Multi-foldable electronic device including digitizer

By integrating a fourth digitizer within the hinge module of multi-foldable electronic devices, the issue of signal connectivity disruption across hinges is resolved, ensuring stable and reliable operation.

WO2025070989A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-04-03SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/011027
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-11-01
Filing Date
2024-07-29
Publication Date
2025-04-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In multi-foldable electronic devices with digitizers, the signal connectivity between digitizers across hinges can be disrupted due to spacing issues, leading to incomplete signal transmission.

Method used

Incorporating a fourth digitizer within the second hinge member connecting the second and third housings ensures stable signal connectivity between the second and third digitizers by reducing the spacing-dependent signal disruption.

Benefits of technology

This configuration stabilizes the signal connection between the second and third digitizers, enhancing the operational reliability of multi-foldable electronic devices by minimizing signal loss due to hinge spacing.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention includes: a first housing; a second housing coupled to a first side of the first housing so as to be foldable and unfoldable; a third housing coupled to a second side of the second housing so as to be foldable and unfoldable; a first hinge member connected between the first housing and the second housing; a second hinge member connected between the second housing and the third housing; a flexible display disposed over the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing; a first digitizer disposed on the first housing; a second digitizer disposed on the second housing; a third digitizer disposed on the third housing; and a fourth digitizer disposed on the second hinge member.
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Description

Multi-foldable electronic device including digitizer

[0001] Various embodiments of the present invention disclose a multi-foldable electronic device including a digitizer.

[0002] The use of foldable electronic devices that fold and unfold in either a horizontal or vertical direction is increasing, and various functions are being provided in foldable electronic devices.

[0003] The above foldable electronic device can be operated in a folded or unfolded state with the first housing and the second housing centered around a hinge module (e.g., a hinge member).

[0004] The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed at least partially across the first housing, the hinge module, and the second housing.

[0005] The above foldable electronic device can provide a user with various information, such as text, images, and / or videos, using a flexible display.

[0006] There is growing consumer demand for expanded displays (e.g., flexible displays) in foldable electronic devices. Foldable electronic devices may be implemented in the form of multi-foldable electronic devices comprising a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing.

[0007] The above multi-foldable electronic device can be operated, for example, in an in-folding and / or out-folding manner, by rotating the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing using the first hinge member and the second hinge member.

[0008] The multi-foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed at least partially across the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing.

[0009] The flexible display may include a digitizer capable of inputting characters and / or pictures using an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen or an electro magnetic resonance (EMR) pen).

[0010] For example, the flexible display may include a first digitizer in a portion corresponding to a first housing (e.g., a first display area), a second digitizer in a portion corresponding to a second housing (e.g., a second display area), and a third digitizer in a portion corresponding to a third housing (e.g., a third display area).

[0011] When the first housing and the second housing of the multi-foldable electronic device are connected through a first hinge member (e.g., a slim hinge or a small-size hinge), and the second housing and the third housing are connected through a second hinge member (e.g., a wide hinge or a big-size hinge), if the second digitizer included in the portion corresponding to the second housing and the third digitizer included in the portion corresponding to the third housing are spaced apart from each other by a certain distance or more, signal connectivity between the second digitizer and the third digitizer may not be secured.

[0012] For example, if a second digitizer disposed on a second housing of a multi-foldable electronic device and a third digitizer disposed on a third housing are spaced apart from each other by a certain distance (e.g., about 10 to 15 mm) in an area where the second hinge member is disposed, a signal may not be transmitted between the second digitizer and the third digitizer.

[0013] Various embodiments of the present invention may provide a multi-foldable electronic device including a digitizer (e.g., a fourth digitizer) disposed inside a second hinge member (e.g., a second folding hinge) connecting a second housing and a third housing.

[0014] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-foldable electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing foldably and unfoldably coupled to a first side of the first housing, a third housing foldably and unfoldably coupled to a second side of the second housing, a first hinge member connected between the first housing and the second housing, and a second hinge member connected between the second housing and the third housing. According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device may include a flexible display arranged over the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing. According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device may include a first digitizer arranged on the first housing, a second digitizer arranged on the second housing, a third digitizer arranged on the third housing, and a fourth digitizer arranged on the second hinge member.

[0016] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a signal connection between a second digitizer disposed on the second housing and a third digitizer disposed on the third housing can be stably secured by using a digitizer (e.g., a fourth digitizer) disposed on a second hinge member connecting the second housing and the third housing.

[0017] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0018] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 2A is a schematic drawing of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the front according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear in an unfolded state.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing a state in which a first housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention is folded relative to a second housing.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing a state in which the first housing and the third housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention are folded relative to the second housing.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the configuration of a-a' portion of the multi-foldable electronic device disclosed in FIG. 2a according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a flexible display including at least one digitizer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing various embodiments of the arrangement of a fourth digitizer of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the configuration of part B of the multi-foldable electronic device disclosed in FIG. 2a according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating various embodiments of a configuration of part B of the multi-foldable electronic device disclosed in FIG. 2a according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a drawing schematically showing a folding state of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0032] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0033] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0034] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0035] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0036] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0037] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0038] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0039] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0040] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0041] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0042] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0043] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0044] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0045] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0046] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0047] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one 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 module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0048] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0049] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one 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 method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0050] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0051] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0052] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0053] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0054] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0055] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0056] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0057] FIG. 2a is a schematic drawing of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the front according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2b is a schematic drawing of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state viewed from the rear according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] According to various embodiments, the embodiments of the electronic device (101) disclosed in FIG. 1 may be included in the embodiments of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 2B. For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 2A and 2B may include the processor (120), the memory (130), the input module (150), the audio output module (155), the display module (160), the audio module (170), the sensor module (176), the interface (177), the connection terminal (178), the haptic module (179), the camera module (180), the antenna module (197), and / or the subscriber identification module (196) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a multi-foldable electronic device (200) according to various embodiments of the present invention may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge member (201), a second hinge member (202), and / or a flexible display (240).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) can be foldably coupled to a first side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) of the second housing (220). The first hinge member (201) can be coupled between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The first hinge member (201) can be arranged such that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be folded or unfolded with respect to each other. The first hinge member (201) can include a hinge device, a hinge module, a hinge plate, or a hinge assembly. The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be rotatably coupled about a first folding axis (A1) using the first hinge member (201).

