Electronic devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic device. The electronic device includes: a display module, including a display panel that can be folded relative to a folding axis and a supporting component arranged under the display panel; and a receiving component that receives the display module. The display panel includes: a first display portion that is covered by the receiving component in a folded state of the display panel; and a second display portion that is exposed to the outside in the folded state. The receiving component includes: a first receiving component that receives the first display portion in a folded state; and a second receiving component that receives the first receiving component in a folded state. When the display panel is folded, the angle between the first display portion and the second display portion decreases, and the area in which the first receiving component overlaps with the second receiving component in a plan view increases.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0083919, filed on Jul. 8, 2020, and all benefits arising therefrom, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to electronic devices including a receiving component that protects a display surface of the electronic device when the electronic device is in a folded state. Background Art

[0004] Electronic devices display various images through a display screen to provide information to users. Generally, electronic devices display information in an allocated screen area. Flexible electronic devices including foldable flexible display panels are being developed. Unlike rigid electronic devices, flexible electronic devices are foldable, rollable, or bendable. Flexible electronic devices that can be changed into various shapes are easy to carry and improve user convenience.

[0005] Meanwhile, due to the nature of the material, flexible electronic devices are susceptible to external impacts, and in the case of a foldable electronic device whose entire display surface is exposed to the outside, the display surface is easily damaged. Therefore, research on a structure capable of protecting a foldable electronic device whose entire display surface is exposed to the outside is being conducted. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure provides an electronic device, which includes a receiving component, wherein the receiving component covers a portion of a display surface of the electronic device when the electronic device is in a folded state to protect the electronic device.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, which includes: a display module, including a display panel that can be folded relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction and a supporting component arranged under the display panel; and a receiving component that receives the display module. The display panel includes: a first display portion that is covered by the receiving component in a folded state of the display panel; and a second display portion that is exposed to the outside in a folded state of the display panel. The receiving component includes: a first receiving component that receives the first display portion in a folded state; and a second receiving component that receives the first receiving component in a folded state. When the display panel is folded, the angle between the first display portion and the second display portion decreases, and the area where the first receiving component overlaps with the second receiving component in a plan view increases.

[0008] The supporting member may include: a first supporting member; a second supporting member spaced apart from the first supporting member in a second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction; a central rotating member disposed between the first supporting member and the second supporting member and corresponding to the folding axis; and two edge rotating members spaced apart from each other in the first direction, wherein the central rotating member is interposed between the two edge rotating members.

[0009] The receiving member may include: a first coupling member coupling the first receiving member and the two edge rotation members; and a second coupling member coupling the second receiving member and the two edge rotation members. The first accommodating part can be arranged under the first supporting part and can include a first bottom surface and a first blocking member substantially perpendicular to the first bottom surface. The second accommodating part can be arranged under the second supporting part and can include a second bottom surface and a second blocking member substantially perpendicular to the second bottom surface. Each of the first blocking members can define a first hole and a second hole, a first guide member and a recessed portion. The first hole and the second hole pass through the first inner surface and the first outer surface of the first blocking member. The first guide member is between the first hole and the second hole and is recessed from the first inner surface to the first outer surface. The recessed portion is recessed from one end of each of the first blocking members adjacent to the second accommodating part toward the second hole. Each of the first blocking members can include a protruding member protruding from the first outer surface adjacent to the second accommodating part. Each of the second blocking members can define a third hole and a fourth hole and a second guide member. The third hole and the fourth hole pass through the second inner surface and the second outer surface of the second blocking member. The second guide member is between the third hole and the fourth hole. The second engaging member can be inserted in the fourth hole, and the protruding member can be inserted in the second guide member.

[0010] In a first state in which the first display portion and the second display portion are arranged on the same plane, the first display portion and the second display portion can overlap with the first accommodating part and the second accommodating part, respectively, and in a second state in which the display panel is completely folded, the first display portion, the second display portion, the first accommodating part and the second accommodating part can overlap each other in a plan view.

[0011] The first engagement member may be inserted into the first hole in the first state, and the first engagement member may be inserted into the second hole in the second state.

[0012] In the first state, the protrusion member may be inserted in a first side of the second guide member adjacent to the third hole, and in the second state, the protrusion member may be inserted in a second side of the second guide member adjacent to the fourth hole.

[0013] In the first state, the angle between the first display part and the second display part can be about 180 degrees (°), in the second state, the angle between the first display part and the second display part is about zero (0) degrees (°), and when the first state changes to the second state, the angle between the first display part and the second display part gradually decreases.

[0014] In a third state which is an intermediate state between the first state and the second state, the first coupling member may be inserted into the first guide member, and the first display portion and the second display portion may be arranged to be inclined relative to the accommodating member and have a first angle between the first display portion and the second display portion.

[0015] The first angle may be greater than about 70 degrees (°) and less than about 180 degrees (°).

