ELECTRONIC DEVICES INCLUDING FLEXIBLE DISPLAYS

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device which may include a hinged device, a first housing connected to a hinged device, a second housing connected to a hinged device which is able to rotate relative to the first housing, and a flexible display supported by the first and second housings, in which the flexible display comprises a first display with a first degree of movement in accordance with the rotational operations of the first and second housings, a second display with a second degree of movement less than the first degree of movement in accordance with the rotational operations of the first and second housings, a first protective material positioned to cover at least part of the surface on the side of the first display and having a first elastic modulus, and a second protective material positioned to cover at least part of the surface on the side of the second display and having a second elastic modulus higher than the first elastic modulus. In addition, the invention may include various other arrangements.

Description

Electronic devices including flexible displays

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to electronic devices including flexible displays.

[0002] Many 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 transformable structures that enable portability and large-screen displays. For example, as part of this transformable structure, electronic devices may include foldable housings that fold or unfold relative to each other. These electronic devices may require improved durability to withstand external impacts and a support structure to enhance the surface quality of the flexible display during folding.

[0003] A foldable electronic device may include a hinge device (e.g., a hinge structure or a hinge module), and a first housing and a second housing that are foldably connected to each other through the hinge device. The first housing and the second housing may be foldably connected, and the first housing may be rotatable relative to the second housing, such that the electronic device may be foldable. The foldable electronic device may be operated in an in-folding manner and / or an out-folding manner by allowing the first housing to rotate relative to the second housing through the hinge device in a range of 0 degrees to 360 degrees. The foldable electronic device may be operated in an in-folding manner and / or an out-folding manner by allowing the first housing to rotate relative to the second housing through the hinge device in a range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees. A foldable electronic device may include a flexible display that is positioned and exposed so as to be at least partially supported by a first housing and a second housing when in an unfolded state. The flexible display may include a plurality of layers (e.g., a window layer, a POL, a polymer layer, or at least one functional layer) disposed on an upper surface and / or a lower surface relative to the display panel.

[0004] Foldable electronic devices may omit a protective cover (e.g., a decorative cover or a protective frame) that is positioned to prevent the edge area (e.g., the edge) of the flexible display from being visible from the outside. For example, in electronic devices without a protective cover, the flexible display may be positioned so that the edges are visible from the outside while being supported by the first housing and the second housing. In such cases, the edge area of ​​the flexible display may be vulnerable to external foreign substances or external impact. In particular, the edge area including the bending portion extending from the display panel (e.g., the chip on panel or chip on plastic (COP)) is vulnerable to external impact, and thus may malfunction due to damage. This problem can be solved through the present disclosure.

[0005] 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.

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in the present document includes a hinge device, a first housing connected to the hinge device, a second housing connected to the hinge device so as to be rotatable relative to the first housing, and a flexible display supported by the first housing and the second housing, wherein the flexible display may include a first display portion having a first amount of movement according to a rotational operation of the first housing and the second housing, a second display portion having a second amount of movement smaller than the first amount of movement according to the rotational operation of the first housing and the second housing, a first protective material positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the first display portion and having a first modulus, and a second protective material positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the second display portion and having a second modulus higher than the first modulus.

[0007] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge device that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display supported by the first housing and the second housing and including a plurality of layers, wherein the flexible display may include a first layer having a first slip amount according to a folding operation and an unfolding operation of the first housing and the second housing, a second layer having a second slip amount smaller than the first slip amount according to the folding operation and the unfolding operation of the first housing and the second housing and positioned below the first layer, a first protective material positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the first layer and having a first modulus, and a second protective material positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the second layer and having a second modulus higher than the first modulus.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, a hinge device that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display supported by the first housing and the second housing, wherein the flexible display may include a folding portion that bends according to a folding operation of the first housing and the second housing, a planar portion that remains flat when the first housing and the second housing are folded, a first protective material positioned on at least a portion of a side surface of the folding portion and having a first modulus, and a second protective material positioned on at least a portion of a side surface of the planar portion and having a second modulus higher than the first modulus.

[0009] A flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be divided into a first display portion and a second display portion according to the amount of movement or deformation. A soft protective material may be disposed on a side of a first display portion having a relatively large amount of movement (e.g., a folding portion of a flexible display, layers having a relatively large amount of slip among a plurality of layers of a flexible display). A hard protective material may be disposed on a side of a second display portion having a relatively small amount of movement (e.g., a flat portion of a flexible display, layers having a relatively small amount of slip among a plurality of layers of a flexible display). Accordingly, a portion of a flexible display having a relatively large amount of movement or deformation may be allowed to move or deform through the soft protective material, while at the same time improving durability. A portion of a flexible display having a relatively small amount of movement or deformation may be improved in durability through the hard protective material.

[0010] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an electronic device including a flexible display can be provided that can help improve durability against external impact by providing a protective structure for a bending portion of the display panel.

[0011] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0012] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0013] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0021] FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a flexible display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the back.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a stacking diagram of a flexible display according to one embodiment 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 one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 6b-6b of FIG. 1a, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 6c is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 6c-6c of FIG. 1a, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 6d is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 6d-6d of FIG. 1a, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 6e is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 6d-6d of FIG. 1a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the area occupied by a third protective material disposed between a window layer and a display panel is expanded compared to FIG. 6d.

[0028] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a molding member and a protective member are arranged between the bending member and the side member.

[0029] FIGS. 7b and 7c are schematic diagrams illustrating a process for applying a molding part and a protective member to a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of an experimental process of dropping a ball on the front surface of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 8b is a schematic diagram of a Charpy impact test process on a side surface of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device taken along line 6d-6d of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the window layer of the flexible display extends toward the bending portion.

[0033] FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of a window layer of a flexible display extending toward a side of the flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a process of filling a protective material into a side surface of a portion of a window layer and a side surface of a layer disposed under the window layer in an edge region of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 11A is a plan view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 11B is a side view of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 12A is a plan view of an electronic device in a slide-in state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 12B-12B of FIG. 12A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 12c is a plan view of an electronic device in a slide-out state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 12d is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 12d-12d of FIG. 12c according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] It should be understood that the various embodiments and terms used in this document are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but rather to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments.

[0042] In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "or at least one of B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "or at least one of C" can each include any one of the items listed together in that phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish the corresponding component from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0044] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an electronic device in a flat state or unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a plan view illustrating a front side of an 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 an electronic device in a flat state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating a folded state of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an electronic device illustrating an intermediate state of the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 2B, the electronic device (100) may include first and second housings (110, 120) (e.g., a foldable housing structure) that are foldably coupled to each other with respect to a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B). In one embodiment, the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B) may be arranged in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a first display (400) (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) arranged in a region (e.g., a recess) formed by the first and second housings (110, 120). In one embodiment, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be arranged on both sides with respect to the folding axis (F) and may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (F). The hinge device (140) may include the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may vary depending on the state of the electronic device (100). For example, the angle or distance between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may vary depending on whether the electronic device is in a flat state or unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0047] In one embodiment, the first housing (110) may include a first surface (111) facing a first direction (e.g., front direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface (112) facing a second direction (e.g., rear direction) (-z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface (111) in an unfolded state of the electronic device (100). In 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 of the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, in an unfolded state of the electronic device (100), the first surface (111) of the first housing (110) and the third surface (121) of the second housing (120) may face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction). In one embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device (100), the first side (111) of the first housing (110) and the third side (121) of the second housing (120) may face each other. In one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (100), the second side (112) of the first housing (110) and the fourth side (122) of the second housing (120) may face substantially the same second direction (-z-axis direction). In one embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device (100), the second side (112) of the first housing and the fourth side (122) of the second housing (120) may face opposite directions. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device (100), the second side (112) may face the first direction (z-axis direction) and the fourth side (122) may face the second direction (-z-axis direction). In this case, the first display (400) may not be visible from the outside (in folding mode). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may be folded so that the second side (112) of the first housing (110) and the fourth side (122) of the second housing (120) face each other. In this case, the first display (400) may be arranged to be visible from the outside (out folding mode).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first housing (110) (e.g., the first housing structure) 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). The first side member (113) may form a portion of an exterior surface of the first housing (110). In one embodiment, the first side member (113) may include a first side surface (113a), a second side surface (113b) extending from one end of the first side surface (113a), and a third side surface (113c) extending from the other end of the first side surface (113a). In one embodiment, the first side member (113) may be formed into a rectangular (e.g., square or rectangular) shape through the first side (113a), the second side (113b), and the third side (113c).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the second housing (120) (e.g., the second housing structure) 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). The second side member (123) may form a portion of an exterior surface of the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the second side member (123) may include a fourth side (123a), a fifth side (123b) extending from one end of the fourth side (123a), and a sixth side (123c) extending from the other end of the fourth side (123a). In 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).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the first and second housings (110, 120) are not limited to the shapes and combinations shown, and may be implemented by combinations and / or combinations of other shapes or parts. In one embodiment, 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).

[0051] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (100), the second side (113b) of the first side member (113) and the fifth side (123b) of the second side member (123) may be connected without a gap. In one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (100), the third side (113c) of the first side member (113) and the sixth side (123c) of the second side member (123) may be connected without a gap. In one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (100), the sum of the lengths of the second side (113b) and the fifth side (123b) may be configured to be longer than the lengths of the first side (113a) and / or the fourth side (123a). In one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (100), The sum of the lengths of the third side (113c) and the sixth side (123c) may be configured to be longer than the lengths of the first side (113a) and / or the fourth side (123a).

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B , 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. In 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 (116 and / or 126) may be used as at least a portion of an antenna that operates in at least one designated band (e.g., a legacy band) by being electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device (100).

[0053] According to one embodiment, 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 two of coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, or metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium).

[0054] In one embodiment, the first 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). In one embodiment, the first display (400) may include a first region (130a) substantially corresponding to the first surface (111), a second region (130b) substantially 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). In one embodiment, the third region (130c) may be disposed at a position corresponding to a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B) as a part of the first region (120a) and / or the second region (130b). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a hinge housing (141) (e.g., hinge cover) that supports the hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B). In one embodiment, the hinge housing (141) may be disposed so as to be exposed to the outside when the electronic device (100) is in a folded state, and may be inserted into the internal space of the first housing (110) and the internal space of the second housing (120) when the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state, thereby being invisible from the outside.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a second display (131) (e.g., a sub-display) that is arranged separately from the first display (400). In one embodiment, the second display (131) may be arranged so as to be at least partially exposed on the second surface (112) of the first housing (110). In one embodiment, when the electronic device (100) is in a folded state, the second display (131) may replace at least a portion of the display function of the first display (400) to display at least a portion of the status information of the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, the second display (131) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (114). In one embodiment, the second display (131) may also be arranged on the fourth surface (122) of the second housing (120). In this case, the second display (131) may be arranged so as to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover (124).

[0056] According to one embodiment, 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) is illustrated as a hole or a circular element formed in the first housing (110) or the second housing (120), but this is an exemplary illustration for description and is not limited thereto. According to one embodiment, the input device (103) may include at least one microphone (103) disposed in the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the input device (103) may include a plurality of microphones (103) arranged to detect the direction of sound. In one embodiment, the plurality of microphones (103) may be arranged at appropriate locations in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the audio output device (101, 102) may include at least one speaker (101, 102). In one embodiment, the at least one speaker (101, 102) may include a call receiver (101) arranged in the first housing (110) and a speaker (102) arranged in the second housing (120). In one embodiment, 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). In 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 one embodiment, at least one connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) may accommodate a connector (e.g., an ear jack) for transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device. In one embodiment, the holes formed in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120) may be used in common for the input device (103) and the audio output devices (101, 102). In one embodiment, the audio output devices (101, 102) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that is not exposed through the holes formed in the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120).

[0057] According to one embodiment, 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. In one embodiment, the sensor module (104) may detect an external environment through a first surface (111) of the first housing (110). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may further include at least one sensor module arranged to detect an external environment through a second surface (112) of the first housing (110). In one embodiment, the sensor module (104) (e.g., an illuminance sensor) may be arranged under the first display (400) to detect an external environment through the first display (400). In 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 ambient light sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an ambient light sensor (104).

[0058] According to one embodiment, 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). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may further include a flash (109) disposed near the second camera device (108). In one embodiment, the camera devices (105, 108) may include at least one lens, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In 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 two or more 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 one embodiment, the camera device (105, 108) may also include lenses and / or image sensors for time of flight (TOF).

