Electronic device including structure for reducing damage to flexible display

Abstract

A foldable electronic device according to one embodiment may comprise: a flexible display including a bending area configured to be bent within a folded state of the foldable electronic device; and a support plate including a recess facing the bending area. A portion of the bending area may be disposed in a space provided by the recess in the folded state. The foldable electronic device may include an elastic member disposed between the bending area and the support plate.

Description

An electronic device comprising a structure for reducing breakage of a flexible display

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

[0002] As user demands diversify, electronic devices may include a deformable display structure for displaying content. For example, an electronic device may include a foldable, flexible display. The electronic device may require a support structure for the display to reduce display breakage or a buffer structure for the display to reduce display deformation.

[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 related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A foldable electronic device is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may include a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed on the first housing part and the second housing part, the flexible display including a bending area that bends in a folded state of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include a hinge assembly positioned below the flexible display, the second housing part rotatably connecting with respect to the first housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a support plate coupled to the hinge assembly and including a recess facing the bending area. A portion of the bending area may be disposed within a space provided by the recess in the folded state. The foldable electronic device may include an elastic member disposed between the bending area and the support plate.

[0005] A foldable electronic device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may include a flexible display including a first region, a second region spaced apart from the first region, and a bending region positioned between the first region and the second region and configured to bend within a folded state of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include a support plate including a recess facing the bending region and providing a space for the bending region to move according to a change from an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device to the folded state. The foldable electronic device may include an elastic member positioned between the third display part and the support plate and attached to the groove so as to be pressed by the bending region positioned within the space within the folded state of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include a coating layer attached to the flexible display and at least partially disposed between the bending region and the elastic member. The coating layer may be spaced apart from the elastic member in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device and may be in contact with the elastic member in the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

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

[0007] FIG. 2A illustrates 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] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate portions of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0011] Figures 3c and 3d illustrate portions of an exemplary electronic device in a folded state.

[0012] FIG. 4a is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2a.

[0013] Figure 4b illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device.

[0014] FIG. 4c is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device in a folded state taken along line B-B' of FIG. 2b.

[0015] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate portions of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0016] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a portion of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a movable center bar structure within an exemplary electronic device.

[0018] Figure 8 illustrates a graph showing the characteristics of an elastic member of an exemplary electronic device.

[0019] FIG. 9a illustrates an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0020] FIG. 9b illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a folded state.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0022] 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)).

[0023] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result 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 an auxiliary 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 with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0024] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion 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.

[0025] 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).

[0026] 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).

[0027] 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).

[0028] 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. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] The 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) 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).

[0039] 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) can 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.

[0040] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In 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). In 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, for example, by 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 at least one selected antenna. In 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).

[0041] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In 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.

[0042] 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)).

[0043] 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 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 utilizing 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.

[0044] FIG. 2A illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a folded state of an exemplary electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2C is an exploded view of an exemplary electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), 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).

[0046] The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may form at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device (101) that can be gripped by a user. At least a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device (101) defined by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may come into contact with a portion of the user's body when the electronic device (101) is used by the user. According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) may include a first front surface (211), a first rear surface (212) facing the first front surface (211) and spaced apart from the first front surface (211), and a first side surface (213) surrounding at least a portion of the first front surface (211) and the first rear surface (212). The first side (213) can connect the periphery of the first front side (211) and the periphery of the first back side (212). The first front side (211), the first back side (212), and the first side (213) can define an internal space of the first housing part (210). According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) can provide a space formed by the first front side (211), the first back side (212), and the first side (213) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the second housing part (220) may include a second front surface (221), a second rear surface (222) facing the second front surface (221) and spaced apart from the second front surface (221), and a second side surface (223) surrounding at least a portion of the second front surface (221) and the second rear surface (222). The second side surface (223) may connect a periphery of the second front surface (221) and a periphery of the second rear surface (222). The second front surface (221), the second rear surface (222), and the second side surface (223) may define an interior space of the second housing part (220). According to one embodiment, the second housing part (220) may provide a space formed by a second front surface (221), a second rear surface (222), and a second side surface (223) surrounding at least a portion of the second front surface (221) and the second rear surface (222), as a space for mounting components of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the second housing part (220) may be coupled to the first housing part (210) so as to be rotatable with respect to the first housing part (210).

[0048] According to one embodiment, each of the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (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 front surface (211) and the second front surface (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 part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the first protective member (214) may surround the edge of the first display area (230a) of the display (230), and the second protective member (224) may surround the edge of the second display area (230b) of the display (230). The first protective member (214) may be formed by being attached to the first side (213) of the first housing part (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 part (220), or may be formed integrally with the second side (223).

[0049] 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 portion (225) and at least one non-conductive portion (226). The at least one conductive portion (225) may include a plurality of conductive portions that are each spaced apart from each other. The at least one non-conductive portion (226) may be disposed between the plurality of conductive portions. The plurality of conductive portions may be isolated from each other by the at least one non-conductive portion (226) disposed between the plurality of conductive portions. According to one embodiment, the plurality of conductive portions and the plurality of non-conductive portions may together form an antenna radiator. The electronic device (101) may be capable of communicating with an external electronic device through the antenna radiator formed by the plurality of conductive portions and the plurality of non-conductive portions.

[0050] The display (230) may be configured to display visual information. According to one embodiment, the display (230) may be disposed on a first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and a second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) across the hinge structure (250). For example, the display (230) may include a first display area (230a) disposed on the first front surface (211) of the first housing, a second display area (230b) disposed on the second front surface (221) of the second housing, and a third display area (230c) disposed between the first display area (230a) and the second display area (230b). The first display area (230a), the second display area (230b), and the third display area (230c) 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 second rear surface (222) of the second housing part (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 that is visually exposed toward the outside of the electronic device (101). 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 (101). 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).

[0051] At least one camera (240) may be configured to acquire an image based on receiving light from a subject external to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the at least one camera (240) may include first cameras (241), second cameras (242), and / or third cameras (243). The first cameras (241) may be disposed in the first housing part (210). For example, the first cameras (241) may be disposed inside the first housing part (210) and at least a portion of the first cameras (241) may be visible through the first rear surface (212) of the first housing part (210). The first cameras (241) may be supported by a bracket (not shown) within the first housing part (210). The first housing part (210) may include at least one opening (241a) that overlaps the first cameras (241) when viewed from above on the first rear surface (212). The first cameras (241) may acquire images based on receiving light from the outside of the electronic device (101) through the at least one opening (241a).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the second camera (242) may be disposed in the second housing part (220). For example, the second camera (242) may be disposed inside the second housing part (220) and may be visible through the sub-display panel (235). The second housing part (220) may include at least one opening (242a) that overlaps the second camera (242) when the second rear 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 (101) through the at least one opening (242a).

[0053] In one embodiment, the third camera (243) may be disposed in the first housing part (210). For example, the third camera (243) may be disposed inside the first housing part (210) and at least a portion thereof may be visible through the first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210). In another example, the third camera (243) may be disposed inside the first housing part (210) and at least a portion thereof may be visible through the first display area (230a) of the display (230). The first display area (230a) 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.

[0054] 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 part (210) or the inside of the second housing part (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 each of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) 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 (101). 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.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the hinge structure (250) can rotatably connect the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The hinge structure (250) can be positioned between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) of the electronic device (101) so that the electronic device (101) can be bent, curved, or folded. For example, the hinge structure (250) can be positioned 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 (101) into an unfolding state in which the first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and the second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) face each other in substantially the same direction, or into a folding state in which the first front surface (211) and the second front surface (221) face each other. When the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be folded or overlapped by facing each other.