[0016] In a fourth state which is an intermediate state between the third state and the second state, the position of the recessed portion may correspond to the third hole, and the first display portion and the second display portion may be arranged to be inclined relative to the accommodating portion and have a second angle between the first display portion and the second display portion, and the second angle is smaller than the first angle.

[0017] The second angle may be equal to or greater than about 50 degrees (°) and equal to or less than about 70 degrees (°).

[0018] In a fifth state which is an intermediate state between the fourth state and the second state, the position of the recessed portion can be spaced apart from the third hole in the second direction, and the first display portion and the second display portion can be arranged to be inclined relative to the accommodating part and have a third angle between the first display portion and the second display portion, and the third angle is smaller than the second angle.

[0019] The third angle may be equal to or greater than about 0 degrees (°) and less than about 50 degrees (°).

[0020] While changing from the fourth state to the second state, the position of the protrusion member inserted in the second guide member may be moved from the third hole to the fourth hole.

[0021] The protrusion part may include a first protrusion part and a second protrusion part, the second protrusion part being spaced apart from the first protrusion part in a thickness direction, wherein the second hole is interposed between the first protrusion part and the second protrusion part.

[0022] The second guide part may include a first sub-guide part and a second sub-guide part, the second sub-guide part being spaced apart from the first sub-guide part in a thickness direction, wherein the third hole and the fourth hole are interposed between the first sub-guide part and the second sub-guide part.

[0023] The first sub-guide part may be coupled to the first protrusion part, and the second sub-guide part may be coupled to the second protrusion part.

[0024] The first receiving part may include a first surface extending in a first direction and having a first length in the first direction, the first length being smaller than a second length of a second surface of the second receiving part extending in the first direction.

[0025] The first receiving part may be disposed between the second receiving part and the display module in the second state.

[0026] According to the above, since the electronic device includes the slidable receiving member, the receiving member can cover a portion of the display surface in the folded state, and can protect the portion of the display panel from external impact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 1B is a perspective view showing an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view showing a support member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3B is a side view showing a first edge rotation component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3C is a side view showing a second edge rotation component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing a first receiving member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4B is a side view showing a first inner side surface of a first receiving part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4C is a side view showing a first outer side surface of a first receiving part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4D is a perspective view showing a second receiving member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 4E is a side view showing a second stopper of a second receiving part according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 5B It is shown Figure 5A a side view of an outer side surface of an electronic device;

[0041] Figure 5C It is shown Figure 5A A side view of an inner surface of an electronic device;

[0042] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing a folded electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 6B It is shown Fig. 6A a side view of an outer side surface of an electronic device;

[0044] Figure 6C It is shown Fig. 6A A side view of an inner surface of an electronic device;

[0045] Fig. 7A is a perspective view showing a portion of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 7B It is shown Fig. 7A a side view of an outer side surface of an electronic device;

[0047] Figure 7C It is shown Fig. 7A A side view of an inner surface of an electronic device;

[0048] Fig. 8A is a perspective view showing a portion of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 8B It is shown Fig. 8A a side view of an outer side surface of an electronic device;

[0050] Figure 8C It is shown Fig. 8A A side view of an inner surface of an electronic device;

[0051] Fig. 9A is a perspective view showing a portion of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 9B It is shown Fig. 9A a side view of an outer side surface of an electronic device; and

[0053] Fig. 9C It is shown Fig. 9A A side view of the inner surface of an electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The present disclosure can be variously modified and implemented in many different forms, and therefore will be exemplified in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below in specific embodiments. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the specific forms disclosed, but should be interpreted as including all modifications, equivalents or substitutions included in the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0055] In the present disclosure, it will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.

[0056] The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. In the drawings, in order to effectively describe the technical contents, the thickness, proportion and size of the components are exaggerated.

[0057] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0058] It will be understood that, although the term first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts in this article, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the present disclosure, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second part. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, as used herein, the singular form "one", "one" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms.

[0059] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or features as shown in the drawings.

[0060] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. can be used to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts in this article, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the present disclosure, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this article (including technical terms and scientific terms) have the same meaning as the meaning generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. It will also be understood that terms, such as terms defined in common dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with its meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted with an idealized or overly formal meaning, unless explicitly defined in this article.

[0061] It will also be understood that when used in this specification, the terms “include” and / or “comprises” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0062] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Figure 1A is a perspective view showing an electronic device DD according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B is a perspective view showing an electronic device DD-a in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Reference Figure 1A , the electronic device DD may be activated in response to an electrical signal applied thereto. The electronic device DD may be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a car navigation unit, a gaming unit, or a wearable unit, however, it should not be limited thereto or thereby. Figure 1A A mobile phone is shown as a representative example of the electronic device DD.

[0065] The electronic device DD may be a foldable electronic device. The electronic device DD may include a display module DM and a receiving part CM protecting the display module DM. The electronic device DD may display an image IM through a display portion DA. When the electronic device DD is in an unfolded state, the display portion DA may include a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2.

