Multi-foldable electronic device comprising electronic component arrangement structure

Abstract

According to various embodiments, a portable communication device comprises: a flexible display including a foldable housing that includes a first housing, a second housing and a third housing, a first hinge assembly disposed between the first housing and the second housing, a second hinge assembly disposed between the first housing and the third housing, a first display area supported by the first housing, a second display area supported by the second housing and a third display area supported by the third housing; and a first front camera disposed in the third display area of the third housing, wherein the flexible display includes a display driving circuit configured to drive the flexible display, and the display driving circuit can be disposed in the second display area of the second housing.

Description

Multi-foldable electronic device including electronic component layout structure

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a multi-foldable electronic device including an electronic component arrangement structure.

[0002] Electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer, with enhanced design aspects and differentiated functional elements. Electronic devices are moving beyond their uniform rectangular form factor and evolving into increasingly diverse shapes. Electronic devices may have a transformable structure that allows for portability while also enabling the use of large-screen displays. For example, as part of this transformable structure, an electronic device may have a structure (e.g., a foldable structure) that allows the display area of ​​a flexible display to be varied through the support of at least two housings that are rotatably coupled to each other. Such electronic devices may require an efficient arrangement of electronic components that takes into account the combined structure of the housings, which can be folded relative to each other.

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

[0004] An electronic device (e.g., a portable communication device) may include a foldable electronic device capable of expanding a display area. The foldable electronic device may have a first housing and a second housing that can be folded relative to each other via a hinge module. For example, the foldable electronic device may have improved portability when fully folded, and may provide a user with a large screen through a flexible display supported by the two housings when fully unfolded, by having the two housings arranged side by side.

[0005] However, foldable electronic devices containing two housings may have limited usability because they can only be folded, unfolded, or in a free-stop intermediate state between the folded and unfolded states.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention can provide a multi-foldable electronic device including an electronic component arrangement structure that can provide an expanded user experience by providing various operating states.

[0007] According to various embodiments, a multi-foldable electronic device can be provided that provides a large screen display area in an unfolded state and includes an electronic component arrangement structure that can help improve portability in a folded state.

[0008] According to various embodiments, a multi-foldable electronic device can be provided that includes an electronic component arrangement structure that can help improve usability by arranging electronic components while considering optimal arrangement locations.

[0009] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0010] According to various embodiments, a portable communication device includes a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a third housing, a first hinge assembly disposed between the first housing and the second housing, a second hinge assembly disposed between the first housing and the third housing, a flexible display including a first display area supported by the first housing, a second display area supported by the second housing, and a third display area supported by the third housing, and a first front camera disposed in the third display area of ​​the third housing, wherein the flexible display includes a display driving circuit configured to drive the flexible display, and the display driving circuit can be configured to be disposed in the second display area of ​​the second housing.

[0011] A multi-foldable electronic device (e.g., a portable toe-in device) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure operates in a manner in which three housings fold and unfold relative to each other, and electronic components are arranged in convenient locations for use even in a folded state, thereby contributing to improved usability of the device. In addition, the multi-foldable electronic device can provide an expanded user experience because the three housings can be transformed into various shapes relative to each other. In addition, the multi-foldable electronic device can contribute to improved portability because, in an unfolded state, it provides a large-screen display area, and in a folded state, the three housings can be transformed in an overlapping manner.

[0012] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0013] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0014] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a multi-foldable electronic device in a fully unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2b is a plan view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2C is a rear perspective view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a multi-foldable electronic device in a fully folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 3b and 3c are perspective views showing the rear surface of a multi-foldable electronic device in a folded state from various directions according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 4A to 4C are drawings illustrating the operating states of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 4d is a cross-sectional view of a multi-foldable electronic device taken along line 4d-4d of FIG. 4c according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 5A to 5E are exemplary diagrams showing various usage states of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 6A through 6E are exploded perspective views of a multi-foldable electronic device viewed from the rear according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6f is an exploded perspective view of a multi-foldable electronic device viewed from the front according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7A is a plan view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, with the flexible display omitted, viewed from the front, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7b is a rear view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state with the rear covers omitted, as viewed from the rear direction, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of an electronic device in which the housing is omitted in the drawing of FIG. 7A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 7d is a schematic diagram of an electronic device with the housing omitted in the drawing of FIG. 7b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an electrical connection structure between substrates in a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 9A is a plan view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, schematically illustrating the arrangement of an extended panel portion of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 9b is a perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 9c is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 9c-9c of FIG. 9a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 9d is an enlarged view of area 9d of FIG. 9c according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 10A is a rear view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state schematically illustrating the arrangement of an extended panel portion of a sub-display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 10b is a configuration diagram of a sub-display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 10c is a drawing comparing the housing-specific arrangement of sub-displays according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, illustrating a speaker arrangement structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a multi-foldable electronic device illustrating an antenna arrangement structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] 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). In 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)).

[0043] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, 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 an auxiliary 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 with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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).

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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. According to 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] The 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. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected 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).

[0061] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In 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.

[0062] 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)).

[0063] According to various embodiments, 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.

[0064] The electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0065] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a multi-foldable electronic device in a fully unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a plan view of the multi-foldable electronic device in a fully unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2C is a rear perspective view of the multi-foldable electronic device in a fully unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a multi-foldable electronic device in a fully folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 3B and 3C are perspective views showing the rear surface of the multi-foldable electronic device in a fully folded state from various directions according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] The multi-foldable electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2A to 3C may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may further include other embodiments of the multi-foldable electronic device.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 3C, a multi-foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., a portable communication device or an electronic device) (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) includes a first housing (210) (e.g., a first housing portion), a first hinge assembly (e.g., a first hinge assembly (HA1) of FIG. 4D) (e.g., a first hinge assembly) rotatably connected to the first housing (210) with respect to the first folding axis (F1) in a direction (e.g., a right side) of the first housing (210) (e.g., an x-axis direction), a second housing (220) (e.g., a second housing portion) and a second hinge assembly (e.g., a second hinge assembly (HA2) of FIG. 4D) (e.g., a first hinge assembly) rotatably connected to the first housing (210) in a direction (e.g., a left side) of the first housing (210) (e.g., a -x-axis direction) in a direction (e.g., a -x-axis direction) in the other direction (e.g., a left side) of the first housing (210) The second hinge assembly (HA1) may include a third housing (230) (e.g., a third housing portion) rotatably connected to the first housing (210) about the second folding axis (F2). In one embodiment, the first hinge assembly (HA1) may include a first hinge housing (266) that accommodates at least one first hinge module (e.g., a first hinge device or a first hinge structure) that connects the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and the second hinge assembly (HA2) may include a second hinge housing (267) that accommodates at least one second hinge module (e.g., a second hinge device or a second hinge structure) that connects the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the first hinge housing (266) may cover the first hinge module so that it is not visible from the outside when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in a fully folded state or a folded state. In one embodiment, the first hinge housing (266) may be arranged so that it is not visible from the outside when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in a fully unfolded state.In one embodiment, the second hinge housing (267) may cover the second hinge module so that it is not visible from the outside when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are in a fully folded state or a folded state. In one embodiment, the second hinge housing (267) may be arranged so that it is not visible from the outside when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are in a fully unfolded state. In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a foldable housing (e.g., a multi-foldable housing) configured through the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the third housing (230), the first hinge housing (266), and the second hinge housing (267). In some embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a foldable housing configured through a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a third housing (230). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (240) (e.g., a first display) that is arranged to be supported by the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a sub-display (250) (e.g., a second display) that is arranged through the third housing (230). In this document, the surface on which the flexible display (240) is arranged may be defined as the front surface of the multi-foldable electronic device (200), and the surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as the back surface of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the surface surrounding the space between the front and back surfaces may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device (200).In this document, a state in which the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) are fully unfolded may be defined as a 'first state' or a 'fully unfolded state', a state in which the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are fully folded with respect to each other may be defined as a 'second state' or a 'fully folded state', and a state in which only the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded with respect to each other may be defined as a 'third state' or an 'intermediate state'.

[0069] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210) may include a first surface (211), a second surface (212) facing opposite to the first surface (211), and a first side member (213) surrounding a first space (2101) between the first surface (211) and the second surface (212). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first side member (213) may form at least a portion of a side surface of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the first side member (213) may include a first side surface (2131) and a second side surface (2132) positioned opposite to the first side surface (2131). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first rear cover (214) coupled with the first side member (213). In one embodiment, the first space (2101) may be formed through a first rear cover (214) coupled with a first side member (213) on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210).

[0070] According to various embodiments, the second housing (220) may include a third side (221), a fourth side (222) facing opposite to the third side (221), and a second side member (223) surrounding a second space (2201) between the third side (221) and the fourth side (222). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the second side member (223) may form at least a portion of a side surface of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the second side member (223) may include a third side surface (2231), a fourth side surface (2232) extending in a direction perpendicular to the third side surface (2231), and a fifth side surface (2233) extending from the fourth side surface (2232) and being parallel to the third side surface (2231). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second rear cover (224) coupled with a second side member (223). In one embodiment, the second space (2201) may be formed through the second rear cover (224) coupled with the second side member (223) at the fourth surface (222).

