Multi-foldable electronic device comprising multi-foldable housing and flexible display supported by multi-foldable housing

Abstract

A multi-foldable electronic device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise: a multi-foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, a first hinge, which is coupled to one side of the first housing and the second housing and enables the first housing and the second housing to rotate with respect to each other, and a second hinge, which is coupled to another side of the first housing and the third housing and enables the first housing and the third housing to rotate with respect to each other; a flexible display, which is supported by the multi-foldable housing and is at least partially folded or unfolded; a first magnet disposed in the second housing; a second magnet, which is disposed in the second housing and is more adjacent to the first hinge than to the first magnet; a first hall sensor, which is disposed in the first housing, includes sensing circuitry, and is positioned to correspond to the first magnet when the second housing is rotated by means of the first hinge so as to overlap the first housing; and a second hall sensor, which is disposed in the third housing, includes sensing circuitry, and is positioned to correspond to the second magnet when the third housing is rotated by means of the second hinge so as to overlap the second housing. Other various embodiments are possible.

Description

A multi-foldable electronic device comprising a multi-foldable housing and a flexible display supported by the multi-foldable housing.

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multi-foldable electronic device, for example, a multi-foldable electronic device including a multi-foldable housing and a flexible display supported by the multi-foldable housing.

[0002] Electronic devices can refer to devices that perform specific functions based on the programs installed on them, such as home appliances, electronic notebooks, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, tablet PCs, audio / video devices, desktop / laptop computers, or car navigation systems. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as audio or video. As electronic device integration increases and ultra-high-speed, high-capacity wireless communications become more widespread, a single electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, can be equipped with various functions. For example, in addition to communication functions, entertainment functions such as games, multimedia functions such as music / video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, or functions such as schedule management or electronic wallets are being integrated into a single electronic device.

[0003] As the use of personal or portable communication devices, such as smartphones, becomes more widespread, user demand for portability and ease of use is increasing. For example, a touchscreen display, while functioning as an output device that outputs visual information on a screen, can also provide a virtual keypad that replaces mechanical input devices (e.g., button-type input devices). This allows portable communication devices or electronic devices to be miniaturized while still offering the same or improved usability (e.g., a larger screen). On the other hand, the commercialization of flexible displays, such as foldable or rollable displays, is expected to further enhance the portability and usability of electronic devices. For example, an electronic device including a flexible display can be carried in a folded or rolled state by multiple different structures (e.g., housings) and can provide a large screen when unfolded, thereby enhancing portability and usability.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device comprises a multi-foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, a first hinge coupled to one side of the first housing and the second housing and allowing the first housing and the second housing to rotate relative to each other, and a second hinge coupled to another side of the first housing and the third housing and allowing the first housing and the third housing to rotate relative to each other, a flexible display supported by the multi-foldable housing and configured to be at least partially folded or unfolded, a first magnet disposed in the second housing, a second magnet disposed in the second housing and disposed closer to the first hinge than the first magnet, a first Hall sensor disposed in the first housing and including sensing circuitry, the first Hall sensor being positioned corresponding to the first magnet when the second housing is rotated via the first hinge to overlap the first housing, and the A second Hall sensor may be disposed in the third housing, includes a sensing circuit, and is positioned corresponding to the second magnet when the third housing is rotated through the second hinge to overlap the second housing.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device may include a multi-foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, a first hinge coupled to one side of the first housing and the second housing and allowing the first housing and the second housing to rotate relative to each other, and a second hinge coupled to another side of the first housing and the third housing and allowing the first housing and the third housing to rotate relative to each other, a flexible display supported by the multi-foldable housing and configured to be at least partially folded or unfolded, at least one Hall sensor disposed in the second housing, a first magnet disposed in the first housing, and a second magnet disposed in the second housing.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device includes a multi-foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, a third housing, a first hinge coupled to one side of the first housing and the second housing and allowing the first housing and the second housing to rotate relative to each other, and a second hinge coupled to another side of the first housing and the third housing and allowing the first housing and the third housing to rotate relative to each other, a first Hall sensor disposed in the second housing, a second Hall sensor disposed in the first housing, a first magnet disposed in the first housing and positioned correspondingly to the first Hall sensor, and a second magnet disposed in the third housing and positioned correspondingly to the second Hall sensor, wherein when the state of the multi-foldable housing is in a completely folded state, the first housing can be positioned at least partially between the second housing and the third housing.

[0008] The above-described aspects or other aspects, configurations and / or advantages of one embodiment of the present disclosure may be further clarified by the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7A is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7b is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7c is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10b is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 10c is a schematic diagram of a folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 11A is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 11b is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 11c is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating an arrangement of a fourth hall sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a fully unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 13b is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 13c is a schematic diagram of a fully folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a fully unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 14b is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 14c is a schematic diagram of a fully folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a hinge cover, a hall sensor, and a magnetic member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram of a fully unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 17b is a schematic diagram showing one state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 17c is a schematic diagram of a partially folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 17d is a schematic diagram of a fully folded state of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a distance according to an angle between a hall sensor and a magnetic member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Throughout the attached drawings, similar reference numbers may be assigned to similar parts, components and / or structures.

[0046] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. While the following description includes numerous specific details to facilitate understanding, these should be considered merely illustrative. The present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0047] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not intended to be limited by their bibliographic meanings, but are merely used by the inventors to ensure a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided solely for illustrative purposes, not for the purpose of limiting the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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).

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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).

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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)).

[0070] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0071] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0072] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0073] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0074] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0076] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0077] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, an orthogonal coordinate system or a spatial coordinate system including an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis is illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 21. The illustrated X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are set with respect to the first housing, but it will be clearly recognized by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited by the above direction(s).

[0078] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] FIG. 2 may be a drawing of one side (e.g., the front) of the electronic device viewed obliquely, and FIG. 3 may be a drawing of the other side (e.g., the rear) of the electronic device viewed obliquely. The components described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 may be partially or entirely the same as the components described with reference to FIG. 1. The components described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 may be partially or entirely the same as the components of the embodiments described below. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an unfolded state of the electronic device may be defined as a “first state.”

[0081] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (201) including a plurality of housing structures. The electronic device (101) may be defined and / or referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device. The housing (201) may be defined and / or referred to as a multi-foldable housing.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a display (202). The housing (201) may define a space in which the display (202) is placed. The display (202) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) may include a flexible display. For example, at least a portion of the display (202) may be foldable or rollable, and may be unfolded into a flat shape as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the display (202) may be configured to visually present information to a user. The display (202) may include a display panel, a support plate configured to support the display panel and configured to be at least partially foldable or unfoldable, and a window member (e.g., a cover window) configured to cover an outer surface of the display panel and protect the display panel from external impact. For example, the display (202) may be formed as an assembly or laminate of the display panel, the support plate, the window member, and other components, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the housing (201) may include a first housing (210). The housing (201) may include a second housing (220). The housing (201) may include a third housing (230). The first housing (210) may be disposed between the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). For example, when the second housing (220) is defined as being disposed on one side of the first housing (210) in an unfolded state (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3), the third housing (230) may be described as being disposed on the other side of the first housing (210). The second housing (220) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing (210). The third housing (230) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing (210). The display (202) may include a first display area (202a) corresponding to the first housing (210), a second display area (202b) corresponding to the second housing (220), and a third display area (202c) corresponding to the third housing (230).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the display (202) may include a first folding area (202d). The first folding area (202d) may be connected to the first display area (202a) and the second display area (202b). The first folding area (202d) may be positioned corresponding to a first folding axis provided by the first hinge (270) (e.g., the first folding axis (Ax1) of FIG. 7A). The first folding area (202d) may be at least partially foldable or unfoldable. For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in a folded position relative to each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the first folding area (202d) may be foldable. For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in an unfolded position relative to each other (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3), the first folding area (202d) can unfold.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the display (202) may include a second folding area (202e). The second folding area (202e) may be connected to the first display area (202a) and the second display area (202b). The second folding area (202e) may be positioned corresponding to a second folding axis provided by the second hinge (280) (e.g., the second folding axis (Ax2) of FIG. 7A). The second folding area (202e) may be at least partially foldable or unfoldable. For example, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are positioned in a folded position relative to each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the second folding area (202e) may be foldable. For example, when the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are positioned in an unfolded position relative to each other (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3), the second folding area (202e) can unfold.

[0087] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a support (240, 250, 260). The support (240, 250, 260) may be disposed between the housing (201) and the display (202). The support (240, 250, 260) may be coupled to the housing (201) and may support the display (202). The support (240, 250, 260) may be disposed to surround an edge of the display (202). The support (240, 250, 260) may extend along the perimeter of the housing (201). For example, the support (240, 250, 260) may inhibit or prevent an edge portion of the display (202) from making direct contact with the housing (201). The supports (240, 250, 260) may include a first support (240) disposed in the first housing (210), a second support (250) disposed in the second housing (220), and a third support (260) disposed in the third housing (230). The supports (240, 250, 260) may be referred to as a “body”. The supports (240, 250, 260) may be referred to as a “frame”. The supports (240, 250, 260) may be referred to as a “sealing member”. The supports (240, 250, 260) may be referred to as a “peripheral part”. The supports (240, 250, 260) may be referred to as a "circumferential part". The supports (240, 250, 260) may be referred to as a "peripheral structure". The supports (240, 250, 260) may be referred to as a "circumferential structure". The supports (240, 250, 260) may be positioned between the housing (210, 220, 230) and the display (202). The supports (240, 250, 260) may reduce friction between the housing (210, 220, 230) and the display (202).The supports (240, 250, 260) may be referred to as “buffer members”.

[0088] In one embodiment, the support (240, 250, 260) may include a first support (240). The first support (240) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the display (202) (e.g., the first display area (202a)). The first support (240) may be disposed along an edge of the first housing (210). The first support (240) may include a first-first support (241) and a first-second support (242). At least a portion of the display (202) may be disposed between the first-first support (241) and the first-second support (242). The first-first support (241) may be placed at one end (e.g., the upper end) of the first housing (210), and the first-second support (242) may be placed at the other end (e.g., the lower end) of the first housing (210). The supports (240, 250, 260) may be referred to as “decorative members” or “non-conductive members.”

[0089] In one embodiment, the support (240, 250, 260) may include a second support (250). The second support (250) may be disposed between the second housing (220) and the display (202) (e.g., the second display area (202b)). The second support (250) may be disposed along an edge of the second housing (220). The second support (250) may include a second-first support (251), a second-second support (252), and a second-third support (253). At least a portion of the display (202) may be disposed between the second-second support (252) and the second-third support (253). The second-first support (251) may connect the second-second support (252) and the second-third support (253). The second-first support (251) may extend along an edge of the second housing (220) (e.g., an edge (222) of FIG. 3). The second-first support (251) may be positioned between the edge (222) of the second housing (220) and the display (202). The second-first support (251) may be referred to as a “support frame” or a “first support frame.” Each of the second-second support (252) and the second-third support (253) may be referred to as a “second support frame.”

[0090] In one embodiment, the supports (240, 250, 260) may include a third support (260). The third support (260) may be disposed between the third housing (230) and the display (202) (e.g., the third display area (202c)). The third support (260) may be disposed along an edge of the third housing (230). The third support (260) may include a third-first support (261), a third-second support (262), and a third-third support (263). At least a portion of the display (202) may be disposed between the third-second support (262) and the third-third support (263). The third-first support (261) may connect the third-second support (262) and the third-third support (263). The third-first support (261) may extend along an edge of the third housing (230) (e.g., edge (232) of FIG. 3). The third-first support (261) may be positioned between the edge (232) of the third housing (230) and the display (202). The third-first support (261) may be referred to as a “support frame” or a “first support frame.” Each of the third-second support (262) and the third-third support (263) may be referred to as a “second support frame.”

[0091] According to one embodiment, although the positions or sections have been described separately for convenience of explanation, the supports (240, 250, 260) may be arranged to substantially surround the display (202) in a frame shape or a closed curve shape. For example, the 1-1 support (241) may connect the 2-2 support (252) and the 3-2 support (262), and the 1-2 support (242) may connect the 2-3 support (253) and the 3-3 support (263). In one embodiment, the supports (240, 250, 260) may have structures that are separated from each other. For example, the second support (250) may be spaced apart from the first support (240) in an area adjacent to the first hinge (270) and / or the second hinge (280), and / or the third support (260) may be spaced apart from the first support (240). The shape or structure of these supports (240, 250, 260) may be appropriately implemented according to the specifications of the electronic device to be actually manufactured.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first-first side portion (211) and a first-second side portion (212). Each of the first-first side portion (e.g., the first-first side portion (211) of FIG. 3) and the first-second side portion (e.g., the first-second side portion (212) of FIG. 3) may form opposite sides of the first housing (210). The second housing (220) may be coupled to the first-first side portion (211). For example, the second housing (220) may be rotatably connected to the first-first side portion (211) via a first hinge (270). The third housing (230) may be coupled to the first-second side portion (212). For example, the third housing (230) may be rotatably connected to the first-second side portion (212) via the second hinge (280). The first-first side portion (211) may be referred to as a “first coupling portion.” The first-second side portion (212) may be referred to as a “second coupling portion.” The first-first side portion (211) may be referred to as a “first portion.” The first-second side portion (212) may be referred to as a “second portion.”

[0093] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second-first side portion (e.g., the second-first side portion (221) of FIG. 3) and a second-second side portion (e.g., the second-second side portion (222) of FIG. 3). Each of the second-first side portion (221) and the second-second side portion (222) may form opposite sides of the second housing (220). The second-first side portion (221) may be rotatably coupled to the first-first side portion (211) of the first housing (210). The second-second side portion (222) may form at least one side of the housing (201). The second-second side portion (222) may be referred to as an “edge.” The second-first side portion (221) may be referred to as a “third side portion.” The 2-2 side portion (222) may be named “the 4th side portion”.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the third housing (230) may include a third-first side portion (e.g., the third-first side portion (231) of FIG. 3) and a third-second side portion (e.g., the third-second side portion (232) of FIG. 3). Each of the third-first side portion (231) and the third-second side portion (232) may form opposite sides of the third housing (230). The third-first side portion (231) may be rotatably coupled to the first-second side portion (212) of the first housing (210). The third-first side portion (231) may be coupled to the first housing (210). The third-second side portion (232) may form a side surface of the housing (201). The third-second side portion (232) may be referred to as an “edge.” The 3-1 side portion (231) may be named the “5th side portion.” The 3-2 side portion (232) may be named the “6th side portion.”

[0095] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first hinge (270) (e.g., the first hinge (270) of FIG. 4) and a second hinge (280) (e.g., the second hinge (280) of FIG. 5). The first hinge (270) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The first hinge (270) may be disposed between the first-first side portion (211) and the second-first side portion (221), and may be connected to the first-first side portion (211) and the second-first side portion (221). The first hinge (270) may rotatably connect the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the second hinge (280) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). The second hinge (280) may be disposed between the first-second side portion (212) and the third-first side portion (231), and may be connected to the first-second side portion (212) and the third-first side portion (231). The second hinge (280) may rotatably connect the first housing (210) and the third housing (230).

[0096] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the second-second side portion (222) of the second housing (220) may be positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the second-second side portion (222) may be positioned adjacent to the second hinge (280).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a sub-display (205) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1). The sub-display (205) may be disposed in the first housing (210). For example, the sub-display (205) may be visually exposed through the rear surface of the first housing (210). For example, a first display area (202a) may be disposed on the front surface of the first housing (210), and the sub-display (205) may be disposed on the rear surface of the first housing (210). The sub-display (205) may display a screen in a different direction from the first display area (202a). For example, the sub-display (205) may output a screen in a direction opposite to the first display area (202a).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a camera assembly (208). The camera assembly (208) may be disposed in a third housing (230). For example, the camera assembly (208) may be exposed through at least a portion of a rear surface of the third housing (230). At least one camera of the camera assembly (208) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The camera assembly (208) may be defined and / or referred to as a rear camera assembly exposed through the rear surface of the third housing (230).