[0056] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be different from each other. For example, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be opposite to each other. For another example, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be inclined with respect to each other. When the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces is inclined with respect to the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces, the first housing part (210) may be inclined with respect to the second housing part (220). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the first rear surface (212) of the first housing part (210) may face the second rear surface (222) of the second housing part (220). When the first rear surface (212) and the second rear surface (222) face each other in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be opposite to each other. When the first rear surface (212) and the second rear surface (222) face each other in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the display (230) may be visually exposed to the outside in the folded state of the electronic device (101).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be foldable based on a folding axis (f). The folding axis (f) may refer to an imaginary line extending through the hinge cover (251) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101), but is not limited thereto. For example, the folding axis (f) may be an imaginary line extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101). When the folding axis (f) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101), the hinge structure (250) may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis (f) to connect the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be rotatable by the hinge structure (250) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101).

[0058] 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 visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) through a space between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (251) may be covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) and may not be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101).

[0059] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) can be coupled with the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), respectively, thereby rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the first hinge plate (252) can be coupled with the first front bracket (215) of the first housing part (210), and the second hinge plate (253) can be coupled with the second front bracket (227) of the second housing part (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 part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be rotated according to the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253).

[0060] 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 module (254) can be a plurality of pieces. 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.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) may include a first front bracket (215) and a first rear bracket (216), and the second housing part (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 (101). The first front bracket (215) may define the first housing part (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 part (210). The second front bracket (227) and the second rear bracket (228) may support components of the electronic device (101). The second front bracket (227) can define a second housing part (220) by being combined with the second rear bracket (228). The second rear bracket (228) can define a portion of an outer surface of the second housing part (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).

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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 first printed circuit board (261), a second printed circuit board (262), a flexible printed circuit board (263), a battery (264) (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1), and / or an antenna (265) (e.g., antenna module (197) of FIG. 1). The first printed circuit board (261) and the second printed circuit board (262) may each form an electrical connection between components within the electronic device (101). For example, components for implementing the overall function of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) may be placed on the first printed circuit board (261), and at least one electronic component for implementing a part of the function of the first printed circuit board (261) may be placed on the second printed circuit board (262). As another example, components for the operation of the sub-display panel (235) placed on the second rear surface (222) may be placed on the second printed circuit board (262).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (261) may be disposed within the first housing part (210). For example, the first printed circuit board (261) may be disposed on one surface of the first front bracket (215). According to one embodiment, the second printed circuit board (262) may be disposed within the second housing part (220). For example, the second printed circuit board (262) may be spaced apart from the first printed circuit board (261) and disposed on one surface of the second front bracket (227). A flexible printed circuit board (263) may connect the first printed circuit board (261) and the second printed circuit board (262). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (263) may extend from the first printed circuit board (261) to the second printed circuit board (262).

[0065] The battery (264) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (101), 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 first printed circuit board (261) or the second printed circuit board (262).

[0066] The antenna (265) may be configured to receive power or a signal from outside the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the antenna (265) may be positioned 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.

[0067] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a portion of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state. Figures 3c and 3d illustrate a portion of an exemplary electronic device in a folded state.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A) including a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A) and a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A), a flexible display (230), a hinge structure (250), and a support plate (310) within the housing (200).

[0069] The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a foldable electronic device in that it can change into a plurality of states, including an unfolded state and a folded state.

[0070] The unfolded state of the electronic device (101) may be a state in which the display (230) of the electronic device (101) is unfolded. For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the first region (231), the second region (232), and the bending region (233) form a substantially flat surface. For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the first display region (e.g., the first display region (230a) of FIG. 2A) and the second display region (e.g., the second display region (230b) of FIG. 2A) of the display (230) are facing in substantially the same direction. For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the angle between the first region (231) and the second region (232) has a maximum value (e.g., approximately 180 degrees). For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the distance between the recess (320) of the support plate (310) and the bending area (233) has a maximum value by moving the bending area (233) toward the outside of the electronic device (101) (e.g., moving in the +z direction). For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the bending area (233) has a minimum curvature. For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the bending area (233) has a maximum radius of curvature.

[0071] The folded state of the electronic device (101) may be a state in which the display (230) of the electronic device (101) is completely folded. For example, the folded state may be a state in which the first region (231) and the second region (232) of the display (230) are in contact with each other. For example, the folded state may be a state in which the angle between the first region (231) and the second region (232) has a minimum value (e.g., 0 degrees). For example, the folded state may be a state in which the distance between the recess (320) of the support plate (310) and the bending region (233) has a minimum value by moving toward the inside of the bending region (233) housing (200) (e.g., moving in the -z direction). For example, the folded state may be a state in which the bending region (233) has a maximum curvature. For example, the folded state may be a state in which the bending region (233) has a minimum radius of curvature.

[0072] Although not shown, the electronic device (101) may be in intermediate states between the unfolded state and the folded state. For example, the intermediate states may be semi-folded states of the display (230) of the electronic device (101). For example, the electronic device (101) may be in intermediate states while changing from the unfolded state to the folded state or while changing from the folded state to the folded state. For example, the intermediate states may be states in which the first region (231) and the second region (232) are spaced apart and the first display region (230a) and the second display region (230b) of FIG. 2A face each other at a specified angle. For example, the intermediate states may be states in which the angle between the first region (231) and the second region (232) is located within a range of about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees.

[0073] The display (230) may form at least a portion of the front surface (200a) of the housing (200). The display (230) may include a first region (231), a second region (232) spaced apart from the first region (231), and a bending region (233) positioned between the first region (231) and the second region (232). The bending region (233) may be configured to be bent within a folded state of the electronic device (101).

[0074] For example, the first region (231) can at least partially form the first housing part (210). The first region (231) can be combined with the first housing part (210). The first region (231) can be at least partially surrounded by the first housing part (210). The first region (231) can be a portion for the first display region (230a) of the display (230). For example, the second region (232) can at least partially form the second housing part (220). The second region (232) can be combined with the second housing part (220). The second region (232) can be at least partially surrounded by the second housing part (220). The above second area (232) may be a portion for the second display area (230b) of the display (230).

[0075] For example, the first region (231) and the second region (232) may be portions that do not deform while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state. For example, the first region (231) and the second region (232) may be referred to as substantially flat parts, but are not limited thereto.

[0076] For example, the bending region (233) may extend from the first region (231) to the second region (232) over the hinge structure (250). For example, one end of the bending region (233) may be connected to the first region (231), and another end of the bending region (233), opposite to the one end, may be connected to the second region (232). For example, the bending region (233) may face the support plate (310). For example, the bending region (233) may be a deformable portion having flexibility. For example, the bending region (233) can be deformed while the electronic device (101) is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state to rotatably connect the second region (232) to the first region (231). For example, the bending region (233) can be referred to as a folding part in that it provides a folding axis (f) of the display (230) so that the display (230) can be folded, but is not limited thereto.

[0077] For example, the bending region (233) can be bent by being pressed by the first region (231) and the second region (232) while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. The bending region (233) can be unfolded by being tensioned by the first region (231) and the second region (232) while the electronic device (101) changes from the folded state to the unfolded state. For example, the bending region (233) can be moved at least partially toward the inside of the housing (200) (e.g., in the -z direction) while the electronic device (101) changes from the unfolded state to the folded state. The bending region (233) can be moved at least partially toward the outside of the electronic device (101) (e.g., in the +z direction) while the electronic device (101) changes from the folded state to the unfolded state. The bending region (233) can be moved at least partially while the electronic device (101) is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state, thereby reducing breakage and / or plastic deformation of the bending region (233) by the first region (231) and the second region (232).

[0078] The hinge structure (250) may be positioned below the display (230). The hinge structure (250) may rotatably connect the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210). For example, the hinge structure (250) may be at least partially disposed between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The hinge structure (250) may rotatably connect the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210). For example, the hinge structure (250) may at least partially overlap the bending region (233) when viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction). For example, the hinge structure (250) may be disposed along the folding axis (f) of the display (230). For example, the hinge structure (250) can extend from the inside of the first housing part (210) to the inside of the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) can provide a plurality of states, including an unfolded state and a folded state, of the electronic device (101) by rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220).

