ELECTRONIC DEVICES INCLUDING DISPLAY SUPPORT STRUCTURES

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device comprising a housing consisting of a first housing; a second housing which is folded and joined to the first housing by means of a hinged device; a flexible display assembly arranged to be supported by the first and second housings, the flexible display assembly comprising a folding area which is foldable; at least one water-resistant element arranged between the first housing and the flexible display assembly and / or between the second housing and the flexible display assembly; and at least one support structure arranged between the first housing and the flexible display assembly and / or between the second housing and the flexible display assembly, within the perimeter of at least one water-resistant element, wherein at least one support structure comprises: the first part arranged to have a first height; and the second part arranged to have a second height greater than the first height, and in which at least part of the second part is arranged to overlap at least part of the folding area when the flexible display assembly is viewed from above.

Description

Electronic device including a display support structure

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a display support structure.

[0002] Electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer, more rigid, and more aesthetically pleasing, while simultaneously improving their functional aspects to differentiate them. Electronic devices are evolving beyond their traditional rectangular form factor and into increasingly diverse shapes. Electronic devices may have a transformable structure that allows for portability while also utilizing large-screen displays. For example, as part of this transformable structure, the electronic device may include foldable housings that fold and unfold relative to each other. Such electronic devices may require a support structure to enhance the durability and / or surface quality of the folding area where the display deforms during the folding and unfolding motions.

[0003] A foldable electronic device may include a hinge device (e.g., a hinge module), and a first housing and a second housing that are foldably connected to each other through the hinge device. The foldable electronic device may be operated in an in-folding and / or out-folding manner by allowing the first housing to rotate relative to the second housing through a specific range of 0 to 360 degrees through the hinge device. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display (e.g., a display) that is arranged to span the first housing and the second housing when unfolded 180 degrees.

[0004] Foldable electronic devices may be vulnerable to waterproofing due to their folding and unfolding operating mechanisms. Therefore, the electronic devices may include at least one waterproofing member for waterproofing and / or dustproofing against moisture or foreign substances entering the interior. For example, the waterproofing member may include at least one first waterproofing member arranged in a first space of a first housing between the first housing and the flexible display, and at least one second waterproofing member arranged in a second space of a second housing between the second housing and the flexible display. Since these waterproofing members have a height, to compensate for this, the first space and the second space may include a support structure having a specified height arranged between the first waterproofing member and the second waterproofing member.

[0005] However, if such support structures are positioned near at least one waterproofing member at the same height (e.g., thickness), the waterproofing member attached through compression may have an unattached area due to the physical difference in the support structure, which may result in poor waterproofing. Furthermore, if the height of the support structure is applied lower than the waterproofing member in order to resolve the poor waterproofing phenomenon, sagging due to the gap generated between the flexible display and the support structure may cause a deterioration in durability and / or surface quality. Furthermore, it may be difficult to set the height of the support structure considering the compression of the waterproofing member.

[0006] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a display support structure.

[0007] According to various embodiments, an electronic device including a display support structure that can help improve the surface quality or durability of a flexible display can be provided.

[0008] According to various embodiments, an electronic device including a display support structure that can help improve the waterproof performance of a waterproof member can be provided.

[0009] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be expanded in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0010] According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing foldably connected to the first housing via a hinge device, a flexible display including a folding area that is arranged to receive support from the first housing and the second housing and is deformable in a folded state, at least one waterproof member arranged between the first housing and the flexible display and / or between the second housing and the flexible display, and at least one support structure arranged between the first housing and the flexible display and / or between the second housing and the flexible display around the at least one waterproof member, wherein the at least one support structure includes a first portion arranged to have a first height and a second portion arranged to have a second height higher than the first height, and at least a portion of the second portion may be arranged at a position overlapping at least a portion of the folding area when the flexible display is viewed from above.

[0011] According to various embodiments, in an electronic device, a flexible display including a first housing, a second housing foldably connected to the first housing through a hinge device, and a folding area that is arranged to support the first housing and the second housing and is deformable in a folded state, the flexible display including a window layer, a display panel arranged under the window layer, a support plate arranged under the display panel and including a plurality of openings in a portion corresponding to the folding area, a first reinforcing plate arranged under the support plate in a portion corresponding to the first housing, and a second reinforcing plate arranged under the support plate in a portion corresponding to the second housing, at least one waterproofing member arranged between the first reinforcing plate and the first housing and / or between the second reinforcing plate and the second housing, and at least one support structure arranged between the first reinforcing plate and the first housing and / or between the second reinforcing plate and the second housing around the at least one waterproofing member. Including, the at least one support structure includes a first portion arranged to have a first height and a second portion arranged to have a second height higher than the first height, and at least a portion of the second portion can be arranged at a position overlapping at least a portion of the folding area when the flexible display is viewed from above.

[0012] An electronic device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a support structure disposed between a flexible display and housings, and arranged such that at least a portion overlapping the folding area has a higher height than the remaining portion, thereby helping to improve surface quality and / or durability in the folding area, and may help to secure waterproof performance by improving the adhesive strength of a waterproof member.

[0013] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0014] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a flat state or unfolding state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 1b is a plan view illustrating the front of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1C is a plan view illustrating the rear surface of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a folding state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2b is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5A is a plan view showing the back surface of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5b is a drawing illustrating a state in which a support structure is arranged on the back surface of the flexible display of FIG. 5a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device showing the height relationship between a compressed waterproof member and a support structure according to assembly of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 7b is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 7c is an enlarged view of area 7c of FIG. 7b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views of an electronic device in an unfolded state and a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIGS. 9A to 9D are drawings illustrating various examples of support structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electronic device in a flat state (or unfolding state) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a plan view illustrating a front side of the electronic device in a flat state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1C is a plan view illustrating a rear side of the electronic device in a flat state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a folding state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 2B, the electronic device (100) may include a pair of housings (110, 120) (e.g., foldable housings) that are rotatably coupled to face each other and foldable with respect to a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B). In some embodiments, the hinge devices (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B) may be arranged in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. In some embodiments, two or more hinge devices (e.g., hinge devices (140) of FIG. 1B) may be arranged so as to fold in the same direction or different directions. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a flexible display (400) (e.g., foldable display) that is arranged in an area formed by the pair of housings (110, 120). According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) are arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (A) as the center, and may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (A). According to one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device (100) is a flat state (or unfolding state), a folding state, or an intermediate state.

[0033] According to various embodiments, a pair of housings (110, 120) may include a first housing (110) (e.g., a first housing structure) coupled with a hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B) and a second housing (120) (e.g., a second housing structure) coupled with the hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B). According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) may include, in an unfolded state, a first surface (111) facing a first direction (e.g., a front direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface (112) facing a second direction (e.g., a rear direction) (-z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface (111). According to one embodiment, the second housing (120) may include a third surface (121) facing a first direction (z-axis direction) and a fourth surface (122) facing a second direction (-z-axis direction) in an unfolded state. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be operated in such a manner that, in an unfolded state, the first surface (111) of the first housing (110) and the third surface (121) of the second housing (120) face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction), and in a folded state, the first surface (111) and the third surface (121) face each other. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be operated such that, in an unfolded state, the second surface (112) of the first housing (110) and the fourth surface (122) of the second housing (120) face substantially the same second direction (- z-axis direction), and in a folded state, the second surface (112) and the fourth surface (122) face opposite directions. For example, in a folded state, the second surface (112) can face the first direction (z-axis direction), and the fourth surface (122) can face the second direction (- z-axis direction).