[0099] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] FIG. 4 may be a drawing of one side of the electronic device in a folded state (e.g., the front side of the first housing) viewed obliquely, and FIG. 5 may be a drawing of the other side of the electronic device in a folded state (e.g., the rear side of the third housing) viewed obliquely.

[0102] The components described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The components described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 may be partially or entirely identical to the components of the embodiments described below.

[0103] In one embodiment, the second housing (220) can be rotated relative to the first housing (210). For example, the second housing (220) can be rotated (or moved) relative to the first housing (210) between a position facing the first housing (210) (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5) and a position parallel to one side of the first housing (210) (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). The first hinge (270) can provide a center of rotation for the second housing (220). For example, the second housing (220) can be rotated relative to the first housing (210) via the first hinge (270). The third housing (230) can be rotated relative to the first housing (210). For example, the third housing (230) can rotate (or move) relative to the first housing (210) between a position facing the first housing (210) and a position parallel to one side of the first housing (210). The second hinge (280) can provide a center of rotation for the third housing (230). For example, the third housing (230) can rotate relative to the first housing (210) via the second hinge (280).

[0104] According to one embodiment, in the illustrated embodiment, when the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned facing the first housing (210), for example, when the electronic device (101) of FIGS. 4 and 5 is in a folded state, the second housing (220) may be disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). In a structure in which the second housing (220) is disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the width of the first hinge (270) (e.g., the width in the Z-axis direction of FIGS. 4 and 5) may be smaller than the width of the second hinge (280) (e.g., the width in the Z-axis direction of FIGS. 4 and 5). In one embodiment, the first hinge (270) may be defined and / or referred to as a narrow hinge, and the second hinge (280) may be defined and / or referred to as a wide hinge.

[0105] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is folded, each of the housings (210, 220, 230) may be arranged or stacked in one direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). For example, the second housing (220) may be arranged on the upper side (e.g., +Z) of the first housing (210), and the third housing (230) may be arranged on the upper side (e.g., +Z) of the second housing (220). For example, the second housing (220) may be arranged between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230).

[0106] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) may be aligned to overlap each other. For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded, the first housing (210), the second housing (220), and the third housing (230) may be aligned in one direction (e.g., the +Z direction) in the order described.

[0107] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, a sub-display (205) disposed in a first housing (210) may be positioned on one side of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a side facing the -Z direction in FIGS. 4 and 5), and a camera assembly (208) disposed in a third housing (230) may be positioned on the other side of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a side facing the +Z direction in FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0108] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] FIG. 6 is a state in which a display (e.g., display (202) of FIG. 2) is not illustrated. The components described with reference to FIG. 6 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The components described with reference to FIG. 6 may be partially or entirely identical to the components of the embodiments described below.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first housing body (216). The first housing (210) may include a first cover (217). The first housing body (216) and the first cover (217) may be coupled. At least a portion (e.g., the first display area (202a) of FIG. 2) of a display (e.g., the display (202) of FIG. 2) may be mounted on the first housing body (216). For example, the first display area of ​​a flexible display may be supported by the first housing body (216).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second housing body (226). The second housing (220) may include a second cover (227). The second housing body (226) and the second cover (227) may be coupled. At least a portion (e.g., the second display area (202b) of FIG. 2) of a display (e.g., the display (202) of FIG. 2) may be mounted on the second housing body (226). For example, the second display area of ​​a flexible display may be supported by the second housing body (226).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the third housing (230) may include a third housing body (236). The third housing (230) may include a third cover (237). The third housing body (236) and the third cover (237) may be coupled. At least a portion (e.g., the third display area (202c) of FIG. 2) of a display (e.g., the display (202) of FIG. 2) may be mounted on the third housing body (236). For example, the third display area of ​​a flexible display may be supported by the third housing body (236).

[0113] According to one embodiment, each of the first housing body (216), the second housing body (226), and the third housing body (236) may have at least a portion of a side surface thereof form an antenna radiator, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the first hinge (270) can rotatably connect the first housing body (216) and the second housing body (226). The second hinge (280) can rotatably connect the first housing body (216) and the third housing body (236).

[0115] According to one embodiment, a display (e.g., a flexible display (202) of FIG. 2) may be placed on the front surface (e.g., the surface facing the +Z direction of FIGS. 2 and 6) of the housing body(s) (216, 226, 236).

[0116] According to one embodiment, cover(s) (217, 227, 237) may be arranged on the rear surface (e.g., the surface facing the -Z direction in FIGS. 3 and 6) of the housing body(s) (216, 226, 236). The corresponding housing body(s) (216, 226, 236) and cover(s) (217, 227, 237) may be coupled to each other to form an internal space for arranging and / or mounting electrical / electronic components therein.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one battery (203) (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1). The at least one battery (203) may supply power to electrical components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display (202), sub-display (205), circuit board (204)). The at least one battery (203) may be provided in multiple numbers, and at least one battery (203) may be disposed in each of the housings (210, 220, 230), but is not limited thereto. The at least one battery (203) may be disposed between the housing body (216, 226, 236) and the cover (217, 227, 237).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one circuit board (204). The at least one circuit board (204) may be electrically connected to electrical components of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a display (202), a sub-display (205), a battery (203)). The at least one circuit board (204) may be provided in multiple numbers, and at least one circuit board (204) may be disposed in each of the housings (210, 220, 230), but is not limited thereto. The at least one circuit board (204) may be disposed between the housing body (216, 226, 236) and the cover (217, 227, 237). At least one circuit board (204) may include at least one of a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), and a rigid-flexible PCB (RF-PCB).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a camera assembly (208). The camera assembly (208) may be disposed between the third housing body (236) and the third cover (237).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the camera assembly (208) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the third housing (230) through an opening formed in the third cover (237), but is not limited thereto.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the sub-display (205) may be exposed to the outside of the first housing (210) through the first cover (217). Depending on the embodiment, the sub-display (205) may be integrated with the first cover (217) or the sub-display (205) may form the first cover (217).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (209). The flexible printed circuit board (209) may be connected to a circuit board (204).

[0123] FIG. 7A is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7C is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] The embodiments of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6, the embodiments of FIGS. 8A to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C can be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6, the embodiments of FIGS. 8A to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21.

[0125] FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are plan views(s) of an electronic device (101) viewed with the cover(s) (e.g., the cover(s) (217, 227, 237) of FIG. 6) removed.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c, a multi-foldable electronic device (101) (hereinafter referred to as “electronic device (101)”) may include a multi-foldable housing (201).

[0127] Referring to FIG. 7A, the multi-foldable housing (201) may form at least a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device (101). The multi-foldable housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a third housing (230). According to an embodiment, the first hinge (270) and the second hinge (280) may be interpreted as a part of the multi-foldable housing (201).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the first hinge (270) may be coupled to one side of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The first hinge (270) may provide a first folding axis (Ax1). The second housing (220) may be rotatably connected to the first housing (210) via the first hinge (270). For example, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may rotate relative to each other with respect to the first folding axis (Ax1). The first folding axis (Ax1) may include, but is not limited to, a plurality of folding axes (e.g., two).

[0129] According to one embodiment, the second hinge (280) may be coupled to another side of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). The second hinge (280) may provide a second folding axis (Ax2). The third housing (230) may be rotatably connected to the first housing (210) via the second hinge (280). For example, the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) may rotate relative to each other about the second folding axis (Ax2). The second folding axis (Ax2) may include, but is not limited to, a plurality of folding axes (e.g., two).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the first folding axis (Ax1) and the second folding axis (Ax2) may be substantially parallel.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (203) of FIG. 2). The flexible display may be configured to have at least two regions that can be folded or unfolded. For example, the flexible display may include a region corresponding to a first folding axis (Ax1) (e.g., the first folding region (202d) of FIG. 2), and the first folding region may be configured to be at least partially folded or unfolded. The flexible display may include a region corresponding to a second folding axis (Ax2) (e.g., the second folding region (202e) of FIG. 2). The second folding region may be configured to be at least partially folded or unfolded.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one magnet (311, 312, 313, 314), at least one sub-magnet (331, 332, 333, 334, 335), and at least one Hall sensor (321, 322). The at least one magnet or the at least one sub-magnet described below may include, but is not limited to, a permanent magnet. For example, the at least one magnet or the at least one sub-magnet may include an electromagnet or may have a Halbach array. The at least one Hall sensor described below may include sensing circuitry. For example, the at least one Hall sensor may include, but is not limited to, a 1-axis Hall sensor, and may include a 3-axis Hall sensor.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first magnet (311) and a second magnet (312). The first magnet (311) and the second magnet (312) may be disposed in a second housing (220). For example, the first magnet (311) and the second magnet (312) may be disposed inside the second housing (220).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the first magnet (311) may be positioned adjacent to an outer side portion of the second housing (220) (e.g., a portion facing the -X direction in FIG. 7A). The outer side portion of the second housing (220) may be defined as a side of the second housing (220) that is parallel to the first folding axis (Ax1).

[0135] In one embodiment, the second magnet (312) may be spaced apart from the first magnet (311). The second magnet (312) may be positioned adjacent to the first hinge (270). For example, the second magnet (312) may be positioned closer to the first hinge (270) than the first magnet (311).

[0136] According to one embodiment, a first distance (L1) from the first folding axis (Ax1) of the first hinge (270) to the second magnet (312) (e.g., a vertical distance with respect to the first folding axis (Ax1)) may be smaller than a second distance (L2) from the first folding axis (Ax1) of the first hinge (270) to the first magnet (311) (e.g., a vertical distance with respect to the first folding axis (Ax1)).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a third magnet (313). The third magnet (313) may be disposed in the first housing (210). For example, the third magnet (313) may be disposed inside the first housing (210). The third magnet (313) may be disposed between the first hinge (270) and the second hinge (280). For example, the third magnet (313) may be disposed between the first folding axis (Ax1) and the second folding axis (Ax2) inside the first housing (210), closer to the second folding axis (Ax2).

[0138] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a fourth magnet (314). The fourth magnet (314) may be disposed in the third housing (230). For example, the fourth magnet (314) may be disposed inside the third housing (230).

[0139] According to one embodiment, the fourth magnet (314) may be positioned adjacent to an outer side portion of the third housing (230) (e.g., a portion facing the +X direction in FIG. 7A). The outer side portion of the third housing (230) may be defined as a side of the third housing (230) that is parallel to the second folding axis (Ax2).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the first magnet (311) may be positioned correspondingly to the third magnet (313). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the first magnet (311) may at least partially overlap the third magnet (313). The overlapping of the first magnet (311) and the third magnet (313) may be defined as the first magnet (311) and the third magnet (313) being positioned to face each other, such that an attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) is generated therebetween. For example, the first magnet (311) and the third magnet (313) can provide a fixing force (e.g., attractive force) to maintain the second housing (220) and the first housing (210) in an overlapping or facing state when the second housing (220) is positioned in a folded or overlapping position with respect to the first housing (210).

[0141] In one embodiment, the second magnet (312) may be positioned corresponding to the fourth magnet (314). For example, when the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the second magnet (312) may at least partially overlap the fourth magnet (314). The overlapping of the second magnet (312) and the fourth magnet (314) may be defined as the second magnet (312) and the fourth magnet (314) being positioned to face each other, such that an attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) is generated therebetween. For example, the second magnet (312) and the fourth magnet (314) can provide a holding force (e.g., attractive force) to maintain the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) in an overlapping or facing state when the third housing (230) is positioned in an overlapping position relative to the second housing (220).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first Hall sensor (321). The first Hall sensor (321) may be disposed in the first housing (210). The first Hall sensor (321) may be disposed inside the first housing (210). The first Hall sensor (321) may be disposed and / or mounted on a circuit board disposed in the first housing (210) (e.g., a circuit board (204) disposed within the first housing (210) of FIG. 6). The first Hall sensor (321) may be positioned adjacent to the third magnet (313), but is not limited thereto.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the first Hall sensor (321) may be positioned corresponding to the first magnet (311). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the first Hall sensor (321) may at least partially overlap the first magnet (311). The overlapping of the first Hall sensor (321) and the first magnet (311) may be defined as the first Hall sensor (321) and the first magnet (311) being positioned to at least partially face each other, such that the first Hall sensor (321) detects the magnetic field of the first magnet (311). For example, the first Hall sensor (321) may be configured to detect the magnetic field of the first magnet (311) when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other. For example, the first Hall sensor (321) may be configured to detect the strength of the magnetic field generated from the first magnet (311), the direction of the magnetic field, and / or the density of the magnetic field. The electronic device (101) may be configured to identify that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in a folded or overlapped state with respect to each other when the strength of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (321) is equal to or greater than a specified threshold value.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a second Hall sensor (322). The second Hall sensor (322) may be disposed in the third housing (230). The second Hall sensor (322) may be disposed inside the third housing (230). The second Hall sensor (322) may be disposed and / or mounted on a circuit board disposed in the third housing (230) (e.g., the circuit board (204) disposed within the third housing (230) of FIG. 6). The second Hall sensor (322) may be positioned adjacent to the fourth magnet (314), but is not limited thereto.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the second Hall sensor (322) may be positioned corresponding to the second magnet (312). For example, when the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the second Hall sensor (322) may at least partially overlap the second magnet (312). The overlapping of the second Hall sensor (322) and the second magnet (312) may be defined as the second Hall sensor (322) and the second magnet (312) being positioned to at least partially face each other, such that the second Hall sensor (322) detects the magnetic field of the second magnet (312). For example, the second Hall sensor (322) may be configured to detect the magnetic field of the second magnet (312) when the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned to overlap each other. For example, the second Hall sensor (322) may be configured to detect the strength of the magnetic field generated from the second magnet (312), the direction of the magnetic field, and / or the density of the magnetic field. The electronic device (101) may be configured to identify that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are in a folded or overlapped state with respect to each other when the strength of the magnetic field detected by the second Hall sensor (322) is equal to or greater than a specified threshold value.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) and memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1). The at least one processor and the memory may be disposed and / or mounted on a circuit board (e.g., at least one circuit board (204) of FIG. 6).

[0147] According to one embodiment, at least one processor may include processing circuitry. The memory may include instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device (101) to perform at least one operation. The following describes the operations of the electronic device (101), but the description thereof may be interpreted as being executed by instructions.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can detect a magnetic field through the first Hall sensor (321). For example, the electronic device (101) can detect the strength of a magnetic field corresponding to the first magnet (311) through the first Hall sensor (321).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can identify that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in a state where they overlap with each other or in a state where they are folded with respect to each other when the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (321) is greater than or equal to a specified threshold value. The electronic device (101) can identify that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in a state where they do not overlap with each other or in a state where they are unfolded with respect to each other when the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (321) is less than a specified threshold value.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can identify that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in a folded state relative to each other based on the strength of the magnetic field of the first magnet (311) detected by the first Hall sensor (321) when the second housing (220) is positioned so as to be covered by the first housing (210). The electronic device (101) can identify that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in an unfolded state relative to each other based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (321) being relatively small or weak when the second housing (220) is positioned so as not to be covered by the first housing (210).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can identify that the relative positions of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are changed when the change value of the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (321) is greater than a specified threshold value.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can detect a magnetic field through the second Hall sensor (322). For example, the electronic device (101) can detect the strength of a magnetic field corresponding to the second magnet (312) through the second Hall sensor (322).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can identify that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in a state where they overlap with each other or in a state where they are folded with respect to each other when the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the second Hall sensor (322) is greater than or equal to a specified threshold value. The electronic device (101) can identify that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in a state where they do not overlap with each other or in a state where they are unfolded with respect to each other when the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the second Hall sensor (322) is less than a specified threshold value.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can identify that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other based on the strength of the magnetic field of the second magnet (312) detected by the second Hall sensor (322) when the third housing (230) is positioned so as to be covered by the second housing (220), and can identify that the third housing (230) is positioned in a folded state with respect to the first housing (210). The electronic device (101) can identify that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in an unfolded state with respect to each other based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the second Hall sensor (322) being relatively small or weak when the third housing (230) is positioned so as not to be covered by the second housing (220).

