Patent Description:
The use of electronic devices such as a foldable smartphone or laptop computer is increasing, and various functions are provided to electronic devices.

Such an electronic device may have various security functions to protect the user's personal or privacy information. The electronic device may use a method of authenticating user's biometric information as one of various security functions.

For example, the electronic device may employ, as a method of authenticating user's biometric information, a method of recognizing and detecting user's fingerprint information by using a fingerprint sensor. Electronic devices with fingerprint sensors are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

A foldable electronic device, such as a foldable-type smartphone or lap top computer, may be operated in a folded state in which a first housing and a second housing are folded with respect to a hinge module or in an unfolded state.

For example, the foldable electronic device may be operated in an in-folding and/or out-folding manner by rotating the first housing and the second housing through the hinge module.

The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display that is disposed at an upper portion of a position corresponding to the first housing and the second housing so as to at least partially cross the first housing and the second housing.

In the foldable electronic device, when the first housing and the second housing are folded or unfolded through the hinge module, the flexible display may also be folded or unfolded.

In the foldable electronic device, a fingerprint sensor may be not disposed in the display. For example, in the foldable electronic device, one capacitive fingerprint sensor may be disposed on a side surface of the first housing or the second housing, and the user's fingerprint may be recognized and detected.

When recognizing and detecting a user's fingerprint to authenticate the user of the electronic device by using one fingerprint sensor disposed on the side surface of the first housing or the second housing, convenience and security in use of the foldable electronic device may be deteriorated.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide a foldable electronic device capable of detecting a user's fingerprint in a folded state and/or in an unfolded state by using a plurality of fingerprint sensors that are mounted on a sensor mounting module and are disposed respectively on the front surface and/or rear surface of the first housing and/or second housing of the foldable electronic device.

The technical objectives to be achieved in the disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical objectives not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs from the following description.

A foldable electronic device according to the invention is provided in claim <NUM> of the appended set of claims.

A foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include: a hinge module coupled at least in part between a first support member and a second support member; a first housing coupled at least in part to a first side of the hinge module by using the first support member; a second housing that is coupled at least in part to a second side of the hinge module by using the second support member and is configured to be unfolded and folded with the first housing by using the hinge module; a flexible display including a first display disposed on a first surface of the first housing, and a second display disposed on a third surface of the second housing; a sensor mounting module disposed in the first housing and the second housing across the inside of the hinge module; a first fingerprint sensor that is mounted on a first surface of the sensor mounting module and is disposed between the third surface of the second housing and the second display; and a second fingerprint sensor that is mounted on a second surface of the sensor mounting module and is disposed on a fourth surface of the second housing.

A foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include: a hinge module coupled at least in part between a first support member and a second support member; a first housing coupled at least in part to a first side of the hinge module by using the first support member; a second housing that is coupled at least in part to a second side of the hinge module by using the second support member and is configured to be unfolded and folded with the first housing by using the hinge module; a flexible display including a first display disposed on a first surface of the first housing, and a second display disposed on a third surface of the second housing; a sensor mounting module disposed in the first housing and the second housing across an inside of the hinge module; a first fingerprint sensor that is mounted on a first surface of the sensor mounting module and is disposed between the first surface of the first housing and the first display; and a second fingerprint sensor that is mounted on the first surface of the sensor mounting module and is disposed between the third surface of the second housing and the second display.

A foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include: a hinge module coupled at least in part between a first support member and a second support member; a first housing coupled at least in part to a first side of the hinge module by using the first support member; a second housing that is coupled at least in part to a second side of the hinge module by using the second support member and is configured to be unfolded and folded with the first housing by using the hinge module; a flexible display including a first display disposed on a first surface of the first housing, and a second display disposed on a third surface of the second housing; and a sensor mounting module including a first fingerprint sensor and a second fingerprint sensor, wherein the first fingerprint sensor and the second fingerprint sensor are disposed between the first surface of the first housing and the first display or are disposed between the third surface of the second housing and the second display.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, a first fingerprint sensor and a second fingerprint sensor mounted on one sensor mounting module are disposed on the front surface and/or the rear surface of the first housing and/or the second housing to thereby allow the foldable electronic device to recognize and detect a user's fingerprint for authentication in a folded state and/or an unfolded state, so that the convenience of using the fingerprint sensor and the security of the electronic device can be enhanced.

In addition, it is possible to provide various effects that are directly or indirectly identified through this document.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference symbols may be used for the same or similar components.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in the network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

<FIG> is a block diagram <NUM> illustrating the display module <NUM> according to various embodiments. Referring to <FIG>, the display module <NUM> may include a display <NUM> and a display driver integrated circuit (DDI) <NUM> to control the display <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may include an interface module 165a, memory 165b (e.g., buffer memory), an image processing module 165c, or a mapping module 165d. The DDI <NUM> may receive image information that contains image data or an image control signal corresponding to a command to control the image data from another component of the electronic device <NUM> via the interface module 165a. For example, according to an embodiment, the image information may be received from the processor <NUM> (e.g., the main processor <NUM> (e.g., an application processor)) or the auxiliary processor <NUM> (e.g., a graphics processing unit) operated independently from the function of the main processor <NUM>. The DDI <NUM> may communicate, for example, with touch circuitry <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> via the interface module 165a. The DDI <NUM> may also store at least part of the received image information in the memory 165b, for example, on a frame by frame basis.