[0034] According to various embodiments, the first housing (110) may include a first side member (113) that at least partially forms an exterior of the electronic device (100) and a first rear cover (114) that is coupled to the first side member (113) and forms at least a portion of a second side (112) of the electronic device (100). According to one embodiment, the first side member (113) may include a first side surface (113a), a second side surface (113b) that extends from one end of the first side surface (113a), and a third side surface (113c) that extends from the other end of the first side surface (113a). According to one embodiment, the first side member (113) may be formed into a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangular) shape through the first side surface (113a), the second side surface (113b), and the third side surface (113c).

[0035] According to various embodiments, the second housing (120) may include a second side member (123) that at least partially forms an exterior of the electronic device (100) and a second rear cover (124) that is coupled to the second side member (123) and forms at least a portion of a fourth side (122) of the electronic device (100). According to one embodiment, the second side member (123) may include a fourth side (123a), a fifth side (123b) that extends from one end of the fourth side (123a), and a sixth side (123c) that extends from the other end of the fourth side (123a). According to one embodiment, the second side member (123) may be formed into a rectangular shape through the fourth side (123a), the fifth side (123b), and the sixth side (123c).

[0036] According to various embodiments, the pair of housings (110, 120) are not limited to the illustrated shapes and combinations, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. For example, in some embodiments, the first side member (113) may be formed integrally with the first rear cover (114), and the second side member (123) may be formed integrally with the second rear cover (124).

[0037] According to various embodiments, in the electronic device (100), in the unfolded state, the second side (113b) of the first side member (113) and the fifth side (123b) of the second side member (123) can be connected without any gap. According to one embodiment, in the electronic device (100), in the unfolded state, the third side (113c) of the first side member (113) and the sixth side (123c) of the second side member (123) can be connected without any gap. According to one embodiment, in the electronic device (100), in the unfolded state, the combined length of the second side (113b) and the fifth side (123b) can be longer than the length of the first side (113a) and / or the fourth side (123a). Additionally, the combined length of the third side (113c) and the sixth side (123c) may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side (113a) and / or the fourth side (123a).

[0038] According to various embodiments, the first side member (113) and / or the second side member (123) may be formed of metal or may further include a polymer that is injected into the metal. According to one embodiment, the first side member (113) and / or the second side member (123) may also include at least one conductive portion (116 and / or 126) that is electrically segmented through at least one segment (1161, 1162 and / or 1261, 1262) formed of polymer. In such a case, the at least one conductive portion may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device (100) so as to be used as an antenna that operates in at least one designated band (e.g., a legacy band).

[0039] According to various embodiments, the first rear cover (114) and / or the second rear cover (124) may be formed by, for example, at least one or a combination of at least two of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium).

[0040] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (400) may be arranged to extend from a first surface (111) of the first housing (110) across a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B) to at least a portion of a third surface (121) of the second housing (120). For example, the flexible display (400) may include a first region (130a) substantially corresponding to the first surface (111), a second region (130b) corresponding to the second surface (121), and a third region (130c) (e.g., a bendable region or a folding region) connecting the first region (130a) and the second region (130b) and corresponding to the hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a first protective cover (115) (e.g., a first protective frame or a first decorative member) coupled along an edge of the first housing (110). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a second protective cover (125) (e.g., a second protective frame or a second decorative member) coupled along an edge of the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (115) and / or the second protective cover (125) may be formed of a metal or polymer material. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover (115) and / or the second protective cover (125) may be used as a decoration member. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be positioned such that an edge of the first region (130a) is interposed between the first housing (110) and the first protective cover (115). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be positioned such that the edge of the second region (130b) is interposed between the second housing (120) and the second protective cover (125). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be positioned such that the edge of the flexible display (400) corresponding to the protective cap is protected through a protective cap (135) disposed in an area corresponding to a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B).Accordingly, the flexible display (400) can be substantially protected from the outside at the edge. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can include a hinge housing (141) (e.g., a hinge cover) that supports a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B) and is exposed to the outside when the electronic device (100) is in a folded state, and is inserted into a first space (e.g., an internal space of the first housing (110)) and a second space (e.g., an internal space of the second housing (120)) when the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, thereby being arranged so as not to be visible from the outside. In some embodiments, the flexible display (400) can be arranged to extend from at least a portion of the second surface (112) to at least a portion of the fourth surface (122). In this case, the electronic device (100) can be folded so that the flexible display (400) can be exposed to the outside (out-folding method).

[0041] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include a sub-display (131) that is arranged separately from the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (131) is arranged to be at least partially exposed on the second side (112) of the first housing (110), so that when in a folded state, it can display status information of the electronic device (100) that replaces the display function of the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (131) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (114). In some embodiments, the sub-display (131) may be arranged on the fourth side (122) of the second housing (120). In this case, the sub-display (131) may be arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover (124).

[0042] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include at least one of an input device (103) (e.g., a microphone), an audio output device (101, 102), a sensor module (104), a camera device (105, 108), a key input device (106), or a connector port (107). In the illustrated embodiment, the input device (103) (e.g., a microphone), an audio output device (101, 102), a sensor module (104), a camera device (105, 108), a key input device (106), or a connector port (107) refers to a hole or shape formed in the first housing (110) or the second housing (120), but may be defined to include an actual electronic component (e.g., an input device, an audio output device, a sensor module, or a camera device) disposed inside the electronic device (100) and operating through the hole or shape.

[0043] According to various embodiments, the input device (103) may include at least one microphone (103) disposed in the second housing (120). In some embodiments, the input device (103) may include a plurality of microphones (103) disposed so as to detect the direction of sound. In some embodiments, the plurality of microphones (103) may be disposed at appropriate locations in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the audio output device (101, 102) may include speakers (101, 102). According to one embodiment, the speakers (101, 102) may include a call receiver (101) disposed in the first housing (110) and a speaker (102) disposed in the second housing (120). In some embodiments, the input device (103), the audio output device (101, 102), and the connector port (107) are arranged in a space provided in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120) of the electronic device (100), and can be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, at least one connector port (107) can be used to transmit and receive power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, at least one connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) can also accommodate a connector (e.g., an ear jack) for transmitting and receiving audio signals with the external electronic device. In some embodiments, the hole formed in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120) can be used in common for the input device (103) and the audio output device (101, 102). In some embodiments, the audio output device (101, 102) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120).

[0044] According to various embodiments, the sensor module (104) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device (100) or an external environmental state. The sensor module (104) may detect an external environment, for example, through a first surface (111) of the first housing (110). In some embodiments, the electronic device (100) may further include at least one sensor module arranged to detect the external environment through a second surface (112) of the first housing (110). According to one embodiment, the sensor module (104) (e.g., an illuminance sensor) may be arranged under the flexible display (400) to detect the external environment through the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the sensor module (104) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illumination sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an illumination sensor (104).

[0045] According to various embodiments, the camera devices (105, 108) may include a first camera device (105) (e.g., a front camera device) disposed on a first side (111) of a first housing (110) and a second camera device (108) disposed on a second side (112) of the first housing (110). The electronic device (100) may further include a flash (109) disposed near the second camera device (108). According to one embodiment, the camera devices (105, 108) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. The flash (109) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to one embodiment, the camera device (105, 108) may be arranged such that two or more lenses (e.g., a wide-angle lens, an ultra-wide-angle lens, or a telephoto lens) and image sensors are positioned on one side (e.g., a first side (111), a second side (112), a third side (121), or a fourth side (122)) of the electronic device (100). In some embodiments, the camera device (105, 108) may also include lenses and / or image sensors for time of flight (TOF).