[0061] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) may be foldably coupled to one side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the first housing (210). The second housing (220) may be operatively coupled at a first side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) with at least a portion of the first housing (210) and at a second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) with at least a portion of the third housing (230).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the third housing (230) can be foldably coupled to a second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the second housing (220). The second hinge member (202) can be coupled between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). The second hinge member (202) can be arranged such that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) can be folded or unfolded relative to each other. The second hinge member (202) can include a hinge device, a hinge module, a hinge plate, or a hinge assembly. The second housing (220) and the third housing (230) can be rotatably coupled about a second folding axis (A2) using the second hinge member (202). According to various embodiments, one side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) of the third housing (230) may be foldably coupled to a second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the second housing (220).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be configured such that the first housing (210) is first folded relative to the second housing (220) via the first hinge member (201), and the third housing (230) is then folded relative to the second housing (220) via the second hinge member (202). For example, the first housing (210) may be folded relative to the second housing (220) via the first hinge member (201) in an in-folding manner. For example, the first housing (210) may be folded relative to the second housing (220) while rotating in the z-axis direction and the -x-axis direction via the first hinge member (201). For example, the third housing (230) can be folded in an in-folding manner relative to the second housing (220) via the second hinge member (202). For example, the third housing (230) can be folded relative to the second housing (220) while rotating in the z-axis direction and the x-axis direction via the second hinge member (202).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the width (W1) of the first housing (210) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions) may be configured to be smaller than the width (W2) of the second housing (220) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions). The width (W2) of the second housing (220) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions) may be configured to be substantially the same as the width (W3) of the third housing (230) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions). According to various embodiments, the width (W3) of the third housing (230) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions) may be configured to be larger than the width (W2) of the second housing (220) in the transverse direction (e.g., in the x-axis and -x-axis directions).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are disposed on both sides with respect to the first folding axis (A1) on which the first hinge member (201) is disposed, and may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the first folding axis (A1). According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may also have a symmetrical shape with respect to the first folding axis (A1). The angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may vary depending on whether the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are disposed on both sides with respect to the second folding axis (A2) on which the second hinge member (202) is disposed, and may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the second folding axis (A2). According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the second folding axis (A2). The angle or distance between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) may vary depending on whether the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0067] In one embodiment, the width (W12) of the second hinge member (202) may be configured to be wider than the width (W11) of the first hinge member (201). For example, when the first housing (210) is folded with respect to the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) is folded with respect to the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) is disposed on top of the first housing (210), the width (W12) of the second hinge member (202) may be configured to be wider than the width (W11) of the first hinge member (201). For example, the first hinge member (201) may be a first folding hinge, slim hinge, or small hinge having a narrower width than the second hinge member (202). For example, the second hinge member (202) may be a second folding hinge, wide hinge or big hinge having a wider width than the first hinge member (201).

[0068] In one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may be disposed across the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). For example, the flexible display (240) may be disposed across at least a portion of the front surfaces (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). The flexible display (240) may be a first display, a foldable display, or a main display. In various embodiments, a sub-display (250) (e.g., a second display, an auxiliary display) may be disposed on the rear surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the third housing (230).

[0069] In this document, the surface on which the flexible display (240) is placed may be defined as the front side (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), and the surface opposite the front side may be defined as the back side (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). The surface surrounding the space between the front side and the back side may be defined as the side surface of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may include a first display area (240a) disposed in the first housing (210), a second display area (240b) disposed in the second housing (220), and a third display area (240c) disposed in the third housing (230). The first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) may be integrally formed to form the flexible display (240). According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the flexible display (240) may be configured to be disposed on most of the front surface (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). At least a portion of the flexible display (240) may be deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface. The divisions into the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may be exemplary physical divisions. The flexible display (240) may be formed as a seamless, single full screen.

[0071] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210) may include a first side member (211) that is connected to at least a portion of the first hinge member (201) and arranged to face the front of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), a second side member (212) that faces in an opposite direction to the first side member (211), and / or a first side member (213) that surrounds at least a portion of a first space between the first side member (211) and the second side member (212).

[0072] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the second housing (220) may include a third side (221) that is connected to at least a portion of the first hinge member (201) and the second hinge member (202) and arranged to face the front of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), a fourth side (222) that faces in an opposite direction of the third side (221), and / or a second side member (223) that surrounds at least a portion of a second space between the third side (221) and the fourth side (222).

[0073] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the third housing (230) may include a fifth side (231) that is connected to at least a portion of the second hinge member (202) and arranged to face the front of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), a sixth side (232) that faces in an opposite direction to the fifth side (231), and / or a third side member (233) that surrounds at least a portion of a third space between the fifth side (231) and the sixth side (232).

[0074] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first side (211), the third side (221), and the fifth side (231) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). When the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the second side (212), the fourth side (222), and the sixth side (232) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., the -z-axis direction).

[0075] According to various embodiments, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) are in a folded state, the first side (211) and the third side (221) may be arranged to face each other. When the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) are in a folded state, the third side (221) and the fifth side (231) may be arranged to face each other.

[0076] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a recess (245) formed to accommodate a flexible display (240) through structural combination of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). The recess (245) may have substantially the same size as the flexible display (240).

[0077] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) form an angle of about 180 degrees, and the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) form substantially the same plane and can be arranged to face substantially the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction).

[0078] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form an angle that allows them to stop at a designated folding angle between a folded state and an unfolded state (e.g., a free stop function) using the first hinge member (201). In various embodiments, the first housing (210) may also be rotated to move toward the rear of the second housing (220) while being pressed in the unfolding direction (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) based on the designated inflection angle using the first hinge member (201).

[0079] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) may form an angle that allows them to stop at a designated folding angle between a folded state and an unfolded state using the second hinge member (202). In various embodiments, the third housing (230) may also be rotated to move toward the rear of the second housing (220) while being pressed in an unfolding direction (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) based on the designated inflection angle using the second hinge member (202).