[0059] According to one embodiment, 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 one embodiment, the key input device (106) may also be disposed on at least one of the other side surfaces (113a, 113b) of the first housing (110) and / or the side surfaces (123a, 123b, 123c) of the second housing (120). In one embodiment, 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 first display (400). In one embodiment, the key input device (106) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the first display (400).

[0060] According to one embodiment, 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 first display (400). In one embodiment, the first camera device (105) or the sensor module (104) may be optically exposed to the outside through an opening (e.g., a through hole) at least partially formed in the first display (400) in the internal space of the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the sensor module (104) may be arranged so as not to be visually exposed through the first display (400) in the internal space of the electronic device (100). Referring to FIG. 2B, the electronic device (100) may be operable to maintain at least one designated folding angle in an intermediate state through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B). In this case, the electronic device (100) can control the first display (400) to display different contents in the display area corresponding to the first side (111) and the display area corresponding to the third side (121). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can operate in a substantially unfolded state (e.g., unfolded state of FIG. 1A) and / or a substantially folded state (e.g., folded state of FIG. 2A) based on a predetermined folding angle (e.g., angle between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) when the electronic device (100) is in an intermediate state) through a hinge device (e.g., hinge device (140) of FIG. 1B). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be operated to transition from an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 1a) to an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 1a) when a pressure is applied in the unfolding direction (direction A) from an unfolded state at a constant folding angle through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b).In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be operated to transition to a folded state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 2a) when a pressure is applied in the folding direction (direction B) from an unfolded state at a certain folding angle through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) can be operated to maintain an unfolded state (not shown) at various folding angles through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 1b) (free stop function).

[0061] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] 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 or a hinge structure) that rotatably connects the first side member (113) and the second side member (123). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a first support member (1131) (e.g., a first support plate) that extends at least partially from the first side member (113), and a second support member (1231) (e.g., a second support plate) that extends at least partially from the second side member (123). In 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). In one embodiment, the second support member (1231) may be formed integrally with the second side member (123) or structurally coupled with the second side member (123). In one embodiment, the first display (400) may be arranged to be supported by the first support member (1131) and the second support member (1231). In 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 side member (123), and a second rear cover (124) coupled with the second side member (123) and providing a second space between the second support member (1231). In one embodiment, the first side member (113) and the first rear cover (114) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the second side member (123) and the second rear cover (124) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the first housing (110) may include the first side member (113), the first support member (1131), and the first rear cover (114). In one embodiment, the second housing (120) may include the second side member (123), the second support member (1231), and the second rear cover (124).In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a second display (131) that is positioned to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (114).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a first substrate (161) (e.g., a first substrate assembly or 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 (161). In one embodiment, the first bracket (151) may provide a support structure and enhanced rigidity for supporting the first substrate (161) and / or the camera assembly (163). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a second substrate (162) (e.g., a second substrate assembly or 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). In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a wiring member (180) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) that extends from the first substrate (161) across the hinge device (140) to a plurality of electronic components (e.g., a second substrate (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. In 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.

[0064] 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 a first housing (110) and a second protective cover (125) (e.g., a second protective frame or a second decorative member) coupled along an edge of a second housing (120). In one embodiment, the first protective cover (115) and / or the second protective cover (125) may be formed of a metal or polymer material. In one embodiment, the first protective cover (115) and / or the second protective cover (125) may be used as a decoration member. In this case, the first display (400) may be arranged so that the edge of the first region (130a) is not visible from the outside between the first housing (110) and the first protective cover (115). In one embodiment, the first display (400) may be positioned so that the edge of the second area (130b) is not visible from the outside between the second housing (120) and the second protective cover (125).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include a protective cap (135) positioned to protect the edge of the third area (e.g., the third area (130c) of FIG. 1B) of the first display (400). In this case, the edge of the first display (400) may be protected through the protective cap (135) positioned at a position corresponding to the folding area (e.g., the folding area (130c) of FIG. 1B).

[0066] According to one embodiment, 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. In 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 the electronic device (100) is in an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the first 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).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may include at least one waterproof member (481, 482, 483, 484) disposed between the first display (400) and the second support member (1231) and between the first display (400) and the first support member (1131). In one embodiment, some of the waterproof members (481, 482, 483, 484) may include a first waterproof member (481) disposed between the first display (400) and the second support member (1231), a second waterproof member (482) connected to the first waterproof member (481), and a third waterproof member (483) connecting one end (4811) of the first waterproof member (481) and one end of the second waterproof member (482), and connecting the other end (4812) of the first waterproof member (481) and the other end of the second waterproof member (482), thereby providing a first waterproof space (4813). In one embodiment, the first waterproof member (481), the second waterproof member (482), and / or the third waterproof member (483) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, at least one of the waterproof members (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 first display (400) and the first support member (1131). In one embodiment, a plurality of electronic components including a control circuit (e.g., DDI, display driver IC) of the first display (400) are arranged in a sealed first waterproof space (4813) formed by a first waterproof member (481), a second waterproof member (482), and a third waterproof member (483) between the first display (400) and the second support member (1231), thereby being protected from external moisture and / or foreign substances.In 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 first display (400) and the first support member (1131). In one embodiment, there is no limitation on the types of components disposed in the first waterproof space (4813) and / or the second waterproof space (4841).

[0068] FIG. 4a is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4b is a rear view diagram of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0069] The flexible display (400) of FIGS. 4A and 4B may be at least partially similar to the first display (400) of FIG. 1A, or may further include other embodiments of the flexible display.

[0070] 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.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, 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 (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) 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 include a digitizer (460) disposed between the support plate (450) and the reinforcing plate (470). In some embodiments, the digitizer (460) may be disposed between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450). For example, when the flexible display (400) is a POL-less display, the polarizing layer may be omitted, and a transparent reinforcing layer (e.g., a buffer layer) may be further disposed in that position. In some embodiments, the reinforcement plate (470) may be omitted.

[0072] In one embodiment, the window layer (410) may include a first layer (e.g., the first layer (411) of FIG. 5) and a second layer (e.g., the second layer (412) of FIG. 5) that are sequentially laminated. In one embodiment, the first layer (411) may be formed of a polymer (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)). In one embodiment, the second layer (412) may be formed of glass. In one embodiment, the second layer may include ultra thin glass (UTG). In some embodiments, the flexible display (400) may further include a coating layer formed as a part of the window layer (410) and disposed on top of the first layer (411). In such a case, the coating layer may include a hard coating layer (HC layer), an anti-reflection / low reflection (AR / LR) coating layer, a shatterproof (SP) coating layer, or an anti-fingerprint (AF) coating layer. In some embodiments, the coating layer may be formed between the first layer (411) and the second layer (412), on at least one of the side surface of the first layer (411), and the back surface or side surface of the second layer (412).

[0073] According to one embodiment, 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). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (470) may include a first reinforcing plate (471) corresponding to the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A) and a second reinforcing plate (472) corresponding to the second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (470) provides rigidity for the flexible display (400) and can be used as a ground to prevent malfunction of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (470) can be formed of a metal material. In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (470) can be formed of SUS or Al. In 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 plates (471, 472) can be attached to each other through adhesive members (P1, P2, P3, P4) (or adhesive). For example, the adhesive members (P1, P2, P3, P4) can 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. In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (470) can be attached to the first support member (1131) and / or the second support member (1231) via an adhesive member (P5).

[0074] In one embodiment, the display panel (430) may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (e.g., an electrode pattern). In 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. In one embodiment, the display panel (430) and the polarizing layer (420) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may also include a touch panel (not shown).

[0075] In one embodiment, the polymer layer (440) is disposed under the display panel (430), thereby providing a dark background for ensuring visibility of the display panel (430) and may be formed as a buffering 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). In some embodiments, the polymer layer (440) may be omitted when the support plate (450) is formed of an opaque material.

[0076] In one embodiment, the support plate (450) can provide bending characteristics 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 characteristics for supporting the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) can include a first portion (451) corresponding to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A), a second portion (452) corresponding to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A), and a third portion (453) (flexible portion or bending portion) connecting the first portion (451) and the second portion (452). In one embodiment, the third portion (453) may include a plurality of openings formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the support plate (450) and / or a plurality of recesses formed in a portion of the upper surface and / or a portion of the lower surface to improve flexibility. In one embodiment, the third portion (453) may have a flexibility characteristic determined by at least one of the size, shape, or arrangement density of at least a portion of the plurality of openings and / or at least a portion of the plurality of recesses. In some embodiments, the support plate (450) may be formed of a metal material such as steel use stainless (SUS) (e.g., stainless steel (STS)), 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 a plurality of openings formed throughout its entire area so that a detection operation of a digitizer (460) disposed below may be induced.In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may help reinforce the rigidity of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A), shield ambient noise, and may be used to dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat-emitting components.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the display (400) may be disposed under the support plate (450) and may include a digitizer (460) as a detection member that receives an input from an electronic pen (e.g., a stylus). In one embodiment, the digitizer (460) may include coil members disposed on a dielectric substrate (e.g., a dielectric film or a dielectric sheet) so as to detect an electromagnetic induction resonant frequency applied from the electronic pen. In some embodiments, the digitizer (460) may include a first digitizer disposed in an area corresponding to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A) and a second digitizer electrically connected to the first digitizer and disposed in an area corresponding to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include at least one functional member (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450), or under the support plate (450). In one embodiment, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, or a conductive / non-conductive tape. In one embodiment, the functional member 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) if the functional member is not bendable. In one embodiment, the functional member, if bendable, may be positioned 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. 3).

[0079] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the flexible display (400) may be formed in a rectangular shape. In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include a first edge region (401), a second edge region (402) extending in a vertical direction from the first edge region (401), a third edge region (403) extending in a parallel direction from the second edge region (402) to the first edge region (401), and a fourth edge region (404) extending from the third edge region (403) to the first edge region (401). In one embodiment, the first edge region (401) and the third edge region (403) may be regions where slip occurs in each layer of the flexible display (400), which will be described later. In one embodiment, the second edge region (402) and the fourth edge region (404) may be regions where slip does not occur. In one embodiment, the first edge region (401) may be positioned at a position corresponding to a fourth side (e.g., the fourth side (123a) of FIG. 1a) of a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1a). In one embodiment, the second edge region (402) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the second side (e.g., the second side (113b) of FIG. 1A) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A) and the fifth side (e.g., the fifth side (123b) of FIG. 1A) of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A). In one embodiment, the third edge region (403) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the first side (e.g., the first side (113a) of FIG. 1A) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A). According to one embodiment, the fourth edge region (404) may be positioned at a position corresponding to the third side (e.g., the first side (113a) of FIG. 1A) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A). It can be positioned at a position corresponding to the third side (113c)) and the sixth side (e.g., the sixth side (123c) of FIG. 1a) of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1a).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include a bending portion (432) arranged in a manner of being folded from the display panel (430) to at least a portion of the back surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the flexible display (400) in the first edge region (401). In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include an extension portion (4321) extending from the display panel (430) and including a control circuit (4321a), and a flexible substrate (4322) electrically connected to the extension portion (4321) and including a plurality of electrical elements. In one embodiment, the control circuit (4321a) may include a display driver IC (DDI) or a touch display driver IC (TDDI) mounted on the extension portion (4321) having an electrical wiring structure. In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include a COP (chip on panel or chip on plastic) structure in which the control circuit (4321a) is directly disposed on the extension portion (4321). In some embodiments, the bending portion (432) may also include a COF (chip on film) structure in which the control circuit (4321a) is mounted on a separate connecting film (not shown) that connects the extension portion (4321) and the flexible substrate (4322). In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include a plurality of electronic elements (e.g., electronic elements 4322a of FIG. 4B) disposed on the flexible substrate (4322). In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include an FPCB connection portion (4323) (e.g., a connector portion) extending from a flexible substrate (4322) and electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., a second substrate (162) of FIG. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (100) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical components may include passive components such as a touch IC, a flash memory for a display, an ESD prevention diode, a pressure sensor, a fingerprint 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. 1A) of the flexible display (400), the FPCB connection portion (4323) may be electrically connected to another substrate (e.g., the first substrate (161) of FIG. 3) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 3).