[0066] The display module DM may include a folding area FA foldable relative to a folding axis FX extending in a first direction DR1, a first non-folding area NFA1 defined adjacent to one side of the folding area FA, and a second non-folding area NFA2 defined adjacent to the other side of the folding area FA, and the folding area FA may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2. That is, the first non-folding area NFA1, the folding area FA, and the second non-folding area NFA2 may be sequentially arranged in the second direction DR2. The second direction DR2 is substantially perpendicular to the first direction DR1. As used herein, "substantially perpendicular" includes the case of "perpendicular".

[0067] Figure 1A One folding area FA and a first non-folding area NFA1 and a second non-folding area NFA2 are shown, however, the number of folding areas and the number of non-folding areas according to the present invention should not be limited to or thereby. In another embodiment, for example, the display module DM may include three or more non-folding areas and folding areas disposed between the non-folding areas.

[0068] The thickness direction of the electronic device DD may be substantially parallel to a third direction DR3 intersecting the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. Here, the front (in other words, "upper") surface and the rear (in other words, "lower") surface of each component of the electronic device DD may be defined relative to the third direction DR3.

[0069] Reference Figure 1B , electronic equipment DD (refer to Figure 1A ) can be changed into an electronic device DD-a in a folded state. When the display module DM of the electronic device DD is folded, the display surface of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the display surface of the second non-folding area NFA2 can face opposite directions. That is, the rear surface of the display module DM corresponding to the first non-folding area NFA1 and the rear surface of the display module DM corresponding to the second non-folding area NFA2 can face each other. The display surface of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the display surface of the second non-folding area NFA2 can be respectively referred to as the first display portion DA1 (refer to Figure 2 ) and the second display portion DA2 (refer to Figure 2 ). In the folded state, the first display portion DA1 may be covered by the receiving part CM, and the second display portion DA2 may be exposed to the outside. This folded state may be referred to as an outer folded state. The first display portion DA1 and the second display portion DA2 may be arranged on the same plane during the unfolded state, and may overlap each other in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3) during the folded state.

[0070] The receiving part CM may cover the entire rear surface of the display module DM in the unfolded state, and may cover the first display portion DA1 of the display module DM in the folded state.

[0071] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 The electronic device DD may include a display module DM and a receiving part CM. The display module DM includes a display panel DP and a supporting part SM.

[0073] The display panel DP can display an image IM (refer to Figure 1A ), and can sense external input. The external input may be an input of a user. According to the structure of the electronic device DD, the electronic device DD may sense external input applied to a side surface or a rear surface of the electronic device DD.

[0074] Although not shown in the figure, the display panel DP may include an input sensing layer (not shown) for obtaining coordinate information of an external input. The display panel DP may be a light-emitting display panel, however, it should not be particularly limited. For example, the display panel DP may be an organic light-emitting display panel or a quantum dot light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the quantum dot light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots or quantum rods.

[0075] Although not shown in the figure, the input sensing layer (not shown) may be directly disposed on the display panel DP. For example, the input sensing layer may be formed directly on the display panel DP by a continuous manufacturing process. The input sensing layer may include a plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive layers. The conductive layer may include a sensing electrode for sensing an external input, a sensing line connected to the sensing electrode, and a sensing pad connected to the sensing line. The input sensing layer may sense the external input in a mutual capacitance method and / or a self-capacitance method, however, the method for sensing the external input according to the present invention should not be limited thereto or thereby.

[0076] The display panel DP may include a first non-folding area NFA1, a folding area FA, and a second non-folding area NFA2, which are defined in the display panel DP and are sequentially arranged in the second direction DR2. That is, the display panel DP may include a folding area FA foldable around a folding axis FX extending in the first direction DR1, a first non-folding area NFA1 disposed on one side of the folding area FA, and a second non-folding area NFA2 disposed on the other side of the folding area FA. The folding area FA may be disposed between the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2.

[0077] A first display portion DA1 including a first non-folding area NFA1 and a portion of the folding area FA and a second display portion DA2 including a second non-folding area NFA2 and another portion of the folding area FA may be defined in the display panel DP with respect to the folding axis FX. The folding axis FX, the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, the folding area FA, and the display portion DA defined in the display panel DP may be respectively Figure 1A The folding axis FX, the first non-folding area NFA1, the second non-folding area NFA2, the folding area FA and the display portion DA of the display module DM shown in FIG.

[0078] When the display panel DP is in the unfolded state, all of the folding area FA, the first non-folding area NFA1 and the second non-folding area NFA2 can be used as display surfaces and can be exposed to the outside, and when the display panel DP is in the folded state, the second non-folding area NFA2 and a portion of the folding area FA can be used as display surfaces and can be exposed to the outside.

