Foldable electronic device

Abstract

Foldable electronic devices are provided. A foldable electronic device includes a hinge module, a first housing, a second housing, and a flexible display. The first housing is connected to the hinge module. The second housing is connected to the hinge module. The flexible display is disposed through at least a portion of the first and second housings. The flexible display includes a display panel including a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in an opposite direction when the electronic device is in an unfolded state. The flexible display further includes a window layer disposed at the first surface and a metal sheet layer. The display panel, the window layer, and the metal sheet layer are disposed such that different interlayer slippage occurs between the display panel, the window layer, and the metal sheet layer and an inner sidewall of the first and second housings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a foldable electronic device, and more specifically, to a foldable electronic device including a display protection structure. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices are becoming increasingly thinner and improved to increase their rigidity, enhance their design, and differentiate their functional components. These devices are gradually shifting from regular rectangular shapes to various forms. For example, electronic devices are becoming more portable and can have convertible structures that allow for the use of large-screen displays. As one type of such electronic device, a foldable electronic device is provided, in which at least two housings that operate in a folded or unfolded manner relative to each other are unlocked sequentially, and various improvements based on the folding structure are provided. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] The foldable electronics may include a hinge module and a first housing and a second housing connected in opposite directions via the hinge module. The foldable electronics can be operated in an inward and / or outward folding manner by rotating the first housing relative to the second housing within a range of 0° to 360° via the hinge module. The foldable electronics may include a flexible display configured to span the first and second housings in a 180° open state.

[0005] Because the flexible display should bend along with the housing, unlike typical strip-shaped electronic devices, it can receive support from the housing and is configured to perform self-movement in response to the folding and unfolding operations of the foldable electronics. Furthermore, multiple layers of the flexible display (e.g., window layer, display panel, or protective layer) can be attached to each other using an adhesive (e.g., pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA)), where interlayer slippage can occur to accommodate differences in the amount of interlayer displacement caused by bending operations. Therefore, the electronic device can provide space for receiving interlayer slippage according to the folding and unfolding operations of the flexible display and its self-moving structure.

[0006] However, due to the self-moving structure of the flexible display, when an external impact such as a drop is applied to the foldable electronic device, the edge of the display panel collides with the inner wall of the casing; therefore, the display may be damaged. Furthermore, increasing the corresponding space for cushioning to mitigate damage may hinder the thinning and lightening of the foldable electronic device.

[0007] Solution to the problem

[0008] Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a foldable electronic device including a display protection structure.

[0009] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a hinge module, a first housing connected to the hinge module, a second housing connected to the hinge module to fold the first housing, and a flexible display disposed through at least a portion of the first and second housings. The flexible display includes a display panel, a window layer, and a metal sheet layer. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the display panel includes a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a direction opposite to the first surface. The window layer is disposed on the first surface, and the metal sheet layer is disposed on the second surface of the display panel. The display panel, the window layer, and the metal sheet layer are configured such that the separation distance between the display panel, the window layer, and the metal sheet layer and the inner sidewalls of the first and second housings produces different interlayer slippages in the unfolded and folded states of the electronic device. When viewed from above the flexible display, the metal sheet layer is configured to at least partially overlap the display panel and is configured to be closer to the inner sidewalls of the first and second housings than the display panel.

[0010] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an electronic device includes a hinge module, a first housing connected to the hinge module, a second housing connected to the hinge module to fold the first housing based on a first rotation axis, and a flexible display disposed through at least a portion of the first and second housings. The flexible display includes a display panel, a window layer, and a metal sheet layer. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the display panel includes a first surface facing a first direction and a second surface facing a direction opposite to the first surface. The window layer is disposed on the first surface of the display panel. The metal sheet layer is disposed on the second surface of the display panel. When the electronic device is in a folded and unfolded state, the flexible display is movably disposed on the first and second housings in a direction perpendicular to the first rotation axis. When viewed from above the flexible display, the metal sheet layer is configured to at least partially overlap the display panel and is configured to be closer to the inner sidewalls of the first and second housings than the display panel.

[0011] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0012] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, by setting at least one layer (e.g., a metal sheet layer) constituting the protective layer of the flexible display closer to the inner wall of the housing than the display panel, the display panel can be prevented from being damaged by the buffering effect of the pre-impact of the protective layer when an external impact is applied, and no separate buffer space is included to help make the electronic device thinner. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To gain a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts:

[0014] Figure 1A diagram showing the unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 Various embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 1 A diagram showing the folded state of an electronic device;

[0016] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 4a An exploded perspective view of an electronic device including a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 4b A diagram illustrating the configuration in each region of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 5 A perspective view showing a stacked structure of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6a A diagram illustrating the configuration of the rear surface of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 6b A diagram illustrating the arrangement relationship between the display panel and the metal sheet layer according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 7a Electronic devices illustrating various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown from Figure 4b A partial sectional view observed along line 7a-7a;

[0023] Figure 7b The illustration depicts various embodiments according to this disclosure when an external impact is applied to... Figure 7a The image shows the movement of a flexible display in an electronic device.

[0024] Figure 8a Electronic devices illustrating various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown from Figure 4b A partial sectional view observed along line 8a-8a;

[0025] Figure 8b The illustration depicts various embodiments according to this disclosure when an external impact is applied to... Figure 8a A diagram of a flexible display in an electronic device;

[0026] Figure 9a Partial cross-sectional views of electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0027] Figure 9b The illustration depicts various embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 9a A diagram showing the movement of a flexible display when an electronic device is subjected to an external impact;

[0028] Figure 10a and Figure 10b A partial cross-sectional view showing the structure of a metal sheet in an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 11 A diagram showing the unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 12 Various embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 11 A diagram showing the folded state of an electronic device; and

[0031] Figure 13 Various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device observed along line 13-13. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following discussion Figures 1 to 13 The various embodiments described in this patent document to illustrate the principles of this disclosure are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure can be implemented in any suitably arranged system or apparatus.

[0033] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to aid in a comprehensive understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. Various specific details are included to aid understanding, but these details are considered exemplary only. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted.

[0034] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are used by the inventors only to enable the present disclosure to be understood clearly and consistently. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0035] It should be understood that the singular forms of “one,” “an,” and “the” include plural objects unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “part surface” includes a reference to one or more of these surfaces.

[0036] Figure 1This is a view showing an electronic device in a flat state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a view showing an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 The electronic device 100 may include a hinge structure (e.g., Figure 3 The device comprises a hinge structure 164 rotatably coupled to a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 folded relative to each other, a hinge cover 165 covering the foldable portions of the housing structures 110 and 120, and a display 130 (e.g., a flexible display or a foldable display) arranged in the space formed by the housing structures 110 and 120. In the description, the surface on which the display 130 is disposed may be referred to as the front surface of the electronic device 100, and the opposite side of the front surface may be referred to as the rear surface of the electronic device 100. The surface surrounding the space between the front and rear surfaces may be referred to as the side surface of the electronic device 100.

[0038] In one embodiment, the pair of housing structures 110 and 120 may include a first housing structure 110, a second housing structure 120, a first rear cover 140, and a second rear cover 150, wherein the first housing structure 110 includes a sensor region 131d. The pair of housing structures 110 and 120 of the electronic device 100 are not limited to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The shape or combination shown is not the only one that can be achieved; rather, it can be implemented in various shapes or combinations. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure 110 and the first rear cover 140 can be formed as a single body, and the second housing structure 120 and the second rear cover 150 can be formed as a single body.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may be arranged on opposite sides of the folding axis (A) and may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A). In one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may vary depending on whether the electronic device 100 is in a flat or closed state, a folded state, or an intermediate state. In one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 includes a sensor region 131d in which various sensors are arranged, but may have a shape symmetrical to the second housing structure 120 in other regions. In another embodiment, the sensor region 131d may be arranged in a specific region of the second housing structure 120 or may be replaced.