[0081] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 3) may include at least one waterproof member (481, 482, 483, 484). In one embodiment, the at least one waterproof member (481, 482, 483) may include first, second, and third waterproof members (481, 482, 483) arranged to correspond to at least a portion of a second housing (e.g., the second housing (120) of FIG. 1A) and to form a first waterproof space (4813) for protecting a control circuit (4321a) disposed in an extension portion (4321) of a bending portion (432) and a plurality of electronic elements (4322a) disposed on a flexible substrate (4322) from external moisture and / or foreign substances. In one embodiment, the at least one waterproof member may include a fourth waterproof member (484) arranged to correspond to at least a portion of the second housing. In one embodiment, the fourth waterproof member (484) may provide a sealed second waterproof space (4841). In one embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A) may include at least one electronic component arranged in a first placement area (4842) and a second placement area (4843) provided in at least a portion of the second waterproof space (4841). In one embodiment, the at least one electronic component may include a camera device (e.g., the camera device (105) of FIG. 1A) arranged in the first placement area (4842) and a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module (104) of FIG. 1A) arranged in the second placement area (4843).

[0082] FIG. 5 is a stacking diagram of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the electronic device (100) may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing (110) of FIG. 1A), a second housing (120) foldably coupled to the first housing (110) via a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (140) of FIG. 3), and a flexible display (400) arranged to be supported by the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include a display panel (430), a POL (420) sequentially laminated on an upper surface (4301) (e.g., a first surface) of the display panel (430) (e.g., an upper surface (4301) of the display panel (430) in FIG. 6d), a window layer (410) having a first layer (411) and a second layer (412), a polymer layer (440) sequentially laminated on a back surface (4302) (e.g., a second surface) of the display panel (430) (e.g., a back surface (4302) of the display panel (430) in FIG. 6d), a support plate (450), and a reinforcing plate (470). In 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 adhesive members (P1, P2, P3, P4) (or an adhesive). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may also be attached to a reinforcing plate (e.g., the reinforcing plate (470) of FIG. 4A) disposed between the support plate (450) and the housings (110, 120) via the adhesive member. In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (470) may be attached to the first support member (1131) and / or the second support member (1231) via an adhesive member (e.g., the adhesive member (P5)). In one embodiment, the window layer (410) may include a first layer (411) formed of a polymer (e.g., a PET layer or a TPU layer) and a second layer (412) formed of glass (e.g., a UTG layer) disposed below the first layer (411). In one embodiment, the polarizing layer (420) may be omitted.

[0084] In one embodiment not shown in the drawing, the digitizer (460) may be positioned between the support plate (450) and the reinforcing plate (470), or may be positioned under the support plate (450) in place of the reinforcing plate (470).

[0085] In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be arranged so that at least a portion of the flexible display (400) is supported by a first side member (113) and a first support member (1131) extending from the first side member (113) into the interior space in the first housing (110). In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be arranged so that the flexible display (400) is supported by a second side member (123) and a second support member (1231) extending from the second side member (123) into the interior space in the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may include a bending portion (432) (e.g., a COP or COF) extending from the display panel (430) and bent toward the back surface of the flexible display (400) in a first edge area (401) corresponding to the fourth side surface (e.g., the fourth side surface (123a) of FIG. 1A) of the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may be protected by a protective layer (431). In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be arranged so as not to overlap the first side member (113) and / or the second side member (123) when the flexible display (400) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may be arranged so as not to overlap the second side member (123) when the flexible display (400) is viewed from above.

[0086] In one embodiment, each layer (e.g., window layer (410), POL (420), display panel (430), polymer layer (440), support plate (450), digitizer (460), and / or reinforcement plate (470)) constituting the flexible display (400) may experience a slip phenomenon (e.g., sliding phenomenon) according to a folding and unfolding operation (e.g., folding operation) of the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, the slip phenomenon may be a sliding operation of the layers constituting the flexible display (400) with respect to each other as the flexible display (400) is folded in response to the folding operation of the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may have a greater amount of slip (e.g., linear movement) when the electronic device (100) is folded as the layer adjacent to the outermost layer (e.g., the layer located in the +Z direction based on FIG. 4A) increases. For example, when the electronic device (100) is folded, the window layer (410) located in the outermost layer of the flexible display (400) may have a greater amount of movement (or slip, slip movement) in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., Y-axis direction in FIG. 4A) than the POL (420), display panel (430), polymer layer (440), support plate (450), and / or digitizer (460) located below the window layer (410).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the support plate (450) of the flexible display (400) may have a relatively smaller amount of slip than other layers (e.g., window layer, display panel (430)) when the electronic device (100) is folded. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, the flexible display (400) may be divided into a first layer (S1) having a relatively larger amount of slip and a second layer (S2) having a smaller amount of slip than the first layer (S1) based on the support plate (450). In one embodiment, the first layer (S1) may be positioned on the upper side (e.g., +Z direction based on FIG. 4a) of the support plate (450). The second layer (S2) may be positioned on the lower side (e.g., -Z direction based on 4a) of the support plate (450). In one embodiment, the first layer (S1) may include a window layer (410), a POL (420), a display panel (430), and / or a polymer layer (440) located on the upper side of the support plate (450). In one embodiment, the second layer (S2) may include a digitizer (460), a buffer member (E), and / or a reinforcement plate (470) located on the lower side of the support plate (450). In one embodiment, the first layer (S1) may include the window layer (410), and the second layer (S2) may include the display panel (430). For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given on the assumption that the first layer (S1) includes a layer located on the upper side of the support plate (450), and the second layer (S2) includes a layer located on the lower side of the support plate (450).

[0088] In one embodiment, the electronic device (100) may omit a protective cover (e.g., a decorative cover or a protective frame) arranged so that the edge regions (e.g., edges) (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) are not visible from the outside. For example, in the electronic device (100) in which the protective cover is omitted, the flexible display (400) may be arranged so that the edges are visible from the outside while being supported by the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). In this case, the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) may be vulnerable to external foreign substances or external impacts. A protective material (e.g., a coating layer) may be disposed on the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) to protect the flexible display (400) from external foreign substances or external impacts. In one embodiment, when a hard protective material is disposed on the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400), slip occurring in the layers of the flexible display (400) according to the folding operation of the electronic device (100) may be impeded, causing buckling, twisting, and warping in the flexible display (400), and the surface quality may deteriorate. In one embodiment, when a soft protective material is disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400), the durability of the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) may be weakened compared to when a hard protective material is disposed. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a soft protective material (e.g., a first protective material (491)) and a hard protective material (e.g., a second protective material (492)) may be disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) in consideration of the amount of movement of each portion of the flexible display (400).For example, a first protective material (491) may be disposed on a side of a first display portion having a relatively large amount of movement or deformation (e.g., a side facing one of the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) or a side member (113, 123)), and a second protective material (492) harder than the first protective material (491) may be disposed on a side of a second display portion having a relatively small amount of movement or deformation (e.g., a side facing one of the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) or a side member (113, 123)). Accordingly, a part of the flexible display (400) having a large amount of movement or deformation may be allowed to move through the first protective material (491), and a part of the flexible display (400) having a small amount of movement or deformation may have improved durability through the second protective material (492).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be divided according to the amount of movement. In one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be divided into a first display portion having a first amount of movement and a second display portion having a second amount of movement smaller than the first amount of movement. In one embodiment, the first display portion may be a first layer (S1) having a relatively large amount of slip and / or deformation, and the second display portion may be a second layer (S2) having a relatively small amount of slip and / or deformation. As described below, in one embodiment, the first display portion may be a folding portion (130c) (e.g., third region (130c)) that folds or unfolds together according to the rotational motion of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120), and the second display portion may be a first flat portion (130a) (e.g., first region (130a)) and a second flat portion (130b) (e.g., second region (130b)) that are maintained in a flat plane during the rotational motion of the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). As described later, in one embodiment, the first display portion (e.g., the first layer (S1) of FIG. 5) may be a portion having a relatively large amount of slip (or slip movement) among the layers of the flexible display (400), and the second display portion (e.g., the second layer (S2) of FIG. 5) may be a portion having a relatively small amount of slip among the layers of the flexible display (400). As described later, in one embodiment, the first display portion may be a region having a first amount of movement among the back surface area of ​​the flexible display (400) facing the support member (e.g., the first support member (1131), the second support member (1231)). The second display portion may be a region having a second amount of movement that is greater than the first amount of movement among the back surface area of ​​the flexible display (400). The above-described examples may be single embodiments, or may be configured by combining the embodiments.

[0090] The first display portion and the second display portion are distinguished only for convenience of explanation, and may not be physically distinct configurations on the flexible display (400).

[0091] According to one embodiment, a protective material (e.g., a first protective material (491), a second protective material (492)) may be disposed on the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) to protect the sides (e.g., the first edge region (401), the second edge region (402), the third edge region (403), and / or the fourth edge region (404)) of the flexible display (400) from external impact and foreign substances. In one embodiment, the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) may be edges of each layer (e.g., the window layer (410), the POL (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), the digitizer (460), and / or the reinforcement plate (470)) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, a protective material (491, 492) may be positioned between an edge region (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) and a housing (110, 120) and / or a side member (113, 123).

[0092] In one embodiment, the protective materials (491, 492) may be disposed on edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) with different properties depending on the amount of movement of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the first protective material (491) disposed to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the first display portion and the second protective material (492) disposed to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the second display portion may have different properties. In one embodiment, a side of the first display portion (e.g., a side facing one of the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) or a side member (113, 123)) and a side of the second display portion (e.g., a side facing one of the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) or a side member (113, 123)) may be a side of the first display portion and a side of the second display portion that face the side members (113, 123), respectively. In one embodiment, the first protective material (491) may be relatively softer than the second protective material (492) so as to accommodate movement of the first display portion. The second protective material (492) may be relatively harder than the first protective material (491) so as to ensure durability of the side of the second display portion. In one embodiment, the first protective material (491) may have a first modulus. The second protective material (492) may have a second modulus higher than that of the first protective material (491). In one embodiment, the 'modulus' may be Young's modulus. The modulus may represent the ratio of stress to strain of a material when the material undergoes linear elastic deformation. The first modulus may represent the ratio of stress to strain of the first protective material (491) when the first protective material (491) undergoes linear elastic deformation.The second modulus may represent the ratio of stress to strain of the second protective material (492) when the second protective material (492) undergoes linear elastic deformation. In one embodiment, a higher modulus may relatively reduce deformation due to external impact. Additionally, a higher modulus may relatively harden the second protective material (492). A second protective material (492) having a higher modulus (e.g., the second modulus) than the first protective material (491) may be harder than the first protective material (491). In other words, the first protective material (491) may be softer than the second protective material (492). In one embodiment, the hardness of the protective materials (e.g., the first protective material (491), the second protective material (492), the third protective material (493), the fourth protective material (494), the fifth protective material, and the sixth protective material) may be proportional to the modulus. In one embodiment, the second protective material (492) may have a second hardness higher than the first hardness of the first protective material (491). In one embodiment, the higher the hardness of the protective materials (491, 492, 493, 494), the higher the surface strength. Accordingly, the higher the hardness, the higher the durability against external impact.

[0093] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, protective materials (e.g., first protective material (491), second protective material (492)) having different properties depending on the amount of slip generated for each layer constituting the flexible display (400) may be disposed on edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the first protective material (491) may be disposed on a side of the first layer (S1) (e.g., first display portion) having a relatively large amount of slip generated. The second protective material (492) may be disposed on a side of the second layer (S2) (e.g., second display portion) having a smaller amount of slip generated than the first layer (S1). Since the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) accommodate a slip phenomenon between layers of the flexible display (400) that occurs due to a folding and unfolding motion of the electronic device (100) (e.g., a folding motion), they can help improve the surface quality of the flexible display (400) by reducing the occurrence of defects such as a buckling phenomenon that may occur when a slip phenomenon occurs. In addition, the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) can protect the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) from external impact and foreign substances.

[0094] In one embodiment, to simplify the process, the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) may be filled only with the first protective material (491) having soft properties.

[0095] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device (100) taken along line 6a-6a of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device (100) taken along line 6b-6b of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device (100) taken along line 6c-6c of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device (100) taken along line 6d-6d of FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6e is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device (100) viewed along line 6d-6d of FIG. 1a according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the area occupied by the third protective material (493) disposed between the window layer (410) and the display panel (430) is expanded compared to FIG. 6d.

