell 420 and the first shell 410 can be folded as in state 705d. When the processor 120 recognizes that the posture of the electronic device 101 is state 705d through multiple sensors 240, the processor 120 can rotate the third shell 430 relative to the first shell 410 through the second actuator 260. For example, the processor 120 may fold the first housing 410 and the third housing 430 through the second actuator 260 to change from the state 705d to the state 707d.

[0168] Status 707d can be associated with Figure 7b The state 709d, state 711d, state 713d and state 715d after state 707d can be the same as state 701b. Figure 7b The states during the change operation in states 701b to 707b are substantially the same or similar.

[0169] exist Figure 7b In the omitted state 711d, in order to stably support the electronic device, the angle between the first housing 410 and the second housing 420 can be rotated at a specified angle by the first actuator 250. For example, the specified angle can be about 90 degrees. In response to recognizing that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the state 711d, the processor 120 can simultaneously drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 to unfold the electronic device 101 to the state 715d.

[0170] Return to reference Figure 2 , the electronic device 101 may store a reference posture and a reference driving scheme of the third shape. Figures 8a to 8d A third type of electronic device 101 (eg, Figure 5 A reference posture and a reference driving scheme of the electronic device 101).

[0171] Figure 8a , Figure 8b , Figure 8c and Figure 8d An unfolding operation corresponding to the posture of the electronic device having the third shape according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0172] Figure 8a The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 601a may be a first reference posture. Figure 8b The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 801b may be a second reference posture. Figure 8c The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 801c may be a third reference posture. Figure 8d The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 801d may be a fourth reference posture. The plurality of reference postures may include the first reference posture, the second reference posture, the third reference posture, and the fourth reference posture as described above.

[0173] The processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may use an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor among the multiple sensors 240 to identify a plane facing the direction of gravity. When the processor 120 identifies that the plane facing the direction of gravity is a surface of the first housing 510, the processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 as a first reference posture. For example, the first reference posture may be a first surface (e.g., Figure 5 The first surface 510a) is in contact with the structural support state.

[0174] refer to Figure 8a , the processor 120 may be based on a first reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 8a The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0175] The processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the first state 500a to the second state 500b by changing from the state 801a to the state 813a. For example, the state 801a may be the second state 500b. The state 813a may be the first state 500a.

[0176] The processor 120 can drive the second actuator 260 to drive the second hinge structure in the second hinge cover 560, so that the third housing 530 rotates relative to the first housing 510. For example, in state 801a, the processor 120 can recognize that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the first reference posture through the plurality of sensors 240. The processor 120 can operate the second actuator 260 to change from state 801a to state 803a. For example, the processor 120 can drive the second hinge structure in the second hinge cover 560 through the second driver 260. The processor 120 can rotate the third housing 530 relative to the first housing 510 so that the angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 reaches a specified angle.

[0177] In state 803a, the angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 may be a predetermined angle. The processor 120 may be configured to rotate the third housing 530 relative to the first housing 510 and the second housing 520 relative to the first housing 510 in response to the angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 matching the predetermined angle (e.g., 180 degrees). For example, in state 803a, when it is recognized that the angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 is a predetermined angle (e.g., 180 degrees), the processor 120 may rotate the second housing 520 and the third housing 530 relative to the first housing 510 to change the second housing 520 and the third housing 530 to state 807a.

[0178] In state 803a, processor 120 may unfold first housing 510 and second housing 520 by first actuator 250, and may fold first housing 510 and third housing 530 by second actuator 260. Then, processor 120 may change to state 807a via state 805a using first actuator 250 and second actuator 260.

[0179] In state 807a, when it is recognized that the angle between the second shell 520 and the first shell 510 is approximately 180 degrees and the angle between the third shell 530 and the first shell 510 is 0 degrees, the processor 120 can rotate the third shell 530 relative to the first shell 510 to change the electronic device 101 to state 813a. The first reference drive scheme according to the first reference posture may also include state 809a and state 811a between state 807a and state 813a. State 809a may be a state in which, while changing from state 807a to state 813a, for stable support, the side surface of the second shell 520 and the fifth surface (e.g., Figure 5 The fifth surface 530a) is supported.

[0180] In response to recognizing through the plurality of sensors 240 that the state of the electronic device is the state 809a, the processor 120 may cause the third housing 530 to unfold relative to the first housing 510 to change the state to the state 811a.

[0181] In response to recognizing that the state of the electronic device is state 811a, the processor 120 may expand the second housing 520 relative to the first housing 510 through the first actuator 250. For example, based on recognizing that the first housing 510 and the second housing 520 substantially generate a flat surface, the processor 120 may expand the third housing 530 relative to the first housing 510 to change the electronic device 101 to state 813a.

[0182] refer to Figure 8b , the processor 120 may be based on a second reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 8b The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0183] The processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may use an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor among the multiple sensors 240 to identify a plane facing the direction of gravity. When the processor 120 identifies that the plane facing the direction of gravity is a surface of the third housing 530, the processor 120 may identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the second reference posture. For example, the second reference posture may be a second reference posture that is aligned with the fifth surface (e.g., Figure 5 The fifth surface 530a) is in contact with the structural support state.

[0184] The processor 120 may be based on the second reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 8b The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0185] The processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the second state 500b (e.g., folded state) to the first state 500a (e.g., unfolded state) by changing the electronic device 101 from the state 801b to the state 813b. For example, the state 801b may be the second state 500b. The state 813b may be the first state 500a.

[0186] For example, in state 801b, the processor 120 can identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the second reference posture in the first state through the multiple sensors 240. The processor 120 can make the second actuator 260 work to change the state from state 801b to state 803b. The processor 120 can drive the second hinge structure in the second hinge cover 560 through the second actuator 260. The second actuator 260 can rotate the first housing 510 relative to the third housing 530. When the third housing 530 contacts the structure, the first housing 510 can rotate relative to the third housing 530. The processor 120 can rotate the angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 until the specified angle through the second actuator 260. The specified angle can be about 90 degrees.