[0071] According to various embodiments, the third housing (230) may include a fifth side (231), a sixth side (232) facing opposite to the fifth side (231), and a third side member (233) surrounding a third space (2301) between the fifth side (231) and the sixth side (232). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the third side member (233) may form at least a portion of a side surface of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the third side member (233) may include a sixth side surface (2331), a seventh side surface (2332) extending in a direction perpendicular to the sixth side surface (2331), and an eighth side surface (2333) extending from the seventh side surface (2332) and being parallel to the sixth side surface (2331). In one embodiment, the third space (2301) may be formed through a third rear cover (234) coupled with a third side member (233) at the sixth side (2331).

[0072] According to various embodiments, the first side (2131), the third side (2231), and the sixth side (2331) may form the same side (e.g., the lower side) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the second side (2132), the fifth side (2233), and the eighth side (2333) may form the same side (e.g., the upper side) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the fourth side (2231) may form one side (e.g., the right side) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the seventh side (2332) may form one side (e.g., the left side) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0073] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be configured such that, in an unfolded state (e.g., a first state), the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are positioned side by side so that the first side (211), the third side (221), and the fifth side (231) face the same direction. In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be configured such that, in a folded state (e.g., a second state), the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) are positioned in a sequentially stacked manner so that the first side (211) and the third side (221) face each other, and the fourth side (222) and the fifth side (231) face each other. In this case, the second side (212) and the sixth side (232) can be visible from the outside, and the third side (221) and the fourth side (222) can be positioned so as not to be visible from the outside through the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the sub-display (250) can be positioned so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the sixth side (232) in the unfolded and / or folded state.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) may have different sizes. In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may have a first width (HW1), the second housing (220) may have a second width (HW2) smaller than the first width (HW1), and the third housing (230) may have a third width (HW3) larger than the first width (HW1). For example, by defining these widths (HW1, HW2, HW3) of the housings (210, 220, 230), the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be configured so that none of the housings protrudes outward when folded, thereby helping to improve an attractive appearance and portability. However, it is not limited thereto, and at least two of the first, second, and third widths (HW1, HW2, HW3) may be configured to be identical to each other.

[0075] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) may include a first region (240a) (e.g., a first display region) corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing (210), a second region (240b) (e.g., a second display region) extending from one side (e.g., a right side) of the first region (240a) and corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing (220), and a third region (240c) (e.g., a third display region) extending from the other side (e.g., a left side) of the first region (240a) and corresponding to at least a portion of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may include a portion of a first region (240a) and a portion of a second region (240b), a fourth region (240d) that is flexible (e.g., a first folding region) corresponding to a first hinge assembly (HA1), and a fifth region (240e) that is flexible (e.g., a second folding region) corresponding to a second hinge assembly (HA2) and a portion of a first region (240a) and a portion of a third region (240c). In one embodiment, the region division of the flexible display (240) is merely an exemplary division by three housings (210, 220, 230) and two hinge assemblies (HA1, HA2), and the flexible display (240) may be displayed as a substantially seamless, single full screen. In one embodiment, the first region (240a) and the second region (240b) may have an overall symmetrical shape or a partially asymmetrical shape with respect to the fourth region (240d) and / or the first folding axis (F1). In one embodiment, the first region (240a) and the third region (240c) may have an overall symmetrical shape or a partially asymmetrical shape with respect to the fifth region (240e) and / or the second folding axis (F2). In one embodiment, in a direction perpendicular to the first folding axis (F1) (e.g., the x-axis direction), the first folding width (BW1) of the fourth region (240d) may be smaller than the second folding width (BW2) of the fifth region (240e).In some embodiments, the area of ​​the fourth region (240d) may be smaller than the area of ​​the fifth region (240e). This may be due to the fact that the first hinge assembly (HA1) connecting the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and the second hinge assembly (HA2) connecting the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are different from each other. For example, the size of at least one first hinge module (e.g., narrow hinge module) of the first hinge assembly (HA1) connecting the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be smaller than the size of at least one second hinge module (e.g., wide hinge module) of the second hinge assembly (HA2) connecting the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) and folding the flexible display (240) in a folded state. Through this configuration, the second hinge housing (267) can have a first receiving width (W1) that is larger than the thickness of the first housing (210), and the first hinge housing (266) can have a second receiving width (W2) that is smaller than the first receiving width (W1).

[0076] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (214) disposed on a second side (212) of a first housing (210), a second rear cover (224) disposed on a fourth side (222) of a second housing (220), and a third rear cover (234) disposed on a sixth side (232) of a third housing (230). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover (214) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover (224) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the third rear cover (234) may be formed integrally with the third side member (233). In one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover (214), the second rear cover (224), and the third rear cover (234) 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. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (214) and the second rear cover (224) may be formed of 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. In one embodiment, the third rear cover (234) may be formed of a substantially transparent plate, such as, for example, glass or polymer. Accordingly, the sub-display (250) (e.g., the fourth display area) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through the third rear cover (234) in the third space (2301) of the third housing (230).

[0077] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first protective frame (261) (e.g., a first decorative member) and a second protective frame (262) (e.g., a second decorative member) disposed in a first housing (210) and arranged to cover an edge of a first region (240a) of a flexible display (240). In one embodiment, the first protective frame (261) may be disposed along a first side (2131) of the first housing (210), and the second protective frame (262) may be disposed along a second side (2132). In one embodiment, an edge of the flexible display (240) corresponding to the first housing (210) may be concealed from the outside through the first and second protective frames (261, 262). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a third protective frame (263) (e.g., a third decorative member) disposed in the second housing (220) and arranged to cover an edge of a second region (240b) of a flexible display (240). In one embodiment, the third protective frame (263) may be disposed along a third side (2231), a fourth side (2232), and a fifth side (2233) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, an edge of the flexible display (240) corresponding to the second housing (220) may be concealed from the outside through the third protective frame (263). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a fourth protective frame (264) (e.g., a fourth decorative member) disposed in the third housing (230) and arranged to cover the edge of the third area (240c) of the flexible display (240). In one embodiment, the fourth protective frame (264) may be disposed along the sixth side (2331), the seventh side (2332), and the eighth side (2333) of the third housing (230).In one embodiment, the edge of the flexible display (240) corresponding to the third housing (230) may be concealed from the outside through the fourth protective frame (264). In some embodiments, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth protective frames (261, 262, 263, 264) may be omitted.

[0078] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first protective member (265a) (e.g., a first protective cap) disposed between the first protective frame (261) and the third protective frame (263) in the fourth region (240d) and arranged to cover at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display (240), and a second protective member (265b) disposed between the second protective frame (262) and the third protective frame (263) and arranged to cover at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display (240). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a third protective member (265c) (e.g., a third protective cap) disposed between the first protective frame (261) and the fourth protective frame (264) in the fifth region (240e) and arranged to cover at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display (240), and a fourth protective member (265d) disposed between the second protective frame (262) and the fourth protective frame (264) and arranged to cover at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display (240). In one embodiment, at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth protective members (265a, 265b, 265c, 265d) may be omitted.

[0079] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (200) may include at least one electronic component arranged in at least one space among the first space (2101) of the first housing (210), the second space (2201) of the second housing (220), and / or the third space (2301) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, at least one electronic component may include a flexible display (240) (e.g., a first display) disposed through a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a third housing (230), a sub-display (250) (e.g., a second display) disposed in the third housing (230), at least one microphone (271a, 271b) (e.g., an input module or input device), at least one speaker (272a, 272b, 272c, 272d) (e.g., an audio output module or audio output device), at least one camera (273a, 273b, 273c) (e.g., a camera module or camera device), at least one sensor (274a, 274b, 274c) (e.g., a sensor module), at least one key button (275) (e.g., an input device or a physical key), a connector port (276), or a socket device (277). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may additionally include at least one other component. In some embodiments, at least one of the above-described components may be omitted.

[0080] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) may be placed in a receiving space formed by the housings (210, 220, 230). For example, the flexible display (240) may be placed in a recess formed by the housings (210, 220, 230), and may be placed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device (200) when unfolded. In one embodiment, the sub-display (250) may be placed in a third space (2301) of the third housing (230) so as to be visible from the outside through the third rear cover (234).

[0081] In various embodiments, at least one microphone (271a, 271b) may include a first microphone (271a) positioned through a first side (2131) of the first housing (210) and a second microphone (271b) positioned through a second side (2132) of the first housing (210). In some embodiments, at least one microphone (271a, 271b) may be positioned on a third side (2231) and / or a fifth side (2233) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, at least one microphone (271a, 271b) may be positioned on a sixth side (2331) and / or an eighth side (2333) of the third housing (230).