[0080] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) may be arranged to be supported by the first side (211) of the first housing (210), the first hinge member (201), the third side (221) of the second housing (220), the second hinge member (202), and the fifth side (231) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the sub-display (250) may be arranged to be at least partially visible from the outside through the sixth side (232) in the interior space of the third housing (230). In various embodiments, the sub-display (250) may also be arranged to be visible from the outside through the second side (212) in the interior space of the first housing (210).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may be primarily used when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, and the sub-display (250) may be primarily used when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (270) disposed on a second side (212) of a first housing (210), a second rear cover (280) disposed on a fourth side (222) of a second housing (220), and a third rear cover (290) disposed on a sixth side (232) of a third housing (230). In various embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover (270) may be formed integrally with a portion of the first side member (213). In various embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover (280) may be formed integrally with a portion of the second side member (223). In various embodiments, at least a portion of the third rear cover (290) may be formed integrally with a portion of the third side member (233). According to one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover (270), the second rear cover (280), and the third rear cover (290) may be formed of a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate.

[0083] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover (270) may be formed by an opaque plate, such as, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. According to various embodiments, the second rear cover (280) may be formed by an opaque plate, such as, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the foregoing materials. According to various embodiments, the third rear cover (290) may be formed by a substantially transparent plate, such as, for example, glass or polymer. In this case, the sub-display (250) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside through the third rear cover (290) in the internal space of the third housing (230).

[0084] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one of an input module (261), an audio output module (263, 265), a sensor module (267a, 267b, 267c), a camera module (271a, 271b, 271c), a key input device (273), an indicator (not shown), or a connector port (275). In various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the above-described components or may additionally include at least one other component.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the input module (261) may include at least one microphone positioned to detect the direction of sound. The input module (261) may include the input module (150) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0086] In one embodiment, the audio output module (263, 265) may include at least one speaker. The audio output module (263, 265) may include a call receiver (263) disposed through the sixth side (232) of the third housing (230) and / or a speaker (265) disposed on at least a portion of an upper portion (e.g., in the y-axis direction) and a lower portion (e.g., in the -y-axis direction) of the third side member (233) of the third housing (230). The audio output module (263, 265) may include the audio output module (155) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the input module (261), the audio output module (263, 265) and the connector port (275) are disposed in spaces of the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and / or the third housing (230) and can be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and / or the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the holes formed in the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and / or the third housing (230) may be used in common for the input module (261) and the audio output module (263, 265). In one embodiment, the audio output module (263, 265) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the third housing (230).

[0088] According to various embodiments, the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) may include a first camera module (271a) disposed on a third side (221) of the second housing (220), a second camera module (271b) disposed on a fourth side (222) of the second housing (220), and / or a third camera module (271c) disposed on a sixth side (232) of the third housing (230). According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a flash (295) disposed near the second camera module (271b). The flash (295) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and / or image signal processors. In one embodiment, at least one of the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) includes two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and may be arranged together on one side of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and / or the third housing (230). For example, the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c) may include the camera module (180) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may generate electrical signals or data values ​​corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). According to various embodiments, the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may include a first sensor module (267a) disposed on a third surface (221) of the second housing (220), a second sensor module (267b) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220), and / or a third sensor module (267c) disposed on a sixth surface (232) of the third housing (230). In various embodiments, the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor). For example, the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c) may include the sensor module (176) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0090] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may further include at least one of a sensor module not shown, for example, a Hall sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a gyro sensor, a folding detection sensor, a proximity sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the key input device (273) may be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the key input device (273) may also be arranged to be exposed to the outside through the third side member (233) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (273), and the key input devices (273) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on at least one display (240, 250). In various embodiments, the key input device (273) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display (240, 250). In one embodiment, the key input device (273) may include a power button and / or a volume control button of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the connector port (275) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic devices 102, 104, 108 of FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the connector port (275) may also perform a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) for performing a function for transmitting and receiving audio signals. For example, the connector port (275) may include a connection terminal (178) disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0093] According to various embodiments, at least one of the camera modules (271a, 271b, 271c), at least one of the sensor modules (267a, 267b, 267c), and / or an indicator may be arranged to be exposed through at least one display (240, 250). For example, at least one camera module (271a, 271c), at least one sensor module (267a, 267c) and / or an indicator may be arranged in an interior space of at least one housing (210, 220, 230), below an active area (display area) of at least one display (240, 250), and may be arranged to be in contact with the external environment through an opening or transparent area perforated up to a cover member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the flexible display (240) and / or a second rear cover (290)).

[0094] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed below may include at least some of the embodiments described in FIGS. 1 to 2B. Embodiments related to the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed below may be integrated and applied to the embodiments described in the multi-foldable electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A and 2B. In the description of various embodiments of the present invention disclosed below, components that are substantially the same as those of the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 2B described above are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of their functions may be omitted.

[0095] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a first housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is folded relative to a second housing. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a first housing and a third housing of a multi-foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention are folded relative to a second housing.

[0096] According to one embodiment, FIG. 3 may be a drawing of a multi-foldable electronic device (200) when viewed in the -y-axis direction, in a state where the first housing (210) is folded toward the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, FIG. 4 may be a drawing of a multi-foldable electronic device (200) when viewed in the -y-axis direction, in a state where the first housing (210) is folded toward the second housing (220) first, and the third housing (230) is folded toward the second housing (220) later (e.g., a normal folding order). For example, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIGS. 3 and 4 may be folded in a G-type shape.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge member (201), and a second hinge member (202).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may first be folded onto the top (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220) via a first hinge member (201) (e.g., a first folding hinge).

[0099] In one embodiment, after the first housing (210) is folded toward the second housing (220) via the first hinge member (201), the third housing (230) can be folded toward the second housing (220) via the second hinge member (202) (e.g., a second folding hinge) and placed on top (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first housing (210).

[0100] In one embodiment, the first hinge member (201) can have a first width (W11). The second hinge member (202) can have a second width (W12). The second width (W12) can be wider than the first width (W11). In various embodiments, since the first housing (210) is folded relative to the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) is folded relative to the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) is positioned on top (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first housing (210), the second width (W12) of the second hinge member (202) can be configured to be wider than the first width (W11) of the first hinge member (201). For example, the first hinge member (201) may include a first folding hinge, slim hinge, or small hinge having a narrower width than the second hinge member (202). For example, the second hinge member (202) may include a second folding hinge, wide hinge, or big hinge having a wider width than the first hinge member (201).