[0046] According to various embodiments, the key input device (106) (e.g., a key button) may be disposed on a third side (113c) of the first side member (113) of the first housing (110). In some embodiments, the key input device (106) may be disposed on at least one of the other sides (113a, 113b) of the first housing (110) and / or the sides (123a, 123b, 123c) of the second housing (120). In some embodiments, the electronic device (100) may not include some or all of the key input devices (106), and the key input devices (106) that are not included may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key, on the flexible display (400). In some embodiments, the key input device (106) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the flexible display (400).

[0047] According to various embodiments, some of the camera devices (105, 108) (e.g., the first camera device (105)) or the sensor module (104) may be arranged to be exposed through the flexible display (400). For example, the first camera device (105) or the sensor module (104) may be arranged to be in contact with the external environment through an opening (e.g., a through hole) at least partially formed in the flexible display (400) in the internal space of the electronic device (100). In another embodiment, some of the sensor modules (104) may be arranged to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the flexible display (400) in the internal space of the electronic device (100). For example, in this case, an area of ​​the flexible display (400) facing the sensor module may not require an opening.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2B, the electronic device (100) may be operated to maintain an intermediate state through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B). In this case, the electronic device (100) may control the flexible display (400) to display different contents on a display area corresponding to the first side (111) and a display area corresponding to the third side (121). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be operated in a substantially unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 1A) and / or a substantially folded state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 2A) based on a certain inflection angle (e.g., the angle between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) when in the intermediate state) through the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B). For example, the electronic device (100) may be operated to transition to an unfolded state (e.g., an unfolded state of FIG. 1a) when a pressure is applied in the unfolding direction (direction B) from a state in which it is unfolded at a certain inflection angle through a hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b). For example, the electronic device (100) may be operated to transition to a closed state (e.g., a folded state of FIG. 2a) when a pressure is applied in the folding direction (direction C) from a state in which it is unfolded at a certain inflection angle through a hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be operated to maintain an unfolded state (not shown) at various angles through a hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b).

[0049] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) may include a first side member (113) (e.g., a first side frame), a second side member (123) (e.g., a second side frame), and a hinge device (140) (e.g., a hinge module) that rotatably connects the first side member (113) and the second side member (123). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a first support member (1131) (e.g., a first support member) that extends at least partially from the first side member (113), and a second support member (1231) that extends at least partially from the second side member (123). According to one embodiment, the first support member (1131) may be formed integrally with the first side member (113) or may be structurally coupled with the first side member (113). Similarly, the second support member (1231) may be formed integrally with the second side member (123) or structurally coupled with the second side member (123). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a flexible display (400) arranged to be supported by the first support member (1131) and the second support member (1231). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a first rear cover (114) coupled with the first side member (113) and providing a first space between the first support member (1131) and the second rear cover (124) coupled with the second side member (123) and providing a second space between the second support member (1231). In some embodiments, the first side member (113) and the first rear cover (114) may be formed integrally. In some embodiments, the second side member (123) and the second rear cover (124) may be formed integrally. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a first housing (110) (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A) (e.g., the first housing structure) provided through the first side member (113), the first support member (1131), and the first rear cover (114).According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A) (e.g., a second housing structure) provided through a second side member (123), a second support member (1231), and a second rear cover (124). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a sub-display (131) arranged to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (114).

[0051] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include a first substrate assembly (161) (e.g., a main printed circuit board), a camera assembly (163), a first battery (171), or a first bracket (151) disposed in a first space between a first side member (113) and a first rear cover (114). In one embodiment, the camera assembly (163) may include a plurality of camera devices (e.g., the camera devices (105, 108) of FIGS. 1A and 2A) and may be electrically connected to the first substrate assembly (161). In one embodiment, the first bracket (151) may provide a support structure and enhanced rigidity for supporting the first substrate assembly (161) and / or the camera assembly (163). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a second substrate assembly (162) (e.g., a sub-printed circuit board), an antenna (190) (e.g., a coil member), a second battery (172), or a second bracket (152) disposed in a second space between the second side member (123) and the second rear cover (124). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a wiring member (180) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) that is arranged to extend from the first substrate assembly (161) across the hinge device (140) to a plurality of electronic components (e.g., a second substrate assembly (162), a second battery (172), or an antenna (190)) disposed between the second side member (123) and the second rear cover (124) and provides an electrical connection. According to one embodiment, the antenna (190) may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna (190) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include a hinge housing (141) (e.g., a hinge cover) that supports a hinge device (140) and is exposed to the outside when the electronic device (100) is in a folded state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 2A) and is positioned so as to be invisible from the outside by being introduced into the first space and / or the second space when the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 1A).

[0053] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include a first protective cover (115) coupled along an edge of the first side member (113). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a second protective cover (125) coupled along an edge of the second side member (123). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may have an edge of a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion (130a) of FIG. 1B) protected by the first protective cover (115). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may have an edge of a second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion (130a) of FIG. 1B) protected by the second protective cover (125). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a protective cap (135) positioned to protect an edge of a third region (e.g., the third region (130c) of FIG. 1B) corresponding to a hinge device (140) of the flexible display (400).

[0054] According to various embodiments, the first support member (1131) may include a first support surface (1131a) facing a first direction (z-axis direction) and a second support surface (1131b) facing a second direction (-z-axis direction) opposite to the first direction. According to one embodiment, the second support member (1231) may include a third support surface (1231a) facing the first direction and a fourth support surface (1231b) facing the second direction, when unfolded. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be arranged to be supported by the first support surface (1131a) of the first support member (1131) and the third support surface (1231a) of the second support member (1231).

[0055] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (400) may include a bending portion (e.g., the bending portion (432) of FIG. 4) including an extension portion (e.g., the extension portion (4321) of FIG. 4) extending from a display panel (e.g., the display panel (430) of FIG. 4) and a flexible substrate (e.g., the flexible substrate (4322) of FIG. 4) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) connected to the extension portion (4321). According to one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may be arranged in a manner such that it is bent in a second direction (-z-axis direction) from the flexible display and attached to the back surface of the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit (4321a) of FIG. 4) that controls driving of the flexible display and a plurality of electrical elements (e.g., electrical elements (4322a) of FIG. 5a).

