Foldable electronic apparatus comprising speaker

Abstract

This foldable electronic device comprises: a foldable housing including a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part; a flexible display; and a front decorative part including a through hole. The third housing part includes a speaker and an acoustic conduit. The speaker is configured to provide audio signals toward the front surface of the foldable electronic device through a first path formed by the acoustic conduit and the through-hole, in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, and is configured to provide the audio signals toward the lateral side of the foldable electronic device through the first path and a second path formed by a gap between the front decorative part and the rear surface of the first housing part, in a folded state of the foldable electronic device.

Description

Foldable electronic device including a speaker

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device comprising a speaker.

[0002] A foldable electronic device may include housing parts and a flexible display that are rotatably coupled to each other. Depending on the rotation of the housing parts, a portion of the flexible display may be bent. The foldable electronic device may include speakers configured to output audio signals. The speakers may be placed inside the foldable housing.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as background technology for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0004] A foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device may include a foldable housing comprising a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a first hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a second hinge assembly rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part. The first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly may be configured to provide a folded state of the foldable electronic device having a front side of the third housing part facing the rear side of the first housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display comprising a first part corresponding to the first housing part, a second part corresponding to the second housing part, and a third part corresponding to the third housing part. The third part may define a portion of the front side of the third housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a front deco that includes a through hole, partially covers the edge portion of the third portion of the flexible display, and defines another portion of the front of the third housing part. The third housing part may include a speaker, and an acoustic duct arranged relative to the speaker and aligned with the through hole of the front deco. The rear portion of the first housing part may include a portion spaced apart from the through hole of the front deco to define a gap between the rear portion of the first housing part and the front deco within the folded state of the foldable electronic device.The speaker may be configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device through a first path formed by the acoustic duct and the through hole of the front deco in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device. The speaker may be configured to provide the audio signals toward the lateral side of the foldable electronic device through a second path formed by the first path and the gap between the front deco and the rear of the first housing part in the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0005] A foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device may include a first housing part, a second housing part rotatably coupled to the first housing part, and a third housing part rotatably coupled to the second housing part. The foldable housing may have a folded state of the foldable electronic device having a front side of the third housing part facing the rear side of the first housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display comprising a first part corresponding to the first housing part, a second part corresponding to the second housing part, and a third part corresponding to the third housing part. The third part may define a portion of the front side of the third housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a front deco that partially covers an edge portion of the flexible display. The above front deco may include a first front deco that includes a through hole and partially covers the edge portion of the first part of the flexible display, a second front deco that partially covers the edge portion of the second part of the flexible display, and a third front deco that includes a through hole and partially covers the edge portion of the third part of the flexible display. The third housing part may include a first speaker and a first acoustic duct arranged relative to the first speaker and aligned with the through hole of the third front deco. The first housing part may include a second speaker and a second acoustic duct arranged relative to the second speaker and aligned with the through hole of the first front deco.The first speaker may be configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device through a first path formed by the first acoustic tube and the through hole of the third front deco in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device. The first speaker may be configured to provide the audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device through a second path formed by the first path and the gap between the third front deco and the rear of the first housing part in the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 2a illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device.

[0008] FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a second state of an electronic device.

[0009] FIG. 2c illustrates an example of a third state of an electronic device.

[0010] FIG. 3a is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed.

[0011] FIG. 3b is a rear view of an electronic device with the rear cover and display removed.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a front deco and a flexible display of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 is a plan view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0014] Figure 6 is a plan view of a foldable electronic device in a folded state.

[0015] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the AA' line of Figure 5.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the BB' line of FIG. 5.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the CC' line of FIG. 6.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a part of the first housing part of a foldable electronic device.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a part of the first housing part of a foldable electronic device.

[0020] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the first housing part of FIG. 10.

[0021] Fig. 13 illustrates an intermediate state of a foldable electronic device.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the DD' line of FIG. 13.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the CC' line of FIG. 6.

[0024] FIG. 16 illustrates a third front decoration of a foldable electronic device.

[0025] FIG. 17 illustrates a first front decoration of a foldable electronic device.

[0026] FIG. 18 illustrates a second front decoration of a foldable electronic device.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the CC' line of FIG. 6.

[0028] FIG. 20 illustrates a third front decoration of a foldable electronic device.

[0029] FIG. 21 illustrates a first front decoration of a foldable electronic device.

[0030] FIG. 22 illustrates a second front decoration of a foldable electronic device.

[0031] Fig. 23 illustrates a speaker of a foldable electronic device.

[0032] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the speaker cut along the EE' line of FIG. 23.

[0033] FIG. 25 illustrates an acoustic duct associated with a speaker including an enclosure.

[0034] FIG. 26 illustrates an acoustic duct associated with a speaker that does not include an enclosure.

[0035] Fig. 27 is a block diagram of a foldable electronic device.

[0036] FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a foldable electronic device controlling the quality of audio signals output from a speaker based on the state of the foldable electronic device.

[0037] FIG. 29 illustrates a foldable electronic device.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through 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) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0040] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a program (140)), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in 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) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0041] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) 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. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence is performed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model is a hardware structure.

[0042] In addition, software structures may be included additionally or generally.

[0043] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0044] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0045] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0046] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0047] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., 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 said 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 the force generated by said touch.

[0048] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0049] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0050] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to 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.

[0051] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can 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).

[0052] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0053] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0054] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0055] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0056] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an 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 include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and 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., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., 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 may 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 identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0057] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), 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), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0058] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to 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 a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0060] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0061] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through 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 performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or 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 provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a 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.

[0062] FIG. 2a illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device. FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a second state of an electronic device. FIG. 2c illustrates an example of a third state of an electronic device.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, a foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a foldable housing (201), a flexible display (240), a first hinge assembly (250), a second hinge assembly (260), and a display (270). The foldable housing (201) may include a first housing part (210), a second housing part (220), and a third housing part (230).

[0064] The first housing part (210) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (220) by the first hinge assembly (250). The second housing part (220) and the first housing part (210) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (250). While the first housing part (210) is rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (250), the second housing part (220) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (250).

[0065] The third housing part (230) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (220) by the second hinge assembly (260). The second housing part (220) and the third housing part (230) can be rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (260). While the second housing part (220) is rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (260), the third housing part (230) can be rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (260).

[0066] The first hinge assembly (250) and the second hinge assembly (260) can change the state of the electronic device. The first hinge assembly (250) and the second hinge assembly (260) can provide a first state (200a) of the foldable electronic device (200) (or a first state (200a) of the foldable housing (201). The first state (200a) of the foldable electronic device (200) (or a first state (200a) of the foldable housing (201)) can be described as an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200) (or foldable housing (201)). Within the first state (200a), the front of the first housing part (210), the front of the second housing part (220), and the front of the third housing part (230) can define the front of the foldable electronic device (200). In the first state (200a), the front of the first housing part (210), the front of the second housing part (220), and the front of the third housing part (230) may face in the same direction. In the first state (200a), the foldable electronic device (200) may provide the user with a large display area of ​​the flexible display (240).

[0067] The first hinge assembly (250) and the second hinge assembly (260) can provide a second state (200b) of the foldable electronic device (200). The second state (200b) of the foldable electronic device (200) can be described as a state in which the foldable electronic device (200) is partially folded and partially unfolded (or a single folded state or a half folded state). For example, in the second state (200b), the front of the second housing part (220) and the front of the third housing part (230) may face in the same direction, and the front of the first housing part (210) and the front of the second housing part (220) may face in opposite directions. For example, in the second state (200b), the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be folded, and the second housing part (220) and the third housing part (230) may be unfolded. In the second state (200b), the foldable electronic device (200) can provide visual information through a part of the flexible display (240) (e.g., a third display area (240c)).

[0068] The foldable electronic device (200) can change from a first state (200a) to a third state (200c) through a second state (200b). The foldable electronic device (200) can change from a first state (200a), which is an unfolded state, to a second state (200b), which is a partially unfolded state. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) can change from a first state (200a), in which the first housing part (210), the second housing part (220), and the third housing part (230) face the same direction, to a second state (200b), in which the front of the first housing part (210) faces the front of the second housing part (220). The foldable electronic device (200) can change from a second state (200b), which is a partially unfolded state, to a third state (200c), which is a folded state. For example, when changing from the second state (200b) to the third state (200c), the folded first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be placed on the third housing part (230).

[0069] The first hinge assembly (250) and the second hinge assembly (260) can provide a third state (200c) of the foldable electronic device (200) (or a third state (200c) of the foldable housing (201). The third state (200c) of the foldable electronic device (200) (or a third state (200c) of the foldable housing (201)) can be described as a folded state (or multi-folded state) of the foldable electronic device (200) (or foldable housing (201)). In the third state (200c), the front of the first housing part (210) and the front of the second housing part (220) may face in opposite directions, and the front of the second housing part (220) and the front of the third housing part (230) may face in opposite directions. In the third state (200c), the front of the first housing part (210) and the front of the third housing part (230) may face each other in the same direction. For example, in the third state (200c), the front of the second housing part (220) may face the front of the first housing part (210), and the front of the third housing part (230) may face the rear of the first housing part (210). In the third state (200c), the rear of the second housing part (220) may be exposed to the outside. A display (270) may be placed on the rear of the second housing part (220). In the third state (200c), the rear of the third housing part (230) may be exposed to the outside. A camera (275) may be placed on the rear of the third housing part (230). In the third state (200c), the foldable electronic device (200) can be folded to improve portability and can provide visual information through a display (270) placed on the rear of the second housing part (220).

[0070] The foldable electronic device (200) may further include a key button (239). The key button (239) may be exposed from a structure (e.g., an opening) formed on the side of the third housing part (230) and may partially protrude outside the foldable electronic device (200). The key button (239) may provide physical input to a processing circuit inside the foldable electronic device (200) by pressure transmitted from the outside. The key button (239) may not be included in the foldable electronic device (200) and may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key displayed on a flexible display (240) or a display (270).