[0101] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a portion of a-a' of the multi-foldable electronic device disclosed in FIG. 2A according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing schematically illustrating a portion of a flexible display including at least one digitizer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] According to one embodiment, FIG. 5 may be a schematic drawing of a cross-section of a part of a-a' portion of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIG. 2a as viewed in the -y-axis direction. FIG. 6 may be a schematic drawing of a part of a flexible display (240) including at least one digitizer as viewed in the -z-axis direction.

[0103] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge member (201), a second hinge member (202), and / or a flexible display (240).

[0104] According to one embodiment, a first digitizer (510) may be disposed on the first housing (210). A second digitizer (520) may be disposed on the second housing (220). A third digitizer (530) may be disposed on the third housing (230). A fourth digitizer (540) may be disposed on the second hinge member (202).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) can be foldably and unfoldably coupled to a first side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) of the second housing (220) via a first hinge member (201). The first hinge member (201) can be operatively connected between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The first hinge member (201) can be arranged such that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be foldably and unfoldably relative to each other. The first hinge member (201) can be arranged at a position corresponding to a first bending area (501) of the flexible display (240). For example, the first bending area (501) can be formed between the first digitizer (510) and the second digitizer (520). For example, when the first housing (210) is folded relative to the second housing (220), the first bending area (501) can form a first folding portion (F1) between the first display area (240a) and the second display area (240b) of the flexible display (240).

[0106] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) may be operably coupled to one side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the first housing (210) via the first hinge member (201). The second housing (220) may be operably coupled to at least a portion of the first housing (210) at the first side (e.g., in the x-axis direction) and operably coupled to at least a portion of the third housing (230) at the second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the third housing (230) can be foldably and unfoldably coupled to a second side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the second housing (220) via a second hinge member (202). The second hinge member (202) can be operatively connected between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). The second hinge member (202) can be arranged such that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) can be foldably and unfoldably connected to each other. The second hinge member (202) can be arranged at a position corresponding to the second bending area (502) and the third bending area (503) of the flexible display (240). For example, the second bending area (502) may be formed between the second digitizer (520) and the fourth digitizer (540). For example, the third bending area (503) may be formed between the third digitizer (530) and the fourth digitizer (540). For example, when the third housing (230) is folded with respect to the second housing (220), the second bending area (502) and the third bending area (503) may form a second folding portion (F2) and a third folding portion (F3) between the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240). For example, the fourth digitizer (540) may be positioned between the second bending area (502) and the third bending area (503) and on the second hinge member (202).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can smoothly fold and unfold through the first hinge member (201) and the first bending region (501). The second housing (220) and the third housing (230) can smoothly fold and unfold through the second hinge member (202), the second bending region (502), and the third bending region (503). For example, when the first housing (210) is first folded with respect to the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) is later folded with respect to the second housing (220), so that the third housing (230) is folded on top of the first housing (210), the curvature section between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) can be reduced due to the second bending region (502) and the third bending region (503). According to various embodiments, the first bending region (501), the second bending region (502), and the third bending region (503) can be formed as openings.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) can be arranged across at least a portion of the front surfaces (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). For example, the flexible display (240) can be arranged across the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). The flexible display (240) can include a first display area (240a) arranged in the first housing (210), a second display area (240b) arranged in the second housing (220), and a third display area (240c) arranged in the third housing (230). The first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) can be formed integrally to form a flexible display (240).

[0110] According to various embodiments, when the first housing (210) is first folded with respect to the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) is folded with respect to the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) is placed on the upper side (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first housing (210), the first bending area (501) may form a first folding portion (F1) between the first display area (240a) and the second display area (240b) of the flexible display (240), and the second bending area (502) and the third bending area (503) may form a second folding portion (F2) and a third folding portion (F3) between the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the first display area (240a) may be disposed above at least a portion (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first housing (210) and the first bending area (501). The second display area (240b) may be disposed above at least a portion (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the first bending area (501), the second housing (220), the second bending area (502), and / or the third bending area (503). The third display area (240c) may be disposed above at least a portion (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the third bending area (503) and the third housing (230).

[0112] According to various embodiments, the first display area (240a) may include a first digitizer (510). The first digitizer (510) may be disposed between the first display area (240a) and the first housing (210). For example, the first digitizer (510) may be disposed on the first housing (210). For example, the first digitizer (510) may be disposed inside the first display area (240a). The second display area (240b) may include a second digitizer (520). The second digitizer (520) may be disposed between the second display area (240b) and the second housing (220). For example, the second digitizer (520) may be disposed on the second housing (220). For example, the second digitizer (520) may be disposed within the second display area (240b). The third display area (240c) may include a third digitizer (530). The third digitizer (530) may be disposed between the third display area (240c) and the third housing (230). For example, the third digitizer (530) may be disposed on the third housing (230). For example, the third digitizer (530) may be disposed within the third display area (240c).

[0113] According to one embodiment, a fourth digitizer (540) may be included between the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240). The fourth digitizer (540) may be positioned between the second digitizer (520) and the third digitizer (530). For example, the fourth digitizer (540) may be positioned between the second bending area (502) and the third bending area (503). For example, the fourth digitizer (540) may be positioned between a portion of the flexible display (240) (e.g., a portion between the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c)) and the second hinge member (202). For example, the fourth digitizer (540) may be positioned at the lower portion (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of a portion of the flexible display (240) (e.g., a portion between the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c)). For example, the fourth digitizer (540) may be positioned at the upper portion (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second hinge member (202).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the number of turns (e.g., number of coils) of the wiring of the fourth digitizer (540) may be configured differently from the number of turns of the wiring of the first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), or the third digitizer (530). For example, the spacing between the wiring (e.g., coil) arrays of the fourth digitizer (540) may be configured differently from the spacing between the wiring arrays of the first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), or the third digitizer (530). For example, the spacing between the wiring (e.g., coil) arrays of the fourth digitizer (540) may be configured narrower than the spacing between the wiring arrays of the first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), or the third digitizer (530). For example, the density of the wiring array of the fourth digitizer (540) may be configured differently from the density of the wiring array of the first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), or the third digitizer (530). For example, the density of the wiring array of the fourth digitizer (540) may be higher than the density of the wiring array of the first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), or the third digitizer (530).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), the third digitizer (530), and the fourth digitizer (540) can detect a resonant frequency of an electromagnetic induction method applied to the flexible display (240) through an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus pen or an electro magnetic resonance (EMR) pen). For example, the first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), the third digitizer (530), and the fourth digitizer (540) can include a plurality of conductive patterns (e.g., wires or conductive coils) arranged on a dielectric substrate (e.g., a dielectric film, a dielectric sheet, or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)). The dielectric substrate can include at least one layer. The dielectric substrate can include a structure in which a plurality of layers are stacked. At least one of the first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), the third digitizer (530), and the fourth digitizer (540) may include multiple channels. The first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), the third digitizer (530), and the fourth digitizer (540) may each have a conductive pattern arranged on a dielectric substrate or FPCB in the form of a closed loop to generate a magnetic field.