[0056] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include at least one waterproof member (481, 482, 483, 484) disposed between the flexible display (400) and the second support member (1231) and between the flexible display (400) and the first support member (1131). According to one embodiment, some of the waterproof members (481, 482, 483, 484) may include a first waterproof member (481) arranged between the flexible display (400) and the second support member (1231) to surround at least a portion of the bending portion (432), a second waterproof member (482) arranged between an extension (e.g., an extension (4321) of FIG. 4) and the second support member (1231), and a third waterproof member (483) that connects one end (4811) of the first waterproof member (481) to one end of the second waterproof member (482) and connects the other end (4812) of the first waterproof member (481) to the other end of the second waterproof member (482), thereby providing a first waterproof space (4813). According to one embodiment, some of the waterproof members (484) among at least one waterproof member (481, 482, 483, 484) may include a fourth waterproof member (484) in which a second waterproof space (4841) having a closed loop shape is provided between the flexible display (400) and the first support member (1131). According to one embodiment, a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit (4321a) of FIG. 4) and a plurality of electric elements (e.g., electric elements (4322a) of FIG. 5A) disposed in the bending portion (432) may be disposed in a sealed first waterproof space (4813) formed by the first waterproof member (481), the second waterproof member (482), and the third waterproof member (483) between the flexible display (400) and the second support member (1231), thereby being protected from external moisture and / or foreign substances.According to one embodiment, at least one electronic component (e.g., a sensor module (e.g., a sensor module (104) of FIG. 1A) and / or a camera device (e.g., a camera device (105) of FIG. 1A)) disposed through the first support member (1131) may be protected from external moisture and / or foreign substances by being disposed in a second waterproof space (4841) formed by a closed loop shape of the fourth waterproof member (484) between the flexible display (400) and the first support member (1131). There is no limitation on the types of components disposed in the first waterproof space (4813) and / or the second waterproof space (4841) according to various embodiments.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include a flexible display (400) and at least one support structure (e.g., a support structure, a support member, or a support plate) disposed between a first housing (110) and a second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the at least one support structure (500) may include a first member (510) disposed between the flexible display (400) and the first housing (110) and a second member (520) disposed between the flexible display (400) and the second housing (120). In some embodiments, the first member (510) and the second member (520) may be formed integrally. As will be described below, the first member (510) and / or the second member (520) may include portions having different heights (e.g., thicknesses). For example, at least one support structure (500) may be formed such that the height of a portion (e.g., the second portion (512) and / or the fourth portion (522) of FIG. 5B) corresponding to at least a folding area (e.g., the third area (130c) of FIG. 1B) of the electronic device (100) is higher than the height of a peripheral portion (e.g., the first portion (511) and / or the third portion (521) of FIG. 5B). Through the step structure of the support structure (500), the flexible display (400) may be firmly supported in the folding area (e.g., the third area (130c) of FIG. 1B), thereby increasing durability and improving surface quality. In addition, the periphery of the waterproof member (481, 483) has a relatively low height (e.g., has a thickness equal to or thinner than that of the compressed waterproof member), thereby helping to improve waterproof performance by inducing smooth attachment of the waterproof member (481, 483) between the flexible display (400) and the housings (110, 120).

[0058] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] A display (e.g., a flexible display (400)) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., a curved display). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the flexible display (400) may also include a flat type display of an on cell touch AMOLED (active matrix organic light-emitting diode) (OCTA) type.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, the flexible display (400) may include a window layer (410), a polarizing layer (POL) (420) (e.g., a polarizing film) sequentially disposed on the back surface of the window layer (410), a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440), a support plate (450), and a reinforcing plate (470). In some embodiments, the flexible display (400) may also include a digitizer (460) disposed between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450) or between the support plate (450) and the reinforcing plate (470).

[0061] According to various embodiments, the window layer (410) may include a glass layer. In one embodiment, the window layer (410) may include ultra thin glass (UTG). In some embodiments, the window layer (410) may include a polymer. In this case, the window layer (410) may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI). In some embodiments, the window layer (410) may be arranged in multiple layers to include a glass layer and a polymer.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the window layer (410), the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), and the support plate (450) may be arranged to span at least a portion of a first surface (e.g., the first surface (111) of FIG. 1A) of a first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A) and a third surface (e.g., the third surface (121) of FIG. 1A) of a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A). According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (470) may include a first reinforcing plate (471) facing the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A) and a second reinforcing plate (472) facing the second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A). According to one embodiment, the window layer (410), the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), and the reinforcing plate (470) may be attached to each other via an adhesive (P1, P2, P3, P4) (or glue). For example, the adhesive (P1, P2, P3, P4) may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

[0063] According to various embodiments, the display panel (430) may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (e.g., an electrode pattern). According to one embodiment, the polarizing layer (420) may selectively transmit light generated from a light source of the display panel (430) and vibrating in a certain direction. According to one embodiment, the display panel (430) and the polarizing layer (420) may be formed integrally. According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may also include a touch panel (not shown).

[0064] According to various embodiments, the polymer layer (440) may be disposed under the display panel (430) to provide a dark background for ensuring visibility of the display panel (430) and may be formed as a buffer material for buffering. In some embodiments, to ensure waterproofing of the flexible display (400), the polymer layer (440) may be removed or disposed under the support plate (450).

[0065] According to various embodiments, the support plate (450) can provide bending properties to the flexible display (400). For example, the support plate (450) can be formed of a non-metallic thin-plate material, such as fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) or glass fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP)) having rigid properties for supporting the display panel (430). According to one embodiment, the support plate (450) may include a first planar portion (451) corresponding to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A), a second planar portion (452) corresponding to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A), and a bending portion (453) (flexible portion or bending portion) (e.g., bendable portion) connecting the first planar portion (451) and the second planar portion (452). According to one embodiment, the electronic device, various components, and layers may be bent in respective areas corresponding to the bending portion (453).

[0066] According to various embodiments, the bending portion (453) may include a plurality of openings (or recesses open from the thickness direction of the support plate (450) and the top or back surface of the support plate (450)) that are arranged at a specified interval and partially extend in the thickness direction of the support plate (450). According to one embodiment, the bending characteristic of the bending portion (453) may be determined through at least one of the size, shape, or arrangement density of at least some of the openings among the plurality of openings. In some embodiments, the support plate (450) may be formed of a metal material such as SUS (steel use stainless) (e.g., STS (stainless steel)), Cu, Al, or a metal CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged). In this case, the support plate (450) may have the plurality of openings formed through the entire area of ​​the support plate (450) so that a detection operation of a digitizer (460) arranged below is induced. In one embodiment, the support plate (450) can help reinforce the rigidity of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A), shield ambient noise, and dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat-emitting components.

[0067] According to various embodiments, the display (400) may be disposed below the support plate (450) and may include a digitizer (460) as a detection member that receives input (e.g., external input) from an input tool such as an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus). For example, the digitizer (460) may include a coil member disposed on a dielectric substrate so as to detect a resonant frequency of an electromagnetic induction method applied from the electronic pen.

[0068] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (400) may include at least one functional member (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450) (e.g., above the support plate) or under the support plate (450). In one embodiment, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, an added display for an image display function, a force touch FPCB having a function of detecting contact or touch from an input tool, a fingerprint sensor FPCB having a function of detecting a fingerprint, an antenna radiator for communication, or a conductive / non-conductive tape. In one embodiment, if the functional member is not bendable, it may be individually disposed in a first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the functional member, if bendable, may be arranged from a first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A) to at least a portion of a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A) via a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B).

[0069] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A) may include a camera device (e.g., a first camera device (105) of FIG. 1A) disposed under a flexible display (400) and detecting an external environment through the flexible display (400). In some embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A) may also include at least one sensor module (e.g., a sensor module (104) of FIG. 1A) (e.g., an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, or a TOF sensor) disposed under the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the polarizing layer (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), and the reinforcing plate (470) may include through holes (4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, 4701). In some embodiments, the display panel (430) and / or the polarizing layer (420) may not require through-holes (4201, 4301) by controlling the transmittance of the corresponding area. In some embodiments, the size of the through-holes (4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, 4701) (a size formed along a plane defined by a first direction such as the X-axis direction and a second direction such as the Y-axis) may be formed based on the size of the camera device (e.g., the first camera device (105) of FIG. 1A) and / or the angle of view of the camera device (e.g., the first camera device (105) of FIG. 1A), and the sizes of the respective through-holes (4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, 4701) may be different from each other. The through holes (4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, 4701) can be aligned.