[0082] In various embodiments, at least one speaker (272a, 272b, 272c, 272d) may include a first speaker (272a) arranged to emit sound through a third side (2231) of the second housing (220), a second speaker (272b) arranged to emit sound through a fifth side (2233), a third speaker (272c) arranged to emit sound through a sixth side (2331) of the third housing (230), and a fourth speaker (272d) arranged to emit sound through an eighth side (2333). In one embodiment, at least one speaker (272a, 272b, 272c, 272d) may be symmetrically arranged to implement stereophonic sound (e.g., three-dimensional sound) in the unfolded or folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the second speaker (272b) or the fourth speaker (272d) may be arranged near the user's ear in the folded state and may be used as a call receiver. In some embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may further include an additional receiver (not shown) arranged in the third space (2301) of the third housing (230) and arranged to emit sound through a speaker hole provided in at least a portion of the third rear cover (234) or between the third rear cover (234) and the third side member (233). In some embodiments, at least one speaker (272a, 272b, 272c, 272d) may be replaced with an operative piezo speaker, excluding the hole formed in the second housing (220) and / or the third housing (230).

[0083] According to various embodiments, at least one camera (273a, 273b, 273c) may be disposed in the third space (2301) of the third housing (230), and may include a first camera (273a) (e.g., a first front camera) disposed through a fifth side (231) of the third housing (230), a second camera (273b) disposed through a second side (212) of the first housing (210), and a third camera (273c) disposed through a sixth side (232) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, at least one camera (273a, 273b, 273c) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, at least one camera (273a, 273b, 273c) includes two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and may be arranged together on one side of a housing of any one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), or the third housing (230). In some embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a flash (not shown) arranged near the second camera (273b). In one embodiment, the flash may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp.

[0084] According to various embodiments, at least one sensor (274a, 274b, 274c) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the multi-foldable electronic device (200). In one embodiment, at least one sensor (274a, 274b, 274c) may include a first sensor (274a) disposed on a fifth surface (231) of the third housing (230), a second sensor (274b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third sensor (274c) disposed on a sixth surface (232) of the third housing (230). In some embodiments, the at least one sensor (274a, 274b, 274c) 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, and a distance detection sensor (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) sensor or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may further include at least one sensor, not shown, such as at least one of a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. In some embodiments, the fingerprint sensor may be arranged to detect a user's fingerprint through at least a portion of the key button (275).

[0085] According to various embodiments, at least one camera (273a, 273b, 273c) and / or at least one sensor (274a, 274b, 274c) may be positioned to detect the external environment through the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250). For example, at least one camera (273a, 273b, 273c) and / or at least one sensor (274a, 274b, 274c) may be arranged in the first space (2101) of the first housing (210) and / or the third space (2301) of the third housing (230), under the non-active display area or the active display area of ​​the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250), and may be arranged to be in contact with the external environment through an opening or transparent area perforated up to the cover member (e.g., window layer) and / or the third rear cover (234). In one embodiment, the area corresponding to at least one camera (273a, 273c) of the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) may be formed as a transparent area having a certain transmittance as part of an area displaying content. In one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance of about 5% to about 30%, preferably 10% to 20%, and more preferably 15%. The transparent area may include an area overlapping with an effective area (e.g., a field of view area) of at least one camera (273a, 273c) through which light passes to be imaged by the image sensor to generate an image. For example, the transparent area of ​​the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) may include an area with a lower pixel density than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may be replaced with an opening.For example, at least one camera (273a, 273c) may include an under-display camera (UDC) or an under-panel camera (UPC). In one embodiment, some of the cameras (273a, 273c) or some of the sensors (274a, 274c) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250). For example, an area of ​​the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250) corresponding to at least one camera (273a, 273c) and / or at least one sensor (274a, 274c) may not require a perforated opening.

[0086] According to various embodiments, at least one key button (275) may be arranged on the seventh side (2332) of the third housing (230). This may help improve usability by arranging the sixth side (232) to face upward for using the sub-display (250) when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, and at least one key button (275) is positioned on the right side. In some embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the at least one key button (275), and the key buttons that are not included may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys displayed on the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250). In some embodiments, some of the at least one key button (275) may be implemented using at least one pressure sensor implemented through the flexible display (240) and / or the sub-display (250). In some embodiments, at least one key button (275) may be disposed on at least one of the first side (2131) or the second side (2132) of the first housing (210), the third side (2231) or the fifth side (2233) of the second housing (220), and / or the sixth side (2331) or the eighth side (2333) of the third housing (230), which may be used when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state and / or a folded state.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the connector port (276) may be arranged through the first side (2131) of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the connector port (276) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) structure for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the connector port (276) 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. In some embodiments, the connector port (276) may be located on at least one of the second side (2132) of the first housing (210), the third side (2231), the fourth side (2232), or the fifth side (2233) of the second housing (220), and / or the sixth side (2331), the seventh side (2332), or the eighth side (2333) of the third housing (230), which may be used when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state and / or a folded state.

[0088] According to various embodiments, the socket device (277) may be positioned on the seventh side (2332) of the third housing (230) so that the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be used even when folded. In one embodiment, the socket device (277) may include a tray retractably coupled from the seventh side (2332) to accommodate a SIM card or an external memory card.

[0089] According to various embodiments, at least one microphone (271a, 271b), at least one speaker (272a, 272b, 272c, 272d), at least one key button (275), connector port (276) or socket device (277) may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole (e.g., a through hole) formed in the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and / or the third housing (230).

[0090] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include an antenna member (278) disposed in the first space (2101) of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the antenna member (278) may be disposed to transmit or receive a wireless signal through the second side (212) of the first housing (210) so that the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can operate even in a folded state. In one embodiment, the antenna member (278) may include an antenna that operates in a neat field communication (NFC), multi-function coil or multi-function core (MFC), and / or magnetic secure transmission (MST) manner to perform a wireless charging function, an electronic payment function, and / or a data transmission and reception function. In one embodiment, the antenna member (278) may also include an ultra-wide band (UWB) antenna that is used to detect a distance to an external electronic device or a location of the external electronic device (e.g., angle of arrival (AoA) positioning technique). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include an antenna structure (e.g., the first antenna structure (AR1) of FIG. 7a) arranged to form a beam pattern in a direction in which the second side (2132) faces (e.g., the y-axis direction of FIG. 3c) through a dielectric cover (210a) arranged on the second side (2132) of the first housing (210).

[0091] The multi-foldable electronic device (200) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can use a large screen display area in an unfolded state through the folding operation of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230), and can help improve portability because the three housings (210, 220, 230) are deformed in a manner that they overlap each other in a folded state. In addition, the plurality of electronic components can help improve usability by being arranged in appropriate positions that are advantageous for use in the unfolded state and / or the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0092] FIGS. 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating the operating states of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of the multi-foldable electronic device taken along line 4d-4d of FIG. 4C according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 4A to 4D, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220) rotatably connected to the first housing (210) in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) of one side (e.g., the right side) of the first housing (210) via a first hinge assembly (HA1) with respect to a first folding axis (F1), and a third housing (230) rotatably connected to the first housing (210) in a direction (e.g., the -x-axis direction) of the other side (e.g., the left side) of the first housing (210) via a second hinge assembly (HA2) with respect to a second folding axis (F2). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (240) arranged to be supported by at least a portion of the first, second, and third housings (210, 220, 230). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a sub-display (250) arranged in the third housing (230).

[0094] According to various embodiments, in a multi-foldable electronic device (200), in a fully unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 4a), the first side (211) of the first housing (210), the third side (221) of the second housing (220), and the fifth side (231) of the third housing (230) face in the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction of FIG. 4a), and the entire area of ​​the flexible display (240) can be used.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be configured such that, in an intermediate state (e.g., the state of FIG. 4b), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded in an in-folding manner, such that the first surface (211) of the first housing (210) and the third surface (221) of the second housing (220) face each other. In this case, the flexible display (240) may be exposed so that only an area corresponding to the third housing (230) is visible from the outside.

[0096] According to various embodiments, when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) transitions from an intermediate state to a fully folded state (e.g., the states of FIGS. 4c and 4d), the third housing (230) may be folded in an infolding manner so as to at least partially overlap the second housing (220), such that the fourth side (222) of the second housing (220) may face the fifth side (231) of the third housing (230). In this case, the flexible display (240) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230), such that it may not be visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may help improve portability by having the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) sequentially stacked in a folded state.

[0097] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be arranged so that the second side (212) of the first housing (210) and the sixth side (232) of the third housing (230) are visible from the outside when in a folded state. Accordingly, the second camera (273b) and / or the second sensor (e.g., the second sensor (274b) of FIG. 2c) may be arranged through the second side (212) of the first housing (210) so that they can be used even in a folded state, and the sub-display (250) may also be arranged so that they are visible from the outside through the sixth side (232) of the third housing (230).