[0071] The key button (239) may be positioned on the side of the third housing part (230) so as to be exposed to the outside in the third state (200c). As the key button (239) is positioned on the side of the third housing part (230), it may be positioned in the direction in which the side of the third housing part (230) faces. Even if the display (270) in the third state (200c) is changed to the first state (200a) by a user, the position of the key button (239) positioned on the side of the third housing part (230) may not be moved. For example, referring to FIG. 2a, in the first state (200a), when the flexible display (240) is viewed from above, the key button (239) may be positioned on the right side. Referring to FIG. 2c, in the third state (200c), when viewing the display (270) from above, the key button (239) can be positioned on the right.

[0072] A flexible display (240) may define the appearance of a foldable electronic device (200) at least partially. The flexible display (240) may be partially disposed within a foldable housing (201). The flexible display (240) may define the front of the foldable electronic device (200). The flexible display (240) may include a first part (241), a second part (242), a third part (243), a first bendable part (244), and a second bendable part (245). The first part (241) of the flexible display (240) may be disposed on the front of a first housing part (210). The second part (242) of the flexible display (240) may be disposed on the front of a second housing part (220). A third part (243) of the flexible display (240) may be placed on the front of the third housing part (230). A first bendable part (244) of the flexible display (240) may be placed between the first part (241) and the third part (243) of the flexible display (240). For example, the first bendable part (244) of the flexible display (240) may be placed on a first hinge assembly (250) connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). A second bendable part (245) of the flexible display (240) may be placed between the second part (242) and the third part (243) of the flexible display (240). For example, the second bendable portion (245) of the flexible display (240) may be placed on a second hinge assembly (260) connecting the second housing part (220) and the third housing part (230).

[0073] The first part (241) of the flexible display (240), the second part (242) of the flexible display (240), and the third part (243) of the flexible display (240) may face substantially the same direction. In the first state (200a), the first bendable part (244) and the second bendable part (245) may be positioned on substantially the same horizontal plane as the first part (241), the second part (242), and the third part (243).

[0074] The first hinge assembly (250) and the second hinge assembly (260) can provide a second state (200b) of the foldable electronic device (200). In the second state (200b), the first part (241) of the flexible display (240) may face the second part (242) of the flexible display (240), and the third part (243) of the flexible display (240) may face the same direction as the second part (242) of the flexible display (240). For example, the second part (242) and the third part (243) may be positioned substantially on the same horizontal plane.

[0075] In the second state (200b), the first bendable portion (244) of the flexible display (240) is bent by the first hinge assembly (250), so that the first bendable portion (244) of the flexible display (240) can be folded such that the first portion (241) of the flexible display (240) and the second portion (242) of the flexible display (240) face in different directions.

[0076] In the second state (200b), the second bendable portion (245) of the flexible display (240) is maintained in an unfolded state by the second hinge assembly (260), so that the second bendable portion (245) of the flexible display (240) can be unfolded such that the second portion (242) of the flexible display (240) and the third portion (243) of the flexible display (240) face in the same direction.

[0077] The first hinge assembly (250) and the second hinge assembly (260) can provide a third state (200c) of the foldable electronic device (200). In the third state (200c), the second part (242) of the flexible display (240) faces the first part (241) of the flexible display (240), and the third part (243) of the flexible display (240) may face the rear of the first housing part (210).

[0078] In the third state (200c), the first bendable portion (244) of the flexible display (240) is bent by the first hinge assembly (250), so that the first bendable portion (244) of the flexible display (240) can be folded such that the first portion (241) of the flexible display (240) and the second portion (242) of the flexible display (240) face in different directions.

[0079] In the third state (200c), the second bendable portion (245) of the flexible display (240) is bent by the second hinge assembly (260), so that the second bendable portion (245) of the flexible display (240) can be folded such that the second portion (242) of the flexible display (240) and the third portion (243) of the flexible display (240) face in different directions. The second bendable portion (245) may further include a first deformation portion (245a), a second deformation portion (245b), and a flat portion (245c). The first deformation portion (245a) may be positioned between the flat portion (245c) and the second portion (242), and the second deformation portion (245b) may be positioned between the flat portion (245c) and the third portion (243). The flat portion (245c) may be positioned between the first deformation portion (245a) and the second deformation portion (245b). The flat portion (245c) may be supported by a support plate (e.g., the support plate (364) of FIG. 3a) that is distinct from the hinge plates of the second hinge assembly (260) (e.g., the third hinge plate (362) and the fourth hinge plate (363) of FIG. 3a). Regardless of the state of the foldable electronic device (200), the flat portion (245c) may remain flat. The first deformation part (245a) and the second deformation part (245b) are unfolded in the first state (200a) and the second state (200b), and in the third state (200c), the first deformation part (245a) and the second deformation part (245b) can be bent so that the second part (242) and the third part (243) face different directions. In the third state (200c), the first housing part (210) can be positioned between the second housing part (220) and the third housing part (230). In the third state (200c), the second bendable part (245) of the flexible display (240) positioned on the second hinge assembly (260) can be partially facing the side (210c) of the first housing part (210).

[0080] The display area of ​​the flexible display (240) may include a first display area (240a), a second display area (240b), and a third display area (240c). The display area represents an area capable of providing visual information from the flexible display (240). In a first state (200a), the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (240) may be visible from the front of the foldable housing (201). For example, in a first state (200a), the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may be visually exposed. The foldable electronic device (200) may provide a large display area to the user that includes the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c).

[0081] In the second state (200b), the display area of ​​the flexible display (240) may be partially visible from the front of the third housing part (230). For example, the third display area (240c) may be visually exposed, while the first display area (240a) and the second display area (240b) may not be visually exposed.

[0082] In the third state (200c), the display area of ​​the flexible display (240) may not be visible. For example, in the third state (200c), the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may not be visually exposed.

[0083] In a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (240) is used to display a screen within a first state (200a) of the foldable electronic device (200), the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may be activated. In a non-limiting example, within the third state (200c), the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may be deactivated. In a non-limiting example, within a second state (200b) of the foldable electronic device (200), when the flexible display (240) is used to display a screen, the third display area (240c) is activated, and the first display area (240a) and the second display area (240b) of the flexible display (240) may be deactivated.

[0084] In a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (240) is used to display a screen within a first state (200a) of the foldable electronic device (200), the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may display visual information. In a non-limiting example, within the third state (200c), the first display area (240a), the second display area (240b), and the third display area (240c) of the flexible display (240) may provide a black image. In a non-limiting example, within a second state (200b) of the foldable electronic device (200), when the flexible display (240) is used to display a screen, the third display area (240c) provides visual information, and the first display area (240a) and the second display area (240b) of the flexible display (240) may provide a black image.

[0085] FIG. 3a is a top view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed. FIG. 3b is a rear view of an electronic device with the rear cover and display removed.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a first hinge assembly (250) and a second hinge assembly (260). The first width (w1) of the first hinge assembly (250) may be narrower than the second width (w2) of the second hinge assembly (260). The difference between the first width (w1) of the first hinge assembly (250) and the second width (w2) of the second hinge assembly (260) may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the first housing part (210). For example, the second hinge assembly (260) may have a second width (w2) that is wider than the first width (w1) so that, according to a third state (200c), the first housing part (210) is positioned between the second housing part (220) and the third housing part (230). The first hinge assembly (250) may be referred to as a narrow hinge structure in that it has a narrower width than the second hinge assembly (260). The second hinge assembly (260) may be referred to as a wide hinge structure in that it has a wider width than the first hinge assembly (250).

[0087] The first hinge assembly (250) may include a first set of gears (351), a first hinge plate (352), and a second hinge plate (353). The first hinge plate (352) may be coupled to a first bracket (211) of a first housing part (210). The second hinge plate (353) may be coupled to a second bracket (221) of a second housing part (220). The gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (351) may be configured to rotate the first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353). For example, the gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (351) can rotate the second hinge plate (353) (or the second housing part (220)) in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (352) (or the first housing part (210)). After the first hinge plate (352) (or the first housing part (210)) is rotated, the gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (351) can be rotated according to the rotation of the first hinge plate (352) (or the first housing part (210)). The second hinge plate (353) (or the second housing part (220)) may be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (352) according to the rotation of the gears included in the first set of gears (351). The gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (351) may include a first gear (g11), a second gear (g12), a third gear (g13), and a fourth gear (g14). The first gear (g11) may be positioned adjacent to the first hinge plate (352), and the fourth gear (g14) may be positioned adjacent to the second hinge plate (353). The second gear (g12) and the third gear (g13) may be positioned between the first gear (g11) and the fourth gear (g14).The first gear (g11), the second gear (g12), the third gear (g13), and the fourth gear (g14) can be engaged sequentially. Depending on the first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) of the first gear (g11), the second gear (g12) engaged with the first gear (g11) can be rotated in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction. Depending on the second rotational direction of the second gear (g12), the third gear (g13) engaged with the second gear (g12) can be rotated in the first rotational direction. Depending on the first rotational direction of the third gear (g13), the fourth gear (g14) can be rotated in the second rotational direction. As the first gear (g11) and the fourth gear (g14) rotate in different directions, the first housing part (210) connected to the first hinge plate (352) and the second housing part (220) connected to the second hinge plate (353) can be folded or unfolded.

[0088] The second hinge assembly (260) may include a second set of gears (361), a third hinge plate (362), a fourth hinge plate (363), and a support plate (364). The third hinge plate (362) may be coupled to the second bracket (221) of the second housing part (220). The fourth hinge plate (363) may be coupled to the third bracket (231) of the third housing part (230). The gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (361) may be configured to rotate the third hinge plate (362) and the fourth hinge plate (363). For example, the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (361) can rotate the fourth hinge plate (363) (or the third housing part (230)) in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (362) (or the second housing part (220)). After the third hinge plate (362) (or the second housing part (220)) is rotated, the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (361) can be rotated according to the rotation of the third hinge plate (362) (or the second housing part (220)). The fourth hinge plate (363) (or the third housing part (230)) can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (362) according to the rotation of the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set (361) of gears.