[0070] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (400) may include a bending portion (432) arranged in a manner that folds from the display panel (430) to at least a portion of the back surface of the flexible display (400). That is, the flexible display (400) that is bent at the bending portion (432) may be arranged on a portion of the display facing the back surface of the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include an extension portion (4321) that extends from the display panel (430) and includes a control circuit (4321a), and a flexible substrate (4322) that is electrically connected to the extension portion (4321) and includes a plurality of electrical elements.

[0071] According to various embodiments, the control circuit (4321a) may include a display driver IC (DDI) or a touch display driver IC (TDDI) mounted on an extension portion (4321) having an electrical wiring structure. According to one embodiment, the control circuit (4321a) may have a chip on panel (COP) or chip on plastic (COP) structure directly disposed on the extension portion (4321). In some embodiments, the control circuit may have a chip on film (COF) structure mounted on a separate connecting film (not shown) connecting the extension portion (4321) and the flexible substrate (4322).

[0072] According to various embodiments, the flexible display (400) may include a plurality of electrical elements (4322a) arranged on a flexible substrate (4322). In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include a connector portion (4323) extending from the flexible substrate (4322) and electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., the second printed circuit board (162) of FIG. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical elements (4322a) may include passive elements such as a touch IC, a flash memory for a display, an ESD prevention diode, a pressure sensor, or a decap. In another embodiment, when the bending portion (432) is positioned in an area facing the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1) of the flexible display (400), the connector portion (4323) may be electrically connected to another substrate (e.g., the first printed circuit board (161) of FIG. 3) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 3).

[0073] FIG. 5A is a plan view illustrating the back surface of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B is a diagram illustrating a state in which a support structure is arranged on the back surface of the flexible display of FIG. 5A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 6A) may include a flexible display (400) that is arranged to be supported by a first support member (e.g., a first support member (1131) of FIG. 3) of a first housing (110) and a second support member (e.g., a second support member (1231) of FIG. 3) of a second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include a bending portion (432) that extends outward from a display panel (e.g., a display panel (430) of FIG. 4) and is arranged on a back surface of the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include an extension portion (4321) extending from a display panel (e.g., a display panel (430) of FIG. 4) and including a control circuit (e.g., a control circuit (4321a) of FIG. 4) and a flexible substrate (4322) connected to the extension portion (4321) and including a plurality of electrical elements (4322a). According to one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may be bent to the back surface of the flexible display (400) and then attached to the back surface of a second reinforcing plate (472) attached to the support plate (450). In some embodiments, the ground of the flexible substrate (4322) may be electrically connected to the second reinforcing plate (472) formed of a conductive material, thereby helping to prevent malfunction (e.g., a flicker phenomenon) of the flexible display (400).

[0075] According to various embodiments, the bending portion (432) may be arranged to face at least a portion of the second reinforcing plate (472) in an area that at least partially corresponds with the second housing (120). In this case, the corresponding portion of the second housing (120) may include a recess formed lower than the outer surface to accommodate the bending portion (432). In some embodiments, the bending portion (432) may be arranged to face the first reinforcing plate (471) in an area that at least partially corresponds with the first housing (110). In some embodiments, the bending portion (432) may be arranged to face at least a portion of the second housing (120) and be attached to the second flat portion (452) of the support plate (450) in an area where the second reinforcing plate (472) is partially omitted. In this case, the ground of the flexible substrate (4322) may be electrically connected to the support plate (450) formed of a conductive material. In some embodiments, the bending portion (432) may correspond to at least a portion of the first housing (110) and may be attached to the first flat portion (451) of the support plate (450) in an area where the second reinforcing plate (471) is partially omitted. In this case, the ground of the flexible substrate (4322) may be electrically connected to the support plate (450) formed of a conductive material.

[0076] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (100) of FIG. 6A) may include at least one waterproof member (481, 482, 483, 484) that provides a waterproof function (e.g., a waterproof member). According to one embodiment, the at least one waterproof member (481, 482, 483, 484) may include a first waterproof member (481) disposed between a second reinforcing plate (472) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 6A) to substantially surround the bending portion (432), and a second waterproof member (482) disposed between an extension portion (4321) and the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, at least one waterproofing member may include a third waterproofing member (483) connecting one end (4811) of the first waterproofing member (481) and one end of the second waterproofing member (482), and connecting the other end (4812) of the first waterproofing member (481) and the other end of the second waterproofing member (482). According to one embodiment, the first waterproofing member (481) and the second waterproofing member (482) may include at least one of a tape, an adhesive, a waterproofing dispensing, silicone, a waterproofing rubber, and a urethane.

[0077] According to various embodiments, when the first waterproof member (481) and the second waterproof member (482) are formed integrally (e.g., a single body), moisture or foreign substances may enter through a gap formed by the height difference (step) between the bending portion (432) and the second reinforcing plate (472).

[0078] According to various embodiments, the first waterproofing member (481) is attached in a separated state so as to be spaced apart from the second waterproofing member (482) by a specified interval at the above-described step portion, and the step portion including the interval can be seamlessly connected through the third waterproofing member (483). In some embodiments, the third waterproofing member (483) may be applied to an area corresponding to a gap formed by a height difference between the bending portion (432) and the second reinforcing plate (472) in a state in which the first waterproofing member (481) and the second waterproofing member (482) are integrally formed. According to one embodiment, the third waterproofing member (483) may include a waterproofing filler material having a property of being solidified by natural or external conditions (e.g., heat, ultraviolet rays, or pressure), including a semi-solid or liquid material. Accordingly, the control circuit (4321a) and the plurality of electric elements (4322a) are formed through the first waterproof member (481), the second waterproof member (482), and the third waterproof member (483) between the second reinforcing plate (472) and the second housing (120) of the flexible display (400), and are arranged in the first waterproof space (4813) of a closed loop shape without a discontinuous section due to a step structure, so that they can be protected from moisture and / or foreign substances penetrating from the outside.

[0079] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 6A) may include a fourth waterproof member (484) having a closed loop shape disposed between a first reinforcing plate (471) of a flexible display (400) and a first housing (e.g., a first housing (110) of FIG. 6A). According to one embodiment, the fourth waterproof member (484) may provide a sealed second waterproof space (4841). According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 6A) may include at least one electronic component disposed in a first arrangement area (4842) and a second arrangement area (4843) provided in at least a portion of the second waterproof space (4841). According to one embodiment, at least one electronic component may include a camera device (e.g., the camera device (105) of FIG. 1A) disposed in a first arrangement area (4842) and a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module (104) of FIG. 1A) disposed in a second arrangement area (4843). Accordingly, the at least one electronic component may be disposed in a second waterproof space (4841) formed to be sealed by the first reinforcing plate (471), the fourth waterproof member (484), and the first housing (110) of the flexible display (400), thereby being protected from external moisture and / or foreign substances.