[0096] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the flexible display (400) may include a first planar portion (130a) that is not deformed according to a folding operation of the electronic device (100), a second planar portion (130b), and a folding portion (130c) that connects the first planar portion (130a) and the second planar portion (130b) and folds together according to the folding operation of the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, a protective material having different properties according to the amount of movement of the flexible display (400) may be disposed in the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 6a, a soft first protective material (491) may be disposed on a side of the folding portion (130c) that moves more than the flat portions (130a, 130b). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 6b, a hard second protective material (492) may be disposed on a side of the first flat portion (130a) and a side of the second flat portion (130b) that move less than the folding portion (130c). Since the first protective material (491) has a relatively softer property than the second protective material (492), it does not interfere with the folding operation of the flexible display (400) and can protect the side of the folding portion (130c) from external impact and foreign substances. In addition, the second protective material (492) can protect the side of the first flat portion (130a) and the side of the second flat portion (130b) from external impact and foreign substances. Since the second protective material (492) has a relatively harder property than the first protective material (491), it can protect the side surface of the first flat portion (130a) and the side surface of the second flat portion (130b) with a higher strength than the side surface of the folding portion (130c).

[0097] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B , each layer of the flexible display (400) (e.g., window layer (410), POL (420), display panel (430), polymer layer (440), support plate (450), digitizer (460), and / or reinforcing plate (470)) may have edges aligned with each other when the flexible display (400) is viewed vertically (e.g., when viewed in the -Z direction with respect to FIG. 6A ). Each layer of the flexible display (400) may have a structure in which at least one edge region (401, 402, 403, 404) is integrally cut. For example, in the second edge area (402) and the fourth edge area (404) where no slip occurs, the edges of the flexible display (400) may be aligned with each other when the flexible display (400) is viewed vertically.

[0098] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, a protective material may be disposed in the third edge area (403) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 6C, a first protective material (491) may be disposed in the third edge area (403) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, a second protective material (492) may be disposed in the third edge area (403) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in the third edge area (403) of the flexible display (400), a first protective material (491) may be disposed on a side of a first layer (S1) located on an upper side of a support plate (450), and a second protective material (492) may be disposed on a side of a second layer (S2) located on a lower side of the support plate (450).

[0099] In one embodiment, the third edge region (403) may not be aligned with each other when the flexible display (400) is viewed from a vertical direction. For example, referring to FIG. 6C, the edge of the support plate (450) may protrude more than the edge of another layer (e.g., the window layer (410), the display panel (430)). Therefore, when an external impact is applied to one side (e.g., the first side (113a)) of the side member (113, 123) facing the third edge region (403), the edge of the support plate (450) may collide and cushion the impact applied to the other layers of the flexible display (400).

[0100] According to one embodiment, as shown in [Table 1], the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) can be formed with the following physical properties.

[0101] First protective material (491) Second protective material (492) Viscosity (CPS) About 250 to about 400 About 200 to about 400 Modulus (Mpa) About 3 to about 8 About 1400 to about 2400 Elongation (%) About 300 About 6 to 9

[0102] In one embodiment, the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) may be formed of an acrylic urethane material. In one embodiment, the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) may be cured through at least one of natural curing, thermal curing, and ultraviolet curing. In one embodiment, the second edge area (402) and the fourth edge area (404) of the flexible display (400) may be closer to the side members (113, 123) than the first edge area (401) and the third edge area (403) where slipping occurs. In one embodiment, the first edge area (401) and the third edge area (403) may be spaced apart from the side members (113, 123) by a certain distance so as to accommodate the slipping phenomenon of each layer of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c, the shortest distance (a2-a1) between the first protective material (491) located on the side of the folding portion (130c) in the second edge region (402) and the fourth edge region (404) and the side member (113, 123) may be greater than or equal to the shortest distance (a4-a3) between the second protective material (492) located on the side of the flat portion (130a, 130b) in the second edge region (402) and the fourth edge region (404) (e.g., a portion facing one of the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) or the side member (113, 123)) and the side member (113, 123). In one embodiment, the shortest distance (a2-a1) between the first protective material (491) located on the side of the folding portion (130c) (e.g., one of the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) or the portion facing the side member (113, 123)) and the side member (113, 123) may be smaller than the shortest distance (a4-a3) between the second protective material (492) located on the side of the flat portion (130a, 130b) and the side member (113, 123).In one embodiment, the shortest distance (b2-b1) between the protective material (e.g., the first protective material (491)) located in the third edge region (403) and the side member (113, 123) may be greater than the shortest distance (a2-a1) between the first protective material (491) located on the side of the folding portion (130c) and the side member (113, 123) and the shortest distance (a4-a3) between the second protective material (492) located on the side of the flat portion (130a, 130b) and the side member (113, 123). In one embodiment, the shortest distance (c) between the fourth protective material (494) located at the bending portion (432) in the first edge region (401) described later and the side member (113, 123) may be greater than the shortest distance (a2-a1) between the first protective material (491) located at the side of the folding portion (130c) and the side member (113, 123) and the shortest distance (a4-a3) between the second protective material (492) located at the side of the flat portion (130a, 130b) and the side member (113, 123). The second edge region (402) and the fourth edge region (404) may have a gap between the side members (113, 123) smaller than the gap between the first edge region (401) and the side members (113, 123) and the gap between the third edge region (403) and the side members (113, 123). According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6D, a third protective material (493) and a fourth protective material (494) may be disposed in the first edge region (401) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the third protective material (493) may be disposed between the window layer (410) and the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the fourth protective material (494) may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (430). The bending portion (432) can be made durable against external impact through the fourth protective material (494). In one embodiment, the third protective material (493) can have a third modulus, and the fourth protective material (494) can have a fourth modulus higher than the third modulus.The third modulus may represent the ratio of stress to strain in the third protective material (493). The fourth modulus may represent the ratio of stress to strain in the fourth protective material (494). In one embodiment, the third protective material (493) may include the first protective material (491). In one embodiment, the fourth protective material (494) may include the second protective material (492).

[0103] According to one embodiment, when the fourth protective material (494) fills the space between the window layer (410) and the display panel (430), the natural slip phenomenon between the layers of the flexible display (400) due to the folding operation is suppressed, and as a result, a buckling phenomenon occurs in the flexible display (400), which may deteriorate the surface quality of the flexible display (400). In particular, when the window layer (410), which has a greater slip distance than other layers, is physically connected to the space between the display panels (430) through the second protective material (492), a buckling phenomenon may occur in the flexible display (400). Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIG. 6D, the space between the window layer (410) and the display panel (430) (e.g., including the space including the POL (420)) may be filled with the third protective material (493). The third protective material (493) accommodates the slip phenomenon between layers of the flexible display (400) that occurs due to the folding and unfolding motion of the electronic device (100), thereby reducing the occurrence of defects such as buckling and improving the surface quality of the flexible display (400).

[0104] According to one embodiment, as shown in [Table 2], the third protective material (493) and the fourth protective material (494) can be formed with the following physical properties.

[0105] Third protective material (493) Fourth protective material (494) Viscosity (CPS) Approximately 2500 Approximately 3000 Modulus (Mpa) Approximately 2.85 Approximately 106.49 Elongation (%) Approximately 300-

[0106] In one embodiment, the third protective material (493) and the fourth protective material (494) may be formed of an acrylic urethane material. In one embodiment, the third protective material (493) and the fourth protective material (494) may be cured through at least one of natural curing, thermal curing, and ultraviolet curing. In one embodiment, when the fourth protective material (494) is placed and cured on the bending portion (432) before filling the space between the window layer (410) and the display panel (430) with the third protective material (493), the fourth protective material (494) may fill the space between the window layer (410) and the display panel (430). In this case, the fourth protective material (494) may prevent the window layer (410) from slipping. Accordingly, after the third protective material (493) is filled and cured in the space between the window layer (410) and the display panel (430), the fourth protective material (494) may be placed and cured on the bending portion (432). According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6d and 6e, the area occupied by the third protective material (493) between the space between the window layer (410) and the display panel (430) may vary depending on the amount of slip generated in the window layer (410). In addition, the thickness of the fourth protective material (494) coated on the bending portion (432) may vary depending on the required durability of the bending portion (432). For example, in FIG. 6d, the gap (W1) of the third protective material (493) between the edge of the window layer (410) and the edge of the fourth protective material (494) may be smaller than the gap (W'1) of the third protective material (493) between the edge of the window layer (410) and the edge of the fourth protective material (494) in FIG. 6e. In addition, the thickness (W2) of the fourth protective material (494) coated on the bending portion (432) in FIG. 6d may be larger than the thickness (W'2) of the fourth protective material (494) coated on the bending portion (432) in FIG. 6e.In summary, FIG. 6d may be an example in which the gap (W1) of the third protective material (493) and the thickness (W2) of the fourth protective material (494) are determined between the edge of the window layer (410) and the edge of the fourth protective material (494) with the focus on the durability of the bending portion (432) rather than the amount of slip of the window layer (410). For example, the gap (W1) of the third protective material (493) between the edge of the window layer (410) and the edge of the fourth protective material (494) may be approximately 230 um, and the thickness (W2) of the fourth protective material (494) may be approximately 200 um. FIG. 6e may be an example in which the spacing (W'1) of the third protective material (493) and the thickness (W'2) of the fourth protective material (494) between the edge of the window layer (410) and the edge of the fourth protective material (494) are determined based on the amount of slip in the window layer (410) rather than the durability of the bending portion (432). For example, the spacing (W'1) of the third protective material (493) between the edge of the window layer (410) and the edge of the fourth protective material (494) may be about 460 um, and the thickness (W'2) of the fourth protective material (494) may be about 110 um.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (400) may be supported by a first support member (1131) extending from the first side member (113) and a second support member (1231) extending from the second side member (123). In one embodiment, a protective material (e.g., a fifth protective material, a sixth protective material) may be disposed between the flexible display (400) and the support members (e.g., the first support member (1131), the second support member (1231)). In one embodiment, the protective material may be filled in the space between the flexible display (400) and the support members (1131, 1231). In one embodiment, the first display portion may be an area having a first amount of movement among the rear areas of the flexible display (400) facing the support members (e.g., the first support member (1131), the second support member (1231)). The second display portion may be an area of ​​the back surface of the flexible display (400) that has a second movement amount that is less than the first movement amount. For example, the first display portion may be a folding portion (130c) of the flexible display (400), and the second display portion may be a flat portion (130a, 130b).

[0108] In one embodiment, a fifth protective material having a fifth modulus may be disposed between the first display portion and the support member (1131, 1231). The fifth modulus may represent a ratio of stress to strain of the fifth protective material when the fifth protective material undergoes linear elastic deformation. A sixth protective material having a sixth modulus higher than the fifth modulus may be disposed between the second display portion and the support member (1131, 1231). The sixth modulus may represent a ratio of stress to strain of the sixth protective material when the sixth protective material undergoes linear elastic deformation. In one embodiment, the fifth protective material may be the same as the first protective material (491) or the third protective material (493). The sixth protective material may be the same as the second protective material (492) or the fourth protective material (494). In one embodiment, since the first display portion moves relatively more than the second display portion, the fifth protective material may be arranged on the first display portion at a smaller or wider interval than the sixth protective material arranged on the second display portion. Conversely, since the second display portion moves relatively less than the first display portion, the sixth protective material may be arranged on the second display portion at a smaller or narrower interval than the fifth protective material arranged on the first display portion. Accordingly, the fifth protective material and the sixth protective material may increase the durability of the flexible display (400) from external impact applied to the electronic device (100) and accommodate the movement of the flexible display (400) with respect to the support members (1131, 1231).

