Electronic device and driving method therefor

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device and a driving method therefor. The electronic device may comprise: a first housing; a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing via a hinge; a connector configured to be connected to a cable, the connector being exposed to be visible from the outside through a portion of the second housing; a first battery disposed in the first housing; and a second battery disposed in the second housing. The second battery may comprise: a first battery connector connected to a flexible circuit board in a first area of the second housing adjacent to the hinge; and a second battery connector adjacent to the connector.

Description

Electronic device and its driving method

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device and a method of operating the same.

[0002] An electronic device (e.g., smartphone, tablet PC) can receive power from another electronic device (e.g., power supply) (e.g., TA (travel adapter)) via a wired cable (e.g., USB cable) and use the received power to charge a battery mounted on the electronic device. The electronic device can supply power from the battery or power received from the power supply via the USB cable to the electronic device's system (in other words, load circuit). The system is a collective term for electronic components mounted on the electronic device that operate using the supplied power, and may include, for example, a display, a processor, a speaker, a communication circuit, and memory. The system can perform a given operation using the supplied power.

[0003] A foldable electronic device can increase the display area when unfolded while reducing the volume when folded, thereby enhancing user convenience. The foldable electronic device includes a first housing and a second housing that are positioned to face each other when folded, and the display may include a first area corresponding to the first housing, a second area corresponding to the second housing, and a folding area formed between the first area and the second area.

[0004] The information described above may be provided as related art 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 relation to the present disclosure.

[0005] In an electronic device, a power conversion circuit (or, in other words, a charging circuit) can receive power through a power terminal (e.g., a VBUS pin) of a connector mounted on the electronic device. The power conversion circuit can convert and output current and / or voltage values ​​from the power input from the power terminal through the input terminal of the power conversion circuit.

[0006] A foldable electronic device may have a first battery and a power conversion circuit disposed in a first housing, and a second battery and a connector disposed in a second housing. The foldable electronic device transmits power input through the connector of the second housing to the power conversion circuit of the first housing via an FPCB, and the power conversion circuit converts the input power to charge the first battery of the first housing and / or the second battery of the second housing. The electrical connection structure of such a foldable electronic device has a high DC resistance (DCR) and may increase power loss during battery charging.

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device and a method of driving the same that can reduce DC resistance (DCR) and reduce power loss during battery charging.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0009] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a first housing; a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge; a connector configured to be connected to a cable and exposed to be visible from the outside through a portion of the second housing; a first battery disposed in the first housing; a second battery disposed in the second housing; a first circuit board disposed in the first housing and comprising a first power conversion circuit including a switching regulator; a second circuit board disposed adjacent to the connector in the second housing and comprising a second power conversion circuit, wherein the second power conversion circuit outputs a current input from an external device by increasing it by a specified ratio and outputs a voltage input from the external device by decreasing it by the specified ratio; and a flexible circuit board disposed to extend across the hinge from a portion of the first housing to a portion of the second housing and electrically connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the second battery is connected to the flexible circuit board in a first region of the second housing adjacent to the hinge It may include a first battery connector that is connected, and a second battery connector that is connected to the second circuit board in a second area of ​​the second housing adjacent to the connector.

[0010] A method for driving an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the electronic device comprises: a first housing; a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge; a connector configured to be connected to a cable and exposed to be visible from the outside through a portion of the second housing; a first battery disposed in the first housing; a second battery disposed in the second housing; a first circuit board disposed in the first housing and comprising a first power conversion circuit including a switching regulator; a second circuit board disposed adjacent to the connector in the second housing and comprising a second power conversion circuit, wherein the second power conversion circuit outputs a current input from an external device by increasing it by a specified ratio and outputs a voltage input from the external device by decreasing it by the specified ratio; and a flexible circuit board disposed to extend from a portion of the first housing to a portion of the second housing across the hinge and electrically connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the second battery is in a first region of the second housing adjacent to the hinge A method for driving an electronic device may include a first battery connector connected to the flexible circuit board, and a second battery connector connected to the second circuit board in a second area of ​​the second housing adjacent to the connector, wherein when a first external device configured to supply a maximum first power is connected through the connector, the method may include converting power supplied from the first external device using the second power conversion circuit, and supplying power converted by the second power conversion circuit to the second battery through the second battery connector.

[0011] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the DC resistance (DCR) can be reduced and power loss during battery charging can be reduced.

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

[0013] Other aspects, features, and advantages according to specific embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and description.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device showing a flat state or unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the front of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the rear of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electronic device showing a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the circuit connection of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state in which an electronic device according to one embodiment charges a battery using a second power conversion circuit.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state in which an electronic device according to one embodiment charges a battery using a first power conversion circuit.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a state in which an electronic device according to one embodiment charges a battery using a second power conversion circuit and supplies power to a system using a first power conversion circuit.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIGS. 14 and FIGS. 15 are circuit diagrams illustrating a battery protection circuit included in a second battery.

[0028] Each of the embodiments described with reference to the drawings of the present disclosure may be configured independently as a single embodiment. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 1 and the embodiment of FIG. 2 may each be configured independently of each other. Each of the embodiments described with reference to the drawings of the present disclosure may operate independently as a single embodiment. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 1 and the embodiment of FIG. 2 may each operate independently of each other.

[0029] At least two of the embodiments described with reference to the drawings of the present disclosure may be combined. For example, at least a part of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and at least a part of the embodiment of FIG. 2 may be combined with each other. At least two of the embodiments described with reference to the drawings of the present disclosure may be combined and operated. For example, at least a part of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and at least a part of the embodiment of FIG. 2 may be combined and operated with each other.

[0030] When at least two of the embodiments described with reference to the drawings of the present disclosure are combined, at least some of the configurations and / or at least some of the operations included in each embodiment may be omitted. For example, when the embodiment of FIG. 1 and the embodiment of FIG. 2 are combined, at least some of the configurations and / or at least some of the operations included in the embodiment of FIG. 1 may be omitted, and at least some of the configurations and / or at least some of the operations included in the embodiment of FIG. 2 may be omitted.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) 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)).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 model is executed, 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. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that can be perceived by the user 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.

[0044] 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.

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

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this disclosure may be a device of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this disclosure is not limited to the devices described above.

[0054] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure 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 the present disclosure, 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” each may 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.

[0055] The term “module” as used in various embodiments of the present disclosure 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).

[0056] Various embodiments of the present disclosure 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 (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated 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.

[0057] 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 on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0058] 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.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic device (101) showing a flat state or unfolding state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the front of the electronic device (101) in the unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the rear of the electronic device (101) in the unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an electronic device (101) showing a folding state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electronic device (101) showing an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] The electronic device (101) of FIGS. 2 to 6 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 through 6, an electronic device (101) (e.g., a portable communication device) may include a pair of housings (310, 320) (e.g., foldable housings) rotatably coupled to face each other and fold with respect to a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure (340) of FIG. 3) (e.g., a hinge device or a hinge module). In some embodiments, the hinge structure (340) may be arranged in the x-axis direction or in the y-axis direction. In some embodiments, two or more hinge structures (340) may be arranged to fold in the same direction or in different directions. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first display (330) (e.g., a flexible display) placed in an area formed by the pair of housings (310, 320). In one embodiment, the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) are on both sides with respect to the folding axis (F). It may be arranged and have a shape that is substantially symmetric with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may differ depending on whether the state of the electronic device (101) is in a flat state (or unfolding state), a folding state, or an intermediate state.