[0079] For example, the hinge structure (250) may include a hinge cover (e.g., hinge cover (251) of FIG. 2C), a first hinge plate (252), and a second hinge plate (253). For example, the hinge cover (251) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state. The hinge cover (251) may cover the support plate (310). The hinge cover (251) may be a portion of the hinge structure (250) that overlaps with a bending region (233) when the display (230) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction).

[0080] For example, referring to FIGS. 2B and 2C, the first hinge plate (252) may be disposed within the first housing part (210). The first hinge plate (252) may be at least partially attached to the first region (231). The second hinge plate (253) may be disposed within the second housing part (220). The second hinge plate (253) may be at least partially attached to the second region (232). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a bracket (330) for supporting the display (230). The first hinge plate (252) may be coupled with the first bracket (331) for supporting the first region (231). The second hinge plate (253) can be coupled with the second bracket (332) that supports the second region (232). For example, the support plate (310) can be at least partially disposed between the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) in the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). The second hinge plate (253) can rotate with respect to the first hinge plate (252), thereby rotating the second region (232) with respect to the first region (231). The hinge structure (250) can deform the bending region (233) between the first region (231) and the second region (232) by rotating the second region (232) with respect to the first region (231).

[0081] For example, referring to FIG. 3D, the electronic device (101) may include a bracket (330) for supporting a display (230), and a wing plate (340) connected to the bracket (330). Although not shown in FIG. 3D, a first hinge plate (252) and a second hinge plate (253) may be coupled to the bracket (330) and the wing plate (340), respectively. For example, a first bracket (331) (e.g., a first front bracket (215) of FIG. 2C) may be disposed within a first housing part (210) and support a first area (231) of the display (230). Among the wing plates (340), a first wing plate (341) may be connected to the first bracket (331) and support a bending area (233) of the display (230). For example, the second bracket (332) (e.g., the second front bracket (227) of FIG. 2C) may be disposed within the second housing part (220) and support the second area (232) of the display (230). The second wing plate (342) of the wing plates (340) may be connected to the second bracket (332) and support the bending area (233) of the display (230). For example, the first wing plate (341) and the second wing plate (342) may face each other and be separated from each other. For example, the first hinge plate (252) may be coupled to the first wing plate (341). The second hinge plate (253) may be coupled to the second wing plate (342).

[0082] The support plate (310) may be coupled with the hinge structure (250). The support plate (310) may include a recess (320) facing the bending area (233) and providing a space (internal volume) for the bending area (233) to move according to the change from the unfolded state to the folded state of the electronic device (101).

[0083] For example, the support plate (310) may be surrounded by the hinge structure (250). The support plate (310) may be covered by the hinge cover (251) of the hinge structure (250). For example, the support plate (310) may be disposed between the hinge cover (251) and the bending area (233). For example, the support plate (310) may extend along the folding axis (f) of the display (230). For example, the support plate (310) may at least partially overlap the bending area (233) when the display (230) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction). For example, the support plate (310) may be spaced apart from the bending area (233) within the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). The support plate (310) can support the bending area (233) by coming into contact with the bending area (233) moved toward the support plate (310) within the folded state of the electronic device (101). For example, referring to FIG. 3A, the support plate (310) is configured to support the bending area (233) within the folded state of the electronic device (101), thereby reducing sinkage of the bending area (233) within the folded state. However, a structure may be required to reduce damage (e.g., crease or distortion) of the bending area (233) due to the rigidity of the support plate (310).

[0084] For example, referring to FIG. 3B, the recess (320) may be recessed from the support plate (310) toward the hinge cover (251) of the hinge structure (250) (e.g., in the -z direction). For example, the recess (320) may be formed along the folding axis (f) of the display (230). The recess (320) may overlap the folding axis (f) when the display (230) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction). For example, the recess (320) may face a portion of the bending area (233) that provides the folding axis (f) of the display (230).

[0085] For example, the bending area (233) may be located outside the recess (320) within the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). While the electronic device (101) is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, the recess (320) may accommodate, in the space of the recess (320), at least a portion of the bending area (233) that moves (e.g., moves in the -z direction) toward the support plate (310) (or the recess (320)). The support plate (310) may include the recess (320) that provides a space for the bending area (233) that moves toward the support plate (310) while the electronic device (101) is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, thereby reducing damage to the bending area (233) due to the rigidity of the support plate (310).

[0086] In the folded state of the electronic device (101), when a part of the bending area (233) is spaced apart from the inner surface of the recess (320) within the space of the recess (320), a breakage (e.g., sinkage in the -z direction or plastic deformation) may occur in the bending area (233) due to a gap between the inner surface of the recess (320) and the bending area (233). When the part of the bending area (233) comes into contact with the inner surface of the recess (320) within the space of the recess (320), a breakage (e.g., crease or distortion) may occur in the bending area (233) due to the rigidity of the support plate (310). In order to reduce damage to the bending region (233) while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, a structure for supporting the bending region (233) while guiding deformation of the bending region (233) is described below in FIG. 4a.

[0087] FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2A. FIG. 4B illustrates a portion of the exemplary electronic device. FIG. 4C is a partial cross-sectional view of the exemplary electronic device in a folded state taken along line B-B' of FIG. 2B.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (e.g., the housing (200) of FIG. 2A) that includes a first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A) and a second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A). The electronic device (101) may include a display (230) that forms at least a portion of a front surface (200a) of the housing (200) and includes a first region (231), a second region (232) spaced apart from the first region (231), and a bending region (233) positioned between the first region (231) and the second region (232) and configured to bend within a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include a hinge structure (250) positioned below the flexible display (230) to rotatably connect the second housing part (220) to the first housing part (210). The electronic device (101) may include a support plate (310) within the housing (200) that is coupled to the hinge structure (250) and includes a recess (320) that faces the bending area (233) and provides space for the bending area (233) to move according to a change from an unfolded state to a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101).

[0089] In the following, descriptions of overlapping configurations having the same reference numerals as those described above in FIGS. 3a and 3b are omitted.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include an elastic member (410) disposed between the bending area (233) and the support plate (310) and attached to the recess (320) so as to be pressed by the bending area (233) positioned within the space of the recess (320) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101).

[0091] For example, the elastic member (410) can be at least partially disposed within the recess (320). The elastic member (410) can be partially surrounded by the recess (320). For example, the recess (320) can include at least one step portion (321) for space. The elastic member (410) can be surrounded by at least one step portion (321) of the recess (320). For example, the elastic member (410) can be attached to one side (320a) of the recess (320) facing the bending area (233). For example, the elastic member (410) can at least partially fill the space of the recess (320). For example, the elastic member (410) can be disposed along the folding axis (f) of the display (230) provided by the bending area (233). The elastic member (410) may be placed in a space formed by the space between the bending area (233) and the support plate (310) or the space formed by the space between the bending area (233) and the recess (320). For example, the elastic member (410) may be supported by the support plate (310) by being attached to the recess (320).

[0092] For example, referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C in sequence, the elastic member (410) may be pressed by the bending region (233) moving toward the inside of the recess (320) while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a bent state. For example, the elastic member (410) may be pressed in the -z direction by the bending region (233) moving toward the support plate (310) while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. The elastic member (410) may be deformed by being pressed by the bending region (233).

[0093] For example, referring to FIGS. 4C, 4B, and 4A in sequence, the elastic member (410) may be separated from the bending region (233) by the bending region (233) moving toward the outside of the recess (320) while the electronic device (101) is changed from a bent state to an unfolded state. For example, the elastic member (410) may be restored to a state before the pressurization by the bending region (233) moving in the +z direction while the electronic device (101) is changed from a bent state to an unfolded state, thereby releasing the pressurization from the bending region (233).