[0155] According to one embodiment, at least one Hall sensor (321, 322) and at least one magnet (311, 312, 313, 314) may be positioned adjacent to, but not limited to, a top (e.g., an end or side wall facing the +Y direction of FIG. 7A) of each housing (210, 220, 230).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of speakers (291, 292, 293) (e.g., the sound output module (155) of FIG. 1 or the audio module (170)). The plurality of speakers (291, 292, 293) may include a first speaker (291), a second speaker (292), and a third speaker (293).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the first speaker (291) may be positioned inside the first housing (210). The first speaker (291) may include, but is not limited to, a call receiver. According to one embodiment, the first speaker (291) may be positioned adjacent to, but is not limited to, an upper portion of the first housing (210) (e.g., an end or side wall facing the +Y direction of FIG. 7A).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the first speaker (291) may be spaced apart from the first Hall sensor (321). For example, the first speaker (291) and the first Hall sensor (321) may be disposed inside the first housing (210) and may be spaced apart from each other inside the first housing (210). The first Hall sensor (321) may be sufficiently spaced apart from the first speaker (291) such that a magnetic field generated from a magnetic body of the first speaker (291) does not affect the detection accuracy of the first Hall sensor (321) (e.g., the detection accuracy for the magnetic field of the first magnet (311)).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the second speaker (292) may be positioned inside the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the second speaker (292) may be positioned adjacent to a lower end (e.g., an end or side wall facing the -Y direction of FIG. 7A) of the second housing (220), but is not limited thereto.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the third speaker (293) may be positioned inside the third housing (230). According to one embodiment, the third speaker (293) may be positioned adjacent to the lower end of the third housing (230) (e.g., the end or side wall facing the -Y direction of FIG. 7A), but is not limited thereto.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the third speaker (293) may be spaced apart from the second Hall sensor (322). For example, the third speaker (293) and the second Hall sensor (322) may be disposed inside the third housing (230) and may be spaced apart from each other inside the third housing (230). The second Hall sensor (322) may be sufficiently spaced apart from the third speaker (293) such that a magnetic field generated from a magnetic body of the third speaker (293) does not affect the detection accuracy of the second Hall sensor (322) (e.g., the detection accuracy for the magnetic field of the second magnet (321)).

[0162] According to one embodiment, the fourth magnet (314) and the second hall sensor (322) may be positioned adjacent to the camera assembly (208), but are not limited thereto.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one sub-magnet (331, 332, 333, 334, 335). The at least one sub-magnet may include a first sub-magnet (331), a second sub-magnet (332), a third sub-magnet (333), a fourth sub-magnet (334), and a fifth sub-magnet (335).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the first sub-magnet (331) may be disposed in the first housing (210). For example, the first sub-magnet (331) may be disposed inside the first housing (210) and may extend along the first folding axis (Ax1). The first sub-magnet (331) may include, but is not limited to, a pair of magnets spaced apart from each other. The first sub-magnet (331) may be disposed adjacent to the first hinge (270).

[0165] According to one embodiment, the second sub-magnet (332) may be disposed in the second housing (220). For example, the second sub-magnet (332) may be disposed inside the second housing (220) and may extend along the first folding axis (Ax1). The second sub-magnet (332) may include, but is not limited to, a pair of magnets spaced apart from each other. The second sub-magnet (332) may be disposed adjacent to the first hinge (270).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the second sub-magnet (332) may be positioned corresponding to the first sub-magnet (331). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the first sub-magnet (331) may at least partially overlap the second sub-magnet (332). The overlapping of the first sub-magnet (331) and the second sub-magnet (332) may be defined as the first sub-magnet (331) and the second sub-magnet (332) being positioned to face each other, such that an attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) is generated therebetween. For example, the first sub-magnet (331) and the second sub-magnet (332) can provide a fixing force (e.g., attractive force) to maintain the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) in an overlapping or facing state when the second housing (220) is positioned in an overlapping position with respect to the first housing (210). For example, when the first sub-magnet (331) and the second sub-magnet (332) are positioned to face each other, the polarity of one side (e.g., the first side) of the first sub-magnet (331) facing the second sub-magnet (332) can be opposite to the polarity of one side (e.g., the first side) of the second sub-magnet (332) facing the first sub-magnet (331). For example, if the polarity of one side of the first sub-magnet (331) is the N pole, the polarity of one side of the second sub-magnet (332) may be the S pole.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the third sub-magnet (333) may be disposed in the third housing (230). For example, the third sub-magnet (333) may be disposed inside the third housing (230) and may extend along the second folding axis (Ax2). The third sub-magnet (333) may include, but is not limited to, a pair of magnets spaced apart from each other. The third sub-magnet (333) may be disposed adjacent to a side wall of the third housing (230) that is parallel to the second hinge (280) (e.g., a side wall facing the +X direction of FIG. 7A).

[0168] According to one embodiment, the third sub-magnet (333) may be positioned corresponding to the second sub-magnet (332). For example, when the third housing (230) is positioned to overlap the second housing (220) (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the third sub-magnet (333) may at least partially overlap the second sub-magnet (332). The overlap of the third sub-magnet (333) and the second sub-magnet (332) may be defined as the first sub-magnet (331) and the third sub-magnet (333) being positioned to face each other, such that an attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) is generated therebetween. For example, the third sub-magnet (333) and the second sub-magnet (332) can provide a fixing force (e.g., attractive force) to maintain the third housing (230) and the second housing (220) in an overlapping or facing state when the third housing (230) is positioned in an overlapping position with respect to the second housing (220). For example, when the third sub-magnet (333) and the second sub-magnet (332) are positioned to face each other, the polarity of one side (e.g., the first side) of the third sub-magnet (333) facing the second sub-magnet (332) can be opposite to the polarity of one side (e.g., the second side) of the second sub-magnet (332) facing the third sub-magnet (333). For example, if the polarity of one side of the third sub-magnet (333) is the N pole, the polarity of one side of the second sub-magnet (332) may be the S pole.

[0169] According to one embodiment, when the first sub-magnet (331) and the third sub-magnet (333) are positioned to overlap each other, a repulsive force may be generated between the first sub-magnet (331) and the third sub-magnet (333). For example, when the third housing (230) is folded to be covered by the first housing (210) while the second housing (220) is not positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), the first sub-magnet (331) and the third sub-magnet (333) may provide a repulsive force that prevents the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) from contacting each other. For example, when the third housing (230) is positioned in an overlapping position with respect to the first housing (210) without the second housing (220) being positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), the first sub-magnet (331) and the third sub-magnet (333) can provide a repulsive force that prevents the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) from becoming relatively closer to each other. For example, when the first sub-magnet (331) and the third sub-magnet (333) are positioned to face each other, the polarity of one side (e.g., the first side) of the first sub-magnet (331) facing the third sub-magnet (333) can be the same as the polarity of one side (e.g., the first side) of the third sub-magnet (333) facing the first sub-magnet (331). For example, if the polarity of one side of the first sub-magnet (331) is the N pole, the polarity of one side of the third sub-magnet (333) may be the N pole. Accordingly, at least a part of the third housing (230) does not come into contact with a part of the flexible display (e.g., the first display area (202a) of FIG. 2) disposed in the first housing (210), so that scratches or damage to the surface of the flexible display may be limited and / or reduced.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the fourth sub-magnet (334) may be disposed in the second housing (220). For example, the fourth sub-magnet (334) may be disposed inside the second housing (220). The fourth sub-magnet (334) may be disposed adjacent to a side wall of the second housing (220) that is parallel to the first hinge (270) (e.g., a side wall facing the -X direction in FIG. 7A).

[0171] According to one embodiment, the fifth sub-magnet (335) may be disposed in the first housing (210). For example, the fifth sub-magnet (335) may be disposed inside the first housing (210) and adjacent to the second hinge (280).

[0172] According to one embodiment, the fifth sub-magnet (335) may be positioned corresponding to the fourth sub-magnet (334). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the fourth sub-magnet (334) may at least partially overlap the fifth sub-magnet (335). The overlap of the fourth sub-magnet (334) and the fifth sub-magnet (335) may be defined as the fourth sub-magnet (334) and the fifth sub-magnet (335) being positioned to face each other, such that an attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) is generated therebetween. For example, the fourth sub-magnet (334) and the fifth sub-magnet (335) can provide a fixing force (e.g., attractive force) to maintain the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) in an overlapping or facing state when the second housing (220) is positioned in an overlapping position with respect to the first housing (210). For example, when the fourth sub-magnet (334) and the fifth sub-magnet (335) are positioned to face each other, the polarity of one side (e.g., the first side) of the fourth sub-magnet (334) facing the fifth sub-magnet (335) can be opposite to the polarity of one side (e.g., the first side) of the fifth sub-magnet (335) facing the fourth sub-magnet (334). For example, if the polarity of one side of the fourth sub-magnet (334) is the N pole, the polarity of one side of the fifth sub-magnet (335) may be the S pole.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the fourth sub-magnet (334) may be positioned adjacent to a corner of the second housing (220), but is not limited thereto. The fifth sub-magnet (335) may be positioned adjacent to a corner of the first housing (210), but is not limited thereto.

[0174] The configurations of the embodiments of FIG. 7b may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiment of FIG. 7a.

[0175] Referring to FIG. 7b, the electronic device (101) may include a second speaker (292a) (e.g., the second speaker (292) of FIG. 7a) that may be placed inside the first housing (210).

[0176] According to one embodiment, the second speaker (292a) may be positioned adjacent to, but not limited to, the lower end of the first housing (210) (e.g., the end or side wall facing the -Y direction in FIG. 7b). According to one embodiment, the second speaker (292a) may be positioned parallel to, but not limited to, the fifth sub-magnet (335) disposed inside the first housing (210) in the width direction of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the X-axis direction in FIG. 7b).

[0177] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a second sub-magnet (332) disposed inside the second housing (220) (e.g., the second sub-magnet (332) of FIG. 7A), and a third sub-magnet (333) disposed inside the third housing (230) (e.g., the third sub-magnet (333) of FIG. 7A).

[0178] In one embodiment, the second sub-magnet (332) may be positioned to correspond to the third sub-magnet (333). For example, when the third housing (230) is positioned to overlap the second housing (220) (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the third sub-magnet (333) may at least partially overlap the second sub-magnet (332). When the second sub-magnet (332) and the third sub-magnet (333) are positioned to face each other, the polarity of one side of the third sub-magnet (333) facing the second sub-magnet (332) may be opposite to the polarity of one side of the second sub-magnet (332) facing the third sub-magnet (333). When the second sub-magnet (332) and the third sub-magnet (333) are placed facing each other, an attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) can be generated between them.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a fourth sub-magnet (334) disposed inside the second housing (220) (e.g., the fourth sub-magnet (334) of FIG. 7A), and a first sub-magnet (335) disposed inside the first housing (210) (e.g., the fifth sub-magnet (335) of FIG. 7A).

[0180] In one embodiment, the fifth sub-magnet (335) may be positioned corresponding to the fourth sub-magnet (334). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the fifth sub-magnet (335) may at least partially overlap the fourth sub-magnet (334). When the fourth sub-magnet (334) and the fifth sub-magnet (335) are positioned to face each other, the polarity of one side of the fourth sub-magnet (334) facing the fifth sub-magnet (335) may be opposite to the polarity of one side of the fifth sub-magnet (335) facing the fourth sub-magnet (334). When the fourth sub-magnet (334) and the fifth sub-magnet (335) are placed facing each other, an attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) can be generated between them.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the first Hall sensor (321) (e.g., the first Hall sensor (321) of FIG. 7A) may be positioned adjacent to the third magnet (313), but is not limited thereto.

[0182] The configurations of the embodiment of FIG. 7c may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 7a and 7b.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 7C, the electronic device (101) may include a first printed circuit board (351) disposed inside the first housing (210) and adjacent to an upper end (e.g., an end or side wall facing the +Y direction in FIG. 7C) of the first housing (210). The electronic device (101) may include a second printed circuit board (352) disposed inside the first housing (210) and adjacent to a lower end (e.g., an end or side wall facing the -Y direction in FIG. 7C) of the first housing (210). The first printed circuit board (351) and the second printed circuit board (352) may be spaced apart from each other along an axial direction of a hinge axis (e.g., the first hinge axis (Ax1) or the second hinge axis (Ax2)).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible printed circuit board (353) disposed within the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, one end of the flexible printed circuit board (353) may be electrically and / or physically connected to the first printed circuit board (351). The other end of the flexible printed circuit board (353) may be electrically and / or physically connected to the second printed circuit board (352).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the other end of the flexible printed circuit board (353) may be positioned closer to the first hinge (270) than to the second hinge (280), but is not limited thereto.

[0186] In one embodiment, the fifth sub-magnet (335) may be positioned to correspond to the fourth sub-magnet (334). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the fifth sub-magnet (335) may at least partially overlap the fourth sub-magnet (334). When the fourth sub-magnet (334) and the fifth sub-magnet (335) are positioned to face each other, the polarity of one side of the fourth sub-magnet (334) facing the fifth sub-magnet (335) may be the same as the polarity of one side of the fifth sub-magnet (335) facing the fourth sub-magnet (334). When the fourth sub-magnet (334) and the fifth sub-magnet (335) are positioned to face each other, a repulsive force (e.g., magnetic force) can be generated between them.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the first hall sensor (321a) may be positioned and / or mounted on the other end of the flexible printed circuit board (353) (e.g., the end connected to the second printed circuit board (352)). The first hall sensor (321a) may be positioned closer to the first hinge (270) than to the second hinge (280), but is not limited thereto.

[0188] According to one embodiment, the first Hall sensor (321a) may be configured to detect a magnetic field of the second sub-magnet (332). For example, the first Hall sensor (321a) may be configured to detect the strength of the magnetic field generated from the second sub-magnet (332), the direction of the magnetic field, and / or the density of the magnetic field. The electronic device (101) may be configured to identify whether the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded relative to each other or unfolded relative to each other based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (321a).

[0189] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8C is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0190] The embodiments of FIGS. 8A to 8C can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7C, the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 8A to 8C can be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7C, the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 8A, a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 7C) is illustrated in a fully unfolded state. The fully unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the front surface of the first housing (210), the front surface of the second housing (220), and the front surface of the third housing (230) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, the fully unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a first state. In the first state, the flexible display of the foldable electronic device may be in a substantially fully unfolded state.

[0192] Referring to FIG. 8B, a foldable electronic device is illustrated in a partially folded or partially unfolded state. The partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the second housing (220) is rotated in a first direction (R1) with respect to the first housing (210) via the first hinge (270) to overlap the first housing (210), and the front surface of the first housing (210) and the front surface of the third housing (230) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, the partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a second state. In the second state, at least a portion of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an area corresponding to the first hinge (270)) may be at least partially folded. The foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a first magnet (311) disposed in the second housing (220) through a first Hall sensor (321) disposed in the first housing (210), thereby identifying that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other. For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify, based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (321), whether the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 8b) or whether the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in an unfolded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 8a).

[0193] According to one embodiment, the first magnet (311) may be positioned on one side of the second housing (220) away from the first hinge (270), and the first Hall sensor (321) may be positioned on one side of the first housing (210) away from the first hinge (270). The relative rotation of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be implemented through the first hinge (270). In this case, since the first magnet (311) and the first Hall sensor (321) are positioned far from the first hinge (270), even if the movement of the first hinge (270) is relatively small, the relative positional difference between the first magnet (311) and the first Hall sensor (321) may change significantly. Accordingly, the strength of the magnetic field of the first magnet (311) detected through the first hall sensor (321) can be relatively greatly changed, and the measurement accuracy for the relative rotation of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be improved.