[0089] The gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set (361) of gears may include a first gear (g21), a second gear (g22), a third gear (g23), a fourth gear (g24), a fifth gear (g25), and a sixth gear (g26). The first gear (g21) may be positioned adjacent to the third hinge plate (362), and the sixth gear (g26) may be positioned adjacent to the fourth hinge plate (363). The second gear (g22), the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24), and the fifth gear (g25) may be positioned between the first gear (g21) and the sixth gear (g26). The first gear (g21), second gear (g22), third gear (g23), fourth gear (g24), fifth gear (g25), and sixth gear (g26) can be engaged sequentially. Depending on the first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) of the first gear (g21), the second gear (g22) engaged with the first gear (g21) can be rotated in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction. Depending on the second rotational direction of the second gear (g22), the third gear (g23) engaged with the second gear (g22) can be rotated in the first rotational direction. Depending on the first rotational direction of the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24) can be rotated in the second rotational direction. Depending on the rotation of the fourth gear (g24) in the second rotational direction, the fifth gear (g25) engaged with the fourth gear (g24) can be rotated in the first rotational direction. Depending on the rotation of the fifth gear (g25) in the first rotational direction, the sixth gear (g26) engaged with the fifth gear (g25) can be rotated in the second rotational direction. As the first gear (g21) and the sixth gear (g26) rotate in different directions, the second housing part (220) connected to the third hinge plate (362) and the third housing part (230) connected to the fourth hinge plate (363) can be folded or unfolded.

[0090] The first hinge assembly (250) and the second hinge assembly (260) may further include a spiral structure. The spiral structure may include a spiral groove formed in each hinge plate or a rotating member connected to the hinge plate and a moving member sliding along the spiral groove. The hinge plates connected to the hinge assembly may be configured to rotate by substantially the same angular displacement through the spiral structure.

[0091] The foldable electronic device (200) may include a first printed circuit board (371), a second printed circuit board (372), and a third printed circuit board (373).

[0092] A first printed circuit board (371) may be placed on a first bracket (211) of a first housing part (210). Hardware components within the first housing part (210) may be placed on the first printed circuit board (371). A second printed circuit board (372) may be placed on a second bracket (221) of a second housing part (220). A third printed circuit board (373) may be placed on a third bracket (231) of a third housing part (230). Hardware components within the third housing part (230) may be placed on the third printed circuit board (373).

[0093] Hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (371) can support or operate independently of hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (372) and / or hardware components placed on the third printed circuit board (373).

[0094] Hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (372) may support or operate independently of hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (371) or the third printed circuit board (373). Hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (372) may include a speaker, a front camera, and / or a display driving circuit.

[0095] Hardware components disposed on the third printed circuit board (373) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit (e.g., application processor (AP), communication processor (CP)), memory including one or more storage media, communication circuits, and a rear camera (275). The rear camera (275) may be exposed through a structure (e.g., an opening) on ​​the rear of the third housing part (230).

[0096] The foldable electronic device (200) may further include a sub-printed circuit board (375) and flexible printed circuit boards (380, 390). The sub-printed circuit board (375) may be disposed in at least a portion of the first housing part (210), the second housing part (220), and the third housing part (230). The flexible printed circuit boards (380, 390) may include a first flexible printed circuit board (380) and a second flexible printed circuit board (390). The first flexible printed circuit board (380) may electrically connect the printed circuit board disposed in each of the housing parts (210, 220, 230). The second flexible printed circuit board (390) may connect the printed circuit board within the housing part where the sub-printed circuit board (375) is disposed with the sub-printed circuit board (375).

[0097] Components within the foldable electronic device (200) may be connected to at least one processor within the third printed circuit board (373) via flexible printed circuit boards (380, 390). For example, a signal received from an antenna placed in the third housing part (230) may be transmitted to the third printed circuit board (373) where at least one processor (e.g., AP or CP) is placed via a signal path (a) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (380). A driving circuit for a flexible display (240) placed in the first housing part (210) may be connected to the third printed circuit board (373) where at least one processor (e.g., AP) is placed via a sub-printed circuit board (375) and a signal path (b) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (380). A driving circuit for a display (270) connected to a sub-printed circuit board (375) placed in a second housing part (220) can be electrically connected to a third printed circuit board (373) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP) is placed, through a signal path (c) provided by the sub-printed circuit board (375), the first flexible printed circuit board (380), and the second flexible printed circuit board (390).

[0098] The foldable electronic device (200) may further include batteries. Each of the batteries may be attached to brackets (211, 221, 231) included in the housing parts (210, 220, 230). The brackets (211, 221, 231) may support rechargeable batteries.

[0099] The arrangement of hardware components is exemplary, and unlike the above, the rear camera (275) and the second printed circuit board (372) may be placed in the third housing part (230), and the third printed circuit board (373) may be placed in the second housing part (220).

[0100] The first housing part (210) and the third housing part (230) are shown to rotate in opposite directions relative to the second housing part (220), but are not limited thereto. For example, while changing from the first state (200a) to the third state (200c), the first housing part (210) may rotate counterclockwise relative to the second housing part (220), and the third housing part (230) may rotate counterclockwise relative to the second housing part (220). As the first housing part (210) and the third housing part (230) rotate in the same direction, a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (240) in the second state may be visually exposed.

[0101] Figure 4 illustrates the front deco and flexible display of a foldable electronic device.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 4, a foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include front decorations (410) for covering and protecting an edge portion of a flexible display (240). The front decorations (410) may define a portion of the front surface of the foldable electronic device (200). The front decorations (410) may protect the flexible display (240) by at least partially covering an edge portion of the flexible display (240). For example, the front decorations (410) may be placed on top of the flexible display (240) (e.g., in the +z direction). Each of the front decorations (410) may be referred to as a front frame, decoration, decorative frame, or panel.

[0103] For example, front decos (410) (e.g., front frames) may include a first front deco (411) covering a portion of the edge portion of a first portion (241) of the flexible display (240), a second front deco (412) covering a portion of the edge portion of a second portion (242) of the flexible display (240), and a third front deco (413) covering a portion of the edge portion of a third portion (243) of the flexible display (240). Since a portion of the flexible display (240) can be deformed, the first front deco (411) and the third front deco (413) may be spaced apart from the second front deco (412). For example, the gap between the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412) may be larger than the gap between the second front deco (412) and the third front deco (413).

[0104] Front decos (410) may define a portion of the front side of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, a first front deco (411) may define a portion of the front side of a first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2a). A second front deco (412) may define a portion of the front side of a second housing part (220). A third front deco (413) may define a portion of the front side of a third housing part (230). The front decos (410) may each be referred to as protective frames, deco frames, or cover frames in terms of protecting and covering a portion of the flexible display (240).

[0105] A foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include caps for reducing the inflow of foreign substances (e.g., dust) between front decos (410). The caps can reduce the inflow of foreign substances by filling the gap between the front decos (410). The caps may include a first cap (421) and a second cap (422) disposed between a first front deco (411) and a second front deco (412), and a third cap (423) and a fourth cap (424) disposed between a second front deco (412) and a third front deco (413).

[0106] Figure 5 is a plan view of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 5, the flexible display (240) and the front decos (410) can define the front side of the foldable electronic device (200). The front side of the foldable electronic device (200) can be referred to as the side of the foldable electronic device (200) facing the +z direction of FIG. 5. For example, the first front deco (411) and the first part (241) of the flexible display (240) can define at least partially the front side of the first housing part (210). The second front deco (412) and the second part (242) of the flexible display (240) can define at least partially the front side of the second housing part (220). The third front deco (413) and the third part (243) of the flexible display (240) can define at least partially the front of the third housing part (230).

[0108] The foldable electronic device (200) may include an acoustic output module (e.g., the acoustic output module (155) of FIG. 1). In the following description, a speaker is described as an example of an acoustic output module, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the acoustic output module may include a speaker or a receiver.

[0109] The foldable electronic device (200) may include speakers. The speakers may be placed within the foldable housing (201). The speakers may output audio signals. The audio signals output from the speakers may be provided to the outside of the foldable housing (201) through an acoustic duct formed inside the foldable housing (201). Each of the speakers may include a diaphragm, a magnet, and a voice coil for outputting audio signals.

[0110] The foldable electronic device (200) may include a first speaker (511) disposed within a third housing part (230) and a second speaker (512) disposed within a first housing part (210). For example, the first speaker (511) may be disposed adjacent to the upper part (e.g., +y direction) of the third housing part (230), and the second speaker (512) may be disposed adjacent to the upper part of the first housing part (210).

[0111] The foldable electronic device (200) may further include a third speaker (513) disposed within a third housing part (230) and a fourth speaker (514) disposed within a first housing part (210). For example, the third speaker (513) may be disposed adjacent to the lower part (e.g., -y direction) of the third housing part (230), and the fourth speaker (514) may be disposed adjacent to the lower part of the first housing part (210). The foldable electronic device (200) may be configured to provide stereophonic sound using two or more of the speakers.

[0112] In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), speakers may be configured to provide audio signals (e.g., acoustic signals) toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) so as to provide rich sound effects. When audio signals are provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200), rich sound effects may be provided to the user.

[0113] For example, a user can hold the side of the foldable electronic device (200) with their hand and look at the flexible display (240) of the foldable electronic device (200). If the speakers provide audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200), the side may be blocked by the user's hand, and the audio signals may not be properly provided. Audio signals provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) may be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) facing the user, rather than toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) that comes into contact with the user's hand.

[0114] For example, when a foldable electronic device (200) in an unfolded state is mounted on a stand for use, the stand may support the side of the foldable electronic device (200). If the foldable electronic device (200) provides audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200), the side may be blocked by the stand, and the audio signals may not be properly provided. Audio signals provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) may be provided toward the open front of the foldable electronic device (200), rather than toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) in contact with the stand.

[0115] In order for audio signals to be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) within the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the foldable electronic device (200) may have a structure that provides front radiation of audio signals. As described above, front decos (410) may define a portion of the front of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, a third portion (243) of the flexible display (240) may define a portion of the front of the third housing part (230), and a third front deco (413) may define another portion of the front of the third housing part (230). Since the third front deco (413) defines another part of the front of the third housing part (230), the third front deco (413) may include a structure for audio signals output from the first speaker (511) and the third speaker (513) placed within the third housing part (230).