The image processing module 165c may perform pre-processing or post-processing (e.g., adjustment of resolution, brightness, or size) with respect to at least part of the image data. According to an embodiment, the pre-processing or post-processing may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more characteristics of the image data or one or more characteristics of the display <NUM>.

The mapping module 165d may generate a voltage value or a current value corresponding to the image data pre-processed or post-processed by the image processing module 165c. According to an embodiment, the generating of the voltage value or current value may be performed, for example, based at least in part on one or more attributes of the pixels (e.g., an array, such as an RGB stripe or a pentile structure, of the pixels, or the size of each subpixel). At least some pixels of the display <NUM> may be driven, for example, based at least in part on the voltage value or the current value such that visual information (e.g., a text, an image, or an icon) corresponding to the image data may be displayed via the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display module <NUM> may further include the touch circuitry <NUM>. The touch circuitry <NUM> may include a touch sensor 168a and a touch sensor IC 168b to control the touch sensor 168a. The touch sensor IC 168b may control the touch sensor 168a to sense a touch input or a hovering input with respect to a certain position on the display <NUM>. To achieve this, for example, the touch sensor 168a may detect (e.g., measure) a change in a signal (e.g., a voltage, a quantity of light, a resistance, or a quantity of one or more electric charges) corresponding to the certain position on the display <NUM>. The touch circuitry <NUM> may provide input information (e.g., a position, an area, a pressure, or a time) indicative of the touch input or the hovering input detected via the touch sensor 168a to the processor <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least part (e.g., the touch sensor IC 168b) of the touch circuitry <NUM> may be formed as part of the display <NUM> or the DDI <NUM>, or as part of another component (e.g., the auxiliary processor <NUM>) disposed outside the display module <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display module <NUM> may further include at least one sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, a pressure sensor, or an illuminance sensor) of the sensor module <NUM> or a control circuit for the at least one sensor. In such a case, the at least one sensor or the control circuit for the at least one sensor may be embedded in one portion of a component (e.g., the display <NUM>, the DDI <NUM>, or the touch circuitry <NUM>)) of the display module <NUM>. For example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display module <NUM> includes a biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor), the biometric sensor may obtain biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint image) corresponding to a touch input received via a portion of the display <NUM>. As another example, when the sensor module <NUM> embedded in the display module <NUM> includes a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor may obtain pressure information corresponding to a touch input received via a partial or whole area of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the touch sensor 168a or the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed between pixels in a pixel layer of the display <NUM>, or over or under the pixel layer.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an electronic device (e.g., foldable electronic device) in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating the electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic exploded perspective view of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The electronic device <NUM> disclosed in <FIG> and <FIG> may be incorporated in the embodiments disclosed in <FIG>. For example, the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include the processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, input module <NUM>, sound output module <NUM>, display module <NUM>, audio module <NUM>, sensor module <NUM>, interface <NUM>, connection terminal <NUM>, haptic module <NUM>, camera module <NUM>, antenna module <NUM>, and/or subscriber identification module <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The electronic device shown in <FIG> may include a foldable electronic device <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a pair of housings (e.g., first housing <NUM> and second housing <NUM>) (e.g., foldable housing) that are foldable to face each other with respect to a hinge module (e.g., hinge module <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., foldable display) disposed in the space formed by a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover <NUM> in <FIG>) that covers foldable portions of the pair of housings (e.g., first housing <NUM>, second housing <NUM>) and the pair of housings (e.g., first housing <NUM>, second housing <NUM>).

According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> disposed in the space formed by the pair of housings (e.g., first housing <NUM>, second housing <NUM>) may include one display or at least two displays.

According to various embodiments, the surface on which the flexible display <NUM> is disposed may be defined as the front surface (or, first surface) of the foldable electronic device <NUM>, and the opposite surface of the front surface may be defined as the rear surface (or, second surface) of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. The surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the pair of housings (e.g., first housing <NUM>, second housing <NUM>) may include the first housing <NUM> including a sensor region 231d, the second housing <NUM>, a first rear cover <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM>. The pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> of the foldable electronic device <NUM> is not limited to the shape and combination shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and may be implemented with a combination and/or coupling of other shapes or parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed, and the second housing <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed at both sides with respect to the folding axis (A axis) and may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A axis). According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may vary depending upon whether the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded or flat state, the folded state, or the intermediate state. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> includes a sensor region <NUM>1d where various sensors are arranged unlike the second housing <NUM>, but may have a symmetrical shape with the second housing <NUM> in other regions. According to an embodiment, the sensor region 231d may be additionally disposed in some region of the second housing <NUM> or may be replaced. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may have an asymmetric shape with respect to the folding axis A. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be folded in an asymmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A so that a portion of the flexible display <NUM> is exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, during the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> may be connected to the hinge module (e.g., hinge module <NUM> in <FIG>), and may include a first surface <NUM> facing the front surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a first side member <NUM> surrounding at least a portion of the space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> may include a first side surface 213a disposed in parallel with the folding axis (A axis), a second side surface 213b extending from one end of the first side surface 213a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis), and a third side surface 213c extending from the other end of the first side surface 213a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis).