[0062] According to various embodiments, a pair of housings (310, 320) may include a first housing (310) (e.g., first housing structure) coupled to a hinge structure (340) and a second housing (320) (e.g., second housing structure) coupled to a hinge structure (340). In one embodiment, the first housing (310) may include, in an unfolded state, a first surface (311) (e.g., front) facing in a front direction (e.g., z-axis direction) and a second surface (312) (e.g., rear) facing in a rear direction (e.g., -z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface (311). In one embodiment, the second housing (320) may include a third surface (321) (e.g., front) facing in a front direction (e.g., z-axis direction) and a fourth surface (322) (e.g., rear) facing in a rear direction (e.g., -z-axis direction) in an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be operated such that, in the unfolded state, the first surface (311) of the first housing (310) and the third surface (321) of the second housing (320) face substantially the same first direction (e.g., z-axis direction), and in the folded state, the first surface (311) and the third surface (321) face each other. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be operated such that, in the unfolded state, the second surface (312) of the first housing (310) and the fourth surface (322) of the second housing (320) face substantially the same second direction (e.g., -z-axis direction), and in the folded state, the second surface (312) and the fourth surface (322) face opposite directions. For example, in the folded state, the second surface (312) may face the first direction (e.g., z-axis direction), and the fourth surface (322) may face the second direction (e.g., -z-axis direction).

[0063] According to various embodiments, the first housing (310) may include a first side member (313) that forms at least partially the exterior of the electronic device (101) and a first rear cover (314) that is coupled to the first side member (313) and forms at least a portion of the second side (312) of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the first side member (313) may include a first side (313a), a second side (313b) extending from one end of the first side (313a), and a third side (313c) extending from the other end of the first side (313a). In one embodiment, the first side member (313) may be formed into a rectangular shape (e.g., square or rectangular) through the first side (313a), the second side (313b), and the third side (313c).

[0064] According to various embodiments, the second housing (320) may include a second side member (323) that forms at least partially the exterior of the electronic device (101) and a second rear cover (324) that is coupled to the second side member (323) and forms at least a portion of the fourth side (322) of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the second side member (323) may include a fourth side (323a), a fifth side (323b) extending from one end of the fourth side (323a), and a sixth side (323c) extending from the other end of the fourth side (323a). In one embodiment, the second side member (323) may be formed into a rectangular shape through the fourth side (323a), the fifth side (323b), and the sixth side (323c). In one embodiment, the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) may be configured as a foldable housing (e.g., a foldable housing structure or a housing structure).

[0065] According to various embodiments, a pair of housings (310, 320) are not limited to the illustrated form and combination and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations of parts and / or combinations. For example, in some embodiments, the first side member (313) may be formed integrally with the first rear cover (314), and the second side member (323) may be formed integrally with the second rear cover (324).

[0066] According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state, the electronic device (101) may have the second side (313b) of the first side member (313) and the fifth side (323b) of the second side member (323) connected. In one embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device (101) may have the third side (313c) of the first side member (313) and the sixth side (323c) of the second side member (323) connected. In one embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device (101) may be configured such that the combined length of the second side (313b) and the fifth side (323b) is longer than the length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a). Additionally, the combined length of the third side (313c) and the sixth side (323c) may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side (313a) and / or the fourth side (323a).

[0067] According to various embodiments, the first side member (313) and / or the second side member (323) may be formed of a metal (e.g., a conductive member or a conductive region) or may further comprise a polymer (e.g., a non-conductive member or a non-conductive region) injected into the metal. In one embodiment, the first side member (313) and / or the second side member (323) may comprise at least one conductive portion (316 and / or 326) electrically segmented through at least one segment (3161, 3162, and / or 3261, 3262) (e.g., a non-conductive portion or a gap) formed of a polymer. In this case, at least one conductive part (316 and / or 326) can be used as an antenna operating in at least one specified band (e.g., about 400 MHz to about 6000 MHz) by being electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., cellular communication circuit) (e.g., wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) included in the electronic device (101).

[0068] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover (314) and / or the second rear cover (324) may be formed by at least one or a combination of at least two of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium).

[0069] According to various embodiments, the first display (330) may be positioned to extend from the first surface (311) of the first housing (310) across the hinge structure (340) (e.g., hinge module or hinge assembly) to at least a portion of the third surface (321) of the second housing (320). For example, the first display (330) may include a first portion (330a) substantially corresponding to the first surface (311), a second portion (330b) corresponding to the third surface (321), and a third portion (330c) (e.g., a bendable area) connecting the first portion (330a) and the second portion (330b) and corresponding to the hinge structure (340).

[0070] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include a first protective member (315) (e.g., a first cover, a first protective frame, a first protective cover, or a first decorative member) that is coupled along the edge of the first housing (310). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a second protective member (325) (e.g., a second cover, a second protective frame, a second protective cover, or a second decorative member) that is coupled along the edge of the second housing (320). In one embodiment, the first protective member (315) and / or the second protective member (325) may be formed of a metal or polymer material. In one embodiment, the first protective member (315) and / or the second protective member (325) may be used as a decoration member. In one embodiment, the first display (330) may be positioned such that the edge of the first portion (330a) is interposed between the first housing (310) and the first protective member (315). In one embodiment, the first display (330) may be positioned such that the edge of the second portion (330b) is interposed between the second housing (320) and the second protective member (325). In one embodiment, the first display (330) may be positioned such that the edge of the first display (330) is protected through a protective cap (335) placed in an area corresponding to the hinge structure (340). Thus, the edge of the first display (330) may be substantially protected from the outside. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a hinge housing (341) (e.g., a hinge cover) that supports a hinge structure (340) and is exposed to the outside when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, and is retracted into a first space (3101) of a first housing (310) and a second space (3201) of a second housing (320) when it is in an unfolded state, thereby being positioned so as not to be seen from the outside. In some embodiments, the first display (330) may be extended from at least a portion of the second surface (312) to at least a portion of the fourth surface (322).In this case, the electronic device (101) can be folded so that the first display (330) can be exposed to the outside (out-folding method).

[0071] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include a second display (400) (e.g., a sub-display) that is disposed separately from the first display (330). In one embodiment, the second display (400) is disposed so as to be at least partially exposed on the second surface (312) of the first housing (310) so that, when folded, it can display status information of the electronic device (101) by replacing the display function of the first display (330). In one embodiment, the second display (400) may be disposed so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (314). In some embodiments, the second display (400) may be disposed on the fourth surface (322) of the second housing (320). In this case, the second display (400) may be disposed so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover (324).

[0072] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of an input device (303) (e.g., a microphone), an acoustic output device (301, 302), a sensor module (304), a camera device (305, 308), a key input device (306), or a connector port (307). In the illustrated embodiment, the input device (303) (e.g., a microphone), an acoustic output device (301, 302), a sensor module (304), a camera device (305, 308), a key input device (306), or a connector port (307) refers to a hole or shape formed in the first housing (310) or the second housing (320), but may include a substantial electronic component (e.g., an input device, an acoustic output device, a sensor module, or a camera device) disposed inside the electronic device (101) and operating through the hole or shape.

[0073] According to various embodiments, the input device (303) may include at least one microphone (303) disposed in the second housing (320). In some embodiments, the input device (303) may include a plurality of microphones (303) disposed to detect the direction of sound. In some embodiments, the plurality of microphones (303) may be disposed at appropriate locations in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320). In one embodiment, the acoustic output device (301, 302) may include speakers (301, 302). In one embodiment, the speakers (301, 302) may include a call receiver (301) disposed in the first housing (310) and a speaker (302) disposed in the second housing (320). In some embodiments, the input device (303), the audio output device (301, 302), and the connector port (307) are disposed in a space provided in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320) of the electronic device (101) and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320). In one embodiment, at least one connector port (307) may be used to transmit and receive power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, at least one connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) may accommodate a connector (e.g., an ear jack) for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the hole formed in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320) may be used in common for the input device (303) and the audio output device (301, 302). In some embodiments, the acoustic output device (301, 302) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that is operated with holes formed in the first housing (310) and / or the second housing (320) excluded.