[0040] In one embodiment, during the flat state of the electronic device 100, the first housing structure 110 may be connected to a hinge structure (e.g., Figure 3The hinge structure 164 may include a first surface 111 facing the front surface of the electronic device 100, a second surface 112 facing away from the first surface 111, and a first side member 113 surrounding at least a portion of the space between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. In one embodiment, the first side member 113 may include a first side surface 113a arranged parallel to the folding axis (A), a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and a third side surface 113c extending from the other end of the first side surface 113a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis.

[0041] In one embodiment, during the flat state of the electronic device 100, the second housing structure 120 may be connected to a hinge structure (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge structure 164 may include a third surface 121 facing the front surface of the electronic device 100, a fourth surface 122 facing away from the third surface 121, and a second side member 123 surrounding at least a portion of the space between the third surface 121 and the fourth surface 122. In one embodiment, the second side member 123 may include a fourth side surface 123a arranged parallel to the folding axis (A), a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and a sixth side surface 123c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis. In one embodiment, the third surface 121 may face the first surface 111 in the folded state.

[0042] In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a recess 101 formed to accommodate a display 130 by a structural combination of the shapes of a first housing structure 110 and a second housing structure 120. The recess 101 may have substantially the same dimensions as the display 130. In one embodiment, due to the sensor region 131d, the recess 101 may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A). For example, the recess 101 may have a first width (W1) between a first portion 120a of the second housing structure 120 parallel to the folding axis (A) and a first portion 110a of the first housing structure 110 formed at the edge of the sensor region 131d, and a second width (W2) between a second portion 120b of the second housing structure 120 and a second portion 110b of the first housing structure 110 that does not correspond to the sensor region 131d and is parallel to the folding axis (A). Here, the second width (W2) may be wider than the first width (W1). In other words, the recess 101 can be formed with a first width (W1) (asymmetrical shape) from the first portion 110a of the first housing structure 110 to the first portion 120a of the second housing structure 120, and a second width (W2) (symmetrical shape) from the second portion 110b of the first housing structure 110 to the second portion 120b of the second housing structure 120. In one embodiment, the first portion 110a and the second portion 110b of the first housing structure 110 can be located at different distances from the folding axis (A). The width of the recess is not limited to the example shown above. In various embodiments, due to the shape of the sensor region 131d or the asymmetry of the first housing structure 110 or the second housing structure 120, the recess 101 can have two or more different widths.

[0043] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may be made of a metallic or non-metallic material having a stiffness value selected to support the display 130.

[0044] In one embodiment, the sensor region 131d may be formed with a predetermined area near one corner of the first housing structure 110. However, the arrangement, shape, or size of the sensor region 131d is not limited to the example shown. For example, in a particular embodiment, the sensor region 131d may be formed at another corner of the first housing structure 110, or in any area between the upper and lower corners. In another embodiment, the sensor region 131d may be arranged on a portion of the second housing structure 120. In another embodiment, the sensor region 131d may be formed to extend between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. In one embodiment, to perform various functions, the electronic device 100 may include components exposed to the front surface of the electronic device 100 through the sensor region 131d or through one or more openings arranged in the sensor region 131d. These components may include at least one of, for example, a front camera, a receiver, a proximity sensor, an illumination sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first rear cover 140 may be disposed on the second surface 112 of the first housing structure 110 and may have a substantially rectangular perimeter. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the perimeter may be enclosed by the first housing structure 110. Similarly, the second rear cover 150 may be disposed on the fourth surface 122 of the second housing structure 120, and at least a portion of its perimeter may be enclosed by the second housing structure 120.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear cover 140 and the second rear cover 150 may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A). In another embodiment, the first rear cover 140 and the second rear cover 150 may have various different shapes. In yet another embodiment, the first rear cover 140 may be formed as a single body with the first housing structure 110, and the second rear cover 150 may be formed as a single body with the second housing structure 120.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first rear cover 140, the second rear cover 150, the first housing structure 110, and the second housing structure 120 may be combined with each other to provide space for various components of the electronic device 100, such as printed circuit boards, antenna modules, sensor modules, and batteries. In one embodiment, one or more components may be disposed on or visible through the rear surface of the electronic device 100. For example, one or more components or sensors may be visible through a first rear region 141 of the first rear cover 140. Sensors may include proximity sensors, rear cameras, and / or flashes. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the secondary display 152 may be visible through a second rear region 151 of the second rear cover 150.

[0048] The electronic device 100 can be arranged in the space formed by a pair of housing structures 110 and 120. For example, the electronic device 100 can be disposed in a recess formed by the pair of housing structures 110 and 120 (e.g., Figure 1 The front surface of the electronic device 100 may be arranged in a recess 101, and may substantially occupy most of the front surface of the electronic device 100. Therefore, the front surface of the electronic device 100 may include a display 130, a portion of the first housing structure 110 near the display 130 (e.g., an edge region), and a portion of the second housing structure 120 near the display 130 (e.g., an edge region). In one embodiment, the rear surface of the electronic device 100 may include a first rear cover 140, a portion of the first housing structure 110 near the first rear cover 140 (e.g., an edge region), a second rear cover 150, and a portion of the second housing structure 120 near the second rear cover 150 (e.g., an edge region).

[0049] In one embodiment, display 130 may refer to a display whose at least a portion can deform into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, display 130 may include a folded region 131c, a first region 131a disposed on one side (e.g., the right side of folded region 131c) relative to folded region 131c, and a second region 131b disposed on the other side (e.g., the left side of folded region 131c). For example, the first region 131a may be disposed on a first surface 111 of the first housing structure 110, and the second region 131b may be disposed on a third surface 121 of the second housing structure 120. This division of display 130 is merely an example, and display 130 may be subdivided into multiple regions (e.g., four or more regions) depending on its structure or function. For example, in Figure 1 In one embodiment, the area of ​​display 130 can be subdivided relative to the folding region 131c or a folding axis (A) extending parallel to the y-axis. However, in another embodiment, the area of ​​display 130 can be subdivided relative to different folding regions (e.g., folding regions parallel to the x-axis) or different folding axes (e.g., folding axes parallel to the x-axis). The aforementioned subdivision of the display is based solely on a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 and a hinge structure (e.g., Figure 3 The physical division of the hinge structure 164 in the display 130 can be achieved through a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 and a hinge structure (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge structure 164 in the middle essentially presents a full screen. In one embodiment, the first region 131a and the second region 131b may have a shape symmetrical with respect to the folding region 131c. Although the first region 131a may include a notched region cut according to the presence of the sensor region 131d (e.g., Figure 3The first region 131a may have a shape symmetrical to the second region 131b in other parts, while the second region 131a may have a notched region 133 in the notched region 133 in the notched region 131b. In other words, the first region 131a and the second region 131b may include parts with symmetrical shapes and parts with asymmetrical shapes.

[0050] refer to Figure 2 The hinge cover 165 can be disposed between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 to cover internal components (e.g., Figure 3 (Hinge structure 164 in the embodiment). In one embodiment, the hinge cover 165 may be partially covered by the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120, or exposed to the outside depending on the operating state of the electronic device 100 (e.g., flat or folded state).

[0051] For example, when electronic device 100 is in such a state Figure 1 In the flat state shown, the hinge cover 165 can be covered by the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120, thus remaining unexposed. When the electronic device 100 is in such a flat state... Figure 2 In the folded state (e.g., fully folded state), the hinge cover 165 may be exposed outside the space between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. When the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state where the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 form an angle, the hinge cover 165 may be partially exposed outside the space between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. In this case, the exposed portion may be smaller than the exposed portion in the fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover 165 may include a curved surface.