[0187] In state 803b, when it is recognized that the angle between the third housing 530 and the first housing 510 is about 90 degrees, the processor 120 can rotate the second housing 520 relative to the first housing 510 to change the electronic device 101 to state 805b. For example, in state 803b, the processor 120 can change the posture of the electronic device 101 to state 805b by using the first actuator 250 to unfold the second housing 520 relative to the first housing 510.

[0188] In response to recognizing that the angle between the second housing 520 moved by the first actuator 250 and the first housing 510 in the state 805b is a specified angle, the processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260. The processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 to unfold the first housing 510 and the second housing 520, and drive the second actuator 260 to fold the first housing 510 and the third housing 530, thereby changing the state to the state 807b.

[0189] Status 807b can be used with Figure 8a The subsequent states 809b, 811b and 813b may be the same as or similar to the state 807a. Figure 8a The processor 120 may execute the same or similar state as states 809a, 811a, and 813a. Figure 8a The same or similar operations as in .

[0190] refer to Figure 8c , the processor 120 may be based on a third reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 8c The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0191] The processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 can use the acceleration sensor or the gyroscope sensor in the multiple sensors 240 to identify the plane facing the gravity direction. Based on the recognition that the plane facing the gravity direction is the side of the first hinge cover 550 and the third shell 530, the processor 120 can identify that the posture of the electronic device 101 is a third reference posture. For example, the third reference posture can be a state supported by a structure that contacts a part of the first hinge cover 550 and the third shell 530.

[0192] The processor 120 may be based on a third reference state as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 8c The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0193] The processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the second state 500b (eg, unfolded state) to the first state 500a (eg, folded state) by changing from the state 801c to the state 809c. For example, the state 801c may be the second state 500b. The state 809c may be the first state 500a.

[0194] For stable support, while keeping the side surface of the third housing 530 and one surface of the second support cover 550 in contact with the support surface as in state 803c, the processor 120 may unfold the second hinge structure in the second hinge cover 560. For example, the processor 120 may operate the second actuator 260 to rotate the third housing 530 relative to the first housing 510. When the electronic device 120 changes to state 803c, the angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 may increase.

[0195] The processor 120 may change from state 803c to state 805c. The processor 120 may drive the second actuator 260 to rotate the third housing 530 relative to the first housing 510 so that a portion of the second housing 520 and the third housing 530 remain supported by the support surface. The angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 may be such that the third surface of the second housing 520 (e.g., Figure 5 The third surface 520a) and a portion of the third shell 530 can simultaneously contact the support surface at an angle.

[0196] In response to recognizing through the plurality of sensors that the posture of the electronic device 101 corresponds to the state 805c, the processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 to rotate the second housing 520 relative to the first housing 510. When the second housing 520 rotates relative to the first housing 510, the side surface of the second housing 520 may support the electronic device 101 together with the side surface of the third housing 530. In the state 807c, when the second housing 520 is unfolded relative to the first housing 510, the side surface of the second housing 520 may slide relative to the supporting surface.

[0197] Through the unfolding operation of the second housing 520 in the state 807c, the posture of the electronic device 101 can be changed to the state 809c.

[0198] refer to Figure 8d , the processor 120 may be based on a fourth reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 8d The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0199] In state 801d, the processor 120 may rotate the third housing 530 relative to the first housing 310 through the second actuator 260. When the second hinge cover 560 is supported by the structure, the electronic device 101 may increase the angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530.

[0200] In state 803d, the processor 120 may change the posture of the electronic device 101 to state 805d in response to recognizing that the angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 reaches a specified angle (e.g., 90 degrees). In response to recognizing that the angle between the second housing 520 moved by the first actuator 250 and the first housing 510 in state 805d is a specified angle (e.g., 90 degrees), the processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260. The processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 to unfold the first housing 510 and the second housing 520, and drive the second actuator 260 to fold the first housing 510 and the third housing 530, thereby changing the state to state 807d.

[0201] Status 807d can be used with Figure 8a The subsequent states (809d, 811d, 813d) can be the same as or similar to the state 807a. Figure 8a The processor 120 may execute the same or similar state as states 809a, 811a, and 813a. Figure 8a The same or similar operations as in .

[0202] Return to reference Figure 2 When the electronic device 101 changes from a first state (e.g., an unfolded state) to a second state (e.g., a folded state), the reference driving scheme may include a sequence and method of changing from a posture corresponding to a posture among multiple reference postures of the electronic device 101 to the first state.

[0203] The processor 120 may be configured to change the first state to the second state based on controlling the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 according to a reference driving scheme.

[0204] The electronic device 101 may store a reference posture and a reference driving scheme in the first state. Figure 9a to Figure 9b An electronic device 101 (eg, Figure 3 A reference posture and a reference driving scheme of a first shape of the electronic device 101).

[0205] Figure 9a and Figure 9b A folding operation corresponding to a posture of an electronic device having a first shape according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0206] Figure 9a The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 901a may be a first reference posture. Figure 9b The posture of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 901b may be a second reference posture. The plurality of reference postures may include the first reference posture and the second reference posture as described above.

[0207] refer to Figure 9a , the processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 can use the acceleration sensor or the gyroscope sensor in the multiple sensors 240 to identify the plane facing the direction of gravity. The processor 120 can identify that the plane facing the direction of gravity is one surface of the first shell 310, the second shell 320, and the third shell 330. When the one surface is a surface opposite to the direction facing the flexible display 230, the processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 as a first reference posture. For example, the first reference posture can be a surface that is aligned with the second surface (for example, Figure 3 The second surface 310b), the fourth surface (eg, Figure 3 The fourth surface 320b) and the sixth surface (eg, Figure 3 The sixth surface 330b) is in contact with the structural support state.