[0080] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 6A) may include a flexible display (400) and at least one support structure (500) disposed between a first housing (e.g., a first housing (110) of FIG. 6A) and a second housing (e.g., a second housing (120) of FIG. 6A). According to one embodiment, the at least one support structure (500) may include a first member (510) disposed between a first reinforcing plate (471) and the first housing (110) and a second member (520) disposed between a second reinforcing plate (472) and the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the first member (510) may include a first portion (511) that corresponds at least partially to the first region (130a) of the flexible display (400) and is positioned near the fourth waterproof member (484), and a second portion (512) that is connected to the first portion (511) and is positioned so as to correspond at least partially to the third region (130c) (e.g., a folding region). According to one embodiment, the second member (520) may include a third portion (521) that corresponds at least partially to the second region (130b) of the flexible display (400) and is positioned near the first waterproof member (481), and a fourth portion (522) that is connected to the third portion (521) and is positioned so as to correspond at least partially to the third region (130c) (e.g., a folding region). In one embodiment, the height of the second portion (512) may be higher than the height of the first portion (511). In one embodiment, the height of the fourth portion (522) may be higher than the height of the third portion (521). In one embodiment, the first portion (511) and the third portion (521) may be formed to have substantially the same height. In one embodiment, the second portion (512) and the fourth portion (522) may be formed to have substantially the same height. In some embodiments, the heights of the first portion (511) and the third portion (521) may be different from each other. In some embodiments, the heights of the second portion (512) and the fourth portion (522) may be different from each other.

[0081] According to various embodiments, at least one support structure (500) may be formed of a metal material and / or a polymer material (e.g., TPU, PET, or PC). In some embodiments, at least one support structure (500) may be formed of a compressible material and / or an incompressible material as a tape member. In one embodiment, at least one support structure (500) may be at least partially replaced with a heat dissipation member (e.g., a graphite sheet). In one embodiment, at least one support structure (500) may have a first portion (511) and a third portion (521), and a second portion (512) and a fourth portion (522) formed of the same or different materials. In some embodiments, at least one support structure (500) may be configured such that the first portion (510) and the second portion (520) are formed integrally. In this case, at least one support structure (500) may be formed of a bendable material.

[0082] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the support structure (500) is formed such that the height of a portion (e.g., the second portion (512) and the fourth portion (522)) corresponding to at least the third region (130c) (e.g., the folding region) of the flexible display (400) is higher than the height of a portion (e.g., the first portion (511) and the third portion (521)) corresponding to the first region (130a) and the second region (130b) of the flexible display (400) adjacent to the waterproof member (481, 484), thereby inducing solid support of the flexible display (400) in the bendable third region (130c) and helping to improve the durability and / or surface quality of the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, at least one support structure (500) is arranged to have a relatively lower height than the third region (130c) around the waterproofing member (481, 484), thereby reducing the unattached area of ​​the waterproofing member (481, 484) by the support structure (500), thereby helping to improve waterproofing performance.

[0083] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device illustrating a height relationship between a compressed waterproof member and a support structure according to assembly of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the electronic device may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120) foldably coupled via a hinge device (140), and a flexible display (400) supported by the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include a window layer (410), a polarizing layer (POL (polarizer)) (420) sequentially disposed under the window layer (410), a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440), a support plate (450), and at least one reinforcing plate (471, 472). In some embodiments, the flexible display (400) may include a digitizer (e.g., digitizer (460) of FIG. 4) disposed between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450) or between the support plate (450) and at least one reinforcing plate (471, 472). In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be disposed to be supported by the first side member (113) of the first housing (110) and the second side member (123) of the second housing (120).

[0085] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100) may include a support structure (e.g., support structure (500) of FIG. 3) including a first member (510) disposed between a first reinforcing plate (471) and a first housing (110) and a second member (520) disposed between a second reinforcing plate (472) and a second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the first member (510) may include a first sub-member (510a) disposed in an area corresponding to a third area (130c) of the flexible display (400) and an area corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing (110), and a second sub-member (510b) laminated on the first sub-member (510a) in an area corresponding to at least the third area (130c). According to one embodiment, the second sub-member (510b) may be arranged to have a size that overlaps at least the third region (130a) when the flexible display (400) is viewed from above. According to one embodiment, the first member (510) may include a first part (511) corresponding to the first housing (110) and composed only of the region of the first sub-member (510a), and a second part (512) corresponding to at least the third region (130a) and composed of the first sub-member (510a) and the second sub-member (510b). According to one embodiment, the first part (511) may be arranged from the third region (130c) to near the waterproof member (484) (e.g., the fourth waterproof member (484) of FIG. 3) arranged between the first housing (110) and the flexible display (400).

[0086] According to various embodiments, the second member (520) may include a third sub-member (520a) disposed in the third region (130c) of the flexible display (400) and at least a portion of the second housing (120), and a fourth sub-member (520b) laminated on the third sub-member (520a) in an area corresponding to at least the third region (130c). According to one embodiment, the fourth sub-member (520b) may be disposed to have a size that overlaps at least the third region (130c) when the flexible display (400) is viewed from above. According to one embodiment, the second member (520) may include a third portion (521) corresponding to the second housing (120) and composed only of an area of ​​the third sub-member (520a), and a fourth portion (522) corresponding to at least the third area (130c) and composed of the third sub-member (520a) and the fourth sub-member (520b). According to one embodiment, the third portion (521) may be disposed from the third area (130c) to near a waterproof member (481) (e.g., the first waterproof member (481) of FIG. 3) disposed between the second housing (120) and the flexible display (400).

[0087] According to various embodiments, the first member (510) and the second member (520) may be separated and arranged to have a certain gap left and right based on the folding axis (A) of the electronic device (100), thereby assisting the folding operation of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the gap formed by the first member (510) and the second member (520) may be substantially the same as the gap formed by the first reinforcing plate (471) and the second reinforcing plate (472).

[0088] According to various embodiments, the first height (H1) of the first portion (511) and / or the third portion (521) may be lower than the second height (H2) of the second portion (512) and / or the fourth portion (522). According to one embodiment, the different thickness portions (e.g., portions 511 and 512 of 510, and portions 521 and 522 of 520) may include a stepped structure. According to one embodiment, the stepped structure may be open toward the waterproof member (e.g., 481 and 484 of FIG. 6A). According to one embodiment, each stepped structure may define a first space (1101) and a second space (1201) together with the flexible display (400), the waterproof members (e.g., 481 and 482 of FIG. 6A), and the housing (110, 120). According to one embodiment, the second height (H2) of the second portion (512) and / or the fourth portion (522) may be substantially equal to or lower than the height (t) of the waterproof member (481, 484). According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, considering the case where the flexible display (400) is attached to the housings (110, 120) through a pressing jig and the waterproof member (481, 484) is pressed, the first height (H1) of the first portion (511) and / or the third portion (521) may be formed to have a height equal to or lower than the height (t1) of the pressed waterproof member (481, 484). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be attached to the housings (110, 120) through an adhesive member (P). In this case, the first height (H1) of the first part (511) and / or the third part (521) arranged around the waterproof member (481, 484) is formed lower than the height (t1) of the compressed waterproof member (481, 484), so that the repulsive force of the first part (511) and / or the third part (521) is reduced, thereby strengthening the adhesive force of the waterproof member (481, 484) and helping to improve the waterproof performance of the electronic device (100).

[0089] According to various embodiments, the support plate (450) disposed under the display panel (430) may provide flexibility through a plurality of openings (4531). According to one embodiment, the bendable third region (130c) of the flexible display (400) may be provided flexibility based on a folding width (l) disposed to correspond to the plurality of openings (4531) of the support plate (450). According to one embodiment, the folding width (l) may also be determined through a hinge axis distance (p) by a plurality of gears included in the hinge device (140). According to one embodiment, the support width (W) including the second sub-member (510b) of the first member (510), the fourth sub-member (520b) of the second member (520), and the gap between the second sub-member (510b) and the fourth sub-member (520b) may be formed to be equal to or at least greater than the folding width (l) of the support plate (450) and / or the third region (130c). For example, the support width (W) may include the second part (512) of the first member (510) including the first sub-member (510a) and the fourth part (522) of the second member (520) including the fourth sub-member (520b). Accordingly, since the second part (512) and / or the fourth part (522), which are arranged to be relatively thicker than the first part (511) and / or the third part (521), support the part corresponding to the third area (130c) under the display panel (430), the flexible display (400) can be helped to improve durability and surface quality in the third area (130c).