[0074] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (304) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (304) may detect the external environment, for example, through a first surface (311) of the first housing (310). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may further include at least one sensor module positioned to detect the external environment through a second surface (312) of the first housing (310). In one embodiment, the sensor module (304) (e.g., an illuminance sensor) may be positioned below the first display (330) to detect the external environment through the first display (330). In one embodiment, the sensor module (304) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, a biosensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0075] According to various embodiments, camera devices (305, 308) may include a first camera device (305) (e.g., a front camera device) disposed on a first surface (311) of a first housing (310) and a second camera device (308) disposed on a second surface (312) of the first housing (310). The electronic device (101) may further include a flash (309) disposed near the second camera device (308). In one embodiment, the camera devices (305, 308) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (309) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, camera devices (305, 308) may be arranged such that two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle lens, ultra-wide-angle lens, or telephoto lens) and image sensors are located on one side of the electronic device (101) (e.g., first side (311), second side (312), third side (321), or fourth side (322)). In some embodiments, camera devices (305, 308) may include lenses for time of flight (TOF) and / or image sensors.

[0076] According to various embodiments, a key input device (306) (e.g., a key button) may be placed on a third side (313c) of a first side member (313) of a first housing (310). In some embodiments, the key input device (306) may be placed on at least one of the other sides (313a, 313b) of the first housing (310) and / or the sides (323a, 323b, 323c) of the second housing (320). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may not include some or all of the key input devices (306), and the key input device (306) that is not included may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys, on the first display (330). In some embodiments, the key input device (306) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the first display (330).

[0077] According to various embodiments, some of the camera devices (305, 308), such as the first camera device (305), or the sensor module (304) may be positioned to be exposed through the first display (330). For example, the first camera device (305) or the sensor module (304) may be positioned in the internal space of the electronic device (101) to come into contact with the external environment through an opening (e.g., a through hole) formed at least partially in the first display (330). In another embodiment, some of the sensor module (304) may be positioned in the internal space of the electronic device (101) to perform its function without being visually exposed through the first display (330). For example, in this case, the opening may be omitted in the area of ​​the first display (330) facing the sensor module (304).

[0078] Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device (101) may be operated to maintain an intermediate state through a hinge structure (340). In this case, the electronic device (101) may control the first display (330) so that different content is displayed in the display area corresponding to the first surface (311) and the display area corresponding to the third surface (321). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be operated through the hinge structure (340) to a substantially unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 2) and / or a substantially folded state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 5) based on a certain inflection angle (e.g., the angle between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) when in the intermediate state). For example, the electronic device (101) can be operated to transition to an unfolded state (e.g., unfolded state of FIG. 2) when pressure is applied in the unfolding direction (R1 direction) from an intermediate state unfolded at a certain inflection angle through the hinge structure (340). For example, the electronic device (101) can be operated to transition to a closed state (e.g., folded state of FIG. 5) when pressure is applied in the folding direction (R2 direction) from an intermediate state unfolded at a certain inflection angle through the hinge structure (340). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be operated to maintain an unfolded state (not shown) at various angles through the hinge structure (340).

[0079] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include a conductive layer (3151) (e.g., a first conductive pattern or a first conductor) disposed between the first housing (310) and the first protective member (315). In one embodiment, the conductive layer (3151) may be disposed on the inner surface of the first protective member (315) so as not to be visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the conductive layer (3151) may be electrically connected to a near-field wireless communication circuit (e.g., a wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) disposed in the internal space of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the near-field wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in a frequency band of about 13.56 MHz through the conductive layer (3151). In one embodiment, the conductive layer (3151) may operate as a near-field communication antenna (NA1) (e.g., a first near-field communication antenna). In one embodiment, a short-range communication antenna (NA1) is positioned along the length direction (e.g., ±x axis direction) of the first side (313a) near the first side (313a) of the electronic device (101) so as to form a wireless signal in the direction in which the front (311) of the electronic device (101) faces (e.g., z axis direction), the direction in which the side (313a) faces (e.g., y axis direction), or the direction between the front (311) and the side (313a) (e.g., the direction between the z axis and the y axis).

[0080] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include a conductive coil (390) (e.g., antenna member) (e.g., second conductive pattern or second conductor) positioned to form a wireless signal in the rear direction (e.g., -z axis direction) of the electronic device (101) when unfolded. In one embodiment, the conductive coil (390) may be electrically connected to a near-field wireless communication circuit positioned in the internal space of the electronic device (101) (e.g., second space (3201) of the second housing (320)). In one embodiment, the near-field wireless communication circuit may be configured to transmit and / or receive a wireless signal in a frequency band of about 13.56 MHz through the conductive coil (390). In one embodiment, the conductive coil (390) may operate as another near-field communication antenna (NA2) (e.g., second near-field communication antenna).

[0081] An electronic device (101) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to form a wireless signal for short-range communication in the front and / or side directions as well as in the rear of the electronic device (101), thereby helping to improve the usability of the electronic device (101).

[0082] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, the electronic device (101) of FIG. 7 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 to 6, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 7, an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 2 to 6) may include a first side member (313) (e.g., a first side frame), a second side member (323) (e.g., a second side frame), and a hinge structure (340) (e.g., a hinge module or a hinge assembly) that rotatably connects the first side member (213) and the second side member (223). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first extension member (3131) that extends at least partially from the first side member (313), or a second extension member (3231) that extends at least partially from the second side member (323). In one embodiment, the first extension member (3131) may include a first surface (3131a) facing the front direction (e.g., z-axis direction) of the electronic device (101) and a second surface (3131b) facing in the opposite direction (e.g., -z-axis direction) to the first surface (3131a). In one embodiment, the second extension member (3231) may include a third surface (3231a) facing the front direction (e.g., z-axis direction) and a fourth surface (3231b) facing in the opposite direction (e.g., -z-axis direction) to the third surface (3231a). In one embodiment, the first extension member (3131) may be formed integrally with the first side member (313) or structurally coupled with the first side member (313). In one embodiment, the second extension member (3231) may be formed integrally with the second side member (323) or structurally coupled with the second side member (323). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first display (330) positioned to be supported by the first surface (3131a) of the first extension member (3131) and the third surface (3231a) of the second extension member (3231).In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first rear cover (314) coupled to a first side member (313) and providing a first space (e.g., the first space (3101) of FIG. 3) between the second side member (313) and the second rear cover (324) coupled to a second side member (323) and providing a second space (e.g., the second space (3201) of FIG. 3) between the fourth side (3231b) of the second extension member (3231). In one embodiment, the first side member (313) and the first rear cover (314) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the second side member (323) and the second rear cover (324) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing (310) of FIG. 2) provided through a first side member (313), a first extension member (3131), and a first rear cover (314) (e.g., a first housing structure). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a second housing (e.g., the second housing (320) of FIG. 2) provided through a second side member (323), a second extension member (3231), and a second rear cover (324) (e.g., a second housing structure). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a second display (400) positioned so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (314) between the first rear cover (314) and the second surface (3131b) of the first extension member (3131).

[0084] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include a first substrate (361) (e.g., a first printed circuit board or main printed circuit board) disposed in a first space between a first side member (313) and a first rear cover (314), a camera assembly (363), a first battery (371), or a first bracket (351). In one embodiment, the camera assembly (363) may include a plurality of camera devices (e.g., camera devices (305, 308) of FIG. 2 and FIG. 5) and may be electrically connected to the first substrate assembly (361). In one embodiment, the first bracket (351) may provide a support structure and enhanced rigidity for supporting the first substrate (361) and / or the camera assembly (363).

[0085] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include a second substrate (362) (e.g., a second PCB or sub-printed circuit board) disposed in a second space between a second side member (323) and a second rear cover (324), a conductive coil (390) (e.g., an antenna member), a second battery (372), or a second bracket (352). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) is arranged to extend from the first substrate (361) across the hinge structure (340) to a plurality of electronic components (e.g., second substrate (362), second battery (372), or conductive coil (390)) disposed between the second side member (323) and the second rear cover (324), and may include a wiring member (380) providing an electrical connection (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). In one embodiment, the conductive coil (390) may operate as at least one of a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The conductive coil (390) may, for example, communicate near-field with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

[0086] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include a hinge housing (341) (e.g., hinge cover) that supports a hinge structure (340) and is exposed to the outside when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 5) and is positioned so as not to be seen from the outside by being retracted into a first space and / or a second space when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 2).

