Electronic device comprising flexible display support structure

Abstract

This electronic device comprises a display, a hinge structure, a support plate, a first reinforcement plate and a second reinforcement plate. The display includes: a first flat part; a second flat part facing the first flat part in a state in which the electronic device is folded; and a folding part positioned between the first flat part and the second flat part. The hinge structure, which is below the folding part, includes a hinge bracket, a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate. The first hinge plate and the second hinge plate are rotatably connected to the hinge structure so that the folding part folds or unfolds. The support plate includes a plurality of openings positioned between the hinge structure and the folding part and extends across the folding part from the first flat part to the second flat part. The front surface of the support plate is attached to the rear surface of the display. The first reinforcement plate is positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and is attached to the first hinge plate. The second reinforcement plate is positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and is attached to the rear surface of the support plate. Other various embodiments are possible.

Description

An electronic device including a support structure for a flexible display

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device including a support structure for a flexible display.

[0002] With the advancement of mobile technology, foldable smartphones are being developed, combining the wide display of a tablet with the compact form factor of a smartphone. A key technology in these foldable devices is flexible display technology, which allows the device to be folded or unfolded without damaging the screen. In particular, because the shape of the folded portion of the display (i.e., the folding area) changes depending on the folding or unfolding motion, it can be difficult to apply a structure that can firmly support it. Therefore, maintaining flexibility while improving the visual quality (or surface quality) and durability of the folding area, where mechanical stress is concentrated, is a critical technical challenge.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art in connection with the present disclosure.

[0004] In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a display, a hinge structure, a support plate, a first reinforcing plate, and a second reinforcing plate. The display may include a first planar portion, a second planar portion facing the first planar portion when the electronic device is folded, and a folding portion positioned between the first planar portion and the second planar portion. The hinge structure below the folding portion may include a hinge bracket, a first hinge plate, and a second hinge plate. The first hinge plate and the second hinge plate may be configured to be rotatably connected to the hinge structure to fold or unfold the folding portion. The support plate may include a plurality of openings positioned between the hinge structure and the folding portion. The support plate may extend across the folding portion from the first planar portion to the second planar portion. A front surface of the support plate may be attached to a back surface of the display. The first reinforcing plate may be positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure. The first reinforcing plate may be attached to the first hinge plate. The second reinforcing plate may be positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure. The second reinforcing plate may be attached to the back surface of the support plate.

[0005] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a display, a hinge structure, a support plate, a second plate, a first reinforcing plate, and a second reinforcing plate. The display may include a first planar portion, a second planar portion spaced apart from the first planar portion, and a folding portion connecting the first planar portion to the second planar portion. The hinge structure below the folding portion may include a hinge bracket, a first hinge plate, and a second hinge plate. The first hinge plate and the second hinge plate may be configured to fold or unfold the folding portion by being rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket. The support plate may include a plurality of openings positioned between the hinge structure and the folding portion, and may extend across the folding portion from the first planar portion to the second planar portion. A front surface of the support plate may be attached to a back surface of the display. The first plate may include a first portion attached to a back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the first planar portion, and a second portion attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the second planar portion and disconnected from the first portion. The first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate may be positioned between the first portion and the second portion of the first plate, and may be positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure. The hinge structure may be changeable between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state, a first direction toward which one side of the first planar portion faces may be the same as a second direction toward which one side of the second planar portion faces, and in the folded state, the first direction may be opposite to the second direction. The support plate may include a first section, a second section, and a third section below the folding section. The first section may extend from the second section to the third section.The first section may include the plurality of openings. The second section and the third section may be maintained flat within the folded state and the unfolded state. Within the unfolded state, the first hinge plate may be aligned with the second section, and the second hinge plate may be aligned with the third section. The first reinforcing plate may be attached to the second section of the support plate or the first hinge plate. The second reinforcing plate may be attached to the third section of the support plate or the second hinge plate.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0007] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a folded state of an exemplary electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2c is an exploded view of an exemplary electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2d illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2e illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2f is an exploded view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3c is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3e is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 3f is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 3g is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 3h is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 4b is a plan view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 5b is a plan view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 5c is a plan view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0031] The processor (120) may control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing, for example, software (e.g., a program (140)), and may perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor (120) may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the command or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0032] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a part of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0033] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0034] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0035] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0036] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0037] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0038] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0039] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0040] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0041] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0042] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0043] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0044] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0045] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0046] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0047] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0048] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0049] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0050] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0051] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service by itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0052] FIG. 2A illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2C is an exploded view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, an electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a display (230), at least one camera (240) (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1), a hinge structure (250), and / or at least one electronic component (260).

[0054] The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device (200) that can be gripped by a user. At least a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device (200) defined by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may come into contact with a portion of the user's body when the electronic device (200) is used by the user. According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first surface (211), a second surface (212) facing the first surface (211) and spaced apart from the first surface (211), and a first side surface (213) enclosing at least a portion of the first surface (211) and the second surface (212). The first side surface (213) may connect a periphery of the first surface (211) and a periphery of the second surface (212). The first surface (211), the second surface (212), and the first side surface (213) may define an internal space of the first housing (210). According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may provide a space formed by the first surface (211), the second surface (212), and the first side surface (213) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (200).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a third face (221), a fourth face (222) facing the third face (221) and spaced apart from the third face (221), and a second side (223) surrounding at least a portion of the third face (221) and the fourth face (222). The second side (223) may connect a periphery of the third face (221) and a periphery of the fourth face (222). The third face (221), the fourth face (222), and the second side (223) may define an interior space of the second housing (220). According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may provide a space formed by the third side (221), the fourth side (222), and the second side (223) surrounding at least a portion of the third side (221) and the fourth side (222) as a space for mounting components of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the second housing (220) may be coupled to the first housing (210) so as to be rotatable with respect to the first housing (210).

[0056] According to one embodiment, each of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may include a first protective member (214) and a second protective member (224), respectively. The first protective member (214) and the second protective member (224) may be disposed on the first side (211) and the third side (221) along the periphery of the display (230). According to one embodiment, the first protective member (214) and the second protective member (224) may prevent foreign substances (e.g., dust or moisture) from entering through the gap between the display (230) and the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the first protective member (214) may surround the edge of the first display area (231) of the display (230), and the second protective member (224) may surround the edge of the second display area (232) of the display (230). The first protective member (214) may be formed by being attached to the first side (213) of the first housing (210), or may be formed integrally with the first side (213). The second protective member (224) may be formed by being attached to the second side (223) of the second housing (220), or may be formed integrally with the second side (223).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first side (213) and the second side (223) may include a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof. For example, the second side (223) may include at least one conductive member (225) and at least one non-conductive member (226). The at least one conductive member (225) may include a plurality of conductive members that are each spaced apart from each other. The at least one non-conductive member (226) may be disposed between the plurality of conductive members. The plurality of conductive members may be isolated from each other by the at least one non-conductive member (226) disposed between the plurality of conductive members. According to one embodiment, the plurality of conductive members and the plurality of non-conductive members may together form an antenna radiator. The electronic device (200) may be capable of communicating with an external electronic device through the antenna radiator formed by the plurality of conductive members and the plurality of non-conductive members.

[0058] The display (230) may be configured to display visual information. According to one embodiment, the display (230) may be disposed on a first surface (211) of the first housing (210) and a third surface (221) of the second housing (220) across the hinge structure (250). For example, the display (230) may include a first display area (231) disposed on the first surface (211) of the first housing, a second display area (232) disposed on the third surface (221) of the second housing, and a third display area (233) disposed between the first display area (231) and the second display area (232). The first display area (231), the second display area (232), and the third display area (233) may form a front surface of the display (230). According to one embodiment, the display (230) may further include a sub-display panel (235) disposed on the fourth side (222) of the second housing (220). For example, the display (230) may be referred to as a flexible display. According to one embodiment, the display (230) may include a window exposed toward the outside of the electronic device (200). The window may protect the surface of the display (230) and may include a substantially transparent material to transmit visual information provided by the display (230) to the outside of the electronic device (200). For example, the window may include, but is not limited to, glass (e.g., UTG, ultra-thin glass) and / or a polymer (e.g., PI, polyimide).

[0059] At least one camera (240) may be configured to acquire an image based on receiving light from a subject external to the electronic device (200). According to one embodiment, the at least one camera (240) may include first cameras (241), second cameras (242), and third cameras (243). The first cameras (241) may be disposed in the first housing (210). For example, the first cameras (241) may be disposed inside the first housing (210) and at least a portion of the first cameras (241) may be visible through the second side (212) of the first housing (210). The first cameras (241) may be supported by a bracket (not shown) within the first housing (210). The first housing (210) may include at least one opening (241a) that overlaps the first cameras (241) when viewed from above on the second side (212). The first cameras (241) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the electronic device (200) through the at least one opening (241a).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the second camera (242) may be disposed in the second housing (220). For example, the second camera (242) may be disposed inside the second housing (220) and may be visible through the sub-display panel (235). The second housing (220) may include at least one opening (242a) that overlaps the second camera (242) when the fourth surface (222) is viewed from above. The second camera (242) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the electronic device (200) through the at least one opening (242a).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the third camera (243) may be disposed in the first housing (210). For example, the third camera (243) may be disposed inside the first housing (210) and at least a portion thereof may be visible through the first surface (211) of the first housing (210). As another example, the third camera (243) may be disposed inside the first housing (210) and at least a portion thereof may be visible through the first display area (231) of the display (230). The first display area (231) of the display (230) may include at least one opening (not shown) that overlaps the third camera (243) when the display (230) is viewed from above. The third camera (243) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the display (230) through the at least one opening.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be positioned below the display (230) (e.g., toward the inside of the first housing (210) or the inside of the second housing (220). For example, the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be under-display cameras (UDCs). When the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are under-display cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243), respectively, may not be an inactive area. For example, when the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are under-display cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the respective positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may have a lower pixel density than the pixel density of other areas of the display (230). The inactive area of ​​the display (230) may mean an area of ​​the display (230) that does not include pixels or does not emit light to the outside of the electronic device (200). As another example, the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be punch-hole cameras. When the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are punch-hole cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the respective positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be an inactive area. For example, if the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are punch hole cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the positions of each of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may include an opening that does not include pixels.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (250) can rotatably connect the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The hinge structure (250) can be disposed between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) of the electronic device (101) so that the electronic device (200) can be bent, curved, or folded. For example, the hinge structure (250) can be disposed between a portion of the first side (213) and a portion of the second side (223) that face each other. The hinge structure (250) can change the electronic device (200) into an unfolding state in which the first surface (211) of the first housing (210) and the third surface (221) of the second housing (220) are facing in substantially the same direction, or into a folding state in which the first surface (211) and the third surface (221) face each other. When the electronic device (200) is in a folding state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be folded or overlapped by facing each other.

[0064] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first side (211) faces and the direction in which the third side (221) faces may be different from each other. For example, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first side (211) faces and the direction in which the third side (221) faces may be opposite to each other. For another example, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first side (211) faces and the direction in which the third side (221) faces may be inclined with respect to each other. When the direction in which the first side (211) faces is inclined with respect to the direction in which the third side (221) faces, the first housing (210) may be inclined with respect to the second housing (220).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may be foldable based on a folding axis (f). The folding axis (f) may refer to a virtual line extending through the hinge cover (251) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (200) (e.g., d1 in FIGS. 2A and 2B), but is not limited thereto. For example, the folding axis (f) may be a virtual line extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (200) (e.g., d2 in FIGS. 2A and 2B). When the folding axis (f) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (200), the hinge structure (250) may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis (f) to connect the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be rotatable by a hinge structure (250) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (200).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (250) may include a hinge cover (251), a first hinge plate (252), a second hinge plate (253), and a hinge module (254). The hinge cover (251) may surround internal components of the hinge structure (250) and form an outer surface of the hinge structure (250). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (251) surrounding the hinge structure (250) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200) through a space between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state. According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (251) may be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may not be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200). The first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) may be referred to as a first wing plate and a second wing plate.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) may be coupled with the first housing (210) and the second housing (220), respectively, thereby rotatably connecting the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). For example, the first hinge plate (252) may be coupled with the first front bracket (215) of the first housing (210), and the second hinge plate (253) may be coupled with the second front bracket (227) of the second housing (220). As the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) are coupled to the first front bracket (215) and the second front bracket (227), respectively, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) can be rotated according to the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253).

[0068] The hinge module (254) can rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253). For example, the hinge module (254) can rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) about the folding axis (f) by including gears that are interlocked with each other and can rotate. According to one embodiment, the hinge modules (254) can be plural. For example, the plurality of hinge modules (254) can be arranged spaced apart from each other at both ends of the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253), respectively.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first front bracket (215) and a first rear bracket (216), and the second housing (220) may include a second front bracket (227) and a second rear bracket (228). The first front bracket (215) and the first rear bracket (216) may support components of the electronic device (200). The first front bracket (215) may define the first housing (210) by being coupled with the first rear bracket (216). The first rear bracket (216) may define a portion of an outer surface of the first housing (210). The second front bracket (227) and the second rear bracket (228) may support components of the electronic device (200). The second front bracket (227) can define a second housing (220) by being coupled with the second rear bracket (228). The second rear bracket (228) can define a portion of an outer surface of the second housing (220). For example, the display (230) can be disposed on one side of the first front bracket (215) and one side of the second front bracket (227). The first rear bracket (216) can be disposed on the other side of the first front bracket (215) opposite the one side of the first front bracket (215). The second rear bracket (228) can be disposed on the other side of the second front bracket (227) opposite the one side of the second front bracket (227). The sub display panel (235) can be placed between the second front bracket (227) and the second rear bracket (228).

[0070] In one embodiment, a portion of the first front bracket (215) may be surrounded by the first side (213), and a portion of the second front bracket (227) may be surrounded by the second side (223). For example, the first front bracket (215) may be formed integrally with the first side (213), and the second front bracket (227) may be formed integrally with the second side (223). In another example, the first front bracket (215) may be formed separately from the first side (213), and the second front bracket (227) may be formed separately from the second side (223).

[0071] At least one electronic component (260) may implement various functions to be provided to a user. According to one embodiment, at least one electronic component (260) may include a printed circuit board (261), a printed circuit board (262), a flexible printed circuit board (263), a battery (264) (e.g., the battery (189) of FIG. 1), and / or an antenna (265) (e.g., the antenna module (197) of FIG. 1). The printed circuit board (261) and the printed circuit board (262) may each form an electrical connection between components within the electronic device (200). For example, components for implementing the overall function of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) may be arranged on the printed circuit board (261), and electronic components for implementing some functions of the printed circuit board (261) may be arranged on the printed circuit board (262). For another example, components for the operation of a sub-display panel (235) placed on the fourth side (222) of a printed circuit board (262) may be placed.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board (261) may be disposed within the first housing (210). For example, the printed circuit board (261) may be disposed on one surface of the first front bracket (215). According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board (262) may be disposed within the second housing (220). For example, the printed circuit board (262) may be spaced apart from the printed circuit board (261) and disposed on one surface of the second front bracket (227). A flexible printed circuit board (263) may connect the printed circuit board (261) and the printed circuit board (262). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (263) may extend from the printed circuit board (261) to the printed circuit board (262).

[0073] The battery (264) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (200), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery (264) may be arranged substantially on the same plane as the printed circuit board (261) or the printed circuit board (262).