[0090] FIG. 7A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7C is an enlarged view of area 7c of FIG. 7B according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 7A to 7C, the electronic device (100) may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120) foldably connected to the first housing (110) via a hinge device (140), and a flexible display (400) arranged to be supported by the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the hinge device (140) may include a plurality of gears (142, 143, 144, 145) and may be arranged so as not to be visible from the outside via a hinge housing (141). According to one embodiment, the folding width (l) of the flexible display (400) can be determined through the interaxial distance (p) between the rotation axes (A1, A2) of the hinge device coupled through a plurality of gears (142, 143, 144, 145). According to one embodiment, the folding width (l) of the flexible display (400) can also be determined through the following <Mathematical Formula 1>.

[0092]

[0093] Here, l is the folding width of the flexible display (400), r is the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the curved area when the flexible display (400) is in a folded state, and d may represent the thickness of the flexible display (400). For example, the thickness (d) of the flexible display (400) may include a thickness corresponding to the vertical distance from the window layer (e.g., the window layer (410) of FIG. 6A) to the support plate (e.g., the support plate (450) of FIG. 6A).

[0094] Accordingly, the support width (e.g., the support width (W) of FIG. 6a) of the support structure (e.g., the support structure (500) of FIG. 5b) can be determined based on the thickness (d) of the flexible display (400) and the folding width (l) calculated through the radius of curvature (r) of the flexible display (400) when in a folded state. For example, the support width (W) of the support structure (500) can be formed to be equal to or larger than the calculated folding width (l).

[0095] FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views of an electronic device in an unfolded state and a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the electronic device (100') may include a first housing (110), a second housing (120) foldably connected to the first housing (110) via a hinge device (140'), and a flexible display (400) arranged to be supported by the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100') may include a first link member (148) that is link-connected to the first housing (110) and supports at least a portion of the flexible display (400), and a second link member (149) that is link-connected to the second housing (120) and supports at least a portion of the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the first link member (148) and the second link member (149) form the same plane as the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) when in the unfolded state, and can be moved to support the curved portion of the flexible display (400) when in the folded state.

[0097] According to various embodiments, the electronic device (100') may include a support structure (530, 540) for supporting the flexible display (400). According to one embodiment, the support structure may include a first member (530) including a first sub-member (530a) disposed between a first housing (110) and the flexible display (400) and a second sub-member (530b) disposed between a first link member (148) and the flexible display (400). In this case, the first sub-member (530a) and the second sub-member (530b) may be disposed in a separated state from each other. According to one embodiment, the support structure may include a second member (540) including a third sub-member (540a) disposed between the second housing (120) and the flexible display (400) and a fourth sub-member (540b) disposed between the second link member (149) and the flexible display (400). In this case, the third sub-member (540a) and the fourth sub-member (540b) may be disposed in a separated state from each other. According to one embodiment, the second sub-member (530b) and the fourth sub-member (540b) may be disposed to support at least a portion of a third region (130c) (e.g., a folding region) of the flexible display (400). Even in this case, the support width (W) formed by the second sub-member (530b) and the fourth sub-member (540b) may be arranged to be at least equal to or greater than the folding width (l') of the flexible display (400) corresponding to the third region (130c). According to one embodiment, the height (H1) of the first sub-member (530a) and / or the third sub-member (540a) may be formed to be thinner than the height (H2) of the second sub-member (530b) and / or the fourth sub-member (540b).

[0098] FIGS. 9A to 9D are drawings illustrating various examples of support structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 9A, the support structure (541, 542) may include a first member (541) arranged on one side with respect to the folding axis (A) and a second member (542) arranged on the other side. According to one embodiment, the first member (541) may include a first portion (511) having a first height (H1) and a second portion (512) connected to the first portion (511) and having a second height (H2) formed higher than the first height (H1). According to one embodiment, the second member (542) may include a third portion (521) having a first height (H1) and a fourth portion (522) connected to the third portion (521) and having a second height (H2) formed higher than the first height (H1). According to one embodiment, the first member (541) may be formed integrally with the first part (511) and the second part (512). According to one embodiment, the second member (542) may be formed integrally with the third part (521) and the fourth part (522). Accordingly, the second part (512) of the first member (541) and the fourth part (522) of the second member (542), which have a height relatively higher than the surroundings, may be formed to have a sufficient support width (W) to support a third region (e.g., the third region (130c) of FIG. 6A) of a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (400) of FIG. 6A).

[0100] Referring to FIG. 9B, the support structure (551, 552) may include a first member (551) arranged on one side with respect to the folding axis (A) and a second member (552) arranged on the other side. According to one embodiment, the first member (551) may include a first sub-member (5511) arranged to have a first height (H1) in the first part (511) and a second sub-member (5512) arranged separately from the first sub-member (5511) in the second part (512) connected to the first part (511) and having a second height (H2) formed higher than the first height (H1). According to one embodiment, the second member (552) may include a third sub-member (5521) arranged to have a first height (H1) in the third portion (521) and a fourth sub-member (5522) arranged separately from the third sub-member (5521) in a fourth portion (522) connected to the third portion (521) and having a second height (H2) higher than the first height (H1). According to one embodiment, the second sub-member (5512) of the first member (551) and the fourth sub-member (5522) of the second member (552) having a relatively higher height than the surroundings may be formed to have a sufficient support width (W) to support a third area (e.g., the third area (130c) of FIG. 6A) of a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (400) of FIG. 6A).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 9c, the support structure (560) may include a first part (511) disposed on one side of the folding axis (A) and having a first height (H1), a second part (512) extending from the first part (511), a third part (521) disposed on the other side of the folding axis (A), and a fourth part (522) extending from the third part (521). According to one embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth parts (511, 512, 521, 522) may be formed integrally. According to one embodiment, the first height (H1) of the first part (511) and the third part (521) may be formed lower than the second height (H2) of the second part (512) and the fourth part (522). For example, the integrally formed support structure (560) may be formed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber, urethane, silicone, or TPU) to provide flexibility in the third region (e.g., the third region (130c) of FIG. 6a). According to one embodiment, the second portion (512) and the fourth portion (522), which are formed to have a relatively higher height than the surroundings, may be formed to have a sufficient support width (W) to support the third region (e.g., the third region (130c) of FIG. 6a) of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (400) of FIG. 6a).

[0102] FIG. 9d may further include at least one groove (5601) (e.g., a recess) formed at a specified depth along the folding axis (A) in the single support structure (560) of FIG. 9c. In one embodiment, the at least one groove (5601) may help improve the flexibility of the support structure (560) folded about the folding axis (A).