[0208] The processor 120 may be based on the first reference state as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 9aThe reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0209] The processor 120 may change from state 901a to state 907a to change the electronic device 101 from the first state 300a (eg, unfolded state) to the second state 300b (eg, folded state). For example, state 901a may be the first state 300a. State 907a may be the second state 300b.

[0210] In state 901a, the processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 to drive the first hinge structure in the first hinge cover 350 so as to rotate the second housing 320 relative to the first housing 310. The processor 120 may drive the second actuator 260 to drive the second hinge structure in the second hinge cover 350 so as to rotate the third housing 330 relative to the first housing 310.

[0211] The electronic device 101 may be changed to the state 903a by the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260. The processor 120 may recognize the rotation angle of the second housing 320 relative to the first housing 310 and the rotation angle of the third housing 330 relative to the first housing 310 through the plurality of sensors 240. For example, in the state 903a, when the processor 120 recognizes that the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 or the angle between the first housing 310 and the third housing 330 is a predetermined angle (e.g., 50 degrees or 60 degrees), the processor 120 may maintain the driving of the second actuator 260 and may stop the driving of the first actuator 250.

[0212] The electronic device 101 may change to state 905a by folding the third housing 330 relative to the first housing 310 using the second actuator 260. In response to recognizing that the posture of the electronic device 101 is state 905a, the processor 120 may rotate the second housing 320 relative to the first housing 310 using the first actuator 250.

[0213] According to the operation of the first actuator 250 , the electronic device 101 may change from the state 905 a to the state 907 a .

[0214] refer to Figure 9b , the processor 120 may be based on a second reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 9bThe reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0215] The processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 may use an acceleration sensor or a gyroscope sensor in the multiple sensors 240 to identify a plane facing the direction of gravity. When the processor 120 identifies that the plane facing the direction of gravity is the flexible display 230, the processor 120 may identify the posture of the electronic device 101 as the second reference posture. For example, the second reference posture may be a second reference posture that is aligned with the first surface (e.g., Figure 3 The first surface 310a of the embodiment of the present invention, the third surface (eg, Figure 3 The third surface 320a) and the sixth surface (eg, Figure 3 The fifth surface 330a) is in contact with the structural support state.

[0216] The processor 120 may be based on the second reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Figure 9b The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0217] The processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the first state 300a (eg, unfolded state) to the second state 300b (eg, folded state) by changing from state 901b to state 909b. For example, state 901b may be the first state 300a. State 909b may be the second state 300b.

[0218] In state 901b, the processor 120 can recognize that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the second reference posture through the multiple sensors 240. The processor 120 can fold the first shell 310 and the third shell 330 through the second actuator 260 so as to change from state 901b to state 905b through state 903b. The processor 120 can drive the first actuator 250 in state 903b (which is an intermediate state to change to state 905b) to rotate the second shell 320 relative to the first shell 310. When the posture of the electronic device 101 is changed to state 905b by the drive of the first actuator 250, the angle between the second shell 320 and the first shell 310 can be less than 180 degrees, at which angle, the side surface of the second shell 320 contacts the support surface of the structure.

[0219] In state 905b, the processor 120 may recognize that the first housing 310 and the third housing 330 face each other, and the sixth surface 330b of the third housing 330 and the third surface 320a of the second housing 320 face the support surface of the structure. The angle between the second housing 320 and the first housing 310 may be an angle at which the side surface of the second housing 320 contacts the support surface of the structure. The processor 120 may be configured to reduce the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 by driving the first actuator 250 based on the recognition result. The electronic device 101 may change to a fully folded state 909b via the state 907b in which the angle between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 is reduced.

[0220] Fig.10a and 10b A folding operation corresponding to the posture of the electronic device having the second shape according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0221] Fig.10a The posture of the second shape of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 1001a may be a first reference posture. Fig.10b The posture of the second shape of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 1001b may be a second reference posture. The plurality of reference postures may include the first reference posture and the second reference posture as described above.

[0222] refer to Fig.10a , the processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 can use the acceleration sensor or the gyroscope sensor in the multiple sensors 240 to identify the plane facing the direction of gravity. The processor 120 can identify that the plane facing the direction of gravity is one surface of the first shell 410, the second shell 420, and the third shell 430. When the one surface is a surface opposite to the direction facing the flexible display 230, the processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 as a first reference posture. For example, the first reference posture can be a surface that is aligned with the second surface (for example, Figure 4 The second surface 410b), the fourth surface (eg, Figure 4 The fourth surface 420b) and the sixth surface (eg, Figure 4 The sixth surface 430b) is in contact with the structural support state.

[0223] The processor 120 may be based on a first reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Fig.10aThe reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator 250 or driving of the second actuator 260 in the driving sequence.

[0224] The processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the first state 400a to the second state 400b by changing from the state 1001a to the state 1005a. For example, the state 1001a may be the first state. The state 1005a may be the second state.

[0225] The processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 in state 1001a.

[0226] In order to change from state 1001a to state 1003a, the first actuator 250 can drive the first hinge structure in the first hinge cover 450 to rotate the second housing 420 relative to the first housing 410. The second housing 420 and the first housing 410 can be substantially perpendicular to each other. In order to change from state 1001a to state 1003a, the second actuator 260 can drive the second hinge structure in the second hinge cover 460 to rotate the second housing 430 relative to the first housing 410. The third housing 430 can face the first housing 410.

[0227] In the state 1003 a , the electronic device 101 may rotate the first housing 410 relative to the second housing 420 through the first actuator 250 , and may change to the folded state 1005 a .