[0074] The antenna (265) may be configured to receive power or a signal from outside the electronic device (200). According to one embodiment, the antenna (265) may be disposed between the first rear bracket (216) and the battery (264). The antenna (265) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, an antenna module, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna (265) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

[0075] Meanwhile, in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the electronic device (200) is illustrated as a device that operates in an infold manner in which the display (230) is not exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200) within the folded state of the electronic device (200), but is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (200) may operate in an outfold manner in which the display (230) is exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200) within the folded state of the electronic device (200). For example, when the electronic device (200) is an outfoldable device, the first display area (231), the second display area (232), and the third display area (233) of the display (230) may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200) within the folded state of the electronic device (200). For another example, the electronic device (200) may operate in an in-and-out manner, which allows both the out-fold manner and the in-fold manner. For another example, the electronic device (200) may further include a third housing rotatably connected to the first housing (210) or the second housing (220). In this case, the electronic device (200) may further include another hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure (250)) that rotatably connects the third housing to the first housing (210) or the second housing (220). The other hinge structure may be configured in an in-fold manner, an out-fold manner, or an in-and-out manner, similar to that described above.

[0076] Although FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate that the electronic device (200) in the unfolded state has a long side and a short side and is folded about a folding axis (f) parallel to the long side, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, unlike the illustration, the electronic device (200) (e.g., the electronic device (1101) of FIG. 2D) may be configured to be folded about a folding axis parallel to the short side (e.g., a folding axis perpendicular to the folding axis (f)).

[0077] FIG. 2d illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2e illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2f is an exploded view of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 2D, 2E, and 2F, an electronic device (1101) (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A) may include a first housing (1210) (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 2A), a second housing (1220) (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 2A), and a flexible display panel (1230) (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2A).

[0079] In one embodiment, the first housing (1210) may include a first face (1211), a second face (1212) facing away from the first face (1211), and a first side (1213) enclosing at least a portion of the first face (1211) and the second face (1212). In one embodiment, the second face (1212) may further include at least one camera (1234) (e.g., at least one camera (241) of FIG. 2A) and a display panel (1235) (e.g., the sub-display panel (235) of FIG. 2A) exposed through a portion of the second face (1212). In one embodiment, the first housing (1210) may include a first protective member (1310-1) (e.g., the first protective member (214) of FIG. 2A) and a second protective member (1310-2) (e.g., the second protective member (224) of FIG. 2A) disposed along an edge of the first face (1211). In one embodiment, the first housing (1210) may provide a space formed by the first face (1211), the second face (1212), and the side surface (1213) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (1101). In one embodiment, the first side surface (1213) and the second side surface (1223) may include a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof. For example, the second side (1223) may include a conductive member (1228) and a non-conductive member (1229). The conductive member (1228) may include a plurality of conductive members, and the plurality of conductive members may be spaced apart from each other. The non-conductive member (1229) may be disposed between the plurality of conductive members. An antenna structure may be formed by some or a combination of the plurality of conductive members and the plurality of non-conductive members.

[0080] In one embodiment, the second housing (1220) may include a third face (1221), a fourth face (1222) facing and spaced from the third face (1221), and a second side (1223) surrounding at least a portion of the third face (1221) and the fourth face (1222). In one embodiment, the fourth face (1222) may further include a back plate (1290) (e.g., the first back bracket (216) of FIG. 2C) disposed on the fourth face (1222). According to one embodiment, each of the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) may include a first protective member (1310-1) and a second protective member (1310-2), respectively. The first protective member (1310-1) and the second protective member (1310-2) may be disposed on the first side (1211) and the third side (1221) along the periphery of the flexible display panel (1230). The first protective member (1310-1) and the second protective member (1310-2) may reduce the inflow of foreign substances (e.g., dust or moisture) through the gap between the flexible display panel (1230) and the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220). The first protective member (1310-1) may be disposed along the periphery of the first display area (1231), and the second protective member (1310-2) may be disposed along the periphery of the second display area (1232). The first protective member (1310-1) may be formed by being attached to the first side (1213) of the first housing (1210) or may be formed integrally with the first side (1213). The second protective member (1310-2) may be formed by being attached to the second side (1223) of the second housing (1220) or may be formed integrally with the second side (1223).

[0081] In one embodiment, the second side (1223) can be pivotally connected to the first side (1213) via a hinge structure (1260) (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2c) disposed on a hinge cover (1265) (e.g., the hinge cover (251) of FIG. 2c). The hinge structure (1260) can include a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module (254) of FIG. 2c or the hinge bracket (342) of FIG. 3b) and a hinge plate. The hinge plate can include a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (252) of FIG. 2c) and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (253) of FIG. 2c). The first hinge plate may be connected to the first housing (1210), and the second hinge plate may be connected to the second housing (1220). In one embodiment, the second housing (1220) may provide a space formed by a third surface (1221), a fourth surface (1222) facing and spaced from the third surface (1221), and a side surface (1223) surrounding at least a portion of the third surface (1221) and the fourth surface (1222), as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (1101). In one embodiment, the flexible display panel (1230) may include a window exposed to the outside. The window may protect a surface of the flexible display panel (1230) and may be formed of a transparent material to transmit visual information provided from the flexible display panel (1230) to the outside. The above window may include a glass material such as ultra-thin glass (UTG) or a polymer material such as polyimide (PI). In one embodiment, the flexible display panel (1230) may be disposed on the first side (1211) of the first housing (1210) and the third side (1221) of the second housing (1220) across the hinge cover (1265).The flexible display panel (1230) may include a first display area (1231) disposed on a first surface (1211) of the first housing, a second display area (1232) disposed on a third surface (1221) of the second housing, and a third display area (1233) between the first display area (1231) and the second display area (1232). The first display area (1231), the second display area (1232), and the third display area (1233) may form the front surface of the flexible display panel (1230).

[0082] According to one embodiment, an opening may be formed in a portion of a screen display area of ​​the flexible display panel (1230), or a recess or opening may be formed in a support member (e.g., a bracket) that supports the flexible display panel (1230). The electronic device (1101) may include at least one camera aligned with the recess or opening. For example, the first display area (1231) may further include at least one camera (1236) that can acquire an image from the outside through a portion of the first display area (1231). According to one embodiment, at least one camera (1236) may be included on the back of the flexible display panel (1230) corresponding to the first display area (1231) or the second display area (1232) of the flexible display panel (1230). For example, at least one camera (1236) may be positioned below the flexible display panel (1230) and may be wrapped by the flexible display panel (1230). The at least one camera (1236) may be wrapped by the flexible display panel (1230) and may not be exposed to the outside. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the flexible display panel (1230) may include an opening that exposes the at least one camera (1236) to the outside. Although not shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E , in one embodiment, the flexible display panel (1230) may further include a rear surface opposite the front surface. In one embodiment, the flexible display panel (1230) may be supported by a first support member (1270) of the first housing (1210) and a second support member (1280) of the second housing (1220).

[0083] In one embodiment, the hinge structure (1260) may be configured to form a first housing (1210), rotatably connect a first support member (1270) that is fastened to the first hinge plate, and a second housing (1220) that is fastened to the second hinge plate, and a second support member (1280).

[0084] In one embodiment, the hinge cover (1265) surrounding the hinge structure (1260) may be at least partially exposed between the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) while the electronic device (1101) is in a folded state. In another embodiment, the hinge cover (1265) may be covered by the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) while the electronic device (1101) is in an unfolded state.

[0085] In one embodiment, the electronic device (1101) can be folded about a folding axis (1237) passing through a hinge cover (1265). For example, the hinge cover (1265) can be disposed between a first housing (1210) and a second housing (1220) of the electronic device (1101) to enable the electronic device (1101) to be bent, curved, or folded. For example, the first housing (1210) is connected to the second housing (1220) through a hinge structure (1260) disposed in the hinge cover (1265) and can rotate about the folding axis (1237).

[0086] In one embodiment, the electronic device (1101) can be folded such that the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) face each other by rotating about the folding axis (1237). In one embodiment, the electronic device (1101) can be folded such that the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) cover or overlap each other.

[0087] An electronic device (1101) may include a first housing (1210), a second housing (1220), a hinge structure (1260), a flexible display panel (1230), a printed circuit board (1250), a display panel (1235), a back plate (1290), and a protective member (1310).

[0088] The hinge structure (1260) may include a hinge module and a hinge plate. The hinge module may include a hinge gear that allows the first housing (1210) and the second housing (1220) to pivot.

[0089] The first housing (1210) may include a first support member (1270) and a second support member (1280). The first support member (1270) may be partially surrounded by the first side (1213), and the second support member (1280) may be partially surrounded by the second side (1223). The first support member (1270) may be formed integrally with the first side (1213), and the second support member (1280) may be formed integrally with the second side (1223). According to one embodiment, the first support member (1270) may be formed separately from the first side (1213), and the second support member (1280) may be formed separately from the second side (1223). The first side (1213) and the second side (1223) are formed of a metallic material, a non-metallic material, or a combination thereof, and can be used as an antenna.

[0090] The first support member (1270) may be coupled to a flexible display panel (1230) on one side and to a display panel (1235) on the other side. The second support member (1280) may be coupled to a flexible display panel (1230) on one side and to a rear plate (1290) on the other side.

[0091] A printed circuit board (1250) and a battery may be placed between the surface formed by the first support member (1270) and the second support member (1280) and the surface formed by the display panel (1235) and the rear plate (1290). The printed circuit board (1250) may be separated so that it may be placed on each of the first support member (1270) of the first housing (1210) and the second support member (1280) of the second housing (1220). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (1101) may be placed on the printed circuit board (1250).

[0092] A protective member (1310) may be disposed along an edge of a flexible display panel (1230). The protective member (1310) may reduce damage caused by contact between the first display area (1231) and the second display area (1232) of the flexible display panel (1230) as the electronic device (1101) is converted to a folded state. The protective member (1310) may include a first protective member (1310-1) and a second protective member (1310-2). The first protective member (1310-1) may be disposed on the first housing (1210), and the second protective member (1310-2) may be disposed on the second housing (1220). An impact-absorbing member (1320) may be disposed on the protective member (1310). The shock absorbing member (1320) can be disposed on either the first protective member (1310-1) or the second protective member (1310-2), or can be disposed on both the first protective member (1310-1) and the second protective member (1310-2). The shock absorbing member (1320) can be disposed on the second protective member (1310-2). For example, the shock absorbing member (1320) can include the first shock absorbing member (1320-1) and the second shock absorbing member (1320-2). As illustrated in FIG. 2F, the first shock absorbing member (1320-1) and the second shock absorbing member (1320-2) can be disposed on the second protective member (1310-2). Unlike the city, the first shock mitigating member (1320-1) or the second shock mitigating member (1320-2) may be disposed on the first protective member (1310-1), or the shock mitigating member (1320) may further include other shock mitigating members disposed on the first protective member (1310-1).

[0093] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in a folded state according to an embodiment. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. In the following, redundant descriptions of components having the same reference numerals as those described above may be omitted.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, a display (230) (e.g., display (1230) of FIG. 2D) of an electronic device (200) (e.g., electronic device (1101) of FIG. 2D) may include a front surface that at least partially forms one side of the electronic device (200) (e.g., first side (211) and third side (221) of FIG. 2A or first side (1211) and third side (1221) of FIG. 2D) and a back surface opposite the front surface. In one embodiment, the display (230) may include a first planar portion (31) (e.g., the first display area (231) of FIG. 2A or the first display area (1231) of FIG. 2D), a second planar portion (32) spaced apart from the first planar portion (31) (e.g., the second display area (232) of FIG. 2A or the second display area (1232) of FIG. 2D), and a folding portion (33) connecting the first planar portion (31) to the second planar portion (32) (e.g., the third display area (233) of FIG. 2A or the third display area (1233) of FIG. 2D). The first flat portion (31) can be supported by the first housing (or first bracket) (210) (e.g., the first housing (1210) of FIG. 2d), and the second flat portion (32) can be supported by the second housing (or second bracket) (220) (e.g., the second housing (1220) of FIG. 2d).

[0095] An electronic device (200) according to an embodiment may include an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3a) and a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3b). The unfolded state may be a state in which a first direction toward which one surface (e.g., the front surface) of a first planar portion (31) of a display (230) faces and a second direction toward which one surface (e.g., the front surface) of a second planar portion (32) faces are substantially the same. The folded state may be a state in which the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other. The electronic device (200) may change between the unfolded state and the folded state. In the present disclosure, the directions of the first direction and the second direction in the unfolded state may be regarded as a positive vertical direction, and thus, references to components being above or below / under other components indicate relative positions of the components with respect to this direction. The direction perpendicular to the first and second directions in the unfolded state and perpendicular to the folding axis of the display (e.g., the folding axis (f) in FIG. 2a) can be considered as the horizontal direction.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first planar portion (31) and the second planar portion (32) can be maintained substantially flat in the folded state or the unfolded state of the electronic device (200). The folding portion (33) can be maintained substantially flat in the unfolded state of the electronic device (200) and can be bent as the electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0097] An electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a first plate (310) extending from a first planar portion (31) of a display (230) across a folding portion (33) to a second planar portion (32). The first plate (310) may be referred to as a support plate. The first plate (310) may include a front surface (310A) facing the display (230), a back surface (310B) opposite the front surface (310A), and a plurality of openings (315) formed between the front surface (310A) and the back surface (310B) so as to penetrate the first plate (310). The plurality of openings (315) may be positioned between the folding portion (33) and a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C or the hinge structure (1260) of FIG. 2F). For example, a region of the first plate (310) including a plurality of openings (315) may at least partially overlap the folding portion (33) and the hinge structure (250) with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., with respect to the vertical direction). The first plate (310) may be formed of a thickness and material capable of supporting the display (230) in the unfolded state while allowing bending of the display (230) in the folded state. For example, the thickness of the first plate (310) may be about 100 μm or less, but is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the width (or the length of the first section (11)) of the plurality of openings (315) of the first plate (310) may be about 11.15 μm, but is not limited thereto. The first plate (310) may be formed of, but is not limited to, a metal such as stainless steel or a plastic such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

[0098] In one embodiment, the first plate (310) may be disposed on the back surface of the display (230). For example, the front surface (310A) of the first plate (310) may be partially attached to the back surface of the display (230) via an adhesive member. For example, the first section (11) of the first plate (310), which includes a plurality of openings (315), may not be attached to the display (230). In this case, the adhesive member may include a first adhesive member that attaches the second section (12), the third section (13), and the sixth section (16) of the first plate (310) to the display (230), and a second adhesive member that is at least partially disconnected from the first adhesive member and attaches the fourth section (14), the fifth section (15), and the seventh section (17) of the first plate (310) to the display (230). The adhesive member may include, but is not limited to, a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), for example.

[0099] In one embodiment, the first plate (310) may include a first section (11), a second section (12), a third section (13), a fourth section (14), a fifth section (15), a sixth section (16), and a seventh section (17).

[0100] In one embodiment, the first section (11), the second section (12), the third section (13), the fourth section (14), and the fifth section (15) may be positioned below the folding section (33) of the display (230). The first section (11) may include a plurality of openings (315). By forming the plurality of openings (315) in the first section (11), the folding section (33) may not be prevented from bending when folded, and the folding section (33) may be stably supported in the unfolded state. The first section (11) may be positioned between the second section (12) and the fourth section (14). For example, the second section (12) may extend from one side of the first section (11), and the fourth section (14) may extend from another side of the first section (11). The second section (12) may extend from the first section (11) to the third section (13). The third section (13) may extend from the second section (12) to the first flat portion (31) of the display (230). The fourth section (14) may extend from the first section (11) to the fifth section (15). The fifth section (15) may extend from the fourth section (14) to the second flat portion (32) of the display (230).