[0087] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (101) may include a first protective member (315) coupled along the edge of a first side member (313). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a second protective member (325) coupled along the edge of a second side member (323). In one embodiment, the first display (330) may have the edge of a first planar portion (e.g., the first portion (330a) of FIG. 6) protected by the first protective member (315). In one embodiment, the first display (330) may have the edge of a second planar portion (e.g., the second portion (330b) of FIG. 6) protected by the second protective member (325). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a protective cap (335) disposed to protect the edge of a flexible portion (e.g., the third portion (330c) of FIG. 6) corresponding to the hinge structure (340) of the first display (330). In some embodiments, the protective cap (335) and / or protective members (315, 325) may be omitted.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 8, an electronic device (101) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first housing (310) (e.g., the first housing (310) of FIG. 2), and a second housing (320) (e.g., the second housing (320) of FIG. 2) that is foldably coupled to the first housing (310) through a hinge (340) (e.g., the hinge structure (340) of FIG. 3).

[0090] According to one embodiment, a first battery (371) may be disposed in a first housing (310), and a second battery (372) may be disposed in a second housing (320). According to one embodiment, the second battery (372) may be larger than the first battery (371). For example, the capacity of the second battery (372) may be greater than the capacity of the first battery (371).

[0091] According to one embodiment, a connector (307) (e.g., connector port (307) of FIG. 2) may be disposed in the second housing (320). The connector (307) is configured to be connected to a cable and may be exposed to be visible from the outside through a portion of the second housing (320). For example, the connector (307) may include a Type C USB connector. The electronic device (101) is connected to a charger (e.g., a travel adapter) through the connector (307) and may receive power from the charger.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a first circuit board (810) disposed in a first housing (310) and a second circuit board (820) disposed in a second housing (320).

[0093] According to one embodiment, a first power conversion circuit (811) including a switching regulator may be disposed on a first circuit board (810). The first power conversion circuit (811) may be a component integrated in an interface-integrated (IF) power management integrated circuit (PMIC). According to one embodiment, the first power conversion circuit (811) may include at least one inductor and / or at least one semiconductor device (e.g., a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET)).

[0094] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first circuit board (810) may be referred to as the main PCB.

[0095] In some embodiments, a DC IC (direct charging integrated circuit) (813) and a current limiting circuit (812) may be disposed on the first circuit board (810) to output an input voltage from an external device (e.g., a charger) at a specified ratio and to output an input current from an external device at a specified ratio. The DC IC (813) disposed on the first circuit board (810) may be at least partially similar or substantially identical to the second power conversion circuit (823) disposed on the second circuit board (820) in terms of circuitry and function.

[0096] In some embodiments, the DC IC (813) placed on the first circuit board (810) may be a component for charging the first battery (371), but may not be an essential component.

[0097] In some embodiments, the current limiting circuit (812) may be a component that limits the charging current or discharging current associated with the first battery (371) from exceeding a specified current, but may not be an essential component. For example, the first power conversion circuit (811) may include a switching element (e.g., a battery switch (QBAT)) that serves to limit an overcurrent exceeding a specified current from flowing through the first battery (371) in place of the current limiting circuit (812).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the second circuit board (820) may be positioned adjacent to the connector (307) of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, a second power conversion circuit (823) may be positioned on the second circuit board (820). The second power conversion circuit (823) may be a direct charger that supports a switched cap (capacitor) divider type direct charging (hereinafter referred to as "DC charging"). According to one embodiment, the second power conversion circuit (823) may include a power converter that outputs an input voltage input from an external device (e.g., a charger) by lowering it by a specified ratio and outputs an input current input from an external device by raising it by the specified ratio.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the second power conversion circuit (823) may include at least one capacitor and / or at least one semiconductor device (e.g., a metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET)). According to one embodiment, the second power conversion circuit (823) may include a switched capacitor converter. According to one embodiment, an overvoltage protection (OVP) IC (821) may be placed on the second circuit board (820). The OVP IC (821) may protect the electronic device (101) by blocking the "VBUS voltage," which is a voltage input from an external device, when it exceeds a specified voltage.

[0100] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the second circuit board (820) may be named a USB board.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible circuit board (380) (e.g., FPCB) positioned to extend from a portion of the first housing (310) across the hinge (340) to a portion of the second housing (320). For example, the flexible circuit board (380) may electrically connect a first circuit board (810) positioned in the first housing (310) and a second circuit board (820) positioned in the second housing (320).

[0102] According to one embodiment, a second battery (372) disposed in a second housing (320) may include two battery connectors (307). The second battery (372) may include a first battery connector (831) connected to a flexible circuit board (380) in a first area (320a) of the second housing (320) adjacent to the hinge (340), and a second battery connector (832) connected to a second circuit board (820) in a second area (320b) of the second housing (320) adjacent to the connector (307) of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the second battery connector (832) of the second battery (372) can form a path to supply the voltage converted by the second power conversion circuit (823) to the second battery (372) when an external device supporting high-speed charging, such as a high-speed charger capable of varying the output current and output voltage, is connected to the connector (307) of the electronic device (101). For example, when the electronic device (101) is connected to a high-speed charger capable of varying the output current and output voltage, the second battery (372) can be charged through the second battery connector (832) positioned adjacent to the connector (307). According to one embodiment, the first battery connector (831) of the second battery (372) can form a path to supply the voltage converted by the first power conversion circuit (811) to the second battery (372) when an external device that does not support high-speed charging, such as a general charger that cannot vary the output current and output voltage, is connected to the connector (307) of the electronic device (101). For example, when the electronic device (101) is connected to a general charger that cannot vary the output current and output voltage, the second battery (372) can be charged through the first battery connector (831) positioned adjacent to the hinge (340). The electrical connection structure of the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may be a structure that can reduce DC resistance (DCR), reduce power loss during battery charging, and facilitate charging the battery at a high speed.

[0103] According to one embodiment, when a high-speed charger capable of varying output current and output voltage is connected to an electronic device (101), a first charging path for charging a first battery (371) may be as follows. For example, when a high-speed charger is connected to an electronic device (101), the first charging path may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a second power conversion circuit (823), a flexible circuit board (380), and a first battery (371).

[0104] According to one embodiment, when a high-speed charger capable of varying output current and output voltage is connected to an electronic device (101), a second charging path for charging a second battery (372) may be as follows. For example, when a high-speed charger is connected to an electronic device (101), the second charging path may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a second power conversion circuit (823), and a second battery (372) through a second battery connector (832).

[0105] According to one embodiment, when a standard charger that cannot vary the output current and output voltage is connected to the electronic device (101), the first charging path for charging the first battery (371) may be as follows. For example, when a standard charger is connected to the electronic device (101), the first charging path may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a flexible circuit board (380), a first power conversion circuit (811), and a first battery (371).

[0106] According to one embodiment, when a standard charger that cannot vary the output current and output voltage is connected to the electronic device (101), the second charging path for charging the second battery (372) may be as follows. For example, when a standard charger is connected to the electronic device (101), the second charging path may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a flexible circuit board (380), a first power conversion circuit (811), a flexible circuit board (380), and the second battery (372) through the first battery connector (831).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the second battery connector (832) of the second battery (372) may be configured to form a charging path for charging the second battery (372) but not to form a discharging path for supplying power from the second battery (372) to a load circuit (e.g., a system) placed in the second housing (320). For example, a battery protection circuit included in the second battery (372) (e.g., the battery protection circuit (1600) of FIG. 14) may include a current blocking element to prevent the supply of power (e.g., reverse bypass and / or reverse boosting) flowing through the second battery connector (832) from the current discharged from the second battery (372). The second battery (372) protection circuit included in the second battery (372) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. According to one embodiment, a discharge path supplying power from the second battery (372) to a load circuit (e.g., a system) placed in the second housing (320) may be formed through the first battery connector (831) of the second battery (372). For example, the electronic device (101) may discharge power from the second battery (372) through the first battery connector (831) and supply power to a load circuit placed in the second housing (320) using the power of the second battery (372) discharged through the first battery connector (831).