[0116] The third front deco (413) may include a first through hole (521). The first through hole (521) may be arranged relative to the first speaker (511) so that audio signals output from the first speaker (511) can be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200). As described below, the first through hole (521) may be aligned with a first acoustic channel (e.g., the first acoustic channel (710) of FIG. 7) arranged relative to the first speaker (511). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), audio signals output from the first speaker (511) may be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through a first path (e.g., the first path (P1) of FIG. 7) formed by the first acoustic channel (710) and the first through hole (521). In the present disclosure, through holes may be referred to as speaker holes.

[0117] A first front deco (411) that partially defines the front of the first housing part (210) may include a second through hole (522) for a second speaker (512) disposed within the first housing part (210). The second through hole (522) may be arranged with respect to the second speaker (512) so that audio signals output from the second speaker (512) can be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200). As described below, the second through hole (522) may be aligned with a second acoustic tube (e.g., the second acoustic tube (810) of FIG. 8) arranged with respect to the second speaker (512). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), audio signals output from the second speaker (512) can be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through a third path (e.g., the third path (P3) of FIG. 8) formed by the second acoustic tube (810) and the second through hole (522).

[0118] In the present disclosure, for convenience of explanation, structures related to the first speaker (511) (e.g., first acoustic tube (710) and first through hole (521)) and structures related to the second speaker (512) (e.g., second acoustic tube (810) and second through hole (522)) are described, but said structures may be applied substantially identically to structures related to the third speaker (513) and structures related to the fourth speaker (514), respectively. For example, for audio signals output from the third speaker (513), the third front deco (413) may further include a third through hole (523), and the third housing part (230) may further include an acoustic tube. For audio signals output from the fourth speaker (514), the fourth front deco may further include a fourth through hole (524), and the first housing part (210) may further include an acoustic tube.

[0119] Figure 6 is a plan view of a foldable electronic device in a folded state.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 6, in a folded state of a foldable electronic device (200), a first housing part (210), a second housing part (220), and a third housing part (230) may be superimposed. In a folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the front of the first housing part (210) may face the front of the second housing part (220), and the front of the third housing part (230) may face the rear of the first housing part (210). A first hinge assembly (250) and a second hinge assembly (260) may be configured to provide a folded state of the foldable electronic device (200) having a front of the third housing part (230) facing the rear of the first housing part (210).

[0121] In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the front of the foldable electronic device (200) is not exposed to the outside and can be covered by the foldable housing (201). In the folded state, since the front of the foldable electronic device (200) is not exposed to the outside, audio signals output from the speakers can be blocked by the foldable housing (201). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), a structure may be required that allows audio signals output from the speakers to be provided to the outside of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0122] The speakers may be configured to provide audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). Below, a structure of the foldable electronic device (200) for providing audio signals toward the front or side of the foldable electronic device (200) depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (200) is described.

[0123] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the AA' line of Figure 5.

[0124] Referring to FIG. 7, the third housing part (230) may include a first speaker (511) and a first acoustic tube (710). The first acoustic tube (710) may be arranged relative to the first speaker (511) and may be aligned with the first through hole (521) (e.g., the first speaker hole) of the third front deco (413). For example, the first acoustic tube (710) may extend from one end connected to the internal space of the third housing part (230) where the first speaker (511) is placed, to the other end aligned with the first through hole (521). For example, one end of the first acoustic tube (710) may face the interior of the third housing part (230), and the other end of the first acoustic tube (710), opposite to the one end, may face the third front deco (413). For example, the other end of the first acoustic tube (710) may be referred to as the third speaker hole.

[0125] In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first speaker (511) may be configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through a first path (P1). For example, the first path (P1) may be formed by the first acoustic duct (710) and the first through hole (521) of the third front deco (413). For example, audio signals output from the first speaker (511) may be radiated toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through the first path (P1) formed along the first acoustic duct (710) and the first through hole (521) of the third front deco (413). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), since the front of the third front deco (413) is open, audio signals emitted through the first path (P1) can be provided to the user.

[0126] The structure illustrated in FIG. 7 can be applied substantially the same way to the third speaker (513) of FIG. 5.

[0127] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the BB' line of FIG. 5.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 8, the first housing part (210) may include a second speaker (512) and a second acoustic tube (810). The second acoustic tube (810) may be arranged relative to the second speaker (512) and may be aligned with a second through hole (522) (e.g., a second speaker hole) of the first front deco (411). For example, the second acoustic tube (810) may extend from one end connected to the internal space of the first housing part (210) where the second speaker (512) is placed, to the other end aligned with the second through hole (522). For example, one end of the second acoustic tube (810) may face the interior of the first housing part (210), and the other end of the second acoustic tube (810), opposite to the first end, may face the first front deco (411). For example, the other end of the second acoustic tube (810) may be referred to as the fourth speaker hole.

[0129] In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the second speaker (512) may be configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through a third path (P3). For example, the third path (P3) may be formed by the second acoustic duct (810) and the second through hole (522) of the first front deco (411). For example, audio signals output from the second speaker (512) may be radiated toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through the third path (P3) formed along the second acoustic duct (810) and the second through hole (522) of the first front deco (411). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), since the front of the first front deco (411) is open, audio signals emitted through the third path (P3) can be provided to the user.

[0130] The structure illustrated in FIG. 8 can be applied substantially identically to the fourth speaker (514) of FIG. 5.

[0131] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the CC' line of FIG. 6.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 9, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the front of the foldable electronic device (200) may be obstructed. For example, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the front of the first housing part (210) and the front of the second housing part (220) may face each other, and the rear of the first housing part (210) and the front of the third housing part (230) may face each other. Since the front of the third housing part (230) is obstructed by the rear of the first housing part (210), the aforementioned first path (P1) may be obstructed by the rear of the third housing part (230). Since the front of the first housing part (210) is obstructed by the front of the second housing part (220), the aforementioned third path (P3) may be obstructed by the front of the second housing part (220).

[0133] In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first speaker (511) may be configured to provide audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) through a first path (P1) and a second path (P2). The second path (P2) may be formed by a gap between the rear of the first housing part (210) and a third front deco (413) that defines a portion of the front of the third housing part (230). In other words, the path provided to the audio signals may include a gap between the rear of the first housing part (210) and the front of the third housing part (230), rather than a gap between the front of the first housing part (210) and the front of the third housing part (230).

[0134] The rear surface of the first housing part (210) may include a portion spaced apart from the third front deco (413) to define a gap between the rear surface of the first housing part (210) and the third front deco (413) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, said portion may be defined by a first sealing member (911). The structure of the first sealing member (911) will be described later through FIGS. 11 and FIGS. 12.

[0135] A gap may be formed between the first through hole (521) of the third front deco (413) and the said portion of the rear of the first housing part (210). The gap may form a second path (P2) for audio signals output from the first speaker (511). The second path (P2) may be connected to the first path (P1) formed by the first acoustic tube (710) and the first through hole (521). By the second path (P2) formed by the gap and the first path (P1), audio signals output from the first speaker (511) may be provided toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, when audio signals are output from a first speaker (511) placed within a third housing part (230), the audio signals can be radiated toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) along a first path (P1) and a second path (P2). Since the side of the foldable electronic device (200) is open, the audio signals radiated toward the side can be provided to a user.

[0136] As audio signals are provided toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) through the first path (P1) and the second path (P2), a separate speaker hole for the first speaker (511) on the side of the foldable electronic device (200) may be omitted. As the speaker hole on the side of the foldable electronic device (200) is omitted, the appearance quality of the foldable electronic device (200) may be improved and design freedom may be secured.

[0137] The descriptions of the structures related to the first speaker (511) described above can be substantially applied to the third speaker (513) of FIG. 5.

[0138] In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the second speaker (512) may be configured to provide audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) through a third path (P3) and a fourth path (P4). The fourth path (P4) may be formed by a gap between the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412). To seal the gap between the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412), the foldable electronic device (200) may include a second sealing member (912).

[0139] The first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412) can define a gap between the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412) can form the gap by including an inclined portion that is inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the second through hole (522) of the first front deco (411) may not be blocked by the second front deco (412).

[0140] A gap may be formed between the second through hole (522) of the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412). The gap may form a fourth path (P4) for audio signals output from the second speaker (512). The fourth path (P4) may be connected to a second path (P2) formed by the second acoustic conduit (810) and the second through hole (522). By the fourth path (P4) formed by the gap and the second path (P2), audio signals output from the second speaker (512) may be provided toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, when audio signals are output from a second speaker (512) placed within a first housing part (210), the audio signals can be radiated toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) along a third path (P3) and a fourth path (P4). Since the side of the foldable electronic device (200) is open, the audio signals radiated toward the side can be provided to a user.

[0141] As audio signals are provided toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) through the third path (P3) and the fourth path (P4), a separate speaker hole for the second speaker (512) on the side of the foldable electronic device (200) may be omitted. As the speaker hole on the side of the foldable electronic device (200) is omitted, the appearance quality of the foldable electronic device (200) may be improved and design freedom may be secured.

[0142] The descriptions of the structures related to the second speaker (512) described above can be substantially applied to the fourth speaker (514) of FIG. 5.

[0143] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a portion of the first housing part of a foldable electronic device. FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a portion of the first housing part of a foldable electronic device. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the first housing part of FIG. 10.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 10, the first front deco (411) may include a second through hole (522). As previously described, the second through hole (522) may be aligned with a second acoustic tube (e.g., the second acoustic tube (810) of FIG. 8). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), audio signals output from a second speaker (e.g., the second speaker (512) of FIG. 5) disposed within the first housing part (210) may be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) (e.g., the +z direction) through the second through hole (522).