[0228] refer to Fig.10b , the processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 can use the acceleration sensor or the gyroscope sensor in the multiple sensors 240 to identify the plane facing the direction of gravity. When the processor 120 identifies that the plane facing the direction of gravity is the flexible display 230, the processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 as the second reference posture. For example, the second reference posture can be a first surface (e.g., Figure 3 The first surface 410a), the third surface (eg, Figure 3 The third surface 420a) and the fifth surface (eg, Figure 3 The fifth surface 430a) is in contact with the structural support state.

[0229] In state 1001b, the processor 120 can operate the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 to change the electronic device 101 to state 1005b. In state 1003b, the processor 120 can fold the second shell 420 and the first shell 410 by the operation of the first actuator 250. The processor 120 can change to state 1005b by folding the third shell 430 and the first shell 410 by the operation of the second actuator 260. In state 1005b, the processor 120 can drive the second actuator 260 based on recognizing that the angle between the first shell 410 and the third shell 430 is a specified angle (e.g., 90 degrees) and recognizing that the first shell 410 and the second shell 420 face each other. The second actuator 260 can unfold the third shell 430 and the first shell 410. The posture of the electronic device 101 can be changed from state 1005b to state 1007b by the second actuator 260.

[0230] In state 1007b, in response to recognizing that the third housing 430 and the first housing 410 form substantially the same plane, the processor 120 may fold the third housing 430 and the first housing 410 by the second actuator 260. By folding by the second actuator 260, the posture of the electronic device 101 may be changed to state 1011b, i.e., the first state, via state 1009b.

[0231] According to the above embodiment, the first shell 410 and the third shell 430 can be unfolded when the posture changes from state 1005b to state 1007b, and the first shell 410 and the third shell 430 can be folded when the posture changes from state 1007b to state 1011b. By performing the folding operation after unfolding the third shell 430, the electronic device 101 can provide a flexible display 230 arranged to face the user in state 1011b.

[0232] Fig.11a and 11b A folding operation corresponding to the posture of the electronic device having the third shape according to the embodiment is illustrated.

[0233] Fig.11a The posture of the third shape of the electronic device 101 in the middle state 1101a may be a first reference posture. Fig.11b The posture of the electronic device 101 in the third shape in the middle state 1101b may be a second reference posture. The plurality of reference postures may include the first reference posture and the second reference posture as described above.

[0234] refer to Fig.11a, the processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 can identify the plane facing the direction of gravity by using the acceleration sensor or the gyroscope sensor in the multiple sensors 240. The processor 120 can identify a surface of the first shell 510, the second shell 520, and the third shell 530 that faces the direction of gravity. When the one surface is a surface opposite to the direction facing the flexible display 230, the processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 as a first reference posture. For example, the first reference posture can be a surface that is aligned with the second surface (e.g., Figure 5 The second surface 510b), the fourth surface (eg, Figure 5 The fourth surface 520b) and the sixth surface (eg, Figure 5 The sixth surface 530b) is in contact with the structural support state.

[0235] The processor 120 may be based on a first reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Fig.11a The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change of driving the first actuator 250 or the second actuator 260 according to the driving sequence.

[0236] The processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the first state 500a to the second state 500b by changing from the state 1101a to the state 1011b. For example, the state 1101a may be the first state. The states 1113a and 1131a may be the second state.

[0237] In state 1101a, the processor 120 can recognize that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the first reference posture through the plurality of sensors 240. The processor 120 can fold the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 through the second actuator 260 to change from state 1101a to state 1105a via state 1103a. The processor 120 can rotate the second housing 520 relative to the first housing 510 by additionally driving the first actuator 250 together with driving the second actuator 260 in state 1103a, wherein state 1103a is an intermediate state for changing to state 1105a.

[0238] In state 1105a, based on identifying the fifth surface of the third housing 530 (eg, Figure 5The fifth surface 530a) of the electronic device 101 contacts the support surface of the structure, and the processor 120 can drive the first actuator 250 so that the first shell 510 and the second shell 520 form a substantially flat surface. The posture of the electronic device 101 changed by the driving of the first actuator 250 can be state 1107a.

[0239] In state 1107a, the processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 to change to state 1109a. By the operation of the first actuator 250, the second housing 520 may be folded relative to the first housing 510. By the operation of the second actuator 260, the third housing 530 may be unfolded from the first housing 510. The unfolded third housing 530 may provide a space in which the second housing 520 may be disposed.

[0240] In state 1109a, the processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 based on recognizing that the angle between the first housing 510 and the second housing 520 is a specified angle and recognizing that the angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 is another specified angle different from the specified angle. For example, the angle between the first housing 510 and the second housing 520 may be about 90 degrees, and the angle between the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 may be about 90 degrees. The processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 to fold the second housing 520 to face the first housing 510, thereby changing the posture from state 1109a to state 1111a.

[0241] The processor 120 may drive the second actuator 260 based on recognizing that the posture of the electronic device 101 is the state 1111a. Based on the driving of the second actuator 260, the third housing 530 and the second housing 510 may be converted into the folded state 1113a facing each other.

[0242] According to an embodiment, the processor 120 may be configured to change the posture of the electronic device 101 from state 1105a to state 1127a. State 1125a may be an intermediate state from state 1105a to state 1127a. The processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 in state 1105a. The first actuator 250 may fold the first shell 510 and the second shell 520. The second actuator 260 may unfold the first shell 510 and the third shell 530. By driving the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260, the electronic device 101 may change from state 1105a to state 1127a, in which the first shell 510 and the third shell 530 are unfolded and the first shell 510 and the second shell 520 face each other.

[0243] In order to change the posture of the electronic device 101 from the state 1127a to the state 1131a, the processor 120 may rotate the third housing 530 relative to the first housing 510 by driving the second actuator 260. As the third housing 530 rotates by driving the second actuator 260, the posture of the electronic device 101 may change to the state 1131a via the state 1129a. The state 1129a may be an intermediate state from the state 1127a to the state 1131a.