[0108] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the circuit connections of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment. The electronic device (101) of FIG. 9 may be at least partially similar or substantially identical to the electronic device (101) described with reference to FIG. 8. The description of components shown in FIG. 9 that overlap with the components of FIG. 8 will be replaced by the description with reference to FIG. 8.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 9, the electronic device (101) includes a first battery (371) and a second battery (372), and may include a power conversion circuit for charging the first battery (371) and the second battery (372). The power conversion circuit of the electronic device (101) may include a first power conversion circuit (811) including a switching regulator, and a second power conversion circuit (823) connected in parallel with the first power conversion circuit (811) and performing DC charging. The first power conversion circuit (811) and the second power conversion circuit (823) may receive the VBUS voltage of an external device (e.g., a travel adapter) through an OVP IC (821).

[0110] According to one embodiment, when a first external device (e.g., a fast charger) configured to supply a maximum first power is connected through a connector (e.g., connector (307) of FIG. 8), the electronic device (101) can convert power supplied from the first external device using a second power conversion circuit (823). The electronic device (101) can supply the power converted by the second power conversion circuit (823) to the first battery (371). The electronic device (101) can supply the power converted by the second power conversion circuit (823) to the second battery (372) through a second battery connector (832).

[0111] According to one embodiment, when a second external device (e.g., a standard charger) configured to supply a maximum second power (the second power is lower than the first power) is connected through a connector (307), the electronic device (101) can convert the power supplied from the second external device using a first power conversion circuit (811). The electronic device (101) can supply the power converted by the first power conversion circuit (811) to the second battery (372) through a first battery connector (831). The electronic device (101) can supply the power converted by the first power conversion circuit (811) to the first battery (371).

[0112] According to one embodiment, the first battery connector (831) of the second battery (372) may be a battery connector (307) adjacent to a hinge (340) positioned between the first housing (310) and the second housing (320) of the electronic device (101).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the second battery connector (832) of the second battery (372) may be a battery connector (307) adjacent to the connector (307) of the electronic device (101), such as a USB connector (901).

[0114] According to one embodiment, a discharge path supplying power from a first battery (371) to a first load circuit (931) (e.g., a first system) disposed in a first housing (310) may be connected in the order of the first battery (371), the first power conversion circuit (811), and the first load circuit (931).

[0115] According to one embodiment, a discharge path supplying power from a second battery (372) to a second load circuit (932) (e.g., a second system) disposed in a second housing (320) may be connected in the order of the second battery (372), the first battery connector (831) of the second battery (372), the current limiting circuit (920), the flexible circuit board (e.g., the flexible circuit board (380) of FIG. 8), the first power conversion circuit (811), and the second load circuit (932). The current limiting circuit (920) may serve to limit the charging current or discharging current associated with the second battery (372) from exceeding a specified current.

[0116] In FIG. 9, 910 may represent a second battery pack including a second battery (372), a first battery connector (831), and a second battery connector (832), and the second battery pack may include a battery protection circuit (e.g., the battery protection circuit (1600) of FIG. 14) (e.g., a PCM circuit) as described below with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15.

[0117] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state in which an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment charges a battery using a second power conversion circuit (823).

[0118] Referring to FIG. 10, when a first external device (e.g., a fast charger) configured to supply maximum first power is connected through a connector (e.g., the connector (307) in FIG. 8), the electronic device (101) can convert power supplied from the first external device using a second power conversion circuit (823).

[0119] According to one embodiment, when a high-speed charger capable of varying the output current and output voltage is connected to an electronic device (101), a first charging path (1011) for charging a first battery (371) may be as follows. For example, when a high-speed charger is connected to an electronic device (101), the first charging path (1011) may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a flexible circuit board (e.g., the flexible circuit board (380) of FIG. 8), a first power conversion circuit (811), and a first battery (371). For example, even when a high-speed charger capable of varying the output current and output voltage is connected to an electronic device (101), the first battery (371) can be charged using the first power conversion circuit (811).

[0120] According to one embodiment, when a high-speed charger capable of varying the output current and output voltage is connected to an electronic device (101), a first charging path (1013) for charging a first battery (371) may be as follows. For example, when a high-speed charger is connected to an electronic device (101), the first charging path (1013) may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a second power conversion circuit (823), a flexible circuit board (e.g., the flexible circuit board (380) of FIG. 8), and a first battery (371). For example, when a high-speed charger capable of varying the output current and output voltage is connected to an electronic device (101), the second power conversion circuit (823) can be used to charge not only the second battery (372) but also the first battery (371).

[0121] According to one embodiment, when a high-speed charger capable of varying output current and output voltage is connected to an electronic device (101), a second charging path (1012) for charging a second battery (372) may be as follows. For example, when a high-speed charger is connected to an electronic device (101), the second charging path (1012) may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a second power conversion circuit (823), and a second battery (372) through a second battery connector (832).

[0122] According to one embodiment, a discharge path (1021) that supplies power from a first battery (371) to a first load circuit (931) (e.g., a first system) disposed in a first housing (310) may be connected in the order of the first battery (371), the first power conversion circuit (811), and the first load circuit (931).

[0123] According to one embodiment, a discharge path (1022) that supplies power from a second battery (372) to a second load circuit (932) (e.g., a second system) disposed in a second housing (320) may be connected in the order of the second battery (372), the first battery connector (831) of the second battery (372), the current limiting circuit (920), and the second load circuit (932).

[0124] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state in which an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment charges a battery using a first power conversion circuit (811).

[0125] According to one embodiment, when a second external device (e.g., a standard charger) configured to supply a maximum second power (the second power is lower than the first power) is connected through a connector (307), the electronic device (101) can convert the power supplied from the second external device using a first power conversion circuit (811). The electronic device (101) can supply the power converted by the first power conversion circuit (811) to the second battery (372) through a first battery connector (831). The electronic device (101) can supply the power converted by the first power conversion circuit (811) to the first battery (371).

[0126] According to one embodiment, when a standard charger that cannot vary the output current and output voltage is connected to the electronic device (101), the first charging path (1111) for charging the first battery (371) may be as follows. For example, when a standard charger is connected to the electronic device (101), the first charging path (1111) may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a flexible circuit board (e.g., the flexible circuit board (380) of FIG. 8), a first power conversion circuit (811), and a first battery (371).

[0127] According to one embodiment, when a standard charger that cannot vary the output current and output voltage is connected to the electronic device (101), the second charging path (1112) for charging the second battery (372) may be as follows. For example, when a standard charger is connected to the electronic device (101), the second charging path (1112) may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a flexible circuit board (380) (e.g., the flexible circuit board (380) of FIG. 8), a first power conversion circuit (811), a flexible circuit board (380), and the second battery (372) through the first battery connector (831).

[0128] According to one embodiment, a discharge path (1121) that supplies power from a first battery (371) to a first load circuit (931) (e.g., a first system) disposed in a first housing (310) may be connected in the order of the first battery (371), the first power conversion circuit (811), and the first load circuit (931).