[0101] In one embodiment, the first section (11), the third section (13), and the fifth section (15) can be bent together with the folding portion (33) in the folded state. In the folded state, the degree to which the first section (11) is bent may be greater than the degrees to which the third section (13) and the fifth section (15) are bent. In the folded state, the sign of the curvature of the first section (11) may be opposite to the signs of the curvatures of the third section (13) and the fifth section (15). In this respect, the first section (11) and / or the section of the display (230) to which the first section (11) is attached may be referred to as a positive curvature section. In addition, the third section (13) and / or the section of the display (230) to which the third section (13) is attached may be referred to as a reverse curvature (or negative curvature) section. Additionally, the fifth section (15) and / or the section of the display (230) to which the fifth section (15) is attached may be referred to as a reverse curvature (or negative curvature) section.

[0102] In one embodiment, the first section (11) may be convexly bent toward the hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover (251) of FIG. 2b or hinge cover 1265 of FIG. 2e) in the folded state. The first section (11) may be convexly bent toward the first housing (210) in the folded state. The first section (11) may be convexly bent toward the second housing (220) in the folded state. In one embodiment, the third section (13) may be convexly bent toward the second housing (220) in the folded state. In one embodiment, the fifth section (15) may be convexly bent toward the first housing (210) in the folded state. That is, in the folded state, the first section (11) can be convexly bent toward the rear of the electronic device (200), and the third section (13) and the fifth section (15) can be convexly bent in a direction away from the rear of the electronic device (200). That is, in the folded state, the first section (11) can be bent in one direction, and the third section (13) and the fifth section (15) can be bent in another direction.

[0103] In one embodiment, the second section (12) and the fourth section (14) may be substantially flat in the folded state or the unfolded state. For example, the curvature of the second section (12) and the curvature of the fourth section (14) may be 0 in the folded state or the unfolded state.

[0104] In one embodiment, the sixth section (16) may extend from the third section (13). The sixth section (16) may be disposed on the back surface of the first planar portion (31). The seventh section (17) may extend from the fifth section (15). The seventh section (17) may be disposed on the back surface of the second planar portion (32). The sixth section (16) attached to the first planar portion (31) and the seventh section (17) attached to the second planar portion (32) may be maintained substantially flat in a folded state or an unfolded state.

[0105] In one embodiment, a hinge structure (250) (e.g., hinge structure (1260) of FIG. 2F) positioned below the folding portion (33) of the display (230) may include a first hinge plate (352) and a second hinge plate (353). Additionally or optionally, the hinge structure (250) may include a center plate (or center bar) (355). When the hinge structure (250) does not include the center plate (355), the first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353) may be further extended by the same amount as the section occupied by the center plate (355), but is not limited thereto.

[0106] In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (352) may include a first member (3521) and a second member (3522) disposed below the first member (3521). The second member (3522) may be coupled to the first member (3521). Alternatively, unlike the illustration in FIG. 3A, the first hinge plate (352) may be formed as a single member in which the first member (3521) and the second member (3522) are integrated. In one embodiment, the second hinge plate (353) may include a first member (3531) and a second member (3532) disposed below the first member (3531). The second member (3532) may be coupled to the first member (3531). Alternatively, unlike the illustration in FIG. 3a, the second hinge plate (353) may be formed as a single member, integrating the first member (3531) and the second member (3532).

[0107] In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353) may be rotatably coupled to a hinge bracket (342) (e.g., the hinge module (254) of FIG. 2C). The first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353) may be configured to fold or unfold the folding portion (33) of the display (230) as they rotate with respect to the hinge bracket (342). In the unfolded state, with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., with respect to the vertical direction), a first portion of the first hinge plate (352) may overlap the first section (11), a second portion may overlap the third section (13), and the remaining portion between the first portion and the second portion may overlap the second section (12). In the unfolded state, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) within the unfolded state (i.e., with respect to the vertical direction), the first portion of the second hinge plate (353) may overlap the first section (11), the second portion may overlap the fifth section (15), and the remaining portion between the first portion and the second portion of the second hinge plate (353) may overlap the fourth section (14). In one embodiment, the thickness of the first hinge plate (352) and / or the second hinge plate (353) may be approximately 50 μm, but is not limited thereto.

[0108] In one embodiment, the center plate (355) may be positioned between the first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353) based on the unfolded state. The center plate (355) may be positioned between the folding portion (33) of the display (230) and the hinge cover (251) (e.g., the hinge cover (1265) of FIG. 2e). The center plate (355) may be formed in a plate shape extending longitudinally along the folding axis of the display (230) (e.g., the folding axis (f) of FIG. 2a). The center plate (355) may support the folding portion (33) of the display (230) in the unfolded state. The center plate (355) and the hinge cover (251) may be aligned with the first section (11) of the first plate (310). For example, the center plate (355) and the hinge cover (251) may be aligned with the center of the first section (11) with respect to the direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., with respect to the vertical direction). For example, the center of the center plate (355), the center of the hinge cover (251), and the center of the first section (11) may coincide with each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0109] In one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (342). For example, although not shown, the hinge structure (250) may include a first rotating plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (252) of FIG. 2C) and a second rotating plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (253) of FIG. 2C) rotatably connected to the hinge bracket (342). The first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be connected to the first rotating plate (252) and the second rotating plate (253), respectively, and may rotate in accordance with the rotation of the first rotating plate (252) and the second rotating plate (253). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (352) can rotate at a different angle and / or path than the first rotation plate (252), and the second hinge plate (353) can rotate at a different angle and / or path than the second rotation plate (253).

[0110] An electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a second plate (320) and a third plate (330). In one embodiment, the second plate (320) may be disposed on a back surface (310B) of the first plate (310) so as to be aligned with the first planar portion (31) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state of the display (230) (i.e., in the vertical direction). For example, the second plate (320) may be disposed on a back surface (310B) of a sixth section (16) of the first plate (310) attached to the first planar portion (31). For example, the second plate (320) may be attached on a back surface (310B) of the sixth section (16). In one embodiment, the third plate (330) may be disposed on the back surface (310B) of the first plate (310) so as to be aligned with the second planar portion (32) of the display (230) relative to a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., relative to the vertical direction). For example, the third plate (330) may be disposed on the back surface (310B) of the seventh section (17) of the first plate (310) attached to the second planar portion (32). For example, the third plate (330) may be attached on the back surface (310B) of the seventh section (17).

[0111] In one embodiment, the second plate (320) may be disposed only on the sixth section (16) among the sections of the first plate (310), and may not be disposed on the other sections. In one embodiment, the third plate (330) may be disposed only on the seventh section (17) among the sections of the first plate (310), and may not be disposed on the other sections. In order for the positive curvature section and the negative curvature section to be formed in the display (230), the second plate (320) and the third plate (330) may not be formed on the back surface (310B) of the first section (11), the second section (12), the third section (13), the fourth section (14), and the fifth section (15) below the folding portion (33). For example, when the second plate (320) and the third plate (330) are placed on the entire section of the first plate (310) (e.g., the first section (11) to the seventh section (17)), the normal curvature section and the reverse curvature section of the display (230) may not be formed due to the rigidity of the second plate (320) and the third plate (330), and interference with the hinge structure (250) may occur. When the thickness of the second plate (320) and the third plate (330) is reduced to reduce the rigidity of the second plate (320) and the third plate (330), the surface quality of the first flat portion (31) and the second flat portion (32) may deteriorate because the first flat portion (31) and the second flat portion (32) may not be sufficiently supported.

[0112] In one embodiment, the second plate (320) and / or the third plate (330) may be formed of a metal alloy such as, but not limited to, stainless steel and a copper alloy. In one embodiment, when the second plate (320) and / or the third plate (330) is formed of a material having excellent thermal conductivity, such as the copper alloy, the heat dissipation performance of the electronic device (200) may be improved. For example, the second plate (320) and / or the third plate (330) may be formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of, but not limited to, at least 300 W / mK at 20°C. In one embodiment, the thickness of the second plate (320) and / or the third plate (330) may be, but is not limited to, 50 μm to 100 μm.

[0113] An electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a first reinforcing plate (372), a second reinforcing plate (362), a third reinforcing plate (374), and a fourth reinforcing plate (364). The first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be formed of, for example, a material having rigidity for supporting the display (230). For example, the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be formed of, but are not limited to, a metal or an alloy such as stainless steel. For example, at least one of the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be formed of a material having excellent thermal conductivity, such as a copper alloy, to improve heat dissipation performance. For example, at least one of the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 300 W / mK or more at 20°C, but is not limited thereto. The thickness of the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be, for example, about 50 μm or more, but is not limited thereto. The thicknesses of the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be the same, but are not limited thereto. For example, the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may have at least one different thickness.In one embodiment, the thickness of each of the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be formed to a maximum thickness within a range that does not interfere with other configurations, but is not limited thereto.

[0114] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (372) may be positioned between the first plate (310) and the hinge structure (250) with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., with respect to the vertical direction). That is, the upper surface of the first reinforcing plate (372) may face the first plate (310), and the back surface of the first reinforcing plate (372) may face the hinge structure (250). The first reinforcing plate (372) may be disposed on the first hinge plate (352). For example, the first reinforcing plate (372) may be attached to the first hinge plate (352). For example, the first reinforcing plate (372) may be at least partially attached to the first hinge plate (352) via an adhesive member (376).

[0115] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (372) may at least partially overlap the first section (11) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the entire first reinforcing plate (372) may overlap the first section (11). For another example, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, a portion of the first reinforcing plate (372) may overlap the first section (11), and the remaining portion may overlap the second section (12).

[0116] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate (362) can be disposed on the back surface (310B) of the first plate (310). For example, the second reinforcing plate (362) can be disposed on the back surface (310B) of the first plate (310) and can be disposed between the second plate (320) and the first reinforcing plate (372) in a direction parallel to the first plate (310) and perpendicular to the folding axis (i.e., a horizontal direction) in the unfolded state. For example, the second reinforcing plate (362) can be disposed on the back surface (310B) of the second section (12) of the first plate (310). The second reinforcing plate (362) can be at least partially attached to the back surface (310B) of the second section (12). For example, the second reinforcing plate (362) can be attached via an adhesive member (366). The adhesive member (366) may include, but is not limited to, a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0117] The second reinforcing plate (362) may be spaced apart from the second plate (320). For example, the second reinforcing plate (362) may be spaced apart from the second plate (320) by the length of the third section (13) of the first plate (310), but is not limited thereto.

[0118] Since the third section (13) is bent depending on whether it is in a folded or unfolded state, even if the second reinforcing plate (362) is attached to the third section (13), it can be easily separated. Accordingly, the second reinforcing plate (362) may not be attached to the third section (13) of the first plate (310), but is not limited thereto.

[0119] In addition, since the third section (13) is bent depending on whether it is in a folded or unfolded state, interference with the display (230) may occur when the second reinforcing plate (362) extends to the third section (13). Accordingly, the second reinforcing plate (362) may not overlap the third section (13) in the direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., the vertical direction), but is not limited thereto.

[0120] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing plate (374) may be positioned between the first plate (310) and the hinge structure (250) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). That is, the upper surface of the third reinforcing plate (374) may face the first plate (310) and the back surface of the third reinforcing plate (374) may face the hinge structure (250). The third reinforcing plate (374) may be disposed on the second hinge plate (353). For example, the third reinforcing plate (374) may be attached to the first hinge plate (352). For example, the third reinforcing plate (374) may be at least partially attached to the second hinge plate (353) via an adhesive member (377).

[0121] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing plate (374) may at least partially overlap the first section (11) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the entirety of the third reinforcing plate (374) may overlap the first section (11). For another example, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, a portion of the third reinforcing plate (374) may overlap the first section (11), and the remaining portion may overlap the fourth section (14).

[0122] In one embodiment, the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be disposed on the back surface (310B) of the first plate (310). For example, the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be disposed on the back surface (310B) of the first plate (310) and may be disposed between the third plate (330) and the third reinforcing plate (374) in a direction parallel to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state and perpendicular to the folding axis (i.e., the horizontal direction). For example, the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be disposed on the back surface (310B) of the fourth section (14) of the first plate (310). The fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be at least partially attached to the back surface (310B) of the fourth section (14). For example, the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be attached via an adhesive member (367). The adhesive member (367) may include, but is not limited to, a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0123] The fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be spaced apart from the third plate (330). For example, the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be spaced apart from the third plate (330) by the length of the fifth section (15) of the first plate (310), but is not limited thereto.

[0124] Since the fifth section (15) is bent depending on whether it is in a folded or unfolded state, even if the fourth reinforcing plate (364) is attached to the fifth section (15), it can be easily separated. Accordingly, the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may not be attached to the fifth section (15) of the first plate (310), but is not limited thereto.

[0125] In addition, since the fifth section (15) is bent depending on whether it is in a folded or unfolded state, interference with the display (230) may occur when the fourth reinforcing plate (364) extends to the fifth section (15). Accordingly, the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may not overlap the fifth section (15) in the direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state, but is not limited thereto.

[0126] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (372) may include a first side (372a) and a second side (372b) opposite the first side (372a). In the unfolded state, the first side (372a) of the first reinforcing plate (372) may face the second plate (320) (or the second reinforcing plate (362)). In the unfolded state, the second side (372b) of the first reinforcing plate (372) may face the third reinforcing plate (374). In the unfolded state, the second side (372b) of the first reinforcing plate (372) may be positioned below the first section (11). For example, the second side (372b) of the first reinforcing plate (372) may be positioned between the first section (11) of the first plate (310) and the hinge cover (251) with respect to the direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., with respect to the vertical direction).

[0127] In one embodiment, the third reinforcing plate (374) may include a first side (374a) and a second side (374b) opposite to the first side (374a). In the unfolded state, the first side (374a) of the third reinforcing plate (374) may face the third plate (330) (or the fourth reinforcing plate (364)). In the unfolded state, the second side (374b) of the third reinforcing plate (374) may face the first reinforcing plate (372) (or the second side (372b) of the second reinforcing plate (362)). In the unfolded state, the second side (374b) of the third reinforcing plate (374) may be positioned below the first section (11). For example, the second side (374b) of the third reinforcing plate (374) may be positioned between the first section (11) of the first plate (310) and the hinge cover (251) with respect to the direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., with respect to the vertical direction).

[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the second side (372b) of the first reinforcing plate (372) and the second side (374b) of the third reinforcing plate (374) may be spaced apart from each other. The second side (372b) of the first reinforcing plate (372) may overlap the first hinge plate (352), and the second side (374b) of the third reinforcing plate (374) may overlap the second hinge plate (353), but is not limited thereto. For example, the first reinforcing plate (372) and the third reinforcing plate (374), which support the folding portion (33) of the display (230) in the unfolded state, may be configured such that their areas are expanded. That is, in order to improve the support effect of the folding portion (33), the first reinforcing plate (372) and the third reinforcing plate (374) can be formed so that the distance between the second side (372b) and the second side (374b) is reduced in the unfolded state. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the first reinforcing plate (372) can extend beyond the first hinge plate (352) to the center plate (355) (or the center of the first section (11)), and the third reinforcing plate (374) can extend beyond the second hinge plate (353) to the center plate (355) (or the center of the first section (11)). In this case, in the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate (372) can partially overlap the center plate (355). Additionally, in the unfolded state, the third reinforcing plate (374) can partially overlap the center plate (355).