[0079] The support member SM may be disposed under the display panel DP. The support member SM may support the rear surface of the display panel DP. The support member SM may include a first support member S-SM1 and a second support member S-SM2, wherein in a plan view (i.e., a view in a third direction DR3), the first support member S-SM1 overlaps a portion of the first non-folding area NFA1 and the folding area FA, and the second support member S-SM2 overlaps another portion of the second non-folding area NFA2 and the folding area FA.

[0080] The receiving part CM may be disposed under the supporting part SM. The receiving part CM may include a first receiving part S-CM1 disposed under the first supporting part S-SM1 and a second receiving part S-CM2 disposed under the second supporting part S-SM2. The receiving part CM may receive the display module DM including the display panel DP and the supporting part SM.

[0081] When the display module DM is folded, the first receiving part S-CM1 may slide and then be received in the second receiving part S-CM2. That is, before the first receiving part S-CM1 slides into the second receiving part S-CM2, the receiving part CM may be in an open state (corresponding to the unfolded state), and after the first receiving part S-CM1 slides into the second receiving part S-CM2 and is received in the second receiving part S-CM2, the receiving part CM may be in a closed state (corresponding to the folded state). In the open state, the receiving part CM may cover the entire rear surface of the display module DM in the unfolded state, and in the closed state, the receiving part CM may cover the first display portion DA1 of the display module DM.

[0082] Figure 3A is an exploded perspective view showing a support member SM according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3B is a side view showing a first edge rotation member S-HG1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3C is a side view showing a second edge rotation member S-HG2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] Reference FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C The support member SM may include a first support member S-SM1, a second support member S-SM2, a central rotation member HG1, two edge rotation members HG2, a first coupling member LM1 and a second coupling member LM2.

[0084] The first and second supporting members S-SM1 and S-SM2 may include first and second curved surfaces SF1 and SF2, respectively, which overlap a portion of the folding area FA in a plan view. The first and second curved surfaces SF1 and SF2 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1.

[0085] In a plan view, the central rotating part HG1 may overlap the folding axis FX, and may extend in the first direction DR1.

[0086] The central rotating part HG1 may be disposed between the first supporting part S-SM1 and the second supporting part S-SM2. In a plan view, the central rotating part HG1 may be accommodated to overlap the first curved surface SF1 of the first supporting part S-SM1 and the second curved surface SF2 of the second supporting part S-SM2.

[0087] The two edge rotation parts HG2 may be spaced apart from each other in the first direction DR1 with the central rotation part HG1 interposed therebetween. Each of the two edge rotation parts HG2 may include a first edge rotation part S-HG1 and a second edge rotation part S-HG2. The first edge rotation part S-HG1 may be disposed adjacent to the first accommodation part S-CM1, and the second edge rotation part S-HG2 may be disposed adjacent to the second accommodation part S-CM2.

[0088] The first edge rotation part S-HG1 may have a first insertion hole HGOP1 defined on one side thereof and a second insertion hole HGOP2 defined on the other side thereof. The second insertion hole HGOP2 is spaced apart from the first insertion hole HGOP1 in the second direction DR2. The second edge rotation part S-HG2 may have a third insertion hole HGOP3 defined on one side thereof and may have a hook-like shape on the other side thereof. The hook-like shape is spaced apart from the third insertion hole HGOP3 in the second direction DR2. In a side view from the first direction DR1, the second insertion hole HGOP2 and the third insertion hole HGOP3 may overlap each other. The central rotation part HG1 may be inserted into the second insertion hole HGOP2 and the third insertion hole HGOP3 to couple the first edge rotation part S-HG1 and the second edge rotation part S-HG2.

[0089] The central rotating part HG1 may be rotated by the operation of the user. When the central rotating part HG1 rotates, the edge rotating part HG2 coupled to the central rotating part HG1 may rotate. According to the operation of the edge rotating part HG2, the first supporting part S-SM1 and the second supporting part S-SM2 disposed adjacent to the edge rotating part HG2 may be disposed to have an angle therebetween. As used herein, "angle" is defined as the angle between two planes.

[0090] The angle between the first support member S-SM1 and the second support member S-SM2 may be in a range from about zero (0) degrees (°) to about 180 degrees (°). When the first support member S-SM1 and the second support member S-SM2 are disposed obliquely relative to the receiving member CM to have an angle greater than zero degrees, the folding area FA of the display panel DP disposed on the support member SM may be folded relative to the folding axis FX. When the display panel DP is folded, the angle between the first support member S-SM1 and the second support member S-SM2 may be reduced.

[0091] The first engaging member LM1 may be inserted in the first insertion hole HGOP1. The second engaging member LM2 may be inserted in and fixed to the hook-like shape of the second edge rotation member S-HG2. The first engaging member LM1 and the second engaging member LM2 will be described in detail later.