[0244] refer to Fig.11b , the processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 through the multiple sensors 240. For example, the processor 120 can use the acceleration sensor or the gyroscope sensor in the multiple sensors 240 to identify the plane facing the direction of gravity. When the processor 120 identifies that the plane facing the direction of gravity is the flexible display 230, the processor 120 can identify the posture of the electronic device 101 as the second reference posture. For example, the second reference posture can be a first surface (e.g., Figure 5 The first surface 510a), the third surface (eg, Figure 5 The third surface 520a) and the fifth surface (eg, Figure 5 The fifth surface 530a) is in contact with the structural support state.

[0245] The processor 120 may be based on the second reference posture as the posture of the electronic device 101, according to Fig.11b The reference driving scheme shown is used to change the posture of the electronic device 101. The reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator 250 and the second actuator 260 and an angle change according to the driving of the first actuator 250 or the driving of the second actuator 260 according to the driving sequence.

[0246] The processor 120 may change the electronic device 101 from the first state 500a to the second state 500b by changing from the state 1101b to the state 1105b. For example, the state 1101b may be the first state. The state 1105b may be the second state.

[0247] In state 1101b, the processor 120 may drive the first actuator 250 to drive the first hinge structure in the first hinge cover 550 to rotate the second housing 520 relative to the first housing 510. The electronic device 101 may be changed to state 1103b by the first actuator 250. State 1103b may be a state in which the first housing 510 and the second housing 520 face each other and the first housing 510 and the third housing 530 form substantially the same surface.

[0248] In state 1103b, the processor 120 may drive the second actuator 260 to drive the second hinge structure in the second hinge cover 560 to rotate the third housing 530 relative to the first housing 510. The electronic device 101 may drive the second actuator 560 to place the third housing 530 on the second housing 520, thereby changing to the folded state 1105b.

[0249] Fig.12 is a flowchart illustrating an expansion operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0250] refer to Fig.12 In operation 1201, the processor 120 (eg, Figure 1 The processor 120 may be configured to receive user input. For example, the processor 120 may receive user input indicating a switch from the first state to the second state. The first state (e.g., Figure 3 The first state 300a, Figure 4 The first state 400a, or Figure 5 The first state 500a) may be a state that includes the flexible display being at least partially enclosed by the second housing (eg, Figure 3 The second housing 320, Figure 4 The second housing 420, or Figure 5 The second housing 520) and the third housing (eg, Figure 3 The third housing 330, Figure 4 The third housing 430, or Figure 5 The second state (for example, Figure 3 The second state 300b, Figure 4 The second state 400b, or Figure 5 The second state 500b) may be a state in which the flexible display 230 is exposed to the outside. The user input may be an input for switching from the first state to the second state. The user input may include a physical input such as a key included in the electronic device or a touch input and a voice command.

[0251] In operation 1203, the processor 120 may identify a reference posture. The reference posture may be applied differently depending on the state of the electronic device 101. For example, when the state of the electronic device 101 is a folded first state, the processor 120 may identify a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device based on a plurality of reference postures corresponding to the first state. In response to a user input, the processor 120 may identify a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device identified by the plurality of sensors 240 from a plurality of reference postures predetermined for the first state. The plurality of reference postures predetermined for the first state may refer to postures in which the electronic device 101 is stably set. For example, it may be a posture in which a surface of the electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 3 The state where the second surface 310b of the first housing 310, the fourth surface 320b of the second housing 320, one surface of the first hinge cover 350, or one surface of the second hinge cover 360 and the side surface of the third housing 330 are arranged on a support surface (e.g., a surface on a table). For example, it can be a state where one surface of the electronic device 101 (e.g., Figure 4 The fourth surface 420b of the second shell 420, the fifth surface 430a of the third shell 430, the side surfaces of the first hinge cover 450 and the third shell 430, and the second hinge cover 460 and the side surfaces of the second shell 420) are arranged on the support surface. For example, it can be a surface of the electronic device 101 (for example, Figure 5 The reference posture may correspond to a state in which the first surface 510a of the first shell 510, the fifth surface 530a of the third shell 530, one surface of the first hinge cover 550 and the side surface of the third shell 530, and one surface of the second hinge cover 560 are arranged on the support surface. Figures 6a to 8d initial state (e.g., states 601a, 601b, 601c, 601d, 701a, 701b, 701c, 701d, 801a, 801b, 801c, and 801d).

[0252] In operation 1205, the processor 120 may identify a reference driving scheme. The processor 120 may identify a reference driving scheme corresponding to a reference posture from a plurality of reference driving schemes. The reference driving scheme may include a method for changing the reference posture. Figures 6a to 8d For example, when the posture of the electronic device 101 corresponds to Figure 6a When the state 601a is used as the reference posture state, the processor 120 may Figure 6a The change in state shown is used to identify the operation of changing the electronic device 101 to the unfolded state 607a or the state 611a.

[0253] In operation 1207, the processor 1207 may change the folded state to the unfolded state. The processor 120 may change the first state to the second state based on controlling the first actuator and the second actuator according to a reference driving scheme.

[0254] Although the above operations 1201 to 1207 have been described as switching from a folded state to an unfolded state, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and switching from an unfolded state to a folded state may also be performed. For example, the processor 120 may obtain a user input indicating that the unfolded state is changed to a folded state. In response to the user input, the processor 120 may select a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device identified by multiple sensors from a plurality of reference postures predetermined for the second state. The processor 120 may select a reference drive scheme corresponding to the reference posture from a plurality of reference drive schemes. The processor 120 may change the second state to the first state based on controlling the first actuator and the second actuator according to the reference drive scheme.