[0116] According to various embodiments, the first digitizer (510) can detect a signal applied to the first display area (240a) of the flexible display (240) via an electronic pen. The second digitizer (520) can detect a signal applied to the second display area (240b) of the flexible display (240) via an electronic pen. The third digitizer (530) can detect a signal applied to the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) via an electronic pen. The fourth digitizer (540) can detect a signal applied between the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) via an electronic pen. The first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), the third digitizer (530), and / or the fourth digitizer (540) may be electrically connected to the processor (120) disclosed in FIG. 1. At least one of the first digitizer (510), the second digitizer (520), the third digitizer (530), and the fourth digitizer (540) may transmit a signal input through the electronic pen to the processor (120). The processor (120) may generate a transmission signal through a magnetic field or detect at least one coordinate signal input through the electronic pen.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the fourth digitizer (540) can be electrically connected to the second digitizer (520) via a first conductive path (541) (e.g., a first conductive connecting member). The first conductive path (541) can include at least one conductive path. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the first conductive path (541) can include a first-first conductive path (541a) and / or a first-second conductive path (541b). For example, the first conductive path (541) can be disposed in the second bending region (502). According to various embodiments, the fourth digitizer (540) can be electrically connected to the third digitizer (530) via a second conductive path (542) (e.g., a second conductive connecting member). The second conductive path (542) may include at least one conductive path. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the second conductive path (542) may include the 2-1 conductive path (542a) and / or the 2-2 conductive path (542b). For example, the second conductive path (542) may be disposed in the third bending region (503). According to various embodiments, the first conductive path (541) may be omitted as long as the second digitizer (520) and the fourth digitizer (540) are disposed within a specified distance to ensure signal connectivity. According to various embodiments, the second conductive path (542) may be omitted as long as the third digitizer (530) and the fourth digitizer (540) are disposed within a specified distance to ensure signal connectivity.

[0118] According to one embodiment, a shielding member (550) may be disposed between the fourth digitizer (540) and the second hinge member (202). At least one shielding member (550) may be disposed between the fourth digitizer (540) and the second hinge member (202). The shielding member (550) may shield a magnetic field transmitted from the second hinge member (202). For example, the shielding member (550) may shield a magnetic field generated through the second hinge member (202) from being transmitted to the fourth digitizer (540). For example, the shielding member (550) may include a metal sheet such as steel plate cold commercial (SPCC) or amorphous ribbon sheet (ARS).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the width (W) of the fourth digitizer (540) in the horizontal direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction) may be about 14 to 15 mm. For example, when the width (W) of the fourth digitizer (540) is formed to be about 14 to 15 mm, the fourth digitizer (540) may substantially include four channels. For example, one channel may include an array in which a conductive wire (e.g., a conductive coil) is wound about 3 to 4 times. For example, when the fourth digitizer (540) is substantially composed of four channels, the separation distance between each channel (e.g., the spacing between arrays) may be about 3.2 to 3.3 mm.

[0120] According to various embodiments, when the width (W) of the fourth digitizer (540) is formed to be about 14 to 15 mm, the fourth digitizer (540) may substantially include five channels. For example, when the fourth digitizer (540) is substantially composed of five channels, the spacing between each channel (e.g., the spacing between arrays) may be about 2.5 to 2.6 mm.

[0121] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing various embodiments of the arrangement of a fourth digitizer of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] According to one embodiment, FIG. 7 may be a schematic drawing of a portion of a foldable electronic device (200) in which a fourth digitizer (540) is positioned between a second digitizer (520) and a third digitizer (530), viewed in the z-axis direction.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 7, the second digitizer (520) may be disposed in the second housing (520). The third digitizer (530) may be disposed in the third housing (520). The fourth digitizer (540) may be disposed in the area where the second hinge member (202) is disposed. The fourth digitizer (540) may be disposed between the second digitizer (520) and the third digitizer (530). The fourth digitizer (540) may be partially disposed between the second digitizer (520) and the third digitizer (530).

[0124] According to various embodiments, the width of the fourth digitizer (540) disclosed in FIG. 7 in the vertical direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction) and the width of the fourth digitizer (540) disclosed in FIG. 8 in the vertical direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction) may be different. For example, the width of the fourth digitizer (540) disclosed in FIG. 7 in the vertical direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction) may be smaller than the width of the fourth digitizer (540) disclosed in FIG. 8 in the vertical direction (e.g., in the y-axis direction and the -y-axis direction). For example, the fourth digitizer (540) disclosed in FIG. 7 may not be disposed in the first region (710) in the y-axis direction and the second region (720) in the -y-axis direction. For example, the fourth digitizer (540) may not be disposed in the first region (710) in the y-axis direction and the second region (720) in the -y-axis direction, depending on the structure of the second hinge member (202). According to various embodiments, the fourth digitizer (540) may be disposed over the entire region between the second digitizer (520) and the third digitizer (530), for example, as disclosed in FIG. 6, depending on the structure of the second hinge member (202). According to various embodiments, the area of ​​the fourth digitizer (540) may be determined based on the structure of the second hinge member (202). For example, the area of ​​the fourth digitizer (540) may be reduced or expanded based on the structure of the second hinge member (202).