[0092] Figure 4A is a perspective view showing a first receiving part S-CM1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A, the first receiving part S-CM1 may include a first bottom surface BA1 and a first barrier PW1, which are perpendicular to the first bottom surface BA1 and face each other in the first direction DR1. The first barrier PW1 may refer to a side surface of the first receiving part S-CM1, which extends in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction DR2. Each of the first barriers PW1 may include a first inner side surface IA1 and a first outer side surface OA1 opposite to the first inner side surface IA1. The first receiving part S-CM1 may include a first surface extending in the first direction DR1 and having a first length L1. The first barriers PW1 facing each other in the first direction DR1 may have the same shape as each other.

[0093] Figure 4B is a side view illustrating a first inner side surface IA1 of a first receiving part S- CM1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4B The first blocking member PW1 and Figure 4A The first inner surface IA1 may be provided with a first hole OP1, a second hole OP2, and a first guide member GM1, and the first hole OP1 may be inserted with a first engaging member LM1 (refer to Figure 3A ), the second hole OP2 is spaced apart from the first hole OP1 in the second direction DR2, and the first guide member GM1 is defined between the first hole OP1 and the second hole OP2 and extends in the second direction DR2. The first hole OP1 and the second hole OP2 may pass through the first inner side surface IA1 and the first outer side surface OA1 of the first barrier PW1.

[0094] The first guide part GM1 may be concavely defined (ie, recessed) in a direction (ie, a first direction DR1) from the first inner side surface IA1 to the first outer side surface OA1. The first guide part GM1 may be a first coupling part LM1 (refer to Figure 3A ) A path through which the first guide member GM1 moves in the second direction DR2 between the second hole OP2 and the first hole OP1. In the present embodiment, the first guide member GM1 is defined as a recessed member, however, this is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure according to the present invention should not be limited thereto or thereby. Although not shown in the drawings, according to another embodiment, the first guide member GM1 may be a hole passing through the first inner side surface IA1 and the first outer side surface OA1.

[0095] The first blocking member PW1 may have a concave portion CA defined at one end thereof, the concave portion CA being adjacent to the second receiving part S-CM2 and being recessed toward the second hole OP2. The concave portion CA may have substantially the same width as the second hole OP2 in the thickness direction (ie, the third direction DR3).

[0096] Figure 4C is a side view illustrating a first outer side surface OA1 of the first receiving part S- CM1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4C The first blocking member PW1 and Figure 4A The first outer side surface OA1 may be provided with a protrusion part PP protruding from one end thereof, and the protrusion part PP is adjacent to the second accommodating part S-CM2. The protrusion part PP may include a first protrusion part S-PP1 and a second protrusion part S-PP2, and the second protrusion part S-PP2 is spaced apart from the first protrusion part S-PP1 in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3), wherein the second hole OP2 is between the second protrusion part S-PP2 and the first protrusion part S-PP1, however, this is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure according to the present invention should not be limited to this or thereby. As another way, in another embodiment, the protrusion part PP may be provided as a single one or a plurality of more than two.

[0097] Figure 4D 2 is a perspective view showing a second receiving part S-CM2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4D The second receiving part S-CM2 may include a second bottom surface BA2 and a second barrier PW2 which is perpendicular to the second bottom surface BA2 and faces each other in the first direction DR1. The second barrier PW2 may refer to a side surface of the second receiving part S-CM2 which extends in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction DR2.

[0098] Each of the second blocking members PW2 may include a second inner surface IA2 and a second outer surface OA2 opposite to the second inner surface IA2. The second receiving part S-CM2 may include a second surface extending in the first direction DR1 and having a second length L2 greater than the first length L1 of the first surface (refer to Figure 4A ). The second barriers PW2 facing each other in the first direction DR1 may have the same shape as each other.

[0099] Figure 4E 2 is a side view showing a second stopper PW2 of a second receiving part S- CM2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4E The second blocking member PW2 in Figure 4D The second barrier PW2 is disposed on the right side relative to the second bottom surface BA2. Figure 4E, the second blocking member PW2 may be provided with a third hole OP3, a fourth hole OP4, and a second guide part GM2. The third hole OP3 may be defined at one side thereof and overlap the concave portion CA in the first direction DR1 when in the expanded state, the fourth hole OP4 may be spaced apart from the third hole OP3 in the second direction DR2, and the second guide part GM2 may overlap the protrusion part PP in the first direction DR1 (refer to Figure 4C ) overlap and extend in the second direction DR2. The second joining member LM2 (refer to Figure 3A ) can be inserted into the fourth hole OP4.

[0100] The third hole OP3 and the fourth hole OP4 may penetrate the second inner side surface IA2 and the second outer side surface OA2 of the second barrier PW2 .