[0098] FIGS. 5A to 5E are exemplary diagrams showing various usage states of a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0099] The multi-foldable electronic device (200) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be transformed in various ways and provide a rich user experience by maintaining a state in which the housings (210, 220, 230) are rotated at a specified angle with respect to each other through the first and second hinge assemblies (HA1, HA2) in addition to the unfolded state, the folded state, and / or the intermediate state (free stop function).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5A, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be maintained in a state in which the third housing (230) is rotated at a specified angle (θ1) with respect to the first housing (210) from the unfolded state. In this case, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be used in a state in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are mounted on a surface (T) (e.g., an external plane of the electronic device).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 5b, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be maintained in a state in which the second housing (220) is rotated at a specified angle (θ1) with respect to the first housing (210) from the unfolded state. In this case, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be used in a state in which the second housing (220) is placed on the mounting surface (T).

[0102] Referring to FIG. 5C, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be maintained in a state in which the second housing (220) is rotated at a specified angle with respect to the first housing (210) from an unfolded state, and the third housing (230) is rotated at a specified angle with respect to the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be used in a state in which one side of the second housing (220) (e.g., the fourth side (2232) of FIG. 2A) and one side of the third housing (230) (e.g., the seventh side (2332) of FIG. 2A) come into contact with each other, thereby being deformed into a triangular shape, and the second housing (220) is placed on the placement surface (T). In this case, an externally exposed sub-display (250) can be used. In some embodiments, the third housing (230) may be rotated in such a way that one side contacts at least a portion of the flexible display (230) corresponding to the second housing (220).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 5d, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be connected to an external electronic device (200-1) in the use state of FIG. 5c. In this case, the external electronic device (200-1) may include a key button device and / or a keypad device used as a data input means. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (200-1) may be operatively connected to the multi-foldable electronic device (200) via wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth communication).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 5E, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be maintained in a state in which the second housing (220) is rotated at a specified angle with respect to the first housing (210) from an unfolded state, and the third housing (230) is rotated at a specified angle with respect to the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be used in a manner in which, in a deformed state, one side of the first housing (210) (e.g., the first side (2131) of FIG. 2A), one side of the second housing (220) (e.g., the third side (2231) of FIG. 2A), and one side of the third housing (230) (e.g., the sixth side (2331) of FIG. 2A)) are mounted on a mounting surface (T). Although not shown, in this case as well, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) can be operatively connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the external electronic device (200-1) of FIG. 5d) to help improve usability.

[0105] FIGS. 6A to 6E are exploded perspective views of a multi-foldable electronic device viewed from the rear according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIGS. 6B to 6E are enlarged views of regions of the exploded perspective view of the multi-foldable electronic device of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6F is an exploded perspective view of a multi-foldable electronic device viewed from the front according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6F, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first side member (213), a second side member (223) rotatably coupled to one side of the first side member (213) via a first hinge assembly (HA1), and a third side member (233) rotatably coupled to the other side of the first side member (213) via a second hinge assembly (HA2). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) configured to include a first space (2101) through a first rear cover (214) coupled with a first side member (213) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 6f), a second housing (220) configured to include a second space (2201) through a second rear cover (224) coupled with a second side member (223) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 6f), and a third housing (230) configured to include a third space (2301) through a third rear cover (234) coupled with a third side member (233) (e.g., the third housing (230) of FIG. 6f). In one embodiment, the first side member (213) may include a first support member (213a) extending into or structurally coupled to at least a portion of the first space (2101). In one embodiment, the second side member (223) may include a second support member (223a) extending into or structurally coupled to at least a portion of the second space (2201). In one embodiment, the third side member (233) may include a third support member (233a) extending into or structurally coupled to at least a portion of the third space (2301). In one embodiment, at least some of the first, second, and third support members (213a, 223a, 233a) may be used as a support structure for supporting at least a portion of the flexible display (240). In one embodiment, at least some of the first, second, and third support members (213a, 223a, 233a) may be used as support structures for supporting at least some of a plurality of electronic components to be described later.

[0107] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (240) arranged to be supported by a first side member (213), a first hinge assembly (HA1), a second side member (223), a second hinge assembly (HA2), and a third side member (233). In one embodiment, an edge of the flexible display (240) may be at least partially covered so as not to be visible from the outside by first, second, third, and fourth protective frames (261, 262, 263, 264) and first, second, third, and fourth protective members (265a, 265b, 265c, 265d) arranged on the first, second, and third side members (213, 223, 233). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a sub-display (250) arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the third rear cover (234) in the third space (2301).

[0108] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a plurality of electronic components arranged in first, second, and third housings (210, 220, 230). In one embodiment, the plurality of electronic components comprises at least one substrate (281, 281a, 282, 282a, 283, 283a) (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)), at least one connecting substrate (281b, 282b, 283b) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)), at least one wiring member (284a, 284b), at least one battery (B1, B2, B3), at least one speaker (272a, 272b, 272c, 272d), at least one camera (273a, 273b, 273c), at least one magnet (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8), at least one key button (275), at least one socket device (277), at least one vibration motor (285), at least one waterproof member (WP1, WP2, WP3) and at least one antenna structure (AR1, AR2).

[0109] According to various embodiments, at least one substrate (281, 282, 283) may include a first substrate (281) (e.g., a first printed circuit board) disposed in a first space (2101) of a first housing (210), a second substrate (282) (e.g., a second printed circuit board) disposed in a second space (2201) of a second housing (220), and a third substrate (283) (e.g., a third printed circuit board) disposed in a third space (2301) of a third housing (230). In one embodiment, at least one substrate (281a, 282a, 283a) may include a first sub-substrate (281a) (e.g., a first sub-printed circuit board) disposed at a position spaced apart from a first substrate (281) in a first space (2101), a second sub-substrate (282a) (e.g., a second sub-printed circuit board) disposed at a position spaced apart from a second substrate (282) in a second space (2201), and a third sub-substrate (283a) (e.g., a third sub-printed circuit board) disposed at a position spaced apart from a third substrate (283) in a third space (2301). In one embodiment, the first substrate (281) and the first sub-substrate (281a) may be arranged to be supported by a first support bracket (279a) and a second support bracket (279b) arranged in the first space (2101). In some embodiments, the second substrate (282) and the second sub-substrate (282a) arranged in the second space (2201), and the third substrate (283) and the third sub-substrate (283a) arranged in the third space (2301) may also be arranged to be supported by at least one support bracket.

[0110] According to various embodiments, at least one connecting substrate (281a, 282b, 283b) may include a first connecting substrate (281b) electrically connecting a first substrate (281) and a first sub-substrate (281a) in a first space (2101), a second connecting substrate (282b) electrically connecting a second substrate (282) and a second sub-substrate (282a) in a second space (2201), and a third connecting substrate (283b) electrically connecting a third substrate (283) and a third sub-substrate (283a) in a third space (2301). In one embodiment, at least one of the first, second, and third connecting substrates (281b, 282b, 283b) may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and / or a flexible RF cable (FRC).

[0111] According to various embodiments, at least one wiring member (284a, 284b) may include a first wiring member (284a) extending from a first space (2101) across a first hinge assembly (HA1) to a second space (2201) and a second wiring member (284b) extending from the first space (2101) across a second hinge assembly (HA2) to a third space (2301). In one embodiment, the first and second wiring members (284a, 284b) may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) having a shape having an elastic restoring force capable of accommodating a folding motion of each of the housings (210, 220, 230). In one embodiment, the first substrate (281) and the second substrate (282) may be electrically connected via the first wiring member (284a). In one embodiment, the first substrate (281) and the third substrate (283) can be electrically connected through a second wiring member (284b).

[0112] According to various embodiments, at least one battery (B1, B2, B3) may include a first battery (B1) disposed in a first space (2101), a second battery (B2) disposed in a second space (2201), and a third battery (B3) disposed in a third space (2301). In one embodiment, the first battery (B1) may be electrically connected to the first substrate (281) and / or the first sub-substrate (281a). In one embodiment, the second battery (B2) may be electrically connected to the second substrate (282) and / or the second sub-substrate (282a). In one embodiment, the third battery (B3) may be electrically connected to the third substrate (283) and / or the third sub-substrate (283a). Accordingly, the first, second, and third batteries (B1, B2, and B3) can provide power to the first, second, and third substrates (281, 282, and 283) and / or the first, second, and third sub-substrates (281a, 282a, and 283a) that are electrically connected through the first and second wiring members (284a, 284b). In one embodiment, the first battery (B1) can be disposed between the first substrate (281) and the first sub-substrate (281a). In one embodiment, the second battery (B2) can be disposed between the second substrate (282) and the second sub-substrate (282a). In one embodiment, the third battery (B3) can be disposed between the third substrate (283) and the third sub-substrate (283a).

[0113] According to various embodiments, at least one speaker (272a, 272b, 272c, 272d) may include a first speaker (272a) electrically connected to a first sub-board (281a) in a first space (2101), a second speaker (272b) electrically connected to a first board (281) in a first space (2101), a third speaker (272c) electrically connected to a third sub-board (283a) in a third space (2301), and a fourth speaker (272d) electrically connected to a third board (283) in a third space (2301).