[0052] Next, based on the operating state of the electronic device 100 (e.g., flat state or folded state), the configuration of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120, as well as the description of the area of ​​the display 130, are given.

[0053] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state (e.g., Figure 1 When the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 are in the same state, they can form an angle of 180 degrees, and the first region 131a and the second region 131b of the display can be arranged to face the same direction. In addition, the folding region 131c can be coplanar with the first region 131a and the second region 131b.

[0054] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., Figure 2When the display 130 is in a certain state, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 can be arranged to face each other. The first region 131a and the second region 131b of the display 130 can face each other to form a narrow angle (e.g., between 0 degrees and 10 degrees). At least a portion of the folded region 131c can form a curved surface with a preset curvature.

[0055] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in an intermediate state, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 can be arranged to form an angle. The first region 131a and the second region 131b of the display 130 can form an angle larger than the angle of the folded state but smaller than the angle of the flat state. At least a portion of the folded region 131c can form a curved surface with a preset curvature. This curvature can be smaller than the curvature of the folded state.

[0056] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 In one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a display 130, a support member 160, at least one printed circuit board 170, a first housing structure 110, a second housing structure 120, a first rear cover 140, and a second rear cover 150. In the description, the display 130 may be referred to as a display unit, display module, or display component.

[0058] The display 130 may include a display panel 131 (e.g., a flexible display panel) and at least one plate 132 or layer thereon on the display panel 131. In one embodiment, one or more plates 132 may include conductive plates (e.g., Cu sheets or SUS sheets) disposed between the display panel 131 and the support member member 160. According to one embodiment, the conductive plate may be formed to have an area substantially the same as the area of ​​the display, and the region facing the folding area of ​​the display may be formed to be flexible. The plate 132 may include at least one auxiliary material layer (e.g., a graphite member) disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 131. In one embodiment, the plate 132 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the display panel 131. For example, a portion of the first plate 132 may be formed to correspond to the shape of a cutout region 133 of the display panel 131.

[0059] The support member component 160 may include: a first support member 161; a second support member 162; a hinge structure 164 disposed between the first support member 161 and the second support member 162; a hinge cover 165 covering the hinge structure 164 when viewed from the outside; and a wiring member 163 (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) that intersects with the first support member 161 and the second support member 162.

[0060] In one embodiment, a support member 160 may be disposed between the board 132 and at least one printed circuit board 170. For example, a first support member 161 may be disposed between a first region 131a of the display 130 and the first printed circuit board 171. A second support member 162 may be disposed between a second region 131b of the display 130 and the second printed circuit board 172.

[0061] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the wiring member 163 and the hinge structure 164 may be arranged within the support member component 160. The wiring member 163 may be arranged along a direction intersecting the first support member 161 and the second support member 161 (e.g., the x-axis direction). The wiring member 163 may be arranged along a folding axis perpendicular to the folding region 131c (e.g., ...). Figure 2 Arranged in the direction of the y-axis or fold axis (A) (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0062] As described above, at least one printed circuit board 170 may include: a first printed circuit board 171 disposed on the side of the first support member 161; and a second printed circuit board 172 disposed on the side of the second support member 162. The first printed circuit board 171 and the second printed circuit board 172 may be disposed within the space formed by the support member component 160, the first housing structure 110, the second housing structure 120, the first rear cover 140, and the second rear cover 150. Various components for realizing the functions of the electronic device 100 may be mounted on the first printed circuit board 171 and the second printed circuit board 172.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first space of the first housing structure 110 may include: a first printed circuit board 171 disposed in the space formed by the first support member 161; a first battery 191 disposed at a location facing the first expansion hole 1611 of the first support member 161; at least one sensor module 181; or at least one camera module 182. The first housing structure 110 may include a window 183 disposed at a location corresponding to the cutout area 133 of the display 130 to protect at least one sensor module 181 and at least one camera module 182. In one embodiment, the second space of the second housing structure 120 may include: a second printed circuit board 172 disposed in the second space formed by the second support member 162; and a second battery 192 disposed at a location facing the second expansion hole 1621 of the second support member 162. According to one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 and the first support member 161 may be integrally formed. According to one embodiment, the second housing structure 120 and the second support member 162 may also be integrally formed. According to one embodiment, the sub-display 152 may be arranged in a second space of the second housing structure 120. According to one embodiment, the sub-display 152 (e.g., a second display) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover 150.

[0064] In one embodiment, the first housing structure 110 may include a first rotary support surface 114, and the second housing structure 120 may include a second rotary support surface 124 corresponding to the first rotary support surface 114. The first rotary support surface 114 and the second rotary support surface 124 may include curved surfaces corresponding to curved surfaces included in the hinge cover 165.

[0065] In one embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a flat state (e.g., Figure 1 When the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., when the device is in a folded state), the first rotary support surface 114 and the second rotary support surface 124 can cover the hinge cover 165, so that the hinge cover 165 is not exposed or is minimally exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device 100. Figure 2 When in the state of (the first rotational support surface 114 and the second rotational support surface 124 are rotatable along the curved surface included in the hinge cover 165, so that the hinge cover 165 can be exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device 100 to the greatest extent.

[0066] Figure 4a An exploded perspective view of an electronic device 300 including a flexible display 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4b A diagram illustrating the configuration in each region of an electronic device 300 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The electronic device 300 can be at least partially similar to Figure 1 The electronic device 100, or may further include other components of the electronic device.

[0068] Reference Figure 4a and Figure 4b Electronic device 300 (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 100 may include a first housing 310 (e.g., Figure 1 The first housing structure 310 includes a first surface 311 (e.g., Figure 1 The first surface 311), and the second surface 312 facing the direction opposite to that of the first surface 311 (e.g., Figure 1 The second surface 112), and the first side member 313 that closes the first space between the first surface 311 and the second surface 312 (e.g., Figure 1 The first side member 113). According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the electronic device 300 may include a second housing 320 (e.g., Figure 1 The second housing structure 120), the second housing 320 includes a third surface 321 facing the same direction as the first surface 311 (e.g., Figure 1 The third surface 121), and the fourth surface 322 facing the same direction as the second surface 312 (e.g., Figure 1 The fourth surface 122), and the second side member 323 that closes the second space between the third surface 321 and the fourth surface 322 (e.g., Figure 1 The second side member 123). According to one embodiment, the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 can be connected by a hinge module 364 (e.g., Figure 3 The hinge structure 164 is rotatably mounted relative to each other. For example, the electronic device 300 can be held in a folded or unfolded state by rotating the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 relative to each other via the hinge module 364. According to one embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device 300, the first surface 311 and the third surface 321 can face each other, and in the unfolded state of the electronic device 300, the first surface 311 and the third surface 321 can face the same direction. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 300 may include a flexible display 400 (e.g., Figure 1 The flexible display 400 (display 130) is configured to at least partially intersect with the first surface 311 and the third surface 321. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be configured to receive support for at least a portion of the first housing 310, the hinge module 364, and the second housing 320.

[0069] According to various embodiments, electronic device 300 (e.g., Figure 1 The electronic device 300 may include a first region h1 facing the first housing 310, a second region h2 facing the second housing 320, and a folding region h3 facing the hinge module 364. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 300 can operate in a state in which the first housing 310 corresponding to the first region h1 is folded or unfolded relative to the second housing 320 corresponding to the second region h2 by means of the hinge module 364 corresponding to the folding region h3.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the electronic device 300 may include at least one of protective frames 340 and 350 (e.g., decorative members or ornaments) disposed on the flexible display 400. According to one embodiment, at least one of the protective frames 340 and 350 may include a first protective frame 340 disposed on the flexible display in a first region h1 and a second protective frame 350 disposed on the flexible display in a second region h2. According to one embodiment, the protective frames 340 and 350 may be made of polymeric or metallic materials and disposed on each of the housings 310 and 320 by at least one of bonding, adhesive bonding, welding, or structural joining methods.