[0094] For example, the elastic member (410) can pressurize the bending region (233) located in the space of the recess (320) in the opposite direction (e.g., +z direction) to the pressing direction (e.g., -z direction) of the bending region (233) by the repulsive force. The elastic member (410) can reduce damage to the bending region (233) by supporting the bending region (233). The elastic member (410) can reduce damage to the bending region (233) by being deformed by the bending region (233) by the support plate (310).

[0095] For example, the elastic member (410) may support the bending region (233) by contacting the bending region (233) within intermediate states between the unfolded state and the folded state while the electronic device (101) is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state. If the elastic member (410) is omitted, even if the recess (320) provides space for the bending region (233) so that it has a shape corresponding to the bending region (233) within the folded state of the electronic device (101), the bending region (233) may be damaged (e.g., sinkage in the -z direction) due to the gap between the bending region (233) and the recess (320) (or the support plate (310)) within the intermediate states. The electronic device (101) can reduce damage to the bending region (233) that is deformed according to the folding operation of the electronic device (101) by supporting the bending region (233) in each of a plurality of states including the folded state of the electronic device (101) through an elastic member (410) attached to the recess (320) of the support plate (310).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the elastic member (410) may be configured to have a different contact area with the bending region (233) depending on how the bending region (233) moves toward the support plate (310) while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being in contact with another element in this document, this includes not only direct contact of the element with the other element but also contact through an intermediate element between the element and the other element, and thus does not limit the arrangement relationship between the element and the other element.

[0097] For example, the elastic member (410) may be spaced apart from the bending area (233) within the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). The elastic member (410) may support the bending area (233) by coming into contact with the bending area (233) moving toward the elastic member (410) while the electronic device (101) is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state. For example, the elastic member (410) may be configured such that the contact area with the bending area (233) increases while the electronic device (101) is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state. For example, the elastic member (410) may be configured such that the contact area with the bending area (233) decreases while the electronic device (101) is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the elastic member (410) may be deformed by contacting the bending region (233) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state, and may be restored with a recovery rate that is within a range of about 90% or more and about 99% or less by being separated from the bending region (233) while the electronic device (101) is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state. For example, the elastic member (410) may be depressed toward the support plate (310) by being pressed by the bending region (233) moving toward the elastic member (410) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state. For example, the elastic member (410) may be deformed by being compressed by the bending region (233).

[0099] For example, the thickness (w) of the elastic member (410) based on the folding axis (f) of the display (230) may be changed from a first thickness (w1) to a second thickness (w2) smaller than the first thickness (w1) by the pressure by the bending area (233) while the electronic device (101) is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state. The elastic member (410) may be changed from the second thickness (w2) to a third thickness (w3) as the pressure by the bending area (233) is released while the electronic device (101) is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state. The recovery rate of the elastic member (410) may mean the ratio of the third thickness (w3) to the first thickness (w1). The above elastic member (410) has a recovery rate of about 90% or more and about 99% or less, so that it can continuously support the bending region (233) while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the elastic member (410) may include a first side (410a) attached on a side (320a) facing the bending area (233) of the recess (320), and a second side (410b) opposite the first side (410a) and in contact with the bending area (233) within a folded state of the electronic device (101). The second side (410b) may be dented toward the first side (410a) by the bending area (233) while the electronic device (101) changes from the unfolded state to the folded state. The second side (410b) may be moved toward the bending area (233) while the electronic device (101) changes from the folded state to the unfolded state. For example, the first surface (410a) of the elastic member (410) may be a surface supported by the support plate (310). The second surface (410b) opposite to the first surface (410a) may be depressed toward the support plate (310) by being pressed by the bending region (233) that moves toward the support plate (310) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state. The thickness (w) of the elastic member (410) between the first surface (410a) and the second surface (410b) may decrease. For example, the second surface (410b) may be moved toward the bending region (233) by the restoring force of the elastic member (410) while the electronic device (101) is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state. The thickness (w) of the elastic member (410) between the first surface (410a) and the second surface (410b) can increase.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the second surface (410b) of the elastic member (410) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of at least a portion of the curved bending region (233) within the folded state of the electronic device (101). For example, the elastic member (410) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of a portion of the bending region (233) that comes into contact with the elastic member (410) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state. For example, the second surface (410b) of the elastic member (410) configured to come into contact with the bending region (233) may be recessed into a shape corresponding to the shape of a bent portion of the bending region (233) that comes into contact with the elastic member (410) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state. The second surface (410b) has a shape corresponding to the shape of the bending area (233) by the pressure of the bending area (233), thereby maintaining the shape of the bending area (233) and supporting the bending area (233) while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation.

[0102] In one embodiment, the elastic member (410) may include polyurethane foam (PU foam). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the properties of the elastic member (410) may be adjusted so that the electronic device (101) has a recovery rate within a specified range upon application of pressure from the bending region (233) and release of the pressure while performing a folding operation. For example, the elastic member (410) may include, but is not limited to, rubber.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the bending region (233) can be spaced apart from the support plate (310) by an elastic member (410) interposed between the recess (320) and the bending region (233) within the folded state of the electronic device (101). For example, the elastic member (410) can space the bending region (233) from the support plate (310) by pressing the bending region (233) in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the bending region (e.g., the -z direction) by a repulsive force while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state. For example, the elastic member (410) can separate the bending area (233) from the support plate (310) by having the first side (410a) of the elastic member (410) attached to the recess (320) and the second side (410b) opposite to the first side (410a) come into contact with the bending area (233) while the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. The elastic member (410) can reduce the breakage of the bending area (233) by coming into contact with the support plate (310) by separating the bending area (233) from the support plate (310) while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a coating layer (420) attached to a rear surface (230e) facing the hinge structure (250) of the display (230) and at least partially disposed between the bending area (233) and the elastic member (410). For example, the coating layer (420) may be attached on the rear surface (230e) of the display (230) opposite to the front surface (230d) of the display (230) that is visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101). The coating layer (420) may cover at least a portion of the rear surface (230e) of the display (230). For example, the coating layer (420) may be attached at least partially to the bending area (233). The coating layer (420) may be deformed along the bending area (233) that is deformed while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation. For example, the coating layer (420) may be bent into a shape corresponding to the shape of the bending region (233) that is bent while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. For example, the coating layer (420) may be deposited on the rear surface (230e) of the display (230).

[0105] For example, the coating layer (420) may be spaced apart from the elastic member (410) within the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). The coating layer (420) may be in contact with the elastic member (410) within the folded state of the electronic device (101). For example, while the electronic device (101) is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, the elastic member (410) may be configured to have a contact area with the coating layer (420) that varies depending on the bending region (233) that moves toward the support plate (310). For example, the elastic member (410) may be restored with a recovery rate that is within a range of 90% or more and 99% or less by being spaced apart from the coating layer (420) while the electronic device (101) is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state. For example, the coating layer (420) may be interposed between the elastic member (410) and the bending region (233), at least in part, by the bending region (233) positioned within the space of the recess (320) as the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation. For example, the coating layer (420) may be attached to the rear surface (230e) of the display (230), thereby separating the bending region (233) from the elastic member (410). The electronic device (101) may reduce noise caused by friction between the bending region (233) and the elastic member (410) and / or damage to the bending region (233) by including the coating layer (420) configured to be in contact with the elastic member (410).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the support plate (310) may be referred to as a center bar. The support plate (310) may be configured to be stationary so that there is no vertical movement of the support plate (310) during the change between the unfolded state and the folded state of the electronic device (101). The vertical movement of the support plate (310) may mean movement of the support plate (310) within the housing (200) toward the display (230) (e.g., the first direction (701) of FIG. 7A), or movement in a direction opposite to the direction toward the display (230) (e.g., the second direction (702) of FIG. 7B). For example, the support plate (310) may be configured to remain fixed in position within the housing (200) while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, or from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0107] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device (101) can support the bending region (233) that is deformed while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation by including an elastic member (410) attached to the recess (320) of the support plate (310), and reduce damage to the bending region (233). The electronic device (101) can reduce noise caused by friction between the bending region (233) and the elastic member (410) and damage to the bending region (233) by including a coating layer (420) attached to the display (230).