[0101] The second guide part GM2 may be defined as a second inner side surface IA2 and a second outer side surface OA2 passing through the second stopper PW2. The second guide part GM2 may be used to allow the protrusion part PP (refer to FIG. 1 ) to be raised by a user's operation. Figure 4C ) in the second direction DR2. The second guide component GM2 may include a first sub-guide component S-GM1 and a second sub-guide component S-GM2, the second sub-guide component S-GM2 being spaced apart from the first sub-guide component S-GM1 in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3), wherein the third hole OP3 and the fourth hole OP4 are between the first sub-guide component S-GM1 and the second sub-guide component S-GM2. However, this is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure according to the present invention should not be limited to or thereby. In another embodiment, the second guide component GM2 may be set to a single one or may include more than two sub-guide components.

[0102] Figure 5A It is along Figure 1A 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' of FIG. 1 to illustrate the electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5B It is shown Figure 5A a side view of an outer side surface of the electronic device, and Figure 5C It is shown Figure 5A A side view of the inside surface of an electronic device. FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C In the Figures 1A to 4E The same descriptions as those of FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C The electronic device DD in the unfolded state is described in detail.

[0103] Reference Figure 5AIn a plan view in a first state (i.e., an unfolded state) in which the first display portion DA1 and the second display portion DA2 of the electronic device DD are arranged on the same plane, the first display portion DA1 may overlap with the first accommodating part S-CM1, and the second display portion DA2 may overlap with the second accommodating part S-CM2.

[0104] Reference Figure 5B and Figure 5C When the electronic device DD is in the first state, the first engaging part LM1 can be inserted in the first hole OP1, and the protrusion part PP can be inserted in the side of the second guide part GM2 adjacent to the third hole OP3. The second engaging part LM2 can be inserted in the fourth hole OP4 and can be fixed to the fourth hole OP4 in both the folded state and the unfolded state.

[0105] Fig. 6A It is along Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 1 to illustrate an electronic device DD-a in a fully folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 6B is a side view showing the outer side surface of the electronic device DD-a in a folded state, and Figure 6C is a side view showing the inner surface of the electronic device DD-a in the folded state.

[0106] Reference Fig. 6A When the electronic device DD-a is in the second state (i.e., the fully folded state) when the electronic device DD-a is fully folded to allow the first display portion DA1 to overlap with the second display portion DA2 in a plan view, the second receiving part S-CM2, the first receiving part S-CM1, the first bottom surface BA1 (refer to Figure 4A , which is a part of the first receiving part S-CM1) and the second bottom surface BA2 (refer to Figure 4D , which is a part of the second receiving part S-CM2) can overlap each other in a plan view. In the second state (ie, the fully folded state), due to the central rotating part HG1 (refer to Figure 3A ) and the rotation of the two edge rotating parts HG2 (refer to Figure 3A ), the first support member S-SM1 and the second support member S-SM2 may be arranged to overlap each other, and in the second state, due to the folding of the display panel DP arranged on the support member SM, the first display portion DA1 and the second display portion DA2 may be arranged to overlap each other in a plan view. Figure 6B and Figure 6CWhen the electronic device DD-a is in the second state, the concave portion CA may be located adjacent to the fourth hole OP4. The first engaging part LM1 may engage with the second hole OP2. The protrusion part PP may be inserted in one side of the second guide part GM2 adjacent to the fourth hole OP4.

[0107] Fig. 7A is a perspective view showing a portion of the electronic device DD-b in a third state (ie, one of the intermediate folding states) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7B It is shown Fig. 7A a side view of the outer side surface of the electronic device DD-b, and Figure 7C It is shown Fig. 7A A side view of the inner surface of the electronic device DD-b. 7A to 7C The electronic device DD-b in the third state is described in detail.

[0108] Reference Fig. 7A When the electronic device DD-b is in a third state which is an intermediate state between the first state (i.e., the unfolded state) and the second state (i.e., the fully folded state), the display module DM (refer to Figure 2 ) of the folding area FA (refer to Figure 2 ) may be spaced apart from the first receiving part S-CM1 and the second receiving part S-CM2 in the thickness direction (third direction DR3). The display module DM (refer to Figure 2 ) of the first display portion DA1 (refer to Figure 2 ) and the second display portion DA2 (refer to Figure 2 ) may be configured to have a first angle AG1. In an embodiment, the first angle AG1 may be greater than about 70 degrees (°) and less than about 180 degrees (°). 7A to 7C The display panel DP is omitted (refer to Figure 2 ) and support member SM (refer to Figure 2 ) to show the positional relationship between the central rotating part HG1, the two edge rotating parts HG2 and the receiving part CM. The surface defined by the central rotating part HG1, the first edge rotating part S-HG1 and the virtual line connecting the two points where the first receiving part S-CM1 meets the first edge rotating part S-HG1 can be aligned with the first display portion DA1 (refer to Figure 2 ), and a surface defined by the central rotation part HG1, the second edge rotation part S-HG2, and a virtual line connecting two points where the second receiving part S-CM2 meets the second edge rotation part S-HG2 may be aligned with the second display portion DA2 (refer to Figure 2 ) corresponds to. In the following, the first display portion DA1 (refer to Figure 2) and the second display portion DA2 (refer to Figure 2 ) may be defined as the same as an angle defined by the first edge rotation component S-HG1 and the second edge rotation component S-HG2.