[0071] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the flexible display 400, the electronic device may include a metal sheet layer 450 disposed below the display panel 430 and configured to at least partially overlap the display panel 430. According to one embodiment, when viewed from above the flexible display 400, the metal sheet layer 450 may be configured to be closer than the edge of the display panel 430 to a first side member formed along the edges of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 First side member 113) and second side member (e.g., Figure 1 The inner wall of the second side member 213 (e.g., Figure 7a The first inner wall 3102 and Figure 8a(Second inner sidewall 3202). According to one embodiment, when viewed from above the flexible display 400, the metal sheet layer 450 may include edges 4501, 4502, 4503, and 4504 formed along the edge of the display panel 430 to project outwards beyond the display panel. For example, the metal sheet layer 450 may include a first edge 4501 facing at least a portion of the first housing 310, a second edge 4502 facing at least a portion of the second housing 320, a third edge 4503 connecting one end of the first edge 4501 and one end of the second edge 4502, and a fourth edge 4504 connecting the other end of the first edge 4501 and the other end of the second edge 4502. According to one embodiment, the third edge 4503 and the fourth edge 4504 may be configured to pass through the second housing 320 from the first housing 310 via a hinge module 364.

[0072] According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 can be configured such that a portion of the edges of the display panel 430 and the first edge 4501, third edge 4503, and fourth edge 4504 of the metal sheet layer 450 are not exposed to the outside between the first protective frame 340 and the first housing 310. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 can be configured such that a portion of the edges of the display panel 430 and the second edge 4502, third edge 4503, and fourth edge 4504 of the metal sheet layer 450 are not exposed to the outside between the second protective frame 350 and the second housing 320. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 can be movably configured to receive a slip according to folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device 300 between the first housing 310 and the second housing 320, and between the first protective frame 340 and the second protective frame 350. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 can slide in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation (axis A) of the electronic device (x-axis direction).

[0073] According to various embodiments, a pair of protective frames 340 and 350 may be omitted in the folding region h3 corresponding to the hinge module 364, which is used for folding and unfolding operations of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 based on the hinge module 364. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 300 may include a protective structure 500 configured to protect the exposed edges of the flexible display 400 in the folding region h3. According to one embodiment, the exposed edges of the flexible display 400 through the folding region h3 may be blocked so that they are at least partially invisible from the outside by the protective structure 500. According to one embodiment, the protective structure 500 may include a protective cap 510 disposed in the hinge housing 370 supporting the hinge module 364 and a blocking member 520 supported by the protective cap 510 and configured to at least partially conceal the edges of the flexible display 400 from the outside.

[0074] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the flexible display 400 is viewed from above, the edges 4501, 4502, 4503, and 4504 of the metal sheet layer 450 disposed below the display panel 430 are closer to the inner sidewalls of the housings 310 and 320 than the display panel (e.g., Figure 7a The first inner wall 3102 and Figure 7a The second inner sidewall 3202) is provided, so even if the flexible display 400 is not in contact with either of the inner sidewalls of the housing 310 and 320 (e.g., Figure 7a The first inner wall 3102 and Figure 8a The second inner wall 3202) is impacted by an external impact, and the pre-impact of the metal sheet layer 450 also acts as a buffer; therefore, damage to the display panel 430 can be prevented. According to one embodiment, in the flexible display 400, the inner walls of the third edge 4503 of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 facing the metal sheet layer 450, as well as the inner walls of the fourth edge 4504 of the first housing 310 and the second housing 320 facing the metal sheet layer 450, are arranged with substantially the same structure; therefore, in the event of an external impact, substantially the same buffering action can be performed.

[0075] Figure 5 A perspective view showing a stacked structure of a flexible display 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 5 The flexible display 400 can be at least partially similar to Figure 1 The display 130 may further include other components of a flexible display.

[0077] Reference Figure 5 The flexible display 400 may include a window layer 410 and a polarizing layer (e.g., a polarizer (POL)) 420 (e.g., a polarizing film) sequentially disposed on the rear surface of the window layer 410, a display panel 430, a polymer component 440, and a metal sheet layer 450. According to one embodiment, the window layer may include a polymer layer and a glass layer laminated together with the polymer layer. According to one embodiment, the polymer layer may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide. According to one embodiment, the glass layer may include ultrathin glass (UTG).

[0078] According to various embodiments, the window layer 410, polarizing layer 420, display panel 430, polymer component 440, and metal sheet layer 450 may be configured to be integrated with the first housing (e.g., Figure 1 The first surface of the first shell structure 110 (e.g., Figure 1 The first surface 111) and the second shell (e.g., Figure 1The third surface of the second shell structure 120 (e.g., Figure 1 At least a portion of the third surface 121 intersects with each other. According to one embodiment, the window layer 410, polarizing layer 420, display panel 430, polymer component 440, and metal sheet layer 450 can be connected to each other by adhesives P1, P2, and P3. For example, adhesives P1, P2, and P3 can include at least one of optically clear adhesive (OCA), pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), heat-reactive adhesive, common adhesive, or double-sided tape. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 can include another adhesive component (e.g., double-sided tape or waterproof component) at least partially disposed on one surface of the metal sheet layer 450. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 can be attached to an electronic device (e.g., ...) by another adhesive component. Figure 3 The supporting component of the electronic device 100 (e.g., Figure 3 Support component 160).

[0079] According to various embodiments, the polymer component 440 may be coated with a dark color (e.g., black) to help create a background when the display is off. According to one embodiment, the polymer component 440 may serve as a cushioning pad to absorb impacts from outside the electronic device to prevent damage to the flexible display 400.

[0080] According to various embodiments, the metal sheet 450 can help enhance the rigidity of the electronic device, shield ambient noise, and dissipate heat from surrounding heat dissipation components. According to one embodiment, the metal sheet 450 may include at least one of steel, stainless steel (SUS) (e.g., stainless steel (STS)), Cu, Al, or CLAD (e.g., a stacked member in which SUS and Al are alternately disposed). In another embodiment, the metal sheet 450 may include other alloy materials. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., Figure 4a The electronic device 300) facing the first housing (e.g., Figure 1 The first housing 310) portion and the portion facing the second housing (e.g., Figure 4a The second housing 320) is partially connected to the hinge module (e.g., Figure 4a The flexible portion of the hinge module 364 is included; therefore, the metal sheet 450 can be integrally formed. In another embodiment, the metal sheet 450 excludes the portion facing the hinge module ( Figure 4a Apart from the hinge module 364), facing the first housing (e.g., Figure 4a The first housing 310) portion and the portion facing the second housing (e.g., Figure 4aThe second housing 320 can be formed separately. According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 may also include a metal reinforcing plate 460 disposed beneath the metal sheet layer 450 for rigid reinforcement. According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plate 460 may include a portion facing the first housing (e.g., Figure 4a The first reinforcing plate 461 of the first housing 310 and the first reinforcing plate facing the second housing (e.g., Figure 4a The second reinforcing plate 462 of the second shell 320.

[0081] According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 may include at least one functional member disposed between the polymer member 440 and the metal sheet layer 450. According to one embodiment, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, an additional display, a force-sensitive flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), a fingerprint sensor FPCB, a communication antenna radiator, a heat sink, a conductive / non-conductive strip, or an open-cell sponge. According to one embodiment, when the functional member is bendable, the functional member may be configured to extend from a first housing (e.g., Figure 4a The first housing 310) is connected by a hinge module (e.g., Figure 4a The hinge module 364) reaches the second housing ( Figure 4a The flexible display 400 may include at least a portion of the second housing 320. In another embodiment, the flexible display 400 may further include a detection member for detecting input from an electromagnetically inductive writing component. According to one embodiment, the detection member may include a digitizer.