[0255] According to the above embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include: a first housing (eg, Figure 3 The first shell 310 includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; the second shell (eg, Figure 3 A second shell 320), the second shell including a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface; and a third shell (eg, Figure 3 The electronic device may further include a first hinge structure (e.g., first hinge structure 302) and a second hinge structure (e.g., second hinge structure 323), wherein the first hinge structure pivotally connects the first housing and the second housing, and the second hinge structure pivotally connects the first housing and the third housing. The electronic device may further include a first actuator (e.g., Figure 3 A first actuator 250) and a second actuator coupled to the second hinge structure (eg, Figure 3 The electronic device may further include a flexible display that is disposed on the first surface, the third surface, and the fifth surface and includes a first area corresponding to the first surface (eg, Figure 3 A first display area 230a corresponding to the third surface (eg, Figure 3 The second display area 230b) and the third area corresponding to the fifth surface (eg, Figure 3 The electronic device may further include a plurality of sensors (eg, Figure 2 a plurality of sensors 240) and at least one processor (e.g., Figure 2 processor 120).

[0256] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to obtain a user input indicating a change (conversion) from a folded state to an unfolded state, in which the flexible display is configured to be at least partially covered by the second shell and the third shell, and in the unfolded state, the flexible display is configured to be exposed to the outside. The processor may be configured to select a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device identified by multiple sensors from a plurality of predetermined reference postures for the folded state in response to the user input. The processor may be configured to select a reference drive scheme corresponding to the reference posture from a plurality of reference drive schemes. The processor may be configured to change the folded state to the unfolded state based on controlling the first actuator and the second actuator according to the reference drive scheme.

[0257] According to an embodiment, a reference posture may be selected from a plurality of reference postures based on a plane facing a gravity direction identified by a plurality of sensors.

[0258] According to an embodiment, the reference driving scheme may include a driving sequence of the first actuator and the second actuator and an angle change corresponding to driving of the first actuator or driving of the second actuator in the driving sequence.

[0259] According to an embodiment, the first actuator may be configured to transmit the rotational force to one of the plurality of gears in the first hinge structure.

[0260] According to an embodiment, the second actuator may be configured to transmit the rotational force to one of the plurality of gears in the second hinge structure.

[0261] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to provide a notification related to the posture of the electronic device to the user in response to a user input when the posture of the electronic device recognized by the plurality of sensors for the folded state is different from a plurality of predetermined reference postures.

[0262] According to an embodiment, multiple predetermined reference postures may include: a first posture in which the electronic device is supported by a surface of the third shell in a folded state in which one surface of the first shell and one surface of the third shell face outward and the directions faced by one surface of the first shell and one surface of the third shell are different from each other, a second posture in which the electronic device is supported by a surface of the first shell, a third posture in which the electronic device is supported by the first hinge structure, and a fourth posture in which the electronic device is supported by the second hinge structure.

[0263] Based on driving the first hinge structure by the first actuator, a reference drive scheme corresponding to the first posture, the second posture, or the third posture can rotate the second housing so that the first angle between the first housing and the second housing corresponds to the predetermined first angle. The reference drive scheme corresponding to the first posture, the second posture, or the third posture can rotate the third housing relative to the first housing in response to the first angle matching the predetermined first angle.

[0264] According to an embodiment, the predetermined first angle of the reference driving scheme corresponding to the first posture may be in the range of 50 degrees to 70 degrees.

[0265] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to simultaneously rotate the second housing and the third housing relative to the first housing based on a corresponding predetermined second angle between the third housing and the first housing.

[0266] According to an embodiment, according to a reference driving scheme corresponding to the fourth posture, the processor may rotate the second housing based on driving the first hinge structure through the first actuator so that a first angle between the first housing and the second housing corresponds to a predetermined first angle.

[0267] According to an embodiment, in response to the first angle matching the predetermined first angle, the processor can pivotally move the third shell relative to the first shell based on driving the second hinge structure through the second actuator, so that the second angle between the third shell and the first shell corresponds to the predetermined second angle.

[0268] According to an embodiment, the processor can be configured to: in response to the second angle matching the predetermined second angle, drive the first actuator and the second actuator to pivotally move the second shell and the third shell relative to the first shell so that the first surface and the second surface face each other and the first surface and the third surface face the same direction.

[0269] According to an embodiment, the processor may obtain a user input indicating a change from an expanded state to a folded state. The processor may select a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device identified by multiple sensors from a plurality of predetermined reference postures for the expanded state in response to the user input. The processor may select a reference drive scheme corresponding to the reference posture from a plurality of reference drive schemes. Based on controlling the first actuator and the second actuator according to the reference drive scheme, the processor may change the expanded state to the folded state.

[0270] The predetermined reference posture may be selected from the following postures in the unfolded state of the flexible display: a fifth posture in which the flexible display faces a direction that is the same as the gravity direction and a sixth posture in which the flexible display faces a direction opposite to the gravity direction.

[0271] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to rotate the second housing by the first actuator based on a reference driving scheme corresponding to the fifth posture so that a first angle between the first housing and the second housing corresponds to a predetermined first angle.

[0272] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to rotate the third housing through the second actuator so that a second angle between the first housing and the third housing corresponds to a predetermined second angle.

[0273] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to rotate the third housing so that the first surface and the fifth surface face each other in response to the first angle matching the predetermined first angle and the second angle matching the predetermined second angle.

[0274] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to rotate the second housing to face the sixth surface in response to the first surface facing the fifth surface.

[0275] According to an embodiment, the plurality of sensors may include a first sensor for detecting a posture of the electronic device, a second sensor for obtaining data related to an angle between the first shell and the second shell, and a third sensor for obtaining data related to an angle between the first shell and the third shell.

[0276] According to an embodiment, the reference posture can be selected from the following postures: a first posture in which the electronic device is supported by the second shell in a folded state in which the first shell is set on the second shell and the third shell is set on the first shell, a second posture in which the electronic device is supported by the third shell, a third posture in which the electronic device is supported by the first hinge structure and the third shell, and a fourth posture in which the electronic device is supported by the second hinge structure and the second shell.