[0145] The foldable electronic device (200) may include a second sealing member (912). The second sealing member (912) may seal the periphery of the second through hole (522) of the first front deco (411). For example, when audio signals output from the second speaker (512) are provided through the second through hole (522) of the first front deco (411), if the periphery of the second through hole (522) is not sealed, the audio signals may be provided in a direction different from the front of the foldable electronic device (200). By sealing the periphery of the second through hole (522) of the first front deco (411), the second sealing member (912) can reduce the leakage of the audio signals in directions different from the front of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0146] Referring to FIG. 11, a portion of the rear of the first housing part (210) may include an indented portion (1111) that is indented or dented toward the front of the first housing part (210). For example, the indented portion (1111) may be formed by indenting a portion of the rear plate (1110) that defines the rear of the first housing part (210). The indented portion (1111) may be formed within an area of ​​the rear of the first housing part (210) that overlaps with a first through hole (e.g., first through hole (521) of FIG. 5) of a third front deco (e.g., third front deco (413) of FIG. 5) in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). If, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the rear surface of the first housing part (210) blocks the first through hole (521) of the third front deco (413), audio signals output from the first speaker (511) may not be provided to the outside of the foldable electronic device (200). A gap may be formed between the third front deco (413) and the rear surface of the first housing part (210) by the recessed portion (1111). As described above, the gap may form a second path (e.g., second path (P2) of FIG. 9) for audio signals output from the first speaker (e.g., the first speaker (511) of FIG. 9) placed within the third housing part (230).

[0147] The first sealing member (911) may be disposed within the recessed portion (1111). The first sealing member (911) may be configured to seal another gap between the rear of the first housing part (210) and the third front deco (413), which is distinct from the gap forming the second path (P2), so that audio signals output from the first speaker (511) in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200) can be provided toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) through the second path (P2).

[0148] Referring to FIG. 12, the second sealing member (912) may be placed under the first front deco (411). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the second sealing member (912) may not seal the direction toward the side so that audio signals output from the second speaker (e.g., the second speaker (512) of FIG. 9) placed within the first housing part (210) may be radiated toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200). The second sealing member (912) may seal the periphery of the second through hole (522) of the first front deco (411) so that the audio signals do not leak in directions different from the direction toward the side.

[0149] The first sealing member (911) may be placed within the recessed portion (1111). The first sealing member (911) placed within the recessed portion (1111) may come into contact with a part of the third front deco (e.g., the third front deco (413) of FIG. 9) in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200) and may be spaced apart from the first through hole (e.g., the first through hole (521) of FIG. 9) of the third front deco (413). The first sealing member (911) can seal the gap between the rear of the first housing part (210) and a part of the third front deco (413) so that audio signals output from the first speaker (e.g., the first speaker (511) of FIG. 9) placed within the third housing part (e.g., the third housing part (230) of FIG. 9) do not leak in directions different from the direction toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0150] FIG. 13 illustrates an intermediate state of a foldable electronic device. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device cut along the DD' line of FIG. 13.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 13, in an intermediate state of the foldable electronic device (200), the front of the first housing part (210) and the front of the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 9) face each other, and the front of the third housing part (230) can be opened.

[0152] In an intermediate state of the foldable electronic device (200), the front of the third housing part (230) may be opened. For example, the first through hole (521) of the third front deco (413) may be opened. Because the first through hole (521) of the third front deco (413) is opened, audio signals output from the first speaker (511) placed within the third housing part (230) may be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, in an intermediate state of the foldable electronic device (200), the audio signals output from the first speaker (511) may be radiated toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through a first path (e.g., the first path (P1) of FIG. 7). The above descriptions may be substantially applied to the third speaker (513) placed within the third housing part (230) and the third through hole (523) of the third front deco (413).

[0153] Referring to FIG. 14, in an intermediate state of the foldable electronic device (200), since the first housing part (210) is superimposed on the second housing part (220), audio signals output from the second speaker (512) placed within the first housing part (210) can be provided toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, in an intermediate state of the foldable electronic device (200), the audio signals output from the second speaker (512) can be radiated toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) through the third path (P3) and the fourth path (P4).

[0154] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the CC' line of FIG. 6.

[0155] According to the Helmholtz resonator formula for resonator calculation, the resonant frequency of audio signals output from a speaker can be determined based on the volume of the resonator, the cross-sectional area of ​​the resonator inlet, and the length of the resonator inlet. Equation 1 below is the Helmholtz resonator formula.

[0156] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0157]

[0158] (Here, f is the resonance frequency, A is the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet, V is the volume of the resonator, l is the length of the resonator inlet, and v is the speed of sound.)

[0159] According to the above mathematical formula 1, the resonant frequency of audio signals is affected by the cross-sectional area of ​​the resonator inlet. If the cross-sectional area of ​​the resonator inlet is reduced, the resonant frequency may be reduced. If the resonant frequency is reduced, the bandwidth of the speaker may be narrowed.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 15, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first inlet of the resonator associated with the first speaker (511) placed within the third housing part (230) can be referenced as the first gap (1501) between the third front deco (413) and the rear of the first housing part (210) on the side of the foldable housing (201). If the first gap (1501) is reduced by the thickness of the third front deco (413), the cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet of the resonator associated with the first speaker (511) may be reduced. As previously described, if the cross-sectional area of ​​the first inlet is reduced, the resonant frequency of the audio signals output from the first speaker (511) may be reduced, and the bandwidth of the first speaker (511) may be narrowed as the resonant frequency is reduced.

[0161] In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the second inlet of the resonator associated with the second speaker (512) disposed within the first housing part (210) may be referenced as the second gap (1502) between the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412) on the side of the foldable housing (201). When the second gap (1502) is reduced by the thickness of the first front deco (411) and the thickness of the second front deco (412), the cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet of the resonator associated with the second speaker (512) may be reduced. As described above, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the second inlet is reduced, the resonant frequency of the audio signals output from the second speaker (512) may be reduced, and the bandwidth of the second speaker (512) may be narrowed as the resonant frequency is reduced.

[0162] The foldable electronic device (200) may have a structure for expanding the cross-sectional area of ​​the first entrance and the second entrance in order to expand the bandwidth of the first speaker (511) and the bandwidth of the second speaker (512).

[0163] The third front deco (413) may include a first part (1511) and a second part (1512). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the first part (1511) of the third front deco (413) may cover the edge portion of the third part (243) of the flexible display (240). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first part (1511) of the third front deco (413) may come into contact with a portion of the rear of the first housing part (210). The second part (1512) of the third front deco (413) may come into contact with the third housing part (230). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the second part (1512) of the third front deco (413) can be spaced apart from the rear of the first housing part (210).

[0164] The first front deco (411) may include a third part (1521) and a fourth part (1522). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the third part (1521) of the first front deco (411) may cover the edge portion of the first part (241) of the flexible display (240). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the third part (1521) of the first front deco (411) may come into contact with a portion of the second front deco (412). The fourth part (1522) of the first front deco (411) may come into contact with the first housing part (210). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the fourth part (1522) of the first front deco (411) may be spaced apart from the second front deco (412). The second front deco (412) may include a fifth part (1531) and a sixth part (1532). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the fifth part (1531) of the second front deco (412) may cover the edge portion of the second part (242) of the flexible display (240). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the fifth part (1531) of the second front deco (412) may come into contact with the third part (1521) of the first front deco (411). The sixth part (1532) of the second front deco (412) may come into contact with the second housing part (220). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the sixth part (1532) of the second front deco (412) can be spaced apart from the fourth part (1522) of the first front deco (411).

[0165] Below, the specific structure of the front decorations (410) for expanding the cross-sectional area of ​​the entrance of the resonator is described.

[0166] FIG. 16 illustrates a third front decoration of a foldable electronic device.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 16, the third front deco (413) may include a first through hole (521), a first portion (1511), and a second portion (1512). As described above, the first portion (1511) of the third front deco (413) may cover the edge portion of the third portion (e.g., the third portion (243) of FIG. 15) of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (240) of FIG. 15). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the second portion (1512) of the third front deco (413) may come into contact with the third housing part (e.g., the third housing part (230) of FIG. 15).

[0168] The second portion (1512) of the third front deco (413) may include an inclined portion (1610) that is inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 15) to extend the gap between the rear of the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 15) and the third front deco (413). For example, the direction toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) may be referred to as the +y direction of FIG. 16. As the second portion (1512) of the third front deco (413) is inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200), the thickness of the inclined portion (1610) of the third front deco (413) may become thinner as it approaches the side of the foldable electronic device (200). The inclined portion (1610) may define a first through hole (521). As illustrated in FIG. 16, the inclined portion (1610) may be formed in the portion in contact with the first through hole (521) within the second portion (1512) of the third front deco (413).

[0169] Referring again to FIG. 15, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first gap (1501) defining the first entrance can be increased as the second part (1512) of the third front deco (413) includes an inclined part (1610) that is inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200). As the first gap (1501) is increased, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first entrance of the resonator associated with the first speaker (511) can be increased. Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the first entrance can be increased by the second part (1512) of the third front deco (413) having an inclined structure, the bandwidth of the first speaker (511) can be expanded.

[0170] FIG. 17 illustrates a first front decoration of a foldable electronic device. FIG. 18 illustrates a second front decoration of a foldable electronic device.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412) may include an inclined portion to extend the bandwidth of the second speaker (512).

[0172] Referring to FIG. 17, the first front deco (411) may include a second through hole (522), a third part (1521), and a fourth part (1522). As described above, the third part (1521) of the first front deco (411) may cover the edge portion of the first part (e.g., the first part (241) of FIG. 15) of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (240) of FIG. 15). In a folded state of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 15), the fourth part (1522) of the first front deco (411) may come into contact with the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 15).

[0173] The fourth portion (1522) of the first front deco (411) may include an inclined portion (1710) that is inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) to extend the gap between the fourth portion (1522) of the first front deco (e.g., the sixth portion (1532) of FIG. 15) and the second front deco (e.g., the second front deco (412) of FIG. 15). As the fourth portion (1522) of the first front deco (411) is inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200), the thickness of the inclined portion (1710) of the first front deco (411) may become thinner as it approaches the side of the foldable electronic device (200). The inclined portion (1710) may define a second through hole (522). As illustrated in FIG. 17, the inclined portion (1710) may be formed in the portion in contact with the second through hole (522) within the fourth portion (1522) of the first front deco (411). The second sealing member (912) may not be placed in the inclined portion (1710) of the first front deco (411). For example, the second sealing member (912) sealing around the second through hole (522) may be omitted within the inclined portion (1710).