[0125] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the configuration of part B of the multi-foldable electronic device disclosed in FIG. 2a according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] According to one embodiment, FIG. 8 may be a schematic drawing of a cross-section of a part of a configuration of a portion B of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIG. 2a as viewed in the -y-axis direction.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the embodiments of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIG. 8 may include the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 7. The embodiments of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIG. 8 may be applied and integrated with the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 8, the second housing (220) may include a second support plate (820). The second digitizer (520) may be disposed on an upper portion (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second support plate (820). The third housing (220) may include a third support plate (830). The third digitizer (530) may be disposed on an upper portion (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the third support plate (830). The fourth digitizer (540) may be disposed on an upper portion (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second hinge member (202) (e.g., the hinge plate). The second hinge member (202) may include a support plate that supports at least a portion of the flexible display (240) when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded and unfolded state.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (820) may include an opening (801). The second digitizer (520) and the fourth digitizer (540) may be electrically connected through a first conductive path (541). The first conductive path (541) may be electrically connected to an FPCB (840) through the opening (801) formed in the second support plate (820). The FPCB (840) may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (850) disposed within the second housing (220). The FPCB (840) may be electrically connected to a processor (120) disposed on the printed circuit board (850). For example, the first conductive path (541) may be electrically connected to the second digitizer (520), the fourth digitizer (540), the FPCB (840), and the processor (120). For example, the FPCB (840) may be at least partially disposed in the second housing (220) and the third housing (230).

[0130] According to various embodiments, when the third digitizer (530) and the fourth digitizer (540) are electrically connected, for example, via the second conductive path (542) disclosed in FIG. 5, an opening (not shown) may also be formed in the third support plate (830).

[0131] According to various embodiments, the first conductive path (541) may be omitted as long as the second digitizer (520) and the fourth digitizer (540) are positioned within a specified distance so that signal connectivity can be secured. According to various embodiments, the second conductive path (542) may be omitted as long as the third digitizer (530) and the fourth digitizer (540) are positioned within a specified distance so that signal connectivity can be secured.

[0132] According to one embodiment, a hinge housing (860) may be disposed between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). The hinge housing (860) may be disposed to cover at least a portion of the second hinge member (202). The hinge housing (860) may be covered by at least a portion of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) or exposed to the outside, depending on whether the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. For example, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (860) may be exposed to the outside between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). For example, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (860) may be covered by the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) and may not be substantially exposed to the outside.

[0133] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating various embodiments of a configuration of part B of the multi-foldable electronic device disclosed in FIG. 2a according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] According to one embodiment, FIG. 9 may be a schematic drawing of a cross-section of a part of a configuration of a portion B of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIG. 2a as viewed in the -y-axis direction.

[0135] According to various embodiments, the embodiments of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIG. 9 may include the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 8. The embodiments of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) disclosed in FIG. 9 may be applied and integrated with the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 8.

[0136] In the description of the embodiments below, components that are substantially the same as those disclosed in the embodiments described above in FIGS. 1 to 8 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions of their functions may be omitted.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 9, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a second support plate (820) (e.g., the second housing (220)) and a third support plate (830) (e.g., the third housing (230)) that face each other and fold with respect to a second hinge member (202) (e.g., the hinge plate) as a reference (e.g., the second folding axis (A2) of FIG. 2A). For example, the second support plate (820) may be disposed in the second housing (220). For example, the third support plate (830) may be disposed in the third housing (230).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may be disposed on top (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second support plate (820), the third support plate (830), and the second hinge member (202) (e.g., the hinge plate). For example, the flexible display (240) may be disposed to receive support from at least a portion of the second housing (220) (e.g., the second support plate (820)) through the second hinge member (202) to at least a portion of the third housing (230) (e.g., the third support plate (830)).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the second support plate (820) (e.g., the second housing (220)) and the third support plate (830) (e.g., the third housing (230)) may be configured to be foldable and / or unfoldable based on the second hinge member (202). The flexible display (240) is supported on the upper portions of the second support plate (820) and the third support plate (830), and may be configured to be foldable and unfoldable depending on the folded and unfolded states of the second support plate (820) and the third support plate (830) via the second hinge member (202).

[0140] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) may include a display panel (910), a support member (920), a second digitizer (520), a third digitizer (530), a fourth digitizer (540), a first-first shielding member (941), a first-second shielding member (942), a first-third shielding member (943), a second-first shielding member (951), a second-second shielding member (952), and / or a second-third shielding member (953).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the display panel (910) may be powered by a power management module (e.g., the power management module (188) of FIG. 1) and may emit light to display various information under the control of a display driver IC (not shown). The display panel (910) may include, for example, a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure. The display panel (910) may be disposed in an upper direction (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the flexible display (240).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the support member (920) may be disposed on the lower side (e.g., the surface in the -z-axis direction) of the display panel (910). The support member (920) may support the display panel (910). The support member (920) may provide elasticity (e.g., bendability) to the display panel (910). According to various embodiments, the support member (920) may include a lattice structure including a first opening (921) formed in an area corresponding to the second bending area (502) and a second opening (922) formed in an area corresponding to the third bending area (503). For example, the support member (920) may include a metal, glass, and / or polymer material. For example, the support member (910) may include one of a metal layer, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), or glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP).

[0143] In one embodiment, the second digitizer (520), the third digitizer (530), and the fourth digitizer (540) may be positioned on the lower side (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the support member (920). The second digitizer (520) and the fourth digitizer (540) may be spaced apart through the second bending area (502). The third digitizer (530) and the fourth digitizer (540) may be spaced apart through the third bending area (503).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first-first shielding member (941) may be disposed at the lower portion (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the second digitizer (520). The first-first shielding member (941) may shield noise and / or electromagnetic interference generated through the second digitizer (520). The first-first shielding member (941) may shield or prevent a magnetic field generated through the second digitizer (520) from leaking to the second support plate (820). For example, the first-first shielding member (941) may include a magnetic field reflecting sheet. For example, the first-first shielding member (941) may include a sheet including MMP (magnetic metal power).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the first-second shielding member (942) may be disposed below (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) the third digitizer (530). The first-second shielding member (942) may shield noise and / or electromagnetic interference generated through the third digitizer (530). The first-second shielding member (942) may prevent a magnetic field generated through the third digitizer (530) from leaking to the third support plate (830). For example, the first-second shielding member (942) may include a magnetic field reflecting sheet. For example, the first-second shielding member (942) may include a sheet including MMP (magnetic metal power).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the first-third shielding member (943) may be disposed below (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) the fourth digitizer (540). The first-third shielding member (943) may shield noise and / or electromagnetic interference generated through the fourth digitizer (550). The first-third shielding member (943) may shield or prevent a magnetic field generated through the fourth digitizer (540) from leaking to the second hinge member (202). For example, the first-third shielding member (943) may include a magnetic field reflecting sheet. For example, the first-third shielding member (943) may include a sheet including MMP (magnetic metal power).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the 1-1 shielding member (941) and the 1-3 shielding member (943) may be separated through a second bending region (502). The 1-2 shielding member (942) and the 1-3 shielding member (943) may be separated through a third bending region (503).