According to various embodiments, during the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the second housing <NUM> may be connected to the hinge module (e.g., hinge module <NUM> in <FIG>), and may include a third surface <NUM> facing the front surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>, a fourth surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the third surface <NUM>, and a second side member <NUM> surrounding at least a portion of the space between the third surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second side member <NUM> may include a fourth side surface 223a disposed in parallel with the folding axis (A axis), a fifth side surface 223b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 223a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis), and a sixth side surface 223c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 223a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis). According to an embodiment, the third surface <NUM> may face the first surface <NUM> in the folded state.

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> formed to accommodate the flexible display <NUM> through a structural combination of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may have substantially the same size as the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the recess <NUM> may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis) due to the sensor region 231d. For example, the recess <NUM> may have a first width (W1) between a first portion 220a of the second housing <NUM> and a first portion 210a of the first housing <NUM> formed at the edge of the sensor region 231d, and have a second width (W2) between a second portion 220b of the second housing <NUM> and a second portion 210b of the first housing <NUM> that does not correspond to the sensor region 213d and is parallel to the folding axis (A axis). Here, the second width (W2) may be wider than the first width (W1). For example, the recess <NUM> may be formed to have the first width (W1) ranging from the first portion 210a of the first housing <NUM> to the first portion 220a of the second housing <NUM> in an asymmetric shape, and the second width (W2) ranging from the second portion 210b of the first housing <NUM> to the second portion 220b of the second housing <NUM> in a symmetric shape. According to an embodiment, the first portion 210a and the second portion 210b of the first housing <NUM> may be formed to have different distances from the folding axis (A axis). The width of the recess <NUM> may be not limited to the illustrated example. According to various embodiments, the recess <NUM> may have two or more different widths owing to the shape of the sensor region 213d or asymmetrical portions of the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, at least some of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be made of a rigid metal or non-metal material to support the flexible display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the sensor region 231d may be formed to have a preset area near to one corner of the first housing <NUM>. According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the sensor region 231d may be disposed under the flexible display <NUM> or disposed inside the flexible display <NUM> so as not to be exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The arrangement, shape, or size of the sensor region 231d may be not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the sensor region 231d may be disposed at another corner of the first housing <NUM> or in any region between the upper corner and the lower corner. According to an embodiment, the sensor region 231d may be disposed at least some region of the second housing <NUM>. The sensor region 231d may be disposed to extend to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include various components exposed to the front surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM> through the sensor region 213d or through one or more openings provided in the sensor region 231d. According to various embodiments, the various components may include at least one of, for example, a front camera device, a receiver, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

According to various embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and may have a substantially rectangular periphery. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the periphery may be wrapped by the first housing <NUM>. The second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>, and at least a portion of the periphery thereof may be wrapped by the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A axis). The first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may also have various different shapes. According to an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be formed as a single body with the first housing <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed as a single body with the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, the first housing <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may be combined with each other so as to provide a space where various components (e.g., printed circuit board, antenna module (e.g., antenna module <NUM> in <FIG>), sensor module (e.g., sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>), and battery (e.g., battery <NUM> in <FIG>)) of the foldable electronic device <NUM> can be arranged. According to an embodiment, one or more components may be disposed on or visually exposed via the rear surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. For example, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through a first rear region <NUM> of the first rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensors may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera device, and/or a flash. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the sub-display <NUM> may be visually exposed through a second rear region <NUM> of the second rear cover <NUM>. The sub-display <NUM> may be disposed over the whole of the fourth surface <NUM> of the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., display module <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed on the space formed by a pair of housings (e.g., first housing <NUM> and second housing <NUM>). For example, the flexible display <NUM> may be seated in the recess <NUM> formed by the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and may be disposed to substantially occupy most of the front surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the front surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include the flexible display <NUM>, a portion (e.g., peripheral region) of the first housing <NUM> close to the flexible display <NUM>, and a portion (e.g., peripheral region) of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rear surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include the first rear cover <NUM>, a portion (e.g., peripheral region) of the first housing <NUM> close to the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, and a portion (e.g., peripheral region) of the second housing <NUM> close to the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may refer to a display whose at least a portion may be deformed into a flat or curved surface. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a bending region 231c (e.g., folding region), a first flat region 231a disposed on one side (e.g., right side of the bending region 231c) with respect to the bending region 231c, and a second flat region 231b disposed on the other side (e.g., left side of the bending region 231c). For example, the first flat region 231a may be disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and the second flat region 231b may be disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, this demarcation of the flexible display <NUM> is only an example, and the flexible display <NUM> may be subdivided into plural regions (e.g., four or more or two regions) according to the structure or functionality. According to an embodiment, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the area of the display <NUM> may be subdivided with respect to the bending region 231c or the folding axis (A axis) extending parallel to the y-axis; however, the area of the display <NUM> may be subdivided with respect to a different bending region (e.g., folding region parallel to the x-axis) or a different folding axis (e.g., folding axis parallel to the x-axis). According to an embodiment, the aforementioned subdivision of the flexible display <NUM> is only a physical demarcation based on the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge module (e.g., hinge module <NUM> in <FIG>), and the flexible display <NUM> may substantially present one full screen through the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge module (e.g., hinge module <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the first flat region 231a and the second flat region 231b may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the bending region 231c. According to an embodiment, although, unlike the second flat region 231b, the first flat region 231a may include a notch region (e.g., notch region <NUM> in <FIG>) cut according to the presence of the sensor region 231d, it may have a symmetrical shape with the second flat region 231b in other portions. For example, the first flat region 231a and the third flat region 231b may include portions with symmetrical shapes and portions with asymmetrical shapes. According to an embodiment, when the sensor region 231d is disposed under (e.g., -Z direction) of the flexible display <NUM> or disposed inside the flexible display <NUM>, as the notch region <NUM> is omitted, the first flat region 231a and the second flat region 231b may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the bending region 231c.