[0129] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) can support the back surface of the first plate (310) in the unfolded state. For example, the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) can support the first section (11), the second section (12), and the fourth section (14) of the first plate (310) in the unfolded state. Additionally, when the second reinforcing plate (362) extends further toward the second plate (320) than in the illustrated example, the second reinforcing plate (362) can support the third section (13) of the first plate (310). Additionally, when the fourth reinforcing plate (364) extends further toward the third plate (330) than in the illustrated example, the fourth reinforcing plate (364) can support the fifth section (15) of the first plate (310). Through this, the folding portion (33) of the display (230) can be supported in the unfolded state, and the visual quality (or surface quality) of the folding portion (33) can be improved. For example, the problem of wrinkles being formed in the folding portion (33) of the display (230) in the unfolded state or the components inside the folding portion (33) being visually recognized can be prevented. In addition, the first reinforcing plate (372) and the third reinforcing plate (374) are attached to the first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353), so that they do not interfere with the shape deformation of the folding portion (33) depending on the folded state or the unfolded state. In addition, the second reinforcing plate (362) and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) are attached to the second section (12) and the fourth section (14) without curvature, so that they do not interfere with the shape deformation of the folding section (33) according to the folding state or unfolding state.That is, the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) can improve the surface quality of the folding portion (33) while allowing the folding portion (33) to bend according to the folding operation of the electronic device (200).

[0130] Referring to FIG. 3C, an electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may further include a first step compensation member (368) and a second step compensation member (369). The first step compensation member (368) and the second step compensation member (369) may include, for example, metal, plastic, or an elastic body, but are not limited thereto.

[0131] In one embodiment, the first step compensation member (368) may be attached to the first reinforcing plate (372). For example, the first step compensation member (368) may be attached to the back surface of the first reinforcing plate (372), which faces the first hinge plate (352) in the unfolded state. The first step compensation member (368) may be attached to avoid an area where the first reinforcing plate (372) is attached to the first hinge plate (352). That is, an adhesive member (376) for attaching the first reinforcing plate (372) to the first hinge plate (352) may be disposed on a portion of the back surface of the first reinforcing plate (372), and the first step compensation member (368) may be disposed on another portion of the back surface. The first step compensation member (368) attached to the first reinforcing plate (372) may be supported by the first hinge plate (352) and / or the center plate (355) in the unfolded state. For example, the first step compensation member (368) may be in contact with the first hinge plate (352) and / or the center plate (355) in the unfolded state, and may be spaced apart from the first hinge plate (352) and / or the center plate (355) in the folded state. Through this, the inclinations of the first reinforcing plate (372) and the display (230) in the unfolded state can be made parallel, and the surface quality of the folding portion (33) supported by the first reinforcing plate (372) can be improved.

[0132] In one embodiment, the second step compensation member (369) may be attached to the third reinforcing plate (374). For example, the second step compensation member (369) may be attached to the back surface of the third reinforcing plate (374), which faces the second hinge plate (353) in the unfolded state. The second step compensation member (369) may be attached to avoid an area where the third reinforcing plate (374) is attached to the second hinge plate (353). That is, an adhesive member (377) for attaching the third reinforcing plate (374) to the second hinge plate (353) may be disposed on a portion of the back surface of the third reinforcing plate (374), and the second step compensation member (369) may be disposed on another portion of the back surface. The second step compensation member (369) attached to the third reinforcing plate (374) may be supported by the second hinge plate (353) and / or the center plate (355) in the unfolded state. For example, the second step compensation member (369) may be in contact with the second hinge plate (353) and / or the center plate (355) in the unfolded state, and may be spaced apart from the second hinge plate (353) and / or the center plate (355) in the folded state. Through this, the inclinations of the third reinforcing plate (374) and the display (230) in the unfolded state can be made parallel, and the surface quality of the folding portion (33) supported by the third reinforcing plate (374) can be improved.

[0133] An electronic device (200) according to an embodiment may include a first adhesive layer (322), a first elastic layer (324), a second adhesive layer (332), and a second elastic layer (334). The first adhesive layer (322) may be interposed between the first plate (310) and the second plate (320) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in an unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). The first adhesive layer (322) may attach the second plate (320) to the first plate (310). The first elastic layer (324) may be interposed between the first plate (310) and the second plate (320) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in an unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). For example, the first elastic layer (324) may be interposed between the first plate (310) and the first adhesive layer (322) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). The second adhesive layer (332) may be interposed between the first plate (310) and the third plate (330) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). The second adhesive layer (332) may attach the third plate (330) to the first plate (310). The second elastic layer (334) may be interposed between the first plate (310) and the third plate (330) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). For example, the second elastic layer (334) may be interposed between the first plate (310) and the second adhesive layer (332) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction).In one embodiment, the first adhesive layer (322) and the second adhesive layer (332) may include, but are not limited to, a pressure-sensitive adhesive. In one embodiment, the first adhesive layer (322) and / or the second adhesive layer (332) may be formed of a plurality of layers. For example, the plurality of layers may include a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer interposed between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer may include, but is not limited to, a film formed of, for example, polyimide. The first layer may include an adhesive layer attached to the first plate (310). The second layer may include an adhesive layer attached to the second plate (320) or the third plate (330). The first layer and the second layer may be formed to have different adhesive strengths, but are not limited thereto. The first layer may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the second layer may include an adhesive other than a pressure-sensitive adhesive, but is not limited thereto. As the first adhesive layer (322) and / or the second adhesive layer (332) are formed from the plurality of layers, the damping effect provided by the first adhesive layer (322) and / or the second adhesive layer (332) may be enhanced.

[0134] In one embodiment, the first elastic layer (324) and the second elastic layer (334) may include a material capable of absorbing shock. For example, the first elastic layer (324) and the second elastic layer (334) may be formed of, but are not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0135] An electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a protective layer (337) disposed on a back surface (310B) of a first plate (310) to cover a plurality of openings (315). For example, the protective layer (337) may be disposed on a back surface (310B) of a first section (11) of the first plate (310). The protective layer (337) may be attached to the back surface (310B) of the first plate (310) via, for example, an adhesive member. The protective layer (337) may be formed to have a width greater than the plurality of openings (315) to cover the plurality of openings (315). For example, the width of the protective layer (337) may be approximately 12.15 μm, but is not limited thereto. The width of the protective layer (337) may be a length based on a direction parallel to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state and perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (1237) of FIG. 2D). In one embodiment, the thickness of the protective layer (337) (i.e., the thickness in the vertical direction) may be approximately 8 μm, but is not limited thereto. The protective layer (337) may be formed of a bendable material. For example, the protective layer (337) may be formed of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), but is not limited thereto. The protective layer (337) may mitigate impacts that may be applied to the folding portion (333) of the display (230) and prevent foreign substances from entering the plurality of openings (315).

[0136] Although not shown, an electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board (261) or printed circuit board (262) of FIG. 2C) supported by a first housing (210) or a second housing (220) and a heat source disposed on the printed circuit board. The heat source may include, but is not limited to, an application processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) or a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (e.g., power management module (188) of FIG. 1).

[0137] The first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) may be rotatably connected to the hinge structure (250). That is, since the first housing (210) or the second housing (220), where the heat source is located, is not formed integrally with the hinge structure (250) but is an independent member from the hinge structure (250), it may be disadvantageous to spread or dissipate heat generated by the heat source to the outside. Due to interference with the hinge structure (250), it may also be difficult to arrange a separate heat dissipation member adjacent to the hinge structure (250). This may be because the distance between the first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353) changes depending on the folded state and the unfolded state so that the display (230) forms the normal curvature section and the reverse curvature section.

[0138] To improve heat dissipation performance, materials with high thermal conductivity can be applied. However, since materials with high thermal conductivity generally have low Young's modulus, if the structure supporting the display (230) is composed of such materials, the surface quality of the display (230) may be adversely affected.

[0139] To improve heat dissipation performance, the second plate (320) and the third plate (330) may be extended. However, when the second plate (320) and the third plate (330) are extended to the folding portion (33), the normal curvature section and / or the reverse curvature section of the folding portion (33) may not be formed, and the display (230) may be damaged due to interference with the hinge structure (250).

[0140] In one embodiment, when the heat source is located in the first housing (210), at least one of the first housing (210), the first plate (310), the second plate (320), the first reinforcing plate (372), and the second reinforcing plate (362) may be formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second housing (220). In one embodiment, when the heat source is located in the second housing (220), at least one of the second housing (220), the first plate (310), the third plate (330), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the first housing (210). In one embodiment, at least one of the first housing (210), the second housing (220), the first plate (310), the second plate (320), the third plate (330), the first reinforcing plate (372), the second reinforcing plate (362), the third reinforcing plate (374), and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity. The material having high thermal conductivity may include, but is not limited to, a copper alloy or a nickel-plated copper alloy, for example. Through this, heat caused by the heat source can be dispersed or released to the outside, and the heat dissipation performance of the electronic device (200) and the surface quality of the display (230) can be improved.

[0141] Although not shown, additionally or optionally, the electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a digitizer arranged on the front (310A) or back (310B) of the first plate (310) to receive a signal from an external input device (e.g., a digital pen). The digitizer may be formed over the entire section of the display (230) or may be separated from the folding portion (33).

[0142] In one embodiment, the characteristics of a region of the first hinge plate (352) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate (e.g., the first reinforcing plate (372) of FIG. 3A) and / or the second reinforcing plate (e.g., the second reinforcing plate (362) of FIG. 3A) when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the display (230) may be different from the characteristics of a region of the first hinge plate (352) that does not overlap. For example, the thickness of a region of the first hinge plate (352) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate may be different from the thickness of a region of the first hinge plate (352) that does not overlap. For example, the thickness of a region of the first hinge plate (352) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate may be less than the thickness of a region of the first hinge plate (352) that does not overlap. For example, the distance between the display (230) and the area of ​​the first hinge plate (352) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate and the area of ​​the first hinge plate (352) that does not overlap may be different. For example, the area of ​​the first hinge plate (352) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate may be spaced further from the display (230) than the area of ​​the first hinge plate (352) that does not overlap. For example, the area of ​​the first hinge plate (352) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate may have greater rigidity than the area of ​​the first hinge plate (352) that does not overlap. For example, the area of ​​the first hinge plate (352) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate may be formed of stainless steel, and the area of ​​the first hinge plate (352) that does not overlap may be formed of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) material that has lower rigidity than the stainless steel.

[0143] In one embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the display (230), the characteristics of an area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate (e.g., the third reinforcing plate (374) of FIG. 3A) and / or the second reinforcing plate (e.g., the fourth reinforcing plate (364) of FIG. 3A) may be different from the characteristics of an area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that does not overlap. For example, the thickness of an area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate may be different from the thickness of an area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that does not overlap. For example, the thickness of an area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate may be smaller than the thickness of an area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that does not overlap. For example, the distance between the area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate and the area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that does not overlap may be different from the display (230). For example, the area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate may be spaced further from the display (230) than the area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that does not overlap. For example, the area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate may have greater rigidity than the area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that does not overlap. For example, the area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that overlaps the first reinforcing plate and / or the second reinforcing plate may be formed of stainless steel, and the area of ​​the second hinge plate (353) that does not overlap may be formed of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) material that has lower rigidity than the stainless steel.

[0144] In one embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the display (230), a member (e.g., an arm member or a rotation member) of a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2c or a hinge structure (1260) of FIG. 2f) that contacts or supports the first hinge plate (352) may overlap the first reinforcing plate (372) and / or the third reinforcing plate (362). In one embodiment, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the display (230), a member (e.g., an arm member or a rotation member) of a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2c or a hinge structure (1260) of FIG. 2f) that contacts or supports the second hinge plate (353) may overlap the second reinforcing plate (374) and / or the fourth reinforcing plate (364). Accordingly, damage or cracks caused by pressing of the folding part (33) can be prevented.

[0145] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3D, the electronic device (200) according to an embodiment may further include a first adhesive member (381) and a second adhesive member (382). The first adhesive member (381) and / or the second adhesive member (382) may include, but are not limited to, a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0146] In one embodiment, the first adhesive member (381) may be disposed between the first hinge plate (352) and the second reinforcing plate (362) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., based on the vertical direction). The first adhesive member (381) may attach the second reinforcing plate (362) to the first hinge plate (352).

[0147] In one embodiment, the second adhesive member (382) may be positioned between the second hinge plate (353) and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., based on the vertical direction). The second adhesive member (382) may attach the fourth reinforcing plate (364) to the second hinge plate (353).

[0148] FIG. 3E is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3E, the electronic device (200) according to an embodiment may further include a first adhesive member (381) and a second adhesive member (382) as described above with respect to FIG. 3D, and may further include a heat dissipation member (385). In one embodiment, although not shown, the heat dissipation member (385) may be included without the first adhesive member (381) and the second adhesive member (382).

[0149] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation member (385) can be positioned between the first section (11) and the hinge structure (250) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., based on the vertical direction). In one embodiment, the heat dissipation member (385) can extend from the first reinforcing plate (372), across the center plate (355), to the third reinforcing plate (374). A first end of the heat dissipation member (385) can be attached on the first reinforcing plate (372), and a second end of the heat dissipation member (385), opposite to the first end, can be attached on the third reinforcing plate (374). In one embodiment, the heat dissipation member (385) can be configured to bend in accordance with the rotation of the first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353). The heat dissipation member (385) may be formed in a sheet shape. The heat dissipation member (385) may improve the heat transfer performance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and the heat dissipation performance of each of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) by thermally connecting the first reinforcing plate (372) and the third reinforcing plate (374). The heat dissipation member (385) may include, for example, graphite, but is not limited thereto.

[0150] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation member (385) may include a first section attached on a first reinforcing plate (372), a second section attached on a third reinforcing plate (374), and a third section between the first section and the second section. The third section may be formed to be longer than the distance between the first section and the second section so as to correspond to (or accommodate) bending of the folding portion (11). For example, the first section and the second section may be aligned on a first horizontal plane above a second horizontal plane on which the third section is aligned. That is, the distance between the support plate (310) and the third section may be greater than the distance between the support plate (310) and the first section (and / or the second section). The third portion may be configured to bend in accordance with the rotation of the first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353).

[0151] FIG. 3F is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3F, the electronic device (200) according to an embodiment may further include a first heat dissipation member (386) and a second heat dissipation member (387).

[0152] In one embodiment, the first heat dissipation member (386) and the second heat dissipation member (387) may be positioned below the first plate (310). The first heat dissipation member (386) may extend from the second section (12), across the third section (13), and below the sixth section (16). The first heat dissipation member (386) may include a first portion attached to the second reinforcing plate (362), a second portion extending from the first portion below the third section (13), and a third portion extending from the second portion and attached to the second plate (320). In one embodiment, the second portion of the first heat dissipation member (386) may be configured to bend in accordance with the folding motion of the display (230).

[0153] In one embodiment, the second heat dissipation member (387) may extend from the fourth section (14), across the fifth section (15), and below the seventh section (17). The second heat dissipation member (387) may include a first portion attached to the fourth reinforcing plate (364), a second portion extending from the first portion below the fifth section (15), and a third portion extending from the second portion and attached to the third plate (330). In one embodiment, the second portion of the second heat dissipation member (387) may be configured to bend in accordance with the folding motion of the display (230).

[0154] In one embodiment, the first heat dissipation member (386) and the second heat dissipation member (387) may include, but are not limited to, graphite sheets. In one embodiment, the first heat dissipation member (386) may improve the heat dissipation performance of the first housing (210) by thermally connecting the second reinforcing plate (362) and the second plate (320). In one embodiment, the second heat dissipation member (387) may improve the heat dissipation performance of the second housing (220) by thermally connecting the fourth reinforcing plate (364) and the third plate (330).