[0108] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate portions of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B , the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A ) and a second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A ). The electronic device (101) may include a display (230) that forms at least a portion of a front surface (200a) of the housing (200) and includes a first region (231), a second region (232) spaced apart from the first region (231), and a bending region (233) positioned between the first region (231) and the second region (232) and configured to bend within a folded state of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C) that rotatably connects the second housing part (220) positioned below the display (230) to the first housing part (210). The electronic device (101) may include a support plate (310) within the housing (200) that is coupled to the hinge structure (250) and includes a recess (320) that faces the bending area (233) and provides space for the bending area (233) to move according to a change from the unfolded state to the folded state of the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include an elastic member (410) disposed between the bending area (233) and the support plate (310), and attached to the recess (320) so as to be pressed by the bending area (233) positioned within the space within the folded state of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a coating layer (420) attached to a rear surface (230e) facing the hinge structure (250) of the flexible display (230), and at least partially disposed between the bending area (233) and the elastic member (410).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the thickness (w) of the elastic member (410) from the recess (320) toward the bending area (233) may be equal to or greater than the depth (h) of the recess (320) for the space of the recess (320). For example, the recess (320) may include at least one step (321) for the space of the recess (320). The depth (h) of the recess (320) may correspond to the height of the at least one step (321). The thickness (w) of the elastic member (410) attached to the recess (320) may be equal to or greater than the height of the at least one step (321). For example, the depth (h) of the recess (320) formed from the support plate (310) to one side (320a) facing the bending area (233) of the recess (320) may be equal to or less than the thickness (w) of the elastic member (410) from the first side (410a) attached on the one side (320a) to the second side (410b) opposite the first side (410a) and facing the bending area (233). The elastic member (410) may be configured to support the bending area (233) positioned in the space of the recess (320) while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation by having a thickness (w) equal to or greater than the depth (h) of the recess (320).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 5B, the elastic member (410) may include at least a first portion (411) positioned within the recess (320), and a second portion (412) connected to the first portion (411) and positioned outside the recess (320) and attached to the support plate (310). For example, the first portion (411) may at least partially overlap the recess (320) when the support plate (310) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction). For example, the first portion (411) may be a portion attached to the recess (320). The first portion (411) may be surrounded by the recess (320). For example, the second portion (412) may be a portion extending from the first portion (411) and positioned between the support plate (310) and the bending region (233). For example, the second part (412) may be disposed on the first part (411) to cover one side of the support plate (310) facing the bending area (233). The second part (412) may be a part attached to the one side of the support plate (310). The elastic member (410) may include the first part (411) disposed within the recess (320) and the second part (412) disposed outside the recess (320) and attached to the support plate (310), thereby increasing the area in contact with the bending area (233) while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation. The elastic member (410) may reduce damage to the bending area (233) while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation by increasing the area that supports the bending area (233).

[0112] According to the above-described embodiment, the elastic member (410) of the electronic device (101) can reduce damage to the bending region (233) located in the space of the recess (320) by having a thickness (w) equal to or greater than the depth (h) of the recess (320). The elastic member (410) can reduce damage to the bending region (233) that is deformed by including a second portion (412) located outside the recess (320) and attached to the support plate (310).

[0113] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a portion of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B , the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A ) and a second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A ). The electronic device (101) may include a display (230) that forms at least a portion of a front surface (200a) of the housing (200) and includes a first region (231), a second region (232) spaced apart from the first region (231), and a bending region (233) positioned between the first region (231) and the second region (232) and configured to bend within a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C) that rotatably connects the second housing part (220) positioned below the flexible display (230) to the first housing part (210). The electronic device (101) may include a support plate (310) within the housing (200) that is coupled to the hinge structure (250) and includes a recess (320) that faces the bending area (233) and provides a space for the bending area (233) to move according to a change from an unfolded state to a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include an elastic member (410) attached to the recess (320) so as to be pressed by the bending region (233) positioned within the space within the folded state of the electronic device (101), and disposed between the bending region (233) and the support plate (310).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the recess (320) may include at least one curved portion (322) facing the bending area (233). For example, the at least one curved portion (322) may surround the elastic member (410). For example, the at least one curved portion (322) may be a portion having a curvature among the inner surfaces of the recess (320). The at least one curved portion (322) may extend from one side (320a) of the recess (320) facing the bending area (233). For example, the at least one curved portion (322) may include a sloped surface inclined with respect to the one side (320a) of the recess (320) facing the bending area (233), but is not limited thereto. The recess (320) may have various shapes to provide space for the bending region (233) and / or the elastic member (410).

[0116] Referring to FIG. 6b, the elastic member (410) can fill the space of the recess (320). For example, the elastic member (410) can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the recess (320). For example, the elastic member (410) can occupy the interior of the recess (320). For example, the elastic member (410) can cover the inner surface of the recess (320). By filling the recess (320), the elastic member (410) can support the bending region (233) located within the space of the recess (320) and reduce damage to the deformed bending region (233).

[0117] According to the above-described embodiment, the recess (320) of the support plate (310) can accommodate the bending region (233) and / or the elastic member (410) by including various shapes for securing space. The elastic member (410) can support the bending region (233) located within the space of the recess (320) by filling the space of the recess (320) and reduce damage to the bending region (233) that is deformed.

[0118] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a movable center bar structure within an exemplary electronic device.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A ) and a second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A ). The electronic device (101) may include a display (230) that forms at least a portion of a front surface (200a) of the housing (e.g., the housing (200) of FIG. 2A ), and includes a first region (231), a second region (232) spaced apart from the first region (231), and a bending region (233) positioned between the first region (231) and the second region (232) and configured to bend within a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C) that rotatably connects the second housing part (220) positioned below the flexible display (230) to the first housing part (210). The electronic device (101) may include a support plate (310) within the housing (200) that is coupled to the hinge structure (250) and includes a recess (320) that faces the bending area (233) and provides a space for the bending area (233) to move according to a change from an unfolded state to a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may include an elastic member (410) attached to the recess (320) so as to be pressed by the bending region (233) positioned within the space within the folded state of the electronic device (101), and disposed between the bending region (233) and the support plate (310).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the support plate (310) can be configured to be movable in a first direction (701) toward the bending region (233) within the housing (200) and in a second direction (702) opposite to the first direction (701). For example, the bending region (233) can be movable, at least in part, in a first direction (701) parallel to the z-axis and in a second direction (702) opposite to the first direction (701) as the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation. The support plate (310) can be movable in the first direction (701) and the second direction (702) along the bending region (233) within the housing (200). The elastic member (410) attached to the recess (320) of the support plate (310) can move in the first direction (701) and the second direction (702) along the support plate (310).

[0121] For example, at least a portion of the bending region (233) may be moved in a first direction (701) toward the outside of the electronic device (101) while the electronic device (101) is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state. The support plate (310) and / or the elastic member (410) attached to the recess (320) of the support plate (310) may be moved in the first direction (701) along the bending region (233). For example, at least a portion of the bending region (233) may be moved in a second direction (702) toward the inside of the housing (200) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state. The support plate (310) and / or the elastic member (410) attached to the recess (320) of the support plate (310) can move in the second direction (702) along the bending area (233).