With reference to <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may include a hinge cover <NUM>. The hinge cover <NUM> may be disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> so as to cover the internal components (e.g., hinge module <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by portions of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> or be exposed to the outside according to the operating state (e.g., unfolded state or folded state) of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. For example, the hinge cover <NUM> may support the hinge module (e.g., hinge module <NUM> in <FIG>), and may be disposed so that it is exposed to the outside when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state and it is invisible from the outside by being drawn into a first space (e.g., internal space of the first housing <NUM>) and a second space (e.g., internal space of the second housing <NUM>) when in the unfolded state.

According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state as shown in <FIG>, the hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> so as not to be exposed. When the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state as shown in <FIG>, the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when in the intermediate state where the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> make a certain angle, the hinge cover <NUM> may be partially exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device <NUM> between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In this case, the exposed portion may be less than that for the fully folded state of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may include a curved surface.

According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state (e.g., state of <FIG>), the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may substantially make an angle of <NUM> degrees, and the first flat region231a and the second flat region 231b of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to face in the same direction (e.g., horizontal direction). In this case, the bending region 231c may be coplanar with the first flat region 231a and the second flat region 231b.

According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., state of <FIG>), the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. The first flat region 231a and the second flat region 231b of the flexible display <NUM> may face each other, making a specific angle (e.g., between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees). In this case, at least a portion of the bending region 231c may be bent to have a specific curvature.

According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the intermediate state, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed to make a certain angle (e.g., between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees). The first flat region 231a and the second flat region 231b of the flexible display <NUM> may form an angle greater than that for the folded state and less than that for the unfolded state. At least a portion of the bending region 231c may be bent to have a specific curvature. In this case, the curvature of the bending region 231c may be less than that for the folded state.

With reference to <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a flexible display <NUM>, a support member assembly <NUM>, at least one printed circuit board <NUM>, a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a first rear cover <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM>, and at least one plate <NUM> or layer on which the display panel <NUM> is seated. According to an embodiment, the at least one plate <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the support member assembly <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may be disposed on at least some of one surface of the plate <NUM>. The plate <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display panel <NUM>. For example, a portion of the plate <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the notch region <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the support member assembly <NUM> may include a first support member <NUM>, a second support member <NUM>, a hinge module <NUM> disposed between the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>, a hinge cover <NUM> to cover the hinge module <NUM>, and a wiring member <NUM> (e.g., flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) that crosses the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the support member assembly <NUM> may be disposed between the at least one plate <NUM> and at least one printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be disposed between the first flat region 231a of the flexible display <NUM> and the first printed circuit board <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> may be disposed between the second flat region 231b of the flexible display <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least some of the wiring member <NUM> and the hinge module <NUM> may be disposed within the support member assembly <NUM>. The wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction crossing the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> (e.g., x-axis direction). The wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction) perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., y-axis or A axis in <FIG>) of the bending region 231c.

According to various embodiments, the at least one printed circuit board <NUM> may include the first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed on the side of the first support member <NUM>, and the second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed on the side of the second support member <NUM>. The first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed inside the space formed by the support member assembly <NUM>, the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM>. Components (e.g., processor, memory) for implementing various functions of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be mounted on the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in a state where the flexible display <NUM> is coupled to the support member assembly <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be assembled to each other so as to be coupled to both sides of the support member assembly <NUM>. The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be coupled to the support member assembly <NUM> by being slid on both sides of the support member assembly <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, as the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> are rotated through the hinge module <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be rotated correspondingly. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include a first rotary support surface <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may include a second rotary support surface <NUM> in correspondence to the first rotary support surface <NUM>. The first rotary support surface <NUM> and the second rotary support surface <NUM> may include a curved surface corresponding to the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state (e.g., state of <FIG>), the first rotary support surface <NUM> and the second rotary support surface <NUM> may cover the hinge cover <NUM> so that the hinge cover <NUM> may be not or minimally exposed to the rear surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., state of <FIG>), the first rotary support surface <NUM> and the second rotary support surface <NUM> may rotate along the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM> so that the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the rear surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>.

The foldable electronic device <NUM> according to the illustrated embodiment may be an in-folding type electronic device in which the flexible display <NUM> is folded inwardly facing each other so that the flexible display <NUM> is not exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device <NUM> in the folded state. In another embodiment (not shown), the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be an out-folding type electronic device in which the flexible display <NUM> is folded outwardly so that the flexible display <NUM> is visually exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device <NUM> in the folded state. In another embodiment (not shown), the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be a multi-folding type electronic device in which in-folding and out-folding are combined.

<FIG> is schematic views of a foldable electronic device in the unfolded state and in the folded state according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, part (a) of <FIG> is a view of the foldable electronic device in a substantially unfolded state according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Part (b) of <FIG> is a view of the foldable electronic device in a substantially folded state according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, the embodiments of the foldable electronic device <NUM> illustrated in parts (a) and (b) of <FIG> and subsequent drawings may include the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>.