[0129] According to one embodiment, a discharge path (1122) supplying power from a second battery (372) to a second load circuit (932) (e.g., a second system) disposed in a second housing (320) may be connected in the order of the second battery (372), the first battery connector (831) of the second battery (372), the current limiting circuit (920), and the second load circuit (932). According to some embodiment, a discharge path (1122) supplying power from a second battery (372) to a second load circuit (932) (e.g., a second system) disposed in a second housing (320) may be connected in the order of the second battery (372), the first battery connector (831) of the second battery (372), the current limiting circuit (920), and the second load circuit (932).

[0130] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the state in which an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment charges a battery using a second power conversion circuit (823) and supplies power to a system using a first power conversion circuit (811).

[0131] The electronic device (101) of FIG. 12 may be at least partially similar or substantially identical to the electronic device (101) described with reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11. The description of components shown in FIG. 12 that overlap with the components of FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 will be replaced by the description with reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 10, or FIG. 11.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic device (101) may further include a DC IC (813) (direct charging integrated circuit). The DC IC (813) may be a component placed on the first circuit board (810) of the first housing (310). The DC IC (813) may be a power converter that outputs an input voltage input from an external device (e.g., a charger) by lowering it by a specified ratio and outputs an input current input from an external device by raising it by said specified ratio. The DC IC (813) may be at least partially similar or substantially identical to the second power conversion circuit (823) in terms of circuitry and function.

[0133] According to one embodiment, when a first external device (e.g., a fast charger) configured to supply a maximum first power is connected through a connector (e.g., connector (307) of FIG. 8), the electronic device (101) can convert power supplied from the first external device using a DC IC (813) and a second power conversion circuit (823).

[0134] According to one embodiment, when a high-speed charger capable of varying output current and output voltage is connected to an electronic device (101), a first charging path (1211) for charging a first battery (371) may be as follows. For example, when a high-speed charger is connected to an electronic device (101), the first charging path (1211) may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a flexible circuit board (380), a DC IC (813), and a first battery (371).

[0135] According to one embodiment, when a fast charger capable of varying output current and output voltage is connected to an electronic device (101), a second charging path (1012) for charging a second battery (372) may be as follows. For example, when a fast charger is connected to an electronic device (101), the second charging path (1212) may be connected in the order of a connector (307), an OVP IC (821), a second power conversion circuit (823), and a second battery (372) through a second battery connector (832).

[0136] According to one embodiment, when a fast charger is connected, the electronic device (101) can charge a first battery (371) using a DC IC (813), charge a second battery (372) using a second power conversion circuit (823), and supply power to a first load circuit (931) and a second load circuit (932) using a first power conversion circuit (811). For example, when a fast charger is connected, the electronic device (101) can convert input power using the first power conversion circuit (811) and form a path (1211) that supplies the converted power to a first load circuit (931) and a second load circuit (932). The electronic device (101) can block the path through which power is discharged from each of the first battery (371) and the second battery (372) while the first power conversion circuit (811) supplies power to the first load circuit (931) and the second load circuit (932). For example, the electronic device (101) can allow the first battery (371) and the second battery (372) to be charged by the DC IC (813) and the second power conversion circuit (823) while the first power conversion circuit (811) supplies power to the first load circuit (931) and the second load circuit (932).

[0137] According to one embodiment, when a fast charger is connected, the electronic device (101) may perform the operation of supplying power to the first load circuit (931) and the second load circuit (932) through the first power conversion circuit (811) only when specified conditions are met. For example, the electronic device (101) may detect the temperature of the electronic device (101) when the fast charger is connected and a specified application is running in a heated state, and may cause the first power conversion circuit (811) to supply power to the first load circuit (931) and the second load circuit (932) only when the temperature of the electronic device (101) is below a specified threshold. When the temperature of the electronic device (101) exceeds the specified threshold, the first power conversion circuit (811) may stop supplying power to the first load circuit (931) and the second load circuit (932) by converting the power input from the fast charger. When a high-speed charger is connected to the electronic device (101) and the temperature of the electronic device (101) exceeds a specified threshold, the first power conversion circuit (811) can convert power input from the battery (371, 372) to supply power to the first load circuit (931) and the second load circuit (932).

[0138] The specified conditions of the electronic device (101) will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 13.

[0139] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment. For example, FIG. 13 may be a flowchart illustrating the operation of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 12.

[0140] The operations illustrated in FIG. 13 can be performed by instructions stored in memory (130) (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1). For example, when the instructions are executed by a processor (120) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1), the electronic device (101) (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) can perform the operations illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0141] At least some of the operations shown in FIG. 13 may be omitted. At least some operations mentioned in the present disclosure with reference to other drawings may be additionally inserted before or after at least some of the operations shown in FIG. 13.

[0142] According to one embodiment, at least some of the operations illustrated in FIG. 13 may be performed sequentially. According to one embodiment, at least some of the operations illustrated in FIG. 13 may be performed in parallel (simultaneously). According to one embodiment, at least some of the operations illustrated in FIG. 13 may be performed with their order changed.

[0143] In operation 1311, the electronic device (101) can start DC charging. When a first external device (e.g., a fast charger) configured to supply maximum first power is connected through the connector (307), the electronic device (101) can convert the power supplied from the first external device using the DC IC (813) and the second power conversion circuit (823). The electronic device (101) can cause the first battery (371) and the second battery (372) to be charged by the DC IC (813) and the second power conversion circuit (823).

[0144] In operation 1313, the electronic device (101) can check the TA operating max current. The electronic device (101) can check the maximum output current (e.g., TA operating max current) that the first external device (e.g., fast charger) can output.

[0145] In operation 1315, the electronic device (101) can determine whether it is a user scenario. For example, a user scenario may include a state in which a specified application consuming power above a certain power level is executed. The electronic device (101) can determine that if the specified application is executed, it is a user scenario in a heat state.

[0146] In operation 1317, the electronic device (101) can determine whether the surface heating temperature exceeds a specified trigger temperature. For example, if the electronic device (101) determines that it is in a heating state, it can determine whether the temperature of the electronic device (101) exceeds the specified trigger temperature. If the surface heating temperature exceeds the specified trigger temperature (e.g., the result of operation 1317 is yes), the electronic device (101) can perform operation 1319. If the surface heating temperature is less than or equal to the specified trigger temperature (e.g., the result of operation 1317 is no), the electronic device (101) can perform operation 1315.

[0147] In operation 1319, the electronic device (101) can set the charging current to the heat control current. For example, the electronic device (101) can set the charging current to the heat control current when the temperature of the electronic device (101) exceeds a specified trigger temperature. For example, a user can run a specified application related to games and videos while charging the battery by connecting a fast charger to the electronic device (101). In this case, the electronic device (101) can perform monitoring by predicting the surface heat temperature of the electronic device (101) using a temperature sensor. The electronic device (101) can set the heat control current when the surface heat temperature rises above a specific temperature. When the electronic device (101) sets the charging current to the heat control current, the charging current can be lowered from the previously targeted battery current to the heat control current. The heat control current can be set to different values ​​depending on the triggered temperature.

[0148] In operation 1321, the electronic device (101) can determine whether the sum of the system current supplied to the at least one first load circuit (931) and the at least one second load circuit (932) and the heating control current is less than the maximum output current. The electronic device (101) can perform operation 1323 if the maximum output current is greater than the sum of currents (e.g., the result of operation 1321 is yes). The electronic device (101) can perform operation 1325 if the maximum output current is less than or equal to the sum of currents (e.g., the result of operation 1321 is no).

[0149] In operation 1323, the electronic device (101) can set an input current limit of an interface-integrated PMIC (power management integrated circuit) (e.g., a first power conversion circuit (811)). For example, the electronic device (101) can set the input current limit of the first power conversion circuit (811) to the value obtained by subtracting the heat control current from the maximum output current of the charger.