[0194] According to one embodiment, a state in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are covered (e.g., FIG. 8b) may be defined as a closed state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and a state in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are not covered (e.g., FIG. 8a) may be defined as an opened state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect an opened and / or closed state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) based on a change in the strength of the magnetic field of the first magnet (311) detected through the first Hall sensor (321).

[0195] Referring to FIG. 8C, a state in which the foldable electronic device is completely folded is illustrated. The state in which the foldable electronic device is completely folded may be defined as a state in which the third housing (230) is rotated in a second direction (R2) with respect to the first housing (210) via the second hinge (280) and is arranged to overlap the second housing (220). The second direction (R2) may be the opposite direction to the first direction (R1), but is not limited thereto. For example, the state in which the foldable electronic device is completely folded may be defined as a third state. In the third state, at least two areas of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an area corresponding to the first hinge (270) and an area corresponding to the second hinge (280)) may be at least partially folded. The foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a second magnet (312) disposed in the second housing (220) through a second Hall sensor (322) disposed in the third housing (230), thereby identifying that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other. For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify, based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the second Hall sensor (322), whether the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 8c) or whether the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in an unfolded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 8a or FIG. 8b).

[0196] According to one embodiment, the second Hall sensor (322) may be positioned on one side of the third housing (230) away from the second hinge (280). The relative rotation of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) may be implemented through the second hinge (280). In this case, since the second Hall sensor (322) is positioned far from the second hinge (280), even if the movement of the second hinge (280) is relatively small, the relative position difference between the second magnet (312) and the second Hall sensor (322) may change significantly. Accordingly, the strength of the magnetic field of the second magnet (312) detected through the second Hall sensor (322) may change relatively significantly, and the measurement accuracy for the relative rotation of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) may be improved.

[0197] According to one embodiment, a state in which the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are covered (e.g., FIG. 8c) may be defined as a closed state of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230), and a state in which the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are not covered (e.g., FIG. 8a or FIG. 8b) may be defined as an opened state of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect an opened and / or closed state of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) based on a change in the strength of the magnetic field of the second magnet (312) detected through the second Hall sensor (322).

[0198] Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify whether the state of the foldable electronic device is a first state (e.g., FIG. 8A), a second state (e.g., FIG. 8B), and a third state (e.g., FIG. 8C), based on at least one or both of the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (321) and the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the second Hall sensor (322).

[0199] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0200] The embodiment of FIG. 9 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8C, the embodiments of FIGS. 10A to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21. The configurations of the embodiment of FIG. 9 may be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8C, the embodiments of FIGS. 10A to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21.

[0201] FIG. 9 is a plan view of an electronic device (101) viewed with the cover(s) (e.g., the cover(s) (217, 227, 237) of FIG. 6) removed.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one magnet (311, 312, 313, 314, 315), at least one sub-magnet (331, 332, 333, 334, 335), and at least one Hall sensor (323). The at least one magnet or the at least one sub-magnet described below may include, but is not limited to, a permanent magnet. For example, the at least one magnet or the at least one sub-magnet may include an electromagnet or may have a Halbach array. The at least one Hall sensor described below may include sensing circuitry. For example, the at least one Hall sensor may include, but is not limited to, a 1-axis Hall sensor, and may include a 3-axis Hall sensor.

[0203] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a fifth magnet (315). The fifth magnet (315) may be disposed in the third housing (230). For example, the fifth magnet (315) may be disposed inside the third housing (230). The fifth magnet (315) may also be referred to as a second magnet.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the fifth magnet (315) may be positioned adjacent to the second hinge (280), but is not limited thereto.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a third Hall sensor (323). Depending on the embodiment, the third Hall sensor (323) may also be referred to as a first Hall sensor.

[0206] According to one embodiment, the third Hall sensor (323) may be disposed in the second housing (220). The third Hall sensor (323) may be disposed inside the second housing (220). The third Hall sensor (323) may be disposed and / or mounted on a circuit board disposed in the second housing (220) (e.g., the circuit board (204) disposed within the second housing (220) of FIG. 6). The third Hall sensor (323) may be positioned adjacent to the first magnet (311), but is not limited thereto.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the third Hall sensor (323) may be positioned corresponding to the third magnet (313). The third magnet (313) may also be referred to as the first magnet. For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the third Hall sensor (323) may at least partially overlap the third magnet (313). The overlapping of the third Hall sensor (323) and the third magnet (313) may be defined as the third Hall sensor (323) and the third magnet (313) being positioned to at least partially face each other, such that the third Hall sensor (323) detects the magnetic field of the third magnet (313). For example, the third Hall sensor (323) may be configured to detect the magnetic field of the third magnet (313) when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other. For example, the third Hall sensor (323) may be configured to detect the strength of the magnetic field generated from the third magnet (313), the direction of the magnetic field, and / or the density of the magnetic field. The electronic device (101) may be configured to identify that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in a folded or overlapped state with respect to each other when the strength of the magnetic field detected by the third Hall sensor (323) is equal to or greater than a specified threshold value.

[0208] According to one embodiment, the third Hall sensor (323) may be positioned corresponding to the fifth magnet (315). For example, when the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the third Hall sensor (323) may at least partially overlap the fifth magnet (315). The overlapping of the third Hall sensor (323) and the fifth magnet (315) may be defined as the third Hall sensor (323) and the fifth magnet (315) being positioned to at least partially face each other, such that the third Hall sensor (323) detects the magnetic field of the fifth magnet (315). For example, the third Hall sensor (323) may be configured to detect the magnetic field of the fifth magnet (315) when the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned to overlap each other. For example, the third Hall sensor (323) may be configured to detect the strength of the magnetic field generated from the fifth magnet (315), the direction of the magnetic field, and / or the density of the magnetic field. The electronic device (101) may be configured to identify that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are in a folded or overlapped state with respect to each other when the strength of the magnetic field detected by the third Hall sensor (323) is equal to or greater than a specified threshold value.

[0209] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) and memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1). The at least one processor and the memory may be disposed and / or mounted on a circuit board (e.g., at least one circuit board (204) of FIG. 6).

[0210] According to one embodiment, at least one processor may include processing circuitry. The memory may include instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device (101) to perform at least one operation. The following describes the operations of the electronic device (101), but the description thereof may be interpreted as being executed by instructions.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can detect a magnetic field through the third Hall sensor (323). For example, the electronic device (101) can detect at least one or both of the intensity of the magnetic field corresponding to the third magnet (313) and the intensity of the magnetic field corresponding to the fifth magnet (315) through the third Hall sensor (323).

[0212] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be configured to identify whether the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in a state of overlapping or not overlapping with respect to each other, and whether the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in a state of overlapping or not overlapping with respect to each other, based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the third Hall sensor (323).

[0213] According to one embodiment, the polarity of one side of the third magnet (313) facing the third Hall sensor (323) may be the opposite polarity to the polarity of one side of the fifth magnet (315) facing the third Hall sensor (323). Accordingly, the third Hall sensor (323) may detect the intensity of a magnetic field having a first positive value when facing only the third magnet (313), and may detect the intensity of a magnetic field having a second value greater than the first positive value when facing both the third magnet (313) and the fifth magnet (315). The foldable electronic device may be configured to identify a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101) based on the magnitude of the value of the magnetic field detected by the third Hall sensor (323) in this way.

[0214] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a fully unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a fully folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0215] The embodiments of FIGS. 10A to 10C can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 9, the embodiments of FIGS. 11A to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 10A to 10C can be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 9, the embodiments of FIGS. 11A to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21.

[0216] Referring to FIG. 10A, a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 7C) is illustrated in a fully unfolded state. The fully unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the front surface of the first housing (210), the front surface of the second housing (220), and the front surface of the third housing (230) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, the fully unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a first state. In the first state, the flexible display of the foldable electronic device may be in a substantially fully unfolded state.

[0217] Referring to FIG. 10B, a foldable electronic device is illustrated in a partially folded or partially unfolded state. The partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the second housing (220) is rotated in a first direction (R1) with respect to the first housing (210) via the first hinge (270) so as to overlap the first housing (210), and the front surface of the first housing (210) and the front surface of the third housing (230) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, the partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a second state. In the second state, at least a portion of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an area corresponding to the first hinge (270)) may be at least partially folded. The foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a third magnet (313) disposed in the first housing (210) through a third Hall sensor (323) disposed in the second housing (220), thereby identifying that the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other. For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify, based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the third Hall sensor (323), whether the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 10b) or whether the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in an unfolded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 10a).

[0218] In one embodiment, the third magnet (313) may be positioned on one side of the first housing (210) away from the first hinge (270), and the third Hall sensor (323) may be positioned on one side of the second housing (220) away from the first hinge (270). The relative rotation of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be implemented through the first hinge (270). In this case, since the third magnet (313) and the third Hall sensor (323) are positioned far from the first hinge (270), even if the movement of the first hinge (270) is relatively small, the relative positional difference between the third magnet (313) and the third Hall sensor (323) may change significantly. Accordingly, the strength of the magnetic field of the third magnet (313) detected through the third hall sensor (323) can change relatively greatly, and the measurement accuracy for the relative rotation of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be improved.

[0219] According to one embodiment, a state in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are covered (e.g., FIG. 10b) may be defined as a closed state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), and a state in which the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are not covered (e.g., FIG. 10a) may be defined as an opened state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect an opened and / or closed state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) based on a change in the strength of the magnetic field of the third magnet (313) detected through the third Hall sensor (323).

[0220] Referring to FIG. 10C, a state in which the foldable electronic device is completely folded is illustrated. The state in which the foldable electronic device is completely folded may be defined as a state in which the third housing (230) is rotated in a second direction (R2) with respect to the first housing (210) via the second hinge (280) and is arranged to overlap the second housing (220). The second direction (R2) may be the opposite direction to the first direction (R1), but is not limited thereto. For example, the state in which the foldable electronic device is completely folded may be defined as a third state. In the third state, at least two areas of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an area corresponding to the first hinge (270) and an area corresponding to the second hinge (280)) may be at least partially folded. The foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a fifth magnet (315) disposed in the third housing (230) through a third Hall sensor (323) disposed in the second housing (220), thereby identifying that the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other. For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify, based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the third Hall sensor (323), whether the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 10c) or whether the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in an unfolded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 10a or FIG. 10b).

[0221] According to one embodiment, a state in which the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are covered (e.g., FIG. 10c) may be defined as a closed state of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230), and a state in which the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are not covered (e.g., FIG. 10a or FIG. 10b) may be defined as an opened state of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect an opened and / or closed state of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) based on a change in the strength of the magnetic field of the fifth magnet (315) detected through the third Hall sensor (323).

[0222] Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10C , the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify whether the state of the foldable electronic device is a first state (e.g., FIG. 10A ), a second state (e.g., FIG. 10B ), and a third state (e.g., FIG. 10C ), based on the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the third Hall sensor (323). For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify whether the state of the foldable electronic device is a fully folded state, a partially folded state (or a partially unfolded state), and a fully unfolded state, based at least in part on a change value of the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the third Hall sensor (323).

[0223] According to one embodiment, the polarities of the faces of the magnets (313, 315) facing the third hall sensor (323) may be the same polarity or opposite polarity.

[0224] According to one embodiment, the polarity of one side of the third magnet (313) facing the third Hall sensor (323) may be the same polarity as the polarity of one side of the fifth magnet (315) facing the third Hall sensor (323). In this case, the fifth magnet (315) may include a magnet having a higher magnetic field strength or magnetic force than the third magnet (313). Accordingly, the third Hall sensor (323) may detect, for example, a positive (+) magnetic field strength when facing only the third magnet (313), and may detect, for example, a negative (-) magnetic field strength when facing both the third magnet (313) and the fifth magnet (315). The foldable electronic device may be configured to identify a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101) based on the value of the magnetic field detected by the third Hall sensor (323) in this way.

[0225] According to one embodiment, the polarity of one side of the third magnet (313) facing the third Hall sensor (323) may be the opposite polarity to the polarity of one side of the fifth magnet (315) facing the third Hall sensor (323). Accordingly, the third Hall sensor (323) may detect the intensity of a magnetic field having a first positive value when facing only the third magnet (313), and may detect the intensity of a magnetic field having a second value greater than the first positive value when facing both the third magnet (313) and the fifth magnet (315). The foldable electronic device may be configured to identify a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101) based on the magnitude of the value of the magnetic field detected by the third Hall sensor (323) in this way.

[0226] FIG. 11A is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11B is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11C is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of a fourth hall sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0227] The embodiments of FIGS. 11A to 12 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10C, the embodiments of FIGS. 13A to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 11A to 12 can be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10C, the embodiments of FIGS. 13A to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21.

[0228] FIG. 12 is a plan view of an electronic device (101) as viewed with the cover(s) (e.g., the cover(s) (217, 227, 237) of FIG. 6) removed.

[0229] Referring to FIGS. 11A to 12, the electronic device (101) may include at least one magnet (311, 312, 313, 314, 315), at least one sub-magnet (331, 332, 333, 3331, 334, 335), and at least one Hall sensor (324). The at least one magnet or the at least one sub-magnet described below may include a permanent magnet, but is not limited thereto. For example, the at least one magnet or the at least one sub-magnet may include an electromagnet or may have a Halbach array. The at least one Hall sensor described below may include sensing circuitry. For example, the at least one Hall sensor may include a single-axis Hall sensor, but may also include a three-axis Hall sensor, without being limited thereto.

[0230] Referring to FIGS. 11A to 11C, a first sub-magnet (e.g., the first sub-magnet (331) of FIGS. 11A and 11B, or the first sub-magnet (3311) of FIG. 11C) may be disposed in a first housing (210) and may extend along a first folding axis (Ax1).

[0231] Referring to FIG. 11a, the first sub-magnet (331) may include a first-first sub-magnet (331a) and a first-second sub-magnet (331b) spaced apart from the first-first sub-magnet (331a).

[0232] Referring to FIG. 11b, the first sub-magnet (331) may include a 1-1 sub-magnet (331a), a 1-2 sub-magnet (331b) spaced apart from the 1-1 sub-magnet (331a), and a 1-3 sub-magnet (331c) disposed between the 1-1 sub-magnet (331a) and the 1-2 sub-magnet (331b).

[0233] Referring to FIG. 11c, the first sub-magnet (3331) may include a single magnet.

[0234] Referring to FIGS. 11a to 11c, the second sub-magnet (332) may be disposed in the second housing (220) and may extend along the first folding axis (Ax1). The second sub-magnet (332) may include a second-first sub-magnet (332a) and a second-second sub-magnet (332b) spaced apart from the second-first sub-magnet (332a).

[0235] According to one embodiment, the third sub-magnet (333) may be disposed in the third housing (230) and extend along the second folding axis (Ax2). The third sub-magnet (333) may include a third-first sub-magnet (333a) and a third-second sub-magnet (332b) spaced apart from the third-first sub-magnet (333a).

[0236] Referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b, the 2-1 sub-magnet (332a) may be positioned corresponding to the 1-1 sub-magnet (331a), and the 2-2 sub-magnet (332b) may be positioned corresponding to the 1-2 sub-magnet (331b). For example, when the 2nd housing (220) is positioned to overlap with the 1st housing (210) (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the 1-1 sub-magnet (331a) and the 2-1 sub-magnet (332a) may be positioned to at least partially face each other, and the attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) formed therebetween may be provided as a fixing force that maintains the 1st housing (210) and the 2nd housing (220) in an overlapped state. For example, when the second housing (220) is positioned to overlap the first housing (210) (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the first-second sub-magnets (331b) and the second-second sub-magnets (332b) can be positioned to at least partially face each other, and the attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) formed therebetween can be provided as a fixing force that maintains the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) in an overlapped state.