[0109] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (100) is folded, the window layer (410) located at the outermost layer of the flexible display (400) may have a greater amount of movement (or slip) in the direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., the Y-axis direction in FIG. 4A) than the POL (420), the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), the digitizer (460) and / or the reinforcing plate (470) located below the window layer (410). In one embodiment, the protective material (e.g., the first protective material (491), the second protective material (492), the third protective material (493), the fourth protective material (494), the fifth protective material and / or the sixth protective material) may accommodate the slip phenomenon of each layer constituting the flexible display (400), but may cause a certain level of resistance to the slip phenomenon. Accordingly, it may be ideal that a protective material is not disposed on the side of the window layer (410) where a large amount of slip occurs. In particular, the first edge area (401) and the third edge area (403) of the flexible display (400) may be areas where slip occurs according to the folding operation of the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 10 described below, a protective material (e.g., the first protective material (491)) may not be applied to the side of the window layer (410) (e.g., the first layer (411)) in the first edge area (401) and / or the third edge area (403). In one embodiment, in the entire edge area of ​​the flexible display (400) (e.g., the first edge area (401), the second edge area (402), the third edge area (403), and the fourth edge area (404)), a protective material may not be applied to the side of the window layer (410) (e.g., the first layer (411)). Since the protective material does not interfere with the slip of the window layer (410), the flexible display (400) can improve the buckling phenomenon that occurs when the slip is interfered with during the folding operation of the electronic device (100).Additionally, the flexible display (400) may have improved durability against external impacts by applying a protective material to the sides of the layers located below the window layer (410). However, the above description may not exclude an embodiment in which the protective material is applied to the sides of the window layer (410). In one embodiment, the protective material may be applied to the sides of the window layer (410).

[0110] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a molding member and a protective member are arranged between the bending member and the side member. FIG. 7B and FIG. 7C are schematic diagrams illustrating a process for applying a molding member and a protective member to a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6d, 6e, and 7a, the electronic device (100) may include a molding portion (510) arranged to surround the bending portion (432) in the second housing (120). In one embodiment, the molding portion (510) may be arranged to surround the edges of the layers laminated on the upper surface of the display panel (430) (e.g., the window layer (410)) and the layers laminated on the back surface (4302) (e.g., the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), the digitizer (460), and / or the reinforcement plate (470)) and the bending portion (432) in the first edge area (401) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the molding portion (510) may be arranged to surround the side surface of the flexible display (400). For example, the molding portion (510) may be arranged to surround the first edge region (401), the second edge region (402), the third edge region (403), and the fourth edge region of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the molding portion (510) may be arranged to surround at least one region among the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the molding portion (510) may be filled between the flexible display (400) and the support member (1131, 1231).

[0112] In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may be positioned within the molding portion (510) formed after the liquid molding liquid injected around the first edge region (401) of the flexible display (400) is cured. In one embodiment, the molding portion (510) may be formed in such a way that the molding liquid injected through a molding injector is cured. For example, the molding liquid may be cured through at least one of natural curing, thermal curing, and ultraviolet curing. In one embodiment, the molding portion (510) may be formed of a material (e.g., a soft molding liquid) having a molding modulus value of about 10 MPa or less when the molding liquid is cured. In one embodiment, the molding portion (510) may be formed of a material having a molding modulus value of about 5 MPa or less when the molding liquid is cured. In one embodiment, the molding part (510) may be formed of a material having a molding modulus value of about 1 Mpa or less when the molding liquid is cured. In one embodiment, the molding part (510) may be cured using a silicone-based molding liquid. In one embodiment, the molding part (510) accommodates a slip phenomenon between layers of the flexible display (400) (e.g., the window layer (410) and the display panel (430)) that occurs due to the folding and unfolding motion of the electronic device (400), thereby reducing the occurrence of defects such as buckling and helping to improve the surface quality of the flexible display (400).

[0113] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7C, the electronic device (100) may include a protective member (e.g., a rigid body) (520) at least partially embedded within the interior of the molding member (510). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7B, the protective member (520) may include a plate member (521), a first bent portion (522) bent from an upper portion of the plate member (521) in a direction of the bending portion (432) (e.g., in the y-axis direction), and a second bent portion (523) bent from a lower portion of the plate member (521) in a direction of the bending portion (432) (e.g., in the y-axis direction). In one embodiment, the plate member (521) may be formed to have a size having a first length (L1) in the x-axis direction and a first height (H) in the z-axis direction. In one embodiment, the first length (L1) may be formed to be equal to or longer than the second length (e.g., the second length (L2) of FIG. 7a) in the x-axis direction of the bending portion (432).

[0114] In one embodiment, the width of the first bend portion (522) and the width of the second bend portion (523) may be the same or different. In one embodiment, the first bend portion (522) and / or the second bend portion (523) may be bent at a right angle. In some embodiments, the first bend portion (522) and / or the second bend portion (523) may be bent to have an obtuse angle or an acute angle with respect to the plate portion (521). In one embodiment, the first bend portion (522) and / or the second bend portion (523) may be formed as a flat surface or a curved surface. In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may be formed to have a first length (L1) in the x-axis direction.

[0115] In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 7C, the protective member (520) may be arranged such that the plate portion (521) overlaps at least the bending portion (432) when the second side member (123) is viewed from the outside (e.g., when viewed in the y-axis direction). In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may be arranged to be spaced apart from the bending portion (432) by a specified distance. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the protective member (520) may be formed in a shape that surrounds at least a portion of the bending portion (432). In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may be formed in a 'ㄷ' shape. In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may have a modulus value higher than at least one of the first modulus of the first protective material (491), the second modulus of the second protective material (492), the third modulus of the third protective material (493), and the fourth modulus of the fourth protective material (494). In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may be formed of a material having strength to improve the durability of the bending portion (432) against external impact. In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may include at least one of metal (e.g., SUS), PC, or FRP (e.g., CFRP and / or GFRP). In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may help improve the durability of the flexible display (400) by protecting the bending portion (432).

[0116] According to one embodiment, each layer of the flexible display (400) (e.g., the display panel (430), the polymer layer (440), the support plate (450), the digitizer (460), and / or the reinforcing plate (470)) may be formed to have a step structure for uniform application in the first edge area (401) when injecting the molding liquid to form the molding part (510). In one embodiment, each of the layers (430, 440, 450, 470) may be arranged so that the edges of the layers arranged underneath can be seen in the first edge area (401) when the flexible display (400) is viewed from above. For example, the polymer layer (440) may be arranged closer to the bending part (432) than to the display panel (430) in the first edge area (401) when the flexible display (400) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may be positioned closer to the bending portion (432) than to the polymer layer (440) in the first edge region (401) when the flexible display (400) is viewed from above.

[0117] In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may be formed to have a first length (L1) in the width direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) that is equal to or longer than a second length (L2) of the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the first length (L1) of the protective member (520) may be formed to be equal to or shorter than a total length (L3) of the flexible display (400) in the width direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction). For example, the first length (L1) of the protective member (520) may be formed to be longer than the second length (L2) of the bending portion (432) and shorter than the total length (L3) of the flexible display (400) in the width direction. In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may include fixing guides (520a, 520b) that are respectively extended and formed at both ends of the plate portion (521).

[0118] In one embodiment, the space including the bending portion (432) and the protective member (520) may be filled with the molding liquid. For example, the molding liquid may be filled in the space including the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (400) and may be cured into the molding portion (510) through at least one of natural curing, thermal curing, or ultraviolet curing. In one embodiment, after the molding liquid is cured, the fixing guides (520a, 520b) protruding from both ends of the molding portion (510) may be removed through a cutting process.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the protective member (520) may be arranged to face at least one of the first edge area (401), the second edge area (402), the third edge area (403), and the fourth edge area (404) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may be arranged to face each of the entire edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400). Accordingly, the protective member (520) may be arranged to face the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) within the molding portion (510) to protect the flexible display (400) from external impact.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the protective member (520) may be disposed inside the protective material (e.g., the first protective material (491), the second protective material (492), the third protective material (493), and the fourth protective material (494)) disposed on the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may be disposed at a small or wide interval in the protective material having a relatively low modulus (e.g., the first protective material (491), the third protective material (493)) considering the amount of movement of the flexible display (400), and may be disposed at a dense or narrow interval in the protective material having a relatively high modulus (e.g., the second protective material (492), the fourth protective material (494)).

[0121] In one embodiment, when the protective member (520) is formed of a metal material, it can be utilized as a radiator for an antenna. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the protective member (520) is electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit (e.g., a transceiver) disposed in an internal space of the electronic device (100) (e.g., an internal space of the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120), thereby being utilized as an antenna configured to transmit or receive a wireless signal in at least one designated frequency band.

[0122] In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may be formed of a conductive material and electrically connected to at least one of the ground, the first housing (110), and the second housing (120) disposed in the internal space of the electronic device (100). In one embodiment, the protective member (520) may guide charges introduced into the electronic device (100) or generated inside the electronic device (100) to the ground, the first housing (110), and / or the second housing (120). In one embodiment, charges introduced between the side members (113, 123) and the flexible display (400) may be guided to the ground of the support member (e.g., the first support member (1131) and / or the second support member (1231)) and / or the surrounding structure (e.g., the substrate) through the second bending portion (523). In one embodiment, charges generated within the electronic device (100) can be induced to the ground of a support member (e.g., a first support member (1131) and / or a second support member (1231)) and / or a surrounding structure (e.g., a substrate) through the protective member (520). Accordingly, a malfunction of the electronic device (100) due to electrostatic discharge (ESD), in which charges are discharged to surrounding electronic components, can be reduced.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the protective member (520), when formed of metal, may be used as a dummy conductor (e.g., a parasitic pattern or a dummy pattern) of the first side member (113) and / or the second side member (123) used as an antenna. In this case, the protective member (520) may be positioned to have a capacitively coupled gap with the first side member (113) and / or the second side member (123). Accordingly, the protective member (520) may help improve the radiation performance (e.g., bandwidth expansion) of the antenna operating through the first side member (113) and / or the second side member (123). In one embodiment, the antenna may be disposed on an antenna carrier or a substrate in an internal space of the electronic device (100) and may include an LDS (laser direct structuring) pattern positioned at a position that is capacitively coupled with the protective member (520).

[0124] FIG. 8a is a schematic diagram of an experimental process of dropping a ball on the front surface of a flexible display (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8b is a schematic diagram of a Charpy impact test process on the side surface of a flexible display (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] In one embodiment, the Ball drop test of FIG. 8A may be an experiment to check the degree of impact applied to the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) when a ball (b) having a certain strength is dropped toward the front surface of the flexible display (400) (e.g., the surface facing the +Z direction of FIG. 4A). In one embodiment, the Ball drop test may be an experiment that assumes that an impact is applied to the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) from the front surface of the electronic device (100). For example, the Ball drop test of FIG. 8A may be an experiment to check the durability of the flexible display (400) by changing the distance between the flexible display (400) and the ball (b). The greater the distance between the flexible display (400) and the ball (b), the higher the durability of the flexible display (400). [Table 3] below may be the result of confirming the durability of the first display portion covered with the first protective material (491) and the second display portion covered with the second protective material (492) when a ball (b) having a certain strength is dropped toward the front of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the drop distance of [Table 3] may be the maximum drop distance within a range where the flexible display (400) is not damaged. The result values ​​of [Table 3] may be based on the assumption that the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) having the physical properties of [Table 1] are used.

[0126] Unfilled 1st protective material (491) 2nd protective material (492) Modulus of protective material (Mpa) Approximately 3~8 Approximately 1400~2400 Dropping distance (cm) Flat area 14 cm Edge area 11 cm 17~19 cm 18~25 cm Folding area 6 cm 12 cm -

[0127] In one embodiment, the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) may be positioned in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400). In this case, the durability of the flat portions (130a, 130b) spaced apart from the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) may be constant regardless of whether the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) are positioned in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404). For example, as described in [Table 3], the drop distance of the ball (b) that does not break on the flat surface may be constant at about 14 cm regardless of whether the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) are arranged in the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404). In one embodiment, as described in [Table 3], when the first protective material (491) is arranged in the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404), the drop distance of the ball (b) that does not break on the edge regions (401, 402, 403, 404) may be about 17 to 19 cm. In comparison, when no protective material (e.g., first protective material (491) and second protective material (492)) is disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404), the drop distance of the ball (b) that does not break in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) can be about 11 cm. When the first protective material (491) is disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404), the drop distance of the ball (b) that does not break in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) can be increased by about 55% to 73% compared to when no protective material (491, 492) is disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404).In summary, when the first protective material (491) is disposed on the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400), it can be confirmed that the durability is increased compared to when the protective material (491, 492) is not disposed on the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404). In one embodiment, when the first protective material (491) is disposed on the folding portion (130c), the drop distance of the ball (b) without damage to the folding portion (130c) may be about 12 cm. In comparison, when the protective material (491, 492) is not disposed on the folding portion (130c), the drop distance of the ball (b) without damage to the folding portion (130c) may be about 6 cm. In the case where the first protective material (491) is disposed on the folding portion (130c), the drop distance of the ball (b) without damage in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) can be increased by about 100% compared to the case where the protective material (491, 492) is not disposed on the folding portion (130c). In summary, it can be confirmed that the durability is increased when the first protective material (491) is disposed on the folding portion (130c) of the flexible display (400) compared to the case where the protective material (491, 492) is not disposed on the folding portion (130c).