[0114] According to various embodiments, at least one camera (273a, 273b, 273c) may include a first camera (273a) electrically connected to a third substrate (283) in a third space (2301) of a third housing (230), a second camera (273b) electrically connected to a first substrate (281) in a first space (2101) of the first housing (210), and a third camera (273c) electrically connected to a third substrate (283) in a third space (2301) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the first camera (273a) may be positioned to capture a subject in a direction in which the flexible display (240) faces (e.g., the z-axis direction in FIG. 6c), and the third camera (273c) may be positioned to capture a subject in a direction in which the third rear cover (234) faces (e.g., the -z-axis direction in FIG. 6c).

[0115] According to various embodiments, at least one magnet (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8) may include first and second magnets (M1, M2) arranged in a second space (2201) of a second housing (220), third and fourth magnets (M3, M4) arranged in a third space (2301) of a third housing (230) and arranged to be aligned with the first and second magnets (M1, M2) respectively in a folded state, fifth and sixth magnets (M5, M6) arranged in a first space (2101) of the first housing (210), and seventh and eighth magnets (M7, M8) arranged in a second space (2201) of the second housing (220) and arranged to be aligned with the fifth and sixth magnets (M5, M6) respectively in a folded state. In one embodiment, the first and second magnets (M1, M2) and the third and fourth magnets (M3, M4) may be arranged so as to generate an attractive force toward each other when in a folded state. In one embodiment, the fifth and sixth magnets (M5, M6) may be arranged so as to generate an attractive force toward each other when in a folded state. In one embodiment, any one of the first to eighth magnets (M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M8) may be replaced with an electromagnet that is set to have a polarity when powered. In some embodiments, the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth magnets (M5, M6, M7, M8) may be omitted.

[0116] According to various embodiments, at least one key button (275) may be arranged to be exposed through one side of the third side member (233) (e.g., the seventh side (2332) of FIG. 2a) in the third space (2301) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, at least one socket device (277) may also be arranged through one side of the third side member (233) (e.g., the seventh side (2332) of FIG. 2a) in the third space (2301) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, at least one vibration motor (285) may be arranged to be electrically connected to the first sub-board (281a) in the first space (2101). In some embodiments, at least one vibration motor (285) may be arranged in the second space (2201) and / or the third space (2301).

[0117] According to various embodiments, at least one waterproof member (WP1, WP2, WP3) may include a first waterproof member (WP1) disposed between the first side member (213) and the flexible display (240), a second waterproof member (WP2) disposed between the second side member (223) and the flexible display (240), and a third waterproof member (WP3) disposed between the third side member (233) and the flexible display (240). In one embodiment, the first, second, and third waterproof members (WP1, WP2, WP3) may provide a waterproof space to protect electronic components disposed through the first, second, and third support members (213a, 223a, 233a) from external moisture and / or foreign substances. In one embodiment, the first, second, and third waterproofing members (WP1, WP2, and WP3) may include at least one of tape, adhesive, waterproof dispensing, silicone, waterproof rubber, and urethane.

[0118] According to various embodiments, at least one antenna structure (AR1, AR2) may include a first antenna structure (AR1) and a second antenna structure (AR2) disposed in a first space (2101) of a first housing (210). In one embodiment, the first antenna structure (AR1) and the second antenna structure (AR2) may include an array antenna including a substrate, a plurality of antenna elements (e.g., conductive patches) disposed at a specified interval on the substrate, and wireless communication circuitry (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the plurality of antenna elements. In one embodiment, the wireless communication circuitry (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) may be configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal in a frequency band ranging from about 3 GHz to about 300 GHz via the plurality of antenna elements. In one embodiment, the first antenna structure (AR1) and the second antenna structure (AR2) can form a beam pattern having directionality. In some embodiments, a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) may be disposed on the first substrate (281). In one embodiment, the first antenna structure (AR1) may be disposed so that the beam pattern is formed in a direction (e.g., the y-axis direction of FIG. 6c) toward which the upper side (e.g., the second side (2132) of FIG. 2a) of the first housing (210) faces in the first space (2101). In this case, the first antenna structure (AR1) may be disposed so that the beam pattern is formed externally through the dielectric cover (210a) disposed on the first housing (210). In some embodiments, the first antenna structure (AR1) may be arranged so that the beam pattern is formed externally through a non-conductive member (e.g., polymer) formed as at least a portion of the first side member (213), without a dielectric cover (210a).In one embodiment, the second antenna structure (AR2) may be arranged in the first space (2101) such that a beam pattern is formed in a direction toward the first rear cover (214) of the first housing (210) (e.g., the -z axis direction in FIG. 6C).

[0119] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) may include a bending portion (432) that extends outwardly from a display panel (e.g., the display panel (430) of FIG. 9D) (e.g., the display panel portion) and is arranged in a foldable manner on the back surface of the flexible display (240). In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include an extension portion (4321) (e.g., the extension panel portion) that extends from the display panel (430) and includes a control circuit (4321a) (e.g., a display driver integrated circuit (DDI)) and a flexible substrate (4322) (e.g., an FPCB) that is electrically connected to the extension portion (4321) and includes a plurality of electrical elements. For example, the flexible display (240) may be formed such that the display panel (430) and the bending portion (432) are formed in a COP (chip on plastic) manner. For example, the extension portion (4321) (e.g., the extension panel portion) may include polyimide (PI) included in the substrate of the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (4322) may include a connector (4322a) for electrically connecting with the second substrate (282) disposed in the second space (2201). In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may be disposed to extend between the display panel (430) and the second support member (223a) in an area corresponding to one side of the second housing (220) from the flexible display (240) (e.g., the fourth side (2232) of FIG. 2A).

[0120] Electronic components according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be appropriately arranged in the first space (2101) of the first housing (210), the second space (2201) of the second housing (220), and / or the third space (2301) of the third housing (230), thereby enabling smooth operational connection and helping to slim down the multi-foldable electronic device (200).

[0121] FIG. 7A is a plan view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, with the flexible display omitted, as viewed from the front, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a rear view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, with the rear covers omitted, as viewed from the rear, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0122] FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram of an electronic device with the housing omitted from the drawing of FIG. 7A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7D is a schematic diagram of an electronic device with the housing omitted from the drawing of FIG. 7B according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0123] In describing FIGS. 7A to 7D, components that are substantially the same as the components of the electronic device described above are given the same symbols, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7D, a multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) including a first side member (213), a second housing (220) including a second side member (223) rotatably coupled to one side of the first housing (210) via a first hinge assembly (HA1), and a third housing (230) including a third side member (233) rotatably coupled to the other side of the first housing (210) via a second hinge assembly (HA2). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first battery (B1) disposed in a first space (2101) of a first housing (210), and a first substrate (281) and a first sub-substrate (281a) connected through a first connection substrate (281b) with the first battery (B1) interposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a second battery (B2) disposed in a second space (2201) of a second housing (220), and a second substrate (282) and a second sub-substrate (282a) connected through a second connection substrate (282b) with the second battery (B2) interposed therebetween. In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a third battery (B3) disposed in a third space (2301) of a third housing (230), and a third substrate (283) and a third sub-substrate (283a) connected through a third connecting substrate (283b) with the third battery (B3) interposed therebetween.

[0125] According to various embodiments, the sizes of the first battery (B1), the second battery (B2), and the third battery (B3) may be determined by the number and / or arrangement structure of electronic components arranged in the first space (2101), the second space (2201), and the third space (2301). For example, the first battery (B1) may be set to the smallest size due to the arrangement structure of major components such as the first substrate (281), the first sub-substrate (281a), the second camera (273b), the antenna structure (AR1, AR2), or the connector port (276) including the processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) arranged in the first space (2101). In one embodiment, the second battery (B2) may be set to the largest size due to the arrangement structure of electronic components such as speakers (272a, 272b), the second substrate (282), or the second sub-substrate (282a). In one embodiment, the third battery (B3) may be set to a size larger than the first battery (B1) and smaller than the second battery (B2) due to the arrangement structure of electronic components such as speakers (272c, 272d), the third substrate (283), the third sub-substrate (283a), the key button (275), or the connector port (276). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sizes of each of the first, second, and third batteries (B1, B2, B3) may be modified to various sizes by the arrangement design of the electronic components arranged in the first, second, and third spaces (2101, 2201, 2031).

[0126] According to various embodiments, it may be advantageous for the first camera (273a) to be arranged at a location (e.g., upper left) close to the corner where the seventh side (2332) and the eighth side (2333) meet in the third space (2301) of the third housing (230) when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state. For example, the arrangement structure of the first camera (273a) arranged at the corner of the third housing (230) can solve the problem of not being able to be used in a folded state or an intermediate state when the first camera (273a) is arranged in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220), and can provide an advantageous advantage of being able to be used even in an intermediate state where only the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded. In some embodiments, the first camera (273a) may be positioned at various locations along or near the seventh side (2332) of the third housing (230), although the user's grip on the multi-foldable electronic device may be considered. In some embodiments, the first camera (273a) may be positioned at various locations along or near the eighth side (2333) or the sixth side (2331) of the third housing (230).