[0082] Figure 6a A diagram showing the configuration of the rear surface of a flexible display 400 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6b A diagram illustrating the arrangement between the display panel 430 and the metal sheet layer 450 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0083] Reference Figure 6a and Figure 6b The flexible display 400 may include a rear surface of the flexible display 400 that extends from the display panel 430 in a folded manner (e.g., Figure 7aAn FPCB 432 is disposed on at least a portion of the second surface 4302. According to one embodiment, the FPCB 432 may include an extension 4321 extending from the display panel 430, a connection pad 4322 electrically connected from the extension 4321 and including control circuitry 4311, and a component arrangement portion 4323 electrically connected to the connection pad 4322. According to one embodiment, the control circuitry 4311 may include a display driver IC (DDI) or touch display driver IC (TDDI) mounted in the connection pad 4322, which has an electrical wiring structure. According to one embodiment, the connection pad 4322 may include a separate FPCB or film including the control circuitry 4311 disposed on a chip-on-film (COF) basis. In another embodiment, the control circuitry 4311 may have a chip-on-board (COP) structure directly mounted in the extension 4321, without the connection pad 4322. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a plurality of components 4324 disposed in the component arrangement portion 4323. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include an electrical connector 433 extending from the component arrangement portion 4323 and electrically connected to an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 The second printed circuit board of the electronic device 100 (e.g., Figure 3 The second printed circuit board 172). According to one embodiment, the plurality of components 4324 may include a touch IC, flash memory for the display, ESD protection diodes, pressure sensors, or passive components such as decap. In another embodiment, when the FPCB 432 is disposed on the flexible display 400 facing the first housing (e.g., Figure 1 When the first housing structure 110 is in the area, the electrical connector 433 can be electrically connected to an electronic device (e.g., Figure 3 The first printed circuit board of the electronic device 100 (e.g., Figure 3 The first printed circuit board 171).

[0084] According to various embodiments, the FPCB 432 extending from the display panel 430 can be folded through any edge of the metal sheet layer 450 (e.g., the second edge 4502) and then positioned in contact with the metal sheet layer 450. According to one embodiment, the metal sheet layer 450 may include a receiving portion 4502a disposed in the portion of the second edge 4502 extending from the display panel 430 towards the folded portion of the FPCB 432. According to one embodiment, the receiving portion 4502a may be formed to be recessed deeper than the second edge 4502. Therefore, even when the FPCB 432 is folded through the receiving portion 4502a, the second edge 4502 protrudes further than the FPCB 432; thus, the second edge 4502 of the metal sheet layer 450 can be guided to receive pre-impact caused by external impact rather than by the second housing (e.g., Figure 4a The second housing 320 receives it. In another embodiment, since the FPCB 432 is configured to protrude further than the second edge 4502 of the metal sheet layer 450, it can provide cushioning action in the event of an external impact.

[0085] Figure 7a Various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 4b A partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device 300 observed along line 7a-7a. Figure 7b Various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown when in Figure 7a A schematic diagram of the movement of the flexible display 400 when an external impact is applied to the electronic device 300.

[0086] Reference Figure 7a The electronic device 300 may include a first housing 310 having a first side member 313, a first protective frame 340 disposed in at least a portion of the first side member 313, and a flexible display 400 disposed between the first side member 313 and the first protective frame 340. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be configured to receive support via a first support member 3131, which is structurally at least partially connected to or extends from the first side member 313 into the interior space of the first housing 310. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display 400 may be disposed in a first space 3101 between the first inner wall 3102 of the first side member 313 and the first protective frame 340. Therefore, the edge of the flexible display 400 may be configured to be invisible from the outside of the electronic device 300.

[0087] According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 may include a display panel 430, which includes a first surface 4301 facing a first direction (direction ①) and a second surface 4302 facing a second direction (direction ②), the second direction (direction ②) being the opposite direction to the first surface 4301. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a window layer 410 facing the first surface 4301 and a metal sheet layer 450 facing the second surface 4302. According to one embodiment, the window layer 410 may include a polymer layer 411 (e.g., PET) and a glass layer 412 (e.g., UTG or polyimide) disposed below the polymer layer 411. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a polarizing layer 420 (e.g., POL) disposed between the first surface 4301 and the glass layer 412 of the display panel 430. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a first reinforcing plate (e.g., a metal sheet) (not shown) disposed between a first support member 3131 and a metal sheet layer 450, and a polymer member 440 disposed between a second surface 4302 of the display panel 430 and the metal sheet layer 450. According to one embodiment, each layer may be connected to each other by adhesives P1, P2, and P3. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be attached to the first support member 3131 by an adhesive member P4. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 300 may further include a sealing member 341 disposed between a polymer layer 411 of the window layer 410 and a first protective frame 340 to prevent the ingress of external foreign objects.

[0088] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the flexible display 400 (e.g., when viewed from a second direction (direction ②)), the edge of the metal sheet layer 450 may be positioned closer to the first inner sidewall 3102 than the edge of the display panel 430. According to one embodiment, the metal sheet layer 450 may have a first protrusion amount d1 that further protrudes towards the first inner sidewall 3102 than the display panel 430, and is positioned to protrude further than the display panel 430. According to one embodiment, the first protrusion amount d1 may be determined by a first separation distance d2 between the metal sheet layer 450 and the first inner sidewall 3102. According to one embodiment, the first separation distance d2 may be determined solely based on the distance by which the flexible display 400 receives self-movement and interlayer slippage according to the folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device 300 in the first space 3101. According to one embodiment, the arrangement of the metal sheet layer 450 with a first protrusion d1 configured according to the embodiments of this disclosure allows the first separation distance d2 to be minimized and contributes to the thinning of the electronic device 300, since it is not necessary to consider the impact of external collisions on the display panel 430.

[0089] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the flexible display 400, the polymer layer 411 may have the same size as the glass layer 412, or it may be formed larger to have a second protrusion d3 in the inner wall direction (x-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the polymer layer 411 may be formed larger than the glass layer 412 to protect the glass layer 412 and help prevent glass fragments from scattering in the event of glass layer damage. According to one embodiment, between the glass layer 412 and the polarizing layer 420, the adhesive P1 may be set smaller than the glass layer 412 when viewed from above the flexible display 400. For example, a non-adhesive region 4121 disposed between the glass layer 412 and the polarizing layer 420 may help reduce the black matrix (BM) region of the flexible display 400. According to one embodiment, the polymer member 440 between the display panel 430 and the sheet metal layer 450 also provides a region 4401 set smaller than the display panel 430, thereby helping to reduce the first protrusion d1 of the sheet metal layer 450.

[0090] Reference Figure 7b When the electronic device 300 is in the unfolded state, in the event of an external impact such as a drop, the flexible display 400, movably disposed between the first protective frame 340 and the first housing 310, can move toward the first inner sidewall 3102 (in the x-axis direction). In this case, since the edge of the metal sheet layer 450, which is configured to protrude further than the display panel 430, first contacts the first inner sidewall 3102 of the first side member 313 of the first housing 310, this edge can receive the pre-impact, and the display panel 430 can receive a relatively small impact to prevent damage.

[0091] Figure 8a Various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 4b A partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device 300 observed along line 8a-8a. Figure 8b The illustrations depict various embodiments according to this disclosure when in Figure 8a A diagram showing the movement of the flexible display 400 in the electronic device 300 when an external impact occurs.

[0092] In description Figure 8a and Figure 8b In, with Figure 7a and Figure 7b Components that are substantially the same can be indicated by the same reference numerals, and the configuration structure of the flexible display 400 is substantially the same; therefore, its detailed description can be omitted.