[0174] Referring to FIG. 18, the second front deco (412) may include a fifth part (1531) and a sixth part (1532). As described above, the fifth part (1531) of the second front deco (412) may cover the edge portion of the second part (e.g., the second part (242) of FIG. 15) of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (240) of FIG. 15), and the sixth part (1532) of the second front deco (412) may come into contact with the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 15).

[0175] The sixth portion (1532) of the second front deco (412) may include an inclined portion (1810) that is inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) to extend the gap between the fourth portion (1522) of the second front deco (e.g., the second front deco (412) of FIG. 15) and the sixth portion (1532) of the second front deco (412). As the sixth portion (1532) of the second front deco (412) is inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200), the thickness of the sixth portion (1532) of the second front deco (412) may become thinner as it approaches the side of the foldable electronic device (200). The inclined portion (1810) may face the second through hole (522) of the first front deco (411). As illustrated in FIG. 18, the inclined portion (1810) may be formed in the portion facing the second through hole (e.g., the second through hole (522) in FIG. 15) within the sixth portion (1532) of the second front deco (412).

[0176] Referring again to FIG. 15, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the second gap (1502) defining the second entrance can be increased as the fourth part (1522) of the first front deco (411) and the sixth part (1532) of the second front deco (412) include inclined parts (1710, 1810) that are inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200). As the second gap (1502) is increased, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second entrance of the resonator associated with the second speaker (512) can be increased. Since the cross-sectional area of ​​the second entrance can be increased by the fourth part (1522) of the first front deco (411) and the sixth part (1532) of the second front deco (412) having an inclined structure, the bandwidth of the second speaker (512) can be expanded.

[0177] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device cut along the CC' line of FIG. 6. FIG. 20 illustrates a third front deco of the foldable electronic device. FIG. 21 illustrates a first front deco of the foldable electronic device. FIG. 22 illustrates a second front deco of the foldable electronic device.

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, a second portion of the third front deco (413) (e.g., the second portion (1512) of FIG. 15) may be omitted at least partially to expand the cross-sectional area of ​​the first entrance. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the second portion (1512) of the third front deco (413) may be omitted around the first through hole (521). As the second portion (1512) of the third front deco (413) is omitted around the first through hole (521), the first through hole (521) may be opened to the outside of the third front deco (413). As described above, since the second part (1512) of the third front deco (413) is in contact with the third housing part (230), the first gap (1501) can be expanded as the second part (1512) of the third front deco (413) is omitted around the first through hole (521). As the first gap (1501) is expanded, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first entrance can be expanded.

[0179] Referring to FIGS. 19, 21, and 22, the fourth part of the first front deco (411) (e.g., the fourth part (1522) of FIG. 15) and the sixth part of the second front deco (412) (e.g., the sixth part (1532) of FIG. 15) may be omitted at least partially to expand the cross-sectional area of ​​the second entrance. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the fourth part (1522) of the first front deco (411) may be omitted around the second through hole (522). As the fourth part (1522) of the first front deco (411) is omitted around the second through hole (522), the second through hole (522) may be opened to the outside of the first front deco (411). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the sixth portion (1532) of the second front deco (412) may be omitted in the area facing the second through hole (e.g., the second through hole (522) in FIG. 19). As the fourth portion (1522) of the first front deco (411) around the second through hole (522) is omitted and the sixth portion (1532) of the second front deco (412) in the area facing the second through hole (522) is omitted, the second gap (1502) between the fourth portion (1522) of the first front deco (411) and the sixth portion (1532) of the second front deco (412) may be increased. As the second gap (1502) increases, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second entrance may be expanded.

[0180] FIG. 23 illustrates a speaker of a foldable electronic device. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the speaker cut along the EE' line of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 illustrates an acoustic duct associated with a speaker including an enclosure. FIG. 26 illustrates an acoustic duct associated with a speaker not including an enclosure.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 23, speakers (e.g., the first speaker (511), the second speaker (512), the third speaker (513), and / or the fourth speaker (514)) placed within a foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing (201) of FIG. 5) may not include an enclosure. A speaker (2310) that does not include an enclosure is a speaker that is not equipped with an enclosure that surrounds a diaphragm (2311), and the diaphragm (2311) may be exposed to the outside. For example, a speaker (2310) that does not include an enclosure may be referred to as an AME (all metal encapsulation) type speaker, but is not limited thereto.

[0182] Referring to FIG. 24, speakers (e.g., the first speaker (511), the second speaker (512), the third speaker (513), and / or the fourth speaker (514) of FIG. 5) may be referred to as a speaker (2310) comprising a diaphragm (2311) and a frame (2312) supporting the diaphragm (2311). Since the diaphragm (2311) is exposed to the outside, audio signals generated by the vibration of the diaphragm (2311) can be emitted toward the front. Since the speaker (2310) of the structure shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 does not include an enclosure, the length of the acoustic tube can be reduced.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 25, in the case of a speaker (2510) including an enclosure (2511), audio signals can be generated inside the enclosure (2511). In order for the audio signals generated inside the enclosure (2511) to be provided to the outside through an acoustic tube (2520), the acoustic tube (2520) can be connected to the enclosure (2511). Since the acoustic tube (2520) must be connected to the inside of the enclosure (2511), the length of the acoustic tube (2520) can be increased. If the length of the acoustic tube (2520) is increased, the diffraction characteristics of high-frequency audio signals are degraded, and the frequency response characteristics of the speaker (2510) for high-frequency audio signals may be lowered.

[0184] As described above, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a speaker (2310) that does not include an enclosure. Referring to FIG. 26, in the case of a speaker (2310) that does not include an enclosure, the length of the acoustic tube (2610) may be relatively short. In the case of a speaker (2310) that does not include an enclosure, since audio signals generated by the vibration of the diaphragm (2311) are radiated to the front of the speaker (2310), the acoustic tube (2610) may be in the space in front of the speaker (2310). Since the acoustic tube (2610) does not need to be extended to connect to an enclosure, the length of the acoustic tube (2610) may be relatively reduced. With the reduction in the length of the acoustic tube (2610), the frequency response characteristics of the speaker (2310) for high-frequency audio signals may be improved. The speaker (2310) of FIG. 26 may correspond to the speakers of FIG. 5 (e.g., the first speaker (511), the second speaker (512), the third speaker (513), and / or the fourth speaker (514) of FIG. 5).

[0185] Referring again to FIG. 9, the path of audio signals can be extended within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first speaker (511) can provide audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) through the first path (P1) and the second path (P2). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first speaker (511) can provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through the first path (P1), so the path of audio signals from the first speaker (511) can be extended within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the second speaker (512) can provide audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) through the third path (P3) and the fourth path (P4). In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the second speaker (512) can provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through the third path (P3), so the path of audio signals from the second speaker (512) can be extended in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0186] The first speaker (511) and / or the second speaker (512) may not include an enclosure. As previously described, in the case of a speaker that does not include an enclosure, the length of the acoustic tube may be relatively reduced. For example, if the first speaker (511) does not include an enclosure, the length of the first acoustic tube (710) may be reduced. If the second speaker (512) does not include an enclosure, the length of the second acoustic tube (810) may be reduced. As the length of the first acoustic tube (710) and / or the second acoustic tube (810) is shortened, the frequency response characteristics of the first speaker (511) and / or the second speaker (512) for high-frequency audio signals may be improved.

[0187] FIG. 27 is a block diagram of a foldable electronic device. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the operation of the foldable electronic device controlling the quality of audio signals output from a speaker based on the state of the foldable electronic device.

[0188] Referring to FIG. 27, the foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1), memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1), sensor (e.g., sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), and a digital signal processing (DSP) circuit (2710).

[0189] At least one processor (120) may include a processing circuit. At least one processor (120) may include an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) and / or a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), but is not limited thereto. At least one processor (120) may include a graphics processing unit (e.g., a GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) chip, a Bluetooth™ chip, a global positioning system (GPS) chip, a near field communication (NFC) chip, connectivity chips, a sensor controller, a touch controller, a finger-print sensor controller, a display drive integrated circuit (DDI), an audio CODEC chip, a universal serial bus (USB) controller, a camera controller, an image processing IC, a microprocessor unit (MPU), a system on chip (SoC), an IC, or a similar circuit.

[0190] The memory (130) may include one or more storage media for storing instructions. It should be understood that the blocks of each flow chart and combinations of flow charts in the present disclosure may be performed by one or more computer programs that include computer-executable instructions. One or more computer programs may be stored in a single memory, or one or more computer programs may be divided into different parts stored in different multiple memories.

[0191] At least one processor (120) may be configured to identify the state of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a sensor (176). For example, the sensor (176) may include a Hall sensor (176) configured to measure the strength of a magnetic field generated from a magnet placed within the foldable housing (201) and to provide data indicating the measured strength of the magnetic field to at least one processor (120). At least one processor (120) may be configured to identify the state of the foldable electronic device (200) based on the data provided from the sensor (176).

[0192] The DSP circuit (2710) may be electrically connected to speakers (e.g., the first speaker (511) of FIG. 5). The DSP circuit (2710) may be configured to control the quality of audio signals output from the first speaker (511). For example, the DSP circuit (2710) may include an equalizer (EQ) filter (2711) configured to adjust the volume of audio signals by frequency band. For example, the EQ filter (2711) may be configured to adjust the frequency response characteristics of the first speaker (511) for a specific frequency band.