[0122] According to one embodiment, a distance (d1) by which the bending region (233) moves toward the support plate (310) while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state may be greater than a distance (d2) by which the support plate (310) moves in the second direction (702). For example, a distance (d1) by which a point (p) of the bending region (233) on the folding axis (f) of the display (230) moves while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state may be greater than a distance (d2) by which the support plate (310) moves. Since the distance (d1) by which the point (p) moves is greater than the distance (d2) by which the support plate (310) moves, the point (p) may be supported by the elastic member (410) by coming into contact with the elastic member (410). For example, while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, a distance (d1) by which a point (p) of a bending area (233) on a folding axis (f) of a display (230) moves may be greater than a movement distance (d2) of a support plate (310). Since the distance (d1) by which the point (p) moves is greater than the movement distance (d2) of the support plate (310), the point (p) may be spaced apart from the elastic member (410). The electronic device (101) is configured such that the movement distance (d1) of the bending area (233) is greater than the movement distance (d2) of the support plate (310), thereby supporting the bending area (233) by the elastic member (410) and reducing the thickness of the housing (200).

[0123] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device (101) is configured such that the bending region (233) is supported by an elastic member (410) attached to a recess (320) of a movable support plate (310) within the housing (200), thereby reducing damage to the bending region (233) that is deformed while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation and reducing the thickness of the housing (200).

[0124] Figure 8 illustrates a graph showing the characteristics of an elastic member of an exemplary electronic device.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 8, the horizontal axis of the graph (800) represents the strain of the elastic member (410) according to the stress applied to the elastic member (410) while the elastic member (e.g., the elastic member (410) of FIG. 4A) is pressed by the third display part (e.g., the bending area (233) of FIG. 3A). The vertical axis of the graph (800) represents the repulsive force per unit area of ​​the elastic member (410) against the bending area (233) while the elastic member (410) is pressed by the bending area (233). The strain of the elastic member (410) may mean the thickness of the bending area (233) pressed by the bending area (233) relative to the thickness of the elastic member (410) before being pressed by the bending area (233).

[0126] Referring to the graph (850), the slope of the graph (850) may mean the CFD (compression force deflection) value of the elastic member (410). Referring to the graph (850), while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a bent state, the recovery rate of the elastic member (410) may be located within a range of approximately more than 90% and less than 99%. The repulsive force of the elastic member (410) is relatively small, exceeding 0 and exceeding 1 kgf / cm, within a recovery rate within a range of approximately more than 90% and less than 99%. 2 It may have a rebound force of less than 0.3 kgf / cm. For example, the elastic member (410) may have a rebound force of approximately 0.3 kgf / cm at a compression strain of 25% applied to the elastic member (410). 2 Or may have a rebound force of less than or equal to about 1 kgf / cm at 50% compressive strain applied to the elastic member (410).2 Or it may have a repulsive force less than that. The elastic member (410) may have a relatively low repulsive force with respect to the bending region (233) while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation, thereby reducing damage to the bending region (233). For example, the elastic member (410) may include a material having a relatively low compression set.

[0127] According to the above-described embodiment, the elastic member (410) of the electronic device (101) can support the bending region (233) by a repulsive force by being pressed by the bending region (233) while the electronic device (101) performs a folding operation. The elastic member (410) has a relatively low repulsive force with respect to the bending region (233), thereby reducing damage to the bending region (233).

[0128] Figure 9a illustrates an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state. Figure 9b illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a folded state.

[0129] The display of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) can be folded at least once. The display may be referred to as a foldable display or a flexible display in terms of having a folding structure. The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a foldable electronic device or a flexible electronic device in terms of including a foldable display. The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device in terms of including a display that can be folded multiple times. The electronic device (101) that may be referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device may have a plurality of folding axes (e.g., a first folding axis (f1) and a second folding axis (f2)).

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B , the electronic device (101) may include a first housing (910) (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A ), a second housing (920) (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A ), a third housing (930), a display (940) (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2A ), a first hinge structure (950), and a second hinge structure (960). The first housing (910) may include a first surface (910a). The second housing (920) may include a second surface (920a). The third housing (930) may include a third surface (930a). The second housing (920) may be rotatably coupled to the first housing (910). The third housing (930) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing (920).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the display (940) may be disposed on one surface formed by the first housing (910), the second housing (920), and the third housing (930). The display (940) may be disposed on the first surface (910a), the second surface (920a), and the third surface (930a). For example, referring to FIG. 9A, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (101), the first surface (910a), the second surface (920a), and the third surface (930a) may be referred to as the front surface of the electronic device (101). For example, the first housing (910) may further include a fourth surface (910b) opposite the first surface (910a). The second housing (920) may further include a fifth surface (920b) opposite the second surface (920a). The third housing (930) may further include a sixth surface (930b) opposite to the third surface (930a). The fourth surface (910b), the fifth surface (920b), and the sixth surface (930b) may be referred to as a rear surface of the electronic device (101) in an unfolded state of the electronic device (101). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of surfaces forming a front surface in an unfolded state of the electronic device (101) by including a plurality of folding axes, and a plurality of other surfaces forming a rear surface opposite to the front surface.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include a cover display (not shown) disposed on a sixth side (930b) opposite the third side (930a) of the third housing (930). For example, the cover display may be separated from the display (940) by the third housing (930). For example, referring to FIG. 9B, the cover display disposed on the sixth side (930b) may be configured to provide visual information to the user in a folded state. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the camera module (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1) of the electronic device (101) may be visually exposed to the outside at least partially through a fifth surface (920b) opposite to the second surface (920a) of the second housing (920). For example, the camera module (180) may include at least one lens (not shown) for receiving light from the outside. At least a portion of the at least one lens may be exposed through the fifth surface (920b) of the second housing (920). By including the camera module (180) of which at least a portion is exposed through the fifth surface (920b) of the second housing (920), the electronic device (101) may provide a variety of user experiences to the user within a plurality of folding states of the electronic device (101).

[0134] According to one embodiment, the display (940) may include a first display area (941), a second display area (942), and a third display area (943). The first display area (941) may be disposed on a first surface (910a) of the first housing (910). The first display area (941) may be an area that is coupled to the first surface (910a) and is not deformed. The second display area (942) may be disposed on a second surface (920a) of the second housing (920). The second display area (942) may be an area that is coupled to the second surface (920a) and is not deformed. The third display area (943) may be disposed on a third surface (930a) of the third housing (930). The third display area (943) may be an area that is coupled to the third surface (930a) and is not deformed. The first display area (941), the second display area (942), and the third display area (943) can be referred to as planar areas because they substantially form a plane.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure (950) can rotatably connect the first housing (910) and the second housing (920). The first hinge structure (950) can be disposed between the first housing (910) and the second housing (920). The second hinge structure (960) can rotatably connect the second housing (920) and the third housing (930). The second hinge structure (960) can be disposed between the second housing (920) and the third housing (930). For example, the first hinge structure (950) can be a structure that connects the first housing (910) and the second housing (920) such that the first housing (910) can rotate with respect to the second housing (920). For example, the second hinge structure (960) may be a structure that connects the third housing (930) and the second housing (920) so that the third housing (930) can rotate with respect to the second housing (920). For example, the first hinge structure (950) may provide a first folding axis (f1) between the first housing (910) and the second housing (920) so that the first housing (910) can rotate with respect to the second housing (920). For example, the second hinge structure (960) may provide a second folding axis (f2) between the third housing (930) and the second housing (920) so that the third housing (930) can rotate with respect to the second housing (920).