[0155] Fig. 3g is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3g, the electronic device (200) according to an embodiment may further include a first adhesive member (381), a second adhesive member (382), and a heat dissipation member (385) as described above with respect to Fig. 3e, and may further include a first heat dissipation member (386) and a second heat dissipation member (387) as described above with respect to Fig. 3f. In an embodiment, unlike Figs. 3d and 3e, the first adhesive member (381) may be disposed between the first heat dissipation member (386) and the first hinge plate (352). The first adhesive member (381) may attach the first heat dissipation member (386) to the first hinge plate (352). In one embodiment, unlike FIGS. 3D and 3E, the second adhesive member (382) may be positioned between the second heat dissipation member (387) and the second hinge plate (353). The second adhesive member (382) may attach the second heat dissipation member (387) onto the second hinge plate (353). The first adhesive member (381) and / or the second adhesive member (382) may include, but are not limited to, a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0156] Fig. 3h is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3h, the electronic device (200) according to an embodiment may not include the second plate (320) and the third plate (330) of Fig. 3a. Although not shown, the electronic device of Fig. 3h may further include the first adhesive member (381) and the second adhesive member (382) as described above with respect to Figs. 3d and 3e, may further include the heat dissipation member (385) as described above with respect to Fig. 3e, and may further include the first heat dissipation member (386) and the second heat dissipation member (387) as described above with respect to Fig. 3f. The electronic device of FIG. 3h may further include a first adhesive member (381), a second adhesive member (382), a heat dissipation member (385), a first heat dissipation member (386), and a second heat dissipation member (387) as described above with respect to FIG. 3g. Unlike the embodiments of FIGS. 3f and 3g, the third part of the first heat dissipation member (386) and the third part of the second heat dissipation member (387) may be attached to the first plate (310) below the sixth section (16) and the seventh section (17), respectively.

[0157] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. FIG. 4B is a plan view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment.

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B , an electronic device (400) according to an embodiment (e.g., an electronic device (200)) may include a first reinforcing plate (462) and a second reinforcing plate (464). The electronic device (400) may not include the first reinforcing plate (372) and the third reinforcing plate (374) of FIG. 3A . Otherwise, the above descriptions of FIGS. 3A to 3H may be applied to the following descriptions of FIGS. 4A and 4B , unless otherwise specified. For the first reinforcing plate (462) and the second reinforcing plate (464), the descriptions provided with reference to the second reinforcing plate (362) of FIG. 3A and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) of FIG. 3A may be applied in the same or corresponding manner, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

[0159] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (462) and the second reinforcing plate (464) may be positioned between the second plate (320) and the third plate (330) in a direction parallel to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state and perpendicular to the folding axis (i.e., the horizontal direction). The first reinforcing plate (462) and the second reinforcing plate (464) may be positioned between the first plate (310) and the hinge structure (250) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., the vertical direction). The first reinforcing plate (462) and the second reinforcing plate (464) may be spaced apart from the first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353), respectively.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (462) may be disposed on the back surface (310B) of the second section (12) of the first plate (310). For example, the first reinforcing plate (462) may be at least partially attached to the back surface of the second section (12) via an adhesive member (366). The first reinforcing plate (462) may not be attached to the third section (13).

[0161] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate (464) may be attached to the back surface (310B) of the fourth section (14) of the first plate (310). For example, the second reinforcing plate (464) may be at least partially attached to the back surface of the fourth section (14) via an adhesive member (367). The second reinforcing plate (464) may not be attached to the fifth section (15).

[0162] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (462) may be completely overlapped with the second section (12) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310). The first reinforcing plate (462) may not overlap with the first section (11) and the third section (13).

[0163] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate (464) may be completely overlapped with the fourth section (14) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310). The second reinforcing plate (464) may not overlap with the first section (11) and the fifth section (15).

[0164] In one embodiment, the protection layer (337) may include a first end of the protection layer (337) closer to the second section (12) and a second end opposite the first end and closer to the fourth section (14). The first end of the protection layer (337) may be positioned between the first plate (310) and the second reinforcing plate (464) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). The second end of the protection layer (337) may be positioned between the first plate (310) and the second reinforcing plate (464) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction).

[0165] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. FIG. 5B is a plan view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. FIG. 5C is a plan view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment.

[0166] Referring to FIGS. 5A to 5C , an electronic device (500) (e.g., electronic device (400)) according to one embodiment may include a first reinforcing plate (562) and a second reinforcing plate (564). The electronic device (500) may not include the first reinforcing plate (372) and the third reinforcing plate (374) of FIG. 3A . Otherwise, the descriptions of FIGS. 3A to 3H and FIGS. 4A to 4B described above may be applied to the following descriptions of FIGS. 5A to 5C , unless otherwise specified. For the first reinforcing plate (562), the descriptions provided with reference to the second reinforcing plate (362) of FIG. 3A and the first reinforcing plate (462) of FIG. 4A may be applied in the same or corresponding manner, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted. For the second reinforcing plate (564), the description provided with reference to the fourth reinforcing plate (364) of FIG. 3a and the second reinforcing plate (464) of FIG. 4a may be applied in the same or corresponding manner, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

[0167] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (562) and the second reinforcing plate (564) may be positioned between the second plate (320) and the third plate (330) in a direction parallel to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state and perpendicular to the folding axis (i.e., the horizontal direction). The first reinforcing plate (562) and the second reinforcing plate (564) may be positioned between the first plate (310) and the hinge structure (250) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., the vertical direction). The first reinforcing plate (562) and the second reinforcing plate (564) may be spaced apart from the first hinge plate (352) and the second hinge plate (353), respectively.

[0168] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (562) may be disposed on the back surface (310B) of the second section (12) of the first plate (310). For example, a portion of the first reinforcing plate (562) may be attached to at least a portion of the back surface of the second section (12) via an adhesive member (366). The first reinforcing plate (562) may not be attached to the third section (13).

[0169] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate (564) may be attached to the back surface (310B) of the fourth section (14) of the first plate (310). For example, a portion of the second reinforcing plate (564) may be attached to at least a portion of the back surface of the fourth section (14) via an adhesive member (367). The second reinforcing plate (564) may not be attached to the fifth section (15).

[0170] In one embodiment, a portion of the first reinforcing plate (562) may overlap the first section (11) (or the plurality of openings (315)) and another portion may overlap the second section (12) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310). The first reinforcing plate (562) may not overlap the third section (13).

[0171] In one embodiment, a portion of the second reinforcing plate (564) may overlap the first section (11) (or the plurality of openings (315)) and another portion may overlap the fourth section (14) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310). The second reinforcing plate (564) may not overlap the fifth section (15).

[0172] Compared to FIG. 4A, the first reinforcing plate (562) may extend further toward the third plate (330) than the first reinforcing plate (462) so as to overlap the center plate (355) (or the center of the first section (11)). In addition, the second reinforcing plate (564) may extend further toward the second plate (320) than the second reinforcing plate (464) so ​​as to overlap the center plate (355) (or the center of the first section (11)). Through this, the area where the first reinforcing plate (562) and the second reinforcing plate (564) support the folding portion (33) of the display (230) may increase, and the surface quality of the folding portion (33) may be improved.

[0173] An electronic device (500) according to one embodiment may include a first step compensation member (568) and a second step compensation member (569). The first step compensation member (568) and the second step compensation member (569) may include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, or an elastic body, for example.

[0174] In one embodiment, the first step compensation member (568) may be disposed between the protection layer (337) and the first reinforcement plate (562) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). The first step compensation member (568) may be attached to the first reinforcement plate (562). The first step compensation member (568) may be supported by the first section (11) of the first plate (310) (or the protection layer (337)) in the unfolded state. For example, the first step compensation member (568) may be in contact with the protection layer (337) in the unfolded state and may be spaced apart from the protection layer (337) in the folded state. Through this, the inclination of the first reinforcing plate (562) and the display (230) can be maintained parallel in the unfolded state, and the surface quality of the folding portion (33) supported by the first reinforcing plate (562) can be improved.

[0175] In one embodiment, the second step compensation member (569) may be disposed between the protection layer (337) and the second reinforcing plate (564) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., in the vertical direction). The second step compensation member (569) may be attached to the second reinforcing plate (564). The second step compensation member (569) may be supported by the first section (11) of the first plate (310) (or the protection layer (337)) in the unfolded state. For example, the second step compensation member (569) may be in contact with the protection layer (337) in the unfolded state and may be spaced apart from the protection layer (337) in the folded state. Through this, the inclination of the second reinforcing plate (564) and the display (230) can be maintained parallel in the unfolded state, and the surface quality of the folding portion (33) supported by the second reinforcing plate (564) can be improved.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 5c, according to one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (562) may include a first opening (5621) and a second opening (5622). The first opening (5621) and the second opening (5622) may be formed on one side of the first reinforcing plate (562) facing the second reinforcing plate (564).

[0177] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate (564) may include a first opening (5641) and a second opening (5642). The first opening (5641) and the second opening (5642) may be formed on one side of the second reinforcing plate (564) facing the first reinforcing plate (562). The first opening (5641) of the second reinforcing plate (564) may face the first opening (5621) of the first reinforcing plate (562). The second opening (5642) of the second reinforcing plate (564) may face the second opening (5622) of the first reinforcing plate (562).

[0178] The openings (5621, 5622) of the first reinforcing plate (562) and the openings (5641, 5642) of the second reinforcing plate (564) may overlap the movable range of the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 5A) during the folding operation. That is, within the folding state, the openings (5621, 5622) may prevent the first reinforcing plate (562) from interfering with the hinge structure, and the openings (5641, 5642) may prevent the second reinforcing plate (564) from interfering with the hinge structure.

[0179] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electronic device in an unfolded state according to an embodiment.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 6A, an electronic device (600) according to an embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 3A) may include a first reinforcing plate (672) and a second reinforcing plate (674). The electronic device (600) may not include the second reinforcing plate (362) and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) of FIG. 3A. Otherwise, the above descriptions of FIGS. 3A to 3H may be applied to the following descriptions of FIGS. 6A to 6B, unless otherwise specified. For the first reinforcing plate (672) and the second reinforcing plate (674), the descriptions provided with reference to the first reinforcing plate (372) and the third reinforcing plate (374) of FIG. 3A may be applied in the same or corresponding manner, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

[0181] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (672) and the second reinforcing plate (674) may be positioned between the second plate (320) and the third plate (330) in a direction parallel to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state and perpendicular to the folding axis (i.e., the horizontal direction). The first reinforcing plate (672) and the second reinforcing plate (674) may be positioned between the first plate (310) and the hinge structure (250) in a direction perpendicular to the first plate (310) in the unfolded state (i.e., the vertical direction).

[0182] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (672) may be disposed on the first hinge plate (352). For example, the first reinforcing plate (672) may be at least partially attached to the first hinge plate (352) via an adhesive member (676).

[0183] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate (674) may be disposed on the second hinge plate (353). For example, the second reinforcing plate (674) may be at least partially attached to the second hinge plate (353) via an adhesive member (677).

[0184] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate (672) may include a first portion that overlaps the third section (13) of the first plate (310) and a second portion that overlaps the second section (12). The second portion of the first reinforcing plate (672) may extend from the first portion. In one embodiment, like the first reinforcing plate (672-1) of FIG. 6B, the first reinforcing plate (672) may further include a third portion that extends from the second portion so as to overlap the first section (11) (or the plurality of openings (315)) of the first plate (310). In this case, the electronic device (600) may include a first step compensation member (678) attached to the first reinforcing plate (672-1). The first step compensation member (678) (e.g., the first step compensation member (368) of FIG. 3C) may be positioned between the first reinforcing plate (672-1) and the first hinge plate (352) in the unfolded state. The first step compensation member (678) may be supported by the first hinge plate (352) and / or the center plate (355) in the unfolded state.

[0185] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate (674) may include a first portion overlapping the fifth section (15) of the first plate (310) and a second portion overlapping the fourth section (14). The second portion of the second reinforcing plate (674) may extend from the first portion. In one embodiment, like the second reinforcing plate (674-1) of FIG. 6b, the second reinforcing plate (674) may further include a third portion extending from the second portion so as to overlap the first section (11) (or the plurality of openings (315)) of the first plate (310). In this case, the electronic device (600) may include a second step compensation member (679) (e.g., the second step compensation member (369) of FIG. 3c) attached to the second reinforcing plate (674-1). The second step compensation member (679) may be positioned between the second reinforcing plate (674-1) and the second hinge plate (353) in the unfolded state. The second step compensation member (679) may be supported by the second hinge plate (353) and / or the center plate (355) in the unfolded state.

[0186] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, a display (230) (e.g., any one of the displays of FIGS. 3A to 3H, 4A to 4B, 5A to 5C, and 6A to 6B) according to an embodiment may include a display panel (701), a polarizing layer (702) disposed on the display panel (701), a first window (703) disposed on the polarizing layer (702), a second window (704) disposed on the first window (703), a first protective layer (705) disposed on a back surface of the display panel (701), and a second protective layer (706) disposed on a back surface of the first protective layer (705). The display panel (701), the polarizing layer (702), the first window (703), the second window (704), the first protective layer (705), and the second protective layer (706) can be laminated by being attached to each other through an adhesive member (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive).

[0187] Alternatively, the display (230) may not include a polarizing layer (702). In this case, a color filter and a black matrix (BM) may be arranged in the light-emitting portion of the display panel (701), thereby performing substantially the same function as the polarizing layer (702).

[0188] In one embodiment, the first window (703) and the second window (704) may be formed of a bendable transparent material. For example, the first window (703) may be formed of glass, and the second window (704) may be formed of a resin (e.g., polyimide), but is not limited thereto.

[0189] In one embodiment, the first protective layer (705) and the second protective layer (706) may be attached to the back surface of the display panel (701) to protect the display panel (701). The first protective layer (705) and / or the second protective layer (706) may be in the form of a film formed of, for example, resin, metal, or a composite material, but is not limited thereto.

[0190] In one embodiment, the first plate (310) may be partially attached to the back surface of the second protective layer (706). For example, the first plate (310) may be attached to the second protective layer (706) via an adhesive layer (707) that is disconnected from the first section (11). That is, the first section (11) of the first plate (310) may not be attached to the display (230).

[0191] Although not shown, at least one more layer may be arranged below the first plate (310). The at least one layer may include a heat dissipation layer and / or a cushion layer. The heat dissipation layer may be formed of a material with good heat dissipation performance, such as graphite. The cushion layer may be formed of a material capable of absorbing physical impact. When the at least one layer is included, the at least one layer may be interposed between the first plate (310) and the second plate (320) of FIG. 3A, and between the first plate (310) and the third plate (330) of FIG. 3A, for example, but is not limited thereto.

[0192] In FIG. 7, the display (230) is illustrated as including a display panel (701), a polarizing layer (702), a first window (703), a second window (704), a first protective layer (705), and a second protective layer (706), but the configuration of the display (230) is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the display (230) may further include an adhesive layer (707) and a first plate (310). For example, the display (230) may further include an adhesive layer (707), a first plate (310), and at least one reinforcing plate attached to the first plate (310). The at least one reinforcing plate may include, for example, at least one of the second reinforcing plate (362) of FIG. 3A and the fourth reinforcing plate (364) of FIG. 3A. The at least one reinforcing plate may include, for example, at least one of the first reinforcing plate (462) of FIG. 4A and the second reinforcing plate (464) of FIG. 4A. The at least one reinforcing plate may include, for example, at least one of the first reinforcing plate (562) of FIG. 5A and the second reinforcing plate (564) of FIG. 5A. The display (230) may be referred to as, but is not limited to, a display assembly, a touch screen display assembly, a display module, or a touch-sensitive display module.

[0193] A list of embodiments and examples follows. The present invention may include any combination of the following embodiments, examples, and features thereof, except where such combination would result in a contradiction.