[0128] In one embodiment, as described in [Table 3], when the second protective material (492) is disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404), the drop distance of the ball (b) without damage in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) may be about 18 to 25 cm. In comparison, when the protective material (491, 492) is not disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404), the drop distance of the ball (b) without damage in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) may be about 11 cm. When the second protective material (492) is disposed in the edge area (401, 402, 403, 404), the dropping distance of the ball (b) without damage in the edge area (401, 402, 403, 404) can be increased by about 64% to 127% compared to when the protective material (491, 492) is not disposed in the edge area (401, 402, 403, 404). In summary, when the second protective material (492) is disposed in the edge area (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400), it can be confirmed that the durability is increased compared to when the protective material (491, 492) is not disposed in the edge area (401, 402, 403, 404).

[0129] In one embodiment, FIG. 8B may be a Charpy test assuming a case where a direct impact occurs on the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400). In one embodiment, the Charpy test may be an experiment assuming a case where an impact is applied to the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) from the side of the electronic device (100). The Charpy test may apply an impact to the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) arranged on the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) through a rotatable Charpy device (H). [Table 4] below may be the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) within a range in which the flexible display (400) is not damaged when the first protective material (491) and / or the second protective material (492) are disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) and when the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) are not disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400). The larger the rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H), the higher the durability of the flexible display (400) may be. The result values ​​of [Table 4] may be based on the assumption that the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492) having the physical properties of [Table 1] are used.

[0130] Experimental location Unfilled 1st protective material (491) 2nd protective material (492) Modulus of protective material (Mpa) Edge area Approximately 3~8 Approximately 1400~2400 Rotation angle of Charpy device (H) (°) 27°40°32°

[0131] In one embodiment, as described in [Table 4], when the first protective material (491) is disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404), the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) can be 40 º within a range in which the flexible display (400) is not damaged. In comparison, when the protective material (e.g., the first protective material (491) and the second protective material (492)) is not disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404), the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) can be 27 º within a range in which the flexible display (400) is not damaged. When the first protective material (491) is disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404), the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) can be 27 º within a range in which the flexible display (400) is not damaged. It can be confirmed that the durability of the flexible display (400) in the edge area is increased by about 48% compared to the case where the protective material (491, 492) is not disposed in the edge area (402, 403, 404). In summary, it can be confirmed that the durability of the flexible display (400) in the edge area is increased as the first protective material (491) is disposed in the edge area (401, 402, 403, 404). In one embodiment, as described in [Table 4], when the second protective material (492) is disposed in the edge area (401, 402, 403, 404), the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) can be 32º within a range where the flexible display (400) is not damaged. In comparison, when the protective material (491, 492) is not disposed in the edge area (401, 402, 403, 404), the flexible The maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) can be 27º within a range where the display (400) is not damaged. When the second protective material (492) is disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404), it can be confirmed that the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) increases by about 19% compared to when the protective material (491, 492) is not disposed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404).In summary, it can be confirmed that the durability of the flexible display (400) in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) is increased as the second protective material (492) is placed in the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404). In one embodiment, [Table 5] may be the results of a ball drop test and a Charpy test in a state where the fourth protective material (494) is placed in the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (400). The 'Experiment 1' below may be the result of a ball drop test and a Charpy test on the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (400) when the gap (W1) of the third protective material (493) between the edge of the window layer (410) and the edge of the fourth protective material (494) is about 230 um and the thickness (W2) of the fourth protective material (494) is about 200 um, as shown in FIG. 6d. The 'Experiment 2' below may be the results of a ball drop test and a Charpy test on the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (400) when the gap (W'1) of the third protective material (493) between the edge of the window layer (410) and the edge of the fourth protective material (494) is about 460 um and the thickness (W'2) of the fourth protective material (494) is about 110 um, as illustrated in FIG. 6e. The result values ​​in [Table 5] may be based on the assumption that the third protective material (493) and the fourth protective material (494) having the physical properties in [Table 2] were used.

[0132] Bending section (432) Experiment type Unfilled experiment 1 Experiment 2 Drop distance (cm) 7 cm 21 cm 15 cm Rotation angle of Charpy device (H) (°) 6 ° 12 ° 11 °

[0133] In one embodiment, as described in [Table 5], when the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432) under the conditions of 'Experiment 1', the dropping distance of the ball (b) that does not break at the bending portion (432) may be about 21 cm. In comparison, when the fourth protective material (494) is not disposed on the bending portion (432), the dropping distance of the ball (b) that does not break at the bending portion (432) may be about 7 cm. It can be confirmed that when the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432), the dropping distance of the ball (b) that does not break at the bending portion (432) increases by about 200% compared to when the fourth protective material (494) is not disposed on the bending portion (432). In summary, when the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (400), it can be confirmed that the durability is increased compared to when the fourth protective material (494) is not disposed on the bending portion (432). In one embodiment, as described in [Table 5], when the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432) under the conditions of 'Experiment 2', the dropping distance of the ball (b) without breakage at the bending portion (432) may be about 15 cm. In comparison, when the fourth protective material (494) is not disposed on the bending portion (432), the dropping distance of the ball (b) without breakage at the bending portion (432) may be about 7 cm. In the case where the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432), it can be confirmed that the dropping distance of the ball (b) without damage occurring on the bending portion (432) increases by approximately 114% compared to the case where the fourth protective material (494) is not disposed on the bending portion (432). In summary, in the case where the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (400), it can be confirmed that the durability is increased compared to the case where the fourth protective material (494) is not disposed on the bending portion (432).In one embodiment, as described in [Table 5], when the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432) under the conditions of 'Experiment 1', the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) can be 12 º within a range in which the flexible display (400) is not damaged. In comparison, when the fourth protective material (494) is not disposed on the bending portion (432), the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) can be 6 º within a range in which the flexible display (400) is not damaged. When the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432), it can be confirmed that the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) increases by about 100% compared to when the fourth protective material (494) is not disposed on the bending portion (432). In summary, when the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432), As it is placed, it can be confirmed that the durability of the flexible display (400) is increased at the bending portion (432).

[0134] In one embodiment, as described in [Table 5], when the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432) under the conditions of 'Experiment 2', the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) can be 11 ° within a range in which the flexible display (400) is not damaged. In comparison, when the fourth protective material (494) is not disposed on the bending portion (432), the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) can be 6 ° within a range in which the flexible display (400) is not damaged. When the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432), it can be confirmed that the maximum rotation angle (θ) of the Charpy device (H) increases by about 83% compared to when the fourth protective material (494) is not disposed on the bending portion (432). In summary, when the fourth protective material (494) is disposed on the bending portion (432), Accordingly, it can be confirmed that the durability of the flexible display (400) is increased at the bending portion (432).

[0135] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first protective material (491), the second protective material (492), the third protective material (493), and the fourth protective material (494) can help improve the surface quality of the flexible display (400) by reducing the occurrence of defects such as buckling phenomena because they accommodate slip phenomena between layers of the flexible display (400) that occur due to the folding and unfolding motion of the electronic device (100) (e.g., folding motion). In addition, the first protective material (491), the second protective material (492), the third protective material (493), and the fourth protective material (494) can protect edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) from external impact and foreign substances.

[0136] FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an electronic device (100) taken along line 6d-6d of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the window layer (410) of the flexible display (400) is extended toward the bending portion (432). FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the window layer (410) of the flexible display (400) is extended toward the side surface of the flexible display (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0137] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the edges (4111, 4121) of the window layer (410) (e.g., the edge (4111) of the first layer (411), the edge (4121) of the second layer (412)) may overlap with the bending portion (432) or be arranged to have a larger size while overlapping with the bending portion (432) when the flexible display (400) is viewed from above. In one embodiment, the edge (4111) of the first layer (411) may extend to a size that at least overlaps with the bending portion (432) or includes the bending portion (432) when the flexible display (400) is viewed from above. A black matrix (BM) (e.g., BM of FIGS. 9A and 9B) may be printed on the edges (4111, 4121) of the window layer (410). For example, the BM may be printed on the edge (4111) of the first layer (410). In this case, when the flexible display is viewed from above, the bending portion (432) may be covered by the edges (4111, 4121) of the window layer (410).

[0138] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9b, the edges (4111, 4121) of the window layer (410) located in the second edge region (402) and the fourth edge region (404) where slipping does not occur according to the folding operation of the electronic device (100) in the flexible display (400) may protrude more than the edges of the layers located below the window layer (410). For example, the edges of the layers located below the window layer (410) may be included in the edges (4111, 4121) of the window layer (410). In one embodiment, the edges (4111, 4121) of the window layer (410) extending from the second edge region (402) and the fourth edge region (404) may serve as guides so that the first protective material (491) and / or the second protective material (492) is applied to the edges of each layer of the flexible display (400) when the first protective material (491) and / or the second protective material (492) is filled between the flexible display (400) and the side members (113, 123) through the injection device (N). In one embodiment, BM may be printed on the edges (4111, 4121) of the window layer (410) located in the second edge region (402) and the fourth edge region (404). In this case, when the flexible display is viewed from above, the first protective material (491) and / or the second protective material (492) can be covered through the edges (4111, 4121) of the window layer (410). Accordingly, the problem of the first protective material (491) and / or the second protective material (492) being visible from the front of the electronic device (100) can be resolved.

[0139] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a process of filling a protective material into a side surface of a portion of a window layer (410) and a side surface of a layer disposed under the window layer (410) in an edge area of ​​a flexible display (400) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 10, a method of applying a protective material (e.g., a first protective material (491), a second protective material (492), a third protective material (493), and / or a fourth protective material (494)) to the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) may be divided into a step of placing the window layer (410) of the flexible display (400) on a guide jig (J) and a step of injecting the protective material into the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (400) through an injection device (N). In one embodiment, the position of the flexible display (400) may be fixed through the guide jig (J). For example, the flexible display (400) can be fixed in position as the window layer (410) is secured to the guide jig (J). As described above, the amount of slip in the window layer (410) located at the outermost layer of the flexible display (400) can be greater than the amount of slip in the other layers. In particular, the amount of slip in the first layer (411) of the window layer (410) can be greater than the amount of slip in the second layer (412). Accordingly, not applying a protective material to the side surface of the window layer (410) can induce natural slip in the window layer (410) or the first layer (411) of the window layer (410), which can be helpful for the folding operation of the flexible display (400). Accordingly, a groove that accommodates the first layer (411) of the window layer (410) can be formed in the guide jig (J). When a protective material is injected into the side of the flexible display (400) through the injection device (N) as the first layer (411) of the window layer (410) is positioned in the groove of the guide jig (J), the protective material may not be applied to the side of the first layer (411). Therefore, the protective material may only be applied to the side of the layers positioned below the window layer (410).Since the protective material does not interfere with the slip of the first layer (411), the flexible display (400) can improve the buckling phenomenon that occurs when the electronic device (100) is folded due to the interference with the slip. In addition, since the protective material is applied to the side surfaces of the layers located below the first layer (411), the flexible display (400) can have improved durability against external impact. In the above description, it is assumed that the protective material is not applied to the first layer (411), but the protective material may not be applied to the side surfaces of the window layer (410). In this case, the protective material may be applied to the side surfaces of the flexible display (400) while the window layer (410) of the flexible display (400) is positioned in the groove of the guide jig (J).

[0141] Although the above FIGS. 5, 6a to 6e, 7a, and 8a to 10 have described the case where a reinforcing plate (470) is disposed under the support plate (450) of the flexible display (400), the present invention may not be limited thereto. In one embodiment, the digitizer (460) may be disposed between the support plate (450) and the reinforcing plate (470), or may be disposed under the support plate (450) in place of the reinforcing plate (470).