[0136] Although the electronic device (101) is described as including a first hinge structure (950) and a second hinge structure (960), it is not limited thereto. The electronic device (101) can be folded two or more times by including a plurality of hinge structures including the first hinge structure (950) and the second hinge structure (960). The electronic device (101) can provide a variety of user experiences to the user by including a plurality of folding axes provided by the plurality of hinge structures.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of support plates (e.g., the support plate (310) of FIG. 3A) for deformable areas (e.g., the fourth display area (944) and the fifth display area (945)) by including hinge structures (950, 960) that provide a plurality of folding axes. For example, a first support plate may be disposed below the fourth display area (944) along a first folding axis (f1). A second support plate may be disposed below the fifth display area (945) along a second folding axis (f2). The first support plate and the second support plate may include recesses (e.g., the recesses (320) of FIG. 3B) for the fourth display area (944) and the fifth display area (945) to be bent, respectively.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 9A, the first hinge structure (950) and the second hinge structure (960) may be configured to provide an unfolding state in which the first side (910a), the second side (920a), and the third side (930a) are oriented in substantially the same direction. The unfolded state of the electronic device (101) may be a state in which the first side (910a), the second side (920a), and the third side (930a) are oriented in substantially the same first direction (e.g., the +z direction).

[0139] For example, the electronic device (101) may be unfolded within an unfolded state. The unfolded state may be referred to as a state in which the first housing (910), the second housing (920), and the third housing (930) are unfolded. Within the unfolded state, the first housing (910), the second housing (920), and the third housing (930) may form a substantially flat surface. For example, the first surface (910a), the second surface (920a), and the third surface (930a) included in the first housing (910), the second housing (920), and the third housing (930), respectively, may be formed to be substantially flat. When the electronic device (101) including the first housing (910), the second housing (920), and the third housing (930) is in an unfolded state, the first surface (910a), the second surface (920a), and the third surface (930a) may form a substantially flat plane. For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the first display area (941), the second display area (942), and the third display area (943) of the display (940) are oriented in substantially the same first direction (e.g., the +z direction). For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the deformable areas (e.g., the fourth display area (944) and the fifth display area (945)) of the display (940) are unfolded. For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the first angle (a1) between the first housing (910) and the second housing (920) and the second angle (a2) between the second housing (920) and the third housing (930) are each substantially approximately 180 degrees.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 9B, the first hinge structure (950) and the second hinge structure (960) can be configured to provide a plurality of folding states in which at least one of the first face (910a), the second face (910b), and the third face (930a) faces in different directions. In one embodiment, the plurality of folding states may refer to states in which at least one of the first face (910a) and the third face (930a) is tilted with respect to the second face (920a). For example, the plurality of folding states may refer to states in which the second face (920a) faces in a first direction (e.g., the +z direction) and at least one of the first face (910a) and the third face (930a) faces in a direction different from the first direction. For example, the plurality of folding states may be states in which the first side (910a), the second side (920a), and the third side (930a) are not substantially flat. For example, the plurality of folding states may be states in which at least one of the first display area (941), the second display area (942), and the third display area (943) of the display (940) faces a different direction. For example, the plurality of folding states may be states in which at least some of the deformable areas (e.g., the fourth display area (944) and the fifth display area (945)) are bent. For example, the plurality of folding states may include states in which the first angle (a1) between the first housing (910) and the second housing (920) is positioned within a range of 0 degrees or more and less than approximately 180 degrees. The above-described plurality of folding states may include states in which the second angle (a2) between the second housing (920) and the third housing (930) is positioned within a range of 0 degrees or more and less than approximately 180 degrees.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 9B, the folded state of the electronic device (101) may be a state in which, among the plurality of folding states of the electronic device (101), the second face (920a) faces a first direction (e.g., +z direction) and the first face (910a) and the third face (930a) face a second direction (e.g., -z direction) opposite to the first direction. For example, the folded state may be a state in which the second face (920a) faces the first face (910a) and the third face (930a) faces the fourth face (910b) opposite to the first face (910a). For example, the folded state may be a state in which the first housing (910) is positioned between the second housing (920) and the third housing (930). For example, the folded state may be a state in which the first housing (910) is disposed between the second display area (942) and the third display area (943). For example, the folded state may be a state in which the second display area (942) faces a first direction (e.g., +z direction) and the first display area (941) and the third display area (943) face a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., -z direction). For example, the folded state may be a state in which the fourth display area (944) is bent to the maximum. For example, within the folded state, the first housing (910), the second housing (920), and the third housing (930) may be stacked in the first direction (e.g., +z direction).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure (950) may include a plurality of first hinges (951, 952). The second hinge structure (960) may include a plurality of second hinges (961, 962). The first hinges (951, 952) may be disposed between the first housing (910) and the second housing (920). The first hinges (951, 952) may rotatably connect the first housing (910) to the second housing (920). For example, through the first hinges (951, 952), the first housing (910) may rotate with respect to the second housing (920) about the first folding axis (f1). According to one embodiment, by rotating the first housing (910), the first angle (a1) between the second housing (920) and the first housing (910) can be positioned within a range of a predetermined angle (e.g., from about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees). The predetermined angle is not limited to from about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees, and the first housing (910) can rotate with respect to the second housing (920) within a range supported by the first hinges (951, 952). The second hinges (961, 962) can be arranged between the second housing (920) and the third housing (930). The second hinges (961, 962) can rotatably connect the third housing (930) with respect to the second housing (920). For example, through the second hinges (961, 962), the third housing (930) can rotate with respect to the second housing (920) about the second folding axis (f2). According to one embodiment, through the rotation of the third housing (930), the second angle (a2) between the second housing (920) and the third housing (930) can be positioned within a range of a predetermined angle (e.g., from about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees). The predetermined angle is not limited to from about 0 degrees to about 180 degrees, and the third housing (930) can rotate with respect to the second housing (920) within a range supported by the second hinges (961, 962).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the first hinge structure (950) may include a first hinge cover (953). The second hinge structure (960) may include a second hinge cover (963). The first hinges (951, 952) may be surrounded by the first hinge cover (953). One (951) of the first hinges (951, 952) may be disposed in a portion of the first hinge cover (953), and the other (952) may be disposed in another portion of the first hinge cover (953). The second hinges (961, 962) may be surrounded by the second hinge cover (963). One (961) of the second hinges (961, 962) may be positioned in a portion of the second hinge cover (963), and the other (962) may be positioned in another portion of the second hinge cover (963).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the display (940) may further include a fourth display area (944) and a fifth display area (945), which are flexible areas at least partially of which can be bent flexibly so as to be rotatable by the first hinge structure (950) and / or the second hinge structure (960). The fourth display area (944) may be disposed on the first hinge cover (953). The fourth display area (944) may be coupled with the first hinge cover (953) or the first hinges (951, 952). For example, the fourth display area (944) may be supported by a hinge plate (not shown) included in the first hinges (951, 952). The fourth display area (944) can be deformed as the first housing (910) rotates about the first folding axis (f1) with respect to the second housing (920). The fifth display area (945) can be disposed on the second hinge cover (963). The fifth display area (945) can be coupled with the second hinge cover (963) or the second hinges (961, 962). For example, the fifth display area (945) can be supported by a hinge plate (not shown) included in the second hinges (961, 962). The fifth display area (945) can be deformed as the third housing (930) rotates about the second folding axis (f2) with respect to the second housing (920).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (950) may be smaller than the second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (960). For example, the second width (w2) may be larger than the first width (w1). Since the second width (w2) is larger than the first width (w1), a space equal to the difference between the second width (w2) and the first width (w1) may be formed in a folded state in which the first housing (910) and the third housing (930) are folded relative to the second housing (920). A structure may be formed in which the first housing (910) is arranged such that at least a portion of the first housing (910) is accommodated within the space. For example, the area of ​​the fifth display area (945) disposed on the second hinge structure (960) may be wider than the area of ​​the fourth display area (944) disposed on the first hinge structure (950). For example, the width (w2) of the fifth display area (945) may be larger than the width (w1) of the fourth display area (944). For example, when the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a plurality of folded states, the radius of curvature of the fifth display area (945) may be larger than the radius of curvature of the fourth display area (944). For example, since the first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (950) is smaller than the second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (960), the third housing (930) can be stacked on the first housing (910) after the first housing (910) is stacked on the second housing (920) while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. The electronic device (101) can be referred to as an electronic device (101) having a G-fold shape in the folded state.For example, the folded state of the electronic device (101) may be a state in which the first housing (910) is folded relative to the second housing (920), and then the third housing (930) is folded relative to the second housing (920) so that the third housing (930) covers the fourth surface (910b) opposite to the first surface (910a) of the first housing (910). The electronic device (101) may have a G shape when viewed from the side (e.g., when viewed in the +y direction). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0146] In one embodiment, the radius of rotation of the first housing (910) with respect to the second housing (920) may be smaller than the radius of rotation of the third housing (930) with respect to the second housing (920).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may further include first magnets (971, 972) and second magnets (981, 982) configured to interact with the first magnets (971, 972). The first magnets (971, 972) may be disposed within the first housing (910). The second magnets (981, 982) may be disposed within the second housing (920). For example, the first magnets (971, 972) may be disposed closer to one side of the first housing (910) facing the first hinge structure (950) than to another side of the first housing facing the first side. The first magnets (971, 972) may overlap at least partially with an inactive area arranged along an edge of the first display area (941) when the display (940) is viewed from above. The first magnets (971, 972) may be arranged to face the second magnets (981, 982) when the first housing (910) is rotated and folded relative to the second housing (920) along the first folding axis (f1). For example, the second magnets (981, 982) may be arranged along the second hinge structure (960). According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first display area (941) may be fastened to at least a portion of the second display area (942) via the magnetic force. By the above magnetic force, the rotation of the first housing (910) relative to the second housing (920) within the folded state can be limited.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 9A, while changing from an unfolded state to a folded state, the first housing (910) can rotate with respect to the second housing (920) about a first folding axis (f1) via the first hinge structure (950). According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the first housing (910) can face the second housing (920). For example, in the folded state, the second display area (942) disposed in the second housing (920) can face the first display area (941) disposed in the first housing (910). According to one embodiment, in the folded state, the first housing (910) can be disposed so as to be stacked on the second housing (920) with respect to the Y+ axis.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 9B, the third housing (930) can rotate about the second folding axis (f2) with respect to the second housing (920) through the second hinge structure (960). In the folded state, the third housing (930) can face the first housing (910). For example, in the folded state, the third display area (943) disposed in the third housing (930) can face the fourth side (910b) opposite to the first side (910a) of the first housing (910). According to one embodiment, in a folded state of the electronic device (101), when the electronic device (101) is viewed from the side (e.g., when viewed in the +y direction), the first housing (910) may be stacked over the second housing (920) with respect to the +z axis, and the third housing (930) may be stacked over the first housing (910). For example, in the folded state, the first housing (910) may be placed over the second housing (920). In the folded state, the third housing (930) may be placed over the first housing (910).