[0093] Reference Figure 8aThe electronic device 300 may include a second housing 320 having a second side member 323, a second protective frame 350 disposed in at least a portion of the second side member 323, and a flexible display 400 disposed between the second side member 323 and the second protective frame 350. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be configured to receive support via a second support member 3231, which is structurally at least partially connected to or extends from the second side member 323 into the interior space of the second housing 320. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display 400 may be disposed in a second space 3201 between the second protective frame 350 and the second inner sidewall 3202 of the second side member 323. Therefore, the edge of the flexible display 400 may be configured to be invisible from the outside of the electronic device 300. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 300 may further include a sealing member 351 disposed between the polymer layer 411 of the window layer 410 and the second protective frame 350 to prevent the ingress of external foreign objects.

[0094] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the flexible display 400 (e.g., when viewed from a second direction (direction ②)), the edge of the metal sheet layer 450 may be positioned closer to the second inner sidewall 3202 than the edge of the display panel 430. According to one embodiment, the metal sheet layer 450 may have a first protrusion d1 that further protrudes from the display panel 430 toward the second inner sidewall 3202, and is positioned to protrude further than the display panel 430. According to one embodiment, the first protrusion d1 can be determined by a first separation distance d2 between the metal sheet layer 450 and the second inner sidewall 3202. According to one embodiment, the first separation distance d2 can be determined solely based on the distance by which the flexible display 400 receives self-movement and interlayer slippage according to the folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device 300 in the second space 3201. According to one embodiment, the arrangement of the metal sheet 450 with a first protrusion d1 configured according to the embodiments of this disclosure allows the first separation distance d2 to be minimized and contributes to the thinning of the electronic device 300, since it is not necessary to consider the impact of external shocks on the display panel 430.

[0095] According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 may include an FPCB 432 extending from a display panel 430, folded toward a second surface 4302, and attached to a metal sheet layer 450. According to one embodiment, the folded portion of the FPCB 432 may protrude from the display panel 430 toward a second inner sidewall 3202 in a -x-axis direction. According to one embodiment, because the folded portion of the FPCB 432 may be received in a receiving portion 4302a that is formed to be recessed deeper than the edge in the metal sheet layer 450, the folded portion may have a protrusion amount smaller than a first protrusion amount d1 of the metal sheet layer 450. Therefore, when the flexible display 400 moves due to an external impact, the edge of the metal sheet layer 450 may receive a pre-impact.

[0096] Reference Figure 8b When the electronic device 300 is in its folded state, in the event of an external impact such as a drop, the flexible display 400, movably disposed between the second protective frame 350 and the second housing 320, can move toward the second inner sidewall 3202 (along the -x-axis direction). In this case, the edge of the metal sheet layer 450, which is positioned to protrude further than the FPCB 432, first contacts the second inner sidewall 3202 of the second side member 323 of the second housing 320, thereby receiving the pre-impact, and the display panel 430 can receive a relatively small impact to prevent damage.

[0097] Figure 9a A partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device 300 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 9b The illustrations depict various embodiments according to this disclosure. Figure 9a A diagram showing the movement of the flexible display 400 in the electronic device 300 when an external impact occurs.

[0098] In description Figure 9a and Figure 9b In, with Figure 8a and Figure 8b The components of the electronic device 300 that are substantially the same in structure are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the flexible display 400 has a substantially the same configuration structure; therefore, its detailed description can be omitted.

[0099] Reference Figure 9aThe flexible display 400 may include an FPCB 432 extending from a display panel 430, folded toward a second surface 4302, and attached to a metal sheet layer 450. According to one embodiment, the folded portion of the FPCB 432 may protrude such that a third protrusion d4 protrudes further than a third protrusion of the metal sheet layer 450 in the direction from the display panel 430 toward the second inner sidewall 3202 (-x-axis direction). Therefore, when the flexible display 400 moves due to an external impact, the folded portion of the FPCB 432 can receive the pre-impact. According to one embodiment, the third protrusion d4 may be determined by a second separation distance d5 between the metal sheet layer 450 and the second inner sidewall 3202. According to one embodiment, the second separation distance d5 may be determined solely based on the distance by which the flexible display 400 receives self-movement and interlayer slippage according to the folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device 300 in the second space 3201. According to one embodiment, through the embodiments of this disclosure, because of the arrangement structure having a third protrusion d4 through the folded portion of the FPCB 432, the impact of external shocks on the display panel 430 does not need to be considered, so the second separation distance d5 can be minimized and contributes to the thinning of the electronic device 300. According to one embodiment, the first separation distance d2 and the second separation distance d5 can be substantially the same. According to one embodiment, the first protrusion d1 and the third protrusion d4 can be substantially the same.

[0100] Reference Figure 9b When the electronic device 300 is in the unfolded state, in the event of an external impact such as a drop, the flexible display 400, movably disposed between the second protective frame 350 and the second housing 320, can move toward the second inner sidewall 3202 (along the -x axis direction). In this case, the folded portion of the FPCB 432 is configured to protrude further than the metal sheet layer 450, first contacting the second inner sidewall 3202 of the second side member 323 of the second housing 320, thereby receiving the pre-impact, and the display panel 430 can receive relatively small impacts to avoid damage.

[0101] Figure 10a and Figure 10b A partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device 300 is shown, illustrating the configuration of a metal sheet layer 450 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] In description Figure 10a and Figure 10b At that time, and Figure 7a and Figure 7b The components of the electronic device 300 are substantially the same and are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the arrangement of the flexible display 400 is substantially the same; therefore, its detailed description can be omitted.

[0103] Reference Figure 10a The end of the metal sheet layer 450 may include a bent portion 4511, which is bent in a predetermined direction for rigid reinforcement. According to an embodiment, the folding direction of the bent portion 4511 can be determined based on the folding method of the electronic device 300. For example, as shown, when the electronic device 300 is folded inwards, the layers of the flexible display 400 (e.g., window layer 410, polarizing layer 420, display panel 430, polymer component 440, or metal sheet layer 450) can experience interlayer slippage with a length gradually increasing along a first inclined line L1 toward the window layer 410. Therefore, the bent portion 4511 can be bent in a second direction (direction ②) so as not to interfere with the interlayer slippage of the layers disposed on the metal sheet layer 450 (e.g., window layer 410, polarizing layer 420, display panel 430, or polymer component 440).

[0104] Reference Figure 10b The bent portion 4512 can be bent along the second direction (direction ②) by a crimping process, and then formed into a rear surface facing the metal sheet 450 again.

[0105] Figure 11 A diagram showing the unfolded state of an electronic device 600 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 12 Various embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 11 A diagram showing the folded state of the electronic device 600.

[0106] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The electronic device 600 may include a first housing 610, which includes a first surface 611, a second surface 612 facing a direction opposite to that of the first surface 611, and a first side member 613 surrounding a first space between the first surface 611 and the second surface 612. According to an embodiment, in its unfolded state, the electronic device 600 may include a second housing 620, which includes a third surface 621 facing the same direction as the first surface 611, a fourth surface 622 facing the same direction as the second surface 612, and a second side member 623 surrounding a second space between the third surface 621 and the fourth surface 622.

[0107] According to various embodiments, the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 can be rotatably mounted relative to each other via a hinge module 664. For example, by rotating the first housing 610 and the second housing 620 relative to each other via the hinge module 664, the electronic device 600 can be held in a folded or unfolded state. According to embodiments, in the folded state of the electronic device 600, the second surface 612 and the fourth surface 622 can face each other, and in the unfolded state of the electronic device 600, the first surface 611 and the third surface 621 can face the same direction. According to embodiments, the electronic device 600 may include a flexible display 630 (e.g., Figure 4a The flexible display 630 is configured to at least partially span the first surface 611 and the third surface 621. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 630 may be configured to receive support from at least a portion of the first housing 610, the hinge module 664, and the second housing 620.