[0277] According to an embodiment, the reference posture can be selected from the following postures: a first posture in which the electronic device is supported by the first surface in a folded state in which the first surface and the fifth surface face outward and the first surface and the fifth surface face different directions, a second posture in which the electronic device is supported by the fifth surface, a third posture in which the electronic device is supported by the first hinge structure, and a fourth posture in which the electronic device is supported by the second hinge structure and the second shell.

[0278] According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may include: a first housing (eg, Figure 3 a first shell 310); a second shell including a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface (eg, Figure 3 A second shell 320); a third shell including a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface (eg, Figure 3 A third shell 330).

[0279] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a first hinge structure (eg, Figure 3 The first hinge structure 302 and the second hinge structure (eg, Figure 3 The first hinge structure rotatably connects the first shell and the second shell to change the angle between the first surface and the third surface from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, and the second hinge structure rotatably connects the first shell and the third shell to change the angle between the first surface and the fifth surface from 0 degrees to 180 degrees.

[0280] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a first actuator (eg, Figure 3 A first actuator 250) and a second actuator coupled to the second hinge structure (eg, Figure 3 a second actuator 260).

[0281] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a flexible display (eg, Figure 3 A flexible display 230) includes a first area corresponding to the first surface, a second area corresponding to the third surface, and a third area corresponding to the fifth surface.

[0282] According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include a plurality of sensors (eg, Figure 2 a plurality of sensors 240) and at least one processor (e.g., Figure 2 processor 120).

[0283] According to an embodiment, the processor can be configured to: obtain user input indicating a change from a folded state to an unfolded state, in which the flexible display is configured to be at least partially covered by the second shell and the third shell, and in which the flexible display is configured to be exposed to the outside.

[0284] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to select, in response to a user input, a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device recognized by the plurality of sensors from among a plurality of predetermined reference postures for the folded state.

[0285] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to identify a reference driving scheme corresponding to the reference gesture from among a plurality of reference driving schemes.

[0286] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to change the folded state to the unfolded state based on controlling the first actuator and the second actuator according to a reference driving scheme.

[0287] According to an embodiment, the reference posture is selected from the following postures: a first posture in which the electronic device is supported by the second surface in a folded state in which the second surface and the sixth surface face outward and the directions facing the second surface and the sixth surface are different from each other, a second posture in which the electronic device is supported by the sixth surface, a third posture in which the electronic device is supported by the first hinge structure, and a fourth posture in which the electronic device is supported by the second hinge structure and the second shell.

[0288] According to an embodiment, the reference drive scheme corresponding to the first posture, the second posture or the third posture can be configured as: based on driving the first hinge structure through the first actuator to rotate the second shell, so that the first angle between the first shell and the second shell corresponds to a predetermined first angle, and in response to the first angle matching the predetermined first angle, the third shell rotates relative to the first shell.

[0289] According to an embodiment, the reference drive scheme corresponding to the fourth posture can be configured as: based on driving the first hinge structure through the first actuator, the second shell is rotated so that the first angle between the first shell and the second shell corresponds to a predetermined first angle; in response to the first angle matching the predetermined first angle, based on driving the second hinge structure through the second actuator, the third shell is rotated relative to the first shell so that the second angle between the third shell and the first shell corresponds to a predetermined second angle; in response to the second angle matching the predetermined second angle, the first actuator and the second actuator are driven so that the first surface and the second surface face each other; and the second shell is rotated relative to the first shell so that the first surface and the third surface face the same direction.

[0290] According to an embodiment, the processor may be configured to: receive a user input indicating that the unfolded state is to be changed to the folded state, and in response to the user input, identify a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device recognized by multiple sensors from a plurality of predetermined reference postures for the unfolded state. The processor may be configured to: identify a reference drive scheme corresponding to the reference posture from a plurality of reference drive schemes. The processor may be configured to change the unfolded state to the folded state based on controlling the first actuator and the second actuator according to the reference drive scheme.

[0291] The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a household appliance. According to an embodiment, the electronic device is not limited to those electronic devices described above.

[0292] It should be understood that the various embodiments and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features set forth herein to specific embodiments, but include various changes, equivalents or alternative forms for the corresponding embodiments. For the description of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It will be understood that the nouns in the singular form corresponding to the term may include one or more things unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of the 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" may include any one or all possible combinations of the items listed together with the corresponding one of the multiple phrases. As used herein, terms such as "1st" and "2nd" or "first" and "second" may be used to simply distinguish the corresponding component from another component, and do not limit the component in other aspects (e.g., importance or order). It will be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to as being “combined with another element (e.g., the second element)”, “combined to another element (e.g., the second element)”, “connected with another element (e.g., the second element)”, or “connected to another element (e.g., the second element)” when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are used or when the terms “operably” or “communicatively” are not used, it means that the element may be directly (e.g., wired) connected to the other element, wirelessly connected to the other element, or connected to the other element via a third element.

[0293] As used in connection with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with other terms (e.g., "logic," "logic block," "portion," "component," or "circuit"). A module may be a single integrated component adapted to perform one or more functions or a minimum unit or portion of the single integrated component. For example, depending on the embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0294] The various embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 140) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 136 or external memory 138) that can be read by a machine (e.g., electronic device 101). For example, under the control of a processor, a processor (e.g., processor 120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device 101) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute the at least one instruction with or without the use of one or more other components. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be run by an interpreter. A machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Among them, the term "non-transitory" only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between data being semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and data being temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0295] According to an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed herein may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be released in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be downloaded via an application store (e.g., Play Store TM ) The computer program product may be published (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online, or the computer program product may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). If published online, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated, or at least part of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium (such as a memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a forwarding server).