[0193] As described above, depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (200), the path for audio signals provided from the speakers may be changed. For example, audio signals output from the first speaker (511) may be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through a first path (e.g., the first path (P1) of FIG. 9) within the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200). Audio signals output from the first speaker (511) may be provided toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200) through the first path (P1) and a second path (e.g., the second path (P2) of FIG. 9) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0194] Depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (200), the quality of the audio signals provided to the user may vary because the path through which the audio signals are provided differs. According to Equation 1 above, as the length of the resonator inlet increases, the resonant frequency of the audio signals may decrease. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the path through which the audio signals are provided additionally includes a second path (P2), so the resonant frequency of the audio signals output from the first speaker (511) may decrease. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), as the resonant frequency of the audio signals decreases, the bandwidth of the first speaker (511) may decrease, and loss of high-frequency audio signals may occur. The sound pressure level (SPL) of the audio signals may vary depending on the frequency band of the audio signals. As the resonant frequency of the audio signals changes depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (200), the quality of the audio signals provided to the user may differ.

[0195] The foldable electronic device (200) may be configured to control the DSP circuit (2710) based on the state of the foldable electronic device (200) in order to provide audio signals of substantially constant quality independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (200). In the operations described below, for convenience of explanation, audio signals output from the first speaker (511) are described, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the operations described below may be applied substantially the same to the second speaker (e.g., the second speaker (512) of FIG. 5), the third speaker (e.g., the third speaker (513) of FIG. 5), and / or the fourth speaker (e.g., the fourth speaker (514) of FIG. 5).

[0196] Referring to FIG. 28, in operation 2701, instructions, when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (120), can cause the foldable electronic device (200) to identify the state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0197] The sensor (176) may be configured to acquire data indicating the state of the foldable electronic device (200). The data may include a first value acquired based on the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200) or a second value acquired based on the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). The sensor (176) may be configured to provide the acquired data to at least one processor (120). The at least one processor (120) may be caused to identify whether the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state or a folded state based on the data provided from the sensor (176).

[0198] In operation 2703, instructions may be configured to identify whether the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state or a folded state when executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (120).

[0199] For example, at least one processor (120) may be configured to identify the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200) when it acquires data representing a first value from the sensor (176). At least one processor (120) may be configured to identify the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200) when it acquires data representing a second value from the sensor (176). When at least one processor (120) identifies the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), operation 2705 may be performed. When at least one processor (120) identifies the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), operation 2707 may be performed.

[0200] In operation 2705, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (120), the foldable electronic device (200) may cause the DSP circuit (2710) to control based on the first filter setting.

[0201] The DSP circuit (2710) may be configured to adjust the frequency response characteristics of the first speaker (511) for a specific frequency band. For example, the DSP circuit (2710) may have first filter setting information and second filter setting information for applying a sound effect set based on the state of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the first filter setting may be referred to as a setting method for controlling the EQ filter (2711) based on frequency response characteristics set for audio signals provided through a relatively short path (e.g., first path (P1)) within the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200). At least one processor (120) may be configured to control the DSP circuit (2710) based on the first filter setting within the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0202] In operation 2707, when the instructions are executed individually or collectively by at least one processor (120), the foldable electronic device (200) may cause the DSP circuit (2710) to control based on the second filter setting.

[0203] For example, the second filter setting may be referred to as a setting method for controlling an EQ filter (2711) based on frequency response characteristics set for audio signals provided through a relatively long path (e.g., a first path (P1) and a second path (P2)) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). At least one processor (120) may be configured to control a DSP circuit (2710) based on the second filter setting within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0204] The quality of the audio signals provided from the first speaker (511) in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200) may be substantially the same as the quality of the audio signals provided from the first speaker (511) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the second filter setting may be configured to compensate for the resonant frequency of the audio signals that is lowered along a relatively long path. By controlling the DSP circuit (2710) according to the second filter setting, the high-frequency response characteristics of the first speaker (511) that are reduced by a relatively long path may be compensated for in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200). The foldable electronic device (200) can enhance the user experience by providing audio signals of substantially the same quality independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0205] FIG. 29 illustrates a foldable electronic device.

[0206] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the foldable electronic device (200) is described as including a first speaker (511), a third speaker (513), a second speaker (512) and a fourth speaker (514) disposed within a third housing part (230), but embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 28, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a first speaker (3011) disposed within a third housing part (230), a second speaker (3022) disposed within a first housing part (210), and a third speaker (3013) disposed within a second housing part (220). The first speaker (3011) may be disposed adjacent to the lower part (e.g., -y direction) of the third housing part (230). The second speaker (3022) may be disposed adjacent to the lower part of the second housing part (220). The third speaker (3013) may be disposed adjacent to the upper part (e.g., +y direction) of the third housing part (230).

[0208] The descriptions above may be applied substantially the same way to the speakers of the foldable electronic device (200) illustrated in FIG. 28.

[0209] For example, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first speaker (3011), the second speaker (3022), and the third speaker (3013) may be configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, audio signals output from the first speaker (3011) may be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through the first acoustic duct (e.g., the first acoustic duct (710) of FIG. 7) of the third housing part (230) and the through hole (3021) of the third front deco (413). Audio signals output from the second speaker (3022) can be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through the second acoustic duct of the first housing part (210) (e.g., the second acoustic duct (810) of FIG. 8) and the through hole (3022) of the first front deco (411). Audio signals output from the third speaker (3013) can be provided toward the front of the foldable electronic device (200) through the third acoustic duct of the second housing part (220) and the through hole (3023) of the second front deco (412).

[0210] For example, within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first speaker (3011), the second speaker (3022), and the third speaker (3013) may be configured to provide audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device (200). Within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the audio signal output from the first speaker (3011) may be provided through the first acoustic duct (710), the through hole (3021), and the gap between the third front deco (413) and the rear of the first housing part (210). Within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the audio signal output from the second speaker (3022) may be provided through the second acoustic duct (810), the through hole (3022), and the gap between the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412). In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), an audio signal output from the third speaker (3013) can be provided through the third acoustic tube, the through hole (3023), and the gap between the second front deco (412) and the first front deco (411).

[0211] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0212] A foldable electronic device (101, 200) is provided. The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a foldable housing (201) comprising a first housing part (210), a second housing part (220), and a third housing part (230). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a first hinge assembly (250) that rotatably connects the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a second hinge assembly (260) that rotatably connects the second housing part (220) and the third housing part (230). The first hinge assembly (250) and the second hinge assembly (260) may be configured to provide a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) having a front side of the third housing part (230) facing the rear side of the first housing part (210). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a flexible display (240) comprising a first part (241) corresponding to the first housing part (210), a second part (242) corresponding to the second housing part (220), and a third part (243) corresponding to the third housing part (230). The third part (243) may define a portion of the front side of the third housing part (230). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a through hole (521, 523) and a front deco (e.g., the third front deco (413) of FIG. 4) that partially covers the edge portion of the third portion of the flexible display (240) and defines another portion of the front of the third housing part (230).The third housing part (230) may include a speaker (e.g., the first speaker (511) or the third speaker (513) of FIG. 5), and an acoustic tube (710) arranged with respect to the speaker (511, 513) and aligned with the through hole (e.g., the first through hole (521) or the third through hole (523) of FIG. 5) of the front deco (413). The rear surface of the first housing part (210) may include a portion spaced apart from the front deco (413) to define a gap between the rear surface of the first housing part (210) and the front deco (413) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200). The speaker (511, 513) may be configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) through a first path (P1) formed by the acoustic channel (710) and the through hole (521, 523) of the front deco (413) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200). The speaker (511, 513) may be configured to provide the audio signals toward the lateral side of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) through a second path (P2) formed by the gap between the front deco (413) and the rear of the first housing part (210) in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0213] The above acoustic conduit (710) can extend from one end connected to the internal space of the third housing part (230) where the speaker (511, 513) is placed, to the other end aligned with the through hole (521, 523) of the front deco (413).

[0214] The portion of the rear surface of the first housing part (210) may include a sealing member (911) that is spaced apart from the through hole (521, 523) of the front deco (413) and contacts with or in contact with a portion of the front deco (413) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0215] The sealing member (911) can seal the gap between the part of the front deco (413) and the rear of the first housing part (210) so that the audio signals are not leaked in directions different from the direction toward the side of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0216] The front deco (413) may include a first portion (1511) that partially covers the edge portion of the third portion of the flexible display (240), and a second portion (1512) that contacts the third housing part (230). The first portion (1511) of the front deco (413) may contact the portion of the rear surface of the first housing part (210) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200). The second portion (1512) of the front deco (413) may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the first housing part (210) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0217] The second part (1512) of the front deco (413) may include a part (1610) inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0218] The inclined portion (1610) of the second portion of the front deco (413) can define the through hole (521, 523).

[0219] The second part (1512) of the front deco (413) above may be omitted around the through hole (521, 523).

[0220] The above speakers (511, 513) may not include an enclosure.

[0221] The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include at least one processor (120) including a processing circuit. The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a digital signal processing (DSP) circuit (2710) electrically connected to the speaker (511, 513). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a memory (130) including one or more storage media for storing instructions. When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor (120), the foldable electronic device (101, 200) may be caused to identify the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) or the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200), and to control the DSP circuit (2710) based on the identified state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0222] In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200), the quality of the audio signals provided from the speaker (511, 513) can substantially correspond to the quality of the audio signals provided from the speaker (511, 513) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0223] The above front deco (413) may correspond to a third front deco (413). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a first front deco (411) that includes a through hole (522, 524) and partially covers the edge portion of the first portion (241) of the flexible display (240). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may further include a second front deco (412) that partially covers the edge of the second portion (242) of the flexible display (240). The first housing part (210) may include another speaker (e.g., the second speaker (512) or the fourth speaker (514) of FIG. 5), and another acoustic channel (810) arranged for the other speaker (512, 514)) and aligned with the through hole (522, 524) of the first front deco (411). The other speaker (512, 514)) may be configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) through a third path (P3) formed by the other acoustic channel (810) and the through hole (522, 524) of the first front deco (411) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200). The other speaker (512, 514)) may be configured to provide the audio signal toward the lateral side of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) through the third path (P3) and the fourth path (P4) formed by the gap between the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0224] The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may further include another sealing member (912) disposed between the first front deco (411) and the front of the first housing part (210) to seal around the through hole (522, 524) of the first front deco (411).

[0225] The first front deco (411) or the second front deco (412) may have a portion (1710, 1810) that is inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0226] The rear surface of the first housing part (210) may include a recessed portion (1111) that is formed within an area overlapping with the through hole (521, 523) of the front deco (413) in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) and is recessed toward the front of the first housing part (210).