[0237] Referring to FIG. 11c, the 2-1 sub-magnet (332a) and the 2-2 sub-magnet (332b) can be positioned corresponding to the 1st sub-magnet (3331). For example, when the 2nd housing (220) is positioned to overlap the 1st housing (210) (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the 2-1 sub-magnet (332a) can be positioned to at least partially face the 1st sub-magnet (3331), and the attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) formed therebetween can be provided as a fixing force to maintain the 1st housing (210) and the 2nd housing (220) in an overlapped state. For example, when the second housing (220) is positioned to overlap the first housing (210) (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the second-second sub-magnet (332b) can be positioned to at least partially face the first sub-magnet (3331), and the attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) formed therebetween can be provided as a fixing force to maintain the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) in an overlapped state.

[0238] Referring to FIGS. 11a to 11c, the 3-1 sub-magnet (333a) may be positioned corresponding to the 2-1 sub-magnet (332a), and the 3-2 sub-magnet (333b) may be positioned corresponding to the 2-2 sub-magnet (332b). For example, when the 3rd housing (230) is positioned to overlap with the 2nd housing (220) (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the 2-1 sub-magnet (332a) and the 3-1 sub-magnet (333a) may be positioned to at least partially face each other, and the attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) formed therebetween may be provided as a fixing force that maintains the 2nd housing (220) and the 3rd housing (230) in an overlapped state. For example, when the third housing (230) is positioned to overlap with the second housing (220) (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the second-second sub-magnet (332b) and the third-second sub-magnet (333b) can be positioned to at least partially face each other, and the attractive force (e.g., magnetic force) formed therebetween can serve as a fixing force to maintain the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) in the overlapped state. Although not shown, the third sub-magnet (333) can include a third-third sub-magnet (not shown) positioned between the third-first sub-magnet (333a) and the third-second sub-magnet (333b) and corresponding to the fourth Hall sensor (324) or the first-third sub-magnet (e.g., the first-third sub-magnet (331c) of FIG. 11b). Although not shown, the third sub-magnet (333) may include a single magnet formed integrally.

[0239] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a fourth Hall sensor (324). According to an embodiment, the fourth Hall sensor (324) may also be referred to as a first Hall sensor.

[0240] According to one embodiment, the fourth hall sensor (324) may be disposed in the second housing (220). The fourth hall sensor (324) may be disposed inside the second housing (220). The fourth hall sensor (324) may be disposed and / or mounted on a circuit board disposed in the second housing (220) (e.g., the circuit board (204) disposed in the second housing (220) of FIG. 6). The fourth hall sensor (324) may be positioned adjacent to the second sub-magnet (332), but is not limited thereto. For example, the fourth hall sensor (324) may be positioned between the second-first sub-magnet (332a) and the second-second sub-magnet (332b).

[0241] According to one embodiment, the fourth Hall sensor (324) may be positioned corresponding to the first sub-magnet (331, 3331). For example, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the fourth Hall sensor (324) may be positioned within a specified distance from the first sub-magnet (331, 3331). For example, the fourth Hall sensor (324) and the first sub-magnet (331) being positioned within a specified distance may be defined as the fourth Hall sensor (324) and the first sub-magnet (331, 3331) being positioned adjacent to each other, such that the fourth Hall sensor (324) detects the magnetic field of the first sub-magnet (331, 3331). For example, the fourth Hall sensor (324) may be configured to detect the magnetic field of the first sub-magnet (331, 3331) when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned to overlap each other. For example, the fourth Hall sensor (324) may be configured to detect the strength of the magnetic field, the direction of the magnetic field, and / or the density of the magnetic field generated from the first sub-magnet (331, 3331).

[0242] According to one embodiment, the fourth Hall sensor (324) may be positioned corresponding to the third sub-magnet (333). For example, when the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned to overlap each other (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 5), the fourth Hall sensor (324) may be positioned within a specified distance from the third sub-magnet (333). The fourth Hall sensor (324) and the third sub-magnet (333) being positioned within a specified distance may be defined as the fourth Hall sensor (324) and the third sub-magnet (333) being positioned adjacent to each other, such that the fourth Hall sensor (324) detects the magnetic field of the third sub-magnet (333). For example, the fourth Hall sensor (324) may be configured to detect the magnetic field of the third sub-magnet (333) when the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned to overlap each other. For example, the fourth Hall sensor (324) may be configured to detect the strength of the magnetic field, the direction of the magnetic field, and / or the density of the magnetic field generated from the third sub-magnet (333).

[0243] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) and memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1). The at least one processor and the memory may be disposed and / or mounted on a circuit board (e.g., at least one circuit board (204) of FIG. 6).

[0244] According to one embodiment, at least one processor may include processing circuitry. The memory may include instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device (101) to perform at least one operation. The following describes the operations of the electronic device (101), but the description thereof may be interpreted as being executed by instructions.

[0245] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) can detect a magnetic field through the fourth Hall sensor (324). For example, the electronic device (101) can detect at least one or both of the intensity of the magnetic field corresponding to the first sub-magnet (331, 3331) and the intensity of the magnetic field corresponding to the third sub-magnet (333) through the fourth Hall sensor (324).

[0246] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be configured to identify whether the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are positioned in a state of overlapping or not overlapping with respect to each other, and whether the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are positioned in a state of overlapping or not overlapping with respect to each other, based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the fourth Hall sensor (324).

[0247] Referring to FIG. 12, the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 11) may include a bracket (228). The bracket (228) may include, but is not limited to, a plate configured to support at least a portion of the flexible display or electrical / electronic components.

[0248] According to one embodiment, a main circuit board (2042), a sub-circuit board (2043), and a battery (2032) may be arranged on one side of the bracket (228). For example, the battery (2032) may be arranged between the main circuit board (2042) and the sub-circuit board (2043).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the flexible printed circuit board (2092) can be electrically connected to the main circuit board (2042) and the sub-circuit board (2043). At least a portion of the flexible printed circuit board (2092) can be arranged or extended to span the battery (2032).

[0250] According to one embodiment, a first end (2092a) of a flexible printed circuit board (2092) may be electrically connected to a main circuit board (2042). A second end (2092b) of the flexible printed circuit board (2092) may be electrically connected to a sub circuit board (2043). A third end (2092c) of the flexible printed circuit board (2092) may be a different end from the first end (2092a) and the second end (2092b). A fourth Hall sensor (324) may be arranged and / or mounted on the third end (2092c).

[0251] According to one embodiment, the bracket (228) may include a recess (229) that is sunken from one surface of the bracket (228). The third end (2092c) may be disposed in the recess (229). Accordingly, the fourth hall sensor (324) disposed in the third end (2092c) may also be disposed in the recess (229). The recess (229) and / or the fourth hall sensor (324) may be positioned between the second-first sub-magnet (332a) and the second-second sub-magnet (332b).

[0252] FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a fully unfolded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a partially folded or partially unfolded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13C is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a fully folded state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0253] The embodiments of FIGS. 13A to 13C can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 12, the embodiments of FIGS. 14A to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 13A to 13C can be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 12, the embodiments of FIGS. 14A to 14C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21.

[0254] Referring to FIGS. 13A to 13C, when the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state, the first housing (1210) may be disposed between the second housing (1220) and the third housing (1230). For example, the second housing (1220) may be disposed to overlap the rear surface of the first housing (1210), and the third housing (1330) may be disposed to overlap the front surface of the first housing (1310). The first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) may be rotatably connected to each other via a first hinge (1270). The first housing (1210) and the third housing (1230) may be rotatably connected to each other via a second hinge (1280).

[0255] According to one embodiment, the first magnet (1311) may be disposed inside the first housing (1210). The first Hall sensor (1321) may be disposed inside the second housing (1220). The first Hall sensor (1321) may be positioned correspondingly to the first magnet (1311). The second magnet (1312) may be disposed inside the third housing (1230). The second Hall sensor (1322) may be disposed inside the first housing (1310). The second Hall sensor (1322) may be positioned correspondingly to the second magnet (1312).

[0256] Referring to FIG. 13A, a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 7C) is illustrated in a fully unfolded state. The fully unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the front surface of the first housing (1210), the front surface of the second housing (1220), and the front surface of the third housing (1230) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, the fully unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a first state. In the first state, the flexible display of the foldable electronic device may be in a substantially fully unfolded state.

[0257] Referring to FIG. 13B, a foldable electronic device is illustrated in a partially folded or partially unfolded state. The partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the second housing (1220) is rotated in a first direction (R1) with respect to the first housing (1210) via the first hinge (1270) to overlap the first housing (1210), and the front surface of the first housing (1210) and the front surface of the third housing (1230) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, the partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a second state. In the second state, at least a portion of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an area corresponding to the first hinge (1270)) may be at least partially folded. The foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a first magnet (1311) disposed in the first housing (1210) through a first Hall sensor (1321) disposed in the second housing (1220), thereby identifying that the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other. For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify, based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (1321), whether the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 13b) or whether the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) are positioned in an unfolded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 13a).

[0258] Although not shown, a partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the third housing (1230) is rotated in the second direction (R2) with respect to the first housing (1210) via the second hinge (1280) to overlap the first housing (1210) and the front surface of the first housing (1210) and the front surface of the second housing (1220) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, a partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a second state. In the second state, at least a portion of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an area corresponding to the second hinge (1280)) may be at least partially folded. The foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a second magnet (1312) disposed in the third housing (1230) through a second Hall sensor (1322) disposed in the first housing (1210), thereby identifying that the first housing (1210) and the third housing (1230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other. For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify, based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the second Hall sensor (1322), whether the first housing (1210) and the third housing (1230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other or whether the first housing (1210) and the third housing (1230) are positioned in an unfolded state with respect to each other.

[0259] Referring to FIG. 13C, a foldable electronic device is illustrated in a completely folded state. The foldable electronic device being in a completely folded state may be defined as a state in which the second housing (1220) is rotated in a first direction (R1) with respect to the first housing (1210) via the first hinge (1270) and is arranged to overlap the first housing (1210), and the third housing (1230) is rotated in a second direction (R2) with respect to the first housing (1210) via the second hinge (1280) and is arranged to overlap the first housing (1210). The second direction (R2) may be the same direction as the first direction (R1), but is not limited thereto. For example, the completely folded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a third state. In a third state, at least two areas of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an area corresponding to the first hinge (1270) and an area corresponding to the second hinge (1280)) may be at least partially folded. The foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a first magnet (1311) disposed in the first housing (1210) through a first Hall sensor (1321) disposed in the second housing (1220), and to detect a magnetic field generated from a second magnet (1312) disposed in the third housing (1330) through a second Hall sensor (1322) disposed in the first housing (1310), thereby identifying that the second housing (1220) and the third housing (1230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to the first housing (1310).For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify whether the second housing (1220) and / or the third housing (1230) is positioned in a folded state relative to the first housing (1310) or whether the second housing (1220) and / or the third housing (1230) is positioned in an unfolded state relative to the first housing (1310), based on at least one or both of the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (1321) and the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the second Hall sensor (1322).

[0260] FIG. 14A is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a fully unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14B is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a partially folded or partially unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 14C is a schematic diagram of a foldable electronic device in a fully folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0261] The embodiments of FIGS. 14A to 14C can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 14A to 14C can be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 13C, the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21.

[0262] Referring to FIGS. 14A to 14C, when the foldable electronic device is in a fully folded state, the first housing (1210) may be disposed between the second housing (1220) and the third housing (1230). For example, the second housing (1220) may be disposed to overlap the rear surface of the first housing (1210), and the third housing (1330) may be disposed to overlap the front surface of the first housing (1310). The first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) may be rotatably connected to each other via a first hinge (1270). The first housing (1210) and the third housing (1230) may be rotatably connected to each other via a second hinge (1280).

[0263] According to one embodiment, the first magnet (1313) may be positioned inside the second housing (1220). The second magnet (1314) may be positioned inside the third housing (1230). The first Hall sensor (1323) may be positioned inside the first housing (1210). The first Hall sensor (1323) may be positioned correspondingly to the first magnet (1313) and the second magnet (1314).

[0264] Referring to FIG. 14A, a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 7C) is illustrated in a fully unfolded state. The fully unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the front surface of the first housing (1210), the front surface of the second housing (1220), and the front surface of the third housing (1230) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, the fully unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a first state. In the first state, the flexible display of the foldable electronic device may be in a substantially fully unfolded state.

[0265] Referring to FIG. 14B, a foldable electronic device is illustrated in a partially folded or partially unfolded state. The partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the second housing (1220) is rotated in a first direction (R1) with respect to the first housing (1210) via the first hinge (1270) to overlap the first housing (1210), and the front surface of the first housing (1210) and the front surface of the third housing (1230) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, the partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a second state. In the second state, at least a portion of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an area corresponding to the first hinge (1270)) may be at least partially folded. The foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a first magnet (1313) disposed in the second housing (1220) through a first Hall sensor (1323) disposed in the first housing (1210), thereby identifying that the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other. For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify, based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (1323), whether the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 14b) or whether the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) are positioned in an unfolded state with respect to each other (e.g., FIG. 14a).

[0266] Although not shown, a partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the third housing (1230) is rotated in the second direction (R2) with respect to the first housing (1210) via the second hinge (1280) to overlap the first housing (1210) and the front surface of the first housing (1210) and the front surface of the second housing (1220) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, a partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a second state. In the second state, at least a portion of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an area corresponding to the second hinge (1280)) may be at least partially folded. The foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a second magnet (1314) disposed in the third housing (1230) through the first Hall sensor (1323) disposed in the first housing (1210), thereby identifying that the first housing (1210) and the third housing (1230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other. For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify, based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (1323), whether the first housing (1210) and the third housing (1230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to each other, or whether the first housing (1210) and the third housing (1230) are positioned in an unfolded state with respect to each other.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 14C, a foldable electronic device is illustrated in a completely folded state. The foldable electronic device being in a completely folded state may be defined as a state in which the second housing (1220) is rotated in a first direction (R1) with respect to the first housing (1210) via the first hinge (1270) and is arranged to overlap the first housing (1210), and the third housing (1230) is rotated in a second direction (R2) with respect to the first housing (1210) via the second hinge (1280) and is arranged to overlap the first housing (1210). The second direction (R2) may be the same direction as the first direction (R1), but is not limited thereto. For example, the completely folded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a third state. In a third state, at least two areas of the flexible display of the foldable electronic device (e.g., an area corresponding to the first hinge (1270) and an area corresponding to the second hinge (1280)) may be at least partially folded. The foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect a magnetic field generated from a first magnet (1313) disposed in the second housing (1220) through a first Hall sensor (1323) disposed in the first housing (1210), and to detect a magnetic field generated from a second magnet (1324) disposed in the third housing (1330) through a first Hall sensor (1323) disposed in the first housing (1310), thereby identifying that the second housing (1220) and the third housing (1230) are positioned in a folded state with respect to the first housing (1310). For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify whether the second housing (1220) and / or the third housing (1230) is positioned in a folded state relative to the first housing (1310) or whether the second housing (1220) and / or the third housing (1230) is positioned in an unfolded state relative to the first housing (1310), based on the strength of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (1323).

[0268] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to identify whether the first housing (1310), the second housing (1320), and the third housing (1330) are in a fully folded state, a partially folded or unfolded state, or a fully unfolded state based on the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (1323) and the change value of the intensity of the magnetic field detected by the first Hall sensor (1323).

[0269] FIG. 15 is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view illustrating arrangements of a hinge cover, a hall sensor, and a magnetic member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17a is a schematic diagram illustrating a fully unfolded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17b is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17c is a schematic diagram illustrating a partially folded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17d is a schematic diagram illustrating a fully folded state of a foldable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a distance depending on an angle between a hall sensor and a magnetic member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0270] The embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10c, the embodiments of FIGS. 11a to 12, the embodiments of FIGS. 13a to 14c, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18 can be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10c, the embodiments of FIGS. 11a to 12, the embodiments of FIGS. 13a to 14c, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21.

[0271] FIG. 15 is a plan view of an electronic device (101) viewed with the cover(s) (e.g., the cover(s) (217, 227, 237) of FIG. 6) removed.