[0142] FIG. 11A is a plan view of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 11B is a side view of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0143] The following may be a description of an electronic device (600) of a different embodiment from the electronic device (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 10. In describing the electronic device (600) of FIG. 11A, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted. In addition, the description of the protective material (e.g., the first protective material (491), the second protective material (492), the third protective material (493), the fourth protective material (494), the fifth protective material, and / or the sixth protective material) described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 10 may be equally applied to the electronic device (600) to be described with reference to FIG. 11A. For example, a flexible display (640) (e.g., the flexible display (400) of FIG. 4A) may be classified according to the amount of movement. In one embodiment, the flexible display (640) may be divided into a first display portion having a first amount of movement and a second display portion having a second amount of movement smaller than the first amount of movement. Depending on the amount of movement of the flexible display (640), protective materials having different properties may be placed in edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (640).

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B , the electronic device (600) may include a first housing (610), a second housing (620) foldably connected to the first housing (610) with respect to a first folding axis (F1) via a first hinge device (not shown) on one side of the first housing (610), and a third housing (630) foldably connected to the first housing (610) with respect to a second folding axis (F2) via a second hinge device (not shown) on the other side of the first housing (610). In one embodiment, the electronic device (600) may include a flexible display (640) extending from at least a portion of the second housing (620) across the first housing (610) to at least a portion of the third housing (630). In one embodiment, the flexible display (640) may be positioned to be supported by the first, second, and third housings (610, 620, 630).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (600) may be operated in a fully folded state such that the first housing (610) faces the second housing (620), and the third housing (630) faces the second housing (620). For example, the electronic device (600) may be operated in a manner such that, when the first housing (610) is viewed from above, at least portions of the first, second, and third housings (610, 620, 630) overlap each other in the folded state. In one embodiment, the electronic device (600) may be operated in a manner such that, when the first housing (610) is viewed from above, the second housing (620) is stacked on the first housing (610), and the third housing (630) is sequentially stacked on the second housing (620). In one embodiment, the flexible display (640) may be bent in a manner such that areas corresponding to the first housing (610) and the second housing (620) face each other (e.g., in-folding manner) when in a folded state. In one embodiment, the flexible display (640) may be bent in a manner such that areas corresponding to the first housing (610) and the third housing (630) face each other (e.g., in-folding manner). In this case, the flexible display (640) may include, in a folded state, a first folding area (640a) formed by folding the first housing (610) and the second housing (620), and a second folding area (640b) formed by folding the first housing (610) and the third housing (630). In one embodiment, the curvature of the first folding area (640a) may be greater than the curvature of the second folding area (640b) in the folded state. In one embodiment, the radius of curvature of the first folding area (640a) may be less than the radius of curvature of the second folding area (640b) in the folded state.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (640) may be divided according to the amount of movement. In one embodiment, the flexible display (640) may be divided into a first display portion having a first amount of movement and a second display portion having a second amount of movement smaller than the first amount of movement. In one embodiment, the first display portion may be a folding area (e.g., a first folding area (640a), a second folding area (640b)) that is folded or unfolded together according to the rotational operation of the first housing (610), the second housing (620), and the third housing (630), and the second display portion may be a first flat portion (611), a second flat portion (621), and a third flat portion (631) that are maintained in a flat state during the folding operation of the electronic device (600).

[0147] In one embodiment, the flexible display (640) may have a large amount of movement (or deformation) in the first folding area (640a) and the second folding area (640b). For example, the flexible display (640) may include a first flat portion (611) corresponding to the first housing (610), a second flat portion (621) corresponding to the second housing (620), and a third flat portion (631) corresponding to the third housing (630). The first flat portion (611), the second flat portion (621), and the third flat portion (631) may be regions that do not deform and substantially maintain a flat surface during a folding operation of the electronic device (600). The first folding portion (640a) and the second folding portion (640b) may have a greater amount of movement or deformation than the first flat portion (611), the second flat portion (621), and the third flat portion (631) during the folding operation of the electronic device (600). In one embodiment, the first protective material (491) may be disposed on the side surfaces of the first folding area (640a) and the second folding area (640b). The second protective material (492) may be disposed on the edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (640) excluding the first folding area (640a) and the second folding area (640b). The first protective material (491) can accommodate the movement of the first folding area (640a) and the second folding area (640b) of the flexible display (640), and can improve the durability of the side surfaces of the first folding area (640a) and the second folding area (640b). The second protective material (492) can improve the durability of the remaining edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (640) excluding the folding areas (640a, 640b).

[0148] In one embodiment, the first display portion may be a first layer (S1) having a relatively high slip generation amount, and the second display portion may be a second layer (S2) having a relatively low slip generation amount. The first layer (S1) may include a layer (e.g., a window layer (410), a POL (420), a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440) of FIG. 4A) located on an upper side of a support plate (e.g., a support plate (450) of FIG. 4A), and the second layer (S2) may be a layer (e.g., a digitizer (460), a buffer member (E), and / or a reinforcing plate (470) of FIG. 4A) located on a lower side of the support plate. In one embodiment, a relatively soft first protective material (491) may be disposed on a side of the first layer (S1) having a high slip generation amount. A relatively hard second protective material (492) may be placed on the side of the second layer (S2) where the slip generation amount is less than that of the first layer (S1).

[0149] In one embodiment, the space between the window layer (410) and the display panel (430) (e.g., including the space including the POL) may be filled with a third protective material (493) (e.g., the third protective material (493) of FIG. 6d). The third protective material (493) accommodates a slip phenomenon between layers of the flexible display (600) caused by the folding and unfolding motion of the electronic device (600), thereby reducing the occurrence of defects such as buckling, thereby improving the surface quality of the flexible display. In one embodiment, a fourth protective material (494) (e.g., the fourth protective material (494) of FIG. 6d) may be arranged to surround the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (600). The bending portion (432) may be secured to have durability against external impact through the fourth protective material (494).

[0150] In one embodiment, the first display portion may be an area having a first amount of movement among the back surface areas of the flexible display (640) that face the first housing (610), the second housing (620), and the third housing (630). The second display portion may be an area having a second amount of movement greater than the first amount of movement among the back surface areas of the flexible display (640). In one embodiment, a fifth protective material may be disposed between the first display portion and the housings (610, 620, 630). A sixth protective material may be disposed between the second display portion and the housings (610, 620, 630). In one embodiment, the fifth protective material may be softer than the sixth protective material. In one embodiment, since the first display portion has a relatively greater amount of movement than the second display portion, the fifth protective material may be disposed at a smaller or wider interval on the first display portion than the sixth protective material disposed on the second display portion. Conversely, since the second display portion has relatively less movement than the first display portion, the sixth protective material may be disposed on the second display portion at a closer or narrower spacing than the fifth protective material disposed on the first display portion. Accordingly, the fifth protective material and the sixth protective material may increase the durability of the flexible display (640) from external impact applied to the electronic device (600) and accommodate movement of the flexible display (640) relative to the housing (610, 620, 630). In addition, the protective material may be disposed at various locations on the flexible display (640).

[0151] FIG. 12A is a plan view of an electronic device in a slide-in state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device taken along line 12B-12B of FIG. 12A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12C is a plan view of the electronic device in a slide-out state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view of the electronic device taken along line 12D-12D of FIG. 12C according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0152] The following may be a description of an electronic device (700) of a different embodiment from the electronic device (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 10. In describing the electronic device (700) of FIG. 12A, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted. In addition, the description of the protective material (e.g., the first protective material (491), the second protective material (492), the third protective material (493), the fourth protective material (494), the fifth protective material, and / or the sixth protective material) described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 10 may be equally applied to the electronic device (700) to be described with reference to FIG. 12A. For example, a flexible display (730) (e.g., the flexible display (400) of FIG. 4A) may be classified according to the amount of movement. In one embodiment, the flexible display (730) may be divided into a first display portion having a first amount of movement and a second display portion having a second amount of movement smaller than the first amount of movement. Depending on the amount of movement of the flexible display (730), protective materials having different properties may be placed in edge areas (401, 402, 403, 404) of the flexible display (730).

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 12A to 12D , the electronic device (700) may include a first housing (710) and a second housing (720) that is slidably coupled from the first housing (710) in a designated direction and a designated reciprocating distance. In one embodiment, the electronic device (700) may include a flexible display (730) that is fixed to at least a portion of the second housing (720) and has a variable display area by being slid in or out of the internal space (7101) of the first housing (710) according to the sliding motion of the second housing (720). For example, the flexible display (730) may have a first display area when the second housing (720) is slid out from the first housing (710) in a first direction (e.g., direction ①). In one embodiment, the flexible display (730) may have a second display area smaller than the first display area when the second housing (720) is inserted in a second direction (e.g., direction ②) opposite to the first direction (e.g., direction ①).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (730) may include a first flat portion (730a) fixed to a second housing (720), a bending portion (730b) extending from the first flat portion (730a) and exposed to be visible to the outside in a pulled-out state and introduced into an internal space (7101) of the first housing (710) through a bending motion in a pulled-in state so as to be invisible to the outside, and a second flat portion (730c) extending from the bending portion (730b), not always exposed to the outside, and positioned in the internal space (7101) of the first housing (710). In one embodiment, the bending portion (730b) of the flexible display (730) needs to have durability that allows it to receive a user's pressing force while maintaining surface quality in the extended state, and excellent flexibility that allows it to flexibly bend into the internal space (7101) of the first housing (710) in the retracted state.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (730) may be divided according to the amount of movement. In one embodiment, the flexible display (730) may be divided into a first display portion having a first amount of movement and a second display portion having a second amount of movement smaller than the first amount of movement. In one embodiment, the first display portion may be a bending portion (730b) that bends according to the sliding operation of the first housing (710) and the second housing (720). The second display portion may be a first flat portion (730a) and a second flat portion (730b) that are maintained in a flat state when the electronic device (700) is sliding. In one embodiment, a first protective material (491) may be disposed on a side surface of the bending portion (730b). A second protective material (492) may be disposed on the side surfaces of the first flat portion (730a) and the second flat portion (730b). The first protective material (491) can accommodate the movement of the bending portion (730b) of the flexible display (730) and improve the lateral durability of the bending portion (730b). The second protective material (492) can improve the lateral durability of the first flat portion (730a) and the second flat portion (730b) of the flexible display (730).

[0156] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device includes a hinge device (140), a first housing (110) connected to the hinge device, a second housing (120) connected to the hinge device so as to be rotatable with respect to the first housing, and a flexible display (400) supported by the first housing and the second housing, wherein the flexible display may include a first display portion having a first amount of movement according to a rotational operation of the first housing and the second housing, a second display portion having a second amount of movement smaller than the first amount of movement according to the rotational operation of the first housing and the second housing, a first protective material (491) positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the first display portion and having a first modulus, and a second protective material (492) positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the second display portion and having a second modulus higher than the first modulus.

[0157] In addition, the first display portion may include a folding portion (130c) that is folded or unfolded together according to the rotational motion of the first housing and the second housing and on which the first protective material is positioned at a side, and the second display portion may include a flat portion (130a, 130b) that is maintained in a flat plane during the rotational motion of the first housing and the second housing and on which the second protective material is positioned at a side.

[0158] In addition, the flexible display may include a plurality of layers, the first display portion may include a first layer (S1) among the plurality of layers and be positioned above the second display portion, the second display portion may include a second layer (S2) among the plurality of layers and be positioned below the first layer, and the first protective material may be positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the first layer, and the second protective material may be positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the second layer.

[0159] Additionally, the first layer may include a window layer (410), and the second layer may include a display panel (430) positioned below the window layer.

[0160] In addition, the flexible display may include a support plate (450), and the first layer may be positioned on top of the support plate, and the second layer may be positioned on the bottom of the support plate.

[0161] Additionally, the first layer, the second layer, and the support plate may be aligned with each other at at least one edge when the flexible display is viewed in a vertical direction.

[0162] In addition, the flexible display includes a window layer (410), a display panel (430) disposed under the window layer, a flat portion of the display panel, and a bending portion (432) extending from the flat portion toward the back surface of the display panel, and the first protective material may be positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the window layer, and the second protective material may be positioned to cover at least a portion of the bending portion.

[0163] In addition, the flexible display may further include a side member (113, 123) that forms at least a part of a side surface of the electronic device and wraps around a side surface of the flexible display, and the flexible display may include a window layer (410), a display panel (430) disposed under the window layer, a bending portion (432) extending from a flat surface of the display panel toward a rear surface of the display panel, a first edge area (401) where the bending portion is located, a second edge area (402) extending in a vertical direction from the first edge area, a third edge area (403) extending from the second edge area in a direction parallel to the first edge area, and a fourth edge area (404) extending from the third edge area to the first edge area.