[0227] A foldable electronic device (101, 200) is provided. The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a first housing part (210), a second housing part (220) rotatably coupled to the first housing part (210), and a third housing part (230) rotatably coupled to the second housing part (220). The foldable housing (201) may have a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) having a front side of the third housing part (230) facing the rear side of the first housing part (210). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a flexible display (240) comprising a first part (241) corresponding to the first housing part (210), a second part (242) corresponding to the second housing part (220), and a third part (243) corresponding to the third housing part (230). The third part (243) may define a portion of the front surface of the third housing part (230). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a front deco (410) that partially covers the edge portion of the flexible display (240). The above front deco (410) may include a first front deco (411) that includes through holes (521, 523) and partially covers the edge portion of the first part (241) of the flexible display (240), a second front deco (412) that partially covers the edge portion of the second part (242) of the flexible display (240), and a third front deco (413) that includes through holes (522, 524) and partially covers the edge portion of the third part (243) of the flexible display (240).The third housing part (230) may include a first speaker (511, 513) and a first acoustic conduit (710) arranged with respect to the first speaker (511, 513) and aligned with the through hole (521, 523) of the third front deco (413). The first housing part (210) may include a second speaker (512, 514) and a second acoustic conduit (810) arranged with respect to the second speaker (512, 514) and aligned with the through hole (522, 524) of the first front deco (411). The first speaker (511, 513) may be configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) through a first path (P1) formed by the first acoustic channel (710) and the through hole (521, 523) of the third front deco (413) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200). The first speaker (511, 513) may be configured to provide the audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) through a second path (P2) formed by the gap between the first path (P1), the third front deco (413), and the rear of the first housing part (210) in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0228] The second speaker (512, 514) may be configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) through a third path (P3) formed by the second acoustic channel (810) and the through hole (522, 524) of the first front deco (411) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200). The second speaker (512, 514) may be configured to provide the audio signals toward the side of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) through a fourth path (P4) formed by the third path (P3) and the gap between the first front deco (411) and the second front deco (412) in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0229] The rear surface of the first housing part (210) may include a sealing member (911) that is spaced apart from the through hole (521, 523) of the third front deco (413) and contacts a part of the third front deco (413) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0230] The third front deco (413) may include a first part (1511) that partially covers the edge portion of the third part (243) of the flexible display (240), and a second part (1512) that contacts the third housing part (230). The first part (1511) of the third front deco (413) may contact a portion of the rear surface of the first housing part (210) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200). The second part (1512) of the third front deco (413) may be spaced apart from the rear surface of the first housing part (210) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0231] The second part (1512) of the third front deco (413) may include a part (1610) inclined toward the side of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) to expand the entrance of the first acoustic tube (710).

[0232] A foldable electronic device (101, 200) is provided. The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a foldable housing (201) comprising a first housing part (210), a second housing part (220), and a third housing part (230). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a first hinge assembly (250) that rotatably connects the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a second hinge assembly (260) that rotatably connects the second housing part (220) and the third housing part (230). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a flexible display (240) comprising a first display portion (241) corresponding to the first housing part (210), a second display portion (242) corresponding to the second housing part (220), and a third display portion (243) corresponding to the third housing part (230). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a first speaker hole (522) disposed in the front decoration (411) of the first display portion (241). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a second speaker hole (521) disposed in the front decoration (413) of the third display portion (243). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a third speaker hole and a fourth speaker hole disposed on the upper side of the foldable housing (201) in a fully folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a first speaker (512) disposed within the first housing part (210). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a third speaker (511) disposed within the third housing part.In the fully folded state of the above-described foldable electronic device (101, 200), the acoustic conduits (P3, P4) of the first speaker hole and the third speaker hole may be connected, and the acoustic conduits (P1, P2) of the second speaker hole and the fourth speaker hole may be connected.

[0233] The first hinge assembly (250) and the second hinge assembly (260) may be configured to provide a fully folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200) having a front surface of the third housing part (230) facing the rear surface of the first housing part (210).

[0234] The third speaker hole may be formed by the gap between the front of the first housing part (210) and the rear of the second housing part (220) in the fully folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0235] The fourth speaker hole may be formed by the gap between the front of the third housing part (230) and the rear of the first housing part (210) in the fully folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200).

[0236] The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may further include a sealing member (911) disposed between the rear of the first housing part (210) and the front deco (413) of the third display part (243).

[0237] The sealing member (911) can be spaced apart from the second speaker hole (521).

[0238] The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a third speaker (514) disposed within the first housing part (210). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a fourth speaker (513) disposed within the third housing part (230). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a fifth speaker hole (524) disposed in the front deco (411) of the first display part (241) and arranged relative to the third speaker (514). The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may include a sixth speaker hole (523) disposed in the front deco (413) of the third display part (243) and arranged relative to the fourth speaker (513).

[0239] The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may further include a seventh speaker hole and an eighth speaker hole disposed on the lower side of the foldable housing in a fully folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200). In a fully folded state of the foldable electronic device (101, 200), the acoustic ducts of the fifth speaker hole and the seventh speaker hole may be connected, and the acoustic ducts of the sixth speaker hole and the eighth speaker hole may be connected.

[0240] The foldable electronic device (101, 200) may further include another sealing member (912) that seals around the first speaker hole of the front deco of the first display portion (241).

[0241] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0242] The electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or consumer electronics. The electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the devices described above.

[0243] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said 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 said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0244] As used in the various embodiments of this document, the term “module” 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, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0245] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of 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 that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0246] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium such as the memory (130) of the manufacturer's server, the application store's server, or the relay server.

[0247] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components 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.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device, A foldable housing comprising a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part; A first hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part; A second hinge assembly rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part, the first hinge assembly and the second hinge assembly are configured to provide a folded state of the foldable electronic device having a front side of the third housing part facing the rear side of the first housing part; A flexible display comprising a first part corresponding to the first housing part, a second part corresponding to the second housing part, and a third part corresponding to the third housing part, wherein the third part defines a portion of the front surface of the third housing part; and It includes a front deco that includes a through hole, partially covers the edge portion of the third portion of the flexible display, and defines another portion of the front of the third housing part. The above third housing part is, Speakers, and It includes an acoustic tube arranged with respect to the above speaker and aligned with the through hole of the above front deco, and The rear surface of the first housing part is, In the folded state of the foldable electronic device, a portion spaced apart from the front deco is included to define a gap between the rear surface of the first housing part and the front deco. The above speaker is, When the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, it is configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device through a first path formed by the acoustic tube and the through hole of the front deco, and When the foldable electronic device is in the folded state, the audio signal is configured to be directed toward the lateral side of the foldable electronic device through the first path and the second path formed by the gap between the front deco and the rear surface of the first housing part. Foldable electronic device.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above acoustic tube is, Extending from one end connected to the internal space of the third housing part where the speaker is placed, to the other end aligned with the through hole of the front deco, Foldable electronic device.

3. In Paragraph 1 or 2, The above portion of the rear surface of the above first housing part is, A sealing member comprising, within the folded state of the foldable electronic device, spaced apart from the through hole of the front deco and in contact with a part of the front deco, Foldable electronic device.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above sealing member is, Sealing the gap between the part of the front deco and the rear surface of the first housing part so that the audio signals are not leaked in directions different from the direction facing the side of the foldable electronic device. Foldable electronic device.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above front decor is, A first part that partially covers the edge portion of the third part of the flexible display, and It includes a second part in contact with the third housing part, and The first part of the above front deco is, In the folded state of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device, it is in contact with the one portion of the rear surface of the first housing part, and The second part of the above front deco is, In the folded state of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device, spaced apart from the rear surface of the first housing part, Foldable electronic device.

6. In Paragraph 5, The second part of the above front deco is, A slanted portion inclined toward the side of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device, Foldable electronic device.

7. In Paragraph 6, The inclined portion of the second part of the above front deco is, Defining the above through hole, Foldable electronic device.

8. In Paragraph 5, The second part of the above front deco is, Omitted around the above-mentioned through hole, Foldable electronic device.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, The above speaker is, Not including an enclosure, Foldable electronic device.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 9, At least one processor including a processing circuit; A digital signal processing (DSP) circuit electrically connected to the above speaker; and The memory includes one or more storage media that store instructions, and When the above instructions are executed individually or collectively by the at least one processor, the foldable electronic device, Identifying the folded state of the foldable electronic device or the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, Causing the DSP circuit to control the speaker so that certain audio signals are provided based on the identified state of the foldable electronic device, Foldable electronic device.

11. In Paragraph 10, In the folded state of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device, the quality of the audio signals provided from the speaker is, In the unfolded state of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device, substantially corresponding to the quality of the audio signals provided from the speaker, Foldable electronic device.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, The above front decor is, It corresponds to the third front deco, and The above-mentioned foldable electronic device is, A first front deco including a through hole and partially covering the edge portion of the first portion of the flexible display; and It further includes a second front deco that partially covers the edge of the second part of the flexible display, and The above-mentioned first housing part is, Other speakers, and It includes another acoustic tube arranged relative to the other speaker and aligned with the through hole of the first front deco, and The other speaker mentioned above is, In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device, the device is configured to provide audio signals toward the front of the foldable electronic device through a third path formed by the other acoustic channel and the through hole of the first front deco, and Configured to provide the audio signal toward the lateral side of the foldable electronic device through the third path and the fourth path formed by the gap between the first front deco and the second front deco within the folded state of the foldable electronic device. Foldable electronic device.

13. In Paragraph 12, A further comprising another sealing member disposed between the first front deco and the front of the first housing part to seal around the through hole of the first front deco, Foldable electronic device.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above first front deco or the above second front deco is, having an inclined portion inclined toward the side of the above-mentioned foldable electronic device, Foldable electronic device.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 14, The rear surface of the first housing part is, In the folded state of the foldable electronic device, the recessed portion formed within the area overlapping with the through hole of the front deco and recessed toward the front of the first housing part Foldable electronic device.

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