[0109] Reference Figure 7B and Figure 7C , the first engaging part LM1 coupled to one end of the first edge rotation part S-HG1 may be inserted into the first guide part GM1 in the electronic device DD-b. When the central rotation part HG1 is rotated in the first state, the edge rotation part HG2 may be set to be inclined relative to the receiving part CM and may have a first angle AG1, and thus, the electronic device DD-b may be in the third state. When the edge rotation part HG2 is set to be more inclined relative to the receiving part CM in the third state than in the first state, the first engaging part LM1 coupled to the first edge rotation part S-HG1 may slide from the first hole OP1 in the second direction DR2, and may then be inserted into the first guide part GM1.

[0110] Fig. 8A is a perspective view showing a portion of the electronic device DD-c in a fourth state (ie, another of the intermediate folding states) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8B It is shown Fig. 8A a side view of the outer side surface of the electronic device DD-c, and Figure 8C It is shown Fig. 8A A side view of the inner surface of the electronic device DD-c. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C The electronic device DD-c in the fourth state is described in detail.

[0111] Reference Fig. 8A When the electronic device DD-c is in the fourth state which is an intermediate state between the third state and the second state (ie, the fully folded state), the display module DM (refer to Figure 2 ) of the folding area FA (refer to Figure 2 ) may be further spaced apart from the first accommodation part S-CM1 and the second accommodation part S-CM2 in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3) than in the third state. The first edge rotation part S-HG1 and the second edge rotation part S-HG2 may be arranged to be more inclined relative to the accommodation part CM to have a second angle AG2 that is smaller than the first angle AG1. In an embodiment, the second angle AG2 may be equal to or greater than about 50 degrees (°) and equal to or less than about 70 degrees (°).

[0112] Reference Figure 8B and Figure 8C, the first engaging part LM1 can be inserted into the second hole OP2 in the electronic device DD-c. When the edge rotation part HG2 is set to be more inclined relative to the accommodating part CM in the fourth state than in the third state, the first engaging part LM1 coupled to the first edge rotation part S-HG1 can slide in the first guide part GM1 along the second direction DR2 and thus can be inserted into the second hole OP2.

[0113] Fig. 9A is a perspective view showing a portion of the electronic device DD-d in a fifth state (ie, another of the intermediate folding states) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 9B It is shown Fig. 9A a side view of the outer side surface of the electronic device DD-d, and Fig. 9C It is shown Fig. 9A A side view of the inner surface of the electronic device DD-d. 9A to 9C The electronic device DD-d in the fifth state is described in detail.

[0114] Reference Fig. 9A When the electronic device DD-d is in the fifth state which is an intermediate state between the fourth state and the second state (ie, the fully folded state), the display module DM (refer to Figure 2 ) may be further spaced apart from the first accommodating part S-CM1 and the second accommodating part S-CM2 in the thickness direction (i.e., the third direction DR3) than in the fourth state. The first edge rotation part S-HG1 and the second edge rotation part S-HG2 may be arranged to be more inclined relative to the accommodating part CM to have a third angle AG3 that is smaller than the second angle AG2. In an embodiment, the third angle AG3 may be equal to or greater than about 0 degrees (°) and less than about 50 degrees (°). Compared with the fourth state, in the fifth state, the area in which the first accommodating part S-CM1 overlaps with the second accommodating part S-CM2 in the first direction DR1 may be increased, and compared with the fourth state, the area in which the first accommodating part S-CM1 is exposed to the outside may be reduced in the fifth state.

[0115] Reference Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C , while changing from the fourth state to the second state (i.e., the fully folded state), the protrusion part PP inserted in the second guide part GM2 can move from the third hole OP3 to the fourth hole OP4. That is, in the fifth state, the protrusion part PP can move from one end of the second guide part GM2 adjacent to the third hole OP3 to the other end of the second guide part GM2 adjacent to the fourth hole OP4.

[0116] When the edge rotation part HG2 is set to be more inclined relative to the accommodating part CM in the fifth state than in the fourth state, the first accommodating part S-CM1 coupled to the first edge rotation part S-HG1 by the first coupling part LM1 can slide toward the second accommodating part S-CM2. The operation of sliding the first accommodating part S-CM1 to the second accommodating part S-CM2 can mean that the protrusion part PP slides along the second guide part GM2.

[0117] The change from the fifth state to the second state (i.e., the fully folded state) may mean that the angle between the first edge rotation part S-HG1 and the second edge rotation part S-HG2 changes from the third angle AG3 to zero. That is, when the first state changes to the second state (i.e., the fully folded state), the angle between the first edge rotation part S-HG1 and the second edge rotation part S-HG2 may decrease.