[0164] Additionally, it may further include a third protective material (493) positioned on at least a portion of the side of the window layer and between the window layer and the display panel.

[0165] Additionally, a fourth protective material (494) positioned to cover at least a portion of the bending portion may be further included.

[0166] In addition, the first display portion includes a folding portion (130c) that is folded or unfolded together according to the rotational motion of the first housing and the second housing and on which the first protective material is positioned at a side, and the second display portion includes a flat portion (130a, 130b) that is maintained in a flat plane and on which the second protective material is positioned at a side when the first housing and the second housing are rotated, and the shortest distance (a2-a1) between the first protective material and the side member located at the side of the folding portion in the second edge area and the fourth edge area may be greater than the shortest distance (a4-a3) between the second protective material and the side member located at the side of the flat portion in the second edge area and the fourth edge area.

[0167] In addition, the first display portion includes a folding portion (130c) that is folded or unfolded together according to the rotational motion of the first housing and the second housing and on which the first protective material is positioned at a side, and the second display portion includes a flat portion (130a, 130b) that is maintained in a flat plane during the rotational motion of the first housing and the second housing and on which the second protective material is positioned at a side, and the shortest distance (c) between the fourth protective material positioned at the bending portion and the side member may be greater than the shortest distance (a2-a1) between the first protective material positioned at the side of the folding portion and the side member in the second edge area and the fourth edge area and the shortest distance (a4-a3) between the second protective material positioned at the side of the flat portion and the side member in the second edge area and the fourth edge area.

[0168] Additionally, the first protective material may have a first hardness, and the second protective material may have a second hardness higher than the first hardness.

[0169] In addition, the electronic device may further include a side member (113, 123) that forms at least a portion of a side surface of the electronic device and surrounds a side surface of the flexible display, a support member (1131, 1231) that extends from the side member and is positioned under the flexible display, a fifth protective material positioned between the first display portion and the support member, and a sixth protective material positioned between the second display portion and the support member and having a modulus higher than a modulus of the fifth protective material.

[0170] Additionally, the first protective material may be the same as the fifth protective material, and the second protective material may be the same as the sixth protective material.

[0171] Additionally, the edges of the window layer in the second edge area and the fourth edge area may protrude further toward the side member than the edges of the plurality of layers of the flexible display arranged below the window layer.

[0172] Additionally, the edge of the window layer may extend toward the side member so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the bending portion when the flexible display is viewed vertically.

[0173] In addition, it may further include a molding part (510) arranged to surround at least a portion of the first edge area, the second edge area, the third edge area, and the fourth edge area, and at least one protective member (520) built into the molding part and arranged to surround at least a portion of the first edge area, the second edge area, the third edge area, and the fourth edge area.

[0174] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (100) includes a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a hinge device (140) that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display (400) supported by the first housing and the second housing and including a plurality of layers, wherein the flexible display may include a first layer (S1) having a first slip amount according to a folding operation and an unfolding operation of the first housing and the second housing, a second layer (S2) having a second slip amount smaller than the first slip amount according to the folding operation and the unfolding operation of the first housing and the second housing and positioned below the first layer, a first protective material (491) positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the first layer and having a first modulus, and a second protective material (492) positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the second layer and having a second modulus higher than the first modulus. there is.

[0175] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device (100) includes a first housing (110), a second housing (120), a hinge device (140) that foldably connects the first housing and the second housing, and a flexible display (400) supported by the first housing and the second housing, wherein the flexible display may include a folding portion (130c) that bends according to a folding operation of the first housing and the second housing, a flat portion (130a, 130b) that is maintained in a flat state during the folding operation of the first housing and the second housing, a first protective material (491) positioned on at least a portion of a side surface of the folding portion and having a first modulus, and a second protective material (492) positioned on at least a portion of a side surface of the flat portion and having a second modulus higher than the first modulus.

[0176] A flexible display (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be divided into a first display portion and a second display portion according to the amount of movement or deformation. A soft protective material (e.g., a first protective material (491)) may be disposed on a side of a first display portion having a relatively large amount of movement (e.g., a folding portion (130c) of a flexible display, layers having a relatively large amount of slip among a plurality of layers of a flexible display). A hard protective material (e.g., a second protective material (492)) may be disposed on a side of a second display portion having a relatively small amount of movement (e.g., a flat portion (130a, 130b) of a flexible display, layers having a relatively small amount of slip among a plurality of layers of a flexible display). Accordingly, in the flexible display (400), a portion having a relatively large amount of movement or deformation may be allowed to move or deform through the soft first protective material (491), while at the same time, durability may be improved. In the flexible display (400), the durability of a portion with relatively small movement or deformation can be improved through a hard second protective material (492).

[0177] A foldable display according to at least one embodiment may include a first layer and a second layer, the first layer being arranged adjacent to the second layer such that a corner is formed where the first layer and the second layer meet, and the foldable display further includes: a first protective material arranged to cover a first area of ​​the corner; and a second protective material arranged to cover a second area of ​​the corner.

[0178] The first protective material can cover both the first layer and the second layer. The second protective material can cover both the first layer and the second layer.

[0179] The first and second layers may include a window layer, a polarizing layer, a display panel, a polymer layer, a support plate, and a reinforcement plate. The display may include additional layers.

[0180] In a foldable display according to an embodiment, a first protective material may have a first modulus, and a second layer material may have a second layer modulus greater than the first modulus. The second protective material may be relatively harder than the first protective material. The second protective material may be relatively less elastic than the first protective material. The first protective material may exhibit greater elastic deformation under an equivalent load than the second protective material. The first protective material may exhibit greater elastic deformation under an equivalent load than the second protective material when measured in a direction parallel to an edge.

[0181] In an embodiment, the foldable display may be arranged to have a greater degree of movement in a first region than in a second region. The foldable display may be arranged to be bent, hinged, or otherwise deformed in the first region. The second region may be relatively rigidly maintained compared to the first region during use. The first region may correspond to a hinge member that supports the foldable display. The second region may correspond to one or more support members that support the foldable display and are attached to the hinge member.

[0182] In a portion of the second region of the foldable display, the first layer may include a curved portion extending beyond the second layer and surrounding an edge, and the third protective material may be arranged to cover at least a portion of an outer surface of the curved portion. The third protective material may have a third modulus different from the first modulus and the second modulus. The fourth protective material may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the outer surface of the curved portion. The fourth protective material may have a fourth modulus different from the first modulus, the second modulus, and the third modulus.

[0183] An electronic device according to at least one embodiment may include the foldable display described above. The electronic device may also include a housing supporting the foldable display. The housing may include a hinge member corresponding to a first region of the edge. The housing may include one or more support members corresponding to a second region of the edge. The housing may include a side member arranged adjacent to at least one of the first and second protective materials on a side of the protective material opposite the display. The side member may not contact the protective material.

[0184] It should be noted that all of the embodiments and their technical features described above can potentially be combined with each other in any and all combinations, as long as there is no conflict between the two embodiments or features. That is, each and every combination of two or more of the embodiments described above is contemplated and encompassed by this disclosure. One or more features of any embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, providing a corresponding advantage or advantages.

[0185] In addition, various effects may be provided, either directly or indirectly, through this document.

[0186] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (100), Hinge device (140); A first housing (110) connected to the above hinge device; A second housing (120) connected to the hinge device so as to be rotatable relative to the first housing; and A flexible display (400) supported by the first housing and the second housing; The above flexible display, A first display portion having a first amount of movement according to the rotational motion of the first housing and the second housing; A second display portion having a second movement amount smaller than the first movement amount according to the rotational motion of the first housing and the second housing; A first protective material (491) positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the first display portion and having a first modulus, and An electronic device comprising a second protective material (492) positioned to cover at least a portion of a side surface of the second display portion and having a second modulus higher than the first modulus.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first display portion, It includes a folding part (130c) that is folded or unfolded together according to the rotational motion of the first housing and the second housing and on which the first protective material is positioned on the side. The above second display part, An electronic device including a flat portion (130a, 130b) that is maintained in a flat plane and has the second protective material positioned on the side when the first housing and the second housing rotate.

3. In paragraph 1, The above flexible display, Contains multiple layers, The above first display portion, A first layer (S1) among the above multiple layers is included and is located on the upper part of the second display portion, The above second display part, Including a second layer (S2) located below the first layer among the above multiple layers, The above first protective material is, positioned so as to cover at least a portion of the side surface of the first layer; The above second protective material is, An electronic device positioned so as to at least partially cover a side surface of the second layer.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first layer, Including a window layer (410), The second layer above, An electronic device including a display panel (430) positioned below the window layer.

5. In paragraph 3, The above flexible display, Including a support plate (450), The above first layer, located on the upper part of the above support plate, The second layer above, An electronic device positioned at the bottom of the above support plate.

6. In paragraph 5, The above first layer, the above second layer and the above support plate, Electronic devices aligned with each other at at least one edge when viewing the flexible display from a vertical direction.

7. In paragraph 1, The above flexible display, Windows layer (410), A display panel (430) positioned below the above window layer; It includes a flat surface of the display panel and a bending portion (432) extending from the flat surface toward the back surface of the display panel, The above first protective material is, positioned so as to cover at least a portion of the side surface of the above window layer; The above second protective material is, An electronic device positioned to partially cover at least a portion of the above bending portion.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a side member (113, 123) forming at least a portion of a side surface of the electronic device and wrapping the side surface of the flexible display; The above flexible display, Windows layer (410), A display panel (430) positioned below the above window layer; A bending portion (432) extending from the flat surface of the display panel toward the back surface of the display panel; The first edge area (401) where the above bending portion is located, A second edge area (402) extending in a vertical direction from the first edge area, A third edge area (403) extending from the second edge area in a direction parallel to the first edge area, and An electronic device comprising a fourth edge area (404) extending from the third edge area to the first edge area.

9. In paragraph 8, At least a portion of the side surface of the window layer, and a third protective material (493) positioned between the window layer and the display panel; and An electronic device further comprising a fourth protective material (494) positioned to cover at least a portion of the bending portion.

10. In paragraph 9, The above first display portion, It includes a folding part (130c) that is folded or unfolded together according to the rotational motion of the first housing and the second housing and on which the first protective material is positioned on the side. The above second display part, When the first housing and the second housing rotate, it includes a flat portion (130a, 130b) that is maintained in a flat plane and on which the second protective material is positioned on the side. An electronic device in which the shortest distance (a2-a1) between the first protective material and the side member located on the side of the folding portion in the second edge area and the fourth edge area is greater than the shortest distance (a4-a3) between the second protective material and the side member located on the side of the flat portion in the second edge area and the fourth edge area.

11. In paragraph 10, The above first display portion, It includes a folding part (130c) that is folded or unfolded together according to the rotational motion of the first housing and the second housing and on which the first protective material is positioned on the side. The above second display part, When the first housing and the second housing rotate, it includes a flat portion (130a, 130b) that is maintained in a flat plane and on which the second protective material is positioned on the side. The shortest distance (c) between the fourth protective material located at the above bending portion and the side member is An electronic device wherein the shortest distance (a2-a1) between the first protective material and the side member located on the side of the folding portion in the second edge area and the fourth edge area is greater than the shortest distance (a4-a3) between the second protective material and the side member located on the side of the flat portion in the second edge area and the fourth edge area.

12. In paragraph 1, A side member (113, 123) forming at least a portion of a side surface of the electronic device and wrapping the side surface of the flexible display; A support member (1131, 1231) extending from the side member and positioned below the flexible display; A fifth protective material positioned between the first display portion and the support member; and An electronic device further comprising a sixth protective material positioned between the second display portion and the support member and having a modulus higher than a modulus of the fifth protective material.

13. In paragraph 12, The above first protective material is identical to the above fifth protective material, The above second protective material is the same electronic device as the above sixth protective material.

14. In paragraph 8, The edge of the window layer in the second edge area and the fourth edge area is, An electronic device that protrudes further toward the side member than the edges of the plurality of layers of the flexible display arranged below the window layer.

15. In paragraph 8, The very edge of the above window layer is, An electronic device extending toward the side member so that at least a portion overlaps the bending portion when the flexible display is viewed vertically.

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