[0127] According to various embodiments, it may be advantageous for the key button (275) and / or the socket device (277) to be positioned so as to be exposed through the seventh side (2332) in the third space (2301) of the third housing (230). For example, the key button (275) and / or the socket device (277) may be positioned so as to be exposed to the outside on the right side of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state and the sub-display (250) is in an upwardly facing state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3A), thereby helping to improve usability.

[0128] FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an electrical connection structure between substrates in a multi-foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 8, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first substrate (281) disposed in a first space (2101) of a first housing (210), a second substrate (282) disposed in a second space (2201) of a second housing (220), and a third substrate (283) disposed in a third space (2301) of a third housing (230). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first sub-substrate (281a) disposed at a position spaced apart from the first substrate (281), a second sub-substrate (282a) disposed at a position spaced apart from the second substrate (282), and a third sub-substrate (283a) disposed at a position spaced apart from the third substrate (283) in the third space (2301). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first connection substrate (281b) connecting a first substrate (281) and a first sub-substrate (281a), a second connection substrate (282b) electrically connecting a second substrate (282) and a second sub-substrate (282a), and a third connection substrate (283b) electrically connecting a third substrate (283) and a third sub-substrate (283a). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first wiring member (284a) extending from a first space (2101) of a first housing (210) across a first hinge assembly (HA1) to a second space (2201) of a second housing (220), and a second wiring member (284b) extending from the first space (2101) of the first housing (210) across a second hinge assembly (HA2) to a third space (2301) of a third housing (230).

[0130] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be configured such that, even if it is composed of three housings (210, 220, 230) that are rotatable relative to each other through hinge assemblies (HA1, HA2), the first, second, and third substrates (281, 282, 283) arranged in each housing are electrically connected to the first, second, and third sub-substrates (281a, 282a, 283a) through the first, second, and third connecting substrates (281b, 282b, 283b). In addition, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is configured to operate as a single, unified device because the first, second, and third substrates (281, 282, 283) are electrically connected to each other through the first and second wiring members (284a, 284b), and the electronic components arranged in each housing (210, 220, 230) also have a configuration in which they are operatively connected, thereby helping to improve usability.

[0131] FIG. 9A is a plan view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, schematically illustrating the arrangement of an extended panel portion of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B , the flexible display (240) may include a bending portion (432) that extends outwardly from the display panel (430) and is arranged in a foldable manner on the back surface of the flexible display (240). In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include an extension portion (4321) (e.g., an extension panel portion) that extends from the display panel (430) and includes a control circuit (4321a) (e.g., a display driving circuit) and a flexible substrate (4322) (e.g., an FPCB) that is electrically connected to the extension portion (4321) and includes a plurality of electrical elements. In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (4322) may include a connector (4322a) for electrically connecting to a second substrate (282) arranged in the second space (2201).

[0133] According to various embodiments, the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (240) may advantageously be positioned near the fourth side (2232) of the second housing (220) (e.g., the right side of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) in the unfolded state of FIG. 9A). For example, the bending portion (432) must be formed to have a length substantially similar to the length of one side of the flexible display (240) due to the wiring structure. In the unfolded state of FIG. 9a, the upper side (e.g., the second side (2132), the fifth side (2233), and the eighth side (2333)) and the lower side (e.g., the first side (2131), the third side (2231), and the sixth side (2331)) of the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may be difficult to place due to the possibility of damage to the wiring structure and / or the control circuit (4321a) due to frequent folding operations. In addition, in the unfolded state of FIG. 9A, the bending portion (432) may be difficult to place at the left side (e.g., the seventh side (2332)) of the multi-foldable device (200) due to the preferential placement structure of other electronic components (e.g., key button (275) and / or socket device (277)) that must be placed there.

[0134] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 9C-9C of FIG. 9A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9D is an enlarged view of a region 9D of FIG. 9C according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 9C and 9D , the flexible display (240) may include a window layer (410), a polarizing layer (POL) (420) (e.g., a polarizing film) sequentially disposed on the back surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the window layer (410), a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440), a support plate (450), and at least one lower layer (460). In one embodiment, the window layer (410), the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), and at least one lower layer (460) may be attached to each other via an adhesive (P) (or glue). For example, the adhesive (P) may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

[0136] According to various embodiments, the window layer (410) may include a glass layer (e.g., ultra thin glass (UTG) or foldable thin glass (FTG)) or a polymer layer. In some embodiments, the window layer (410) may be arranged in multiple layers to include a glass layer and a polymer layer.

[0137] According to various embodiments, the display panel (430) may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (e.g., an electrode pattern). In one embodiment, the polarizing layer (420) may be arranged to selectively pass light generated from a light source of the display panel (430) and vibrating in a certain direction. In one embodiment, the display panel (430) and the polarizing layer (420) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may also include a touch panel (not shown).

[0138] According to various embodiments, the polymer layer (440) may be disposed under the display panel (430) to provide a dark background for ensuring visibility of the display panel (430) and may be formed as a buffer material for buffering. In some embodiments, to ensure waterproofing of the flexible display (240), the polymer layer (440) may be removed or disposed under the support plate (450). In some embodiments, the polymer layer (440) may be omitted when the support plate (450) is formed of an opaque material.

[0139] According to various embodiments, the support plate (450) can provide rigidity and bending properties to the flexible display (130). For example, the support plate (450) can be formed of a non-metallic thin-plate material or a metallic material, such as fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP)) having rigid properties for supporting the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) can include a pattern (e.g., a plurality of openings and / or recesses) that can help improve bending properties by being formed in an area corresponding to the folding areas (e.g., the fourth area (240d) and / or the fifth area (240e) of FIG. 2B) of the flexible display (240).

[0140] According to various embodiments, at least one lower layer (460) may include at least one reinforcing plate positioned below the support plate (450) to improve the surface quality and provide rigidity to the flexible display (240) and / or at least one digitizer positioned for use with an electronic pen.

[0141] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (240) may include a bending portion (432) extending outwardly from the display panel (430) and arranged in a manner of being folded toward a back surface (e.g., at least one lower layer (460)) of the flexible display (240). In one embodiment, the flexible display (240) may further include a bending portion protection layer (4324) (e.g., a bending protection layer (BPL)) laminated on an outer surface of the bending portion (432) to protect at least a portion of the bending portion (432). In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include an extension portion (4321) extending from the display panel (430) and including a control circuit (4321a), and a flexible substrate (4322) connected to the extension portion (4321) and including a plurality of electrical elements. In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may be bent to the back surface of the flexible display (230) and then attached to the lower layer (460). In one embodiment, the extension portion (4321) may be attached to the lower layer (460) on the back surface of the flexible display (230) via a first adhesive member (T1). According to one embodiment, the flexible substrate (4322) may be attached to the lower layer (460) via a second adhesive member (T2). For example, the first adhesive member (T1) may be a tape member having a specified thickness, and may serve as a spacer having a thickness for maintaining the bent state of the extension portion (4321) and compensating for a height difference between the extension portion (4321) and the flexible substrate (4322). In one embodiment, the first adhesive member (T1) and / or the second adhesive member (T2) may be formed of a waterproof member (e.g., waterproof tape) since they are at least partially exposed to the outside. In one embodiment, the second adhesive member (T2) may include a conductive tape for electrically connecting the ground of the flexible substrate (4322) to the lower layer (460).

[0142] According to various embodiments, the control circuit (4321a) disposed on the extension portion (4321) may be protected by a cover member (4325) attached so as to cover at least a portion of the flexible substrate (4322) to at least a portion of the extension portion (4321). In one embodiment, the control circuit (4321a) may be sealed by being disposed between the cover member (4325) and the extension portion (4321) and the flexible substrate (4322). In one embodiment, the third adhesive member (T3) may be formed of a waterproof member (e.g., a waterproof tape). In one embodiment, the third adhesive member (T3) may be disposed between the bending portion protection layer (4324) and the control circuit (4321a). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the cover member (4325) may be formed of a material having a waterproof structure because it comes into direct contact with external moisture and / or foreign substances. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the cover member (4325) may be attached to at least a portion of the second support member (223a) via the second waterproof member (WP2).

[0143] FIG. 10A is a rear view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, schematically illustrating the arrangement of the extended panel portion of the sub-display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10B is a configuration diagram of a sub-display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10C is a diagram comparing the arrangement of the sub-displays according to their housings according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B , the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a sub-display (250) that is arranged to be visible from the outside through a third rear cover (234) arranged on a sixth surface (232) of a third housing (230). In one embodiment, the sub-display (250) may also be bent from a display panel (430') (e.g., a display panel portion) to a rear surface of the sub-display (250), and may include an extension portion (4351) (e.g., an extension panel portion) that includes a control circuit (4351a) (e.g., a display driving circuit), and a bending portion (435) that includes a flexible substrate (4352) (e.g., an FPCB) electrically connected to the extension portion (4351). In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (4352) may be electrically connected to a third substrate (e.g., the third substrate (283) of FIG. 8) via a fourth connecting substrate (283c).