[0272] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one magnet (315) and at least one Hall sensor (326). The at least one magnet described below may include, but is not limited to, a permanent magnet. For example, the at least one magnet may include an electromagnet or may have a Halbach array. The at least one Hall sensor described below may include sensing circuitry. For example, the at least one Hall sensor may include, but is not limited to, a single-axis Hall sensor and may include a three-axis Hall sensor.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include at least one magnet (e.g., magnets (311, 312, 313 and / or 314) of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 9 and / or 11A), additional sub-magnets (e.g., sub-magnets (334 and / or 335) of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 9 and / or 11A). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include an additional Hall sensor (e.g., first Hall sensor (321) and / or second Hall sensor (322) of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, third Hall sensor (323) of FIG. 9 and / or fourth Hall sensor (324) of FIG. 11A). According to one embodiment, it may further include at least one sub-magnet (e.g., sub-magnets 331, 332, 333, 334, 335 of FIGS. 7A to 14C and / or sub-magnets 336, 337 of FIGS. 19, 20 or 21).

[0274] According to one embodiment, the second hinge (280) may include a hinge cover (281) that forms a part of the exterior of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (281) may include a first cover surface (281a) that is exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) and at least a portion of which forms a part of the exterior of the electronic device (101), and a second cover surface (281b) that is disposed opposite the first cover surface (281a) and inside the electronic device (101).

[0275] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a sixth magnet (316). The sixth magnet (316) may be disposed in the third housing (230). For example, the sixth magnet (316) may be disposed inside the third housing (230). The sixth magnet (316) may also be referred to as a magnet for detecting a hinge angle. According to one embodiment, the sixth magnet (316) may be disposed adjacent to the second hinge (280). In FIG. 16, 'T' may refer to a flexible display (e.g., flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) or a portion of the third housing (230).

[0276] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a fifth Hall sensor (326). According to one embodiment, the fifth Hall sensor (326) may be electrically connected to a circuit board disposed in the second housing (220) (e.g., the circuit board (204) disposed within the second housing (220) of FIG. 6). For example, the fifth Hall sensor (326) may be disposed adjacent to the circuit board (204), or may be disposed or mounted on the circuit board (204).

[0277] In one embodiment, the fifth Hall sensor (326) may be disposed on the second hinge (280) (e.g., a wide hinge). The fifth Hall sensor (326) may be disposed inside the second hinge (280). In one embodiment, the fifth Hall sensor (326) may be disposed and / or accommodated on or within the hinge cover (281). In one embodiment, the fifth Hall sensor (326) may be disposed on the second cover surface (281b) of the hinge cover (281). In one embodiment, the second cover surface (281b) of the hinge cover (281) may include a receiving portion (2811) formed to accommodate at least a portion of the fifth Hall sensor (326). According to one embodiment, the receiving portion (2811) may be a recess (2811) formed on the second cover surface (281b) to receive at least a portion of the fifth hall sensor (326). According to one embodiment, the receiving portion (2811) may be a hole or pocket-shaped portion formed on the second cover surface (281b) of the hinge cover (281) and providing a space for receiving the fifth hall sensor (326).

[0278] In one embodiment, the fifth Hall sensor (326) may be positioned within a specified distance relative to the sixth magnet (316). For example, the fifth Hall sensor (326) and the sixth magnet (316) being positioned within a specified distance may be defined as the fifth Hall sensor (326) and the sixth magnet (316) being positioned adjacent to each other, such that the fifth Hall sensor (326) detects the magnetic field of the sixth magnet (316). For example, the fifth Hall sensor (326) may be configured to detect or measure the strength of the magnetic field, the direction of the magnetic field, and / or the density of the magnetic field of the sixth magnet (316). In some embodiments, the fifth Hall sensor (326) may also be referred to as a sensor for detecting a hinge angle.

[0279] According to one embodiment, the fifth Hall sensor (326) may be positioned corresponding to the sixth magnet (316). For example, the fifth Hall sensor (326) and the sixth magnet (316) may be positioned to partially overlap each other when looking down at the electronic device (101) (e.g., when looking at the electronic device (101) in the -Z direction) while the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is within a specific range (e.g., from about 70 degrees to about 130 degrees or from about 80 degrees to about 120 degrees), as shown in FIG. 17b. For example, the fifth hall sensor (326) and the sixth magnet (316) may not overlap each other when looking down at the electronic device (101) (e.g., when looking at the electronic device (101) in the -Z direction) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded or fully folded state such that the second housing (220) is arranged between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), as shown in FIG. 17d. For example, the fifth hall sensor (326) and the sixth magnet (316) may not overlap each other when looking down at the electronic device (101) (e.g., when looking at the electronic device (101) in the -Z direction) when the third housing (230) is unfolded or fully unfolded with respect to the first housing (210), as shown in FIGS. 17a and 17c. In the present disclosure, the positions of the sixth magnet (316) and the fifth hall sensor (326) are not limited and may be changed.

[0280] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) and memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1). The at least one processor and the memory may be disposed and / or mounted on a circuit board (e.g., at least one circuit board (204) of FIG. 6).

[0281] According to one embodiment, at least one processor may include processing circuitry. The memory may include instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device (101) to perform at least one operation. The following describes the operations of the electronic device (101), but the description thereof may be interpreted as being executed by instructions.

[0282] As described below, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (or the processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1)) may detect the magnetic field of the sixth magnet (316) using the fifth Hall sensor (326). The electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to detect, based on a change in the intensity of the magnetic field measured by the fifth Hall sensor (326), an angle at which the third housing (230) is folded relative to the first housing (210) while the second housing (220) is not positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), and to provide a user with a notification (or a notification related to the folding order of the housings) to prevent damage to a component of the electronic device (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)).

[0283] In the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18, the foldable electronic device (101) may be configured to be folded such that the second housing (220) is disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). In this case, if the third housing (230) is folded below a certain angle relative to the first housing (210) while the second housing (220) is not disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), damage or breakage, such as a scratch, may occur on the surface of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (202) of FIG. 2) of the foldable electronic device (101). In the present disclosure, the first angle (α) (e.g., α in FIGS. 17B and 18) may refer to an angle formed by the third housing (230) with respect to the first housing (210) when the third housing (230) is folded with respect to the first housing (210) in a state where the second housing (220) is not disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (or an angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). In the present disclosure, the electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to provide a notification (or a notification related to a folding order of the housing) for preventing damage to a component of the electronic device (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) when the first angle (α) is less than a specific angle. For example, the particular angle may be from about 10 degrees to about 100 degrees or from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0284] Referring to FIGS. 16, 17a to 17d, and 18, the third housing (230) is rotated relative to the first housing (210) through the second hinge (280), and as the first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17b and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is changed, the first distance (d in FIG. 16) between the sixth magnet (316) and the fifth Hall sensor (325) can be changed. As the first distance (d) between the sixth magnet (316) and the fifth Hall sensor (325) is changed, the strength of the magnetic field of the sixth magnet (316) measured by the fifth Hall sensor (325) can be changed. The electronic device (101) (or processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1)) can detect a first angle (α) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) according to the strength of the magnetic field of the sixth magnet (316) measured by the fifth Hall sensor (325).

[0285] Referring to FIG. 18, according to one embodiment, as the third housing (230) is rotated relative to the first housing (210) via the second hinge (280), and as the first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17b and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) decreases from about 180 degrees (°) (when the third housing (230) is unfolded relative to the first housing (210), the first distance (d) between the sixth magnet (316) and the fifth Hall sensor (325) may change. For example, as the first angle (α) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) decreases from about 180 degrees (°), the first distance (d) between the sixth magnet (316) and the fifth Hall sensor (325) may increase. For example, the first distance (d) d1 when the first angle (α) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is about 180 degrees (°), the first distance (d) d3 when the first angle (α) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is about 150 degrees, the first distance (d) d4 when the first angle (α) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is about 120 degrees, and the first distance (d) d2 when the first angle (α) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is about 150 degrees may be different from each other. For example, the first distance (d) may increase as it goes from d1, d3, d4, to d2 described above. The strength of the magnetic field of the sixth magnet (316) measured by the fifth hall sensor (326) may decrease as the first distance (d) increases to d1, d3, d4, and d2 as described above.

[0286] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to detect a first angle (α) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) based on a change in a measurement value (e.g., magnetic field strength) of the sixth Hall sensor (326). The electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to provide a notification to prevent damage to a component of the electronic device (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) when the first angle (α) is less than a specific angle.

[0287] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured to provide a notification to the user to recognize the above-mentioned state when the first angle (α) at ​​which the third housing (230) is folded with respect to the first housing (210) is less than or equal to a specific angle, based on the measurement value (e.g., magnetic field strength) of the sixth hall sensor (326) when the second housing (220) is not disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), as shown in FIG. 17B. For example, such a notification may be provided to the user in a sound or a visual manner displayed on a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2). For example, the notification system using the sixth magnet (316) and the fifth hall sensor (326) may recommend to stop or cease the operation of folding the third housing (230) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0288] For example, the above-described notification system using the sixth magnet (316) and the fifth hall sensor (326) can prevent damage to the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) by folding the third housing (230) relative to the first housing (210) at a first angle (α) below a specific angle, as shown in FIG. 17b, when the second housing (220) is not placed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). In other words, the above-described notification system using the sixth magnet (316) and the fifth hall sensor (326) can limit and / or reduce damage or breakage, such as scratches, to the surface of the flexible display (202) by preventing at least a portion of the third housing (230) from contacting a portion of the flexible display (e.g., the first display area (202a) of FIG. 2) disposed in the first housing (210).

[0289] Referring to FIG. 17A, a foldable electronic device (101) is illustrated in a fully unfolded state. The fully unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a state in which the front surface of the first housing (210), the front surface of the second housing (220), and the front surface of the third housing (230) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, the fully unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a first state. In the first state, the flexible display (202) of the foldable electronic device may be in a substantially fully unfolded state.

[0290] Referring to FIG. 17b, the foldable electronic device (101) is illustrated in a partially folded or partially unfolded state. FIG. 17b may represent a state in which the second housing (220) is not positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), and the third housing (230) has a first angle (α) of about 90 degrees with respect to the first housing (210).

[0291] Referring to FIG. 17C, a partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101) is illustrated. The partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101) may be defined as a state in which the second housing (220) is rotated in a first direction (R1) with respect to the first housing (210) via the first hinge (270) to overlap the first housing (210) and the front surface of the first housing (210) and the front surface of the third housing (230) are substantially oriented in the same direction. For example, the partially folded or partially unfolded state of the foldable electronic device may be defined as a second state. In the second state, at least a portion (e.g., an area corresponding to the first hinge (270)) of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) of the foldable electronic device (101) may be at least partially folded.

[0292] Referring to FIG. 17D, a state in which the foldable electronic device is completely folded is illustrated. The state in which the foldable electronic device is completely folded may be defined as a state in which the third housing (230) is rotated in a second direction (R2) with respect to the first housing (210) via the second hinge (280) and is arranged to overlap the second housing (220). The second direction (R2) may be the opposite direction to the first direction (R1), but is not limited thereto. For example, the state in which the foldable electronic device is completely folded may be defined as a third state. In the third state, at least two areas (e.g., an area corresponding to the first hinge (270) and an area corresponding to the second hinge (280)) of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) of the foldable electronic device (101) may be at least partially folded.

[0293] According to one embodiment, a state in which the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are covered (e.g., FIG. 17d) may be defined as a closed state of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230), and a state in which the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) are not covered (e.g., FIG. 17a or FIG. 17c) may be defined as an opened state of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230). For example, the foldable electronic device and / or at least one processor may be configured to detect an opened and / or closed state of the second housing (220) and the third housing (230) based on a change in the strength of the magnetic field of the second magnet (312) detected through the second Hall sensor (322).

[0294] FIG. 19 is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20 is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a plan view illustrating components of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0295] The embodiments of FIGS. 19 and 20 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10c, the embodiments of FIGS. 11a to 12, the embodiments of FIGS. 13a to 14c, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18. The configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 19 and 20 can be partially or entirely identical to the configurations of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10c, the embodiments of FIGS. 11a to 12, the embodiments of FIGS. 13a to 14c, and / or the embodiments of FIGS. 15 to 18.

[0296] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one sub-magnet (336, 337) and at least one Hall sensor (327; 328; 329). At least one magnet described below may include, but is not limited to, a permanent magnet. For example, the sub-magnets (336, 337) may include an electromagnet or may have a Halbach array. At least one Hall sensor described below may include sensing circuitry.

[0297] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include at least one magnet (e.g., magnets (311, 312, 313 and / or 314) of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 9 and / or 11A), additional sub-magnets (e.g., sub-magnets (334 and / or 335) of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 9 and / or 11A). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include an additional Hall sensor (e.g., first Hall sensor (321) and / or second Hall sensor (322) of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, third Hall sensor (323) of FIG. 9 and / or fourth Hall sensor (324) of FIG. 11A). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include at least one sub-magnet (e.g., sub-magnets (331, 332, 333, 334, 335) of FIGS. 7A to 14C and / or sub-magnets (336, 337) of FIGS. 19, 20, or 21). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a sixth magnet (316) and a fifth Hall sensor (326) of FIGS. 15 to 18.

[0298] According to one embodiment, when the third housing (230) is folded to be covered by the first housing (210) without the second housing (220) being disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh sub-magnet (337) can provide a repulsive force that prevents the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) from contacting each other. For example, when the third housing (230) is disposed in an overlapping position with respect to the first housing (210) without the second housing (220) being disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh sub-magnet (337) can provide a repulsive force that prevents the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) from becoming relatively closer to each other. For example, when the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh sub-magnet (337) are arranged to face each other, the polarity of one side (e.g., the first side) of the sixth sub-magnet (336) facing the seventh sub-magnet (337) may be the same as the polarity of one side (e.g., the first side) of the seventh sub-magnet (337) facing the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, when the polarity of the one side of the sixth sub-magnet (336) is a N pole, the polarity of the one side of the seventh sub-magnet (337) may be a N pole. For example, when the polarity of the one side of the sixth sub-magnet (336) is a S pole, the polarity of the one side of the seventh sub-magnet (337) may be a S pole. Accordingly, at least a portion of the third housing (230) does not come into contact with a portion (e.g., the first display area (202a) of FIG. 2) of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) disposed in the first housing (210), so that scratches or damage to the surface of the flexible display can be limited and / or reduced.For example, the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh sub-magnet (337) may be arranged to be at least partially symmetrical about a second folding axis (e.g., the second folding axis (Ax2) of FIG. 19) provided by the second hinge (280).

[0299] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, according to one embodiment, at least one Hall sensor (327, 328 and / or 329) may be positioned correspondingly to at least one sub-magnet (336 and / or 337).

[0300] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include at least one processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) and memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1). The at least one processor and the memory may be disposed and / or mounted on a circuit board (e.g., at least one circuit board (204) of FIG. 6).

[0301] According to one embodiment, at least one processor may include processing circuitry. The memory may include instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor, may cause the electronic device (101) to perform at least one operation. The following describes the operations of the electronic device (101), but the description thereof may be interpreted as being executed by instructions.

[0302] As described below, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (or processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1)) can detect a magnetic field of at least one sub-magnet (336 and / or 337) using at least one Hall sensor (327, 328 and / or 329). The electronic device (101) (or processor (120)) can be configured to detect an angle at which the third housing (230) is folded relative to the first housing (210) without the second housing (220) being disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) based on a change in the intensity of the magnetic field measured by the at least one Hall sensor (327, 328 and / or 329).