[0194] In one embodiment, the second plate (320) and the third plate (330) may be referred to as the first portion and the second portion of the second plate, respectively. In this case, the first portion may be understood to be attached to the back surface (310B) of the first plate (310) so as to be aligned with the first flat portion (31). In addition, the second portion may be understood to be attached to the back surface (310B) of the first plate (310) so as to be aligned with the second flat portion (32) and to be disconnected from the first portion and the folding portion (33). According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 3A) may include a display (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 3A), a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 3A), a first plate (e.g., the first plate (310) of FIG. 3A), a second plate (e.g., the second plate (320) of FIG. 3A), a first reinforcing plate (e.g., the first reinforcing plate (372) of FIG. 3A), and a second reinforcing plate (e.g., the second reinforcing plate (362) of FIG. 3A). The display may include a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion (31) of FIG. 3A), a second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion (32) of FIG. 3A) spaced apart from the first planar portion, and a folding portion (e.g., the folding portion (33) of FIG. 3A) connecting the first planar portion to the second planar portion. The hinge structure under the folding portion may include a hinge bracket (e.g., a hinge bracket (342) of FIG. 3c), a first hinge plate (e.g., a first hinge plate (352) of FIG. 3a), and a second hinge plate (e.g., a second hinge plate (353) of FIG. 3a). The first hinge plate and the second hinge plate may be configured to fold or unfold the folding portion by being rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket. The first plate may include a plurality of openings (e.g., a plurality of openings (315) of FIG. 3a) positioned between the hinge structure and the folding portion.The first plate may extend across the folding portion from the first planar portion to the second planar portion. A front surface of the first plate (e.g., the front surface (310A) of FIG. 3A) may be attached to a back surface of the display. The second plate may be attached to a back surface (e.g., the back surface (310B) of FIG. 3A) of the first plate so as to be aligned with the first planar portion. The first reinforcing plate may be positioned between the first plate and the hinge structure. The first reinforcing plate may be attached to the first hinge plate. The second reinforcing plate may be spaced apart from the second plate. The second reinforcing plate may be attached to the back surface of the first plate between the second plate and the first reinforcing plate. Through the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate, the surface quality of the display may be improved.

[0195] In one embodiment, the first plate may include a first section (e.g., the first section (11) of FIG. 3A) under the folding portion, a second section (e.g., the second section (12) of FIG. 3A), and a third section (e.g., the third section (13) of FIG. 3A). The first section may include the plurality of openings. The second section may extend from one side of the first section. The second reinforcing plate may be attached to the second section. The third section may extend from the second section to the first planar portion. The hinge structure may be changeable between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state, a first direction in which one side of the first planar portion faces may be the same as a second direction in which one side of the second planar portion faces. In the folded state, the first direction may be opposite to the second direction. Within the above folding state, the sign of the curvature of the first section may be opposite to the sign of the curvature of the third section.

[0196] In one embodiment, within the folded state or the unfolded state, the second section may be substantially flat.

[0197] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate may not be attached to the third section. The second reinforcing plate may not interfere with the display in the folded state and may improve the surface quality of the display in the unfolded state.

[0198] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the second reinforcing plate may not overlap the third section in a direction perpendicular to the first plate. The second reinforcing plate may not interfere with the display in the folded state, and may improve the surface quality of the display in the unfolded state.

[0199] Within the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate can at least partially overlap the first section in a direction perpendicular to the first plate.

[0200] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, a portion of the first reinforcing plate may overlap the first section. Within the unfolded state, a remaining portion of the first reinforcing plate may overlap the second section.

[0201] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate can support the back surface of the first plate. Accordingly, the surface quality of the display can be improved within the unfolded state.

[0202] In one embodiment, the hinge structure may include a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover (251) of FIG. 3c) aligned with a center portion of the first section of the first plate. The first reinforcing plate may include a first side (e.g., first side (372a) of FIG. 3c) and a second side opposite to the first side (e.g., second side (372b) of FIG. 3c). In the unfolded state, the first side of the first reinforcing plate may face the second plate. In the unfolded state, the second side of the first reinforcing plate may be positioned between the center portion of the first section of the first plate and the hinge cover.

[0203] In one embodiment, the hinge structure may include a center plate (e.g., center plate (355) of FIG. 3A). In the unfolded state, the center plate may be positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate. In the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate may partially overlap the center plate in a vertical direction.

[0204] The electronic device according to one embodiment may include a third plate (e.g., the third plate (330) of FIG. 3A), a third reinforcing plate (e.g., the third reinforcing plate (374) of FIG. 3A), and a fourth reinforcing plate (e.g., the fourth reinforcing plate (364) of FIG. 3A). The third plate may be attached to the back surface of the first plate so as to be aligned with the second planar portion. The third reinforcing plate may be positioned between the first plate and the hinge structure and may be attached to the second hinge plate. The fourth reinforcing plate may be spaced apart from the third plate and attached to the back surface of the first plate between the third plate and the third reinforcing plate. The first plate may include a fourth section (e.g., the fourth section (14) of FIG. 3A) under the folding portion, and a fifth section (e.g., the fifth section (15) of FIG. 3A). It can include. The fourth section can extend from another side of the first section. The fourth reinforcing plate can be attached to the fourth section. The fifth section can extend from the fourth section to the second flat surface. Through the third reinforcing plate and the fourth reinforcing plate, the surface quality of the display can be improved.

[0205] In one embodiment, within the folding state, the sign of the curvature of the first section may be opposite to the sign of the curvature of the fifth section.

[0206] In one embodiment, the fourth section may be substantially flat, either within the folded state or within the unfolded state.

[0207] In one embodiment, the fourth reinforcing plate may not be attached to the fifth section. The fourth reinforcing plate may not interfere with the display in the folded state and may improve the surface quality of the display in the unfolded state.

[0208] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the fourth reinforcing plate may not overlap the fifth section in a direction perpendicular to the first plate.

[0209] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the third reinforcing plate may at least partially overlap the first section relative to a direction perpendicular to the first plate.

[0210] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, a portion of the third reinforcing plate may overlap the first section. Within the unfolded state, a remaining portion of the third reinforcing plate may overlap the fourth section.

[0211] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the third reinforcing plate and the fourth reinforcing plate can support the back surface of the first plate. Accordingly, the surface quality of the display can be improved within the unfolded state.

[0212] In one embodiment, the hinge structure may include a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover (251) of FIG. 3c) aligned with a center portion of the first section of the first plate. The third reinforcing plate may include a first side (e.g., first side (374a) of FIG. 3c) and a second side opposite to the first side (e.g., second side (374b) of FIG. 3c). In the unfolded state, the first side of the third reinforcing plate may face the third plate. In the unfolded state, the second side of the third reinforcing plate may be positioned between the center portion of the first section of the first plate and the hinge cover. The first reinforcing plate may include a first side (e.g., a first side (372a) of FIG. 3C) and a second side (e.g., a second side (372b) of FIG. 3C) that are opposite to each other. In the unfolded state, the first side of the first reinforcing plate may face the second plate. In the unfolded state, the second side of the first reinforcing plate may face the second side of the third reinforcing plate and be positioned between the central portion of the first section of the first plate and the hinge cover.

[0213] In one embodiment, the hinge structure may include a center plate (e.g., center plate (355) of FIG. 3A). In the unfolded state, the center plate may be positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate. In the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate may partially overlap the center plate with respect to a vertical direction. In the unfolded state, the third reinforcing plate may partially overlap the center plate with respect to a vertical direction.

[0214] The electronic device according to one embodiment may include a first step compensation member attached to the first reinforcing plate (e.g., the first step compensation member (368) of FIG. 3C) and a second step compensation member attached to the third reinforcing plate (e.g., the second step compensation member (369) of FIG. 3C). The first step compensation member may be supported by at least one of the first hinge plate and the center plate in the unfolded state. The second step compensation member may be supported by at least one of the second hinge plate and the center plate in the unfolded state. The first step compensation member and the second step compensation member may maintain the first reinforcing plate and the third reinforcing plate parallel to the display in the unfolded state, thereby improving the surface quality of the display supported by the first reinforcing plate and the third reinforcing plate.

[0215] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a first adhesive layer (e.g., a first adhesive layer (322) of FIG. 3c) interposed between the first plate and the second plate, a first elastic layer (e.g., a first elastic layer (324) of FIG. 3c) interposed between the first adhesive layer and the first plate, a second adhesive layer (e.g., a second adhesive layer (332) of FIG. 3c) interposed between the first plate and the third plate, and a second elastic layer (e.g., a second elastic layer (334) of FIG. 3c) interposed between the second adhesive layer and the first plate.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a protective member (e.g., a protective layer (337) of FIG. 3C) attached to the back surface of the first plate to cover the plurality of openings. The protective member may mitigate impact that may be applied to the folding portion of the display and prevent foreign substances from entering the plurality of openings.

[0217] In one embodiment, the first plate may include a sixth section extending from the third section (e.g., the sixth section (16) of FIG. 3A) and a seventh section extending from the fifth section (e.g., the seventh section (17) of FIG. 3A). The front surface of the sixth section may be attached to the back surface of the first planar portion. The second plate may be attached to the back surface of the sixth section. The front surface of the seventh section may be attached to the back surface of the second planar portion. The third plate may be attached to the back surface of the seventh section. In the unfolded and folded states, the sixth section and the seventh section may be substantially flat.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a first bracket (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3A) for supporting the first flat portion, a second bracket (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3A) for supporting the second flat portion, a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board (261) of FIG. 2C) supported by the first bracket, and an application processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) on the printed circuit board. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket may be rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket. At least one of the first bracket, the first plate, the second plate, the first reinforcing plate, and the second reinforcing plate may be formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second bracket in order to spread heat generated by the application processor. Accordingly, heat dissipation performance of the heat generated by the application processor may be improved.

[0219] An electronic device according to an embodiment (e.g., an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, or an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A) comprises a display (e.g., a display (230) of FIG. 4A), a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure (250) of FIG. 4A), a first plate (e.g., a first plate (310) of FIG. 4A), a second plate, a first reinforcing plate (e.g., a first reinforcing plate (462) of FIG. 4A, a first reinforcing plate (562) of FIG. 5A, a first reinforcing plate (672) of FIG. 6A, or a first reinforcing plate (672-1) of FIG. 6B) and a second reinforcing plate (e.g., a second reinforcing plate (464) of FIG. 4A, a second reinforcing plate (564) of FIG. 5A, a second reinforcing plate (674) of FIG. 6A, or a second reinforcing plate (672-1) of FIG. 6B). The display may include a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion (31) of FIG. 4A), a second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion (32) of FIG. 4A) spaced apart from the first planar portion, and a folding portion (e.g., the folding portion (33) of FIG. 4A) connecting the first planar portion to the second planar portion. The hinge structure below the folding portion may include a hinge bracket (e.g., the hinge bracket (342) of FIG. 4A), a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (352) of FIG. 4A), and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (353) of FIG. 4A). The first hinge plate and the second hinge plate may be configured to fold or unfold the folding portion by being rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket. The first plate may include a plurality of openings (e.g., a plurality of openings (315) in FIG. 4A) positioned between the hinge structure and the folding portion, and may extend across the folding portion from the first planar portion to the second planar portion. A front surface of the first plate (e.g., a front surface (310A) in FIG. 4A) may be attached to a back surface of the display.The second plate may include a first portion (e.g., the second plate (320) of FIG. 4A) attached to a back surface of the first plate (e.g., the back surface (310B) of FIG. 4A) so as to be aligned with the first planar portion, and a second portion (e.g., the third plate (330) of FIG. 4A) attached to the back surface of the first plate so as to be aligned with the second planar portion and disconnected from the first portion. The first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate may be positioned between the first portion and the second portion of the second plate, and may be positioned between the first plate and the hinge structure. The hinge structure may be changeable between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state, a first direction in which one side of the first planar portion faces may be the same as a second direction in which one side of the second planar portion faces, and in the folded state, the first direction may be opposite to the second direction. The first plate may include a first section (e.g., the first section (11) of FIG. 4a), a second section (e.g., the second section (12) of FIG. 4a), and a third section (e.g., the third section (13) of FIG. 4a) below the folding portion. The first section may extend from the second section to the third section. The first section may include the plurality of openings. The second section and the third section may be maintained flat in the folded state and the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the first hinge plate may be aligned with the second section, and the second hinge plate may be aligned with the third section. The first reinforcing plate may be attached to the second section of the first plate or the first hinge plate. The second reinforcing plate may be attached to the third section of the first plate or the second hinge plate. Through the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate, the surface quality of the display can be improved.

[0220] In one embodiment, the first plate may include a fourth section (e.g., the fourth section (14) of FIG. 4A) and a fifth section (e.g., the fifth section (15) of FIG. 4A) below the folding portion. The second section may extend from one side of the first section to the fourth section. The third section may extend from the other side of the first section to the fifth section. In the folded state, the sign of the curvature of the first section may be opposite to the signs of the curvatures of the fourth section and the fifth section.

[0221] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate may not be attached to the fourth section, and the second reinforcing plate may not be attached to the fifth section. Accordingly, the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate may not interfere with the display in the folded state, and may improve the surface quality of the display in the unfolded state.

[0222] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate may partially overlap with the plurality of openings. The second reinforcing plate may partially overlap with the plurality of openings.

[0223] In one embodiment, the electronic device may include a protective member (e.g., a protective layer (337) of FIG. 4A) attached to the back surface of the first plate to cover the plurality of openings. The protective member may mitigate impact applied to the folding portion of the display and prevent foreign substances from entering the plurality of openings.

[0224] In one embodiment, the display device may include a first step compensation member (e.g., the first step compensation member (568) of FIG. 5A or the first step compensation member (678) of FIG. 6B) attached to the first reinforcing plate, and a second step compensation member (e.g., the second step compensation member (569) of FIG. 5A or the second step compensation member (679) of FIG. 6B) attached to the second reinforcing plate. In the unfolded state, the first step compensation member may be positioned between the first reinforcing plate and the protective member, and the second step compensation member may be positioned between the second reinforcing plate and the protective member. The first step compensation member and the second step compensation member may improve the surface quality of the display supported by the first reinforcing plate and the third reinforcing plate by maintaining the first reinforcing plate and the third reinforcing plate parallel to the display in the unfolded state.

[0225] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate may include a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second reinforcing plate may include a third side facing the first side of the first reinforcing plate and a fourth side opposite the third side. A first opening (e.g., a first opening (5621) of FIG. 5c) may be formed on the first side of the first reinforcing plate. A second opening (e.g., a first opening (5641) of FIG. 5c) may be formed on the third side of the second reinforcing plate, facing the first opening.

[0226] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate may be attached to the back surface of the second section of the first plate. The second reinforcing plate may be attached to the back surface of the third section of the first plate.

[0227] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate may be attached on the first hinge plate, and the second reinforcing plate may be attached on the second hinge plate.

[0228] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate is attached to the first hinge plate and can partially overlap the fourth section within the unfolded state. The second reinforcing plate is attached to the second hinge plate and can partially overlap the fifth section within the unfolded state.