[0108] According to various embodiments, in the folded state of the electronic device 600, the second surface 612 and the fourth surface 622 face each other, and the first surface 611 and the third surface 621 are arranged to face outwards; therefore, the flexible display 630 can be exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 600 may include a protrusion 614 disposed in at least a portion of the second surface 612 and formed above the second surface 612. According to an embodiment, the first housing 610 may be formed larger than the second housing 620. According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device 600, the fourth surface 622 of the second housing 620 partially faces the second surface 612 of the first housing 610, and the protrusion 614 may be disposed on the un-facing remaining portion of the second surface 612. In this case, in the electronic device 600, the third surface 621 of the second housing 620 can be folded together to correspond to the outer surface of the protrusion 614. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 600 may include at least one camera device 6141 disposed in the protrusion 614. Although not shown, electronic device 600 may include... Figures 1 to 3 and / or Figures 4a to 9b All components of the electronic devices 100 and 300 shown are essentially the same.

[0109] Figure 13 Various embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 11 A partial cross-sectional view of the electronic device 600 observed along line 13-13.

[0110] exist Figure 13 In the description, with Figure 7a and Figure 7bThe components of the electronic device 300 that are substantially the same are indicated by the same reference numerals, and the arrangement of the flexible display 630 is substantially the same; therefore, its detailed description can be omitted.

[0111] Reference Figure 13 The electronic device 600 may include a second housing 620 having a second side member 623, a protective frame 340 disposed in at least a portion of the second side member 623, and a flexible display 630 disposed between the protective frame 340 and the second side member 623. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 630 may be configured to receive support via a support member 6231, which is structurally at least partially coupled to or extends from the second side member 623 into the interior space of the second housing 620. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display 630 may be disposed in a space 6101 between the second side member 623 and the protective frame 340. Therefore, the edge of the flexible display 630 may be configured to be invisible from the outside of the electronic device 600. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 600 may further include a sealing member 341 disposed between a polymer layer 411 of a window layer 410 and the protective frame 340 to prevent the ingress of external foreign objects.

[0112] According to various embodiments, the end of the metal sheet layer 450 may include a bent portion 4513, which is bent in a predetermined direction for rigid reinforcement. According to embodiments, the folding direction of the bent portion 4513 can be determined based on the folding method of the electronic device 600. For example, as shown, when the electronic device 600 is folded outwards, the layers of the flexible display 630 (e.g., window layer 410, polarizing layer 420, display panel 430, polymer component 440, or metal sheet layer 450) can undergo interlayer slippage, the length of which gradually decreases as they move along the second inclined line L2 toward the window layer 410. Therefore, because the bent portion 4513 does not interfere with the interlayer slippage of the layers disposed on the metal sheet layer 450 (e.g., window layer 410, polarizing layer 420, display panel 430, or polymer component 440), the bent portion 4513 can be bent along a first direction (direction ①). In another embodiment, the bent portion 4513 can be bent along a second direction (direction ②). In another embodiment, the bent portion 4513 may be bent in a first direction (direction ①) or a second direction (direction ②) by a crimping process and then formed so as to face the surface of the metal sheet layer 450.

[0113] According to various embodiments, a structure has been shown and described in which the edges of flexible displays 400 and 630 are provided with a spatial interruption between housings 310 and 320 and protective frames 340 and 350. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and without the protective frames 340 and 350, flexible displays 400 and 630 according to embodiments of this disclosure can be configured such that the edges are provided with a spatial interruption through the structure of housings 310 and 320.

[0114] According to various embodiments, electronic devices (e.g.) Figure 4a The electronic device 300 includes a hinge module (e.g. Figure 4a The hinge module 364), and the first housing connected to the hinge module (e.g., Figure 4a The first housing 310), connected to the hinge module to fold the second housing (e.g., the first housing 310), is a second housing connected to the hinge module to fold the first housing. Figure 4a The second housing 320) and a flexible display (e.g., disposed through at least a portion of the first housing and the second housing) Figure 4a Flexible display 400), wherein the flexible display includes a display panel (e.g. Figure 7a The display panel 430), window layer (e.g., Figure 7a Window layer 410) and metal sheet layer (e.g., Figure 7a The metal sheet layer 450), wherein, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the display panel includes a first orientation (e.g., facing a first direction). Figure 7a The first surface of direction ① (e.g.) Figure 7a The first surface 4301) and the second surface facing the direction opposite to that of the first surface (e.g. Figure 7a The second surface 4302), window layer (e.g., Figure 7a The window layer 410 is disposed on the first surface; the metal sheet layer (e.g., Figure 7a A metal sheet layer 450 is disposed on the second surface of the display panel, wherein the display panel, the window layer, and the metal sheet layer are configured such that the display panel, the window layer, and the metal sheet layer are flush with the inner sidewalls of the first housing and the second housing (e.g., Figure 7a The first inner wall 3102 and Figure 8a The separation distance between the second inner sidewall 3202) (e.g., Figure 7a The first separation distance d2) produces different interlayer slippage in the folded and folded states of the electronic device, and wherein, when viewed from above the flexible display, the metal sheet layer is configured to at least partially overlap with the display panel and is configured to be closer to the inner sidewalls of the first and second housings than the display panel.

[0115] According to various embodiments, the window layer may include a polymer layer disposed between the polymer layer and the display panel (e.g., ...). Figure 7aThe polymer layer 411) and the glass layer (e.g., Figure 7a (glass layer 412), and when viewed from above the display, the polymer layer may be configured to at least partially overlap the glass layer and be configured to be closer to the inner sidewall than the glass layer.

[0116] According to various embodiments, the glass layer and the display panel can be bonded together with an adhesive (e.g., ...). Figure 7a The glass layer P1 is at least partially connected.

[0117] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the flexible display, the adhesive can be positioned at a location overlapping at least one effective area of ​​the display panel.

[0118] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may also include a polarizing layer disposed between the display panel and the glass layer (e.g., Figure 7a Polarization layer 420).

[0119] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may also include a touch panel disposed between the glass layer and the polarizing layer, between the polarizing layer and the display panel, or in the display panel.

[0120] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may also include at least one sub-material layer disposed between the metal sheet layer and the display panel (e.g., Figure 5 Polymer component 440).

[0121] According to various embodiments, the electronic device may also include a first protective frame (e.g., Figure 7a First protection frame 340) and second protection frame (e.g., Figure 8a The second protective frame 350), the first protective frame is connected to the first housing, and the first edge of the metal sheet facing the first housing is placed between the first protective frame and the first housing; the second protective frame is connected to the second housing, wherein the second edge of the metal sheet facing the second housing is placed between the second protective frame and the second housing.

[0122] According to various embodiments, the flexible display can be movably disposed in the space between the first housing and the first protective frame, and between the second housing and the second protective frame (e.g., Figure 7a First space 3101 or Figure 8a In the second space 3201).

[0123] According to various embodiments, when the electronic device is in a folded or unfolded state, a space can be formed at the edge of the flexible display in terms of size.

[0124] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the flexible display, the metal sheet can be formed to such a size that all edges of the metal sheet are visible beyond the edges of the display panel.

[0125] According to various embodiments, the flexible display can be configured such that the ends of the metal sheet layers selectively approach the inner sidewall in response to the folding operation of the electronic device.

[0126] According to various embodiments, a flexible display may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (e.g.) Figure 8a (FPCB432), the flexible printed circuit board extends from the display panel and bends to contact at least a portion of a metal sheet layer, and the metal sheet layer may include a receiving portion (e.g., Figure 8a The second edge 4502), the receiving portion is formed as larger than the edge (e.g., Figure 8a The second edge (4502) is recessed further to accommodate the curved portion of the FPCB.

[0127] According to various embodiments, the receiving portion can be formed such that the curved portion of the FPCB does not protrude more than the edge of the metal sheet.