In the description of the following embodiments, the same reference symbols may be assigned to the components substantially the same as those of the embodiments disclosed in <FIG> described above, and repeated descriptions about the functions thereof may be omitted.

With reference to parts (a) and (b) of <FIG>, the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> that are folded to face each other with respect to a hinge module <NUM> (e.g., hinge module in <FIG>). The foldable electronic device <NUM> may include a hinge cover <NUM> that is disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> to cover the hinge module <NUM> capable of being folded and unfolded. The foldable electronic device <NUM> may include a flexible display <NUM> disposed in a space formed by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at least some of the first housing <NUM> may be coupled to a first side of the hinge module <NUM> by using a first support member (e.g., first support member <NUM> in <FIG>). At least some of the second housing <NUM> may be coupled to a second side of the hinge module <NUM> by using a second support member (e.g., second support member <NUM> in <FIG>). The first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be configured to be unfolded and/or folded with respect to the hinge module <NUM> (e.g., A-axis). The flexible display <NUM> may be supported on top of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, and may be configured to be unfolded and folded according to the unfolded state and folded state of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> disposed to face the front surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a first side member <NUM> surrounding at least some of the space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. The first side member <NUM> may include a first side surface 213a disposed parallel to the folding axis (A axis) of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, a second side surface 213b extended from one end of the first side surface 213a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis), and a third side surface 213c extended from the other end of the first side surface 213a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis).

According to various embodiments, the second housing <NUM> may include a third surface <NUM> disposed to face the front surface of the foldable electronic device <NUM>, a fourth surface <NUM> facing in a direction opposite to the third surface <NUM>, and a second side member <NUM> surrounding at least some of the space between the third surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM>. The second side member <NUM> may include a fourth side surface 223a disposed parallel to the folding axis (A axis) of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, a fifth side surface 223b extended from one end of the fourth side surface 223a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis), and a sixth side surface 223c extended from the other end of the fourth side surface 223a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A axis). According to an embodiment, the third surface <NUM> may face the first surface <NUM> in the folded state.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may include a first display 231a (e.g., first flat region in <FIG>) being a first part of the flexible display <NUM>. The second housing <NUM> may include a second display 231b (e.g., second flat region in <FIG>) being a second part of the flexible display <NUM>. The first display 231a may be disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and the second display 231b may be disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. A sub-display <NUM> may be disposed on the second rear cover <NUM> disposed in the second housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, a first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second display 231b of the second housing <NUM> and the second support member (e.g., second support member <NUM> in <FIG>). The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed closer to the sixth side surface 223c among the fifth side surface 223b and the sixth side surface 223c of the second housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed closer to the fifth side surface 223b among the fifth side surface 223b and the sixth side surface 223c of the second housing <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include a slim-type optical fingerprint sensor.

According to an embodiment, in the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, a second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second support member (e.g., second support member <NUM> in <FIG>) of the second housing <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed closer to the sixth side surface 223c among the fifth side surface 223b and the sixth side surface 223c of the second housing <NUM>. In another embodiment, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed closer to the fifth side surface 223b among the fifth side surface 223b and the sixth side surface 223c of the second housing <NUM>. In one embodiment, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed closer to the sixth side surface 223c than the first fingerprint sensor <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include a lens-type optical fingerprint sensor.

According to various embodiments, in a situation where the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., slim-type optical fingerprint sensor) is disposed on the front surface (e.g., third surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., lens-type optical fingerprint sensor) is disposed on the rear surface (e.g., fourth surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM>, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform authentication by using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in a situation where the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., slim-type optical fingerprint sensor) is disposed on the front surface (e.g., third surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., lens-type optical fingerprint sensor) is disposed on the rear surface (e.g., fourth surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM>, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform authentication by using the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may detect and authenticate a user's fingerprint by using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> in the unfolded state, and may detect and authenticate a user's fingerprint by using the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> in the folded state, so that the ease of use of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be enhanced.

According to various embodiments, although the foldable electronic device <NUM> has been described as an embodiment in which the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., slim-type optical fingerprint sensor) is disposed on the front surface (e.g., third surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., lens-type optical fingerprint sensor) is disposed on the rear surface (e.g., fourth surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM>, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., slim-type optical fingerprint sensor) may be disposed on the front surface (e.g., first surface <NUM>) of the first housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., lens-type optical fingerprint sensor) may be additionally disposed on the rear surface (e.g., second surface <NUM>) of the first housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating one sensor mounting module disposed in the foldable electronic device of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the front surface (e.g., third surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the rear surface (e.g., fourth surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM> may be mounted in a single sensor mounting module <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the sensor mounting module <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> (e.g., front surface) and a second surface <NUM> (e.g., rear surface). The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the sensor mounting module <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the sensor mounting module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the sensor mounting module <NUM> may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or an FPCB type RF cable (FRC) to mount the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device along line B-B' in <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first fingerprint sensor shown in <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, in the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second display 231b of the second housing <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. A first space <NUM> may be formed in part between the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second display 231b.