[0229] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (200) of FIG. 3A) may include a display (e.g., a display (230) of FIG. 3A), a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure (250) of FIG. 3A), a support plate (e.g., a support plate (310) of FIG. 3A), a first reinforcing plate (e.g., a first reinforcing plate (372) of FIG. 3A), and a second reinforcing plate (e.g., a second reinforcing plate (362) of FIG. 3A). The display may include a first planar portion (e.g., a first planar portion (31) of FIG. 3A), a second planar portion (e.g., a second planar portion (32) of FIG. 3A) facing the first planar portion when the electronic device is folded, and a folding portion (e.g., a folding portion (33) of FIG. 3A) positioned between the first planar portion and the second planar portion. The hinge structure under the folding portion may include a hinge bracket (e.g., the hinge bracket (342) of FIG. 3c), a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (352) of FIG. 3a), and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (353) of FIG. 3a). The first hinge plate and the second hinge plate may be configured to fold or unfold the folding portion by being rotatably coupled to the hinge structure. The support plate may include a plurality of openings (e.g., a plurality of openings (315) of FIG. 3a) positioned between the hinge structure and the folding portion. The support plate may extend across the folding portion from the first flat portion to the second flat portion. A front surface (e.g., a front surface (310A) of FIG. 3a) of the support plate may be attached to a back surface of the display. The first reinforcing plate may be positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure. The first reinforcing plate may be attached to the first hinge plate. The second reinforcing plate may be positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure. The second reinforcing plate may be attached to the back surface of the support plate.Through the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate, the surface quality of the display can be improved.

[0230] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a first plate (e.g., a second plate (320) of FIG. 3A) attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the first planar portion. The support plate may include a first section (e.g., a first section (11) of FIG. 3A), a second section (e.g., a second section (12) of FIG. 3A), and a third section (e.g., a third section (13) of FIG. 3A) under the folding portion. The first section may include the plurality of openings. The second section may not include an opening. The second section may extend from one side of the first section. The second reinforcing plate may be attached to the second section. The third section may extend from the second section to the first planar portion. The hinge structure may be changeable between an unfolded state and a folded state. Within the unfolded state, a first direction toward which one side of the first planar portion faces may be identical to a second direction toward which one side of the second planar portion faces. Within the folded state, the first direction may be opposite to the second direction. Within the folded state, the sign of the curvature of the first section may be opposite to the sign of the curvature of the third section.

[0231] In one embodiment, within the folded state or the unfolded state, the second section may be substantially flat.

[0232] In one embodiment, the second reinforcing plate may not be attached to the third section. The second reinforcing plate may not interfere with the display in the folded state and may improve the surface quality of the display in the unfolded state.

[0233] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the second reinforcing plate may not overlap the third section in a direction perpendicular to the support plate. The second reinforcing plate may not interfere with the display in the folded state, and may improve the surface quality of the display in the unfolded state.

[0234] Within the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate can at least partially overlap the first section in a direction perpendicular to the support plate.

[0235] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, a portion of the first reinforcing plate may overlap the first section in a direction perpendicular to the support plate. Within the unfolded state, a remaining portion of the first reinforcing plate may overlap the second section in a direction perpendicular to the support plate.

[0236] In one embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate can support the back surface of the support plate. Accordingly, the surface quality of the display can be improved in the unfolded state.

[0237] In one embodiment, the hinge structure may include a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover (251) of FIG. 3c) aligned with a center portion of the first section of the support plate. The first reinforcing plate may include a first side (e.g., first side (372a) of FIG. 3c) and a second side opposite to the first side (e.g., second side (372b) of FIG. 3c). In the unfolded state, the first side of the first reinforcing plate may face the first plate. In the unfolded state, the second side of the first reinforcing plate may be positioned between the center portion of the first section of the support plate and the hinge cover.

[0238] In one embodiment, the hinge structure may include a center plate (e.g., center plate (355) of FIG. 3A). In the unfolded state, the center plate may be positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate. In the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate may partially overlap the center plate in a vertical direction.

[0239] The electronic device according to one embodiment may include a second plate (e.g., the third plate (330) of FIG. 3A), a third reinforcing plate (e.g., the third reinforcing plate (374) of FIG. 3A), and a fourth reinforcing plate (e.g., the fourth reinforcing plate (364) of FIG. 3A). The second plate may be attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the second flat portion. The third reinforcing plate may be positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and may be attached to the second hinge plate. The fourth reinforcing plate may be spaced apart from the second plate and attached to the back surface of the support plate between the second plate and the third reinforcing plate. The support plate may include a fourth section (e.g., the fourth section (14) of FIG. 3A) under the folding portion and a fifth section (e.g., the fifth section (15) of FIG. 3A). The fourth section may extend from another side of the first section. The fourth reinforcing plate may be attached to the fourth section. The fifth section may extend from the fourth section to the second flat surface. The surface quality of the display may be improved through the third reinforcing plate and the fourth reinforcing plate.

[0240] In one embodiment, within the folding state, the sign of the curvature of the first section may be opposite to the sign of the curvature of the fifth section.

[0241] In one embodiment, the fourth section may be substantially flat, either within the folded state or within the unfolded state.

[0242] In one embodiment, the fourth reinforcing plate may not be attached to the fifth section. The fourth reinforcing plate may not interfere with the display in the folded state and may improve the surface quality of the display in the unfolded state.

[0243] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the fourth reinforcing plate may not overlap the fifth section in a direction perpendicular to the support plate.

[0244] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the third reinforcing plate may at least partially overlap the first section in a direction perpendicular to the support plate.

[0245] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, a portion of the third reinforcing plate may overlap the first section. Within the unfolded state, a remaining portion of the third reinforcing plate may overlap the fourth section.

[0246] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the third reinforcing plate and the fourth reinforcing plate can support the back surface of the support plate. Accordingly, the surface quality of the display within the unfolded state can be improved.

[0247] In one embodiment, the hinge structure may include a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover (251) of FIG. 3c) aligned with a center portion of the first section of the support plate. The third reinforcing plate may include a first side (e.g., first side (374a) of FIG. 3c) and a second side opposite to the first side (e.g., second side (374b) of FIG. 3c). In the unfolded state, the first side of the third reinforcing plate may face the second plate. In the unfolded state, the second side of the third reinforcing plate may be positioned between the center portion of the first section of the support plate and the hinge cover. The first reinforcing plate may include a first side (e.g., a first side (372a) of FIG. 3C) and a second side (e.g., a second side (372b) of FIG. 3C) that are opposite to each other. In the unfolded state, the first side of the first reinforcing plate may face the first plate. In the unfolded state, the second side of the first reinforcing plate may face the second side of the third reinforcing plate and be positioned between the central portion of the first section of the support plate and the hinge cover.

[0248] In one embodiment, the hinge structure may include a center plate (e.g., center plate (355) of FIG. 3A). In the unfolded state, the center plate may be positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate. In the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate may partially overlap the center plate with respect to a vertical direction. In the unfolded state, the third reinforcing plate may partially overlap the center plate with respect to a vertical direction.

[0249] The electronic device according to one embodiment may include a first step compensation member attached to the first reinforcing plate (e.g., the first step compensation member (368) of FIG. 3C) and a second step compensation member attached to the third reinforcing plate (e.g., the second step compensation member (369) of FIG. 3C). The first step compensation member may be supported by at least one of the first hinge plate and the center plate in the unfolded state. The second step compensation member may be supported by at least one of the second hinge plate and the center plate in the unfolded state. The first step compensation member and the second step compensation member may maintain the first reinforcing plate and the third reinforcing plate parallel to the display in the unfolded state, thereby improving the surface quality of the display supported by the first reinforcing plate and the third reinforcing plate.

[0250] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a first adhesive layer (e.g., a first adhesive layer (322) of FIG. 3c) interposed between the support plate and the first plate, a first elastic layer (e.g., a first elastic layer (324) of FIG. 3c) interposed between the first adhesive layer and the support plate, a second adhesive layer (e.g., a second adhesive layer (332) of FIG. 3c) interposed between the support plate and the second plate, and a second elastic layer (e.g., a second elastic layer (334) of FIG. 3c) interposed between the second adhesive layer and the support plate.

[0251] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a protective member (e.g., a protective layer (337) of FIG. 3C) attached to the back surface of the support plate to cover the plurality of openings. The protective member may mitigate impact that may be applied to the folding portion of the display and prevent foreign substances from entering the plurality of openings.

[0252] In one embodiment, the support plate may include a sixth section extending from the third section (e.g., the sixth section (16) of FIG. 3A) and a seventh section extending from the fifth section (e.g., the seventh section (17) of FIG. 3A). The front surface of the sixth section may be attached to the back surface of the first planar portion. The first plate may be attached to the back surface of the sixth section. The front surface of the seventh section may be attached to the back surface of the second planar portion. The second plate may be attached to the back surface of the seventh section. In the unfolded and folded states, the sixth section and the seventh section may be substantially flat.

[0253] According to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a first bracket (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 3A) for supporting the first flat portion, a second bracket (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 3A) for supporting the second flat portion, a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board (261) of FIG. 2C) supported by the first bracket, and an application processor (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) on the printed circuit board. Each of the first bracket and the second bracket may be rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket. At least one of the first bracket, the support plate, the first plate, the first reinforcing plate, and the second reinforcing plate may be formed of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the second bracket in order to spread heat generated by the application processor. Accordingly, heat dissipation performance of the heat generated by the application processor may be improved.

[0254] An electronic device according to an embodiment (e.g., an electronic device (400) of FIG. 4A, an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5A, or an electronic device (600) of FIG. 6A) includes a display (e.g., a display (230) of FIG. 4A), a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure (250) of FIG. 4A), a support plate (e.g., a support plate (310) of FIG. 4A), a first plate, a first reinforcing plate (e.g., a first reinforcing plate (462) of FIG. 4A, a first reinforcing plate (562) of FIG. 5A, a first reinforcing plate (672) of FIG. 6A, or a first reinforcing plate (672-1) of FIG. 6B) and a second reinforcing plate (e.g., a second reinforcing plate (464) of FIG. 4A, a second reinforcing plate (564) of FIG. 5A, a second reinforcing plate (674) of FIG. 6A, or a second reinforcing plate (672-1) of FIG. 6B). The display may include a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion (31) of FIG. 4A), a second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion (32) of FIG. 4A) spaced apart from the first planar portion, and a folding portion (e.g., the folding portion (33) of FIG. 4A) connecting the first planar portion to the second planar portion. The hinge structure below the folding portion may include a hinge bracket (e.g., the hinge bracket (342) of FIG. 4A), a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (352) of FIG. 4A), and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (353) of FIG. 4A). The first hinge plate and the second hinge plate may be configured to fold or unfold the folding portion by being rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket. The support plate includes a plurality of openings (e.g., a plurality of openings (315) in FIG. 4A) positioned between the hinge structure and the folding portion, and can extend across the folding portion from the first planar portion to the second planar portion. A front surface of the support plate (e.g., a front surface (310A) in FIG. 4A) can be attached to a back surface of the display.The first plate may include a first portion (e.g., a second plate (320) in FIG. 4A) attached to a back surface of the support plate (e.g., a back surface (310B) in FIG. 4A) so as to be aligned with the first planar portion, and a second portion (e.g., a third plate (330) in FIG. 4A) attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the second planar portion and disconnected from the first portion. The first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate may be positioned between the first portion and the second portion of the first plate, and may be positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure. The hinge structure may be changeable between an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state, a first direction in which one side of the first planar portion faces may be the same as a second direction in which one side of the second planar portion faces, and in the folded state, the first direction may be opposite to the second direction. The support plate may include a first section (e.g., the first section (11) of FIG. 4a), a second section (e.g., the second section (12) of FIG. 4a), and a third section (e.g., the third section (13) of FIG. 4a) below the folding portion. The first section may extend from the second section to the third section. The first section may include the plurality of openings. The second section and the third section may be maintained flat in the folded state and the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the first hinge plate may be aligned with the second section, and the second hinge plate may be aligned with the third section. The first reinforcing plate may be attached to the second section of the support plate or the first hinge plate. The second reinforcing plate may be attached to the third section of the support plate or the second hinge plate. Through the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate, the surface quality of the display can be improved.

[0255] In one embodiment, the support plate may include a fourth section (e.g., the fourth section (14) of FIG. 4A) and a fifth section (e.g., the fifth section (15) of FIG. 4A) below the folding portion. The second section may extend from one side of the first section to the fourth section. The third section may extend from the other side of the first section to the fifth section. In the folded state, the sign of the curvature of the first section may be opposite to the signs of the curvatures of the fourth section and the fifth section.

[0256] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate may not be attached to the fourth section, and the second reinforcing plate may not be attached to the fifth section. Accordingly, the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate may not interfere with the display in the folded state, and may improve the surface quality of the display in the unfolded state.

[0257] In one embodiment, within the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate may partially overlap with the plurality of openings. The second reinforcing plate may partially overlap with the plurality of openings.

[0258] In one embodiment, the electronic device may include a protective member (e.g., a protective layer (337) of FIG. 4A) attached to the back surface of the support plate to cover the plurality of openings. The protective member may mitigate impact applied to the folding portion of the display and prevent foreign substances from entering the plurality of openings.

[0259] In one embodiment, the display device may include a first step compensation member (e.g., the first step compensation member (568) of FIG. 5A or the first step compensation member (678) of FIG. 6B) attached to the first reinforcing plate, and a second step compensation member (e.g., the second step compensation member (569) of FIG. 5A or the second step compensation member (679) of FIG. 6B) attached to the second reinforcing plate. In the unfolded state, the first step compensation member may be positioned between the first reinforcing plate and the protective member, and the second step compensation member may be positioned between the second reinforcing plate and the protective member. The first step compensation member and the second step compensation member may improve the surface quality of the display supported by the first reinforcing plate and the third reinforcing plate by maintaining the first reinforcing plate and the third reinforcing plate parallel to the display in the unfolded state.

[0260] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate may include a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second reinforcing plate may include a third side facing the first side of the first reinforcing plate and a fourth side opposite the third side. A first opening (e.g., a first opening (5621) of FIG. 5c) may be formed on the first side of the first reinforcing plate. A second opening (e.g., a first opening (5641) of FIG. 5c) may be formed on the third side of the second reinforcing plate, facing the first opening.

[0261] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate may be attached to the back surface of the second section of the support plate. The second reinforcing plate may be attached to the back surface of the third section of the support plate.

[0262] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate may be attached on the first hinge plate, and the second reinforcing plate may be attached on the second hinge plate.

[0263] In one embodiment, the first reinforcing plate is attached to the first hinge plate and can partially overlap the fourth section within the unfolded state. The second reinforcing plate is attached to the second hinge plate and can partially overlap the fifth section within the unfolded state.

[0264] In a first example, an electronic device is provided. A display comprising a first planar portion, a second planar portion configured to face the first planar portion when the electronic device is folded, and a folding portion positioned between the first planar portion and the second planar portion; a hinge structure under the folding portion, the hinge structure including a hinge bracket, a first hinge plate, and a second hinge plate, wherein the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate are configured to be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket so as to fold or unfold the folding portion; a support plate positioned between the hinge structure and the folding portion and extending across the folding portion from the first planar portion to the second planar portion, the support plate including a plurality of openings, the front surface of the support plate being attached to the back surface of the display; a first reinforcing plate positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and attached to the first hinge plate; An electronic device is provided, comprising: a second reinforcing plate positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and attached to a back surface of the support plate;

[0265] In a second example, an electronic device of the first example is provided, comprising a first plate attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the first planar portion, the support plate comprising a first section, a second section, and a third section under the folding portion, the first section including the plurality of openings, the second section not including the openings and extending from one side of the first section, the second reinforcing plate being attached to the second section, the third section extending from the second section to the first planar portion, the hinge structure being changeable between an unfolded state and a folded state, wherein in the unfolded state, a first direction in which one side of the first planar portion faces is the same as a second direction in which one side of the second planar portion faces, and in the folded state, the first direction is opposite to the second direction, and in the folded state, a sign of a curvature of the first section is opposite to a sign of a curvature of the third section.

[0266] In a third example, an electronic device of the second example is provided, wherein, in the folded state or the unfolded state, the second section is substantially flat.