[0148] According to one embodiment, the second-first shielding member (951) may be disposed below (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) the first-first shielding member (941). The second-first shielding member (951) may shield electrical noise generated from a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board (850) of FIG. 8) disposed in the second housing (220). For example, the second-first shielding member (951) may include a copper (cu) sheet.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the second-second shielding member (952) may be disposed below (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) the first-second shielding member (942). The second-second shielding member (952) may shield electrical noise generated from a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board (855) of FIG. 8) disposed in the third housing (230). For example, the second-second shielding member (952) may include a copper (cu) sheet.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the second-third shielding member (953) may be positioned below (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) the first-third shielding member (943). The second-third shielding member (953) may include, for example, the shielding member (550) disclosed in FIG. 5. The second-third shielding member (953) may be positioned between the first-third shielding member (943) and the second hinge member (202). The 2-3 shielding member (953) (e.g., the shielding member (550) of FIG. 5) can shield a magnetic field transmitted from the 2nd hinge member (202). For example, the 2-3 shielding member (953) can shield a magnetic field generated through the 2nd hinge member (202) from being transmitted to the 4th digitizer (540). For example, the 2-3 shielding member (953) can include a metal sheet such as SPCC (steel plate cold commercial) or ARS (amorphous ribbon sheet).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the 2-1 shielding member (941) and the 2-3 shielding member (933) can be separated through the second bending region (502). The 2-2 shielding member (952) and the 2-3 shielding member (953) can be separated through the third bending region (503).

[0152] FIG. 10 is a drawing schematically showing a folding state of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0153] The multi-foldable electronic device (1000) according to various embodiments of the present invention disclosed below may include at least some of the embodiments described in FIGS. 1 to 9. For example, the embodiments described in the multi-foldable electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 9 may be substantially identically applied to the multi-foldable electronic device (1000) disclosed in FIG. 10. In the description of the multi-foldable electronic device (1000) according to various embodiments of the present invention disclosed below, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those in the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 9 described above, and redundant descriptions of their functions may be omitted.

[0154] According to one embodiment, FIG. 10 may be a drawing of a multi-foldable electronic device (1000) in a folded state, viewed from the -y-axis direction, of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the third housing (230), and the fourth housing (1040).

[0155] Referring to FIG. 10, a multi-foldable electronic device (1000) according to various embodiments may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a fourth housing (1040), a first hinge member (201), a second hinge member (202), and a third hinge member (1003).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) can be folded onto the top (e.g., in the z-axis direction) of the second housing (220) via the first hinge member (201) (e.g., the first in-folding hinge). The third housing (230) can be folded toward the second housing (220) via the second hinge member (202) (e.g., the second in-folding hinge). The fourth housing (1040) can be folded inwardly of the third housing (230) via the third hinge member (1003) (e.g., the third in-folding hinge). When the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the third housing (230), and the fourth housing (1040) are in a folded state, the first housing (210) and the fourth housing (1040) can be arranged to face each other.

[0157] In one embodiment, a first digitizer (510) may be disposed on the first housing (210). A second digitizer (520) may be disposed on the second housing (220). A third digitizer (530) may be disposed on the third housing (230). A fourth digitizer (540) may be disposed on the second hinge member (202). A fifth digitizer (1050) may be disposed on the fourth housing (1040).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the first hinge member (201) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the first bending area (501) of the flexible display (240). For example, the first bending area (501) may be formed between the first digitizer (510) and the second digitizer (520). For example, when the first housing (210) is folded relative to the second housing (220), the first bending area (501) may form a first folding portion (F1) between the first display area (240a) and the second display area (240b) of the flexible display (240).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the second hinge member (202) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the second bending region (502) and the third bending region (503) of the flexible display (240). For example, the second bending region (502) may be formed between the second digitizer (520) and the fourth digitizer (540). For example, the third bending region (503) may be formed between the third digitizer (530) and the fourth digitizer (540). For example, when the third housing (230) is folded relative to the second housing (220), the second bending area (502) and the third bending area (503) can form a second folding portion (F2) and a third folding portion (F3) between the second display area (240b) and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240). For example, the fourth digitizer (540) can be disposed between the second bending area (502) and the third bending area (503) and on the second hinge member (202). For example, the fourth digitizer (540) can be disposed between the second folding portion (F2) and the third folding portion (F3). For example, the fourth digitizer (540) may be positioned on the inside or top of the second hinge member (202). For example, the fourth digitizer (540) may be positioned between the second digitizer (520) and the third digitizer (530).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the fourth housing (1040) can be foldably and unfoldably coupled to one side (e.g., in the -x-axis direction) of the third housing (230) via a third hinge member (1003). The third hinge member (1003) can be operatively connected between the third housing (230) and the fourth housing (1040). The third hinge member (1003) can be arranged such that the third housing (230) and the fourth housing (1040) can be foldably and unfoldably relative to each other. The third hinge member (1003) can be arranged at a position corresponding to a fourth bending area (1004) of the flexible display (240). For example, the fourth bending area (1004) can be formed between the third digitizer (530) and the fifth digitizer (1050). For example, when the fourth housing (1040) is folded with respect to the third housing (230), the fourth bending area (1004) can form a fourth folding portion (F4) between the third display area (240c) and the fourth display area (240d) of the flexible display (240).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the third housing (230) and the fourth housing (1040) can smoothly fold and unfold through the third hinge member (1003) and the fourth bending area (1004). For example, the fourth bending area (1004) can be formed as an opening.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), the third display area (240c), and the fourth display area (240d) of the flexible display (240) can be arranged over the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the third housing (230), and the fourth housing (1040).