[0150] In operation 1325, the electronic device (101) can maintain DC charging. The electronic device (101) can stop the first power conversion circuit (811) from supplying power to the first load circuit (931) and the second load circuit (932), and can activate a discharge path in which the first battery (371) supplies power to the first load circuit (931) and a discharge path in which the second battery (372) supplies power to the second load circuit (932). In operation 1327, the electronic device (101) can set a buck mode in which the first power conversion circuit (811) supplies power to the first load circuit (931) and the second load circuit (932) by controlling a switching element (e.g., battery switch (QBAT)) included in the IF PMIC (e.g., the first power conversion circuit (811)).

[0151] In operation 1329, the electronic device (101) can charge the first battery (371) using the DC IC (813), charge the second battery (372) using the second power conversion circuit (823), and supply power to the first load circuit (931) and the second load circuit (932) using the first power conversion circuit (811).

[0152] FIGS. 14 and FIGS. 15 are circuit diagrams illustrating a battery protection circuit included in the second battery (372).

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the second battery (372) may include a battery protection circuit (1600). According to one embodiment, the battery protection circuit (1600) comprises a P1+ terminal and a P2+ terminal connected to a first electrode (1611) of a second battery (372), a P1- terminal and a P2- terminal connected to a second electrode (1612) of the second battery (372), at least one first FET (field effect transistor) (S12, S22) disposed between the second electrode (1612) and the P2- terminal, at least one second FET (S11, S21) disposed between the second electrode (1612) and the P1- terminal, a current blocking element (SD of FIG. 14 or S3 of FIG. 15) disposed between the second electrode (1612) and the P1- terminal and blocking current flowing from the P1- terminal to the second electrode (1612), and at least one protection controlling at least one first FET (S12, S22) and at least one second FET (S11, S21). It may include IC(protection IC)(1651, 1652).

[0154] According to one embodiment, at least one protection IC (1651, 1652) may include a first protection IC (1651) and a second protection IC (1652). For example, the first protection IC (1651) may control at least one first FET (S12) and at least one second FET (S11) in response to the charging or discharging path of the second battery (372) exceeding a first threshold current. For example, the second protection IC (1652) may control at least one first FET (S22) and at least one second FET (S21) in response to the charging or discharging path of the second battery (372) exceeding a second threshold current.

[0155] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the current blocking element (SD) may be a Schottky diode. For example, the Schottky diode, which is the current blocking element (SD), can block the current flowing from the P1- terminal to the second electrode (1612) of the battery.

[0156] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 15, a current blocking element that blocks the current flowing from the P1- terminal to the second electrode (1612) of the battery may be at least one third FET (S3) controlled by at least one protection IC (1651, 1652). At least one third FET (S3) is controlled by at least one protection IC (1651, 1652) and can block the current flowing from the P1- terminal to the second electrode (1612) of the battery.

[0157] An electronic device (101) according to various embodiments of the present invention can improve charging speed by reducing the ultra-fast charging path DCR through a high-power individual charging structure.

[0158] An electronic device (101) according to various embodiments of the present invention can reduce the risk of issues such as sudden momentary power loss (SMPL) by reducing the discharge path DCR (DC resistance) through a dual battery connector (307) structure. When SMPL occurs, the electronic device (101) may be turned off unintentionally by the user.

[0159] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a first housing; a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge; a connector configured to be connected to a cable and exposed to be visible from the outside through a portion of the second housing; a first battery disposed in the first housing; a second battery disposed in the second housing; a first circuit board disposed in the first housing and comprising a first power conversion circuit including a switching regulator; a second circuit board disposed adjacent to the connector in the second housing and comprising a second power conversion circuit, wherein the second power conversion circuit outputs a current input from an external device by increasing it by a specified ratio and outputs a voltage input from the external device by decreasing it by the specified ratio; and a flexible circuit board disposed to extend across the hinge from a portion of the first housing to a portion of the second housing and electrically connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the second battery is connected to the flexible circuit board in a first region of the second housing adjacent to the hinge It may include a first battery connector that is connected, and a second battery connector that is connected to the second circuit board in a second area of ​​the second housing adjacent to the connector.

[0160] The electronic device further comprises a processor and a memory for storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, can convert power supplied from the first external device using the second power conversion circuit when the first external device configured to supply a maximum first power is connected through the connector, and supply the power converted by the second power conversion circuit to the second battery through the second battery connector.

[0161] When the above instructions are executed by the processor, a second external device configured to supply a maximum second power to the electronic device is connected through the connector, and if the second power is lower than the first power, the power supplied from the second external device is converted using the first power conversion circuit, and the power converted by the first power conversion circuit is supplied to the second battery through the first battery connector.

[0162] The second battery includes a battery protection circuit, and the battery protection circuit may include a P1+ terminal and a P2+ terminal connected to a first electrode of the second battery, a P1- terminal and a P2- terminal connected to a second electrode of the second battery, at least one first FET disposed between the second electrode and the P2- terminal, at least one second FET disposed between the second electrode and the P1- terminal, a current blocking element disposed between the second electrode and the P1- terminal and blocking current flowing from the P1- terminal to the second electrode, and a protection IC that controls the at least one first FET and the at least one second FET.

[0163] The above current blocking element may be a Schottky diode.

[0164] The above current blocking element may be at least one third FET controlled by the protection IC.

[0165] When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device can convert power supplied from the second external device using the first power conversion circuit when the first external device is connected through the connector, and supply the power converted by the first power conversion circuit to at least one first load circuit disposed in the first housing and at least one second load circuit disposed in the second housing.

[0166] The above instructions, when executed by the processor, can check whether the electronic device is in a heating state where a specified application is running when the first external device is connected through the connector, and if it is confirmed that the electronic device is in a heating state, check the temperature of the electronic device, and if the temperature of the electronic device exceeds a specified threshold, stop the operation of supplying power converted by the first power conversion circuit to the at least one first load circuit and the at least one second load circuit.

[0167] When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device checks the maximum output current that the first external device can output, and if it is confirmed that it is in the heating state, checks whether the temperature of the electronic device exceeds a specified trigger temperature, and if the temperature of the electronic device exceeds the trigger temperature, sets the charging current to the heating control current, and if the sum of the system current supplied to the at least one first load circuit and the at least one second load circuit and the heating control current exceeds the maximum output current, the operation of supplying power converted by the first power conversion circuit to the at least one first load circuit and the at least one second load circuit can be stopped.

[0168] The second battery may be larger than the first battery.

[0169] A method for driving an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the electronic device comprises: a first housing; a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge; a connector configured to be connected to a cable and exposed to be visible from the outside through a portion of the second housing; a first battery disposed in the first housing; a second battery disposed in the second housing; a first circuit board disposed in the first housing and comprising a first power conversion circuit including a switching regulator; a second circuit board disposed adjacent to the connector in the second housing and comprising a second power conversion circuit, wherein the second power conversion circuit outputs a current input from an external device by increasing it by a specified ratio and outputs a voltage input from the external device by decreasing it by the specified ratio; and a flexible circuit board disposed to extend from a portion of the first housing to a portion of the second housing across the hinge and electrically connecting the first circuit board and the second circuit board, wherein the second battery is in a first region of the second housing adjacent to the hinge A method for driving an electronic device may include a first battery connector connected to the flexible circuit board, and a second battery connector connected to the second circuit board in a second area of ​​the second housing adjacent to the connector, wherein when a first external device configured to supply a maximum first power is connected through the connector, the method may include converting power supplied from the first external device using the second power conversion circuit, and supplying power converted by the second power conversion circuit to the second battery through the second battery connector.

[0170] The driving method of the electronic device may include a second external device configured to supply a maximum second power being connected through the connector, and if the second power is lower than the first power, converting the power supplied from the second external device using the first power conversion circuit, and supplying the power converted by the first power conversion circuit to the second battery through the first battery connector.