[0103] According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 6A) includes a first housing (e.g., a first housing (110) of FIG. 6A), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (120) of FIG. 6A) foldably connected to the first housing via a hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (140) of FIG. 6A), a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (400) of FIG. 6A) that is arranged to receive support from the first housing and the second housing and that is deformable in a folded state (e.g., a third region (130c) of FIG. 6A), and at least one waterproof member (e.g., waterproof members (481) of FIG. 6A) arranged between the first housing and the flexible display and / or between the second housing and the flexible display. 484)) and at least one support structure (e.g., support structure (500) of FIG. 5b) disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and / or between the second housing and the flexible display around the at least one waterproof member, wherein the at least one support structure includes a first portion (e.g., first portion (511) of FIG. 6a) disposed to have a first height (e.g., first height (H1) of FIG. 6a) and a second portion (e.g., second portion (512) of FIG. 6a) disposed to have a second height (e.g., second height (H2) of FIG. 6a) higher than the first height, and at least a part of the second portion can be disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the folding area when the flexible display is viewed from above.

[0104] According to various embodiments, the second portion may be arranged to be equal to or larger than the folding area.

[0105] According to various embodiments, the first height may be formed to be equal to or lower than the height of the at least one waterproof member.

[0106] According to various embodiments, the first height may be formed to be equal to or lower than the height of the at least one compressed waterproof member when assembling the flexible display.

[0107] According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure may be divided and arranged based on the folding axis of the folding area.

[0108] According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure may include a first member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and a second member disposed between the second housing and the flexible display.

[0109] According to various embodiments, the first member may include a first sub-member having the first height and a second sub-member laminated on the first sub-member and forming the second height together with the first sub-member.

[0110] According to various embodiments, the second member may include a third sub-member having the first height and a fourth sub-member laminated on the third sub-member and forming the second height together with the third sub-member.

[0111] According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the second sub-member and at least a portion of the fourth sub-member may be positioned at a position overlapping the folding area when the flexible display is viewed from above.

[0112] According to various embodiments, the first part and the second part may be formed integrally.

[0113] According to various embodiments, the first part and the second part can be positioned separately.

[0114] According to various embodiments, the hinge device includes a first rotation axis for the movement of the first housing and a second rotation axis for the movement of the second housing, and the second part can be formed to be equal to or greater than the interaxial distance between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

[0115] According to various embodiments, the flexible display may include a window layer, a display panel disposed under the window layer, a support plate disposed under the display panel and including a plurality of openings in a portion corresponding to the folding area, a first reinforcing plate disposed under the support plate in a portion corresponding to the first housing, and a second reinforcing plate disposed under the support plate in a portion corresponding to the second housing.

[0116] According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure and the at least one waterproofing member may be disposed between the first reinforcing plate and the first housing and / or between the second reinforcing plate and the second housing.

[0117] According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure may be formed of at least one of a metal material, a polymer material, a compressible material, an incompressible material, or a heat dissipating member.

[0118] According to various embodiments, in an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 6A), a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (400) of FIG. 6A) including a first housing (e.g., a first housing (110) of FIG. 6A), a second housing (e.g., a second housing (120) of FIG. 6A) foldably connected to the first housing through a hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (140) of FIG. 6A), and a folding area (e.g., a third area (130c) of FIG. 6A) that is arranged to receive support from the first housing and the second housing and is deformed in a folded state, the flexible display comprising: a window layer (e.g., a window layer (410) of FIG. 6A), a display panel (e.g., a display panel (430) of FIG. 6A) arranged under the window layer, and a display panel arranged under the display panel and the folding area A support plate (e.g., support plate (450) of FIG. 6a) including a plurality of openings (e.g., openings (4531) of FIG. 6a) in a portion corresponding to an area, a first reinforcing plate (e.g., first reinforcing plate (471) of FIG. 6a) arranged in a portion corresponding to the first housing under the support plate, and a second reinforcing plate (e.g., second reinforcing plate (472) of FIG. 6a) arranged in a portion corresponding to the second housing under the support plate, at least one waterproofing member (e.g., waterproofing members (481, 484) of FIG. 6a) arranged between the first reinforcing plate and the first housing and / or between the second reinforcing plate and the second housing, and at least one support structure (e.g., support structure of FIG. 5b) arranged around the at least one waterproofing member between the first reinforcing plate and the first housing and / or between the second reinforcing plate and the second housing A structure (500) is included, and at least one support structure isA first portion (e.g., the first portion (511) of FIG. 6A) arranged to have a first height (e.g., the first height (H1) of FIG. 6A) and a second portion (e.g., the second portion (512) of FIG. 6A) arranged to have a second height (e.g., the second height (H2) of FIG. 6A) higher than the first height, wherein at least a portion of the second portion may be arranged at a position overlapping at least a portion of the folding area when the flexible display is viewed from above.

[0119] According to various embodiments, the first height may be formed to be equal to or lower than the height of the at least one waterproof member.

[0120] According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure may be divided and arranged based on the folding axis of the folding area.

[0121] According to various embodiments, the first part and the second part may be formed integrally.

[0122] According to various embodiments, the first part and the second part can be positioned separately.

[0123] In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in this specification and drawings are merely specific examples to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to help understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be interpreted as including all changes or modified forms derived based on the technical ideas of the various embodiments of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, 1st housing; A second housing foldably connected to the first housing via a hinge device; A flexible display including a folding area that is arranged to receive support from the first housing and the second housing and is deformable in a folded state; At least one waterproof member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and / or between the second housing and the flexible display; and At least one support structure disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and / or between the second housing and the flexible display, around the at least one waterproof member, At least one of the above supporting structures, a first part arranged to have a first height; and Including a second part arranged to have a second height higher than the first height, An electronic device in which at least a portion of the second portion is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the folding area when viewing the flexible display from above.

2. In paragraph 1, The above second portion is an electronic device arranged to be the same size as or larger than the above folding area.

3. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein the first height is formed equal to or lower than the height of at least one waterproof member.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first height is an electronic device formed to be equal to or lower than the height of the at least one waterproof member that is pressed when assembling the flexible display.

5. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which at least one of the above supporting structures is divided and arranged based on the folding axis of the folding area.

6. In paragraph 5, At least one of the above supporting structures, A first member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display; and An electronic device comprising a second member disposed between the second housing and the flexible display.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first absence is, a first sub-member having the first height; and An electronic device comprising a second sub-member laminated on the first sub-member and forming the second height together with the first sub-member.

8. In paragraph 7, The second absence above is, A third sub-member having the first height; and An electronic device comprising a fourth sub-member laminated on the third sub-member and forming the second height together with the third sub-member.

9. In paragraph 8, An electronic device wherein at least a portion of the second sub-member and at least a portion of the fourth sub-member are positioned to overlap the folding area when the flexible display is viewed from above.

10. In paragraph 1, An electronic device in which the first part and the second part are formed integrally.

11. In paragraph 2, The above first part and the above second part are electronic devices arranged separately.

12. In paragraph 1, The above hinge device includes a first rotation axis for the flow of the first housing and a second rotation axis for the flow of the second housing, An electronic device in which the second part is formed to be equal to or greater than the inter-axis distance between the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.

13. In paragraph 1, The above flexible display, Windows layer; A display panel positioned below the above window layer; A support plate disposed below the display panel and including a plurality of openings in a portion corresponding to the folding area; A first reinforcing plate arranged under the above support plate, corresponding to the first housing; and An electronic device including a second reinforcing plate disposed under the support plate and corresponding to the second housing.

14. In paragraph 13, An electronic device wherein said at least one support structure and said at least one waterproofing member are disposed between said first reinforcing plate and said first housing and / or between said second reinforcing plate and said second housing.

15. In paragraph 1, An electronic device wherein at least one of the above-mentioned supporting structures is formed of at least one of a metal material, a polymer material, a compressible material, an incompressible material, or a heat dissipating member.

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