According to various embodiments, a battery <NUM> (e.g., battery <NUM> in <FIG>) may be coupled to the bottom of the second support member <NUM> by using an adhesive tape <NUM>. A first protection member <NUM> may be coupled to the bottom of the battery <NUM> by using an insulating tape <NUM>. The insulating tape <NUM> and the first protection member <NUM> may be disposed between the battery <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first protection member <NUM> may prevent the battery <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM> from coming into contact with each other. The first protection member <NUM> may prevent the sub-display <NUM> from coming into contact with the battery <NUM> and may prevent the sub-display <NUM> from being damaged. The first protection member <NUM> may include an elastic member such as a cushion layer.

According to an embodiment, in the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM>. A second protection member <NUM> may be disposed between the second support member <NUM> and the second display 231b. The second protection member <NUM> may prevent the second support member <NUM> and the second display 231b from coming into contact with each other. The second protection member <NUM> may prevent the second display 231b from coming into contact with the second support member <NUM> and may prevent the second display 231b from being damaged. The second support member <NUM> may include an elastic member such as a cushion layer.

According to various embodiments, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second protection member <NUM> may be disposed under the second display 231b. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second protection member <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other through a second space <NUM>. The second support member <NUM> may form a passage (e.g., second space <NUM>) through which the sensor mounting module <NUM> passes. The second space <NUM> may be a space through which the sensor mounting module <NUM> (e.g., FPCB) on which the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> are mounted passes.

According to various embodiments, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second rear cover <NUM> (e.g., second rear cover in <FIG>) and the second support member <NUM>. The second printed circuit board <NUM> (e.g., second printed circuit board in <FIG>) may be disposed on one side of the second fingerprint sensor <NUM>. The second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed between the second rear cover <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. The second printed circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the sensor mounting module <NUM> by using a signal connection member (e.g., FPCB). The processor <NUM> and the memory <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be disposed on the second printed circuit board <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first protection member <NUM> may be disposed between the second rear cover <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM>. The first protection member <NUM> may prevent the battery <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM> from coming into contact with each other. The first protection member <NUM> may prevent the sub-display <NUM> from coming into contact with the second rear cover <NUM> and may prevent the sub-display <NUM> from being damaged.

According to various embodiments, the second rear cover <NUM> and the first protection member <NUM> may be spaced apart in part from each other, and a third space <NUM> may be formed in the spaced apart portion. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be exposed to the sub-display <NUM> through the third space <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may recognize and detect a fingerprint from a user's finger in contact with the sub-display <NUM>, and may authenticate the user of the foldable electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second protection member <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane with the second space <NUM> interposed therebetween. The battery <NUM>, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM>, and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane with the second space <NUM> interposed therebetween. The insulating tape <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed substantially on the same plane.

With reference to <FIG>, in the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second display 231b of the second housing <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be integrally configured with the sensor mounting module <NUM>. The embodiment of <FIG> may be described with reference to <FIG>.

According to an embodiment, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include a support plate <NUM>, a first elastic member 313a, a second elastic member 313b, a first adhesive layer 315a, a second adhesive layer 315b, a first filling portion 317a, a second filling portion 317b, an adhesive film <NUM>, a prop member <NUM>, and/or a sensing pixel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the support plate <NUM> may be disposed on the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> may be coupled to the second support member <NUM> and support the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> on the second support member <NUM>. The support plate <NUM> may include stainless use steel (SUS).

According to various embodiments, the first elastic member 313a and the second elastic member 313b may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other through the first space <NUM> under the second display 231b of the second housing <NUM>. The first elastic member 313a and the second elastic member 313b may prevent the sensor mounting module <NUM> (e.g., FPCB) from contacting the second display 231b. The first elastic member 313a and the second elastic member 313b may each include a cushion layer having elasticity.

According to various embodiments, the first adhesive layer 315a may be disposed between the first elastic member 313a and the support plate <NUM>. The first adhesive layer 315a may glue a portion of the sensor mounting module <NUM> and a portion of the support plate <NUM> together.

According to various embodiments, the second adhesive layer 315b may be disposed between the second elastic member 313b and the support plate <NUM>. The second adhesive layer 315b may glue a portion of the sensor mounting module <NUM> and a portion of the support plate <NUM> together.

According to various embodiments, the first filling portion 317a may be disposed on one side of the first elastic member 313a and the first adhesive layer 315a. The second filling portion 317b may be disposed on one side of the second adhesive layer 315b. The first filling portion 317a and the second filling portion 317b may include a dielectric or an insulator.

According to various embodiments, the adhesive film <NUM> may be disposed between the first filling portion 317a and the second filling portion 317b. The adhesive film <NUM> may include a die attach film (DAF). The adhesive film <NUM> may glue a portion of the support plate <NUM> and the prop member <NUM> (e.g., die).

According to various embodiments, the prop member <NUM> (e.g., die) may be disposed on the adhesive film <NUM>. The prop member <NUM> may be coupled to a portion of the support plate <NUM> by using the adhesive film <NUM>. The prop member <NUM> may support the sensing pixel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the sensing pixel <NUM> may be disposed on the prop member <NUM>. The sensing pixel <NUM> may be exposed to the second display 231b of the second housing <NUM> through the first space <NUM>. The sensing pixel <NUM> of the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may recognize and detect a fingerprint of a user's finger in contact with the second display 231b and authenticate the user of the foldable electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the arrangement of the first fingerprint sensor and the second fingerprint sensor in the foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. For example, part (a) of <FIG> is a view of the foldable electronic device in a substantially unfolded state according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Part (b) of <FIG> is a view of the foldable electronic device in a substantially folded state according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, the embodiments of the foldable electronic device <NUM> illustrated in parts (a) and (b) of <FIG> may include the embodiments illustrated in parts (a) and (b) of <FIG>. The embodiments of the foldable electronic device <NUM> illustrated in parts (a) and (b) of <FIG> may be included in the embodiments illustrated in parts (a) and (b) of <FIG>.