[0171] The second battery includes a battery protection circuit, and the battery protection circuit may include a P1+ terminal and a P2+ terminal connected to a first electrode of the second battery, a P1- terminal and a P2- terminal connected to a second electrode of the second battery, at least one first FET disposed between the second electrode and the P2- terminal, at least one second FET disposed between the second electrode and the P1- terminal, a current blocking element disposed between the second electrode and the P1- terminal and blocking current flowing from the P1- terminal to the second electrode, and a protection IC that controls the at least one first FET and the at least one second FET.

[0172] The above current blocking element may be a Schottky diode.

[0173] The above current blocking element may be at least one third FET controlled by the protection IC.

[0174] The driving method of the electronic device may include the operation of converting power supplied from the second external device using the first power conversion circuit when the first external device is connected through the connector, and the operation of supplying the power converted by the first power conversion circuit to at least one first load circuit disposed in the first housing and at least one second load circuit disposed in the second housing.

[0175] The driving method of the electronic device may include, when the first external device is connected through the connector, checking whether a specified application is in a heating state, checking the temperature of the electronic device when it is confirmed that the heating state is, and stopping the operation of supplying power converted by the first power conversion circuit to the at least one first load circuit and the at least one second load circuit when the temperature of the electronic device exceeds a specified threshold.

[0176] The driving method of the electronic device may include: checking the maximum output current that the first external device can output; checking whether the temperature of the electronic device exceeds a specified trigger temperature when it is confirmed that the device is in a heating state; setting the charging current to a heating control current when the temperature of the electronic device exceeds the trigger temperature; and stopping the supply of power converted by the first power conversion circuit to the at least one first load circuit and the at least one second load circuit when the sum of the system current supplied to the at least one first load circuit and the at least one second load circuit and the heating control current exceeds the maximum output current.

[0177] The driving method of the electronic device may include, when the first external device is connected through the connector, an operation of converting power supplied from the first external device using the first power conversion circuit, and an operation of supplying the power converted by the first power conversion circuit to the first battery.

[0178] The driving method of the electronic device may include, when the first external device is connected through the connector, converting power supplied from the first external device using the second power conversion circuit, and supplying the power converted by the second power conversion circuit to the first battery.

Claims

1. In an electronic device, First housing; A second housing that is foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge; A connector configured to be connected to a cable and exposed to be visible from the outside through a part of the second housing; A first battery disposed in the first housing above; A second battery disposed in the second housing above; A first circuit board disposed in the first housing and comprising a first power conversion circuit including a switching regulator; A second circuit board disposed adjacent to the connector in the second housing and comprising a second power conversion circuit, wherein the second power conversion circuit increases the current input from an external device by a specified ratio and outputs it, and also decreases the voltage input from the external device by the specified ratio and outputs it; and It includes a flexible circuit board that is arranged to extend from a part of the first housing to a part of the second housing across the hinge and electrically connects the first circuit board and the second circuit board. The above second battery is A first battery connector connected to the flexible circuit board in a first region of the second housing adjacent to the hinge, and A second battery connector including a second battery connector connected to the second circuit board in a second area of ​​the second housing adjacent to the connector, Electronic device.

2. In Paragraph 1, processor; and It further includes memory for storing instructions, When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device: When a first external device configured to supply maximum first power is connected through the connector: Converting power supplied from the first external device using the second power conversion circuit above, and The power converted by the second power conversion circuit is supplied to the second battery through the second battery connector. Electronic device.

3. In Paragraph 2, When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device: A second external device configured to supply a maximum second power is connected through the connector, wherein the second power is lower than the first power: Converting power supplied from the second external device using the first power conversion circuit, and The power converted by the first power conversion circuit is supplied to the second battery through the first battery connector. Electronic device.

4. In Paragraph 3, The second battery above includes a battery protection circuit, and The above battery protection circuit is, A P1+ terminal connected to the first electrode of the second battery, and a P2+ terminal; A P1- terminal and a P2- terminal connected to the second electrode of the second battery; At least one first FET disposed between the second electrode and the P2- terminal; At least one second FET disposed between the second electrode and the P1- terminal; A current blocking element disposed between the second electrode and the P1- terminal and blocking the current flowing from the P1- terminal to the second electrode; and A protection IC that controls the at least one first FET and the at least one second FET, Electronic device.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above current blocking element is a Schottky diode, Electronic device.

6. In Paragraph 4, The above current blocking element is at least one third FET controlled by the protection IC, Electronic device.

7. In Paragraph 3, When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device: When the above first external device is connected through the connector: Converting power supplied from the second external device using the first power conversion circuit, and The power converted by the first power conversion circuit is supplied to at least one first load circuit disposed in the first housing and at least one second load circuit disposed in the second housing. Electronic device.

8. In Paragraph 7, When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device: When the first external device is connected through the connector, check whether the specified application is running in a heated state, and If it is confirmed that the above heating state is present, the temperature of the electronic device is checked, and If the temperature of the electronic device exceeds a specified threshold, the operation of supplying power converted by the first power conversion circuit to the at least one first load circuit and the at least one second load circuit is stopped. Electronic device.

9. In Paragraph 8, When the above instructions are executed by the processor, the electronic device: Check the maximum output current that the above first external device can output, and If it is confirmed that the above heating state exists, check whether the temperature of the electronic device exceeds a specified trigger temperature, and When the temperature of the electronic device exceeds the trigger temperature, the charging current is set to the heating control current, and If the sum of the system current supplied to the at least one first load circuit and the at least one second load circuit and the heating control current exceeds the maximum output current, the operation of supplying the power converted by the first power conversion circuit to the at least one first load circuit and the at least one second load circuit is stopped. Electronic device.

10. In Paragraph 1, The second battery is larger than the first battery, Electronic device.

11. In a method for driving an electronic device, The above electronic device is, First housing; A second housing that is foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge; A connector configured to be connected to a cable and exposed to be visible from the outside through a part of the second housing; A first battery disposed in the first housing above; A second battery disposed in the second housing above; A first circuit board disposed in the first housing and comprising a first power conversion circuit including a switching regulator; A second circuit board disposed adjacent to the connector in the second housing and comprising a second power conversion circuit, wherein the second power conversion circuit increases the current input from an external device by a specified ratio and outputs it, and also decreases the voltage input from the external device by the specified ratio and outputs it; and It includes a flexible circuit board that is arranged to extend from a part of the first housing to a part of the second housing across the hinge and electrically connects the first circuit board and the second circuit board. The above second battery is A first battery connector connected to the flexible circuit board in a first region of the second housing adjacent to the hinge, and It includes a second battery connector connected to the second circuit board in a second area of ​​the second housing adjacent to the connector, and The driving method of the above electronic device is, When a first external device configured to supply a maximum first power is connected through the connector, the operation of converting the power supplied from the first external device using the second power conversion circuit, and The operation of supplying power converted by the second power conversion circuit to the second battery through the second battery connector, method.

12. In Paragraph 12, A second external device configured to supply a maximum second power is connected through the connector, wherein the second power is lower than the first power: The operation of converting power supplied from the second external device using the first power conversion circuit, and The operation of supplying power converted by the first power conversion circuit to the second battery through the first battery connector, method.

13. In Paragraph 12, The second battery above includes a battery protection circuit, and The above battery protection circuit is, A P1+ terminal connected to the first electrode of the second battery, and a P2+ terminal; A P1- terminal and a P2- terminal connected to the second electrode of the second battery; At least one first FET disposed between the second electrode and the P2- terminal; At least one second FET disposed between the second electrode and the P1- terminal; A current blocking element disposed between the second electrode and the P1- terminal and blocking the current flowing from the P1- terminal to the second electrode; and A protection IC that controls the at least one first FET and the at least one second FET, method.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above current blocking element is at least one third FET controlled by the protection IC, method.

15. In Paragraph 12, When the above first external device is connected through the connector: The operation of converting power supplied from the second external device using the first power conversion circuit, and The operation of supplying power converted by the first power conversion circuit to at least one first load circuit disposed in the first housing and at least one second load circuit disposed in the second housing, method.

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