[0163] A multi-foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220) foldably and unfoldably coupled to a first side of the first housing (210), a third housing (230) foldably and unfoldably coupled to a second side of the second housing (220), a first hinge member (201) connected between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and a second hinge member (202) connected between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (240) arranged over the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first digitizer (510) disposed on the first housing (210), a second digitizer (520) disposed on the second housing (220), a third digitizer (530) disposed on the third housing (230), and a fourth digitizer (540) disposed on the second hinge member (202).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the fourth digitizer (540) may be configured to be electrically connected to the second digitizer (520) via a first conductive path (541).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the first conductive path (541) may be configured to be electrically connected to the FPCB (840) and the processor (120) through an opening (801) formed in the second support plate (820) of the second housing (220).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the fourth digitizer (540) may be configured to be electrically connected to the third digitizer (530) via a second conductive path (542).

[0167] According to one embodiment, at least one shielding member (943, 953) may be positioned between the fourth digitizer (540) and the second hinge member (202).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the spacing between the wiring arrays of the fourth digitizer (540) may be configured to be narrower than the spacing between the wiring arrays of the first digitizer (510), the spacing between the wiring arrays of the second digitizer (520), or the spacing between the wiring arrays of the third digitizer (530).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the width (W11) of the second hinge member (202) may be configured to be wider than the width (W12) of the first hinge member (201).

[0170] According to one embodiment, the width of the first housing (210) may be smaller than the width of the second housing (220), and the width of the third housing (230) may be configured to be substantially the same as the width of the second housing (220).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the area of ​​the fourth digitizer (540) can be determined based on the structure of the second hinge member (202).

[0172] According to one embodiment, a first-third shielding member (943) and a second-third shielding member (953) may be disposed between the fourth digitizer (540) and the second hinge member (202).

[0173] According to one embodiment, the first-third shielding member (943) may be configured to shield a magnetic field generated through the fourth digitizer (540) from leaking to the second hinge member (202).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the second-third shielding member (953) may be configured to shield a magnetic field generated through the second hinge member (202) from being transmitted to the fourth digitizer (540).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the second digitizer (520) and the fourth digitizer (540) may be configured to be spaced apart through a second bending area (502), and the third digitizer (530) and the fourth digitizer (540) may be configured to be spaced apart through a third bending area (503).

[0176] According to one embodiment, a first-first shielding member (941) and a second-first shielding member (951) may be disposed between the second support plate (820) and the second digitizer (520).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the third housing (230) further includes a third support plate (830), and a first-second shielding member (942) and a second-second shielding member (952) may be disposed between the third support plate (830) and the third digitizer (530).

[0178] Although the present invention has been described above according to various embodiments of the present invention, it is obvious that changes and modifications made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within a scope that does not depart from the technical spirit of the present invention also belong to the present invention.

Claims

1. In a multi-foldable electronic device (200), First housing (210); A second housing (220) foldably and unfoldably connected to the first side of the first housing (210); A third housing (230) foldably and unfoldably connected to the second side of the second housing (220); A first hinge member (201) connected between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220); A second hinge member (202) connected between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230); A flexible display (240) arranged over the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230); A first digitizer (510) disposed on the first housing (210); A second digitizer (520) disposed on the second housing (220); A third digitizer (530) placed on the third housing (230); and A multi-foldable electronic device including a fourth digitizer (540) disposed on the second hinge member (202) 2. In paragraph 1, A multi-foldable electronic device, wherein the fourth digitizer (540) is configured to be electrically connected to the second digitizer (520) through the first conductive path (541).

3. In paragraph 2, The above first challenging path (541) is a multi-foldable electronic device electrically connected to the FPCB (840) and the processor (120) through an opening (801) formed in the second support plate (820) of the second housing (220).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, A multi-foldable electronic device, wherein the fourth digitizer (540) is configured to be electrically connected to the third digitizer (530) through a second conductive path (542).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A multi-foldable electronic device further comprising at least one shielding member (943, 953) disposed between the fourth digitizer (540) and the second hinge member (202).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A multi-foldable electronic device in which the spacing between the wiring arrays of the fourth digitizer (540) is configured to be narrower than the spacing between the wiring arrays of the first digitizer (510), the spacing between the wiring arrays of the second digitizer (520), or the spacing between the wiring arrays of the third digitizer (530).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, A multi-foldable electronic device in which the width (W11) of the second hinge member (202) is configured to be wider than the width (W12) of the first hinge member (201).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The width of the first housing (210) is smaller than the width of the second housing (220), A multi-foldable electronic device in which the width of the third housing (230) is configured to be substantially the same as the width of the second housing (220).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, A multi-foldable electronic device in which the area of ​​the fourth digitizer (540) is determined based on the structure of the second hinge member (202).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A multi-foldable electronic device further comprising a first-third shielding member (943) and a second-third shielding member (953) disposed between the fourth digitizer (540) and the second hinge member (202).

11. In paragraph 10, A multi-foldable electronic device in which the above-mentioned 1-3 shielding member (943) is configured to shield a magnetic field generated through the above-mentioned 4th digitizer (540) from leaking to the above-mentioned 2nd hinge member (202).

12. In clause 10 or 11, A multi-foldable electronic device in which the above-mentioned second-third shielding member (953) is configured to shield a magnetic field generated through the second hinge member (202) from being transmitted to the fourth digitizer (540).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The second digitizer (520) and the fourth digitizer (540) are separated through the second bending area (502), A multi-foldable electronic device wherein the third digitizer (530) and the fourth digitizer (540) are configured to be spaced apart through a third bending area (503).

14. In paragraph 3, A multi-foldable electronic device in which a 1-1 shielding member (941) and a 2-1 shielding member (951) are arranged between the second support plate (820) and the second digitizer (520).

15. In paragraph 14, The third housing (230) further includes a third support plate (830), A multi-foldable electronic device in which a first-second shielding member (942) and a second-second shielding member (952) are arranged between the third support plate (830) and the third digitizer (530).

Citation Information

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