[0118] According to the implementation mode, reference Figure 2 The electronic device DD includes a display module DM and a receiving part CM that slides along a second direction DR2, and the display module DM includes a first display part DA1 and a second display part DA2 that are distinguished from each other relative to a folding axis FX. Therefore, the second display part DA2 is exposed to the outside in a folded state, and the first display part DA1 is covered by the receiving part CM in a folded state, thereby protecting part of the display surface from external impact.

[0119] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it should be understood that the present disclosure should not be limited to these embodiments, but a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed below. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, and the scope of the inventive concept should be determined according to the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: A display module comprising a display panel foldable relative to a folding axis extending in a first direction and a support member disposed under the display panel; as well as A receiving component for receiving the display module, wherein the display panel comprises: a first display portion, which is covered by the receiving component when the display panel is in a folded state; and The second display portion is exposed to the outside in the folded state of the display panel, and the receiving component includes: a first receiving member that receives the first display portion in the folded state; and a second accommodating component for accommodating the first accommodating component in the folded state, wherein when the display panel is folded, an angle between the first display portion and the second display portion decreases, and an overlapping area between the first accommodating component and the second accommodating component in a plan view increases, Wherein, the supporting component comprises: a first supporting member; a second supporting member spaced apart from the first supporting member in a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction; a central rotating member disposed between the first supporting member and the second supporting member and corresponding to the folding axis; and Two edge rotating components are spaced apart from each other in the first direction, wherein the central rotating component is interposed between the two edge rotating components.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The receiving component comprises: a first engaging member coupling the first receiving member and the two edge rotating members; and a second engaging member coupling the second receiving member and the two edge rotating members, The first receiving member is disposed below the first supporting member and includes a first bottom surface and a first blocking member, wherein the first blocking member is perpendicular to the first bottom surface. The second receiving member is disposed below the second supporting member and includes a second bottom surface and a second blocking member, the second blocking member being perpendicular to the second bottom surface. Each of the first blocking members defines a first hole and a second hole, a first guide member, and a recessed portion, the first hole and the second hole passing through a first inner side surface and a first outer side surface of the first blocking member, the first guide member being between the first hole and the second hole and recessed from the first inner side surface to the first outer side surface, the recessed portion being recessed from an end of each of the first blocking members adjacent to the second receiving member toward the second hole, and each of the first blocking members includes a protruding member protruding from the first outer side surface adjacent to the second receiving member, Each of the second blocking members defines a third hole and a fourth hole that pass through a second inner side surface and a second outer side surface of the second blocking member, and a second guide member between the third hole and the fourth hole, The second engaging member is inserted into the fourth hole, and The protrusion member is inserted into the second guide member.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, wherein: In a first state in which the first display portion and the second display portion are disposed on the same plane, the first display portion and the second display portion overlap the first receiving part and the second receiving part, respectively, and In a second state in which the display panel is completely folded, the first display portion, the second display portion, the first receiving part, and the second receiving part overlap with each other in the plan view.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: The first engaging member is inserted in the first hole in the first state, and the first engaging member is inserted in the second hole in the second state.

5. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: In the first state, the protrusion member is inserted in a first side of the second guide member adjacent to the third hole, and in the second state, the protrusion member is inserted in a second side of the second guide member adjacent to the fourth hole.

6. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: In the first state, the angle between the first display part and the second display part is 180 degrees, in the second state, the angle between the first display part and the second display part is zero degrees, and when the first state changes to the second state, the angle between the first display part and the second display part gradually decreases.

7. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: In a third state which is an intermediate state between the first state and the second state, the first coupling member is inserted in the first guide member, and the first display portion and the second display portion are arranged to be inclined relative to the accommodating member and have a first angle between the first display portion and the second display portion.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: The first angle is greater than 70 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

9. The electronic device according to claim 7, wherein: In a fourth state which is an intermediate state between the third state and the second state, the position of the recessed portion corresponds to the third hole, and the first display portion and the second display portion are arranged to be inclined relative to the accommodating part and have a second angle between the first display portion and the second display portion, and the second angle is smaller than the first angle.

10. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein: The second angle is equal to or greater than 50 degrees and equal to or less than 70 degrees.

11. The electronic device according to claim 9, wherein: In a fifth state which is an intermediate state between the fourth state and the second state, the position of the recessed portion is spaced apart from the third hole in the second direction, and the first display portion and the second display portion are arranged to be inclined relative to the accommodating part and have a third angle between the first display portion and the second display portion, and the third angle is smaller than the second angle.

12. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: The third angle is equal to or greater than 0 degrees and less than 50 degrees.

13. The electronic device according to claim 11, wherein: While changing from the fourth state to the second state, the position of the protrusion member inserted in the second guide member moves from the third hole to the fourth hole.

14. The electronic device according to claim 3, wherein: In the second state, the first receiving part is disposed between the second receiving part and the display module.

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