[0145] According to various embodiments, it may be advantageous for the bending portion (435) of the sub-display (250) to be arranged near the sixth side (2331) of the third housing (230). For example, the bending portion (435) may be difficult to arrange at the corresponding location due to the preferential arrangement structure of other electronic components (e.g., key buttons (275) and / or socket devices (277)) that must be arranged on the seventh side (2332) of the third housing (230) and the preferential arrangement structure of the third camera (273c) and / or the third sensor (274c) on the eighth side (2333).

[0146] Referring to FIG. 10c, the sub-display (250) can be arranged through the sixth side (232) of the third housing (230) that is exposed to the outside when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state. For example, the second side (212) of the first housing (210) can also be exposed to the outside when in a folded state. However, the sub-display (250) may be advantageously arranged in the third housing (230) because the first arrangement width (DW1) for arranging the sub-display (250) allowed by the first hinge assembly (HA1) and the second hinge assembly (HA2) arranged on both sides of the first housing (210) is smaller than the second arrangement width (DW2) for arranging the sub-display (250) allowed by the second hinge assembly (HA2) arranged on one side of the third housing (230).

[0147] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a multi-foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, illustrating a speaker arrangement structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 11, the multi-foldable electronic device may include a first speaker (272a) arranged to emit sound through a third side (2231) of the second housing (220), a second speaker (272b) arranged to emit sound through a fifth side (2233), a third speaker (272c) arranged to emit sound through a sixth side (2331) of the third housing (230), and a fourth speaker (272d) arranged to emit sound through an eighth side (2333). In one embodiment, the first to fourth speakers (272a, 272b, 272c, 272d) may be symmetrically arranged to implement stereophonic sound (e.g., three-dimensional sound) at positions that can always be exposed to the outside, even when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded or folded state. In some embodiments, the first speaker (272a) and the second speaker (272b) may be omitted. In some embodiments, the third speaker (272c) and the fourth speaker (272d) may be omitted.

[0149] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a multi-foldable electronic device illustrating an antenna arrangement structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 12, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one antenna (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12) that operates through at least a portion of the conductive side members (213, 223, 233) included in the first, second, and third housings (210, 220, 230). In one embodiment, at least one antenna (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12) may be segmented via at least one segment (321, 322, 323, 324, 341, 342, 343, 344, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366) and configured via at least one conductive portion (311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 331, 332, 333, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356) formed by at least a portion of the side members (213, 223, 233). For example, at least one segment (321, 322, 323, 324, 341, 342, 343, 344, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366) may include a conductive member (e.g., metal) and a non-conductive member (e.g., polymer) joined by injection.

[0151] According to various embodiments, at least one antenna (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12) may be configured to operate in at least one frequency band, alone or in combination of at least two antennas. In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed on a first substrate (e.g., a first substrate (281) of FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) may be disposed on a second substrate (e.g., a second substrate (282) of FIG. 8) and / or a third substrate (e.g., a third substrate (283) of FIG. 8). In one embodiment, a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) may be configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal in a designated frequency band via at least one antenna (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12). In one embodiment, the designated frequency band may include a low band of about 600 MHz to 960 MHz, a mid band of about 1700 MHz to 2200 MHz, a high band of about 2300 MHz to 2800 MHz, a sub-6 band of about 5 GHz to 6 GHz, an UHB band of about 3.2 GHz to 4.5 GHz, at least one of BT (Bluetooth), GPS (Global Positioning System), or WIFI (Wireless Fidelity).

[0152] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a first conductive portion (311) and a second conductive portion (312) segmented through a first segment (321) and a second segment (322) spaced apart from the first segment (321) on a first side (2131) of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the first conductive portion (311) may be configured to operate at least partially as a first antenna (A1), and the second conductive portion (312) may be configured to operate at least partially as a second antenna (A2). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a third conductive portion (313), a fourth conductive portion (314), and a fifth conductive portion (315) segmented through a third segment (323) and a fourth segment (324) spaced apart from the third segment (323) on a second side (2132) of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the third conductive portion (313) may be configured to operate at least partially as a third antenna (A3), the fourth conductive portion (314) may be configured to operate at least partially as a fourth antenna (A4), and the fifth conductive portion (315) may be configured to operate as a fifth antenna (A5).

[0153] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a sixth conductive portion (331) and a seventh conductive portion (332) segmented through a fifth segment (341) and a sixth segment (342) spaced apart from the fifth segment (341) on the third side (2231) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the sixth conductive portion (331) and the seventh conductive portion (332) may be configured to at least partially operate as a sixth antenna (A6). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include an eighth conductive portion (333) segmented through a seventh segment (343) and an eighth segment (344) spaced apart from the seventh segment (343) on the fifth side (2233) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the eighth conductive portion (333) may be configured to at least partially operate as a seventh antenna (A7).

[0154] According to various embodiments, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a ninth conductive portion (351), a tenth conductive portion (352), and an eleventh conductive portion (353) segmented through a ninth segment (361) and a tenth segment (362) spaced apart from the ninth segment (361) on the sixth side (2331) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the ninth conductive portion (351) may be configured to at least partially operate as the eighth antenna (A8), and the tenth conductive portion (352) and the eleventh conductive portion (353) may be configured to at least partially operate as the ninth antenna (A9). In one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (200) may include a twelfth conductive portion (354), a thirteenth conductive portion (355), and a fourteenth conductive portion (356) segmented through an eleventh segment (364) and a twelfth segment (365) spaced apart from the eleventh segment (364) on the eighth side (2333) of the third housing (230). In one embodiment, the twelfth conductive portion (354) may be configured to operate at least partially as the tenth antenna (A10), the thirteenth conductive portion (355) may be configured to operate at least partially as the eleventh antenna (A11), and the fourteenth conductive portion (356) may be configured to operate as the twelfth antenna (A12).

[0155] According to various embodiments, the first segment (321), the sixth segment (342), and the tenth segment (362) may be arranged at positions that are aligned to coincide with each other in order to secure radiation performance of at least one antenna (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, A11, A12) when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state. In one embodiment, the second segment (322), the fifth segment (341), and the ninth segment (361) may be arranged at positions that are aligned to coincide with each other when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state. In one embodiment, the third segment (323), the eighth segment (344), and the twelfth segment (365) may also be arranged at positions that are aligned to match each other when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state. In one embodiment, the fourth segment (324), the seventh segment (343), and the eleventh segment (364) may also be arranged at positions that are aligned to match each other when the multi-foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state.

[0156] According to various embodiments, a portable communication device (e.g., a multi-foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A) includes a foldable housing including a first housing (e.g., a first housing (210) of FIG. 2A), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (220) of FIG. 2A), and a third housing (e.g., a third housing (230) of FIG. 2A), a first hinge assembly (e.g., a first hinge assembly (HA1) of FIG. 4) disposed between the first housing and the second housing, a second hinge assembly (e.g., a second hinge assembly (HA2) of FIG. 4) disposed between the first housing and the third housing, a first display area supported by the first housing (e.g., a first area (240a) of FIG. 2A), a second display area supported by the second housing (e.g., a second display area supported by the second housing) A flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (240) of FIG. 2a) including a second area (240b) of 2a) and a third display area (e.g., a third area (240c) of FIG. 2a) supported by the third housing, and a first front camera (e.g., a first camera (273a) of FIG. 2a) disposed in the third display area of ​​the third housing, wherein the flexible display includes a display driving circuit (e.g., a control circuit (4321a) of FIG. 9d) configured to drive the flexible display, and the display driving circuit can be configured to be disposed in the second display area of ​​the second housing. The usability of the first front camera is improved by arranging it in the third area rather than in another area. In addition, by placing the display driving circuit in an area separate from the third area where the first front camera is placed, it is possible to effectively support multi-folding operations of the electronic device without damaging each component of the flexible display.

[0157] According to various embodiments, the first housing may include a second camera (e.g., the second camera (273b) of FIG. 2c) positioned under the flexible display.

[0158] According to various embodiments, the second camera may be positioned to face in an opposite direction from the first front camera when in the fully unfolded state.

[0159] According to various embodiments, the third housing may include a fourth display area (e.g., a sub-display (250) of FIG. 2c) disposed opposite the third display area, and a third camera (e.g., a third camera (273c) of FIG. 2c) disposed in the fourth display area of ​​the third housing.

[0160] According to various embodiments, the third housing includes a side (e.g., the seventh side (2332) of FIG. 2a) arranged in a direction parallel to the folding axis of the second hinge assembly (e.g., the second folding axis (F2) of FIG. 2a), an upper side extending from one end of the side in a direction perpendicular to the side (e.g., the eighth side (2333) of FIG. 2a), and a lower side extending from the other end of the side in a direction perpendicular to the side (e.g., the sixth side (2331) of FIG. 2a), and the first front camera may be arranged near a corner where the side and the upper side meet.