In the description of the following embodiments, the same reference symbols may be assigned to the components substantially the same as those of the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> described above, and repeated descriptions about the functions thereof may be omitted.

With reference to parts (a) and (b) of <FIG>, in the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., slim-type optical fingerprint sensor) may be disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the first display 231a of the first housing <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the first display 231a of the first housing <NUM> and the first support member (e.g., first support member <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, in the foldable electronic device <NUM>, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., lens-type optical fingerprint sensor) may be disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second support member (e.g., second support member <NUM> in <FIG>) of the second housing <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in a situation where the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., slim-type optical fingerprint sensor) is disposed on the front surface (e.g., first surface <NUM>) of the first housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> is disposed on the rear surface (e.g., fourth surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM>, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform authentication by using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in a situation where the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> is disposed on the front surface (e.g., first surface <NUM>) of the first housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> is disposed on the rear surface (e.g., fourth surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM>, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform authentication by using the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, although the foldable electronic device <NUM> has been described as an embodiment in which the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> is disposed on the front surface (e.g., first surface <NUM>) of the first housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> is disposed on the rear surface (e.g., fourth surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM>, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the front surface (e.g., second surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface (e.g., second surface <NUM>) of the first housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating the arrangement of the first fingerprint sensor and the second fingerprint sensor when the foldable electronic device is in the unfolded state according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, the embodiments of the foldable electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include the embodiments illustrated in parts (a) and (b) of <FIG> and parts (a) and (b) of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, in the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the first display 231a of the first housing <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the first display 231a of the first housing <NUM> and the first support member (e.g., first support member <NUM> in <FIG>). The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a slim-type optical fingerprint sensor.

According to an embodiment, in the foldable electronic device <NUM>, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the second display 231b of the second housing <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second display 231b of the second housing <NUM> and the second support member (e.g., second support member <NUM> in <FIG>). The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a slim-type optical fingerprint sensor.

According to various embodiments, in a situation where the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> (e.g., slim-type optical fingerprint sensor) is disposed on the front surface (e.g., first surface <NUM>) of the first housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> is disposed on the front surface (e.g., third surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM>, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform authentication by using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform user authentication by substantially simultaneously using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM>, so that the security of the foldable electronic device <NUM> may be enhanced. For example, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may perform user authentication for the foldable electronic device <NUM> by recognizing and detecting the fingerprint of a user's right finger (e.g., thumb) through the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and by recognizing and detecting the fingerprint of a user's left finger (e.g., thumb) through the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the front surface (e.g., first surface <NUM>) of the first housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed on the front surface (e.g., third surface <NUM>) of the second housing <NUM> may be mounted on a single sensor mounting module <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the sensor mounting module <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> (e.g., front surface) and a second surface <NUM> (e.g., rear surface). The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed to be spaced apart on the first surface <NUM> of the sensor mounting module <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the sensor mounting module <NUM> may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or an FPCB type RF cable (FRC) to mount the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a slim-type optical fingerprint sensor. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a slim-type optical fingerprint sensor.

Part (a) of <FIG> is a schematic perspective view of the foldable electronic device of <FIG> when viewed from the front according to various embodiments of the disclosure. Part (b) of <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view along line C-C' in part (a) of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to parts (a) and (b) of <FIG>, in the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the first display 231a of the first housing <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the first display 231a. In the foldable electronic device <NUM>, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed on the rear surface of the second display 231b of the second housing <NUM>. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second housing <NUM> and the second display 231b.

According to an embodiment, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be mounted to be spaced apart on the first surface <NUM> of the sensor mounting module <NUM> (e.g., FPCB). The sensor mounting module <NUM> may be disposed across the first support member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, the hinge module <NUM>, and the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an embodiment in which the first fingerprint sensor and the second fingerprint sensor are disposed in the first housing or second housing of the foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

According to various embodiments, the above-described embodiments illustrated in <FIG> may be included in the foldable electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, in the foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed in one sensor mounting module <NUM>. The first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a slim-type optical fingerprint sensor. The second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include, for example, a slim-type optical fingerprint sensor.

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform user authentication by using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and/or the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> (or, second housing <NUM>).

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device <NUM> may recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform user authentication about the foldable electronic device <NUM> by using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> (or, second housing <NUM>). The foldable electronic device <NUM> may recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform user authentication about the foldable electronic device <NUM> by using the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> (or, second housing <NUM>). The foldable electronic device <NUM> may recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform user authentication about the foldable electronic device <NUM> by using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> (or, second housing <NUM>).

The embodiment of <FIG> has described an embodiment where the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> are disposed in the first housing <NUM> (or, second housing <NUM>) of the foldable electronic device <NUM>. In variations that are not within the scope of the claims, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may also be applied to a bar-type electronic device (e.g., smartphone).