[0128] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the flexible display, the separation distance between the metal sheet layer and the inner sidewall (e.g., Figure 7a The first separation distance d2) is used to determine the amount by which the metal sheet protrudes further than the display panel protrudes into the inner wall (e.g., Figure 7a The first salient quantity d1).

[0129] According to various embodiments, the end of the metal sheet may further include a bent portion that bends in a first direction or a second direction (e.g., Figure 10a (4511) The curved part.

[0130] According to various embodiments, the bending direction of the curved portion can be determined based on the interlayer sliding direction of the window layer, display panel, or metal sheet layer in the folded and unfolded states of the electronic device.

[0131] According to various embodiments, electronic devices (e.g.) Figure 4a The electronic device 300 includes a hinge module (e.g. Figure 4a The hinge module 364), and the first housing connected to the hinge module (e.g., Figure 4a The first housing 310), connected to the hinge module to fold the second housing (e.g., the first housing 310), is a second housing connected to the hinge module to fold the first housing. Figure 4a The second housing 320) and a flexible display (e.g., disposed through at least a portion of the first housing and the second housing) Figure 4a Flexible display 400), wherein the flexible display includes a display panel (e.g. Figure 7a The display panel 430), window layer (e.g., Figure 7a Window layer 410) and metal sheet layer (e.g., Figure 7a The metal sheet layer 450), wherein, when the electronic device is in the unfolded state, the display panel includes a first orientation (e.g., facing a first direction). Figure 7a The first surface (e.g., direction) Figure 7a The first surface 4301) and the second surface facing the direction opposite to that of the first surface (e.g. Figure 7a The second surface 4302), window layer (e.g., Figure 7a The window layer 410 is disposed on the first surface, and the metal sheet layer (e.g., Figure 7a A metal sheet layer 450 is disposed on the second surface of the display panel, wherein, when the electronic device is in a folded state and an unfolded state, the flexible display is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation (e.g., Figure 4b The direction of the first rotation axis A) (e.g., Figure 4a The metal sheet is movably disposed on the first and second housings in the x-axis direction, and wherein the metal sheet is configured to at least partially overlap with the display panel, and when viewed from above the flexible display, the metal sheet is configured to be closer to the inner sidewalls of the first and second housings than the display panel (e.g., ...). Figure 7a The first inner wall 3102 and Figure 8a The second inner sidewall 3202).

[0132] According to various embodiments, the window layer may include a polymer layer and a glass layer disposed between the polymer layer and the display panel, and when viewed from above the display, the polymer layer may be configured to at least partially overlap the glass layer and be configured to be closer to the inner sidewall than the glass layer.

[0133] According to various embodiments, when viewed from above the flexible display, the glass layer and the display panel can be at least partially connected by an adhesive, and the adhesive can be disposed at a location overlapping at least one effective area of ​​the display panel.

[0134] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will be inspired to make various changes and modifications. This disclosure is intended to include such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable electronic device, comprising: The housing includes a first housing and a second housing; A hinge module is connected to the first housing and the second housing; as well as A flexible display, housed within a first housing and a second housing, the flexible display comprising: The display panel includes a first surface facing a first direction when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded and a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. A window layer is disposed above the first surface of the display panel; and A metal sheet is disposed below the second surface of the display panel such that, when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, the edge of the metal sheet protrudes outward toward the inner surface of the sidewall of the first or second housing, beyond the edge of the display panel and the edge of the window layer. Wherein, the inner surface of the sidewall of the first housing or the second housing corresponds to the inner surface of the sidewall that is arranged parallel to the folding axis.

2. The foldable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The window layer includes a glass layer and a polymer layer disposed above the glass layer, such that when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, the edge of the polymer layer protrudes outward toward the inner surface of the sidewall beyond the edge of the glass layer.

3. The foldable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the foldable electronic device is fully folded, the edge of the metal sheet faces the inner surface of the sidewall.

4. The foldable electronic device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, When the foldable electronic device is fully folded, the edge of the metal sheet is flat so as to be parallel to the inner surface of the sidewall.

5. The foldable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the first and second housings includes a protrusion that extends from the sidewall and projects inward toward the flexible display such that when the foldable electronics are fully unfolded, the protrusion overlaps with a portion of the metal sheet.

6. The foldable electronic device of claim 5, further comprising: A sealing member is attached to the inner surface of the protrusion of a respective one of the first housing and the second housing, such that when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, the entire portion of the sealing member overlaps with a portion of the metal sheet.

7. The foldable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the metal sheet is recessed into the edge of the metal sheet such that the inner edge of the recessed portion is further away from the inner surface of the sidewall than the edge of the metal sheet.

8. The foldable electronic device of claim 7, wherein: The flexible display includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that extends from the display panel toward the metal sheet by bending and contacts at least a portion of the metal sheet. The curved portion of the FPCB is accommodated in the recessed portion of the metal sheet.

9. The foldable electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the edge of the metal sheet is configured to contact the inner surface of the sidewall to prevent the display panel from colliding with the inner surface of the sidewall.

10. The foldable electronic device of claim 1, wherein, The metal sheet is configured such that when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, all edges of the metal sheet protrude outward toward the inner surface of the sidewall of the first housing or the second housing beyond the corresponding edge of the display panel.

11. A foldable electronic device, including: The housing includes a first housing and a second housing; A hinge module is connected to the first housing and the second housing; as well as A flexible display, disposed above the hinge module and housed within the first and second housings, the flexible display comprising: The display panel includes a first surface facing a first direction when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded and a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction. A window layer is disposed above the first surface of the display panel; and A metal sheet is disposed below the second surface of the display panel such that, when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, the edge of the metal sheet protrudes outward toward the inner surface of the sidewall of the first or second housing beyond the edge of the display panel and the edge of the window layer, such that at least a portion of the edge of the metal sheet prevents the display panel from colliding with the inner surface of the sidewall. Wherein, the inner surface of the sidewall of the first housing or the second housing corresponds to the inner surface of the sidewall that is arranged parallel to the folding axis.

12. The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein, The window layer includes a glass layer and a polymer layer disposed above the glass layer, such that when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, the edge of the polymer layer protrudes beyond the edge of the glass layer toward the inner surface of the sidewall.

13. The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein, When the foldable electronic device is fully folded, the edge of the metal sheet faces the inner surface of the sidewall.

14. The foldable electronic device of claim 13, wherein, When the foldable electronic device is fully folded, the edge of the metal sheet is flat so as to be parallel to the inner surface of the sidewall.

15. The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein, Each of the first and second housings includes a protrusion that extends inward from the sidewall toward the flexible display such that when the foldable electronics are fully unfolded, the protrusion overlaps with a portion of the metal sheet.

16. The foldable electronic device of claim 15, further comprising: A sealing member is attached to the inner surface of the protrusion of a respective one of the first housing and the second housing, such that when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, the entire sealing member overlaps with a portion of the metal sheet.

17. The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein, At least a portion of the metal sheet is recessed into the edge of the metal sheet such that the inner edge of the recessed portion is further away from the inner surface of the sidewall than the edge of the metal sheet.

18. The foldable electronic device of claim 17, wherein: The flexible display includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) that extends from the display panel toward the metal sheet by bending and contacts at least a portion of the metal sheet. The curved portion of the FPCB is accommodated in the recessed portion of the metal sheet.

19. The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein, The entire edge of the metal sheet is configured to contact the inner surface of the sidewall to prevent the display panel from colliding with the inner surface of the sidewall.

20. The foldable electronic device of claim 11, wherein, The metal sheet is configured such that when the foldable electronic device is fully unfolded, all edges of the metal sheet protrude outward toward the inner surface of the sidewall of the first housing or the second housing beyond the corresponding edge of the display panel.

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