[0161] According to various embodiments, the second housing may include a first speaker (e.g., a first speaker (272a) of FIG. 11) and a second speaker (e.g., a second speaker (272b) of FIG. 11) respectively arranged to emit sound through a lower side (e.g., a third side (2231) of FIG. 2a) and an upper side (e.g., a fifth side (2233) of FIG. 2a).

[0162] According to various embodiments, the third housing may include a third speaker (e.g., the third speaker (272c) of FIG. 11) and a fourth speaker (e.g., the fourth speaker (272d) of FIG. 11) respectively arranged to emit sound through a lower side (e.g., the sixth side (2331) of FIG. 2A) and an upper side (e.g., the eighth side (2333) of FIG. 2A).

[0163] According to various embodiments, the second housing may not accommodate a camera.

[0164] According to various embodiments, the first hinge assembly includes a first hinge housing (e.g., the first hinge housing (266) of FIG. 3a), the second hinge assembly includes a second hinge housing (e.g., the second hinge housing (267) of FIG. 3a), the second hinge housing having a first width (e.g., the first width (W1) of FIG. 3a) greater than a thickness of the first housing, and the first hinge housing having a second width (e.g., the second width (W2) of FIG. 3a) smaller than the first width.

[0165] According to various embodiments, the flexible display includes a display panel portion (e.g., a display panel (430) of FIG. 9d) that is visible in a first direction with respect to each of the first housing, the second housing, and the third housing when the foldable housing is in a fully unfolded state, and an extension panel portion (e.g., an extension portion (4321) of FIG. 9d) that extends from an end of the display panel portion accommodated in the second housing and is folded in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the display panel portion so as to be positioned between the display panel portion and the second housing, and further includes a first printed circuit board (PCB) accommodated in the first housing (a first substrate (281) of FIG. 8) and a processor (e.g., a processor (120) of FIG. 1) disposed on the first PCB, and the flexible display includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (e.g., a flexible substrate (281) of FIG. 8) attached to the extension panel portion. The display driving circuit may form an electrical connection with the processor using the FPCB (4322).

[0166] According to various embodiments, the second PCB (e.g., the second substrate (282) of FIG. 8) accommodated in the second housing and connected to the FPCB, and a first wiring member (e.g., the first wiring member (284a) of FIG. 8) disposed across the first hinge assembly and connecting the first PCB and the second PCB may be included.

[0167] According to various embodiments, the third PCB (e.g., the third substrate (283) of FIG. 8) accommodated in the third housing and a second wiring member (e.g., the second wiring member (284b) of FIG. 8) disposed across the second hinge assembly and connecting the first PCB and the third PCB may be included.

[0168] According to various embodiments, the display panel portion may include an inactive area formed at a position corresponding to the first front camera.

[0169] According to various embodiments, the foldable housing may include a first magnet (e.g., the first magnet (M1) and the second magnet (M2) of FIG. 7c) disposed in the second housing and a second magnet (e.g., the third magnet (M3) and the fourth magnet (M4) of FIG. 7c) disposed in the third housing so as to be substantially aligned with the first magnet when the foldable housing is in a fully folded state.

[0170] According to various embodiments, the device may include a third magnet (e.g., a fifth magnet (M5) and a sixth magnet (M6) of FIG. 7c) disposed in the first housing and a fourth magnet (e.g., a seventh magnet (M7) and an eighth magnet (M8) of FIG. 7c) disposed in the second housing so as to be aligned with the third magnet when the first housing and the second housing are in a fully folded state.

[0171] According to various embodiments, the foldable housing may further include a physical key positioned on a side of the third housing (e.g., the seventh side (2332) of FIG. 2A) that is positioned substantially parallel to the first hinge assembly when the foldable housing is in a fully folded state.

[0172] According to various embodiments, a physical key may not be placed on a side of the second housing (e.g., the fourth side (2232) of FIG. 2A).

[0173] According to various embodiments, the flexible display includes a foldable fourth region (e.g., the fourth region (240d) of FIG. 2B) that connects the first display area and the second display area and corresponds to the first hinge assembly, and a foldable fifth region (e.g., the fifth region (240e) of FIG. 2B) that connects the first display area and the third display area and corresponds to the second hinge assembly, and an area of ​​the fourth region may be smaller than an area of ​​the fifth region.

[0174] According to various embodiments, the first folding width of the fourth region (e.g., the first folding width (BW1) of FIG. 2b) may be smaller than the second folding width of the fifth region (e.g., the second folding width (BW2) of FIG. 2b).

[0175] According to various embodiments, the battery includes a first battery (e.g., the first battery (B1) of FIG. 7c) disposed in the first housing, a second battery (e.g., the second battery (B2) of FIG. 7c) disposed in the second housing, and a third battery (e.g., the third battery (B3) of FIG. 7c) disposed in the third housing, wherein the third battery may be larger than the first battery and smaller than the second battery.

[0176] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to help understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In a portable communication device (200), A foldable housing including a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a third housing (230); A first hinge assembly (HA1) arranged between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220); A second hinge assembly (HA2) arranged between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230); A flexible display (240) including a first display area (240a) supported by the first housing (210), a second display area (240b) supported by the second housing (220), and a third display area (240c) supported by the third housing (230); and It includes a first front camera (273a) arranged in the third display area (240c) of the third housing (230), The above flexible display (240) includes a display driving circuit (4321a) set to drive the above flexible display (240), A portable communication device in which the display driving circuit (4321a) is configured to be placed in the second display area (240b) of the second housing (220).

2. In paragraph 1, A portable communication device including a second camera (273b) positioned below the flexible display (240) in the first housing (210).

3. In paragraph 2, A portable communication device in which the second camera (273b) is positioned so as to face in the opposite direction to the first front camera (273a) when in the fully unfolded state.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, A fourth display area (250) positioned opposite the third display area (240c) of the third housing (230); and A portable communication device including a third camera (273c) arranged in the fourth display area (250) of the third housing (230).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The third housing (230) above includes a side surface (2332) arranged in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F2) of the second hinge assembly (HA2), an upper side surface (2333) extending from one end of the side surface (2332) in a direction perpendicular to the side surface (2332), and a lower side surface (2331) extending from the other end of the side surface (2332) in a direction perpendicular to the side surface (2332). A portable communication device in which the first front camera (273a) is positioned near the corner where the side (2332) and the upper side (2333) meet.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, A portable communication device including a first speaker (272a) and a second speaker (272b) respectively arranged to emit sound through a lower surface (2231) and an upper surface (2233) in the second housing (220).

7. In paragraph 6, A portable communication device including a third speaker (272c) and a fourth speaker (272d) respectively arranged to emit sound through the lower side (2331) and the upper side (2333) of the third housing (230).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, A portable communication device that does not accommodate a camera is included in the second housing (220).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The first hinge assembly (HA1) includes a first hinge housing (266), and the second hinge assembly (HA2) includes a second hinge housing (267). The above second hinge housing (267) has a first width (W1) greater than the thickness of the first housing (210), A portable communication device in which the first hinge housing (210) has a second width (W2) smaller than the first width (W1).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above flexible display (240) is When the above foldable housing is in a fully unfolded state, a display panel portion (430) visible in a first direction for each of the first housing (210), the second housing (220) and the third housing (230); and It includes an extension panel portion (4321) that extends from an end of the display panel portion (430) accommodated in the second housing (22) and is folded in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the display panel portion (430) so as to be positioned between the display panel portion (430) and the second housing (220). It further includes a first PCB (printed circuit board) (281) accommodated in the first housing (210) and a processor (120) arranged on the first PCB (281). The above flexible display (240) includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (4322) attached to the extension panel portion (4321), A portable communication device in which the display driving circuit (4321a) is configured to form an electrical connection with the processor (120) through the FPCB (4322).

11. In paragraph 10, A second PCB (282) accommodated in the second housing (220) and connected to the FPCB (4322); and A portable communication device including a first wiring member (284a) arranged across the first hinge assembly (HA1) and connecting the first PCB (281) and the second PCB (282).

12. In clause 10 or 11, A third PCB (283) accommodated in the third housing (230); and A portable communication device including a second wiring member (284b) arranged across the second hinge assembly (HA2) and connecting the first PCB (281) and the third PCB (283).

13. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 12, A portable communication device in which the above display panel portion (430) includes an inactive area formed at a position corresponding to the first front camera (273a).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, A first magnet (M1, M2) placed in the second housing (220); and A portable communication device including a second magnet (M3, M4) arranged in the third housing (230) so as to be substantially aligned with the first magnet (M1, M2) when the foldable housing is in a fully folded state.

15. In paragraph 14, A third magnet (M5, M6) placed in the first housing (210); and A portable communication device including a fourth magnet (M7, M8) arranged in the second housing (220) so as to be aligned with the third magnet (M5, M6) when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in a fully folded state.

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