According to various embodiments of the disclosure described above, a plurality of fingerprint sensors (e.g., first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and second fingerprint sensor <NUM>) are mounted on one sensor mounting module <NUM>, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> are disposed on the front surface and/or the rear surface of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>, and hence the foldable electronic device <NUM> is allowed to recognize and detect a user's fingerprint and perform authentication in the folded state and/or in the unfolded state, so that the ease of use and security of the foldable electronic device <NUM> can be enhanced.

A foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include: a hinge module <NUM> coupled at least in part between a first support member <NUM> and a second support member <NUM>; a first housing <NUM> coupled at least in part to a first side of the hinge module <NUM> by using the first support member <NUM>; a second housing <NUM> that is coupled at least in part to a second side of the hinge module <NUM> by using the second support member <NUM> and is configured to be unfolded and folded with the first housing <NUM> by using the hinge module <NUM>; a flexible display <NUM> including a first display 231a disposed on a first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and a second display 231b disposed on a third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>; a sensor mounting module <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> across the inside of the hinge module; a first fingerprint sensor <NUM> that is mounted on a first surface <NUM> of the sensor mounting module <NUM> and is disposed between the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and the second display 231b; and a second fingerprint sensor <NUM> that is mounted on a second surface <NUM> of the sensor mounting module <NUM> and is disposed on a fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, in the foldable electronic device <NUM>, a second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>, and a sub-display <NUM> may be disposed in the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second rear cover <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second display 231b and the second support member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second support member <NUM> and the sub-display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include a slim-type optical fingerprint sensor, and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include a lens-type optical fingerprint sensor.

According to various embodiments, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be configured to recognize and detect a user's fingerprint when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be configured to recognize and detect a user's fingerprint when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state.

According to various embodiments, the sensor mounting module <NUM> may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or an FPCB type RF cable (FRC).

According to various embodiments, a battery <NUM> may be disposed under the second support member <NUM>.

A foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include: a hinge module <NUM> coupled at least in part between a first support member <NUM> and a second support member <NUM>; a first housing <NUM> coupled at least in part to a first side of the hinge module <NUM> by using the first support member <NUM>; a second housing <NUM> that is coupled at least in part to a second side of the hinge module <NUM> by using the second support member <NUM> and is configured to be unfolded and folded with the first housing <NUM> by using the hinge module <NUM>; a flexible display <NUM> including a first display 231a disposed on a first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and a second display 231b disposed on a third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>; a sensor mounting module <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> across the inside of the hinge module; a first fingerprint sensor <NUM> that is mounted on a first surface <NUM> of the sensor mounting module <NUM> and is disposed between the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the first display 231a; and a second fingerprint sensor <NUM> that is mounted on the first surface <NUM> of the sensor mounting module <NUM> and is disposed between the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and the second display 231b.

According to various embodiments, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the first display 231a and the first support member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the second display 231b and the second support member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include a slim-type optical fingerprint sensor, and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may include a slim-type optical fingerprint sensor.

According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, it may be configured to recognize and detect a fingerprint by using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and/or the second fingerprint sensor <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, it may be configured to perform authentication of the foldable electronic device <NUM> by using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> to recognize and detect a fingerprint of a user's right finger and by using the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> to recognize and detect a fingerprint of a user's left finger.

A foldable electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include: a hinge module <NUM> coupled at least in part between a first support member <NUM> and a second support member <NUM>; a first housing <NUM> coupled at least in part to a first side of the hinge module <NUM> by using the first support member <NUM>; a second housing <NUM> that is coupled at least in part to a second side of the hinge module <NUM> by using the second support member <NUM> and is configured to be unfolded and folded with the first housing <NUM> by using the hinge module <NUM>; a flexible display <NUM> including a first display 231a disposed on a first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and a second display 231b disposed on a third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>; and a sensor mounting module <NUM> including a first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and a second fingerprint sensor <NUM>, wherein the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the first display 231a or be disposed between the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and the second display 231b.

According to various embodiments, the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM> may be disposed between the first display 231a and the first support member <NUM>, or be disposed between the second display 231b and the second support member <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, when the foldable electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, it may be configured to recognize and detect a fingerprint by using the first fingerprint sensor <NUM> and the second fingerprint sensor <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A foldable electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a hinge module (<NUM>) coupled at least in part between a first support member (<NUM>) and a second support member (<NUM>);
a first housing (<NUM>) coupled at least in part to a first side of the hinge module (<NUM>) by using the first support member (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) that is coupled at least in part to a second side of the hinge module (<NUM>) by using the second support member (<NUM>) and is configured to be unfolded and folded with the first housing (<NUM>) by using the hinge module (<NUM>);
a flexible display (<NUM>) including a first display (231a) disposed on a first surface (<NUM>) of the first housing (<NUM>), and a second display (231b) disposed on a third surface (<NUM>) of the second housing (<NUM>); characterised by
a sensor mounting module (<NUM>) disposed in the second housing (<NUM>);
a first fingerprint sensor (<NUM>) that is mounted on a first surface (<NUM>) of the sensor mounting module (<NUM>) and is disposed between the third surface (<NUM>) of the second housing and the second display; and
a second fingerprint sensor (<NUM>) that is mounted on a second surface (<NUM>) of the sensor mounting module (<NUM>) opposite to the first surface (<NUM>) of the sensor mounting module (<NUM>) and is disposed on a fourth surface (<NUM>) of the second housing opposite to the third surface (<NUM>) of the second housing (<NUM>).