[0303] In the embodiments of FIGS. 19 to 21, the foldable electronic device (101) may be configured to fold such that the second housing (220) is disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). In this case, if the third housing (230) is folded below a certain angle relative to the first housing (210) while the second housing (220) is not disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), damage or breakage, such as a scratch, may occur on the surface of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (202) of FIG. 2) of the foldable electronic device (101). In the present disclosure, the first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17B and 18) may refer to an angle formed by the third housing (230) with respect to the first housing (210) when the third housing (230) is folded relative to the first housing (210) without being disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (or an angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230). In the present disclosure, the electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to provide a notification to prevent damage to a component of the electronic device (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) when the first angle is less than a specific angle, and the specific angle may be about 90 degrees to about 30 degrees.

[0304] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21, according to one embodiment, at least one Hall sensor (327, 328 and / or 329) may be positioned correspondingly to at least one sub-magnet (336 and / or 337).

[0305] Referring to FIG. 19, according to one embodiment, the sixth sub-magnet (336) may be positioned adjacent to the first-second side portion (e.g., the first-second side portion (212) of FIG. 3). The seventh sub-magnet (337) may be positioned adjacent to the third-first side portion (e.g., the third-first side portion (232) of FIG. 3).

[0306] Referring to FIG. 19, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a seventh hall sensor (327). According to one embodiment, the seventh hall sensor (327) may be disposed within the third housing (230). According to one embodiment, the seventh hall sensor (327) may be disposed adjacent to the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, the seventh hall sensor (327) may be disposed spaced apart from the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, the seventh hall sensor (327) may be disposed above or below the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, the seventh hall sensor (327) may be aligned in a line with the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, if the seventh sub-magnet (337) is composed of multiple pieces, the seventh Hall sensor (327) may be placed between the pieces of the seventh sub-magnet (337).

[0307] Referring to FIG. 19, according to one embodiment, the seventh Hall sensor (327) may be positioned to correspond to a portion of the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded such that the second housing (220) is disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (see FIG. 17d), the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh Hall sensor (327) may at least partially face each other. In other words, when the electronic device (101) is folded such that the second housing (220) is disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (see FIG. 17d), the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh Hall sensor (327) may at least partially overlap each other in the thickness direction (Z direction with respect to FIG. 17d) of the electronic device (101).

[0308] For example, the seventh hall sensor (327) may be positioned within a specified distance from the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh hall sensor (327) being positioned within a specified distance may be defined as the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh hall sensor (327) being positioned adjacent to each other, such that the seventh hall sensor (327) detects the magnetic field of the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, the seventh hall sensor (327) may be configured to detect the magnetic field of the sixth sub-magnet (336) when the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is less than 180 degrees and within a specific angle range, as shown in FIG. 17b. For example, the seventh Hall sensor (327) may be configured to detect the strength, direction, and / or density of a magnetic field generated from the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, the seventh Hall sensor (327) may be arranged to be at least partially symmetrical with respect to a second folding axis (e.g., the second folding axis (Ax2) of FIG. 19) provided by the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the second hinge (280).

[0309] Referring to FIG. 19, the third housing (230) is rotated relative to the first housing (210) through the second hinge (280), and as the first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17b and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is changed, the distance between the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh Hall sensor (327) can be changed. As the distance between the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh Hall sensor (327) is changed, the strength of the magnetic field of the sixth sub-magnet (336) measured by the seventh Hall sensor (327) can be changed. The electronic device (101) (or processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1)) can detect a first angle (e.g., α of FIGS. 17b and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) according to the strength of the magnetic field of the sixth sub-magnet (336) measured by the seventh Hall sensor (327).

[0310] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to detect a first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17B and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) based on a change in a measurement value (e.g., magnetic field strength) of the seventh Hall sensor (327). The electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to provide a notification to prevent damage to a component of the electronic device (e.g., the flexible display 202 in FIG. 2)) when the first angle (α) is less than a specific angle. For example, the specific angle may be from about 10 degrees to about 100 degrees or from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0311] The electronic device (101) (or processor (120)) may be configured to provide a notification to the user to recognize the above-mentioned state when the third housing (230) is folded at a first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17B and 18) with respect to the first housing (210) when the second housing (220) is not positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) based on the measurement value (e.g., magnetic field strength) of the seventh hall sensor (327), as shown in FIG. 17B. For example, such a notification may be provided to the user in a visual manner by sound or on a flexible display (e.g., flexible display 202 in FIG. 2). For example, the above-described notification system using the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the fifth hall sensor (326) may recommend stopping or halting the folding operation of the third housing (230) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0312] For example, the above-described notification system using the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the fifth hall sensor (326) can prevent the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) from being damaged when the third housing (230) is folded at a first angle (e.g., α of FIG. 17b and FIG. 18) below a specific angle with respect to the first housing (210) when the second housing (220) is not arranged between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), as shown in FIG. 17b. In other words, the above-described notification system using the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the fifth hall sensor (326) can limit and / or reduce damage or breakage, such as scratches, to the surface of the flexible display (202) by preventing at least a portion of the third housing (230) from contacting a portion of the flexible display (e.g., the first display area (202a) of FIG. 2) disposed in the first housing (210).

[0313] Referring to FIG. 20, according to one embodiment, the sixth sub-magnet (336) may be positioned adjacent to the first-second side portion (e.g., the first-second side portion (212) of FIG. 3). The seventh sub-magnet (337) may be positioned adjacent to the third-first side portion (e.g., the third-first side portion (232) of FIG. 3).

[0314] Referring to FIG. 20, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include an eighth Hall sensor (328). According to one embodiment, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be disposed within the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be disposed adjacent to the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be disposed spaced apart from the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be disposed above or below the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be aligned in a line with the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, if the sixth sub-magnet (336) is composed of multiple pieces, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be placed between the pieces of the sixth sub-magnet (336).

[0315] In one embodiment, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be disposed within the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be positioned to correspond to a portion of the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded such that the second housing (220) is disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (see FIG. 17d), the seventh sub-magnet (337) and the eighth Hall sensor (328) may at least partially face each other. In other words, when the electronic device (101) is folded so that the second housing (220) is positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (see FIG. 17d), the seventh sub-magnet (337) and the eighth Hall sensor (328) can at least partially overlap each other in the thickness direction (Z direction based on FIG. 17d) of the electronic device (101).

[0316] For example, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be positioned within a specified distance from the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, the seventh sub-magnet (337) and the eighth Hall sensor (328) being positioned within a specified distance may be defined as the seventh sub-magnet (337) and the eighth Hall sensor (328) being positioned adjacent to each other, such that the eighth Hall sensor (328) detects the magnetic field of the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be configured to detect the magnetic field of the seventh sub-magnet (337) when the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is less than 180 degrees and within a specific angle range, as shown in FIG. 17b. For example, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be configured to detect the strength, direction, and / or density of a magnetic field generated from the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be arranged to be at least partially symmetrical with respect to a second folding axis (e.g., the second folding axis (Ax2) of FIG. 20) provided by the seventh sub-magnet (337) and the second hinge (280).

[0317] Referring to FIG. 20, the third housing (230) is rotated relative to the first housing (210) through the second hinge (280), and as the first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17b and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is changed, the distance between the seventh sub-magnet (337) and the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be changed. As the distance between the seventh sub-magnet (337) and the eighth Hall sensor (328) is changed, the strength of the magnetic field of the seventh sub-magnet (337) measured by the eighth Hall sensor (328) may be changed. The electronic device (101) (or processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1)) can detect a first angle (e.g., α of FIGS. 17b and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) according to the strength of the magnetic field of the seventh sub-magnet (337) measured by the eighth Hall sensor (328).

[0318] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to detect a first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17B and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) based on a change in a measurement value (e.g., magnetic field strength) of the eighth Hall sensor (328). The electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to provide a notification to prevent damage to a component of the electronic device (e.g., the flexible display 202 in FIG. 2)) when the first angle (α) is less than a specific angle. For example, the specific angle may be from about 10 degrees to about 100 degrees or from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0319] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured to provide a notification to the user to recognize the above-described state when the third housing (230) is folded at a first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17B and 18) with respect to the first housing (210) when the second housing (220) is not positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) based on a measurement value (e.g., magnetic field strength) of the eighth Hall sensor (328), as shown in FIG. 17B. For example, such a notification may be provided to the user in a visual manner such as by sound or by displaying it on a flexible display (e.g., flexible display 202 in FIG. 2). For example, the above-described notification system using the seventh sub-magnet (337) and the fifth hall sensor (326) may recommend stopping or suspending the folding operation of the third housing (230) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0320] For example, the above-described notification system using the seventh sub-magnet (337) and the fifth hall sensor (326) can prevent the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) from being damaged when the third housing (230) is folded at a first angle (e.g., α of FIG. 17b and FIG. 18) below a specific angle with respect to the first housing (210) when the second housing (220) is not arranged between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), as shown in FIG. 17b. In other words, the above-described notification system using the seventh sub-magnet (337) and the fifth hall sensor (326) can limit and / or reduce damage or breakage, such as scratches, to the surface of the flexible display (202) by preventing at least a portion of the third housing (230) from contacting a portion of the flexible display (e.g., the first display area (202a) of FIG. 2) disposed in the first housing (210).

[0321] Referring to FIG. 20, according to one embodiment, the sixth sub-magnet (336) may be positioned adjacent to the 1-1 side portion (e.g., the 1-2 side portion (211) of FIG. 3). The seventh sub-magnet (337) may be positioned adjacent to the 3-2 side portion (e.g., the 3-2 side portion (232) of FIG. 3).

[0322] Referring to FIG. 21, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a ninth hall sensor (329). According to one embodiment, the ninth hall sensor (329) may be disposed within the third housing (230). According to one embodiment, the ninth hall sensor (329) may be disposed adjacent to the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, the ninth hall sensor (329) may be disposed spaced apart from the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, the ninth hall sensor (329) may be disposed above or below the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, the ninth hall sensor (329) may be aligned in a line with the seventh sub-magnet (337). For example, if the seventh sub-magnet (337) is composed of multiple pieces, the ninth Hall sensor (329) may be placed between the pieces of the seventh sub-magnet (337).

[0323] According to one embodiment, the ninth Hall sensor (329) may be positioned to correspond to a portion of the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, when the electronic device (101) is folded such that the second housing (220) is disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (see FIG. 17d), the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the ninth Hall sensor (329) may at least partially face each other. In other words, when the electronic device (101) is folded such that the second housing (220) is disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) (see FIG. 17d), the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the ninth Hall sensor (329) may at least partially overlap each other in the thickness direction (Z direction with respect to FIG. 17d) of the electronic device (101).

[0324] For example, the ninth Hall sensor (329) may be positioned within a specified distance from the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the ninth Hall sensor (329) being positioned within a specified distance may be defined as the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the ninth Hall sensor (329) being positioned adjacent to each other, such that the ninth Hall sensor (329) detects the magnetic field of the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, the ninth Hall sensor (329) may be configured to detect the magnetic field of the sixth sub-magnet (336) when the angle between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is less than 180 degrees and within a specific angle range, as shown in FIG. 17b. For example, the ninth Hall sensor (329) may be configured to detect the strength, direction, and / or density of a magnetic field generated from the sixth sub-magnet (336). For example, the ninth Hall sensor (329) may be arranged to be at least partially symmetrical with respect to a second folding axis (e.g., the second folding axis (Ax2) of FIG. 21) provided by the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the second hinge (280).

[0325] Referring to FIG. 21, the third housing (230) is rotated relative to the first housing (210) through the second hinge (280), and as the first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17b and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) is changed, the distance between the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the ninth Hall sensor (329) can be changed. As the distance between the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the ninth Hall sensor (329) is changed, the strength of the magnetic field of the sixth sub-magnet (336) measured by the ninth Hall sensor (329) can be changed. The electronic device (101) (or processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1)) can detect a first angle (e.g., α of FIGS. 17b and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) according to the strength of the magnetic field of the sixth sub-magnet (336) measured by the ninth Hall sensor (329).

[0326] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to detect a first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17B and 18) between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) based on a change in a measurement value (e.g., magnetic field strength) of the ninth Hall sensor (329). The electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured or set to provide a notification to prevent damage to a component of the electronic device (e.g., the flexible display 202 in FIG. 2)) when the first angle (α) is less than a specific angle. For example, the specific angle may be from about 10 degrees to about 100 degrees or from about 30 degrees to about 90 degrees.

[0327] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) (or the processor (120)) may be configured to provide a notification to the user to recognize the above-described state when the third housing (230) is folded at a first angle (e.g., α in FIGS. 17B and 18) with respect to the first housing (210) when the second housing (220) is not positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) based on a measurement value (e.g., magnetic field strength) of the ninth Hall sensor (329), as shown in FIG. 17B. For example, such a notification may be provided to the user in a visual manner such as by sound or by displaying it on a flexible display (e.g., flexible display 202 in FIG. 2). For example, the above-described notification system using the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the fifth hall sensor (326) may recommend stopping or halting the folding operation of the third housing (230) with respect to the first housing (210).

[0328] For example, the above-described notification system using the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the fifth hall sensor (326) can prevent the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display 202 of FIG. 2)) from being damaged when the third housing (230) is folded at a first angle (e.g., α of FIG. 17b and FIG. 18) below a specific angle with respect to the first housing (210) when the second housing (220) is not arranged between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230), as shown in FIG. 17b. In other words, the above-described notification system using the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the fifth hall sensor (326) can limit and / or reduce damage or breakage, such as scratches, to the surface of the flexible display (202) by preventing at least a portion of the third housing (230) from contacting a portion of the flexible display (e.g., the first display area (202a) of FIG. 2) disposed in the first housing (210).

[0329] An electronic device may include a flexible display having portions that can be folded or unfolded. An electronic device including a flexible display may include a plurality of housings that are rotatably connected relative to one another.

[0330] A foldable electronic device comprising three housings may include a first housing positioned centrally, a second housing positioned on one side of the first housing, and a third housing positioned on the other side of the first housing. The second housing and the third housing may each be rotatably arranged relative to the first housing.

[0331] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device may be provided that includes a magnet and a hall sensor for detecting a folded or unfolded state of a multi-foldable housing including a plurality of housings.

[0332] 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 spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0333] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device can be provided in which the arrangement of magnets and hall sensors for detecting a folded or unfolded state of a plurality of housings is optimized.

[0334] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device may be provided that is configured to identify various folding or unfolding operations of a multi-foldable housing through at least one magnet and at least one Hall sensor.

[0335] 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.

[0336] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a multi-foldable housing (201) including a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge (270) coupled to one side of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and allowing the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) to rotate relative to each other, and a second hinge (280) coupled to another side of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) and allowing the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) to rotate relative to each other.

[0337] According to one embodiment, a multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (202) supported by the multi-foldable housing (201) and configured to be at least partially folded or unfolded.

[0338] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a first magnet (311) disposed in the second housing (220).

[0339] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a second magnet (312) disposed in the second housing (220) and disposed closer to the first hinge (270) than the first magnet (311).

[0340] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a first Hall sensor (321) disposed in the first housing (210), including sensing circuitry, and positioned corresponding to the first magnet (311) when the second housing (220) is rotated through the first hinge (270) to overlap the first housing (210).

[0341] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a second Hall sensor (322) disposed in the third housing (230), including a sensing circuit, and positioned corresponding to the second magnet (312) when the third housing (230) is rotated through the second hinge (280) to overlap the second housing (220).

[0342] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include at least one processor (120) including a processing circuit and a memory (130) storing instructions.

[0343] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may cause the multi-foldable electronic device (101) to: identify whether the states of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are folded or unfolded based on the strength of the magnetic field detected through the first Hall sensor (321), and identify whether the states of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are folded or unfolded based on the strength of the magnetic field detected through the second Hall sensor (322).

[0344] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable housing (201) is in a fully folded state, the second housing (220) may be positioned at least partially between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230).

[0345] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a third magnet (313) disposed in the first housing (210) and positioned corresponding to the first magnet (311) when the second housing (220) is rotated through the first hinge (270) to overlap the first housing (210).

[0346] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a fourth magnet (314) disposed in the third housing (230) and positioned corresponding to the second magnet (312) when the third housing (230) is rotated via the second hinge (280) to overlap the second housing (220).