[0296] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) in the above-mentioned components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some entities in the multiple entities may be detachably arranged in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more components in the above-mentioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform the one or more functions of each component in the multiple components in the same or similar manner as a corresponding component in the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly or in a heuristic manner, or one or more operations in the operations may be run or omitted in different orders, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: a first shell, the first shell comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a second shell, the second shell comprising a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface; a third shell, the third shell comprising a fifth surface and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface; a first hinge structure, wherein the first hinge structure rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing; a first actuator coupled to the first hinge structure; a second hinge structure, wherein the second hinge structure rotatably connects the first housing and the third housing; a second actuator coupled to the second hinge structure; a flexible display, the flexible display being arranged on the first surface, the third surface and the fifth surface, the flexible display comprising a first area corresponding to the first surface, a second area corresponding to the third surface and a third area corresponding to the fifth surface; Multiple sensors; as well as processor; Wherein, the processor is configured to: receiving a user input indicating a change from a folded state to an unfolded state, the folded state including the flexible display being at least partially covered by the second housing and the third housing, the unfolded state including the flexible display being exposed to the outside; In response to the user input, identifying a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device recognized by the plurality of sensors from a plurality of predetermined reference postures for the folded state; identifying a reference drive scheme corresponding to the reference pose from a plurality of reference drive schemes; and The folded state is switched to the unfolded state based on controlling the first actuator and the second actuator according to a reference driving scheme.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The reference posture is recognized based on a plane facing a gravity direction recognized by the plurality of sensors.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The reference driving scheme includes a driving sequence of the first actuator and the second actuator and an angle change according to driving of the first actuator or driving of the second actuator within the driving sequence.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The first actuator is configured to transmit a rotational force to one of a plurality of gears within the first hinge structure, and Wherein, the second actuator is configured to transmit a rotational force to one of a plurality of gears within the second hinge structure.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is configured to provide a notification related to the posture of the electronic device to the user in response to the user input when the posture of the electronic device recognized by the plurality of sensors for the folded state is different from the plurality of predetermined reference postures.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of predetermined reference postures include: In a folded state in which the second surface and the sixth surface face outward and the second surface and the sixth surface face different directions, a first posture in which the electronic device is supported by the sixth surface, a second posture in which the electronic device is supported by the second surface, a third posture of the electronic device supported by the first hinge structure, and The electronic device is in a fourth posture supported by the second hinge structure.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: The reference driving scheme corresponding to the first posture, the second posture or the third posture is configured as: Based on driving the first hinge structure by the first actuator, the second housing is rotated so that a first angle between the first housing and the second housing corresponds to a predetermined first angle, and In response to the first angle matching the predetermined first angle, the third housing is rotated relative to the first housing.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, in, The predetermined first angle of the reference driving scheme corresponding to the first posture is 50 degrees to 70 degrees, and The processor is configured to: based on a second angle between the third shell and the first shell matching a predetermined second angle, rotate the second shell and the third shell simultaneously relative to the first shell.

9. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein: According to the reference driving scheme corresponding to the fourth posture, the processor is configured to: Based on driving the first hinge structure by the first actuator, the second housing is rotated so that a first angle between the first housing and the second housing corresponds to a predetermined first angle, In response to the first angle matching the predetermined first angle, based on driving the second hinge structure by the second actuator, the third housing is rotated relative to the first housing so that a second angle between the third housing and the first housing corresponds to a predetermined second angle, and In response to the second angle matching the predetermined second angle, the first actuator and the second actuator are driven so that the first surface and the second surface face each other, and the second shell and the third shell are rotated relative to the first shell so that the first surface and the third surface face the same direction.

10. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is configured to: receiving user input indicating that the expanded state is to change to the collapsed state, In response to the user input, identifying a reference posture corresponding to the posture of the electronic device recognized by the plurality of sensors from a plurality of predetermined reference postures for the unfolded state, identifying a reference drive scheme corresponding to the reference pose from a plurality of reference drive schemes, and The deployed state is changed to the folded state based on controlling the first actuator and the second actuator according to a reference driving scheme.

11. The electronic device according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of reference postures include: a fifth posture of the flexible display in the unfolded state, in which a direction of the flexible display is the same as a direction of gravity; In a sixth posture in the unfolded state, in the sixth posture, a direction of the flexible display is opposite to the direction of gravity.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: Based on the reference drive scheme corresponding to the fifth posture, the processor is configured to: rotating the second housing by the first actuator so that a first angle between the first housing and the second housing corresponds to a predetermined first angle, rotating the third housing by the second actuator so that a second angle between the first housing and the third housing corresponds to a predetermined second angle, in response to the first angle matching the predetermined first angle and the second angle matching the predetermined second angle, rotating the third housing so that the first surface and the fifth surface face each other; as well as In response to the first surface facing the fifth surface, the second housing is rotated so that the second surface faces the sixth surface.

13. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of sensors include: a first sensor, the first sensor being used to detect a posture of the electronic device; a second sensor, the second sensor being used to acquire data related to an angle between the first shell and the second shell; and A third sensor is used to obtain data related to the angle between the first shell and the third shell.

14. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of predetermined reference postures include: In a folded state in which the first housing is disposed on the second housing and the third housing is disposed on the first housing, A first posture of the electronic device being supported by the second housing; a second posture in which the electronic device is supported by the third housing; a third posture in which the electronic device is supported by the first hinge structure and the third housing; and The electronic device is in a fourth posture supported by the second hinge structure and the second housing.

15. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of predetermined reference postures include: In a folded state in which the first surface and the fifth surface face outward and the first surface and the fifth surface face different directions, a first posture of the electronic device supported by the first surface; a second posture in which the electronic device is supported by the fifth surface; A third posture in which the electronic device is supported by the first hinge structure; and The electronic device is in a fourth posture supported by the second hinge structure.

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