[0267] In a fourth example, an electronic device of the second or third example is provided, wherein the second reinforcing plate is not attached to the third section.

[0268] In a fifth example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 2 to 4 is provided, wherein, in the unfolded state, the second reinforcing plate does not overlap the third section in a direction perpendicular to the support plate.

[0269] In a sixth example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 2 to 5 is provided, wherein, in the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate at least partially overlaps the first section relative to a direction perpendicular to the support plate.

[0270] In a seventh example, the electronic device of the sixth example is provided, wherein, in the unfolded state, relative to the direction perpendicular to the support plate: a portion of the first reinforcing plate overlaps the first section; and a remaining portion of the first reinforcing plate overlaps the second section.

[0271] In the eighth example, an electronic device according to any one of the second to seventh examples is provided, wherein, in the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate support the back surface of the support plate.

[0272] In a ninth example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 2 to 8 is provided, wherein the hinge structure comprises a hinge cover aligned with a center portion of the first section of the support plate, the first reinforcing plate comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and in the unfolded state: the first side of the first reinforcing plate faces the first plate, and the second side of the first reinforcing plate is positioned between the center portion of the first section of the support plate and the hinge cover.

[0273] In a tenth example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 2 to 9 is provided, wherein the hinge structure comprises a center plate, wherein in the unfolded state: the center plate is positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, and the first reinforcing plate partially overlaps the center plate relative to the vertical direction.

[0274] In an eleventh example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 2 to 10 is provided, comprising: a second plate attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the second planar portion; a third reinforcing plate positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and attached to the second hinge plate; and a fourth reinforcing plate spaced apart from the second plate and attached to the back surface of the support plate between the second plate and the third reinforcing plate; wherein the support plate includes a fourth section under the folding portion and a fifth section, the fourth section extending from another side of the first section, the fourth reinforcing plate being attached to the fourth section, and the fifth section extending from the fourth section to the second planar portion.

[0275] In the 12th example, the electronic device of the 11th example is provided, wherein, within the folded state, the sign of the curvature of the first section is opposite to the sign of the curvature of the fifth section.

[0276] In a 13th example, the electronic device of the 12th example is provided, wherein the fourth section is substantially flat, in the folded state or the unfolded state.

[0277] In the 14th example, an electronic device according to any one of the 11th to 13th examples is provided, wherein the fourth reinforcing plate is not attached to the fifth section.

[0278] In a fifteenth example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 11 to 14 is provided, wherein, in the unfolded state, the fourth reinforcing plate does not overlap the fifth section in a direction perpendicular to the support plate.

[0279] In a 16th example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 11 to 15 is provided, wherein in the unfolded state, the third reinforcing plate at least partially overlaps the first section with respect to a direction perpendicular to the support plate.

[0280] In the 17th example, the electronic device of the 16th example is provided, wherein, in the unfolded state, a portion of the third reinforcing plate overlaps the first section, and in the unfolded state, a remaining portion of the third reinforcing plate overlaps the fourth section.

[0281] In the 18th example, an electronic device according to any one of the 11th to 17th examples is provided, wherein, in the unfolded state, the third reinforcing plate and the fourth reinforcing plate support the back surface of the support plate.

[0282] In a nineteenth example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 11 to 18 is provided, wherein the hinge structure comprises a hinge cover aligned with a central portion of the first section of the support plate, the third reinforcing plate comprises a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and in the unfolded state: the first side of the third reinforcing plate faces the second plate, and the second side of the third reinforcing plate is positioned between the central portion of the first section of the support plate and the hinge cover, and the first reinforcing plate comprises a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and in the unfolded state: the first side of the first reinforcing plate faces the first plate, and the second side of the first reinforcing plate faces the second side of the third reinforcing plate, and is positioned between the central portion of the first section of the support plate and the hinge cover.

[0283] In a 20th example, an electronic device of the 19th example is provided, wherein the hinge structure includes a center plate, and in the unfolded state: the center plate is positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, the first reinforcing plate partially overlaps the center plate with respect to the vertical direction, and the third reinforcing plate partially overlaps the center plate with respect to the vertical direction.

[0284] In a 21st example, the electronic device of the 20th example is provided, which further comprises: a first step compensation member attached to the first reinforcing plate; and a second step compensation member attached to the third reinforcing plate, wherein the first step compensation member is supported by at least one of the first hinge plate and the center plate in the unfolded state, and the second step compensation member is supported by at least one of the second hinge plate and the center plate in the unfolded state.

[0285] In a 22nd example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 11 to 21 is provided, which further comprises: a first adhesive layer interposed between the support plate and the first plate; a first elastic layer interposed between the first adhesive layer and the support plate; a second adhesive layer interposed between the support plate and the second plate; a second elastic layer interposed between the second adhesive layer and the support plate; and a protective member attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to cover the plurality of openings.

[0286] In a 23rd example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 11 to 22 is provided, wherein the support plate includes a sixth section extending from the third section and a seventh section extending from the fifth section, a front surface of the sixth section is attached to a back surface of the first planar portion, the first plate is attached to a back surface of the sixth section, a front surface of the seventh section is attached to a back surface of the second planar portion, and the second plate is attached to a back surface of the seventh section, and in the unfolded and folded states, the sixth section and the seventh section are substantially flat.

[0287] In a 24th example, an electronic device according to any one of the examples described above is provided, further comprising a first adhesive member configured to attach the second reinforcing plate to the first hinge plate.

[0288] In a 25th example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 2 to 23 is provided, further comprising a first heat dissipation member comprising a first part attached to a second reinforcing plate, a second part extending from the first part below the third section, and a third part extending from the second part and attached to the first plate.

[0289] In the 26th example, the electronic device of the 25th example is provided, further comprising a first adhesive member configured to attach the first heat dissipation member to the first hinge plate.

[0290] In a 27th example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 11 to 24 is provided, further comprising a second adhesive member configured to attach the fourth reinforcing plate to the second hinge plate.

[0291] In the 28th example, the electronic device of the 25th example is provided, which further includes a second heat dissipation member comprising a first part attached to the fourth reinforcing plate, a second part extending from the first part below the fifth section, and a third part extending from the second part and attached to the second plate.

[0292] In the 29th example, the electronic device of the 28th example is provided, further comprising a second adhesive member configured to attach the second heat dissipation member to the second hinge plate.

[0293] In a 30th example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 11 to 29 is provided, further comprising a heat dissipation member configured to extend from the first reinforcing plate to the third reinforcing plate; a first end of the heat dissipation member is attached to the first reinforcing plate, and a second end of the heat dissipation member, opposite to the first end, is attached to the third reinforcing plate.

[0294] In a 31st example, an electronic device of any one of the examples described above is provided, which further includes: a first bracket supporting the first flat portion; a second bracket supporting the second flat portion; a printed circuit board supported by the first bracket; and an application processor on the printed circuit board; wherein each of the first bracket and the second bracket is rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket, and at least one of the first bracket, the support plate, the first plate, the first reinforcing plate, and the second reinforcing plate is formed of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the second bracket to spread heat generated by the application processor.

[0295] In a 32nd example, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a display including a first planar portion, a second planar portion spaced apart from the first planar portion, and a folding portion connecting the first planar portion to the second planar portion; a hinge structure below the folding portion, the hinge structure being changeable between an unfolded state and a folded state, the hinge structure including a hinge bracket, a first hinge plate, and a second hinge plate, wherein: the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate are configured to be rotatably coupled to the hinge bracket so as to enable the folding portion to be folded or unfolded, and in the unfolded state, a first direction toward which one surface of the first planar portion faces is the same as a second direction toward which one surface of the second planar portion faces, and in the folded state, the first direction is opposite to the second direction; A support plate positioned between the hinge structure and the folding portion and extending across the folding portion from the first planar portion to the second planar portion, the support plate including a plurality of openings, the front surface of the support plate being attached to the back surface of the display; a first plate including a first portion attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the first planar portion, and a second portion attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the second planar portion and disconnected from the first portion;And a first reinforcing plate (462, 562, 672, 672-1) and a second reinforcing plate (464, 564, 674, 674-1) positioned between the first portion and the second portion of the first plate, and positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure, wherein the support plate includes a first section, a second section and a third section under the folding portion, the first section extending from the second section to the third section and including the plurality of openings, the second section and the third section being maintained flat in the folded state and the unfolded state, and the first hinge plate is aligned with the second section and the second hinge plate is aligned with the third section in the unfolded state, and the first reinforcing plate (462, 562, 672, 672-1) is positioned between the second section of the support plate or the first Attached to the hinge plate, the second reinforcing plate (464, 564, 674, 674-1) is attached to the third section of the support plate or the second hinge plate.;

[0296] In a 33rd example, an electronic device of the 32nd example is provided, wherein the support plate includes a fourth section and a fifth section below the folding portion, the second section extending from one side of the first section to the fourth section, the third section extending from the other side of the first section to the fifth section, and in the folded state, the sign of the curvature of the first section is opposite to the sign of the curvature of the fourth section and the sign of the curvature of the fifth section.

[0297] In the 34th example, the electronic device of the 32nd example or the 33rd example is provided, wherein the first reinforcing plate may not be attached to the fourth section, and the second reinforcing plate may not be attached to the fifth section.

[0298] In a 35th example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 32 to 34 is provided, wherein in the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate partially overlaps the plurality of openings, and the second reinforcing plate partially overlaps the plurality of openings.

[0299] In example 36, an electronic device according to any one of examples 32 to 35 is provided, wherein the electronic device includes a protective member attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to cover the plurality of openings.

[0300] In a 37th example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 32 to 36 is provided, further comprising a first step compensation member attached to the first reinforcing plate, and a second step compensation member attached to the second reinforcing plate. In the unfolded state, the first step compensation member is positioned between the first reinforcing plate and the protective member, and the second step compensation member is positioned between the second reinforcing plate and the protective member.

[0301] In a 38th example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 32 to 37 is provided, wherein the first reinforcing plate includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The second reinforcing plate includes a third side facing the first side of the first reinforcing plate and a fourth side opposite the third side. A first opening may be formed in the first side of the first reinforcing plate. A second opening may be formed in the third side of the second reinforcing plate, facing the first opening.

[0302] In a 39th example, an electronic device according to any one of examples 32 to 38 is provided, wherein the first reinforcing plate is attached to a back surface of the second section of the support plate. The second reinforcing plate is attached to a back surface of the third section of the support plate.

[0303] In the 40th example, an electronic device according to any one of the 32nd to 38th examples is provided, wherein the first reinforcing plate can be attached to the first hinge plate, and the second reinforcing plate can be attached to the second hinge plate.

[0304] In the forty-first example, the electronic device of the fortieth example is provided, wherein the first reinforcing plate can be attached to the first hinge plate and can partially overlap the fourth section in an unfolded state. The second reinforcing plate can be attached to the second hinge plate and can partially overlap the fifth section in an unfolded state.

[0305] The technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary skill in the technical field to which this document pertains from the description below.

[0306] 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.

[0307] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0308] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (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.

[0309] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0310] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more commands stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one command among the one or more commands stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one command called. The one or more commands may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0311] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0312] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, A display including a first planar portion, a second planar portion configured to face the first planar portion when the electronic device is folded, and a folding portion positioned between the first planar portion and the second planar portion; A hinge structure below the folding portion, the hinge structure including a hinge bracket, a first hinge plate, and a second hinge plate, wherein the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate are configured to be rotatably connected to the hinge bracket so as to enable folding or unfolding of the folding portion; A support plate positioned between the hinge structure and the folding portion and extending across the folding portion from the first flat portion to the second flat portion, the support plate including a plurality of openings, the front surface of the support plate being attached to the back surface of the display; a first reinforcing plate positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and attached to the first hinge plate; and A second reinforcing plate positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and attached to the back surface of the support plate; Electronic devices.

2. In paragraph 1, Including a first plate attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the first plane portion; The above support plate includes a first section, a second section, and a third section under the folding portion, The above first section includes the plurality of openings, The second section does not include an opening and extends from one side of the first section, The second reinforcing plate is attached to the second section, The third section extends from the second section to the first plane, The above hinge structure is changeable between an unfolded state and a folded state, In the unfolded state, the first direction in which one side of the first planar portion faces is the same as the second direction in which one side of the second planar portion faces, Within the above folding state, the first direction is opposite to the second direction, Within the above folding state, the sign of the curvature of the first section is opposite to the sign of the curvature of the third section. Electronic devices.

3. In paragraph 2, Within the above folded state or the above unfolded state, the second section is substantially flat, Electronic devices.

4. In paragraph 2 or 3, The above second reinforcing plate is not attached to the above third section, Electronic devices.

5. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 4, Within the unfolded state, the second reinforcing plate does not overlap the third section in a direction perpendicular to the support plate. Electronic devices.

6. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 5, Within the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate at least partially overlaps the first section in a direction perpendicular to the support plate. Electronic devices.

7. In paragraph 6, Within the above unfolded state, with respect to the direction perpendicular to the support plate: A portion of the first reinforcing plate overlaps the first section; and The remaining portion of the first reinforcing plate overlaps the second section, Electronic devices.

8. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 7, Within the unfolded state, the first reinforcing plate and the second reinforcing plate support the back surface of the support plate. Electronic devices.

9. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 8, The above hinge structure includes a hinge cover aligned at the center of the first section of the support plate, The above first reinforcing plate comprises a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, Within the above unfolded state: The first side of the first reinforcing plate faces the first plate, and The second side of the first reinforcing plate is positioned between the central portion of the first section of the support plate and the hinge cover. Electronic devices.

10. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 9, The above hinge structure includes a center plate, Within the above unfolded state: The center plate is positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, and The above first reinforcing plate partially overlaps the center plate in the vertical direction. Electronic devices.

11. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 10, A second plate attached to the back surface of the support plate so as to be aligned with the second flat surface; a third reinforcing plate positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and attached to the second hinge plate; and a fourth reinforcing plate spaced apart from the second plate and attached to the back surface of the support plate between the second plate and the third reinforcing plate; The above support plate includes a fourth section and a fifth section under the folding section, The fourth section extends from another side of the first section, The fourth reinforcing plate is attached to the fourth section, and The above fifth section extends from the above fourth section to the above second plane section. Electronic devices.

12. In claim 11, Within the above folding state, the sign of the curvature of the first section is opposite to the sign of the curvature of the fifth section, The fourth section is substantially flat, within the folded state or the unfolded state. Electronic devices.

13. In paragraph 11 or 12, The above hinge structure includes a hinge cover aligned at the center of the first section of the support plate, The third reinforcing plate comprises a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, Within the above unfolded state: The first side of the third reinforcing plate faces the second plate, and The second side of the third reinforcing plate is positioned between the central portion of the first section of the support plate and the hinge cover, The above first reinforcing plate includes a first side and a second side, which are opposite to each other, Within the above unfolded state: The first side of the first reinforcing plate faces the first plate, and The second side of the first reinforcing plate faces the second side of the third reinforcing plate and is positioned between the center of the first section of the support plate and the hinge cover. Electronic devices.

14. In Article 13, The above hinge structure includes a center plate, Within the above unfolded state: The above center plate is positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, The above first reinforcing plate partially overlaps the center plate in the vertical direction, and The third reinforcing plate is partially overlapped with the center plate in the vertical direction. Electronic devices.

15. In claim 14, A first step compensation member attached to the first reinforcing plate; and Further comprising a second step compensation member attached to the third reinforcing plate, The first step compensation member is supported by at least one of the first hinge plate and the center plate in the unfolded state, and The second step compensation member is supported by at least one of the second hinge plate and the center plate in the unfolded state. Electronic devices.

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