[0347] According to one embodiment, the first hall sensor (321) may be placed adjacent to the third magnet (313).

[0348] According to one embodiment, the second hall sensor (322) may be placed adjacent to the fourth magnet (314).

[0349] According to one embodiment, the distance between the first hinge (270) and the first magnet (311) may be greater than the distance between the first hinge (270) and the second magnet (312).

[0350] According to one embodiment, the first magnet (311) may be positioned adjacent to a side wall of the second housing (220) parallel to the first folding axis (Ax1) provided by the first hinge (270).

[0351] According to one embodiment, the second hall sensor (322) may be positioned adjacent to a side wall of the third housing (230) parallel to the second folding axis (Ax2) provided by the second hinge (280).

[0352] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a first sub-magnet (331) disposed in the first housing (210) and adjacent to the first hinge (270).

[0353] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a second sub-magnet (332) disposed in the second housing (220) and adjacent to the first hinge (270).

[0354] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a third sub-magnet (333) disposed in the third housing (230) and adjacent to a side wall of the third housing (230) parallel to a second folding axis (Ax2) provided by the second hinge (280).

[0355] According to one embodiment, when the second housing (220) overlaps the first housing (210), the polarity of one side of the first sub-magnet (331) facing the second sub-magnet (332) may be opposite to the polarity of one side of the second sub-magnet (332) facing the first sub-magnet (331).

[0356] According to one embodiment, when the third housing (230) overlaps the second housing (220), the polarity of the other side of the second sub-magnet (332) facing the third sub-magnet (333) may be opposite to the polarity of one side of the third sub-magnet (333) facing the second sub-magnet (332).

[0357] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a fourth sub-magnet (334) disposed in the second housing (220).

[0358] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a fifth sub-magnet (335) disposed in the first housing (210) and positioned corresponding to the fourth sub-magnet (334) when the second housing (220) overlaps the first housing (210).

[0359] According to one embodiment, at least a portion (202a) of the flexible display (202) may be placed on the front surface of the first housing (210).

[0360] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a sub-display (205) disposed on the rear side of the first housing (210).

[0361] According to one embodiment, at least a portion (202c) of the flexible display (202) may be placed on the front surface of the third housing (230).

[0362] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a camera assembly (208) disposed on the rear side of the third housing (230).

[0363] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a multi-foldable housing (201) including a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge (270) coupled to one side of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and allowing the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) to rotate relative to each other, and a second hinge (280) coupled to another side of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) and allowing the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) to rotate relative to each other.

[0364] According to one embodiment, a multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (202) supported by the multi-foldable housing (201) and configured to be at least partially folded or unfolded.

[0365] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include at least one Hall sensor (323) disposed in the second housing (220).

[0366] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a first magnet (313) disposed in the first housing (210).

[0367] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a second magnet (315) disposed in the second housing (220).

[0368] According to one embodiment, the at least one Hall sensor (323) may be positioned corresponding to the first magnet (313) when the second housing (220) is overlapped with the first housing (210).

[0369] According to one embodiment, the at least one Hall sensor (323) may be positioned corresponding to the second magnet (315) when the third housing (230) is overlapped with the second housing (220).

[0370] According to one embodiment, the first magnet (313) and the second magnet (315) may be positioned adjacent to the second hinge (280).

[0371] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a first sub-magnet (331) disposed in the first housing (210).

[0372] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a second sub-magnet (332) disposed in the second housing (220).

[0373] According to one embodiment, the at least one Hall sensor (324) may be positioned adjacent to the second sub-magnet (332).

[0374] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a multi-foldable housing (201) including a first housing (1210), a second housing (1220), a third housing (1230), a first hinge (1270) coupled to one side of the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) and allowing the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) to rotate relative to each other, and a second hinge (1280) coupled to another side of the first housing (1210) and the third housing (1230) and allowing the first housing (1210) and the third housing (1230) to rotate relative to each other.

[0375] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a first hall sensor (1321) disposed in the second housing (1220).

[0376] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a second hall sensor (1322) disposed in the first housing (1210).

[0377] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a first magnet (1311) disposed in the first housing (1210) and positioned correspondingly to the first hall sensor (1321).

[0378] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a second magnet (1321) disposed in the third housing (1230) and positioned correspondingly to the second hall sensor (1322).

[0379] According to one embodiment, when the multi-foldable housing (201) is in a fully folded state, the first housing (1210) may be positioned at least partially between the second housing (1220) and the third housing (1230).

[0380] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device (101) may be provided. The multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a multi-foldable housing (201). The multi-foldable housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge (270) coupled to one side of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and configured to rotatably connect the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) with respect to each other, and a second hinge (280) coupled to another side of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) and configured to rotatably connect the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) with respect to each other. The multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (202) supported by the multi-foldable housing (201) and configured to be at least partially folded or unfolded, a sixth magnet (316) (or magnet (316)) disposed adjacent to the second hinge (280) in the third housing (220), a fifth hall sensor (326) (or hall sensor (326)) disposed at a distance capable of detecting a magnetic field of the sixth magnet (316) on the second hinge (280) and including sensing circuitry, a processor (120) accommodated in the multi-foldable housing (201) and including processing circuitry, and a memory (130) accommodated in the multi-foldable housing (201) and including instructions.The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may be configured to cause the multi-foldable electronic device (101) to: determine a folding state of the third housing (230) relative to the first housing (210) based on at least a portion of data regarding a magnetic field of the sixth magnet (316) measured by the fifth Hall sensor (326) according to movement of the third housing (230) relative to the first housing (210) via the second hinge (280).

[0381] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may be configured to cause the multi-foldable electronic device (101) to: provide a notification related to a folding order of the multi-foldable housing (201), based at least in part on the data.

[0382] In one embodiment, the notification may indicate a risk of breakage of at least a portion of the folding sequence of the multi-foldable housing (201) or the flexible display (202).

[0383] In one embodiment, the notification may be configured to be provided when the third housing (230) is folded below a certain angle relative to the first housing (210) while the second housing (220) is not positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230).

[0384] According to one embodiment, when the third housing (230) is rotated relative to the first housing (210) through the second hinge (280), the first distance (d) between the sixth magnet (316) and the fifth hall sensor (326) and the intensity of the magnetic field of the sixth magnet (316) measured by the fifth hall sensor (326) may be configured to change.

[0385] According to one embodiment, based on the strength of the magnetic field measured by the fifth Hall sensor (326), the second housing (220) may be configured to detect a first angle (α) formed by the third housing (230) with respect to the first housing (210) while the second housing (220) is not disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230).

[0386] According to one embodiment, the second hinge (280) includes a hinge cover (281) forming a part of the exterior of the multi-foldable electronic device (101), and the fifth hall sensor (326) can be placed in a receiving portion (2811) formed in the hinge cover (281).

[0387] According to one embodiment, the receiving portion (2811) may be in the form of a recess.

[0388] According to one embodiment, the sixth magnet (316) may be positioned adjacent to a side wall of the third housing (230) parallel to the second folding axis (Ax2) provided by the second hinge (280).

[0389] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a multi-foldable electronic device (101) may be provided. The multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a multi-foldable housing (201). The multi-foldable housing (201) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge (270) coupled to one side of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and configured to rotatably connect the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) with respect to each other, and a second hinge (280) coupled to another side of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) and configured to rotatably connect the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) with respect to each other. The multi-foldable electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (202) supported by the multi-foldable housing (201) and configured to be at least partially folded or unfolded, a hall sensor (327; 328; 329) disposed within the first housing (210) or the third housing (230), a sixth sub-magnet (336) accommodated in the first housing (210), and a seventh sub-magnet (337) accommodated in the third housing (230). In a state where the third housing (230) is overlapped on the first housing (210), the hall sensor (327; 328; 329) and the sixth sub-magnet (336) or the seventh sub-magnet (337) may be disposed to at least partially overlap with respect to a direction perpendicular to a portion of the flexible display (202) disposed on the first housing (210).

[0390] According to one embodiment, the Hall sensor (327; 329) may be disposed within the third housing (230). A multi-foldable electronic device, wherein the Hall sensor (327; 329) and the sixth sub-magnet (336) are disposed to at least partially overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to a portion of the flexible display (202) disposed on the first housing (210) while the third housing (230) is overlaid on the first housing (210), and the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh sub-magnet (337) are disposed to at least partially overlap each other.

[0391] According to one embodiment, the Hall sensor (328) may be disposed within the first housing (210). A multi-foldable electronic device, wherein the Hall sensor (328) and the seventh sub-magnet (337) are disposed to at least partially overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to a portion of the flexible display (202) disposed on the first housing (210) while the third housing (230) is overlaid on the first housing (210), and the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh sub-magnet (337) are disposed to at least partially overlap each other.

[0392] According to one embodiment, the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh sub-magnet (337) may have the same polarity.

[0393] (Case #1,2)

[0394] According to one embodiment, the Hall sensor (327; 328), the sixth sub-magnet (336) and the seventh sub-magnet (337) may be positioned adjacent to the second hinge (280).

[0395] (Case #3)

[0396] In one embodiment, the Hall sensor (329) and the sixth sub-magnet (336) may be disposed adjacent to a side wall of the third housing (230) within the first housing (210) that is further from the second hinge (280) and closer to the first hinge (270). The seventh sub-magnet (337) may be disposed adjacent to a side wall of the third housing (230) that is further from the second hinge (280) within the third housing (230).

[0397] According to one embodiment, at least one of the sixth sub-magnet (336) or the seventh sub-magnet (337) may be extended in a direction parallel to the second folding axis (Ax2) provided by the second hinge (280).

[0398] According to one embodiment, at least one of the sixth sub-magnet (336) or the seventh sub-magnet (337) may include a plurality of sub-magnets.

[0399] According to one embodiment, the plurality of sub-magnets may be arranged in a direction parallel to a second folding axis (Ax2) provided by the second hinge (280).

[0400] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device (101) may further include a processor (120) accommodated in the multi-foldable housing (201) and including processing circuitry, and a memory (130) accommodated in the multi-foldable housing (201) and including instructions. The instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may be configured to cause the multi-foldable electronic device (101) to: determine a folding state of the third housing (230) relative to the first housing (210) based on at least a portion of data regarding a magnetic field of the sixth sub-magnet (336) or the seventh sub-magnet (337) measured by the Hall sensor (327; 328; 329) according to movement of the third housing (230) relative to the first housing (210) via the second hinge (280).

[0401] According to one embodiment, the instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), may be configured to cause the multi-foldable electronic device (101) to: provide a notification related to a folding order of the multi-foldable housing (201), based at least in part on the data.

[0402] In one embodiment, the notification may indicate a risk of breakage of at least a portion of the folding sequence of the multi-foldable housing (201) or the flexible display (202).

[0403] In one embodiment, the notification may be configured to be provided when the third housing (230) is folded below a certain angle relative to the first housing (210) while the second housing (220) is not positioned between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230).

[0404] According to one embodiment, when the third housing (230) is rotated relative to the first housing (210) through the second hinge (280), the first distance (d) between the sixth magnet (316) and the fifth Hall sensor (326) and the intensity of the magnetic field of the sixth sub-magnet (336) or the seventh sub-magnet (337) measured by the Hall sensor (327; 328; 329) may be configured to change.

[0405] According to one embodiment, based on the strength of the magnetic field measured by the Hall sensor (327; 328; 329), the second housing (220) may be configured to detect a first angle (α) formed by the third housing (230) with respect to the first housing (210) without being disposed between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230).

[0406] Although the detailed description of this document has described specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of this document.

Claims

In a multi-foldable electronic device (101), A multi-foldable housing (201) including a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a third housing (230), a first hinge (270) coupled to one side of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and allowing the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) to rotate relative to each other, and a second hinge (280) coupled to another side of the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) and allowing the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) to rotate relative to each other; A flexible display (202) supported by the above multi-foldable housing (201) and configured to be at least partially folded or unfolded; A first magnet (311) placed in the second housing (220); A second magnet (312) disposed in the second housing (220) and positioned closer to the first hinge (270) than the first magnet (311); A first hall sensor (321) disposed in the first housing (210), including a sensing circuitry, and positioned corresponding to the first magnet (311) when the second housing (220) is rotated through the first hinge (270) to overlap the first housing (210); and A multi-foldable electronic device (101) comprising a second Hall sensor (322) disposed in the third housing (230), including a sensing circuit, and positioned corresponding to the second magnet (312) when the third housing (230) is rotated through the second hinge (280) to overlap the second housing (220). In the first paragraph, At least one processor (120) comprising a processing circuit; and It further includes a memory (130) for storing instructions, The above instructions, when individually or collectively executed by the at least one processor (120), cause the multi-foldable electronic device (101) to: Based on the strength of the magnetic field detected through the first hall sensor (321), it is identified whether the state of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) is folded or unfolded; and A multi-foldable electronic device (101) that identifies whether the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) are in a folded or unfolded state based on the strength of the magnetic field detected through the second hall sensor (322). In claim 1 or 2, A multi-foldable electronic device (101) in which the second housing (220) is positioned at least partially between the first housing (210) and the third housing (230) when the multi-foldable housing (201) is in a completely folded state. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, A third magnet (313) disposed in the first housing (210) and positioned corresponding to the first magnet (311) when the second housing (220) is rotated through the first hinge (270) to overlap the first housing (210); and A multi-foldable electronic device (101) further comprising a fourth magnet (314) disposed in the third housing (230) and positioned corresponding to the second magnet (312) when the third housing (230) is rotated through the second hinge (280) to overlap the second housing (220). In paragraph 4, The above first hall sensor (321) is a multi-foldable electronic device (101) positioned adjacent to the third magnet (313). In paragraph 4 or 5, The second hall sensor (322) is a multi-foldable electronic device (101) positioned adjacent to the fourth magnet (314). In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, A multi-foldable electronic device (101) in which the distance between the first hinge (270) and the first magnet (311) is greater than the distance between the first hinge (270) and the second magnet (312). In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above first magnet (311) is A multi-foldable electronic device (101) disposed adjacent to a side wall of the second housing (220) parallel to the first folding axis (Ax1) provided by the first hinge (270). In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above second hall sensor (322) is A multi-foldable electronic device (101) disposed adjacent to a side wall of the third housing (230) parallel to the second folding axis (Ax2) provided by the second hinge (280). In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, A first sub-magnet (331) disposed in the first housing (210) and adjacent to the first hinge (270); A second sub-magnet (332) disposed in the second housing (220) and adjacent to the first hinge (270); and A multi-foldable electronic device (101) further comprising a third sub-magnet (333) disposed in the third housing (230) and adjacent to a side wall of the third housing (230) parallel to a second folding axis (Ax2) provided by the second hinge (280). In Article 10, A multi-foldable electronic device (101) in which the polarity of one side of the first sub-magnet (331) facing the second sub-magnet (332) when the second housing (220) overlaps with the first housing (210) is opposite to the polarity of one side of the second sub-magnet (332) facing the first sub-magnet (331). In paragraph 10 or 11, A multi-foldable electronic device (101) in which the polarity of the other side of the second sub-magnet (332) facing the third sub-magnet (333) when the third housing (230) overlaps with the second housing (220) is opposite to the polarity of one side of the third sub-magnet (333) facing the second sub-magnet (332). In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, A fourth sub-magnet (334) arranged in the second housing (220); and A multi-foldable electronic device (101) further comprising a fifth sub-magnet (335) positioned corresponding to the fourth sub-magnet (334) when the second housing (220) is placed on the first housing (210) and overlaps the first housing (210). In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, At least a part (202a) of the flexible display (202) is arranged on the front side of the first housing (210), The multi-foldable electronic device (101) further includes a sub-display (205) arranged on the rear side of the first housing (210). In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, At least a part (202c) of the flexible display (202) is arranged on the front side of the third housing (230). The multi-foldable electronic device (101) further includes a camera assembly (208) disposed on the rear of the third housing (230).

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