[0150] In one embodiment, when the second hinge cover (963) is viewed from above in the folded state, the overlapping area of ​​the display (940) and the second hinge structure (960) may be wider than the overlapping area of ​​the display (940) and the first hinge structure (950) when the first hinge cover (953) is viewed from above. The second width (w2) of the second hinge cover (963) corresponding to the fifth display area (945) may be larger than the first width (w1) of the first hinge cover (953) corresponding to the fourth display area (944) (e.g., the fourth display area (944) of FIG. 9A). The difference between the first width (w1) and the second width (w2) may correspond to the thickness of the third housing (930). In one embodiment, when a portion of the first housing (910) (e.g., the first side (911)) is positioned to face the fifth display area (945) in the folded state, the second width (w2) may be formed to a size that can be accommodated in a portion of a space formed when the third housing (930) is stacked on the first housing (910).

[0151] According to one embodiment, based on the difference between the first width (w1) and the second width (w2), the first housing (910) and the third housing (930) can be determined to be foldable first. For example, the first housing (910) can first rotate around the first folding axis (f1) with respect to the second housing (920). The third housing (930) can then rotate around the second folding axis (f2) with respect to the second housing (920) after the first housing (910) is folded. Since the width (w1) of the first hinge structure (950) is narrower than the width (w2) of the second hinge structure (960), the first housing (910) can be folded to face the second housing (920) first. As the width (w2) of the second hinge structure (960) is wider than the width (w1) of the first hinge structure (950), the third housing (930) can be folded to face the fourth side (910b) of the first housing (910) after the first housing (910) is folded.

[0152] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device (101) can provide a display (940) that can be folded at least once by including a plurality of hinge structures (950, 960). Through the widths of the different hinge structures (950, 960), the display (940) can be folded multiple times.

[0153] According to the above-described embodiment, a foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A) including one housing part (e.g., first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A) and a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A). The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2A) that forms at least a portion of a front surface of the housing (e.g., the front surface (200a) of FIG. 3A) and includes a first region (e.g., the first region (231) of FIG. 3A), a second region spaced apart from the first region (e.g., the second region (232) of FIG. 2A), and a bending region (e.g., the bending region (233) of FIG. 3A) positioned between the first region and the second region and configured to be bent in a folded state of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include a hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge assembly (250) of FIG. 2C) positioned below the flexible display and rotatably connecting the second housing part to the first housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a support plate (e.g., support plate (310) in FIG. 3A) within the housing that is coupled to the hinge assembly and includes a recess (e.g., recess (320) in FIG. 3A) that faces the bending area and provides space for the bending area to move as the foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state.The foldable electronic device may include an elastic member (e.g., an elastic member (410) of FIG. 4A) disposed between the bending region and the support plate and attached to the recess so as to be depressed by the bending region positioned within the space within the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0154] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a coating layer (e.g., coating layer (420) of FIG. 4A) attached to a rear surface of the flexible display facing the hinge assembly (e.g., rear surface (230e) of FIG. 4A) and at least partially disposed between the bending region and the elastic member.

[0155] For example, the elastic member may be configured such that a contact area with the bending region varies depending on how the bending region moves toward the support plate while the foldable electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0156] For example, the thickness of the elastic member from the recess toward the bending region (e.g., w in FIG. 5a) may be equal to or greater than the depth of the recess for the space (e.g., h in FIG. 5a).

[0157] For example, the hinge assembly may include a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (252) of FIG. 2C) supporting the first region, and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (253) of FIG. 2C) supporting the second region. The support plate may be at least partially positioned between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0158] For example, the bending region may be spaced from the support plate by the elastic member interposed between the recess and the bending region within the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0159] For example, the elastic member may be deformed by contact with the bending region while changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, and may be restored with a recovery rate that is within a range of 90% or more and 99% or less by being separated from the bending region while changing from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0160] For example, the support plate may be configured to be movable in a first direction toward the bending area within the housing (e.g., the first direction (701) of FIG. 7A) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the second direction (702) of FIG. 7A).

[0161] For example, the distance by which the bending region moves toward the support plate while changing from the unfolded state to the folded state (e.g., d1 in FIG. 7b) may be greater than the distance by which the support plate moves in the second direction (e.g., d2 in FIG. 7b).

[0162] For example, the elastic member may include a first surface (e.g., a first surface (410a) of FIG. 4A) attached to one surface of the recess facing the bending area (e.g., one surface (320a) of FIG. 4A), and a second surface (e.g., a second surface (410b) of FIG. 4A) opposite the first surface and in contact with the bending area within the folded state of the foldable electronic device. The second surface may be recessed toward the first surface by the bending area while the foldable electronic device is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, and may be moved toward the bending area while the foldable electronic device is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0163] For example, the second surface may have a shape corresponding to the shape of at least a portion of the bent bending region within the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0164] For example, the elastic member may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion (411) of FIG. 5b) positioned within the recess, and a second portion (e.g., the second portion (412) of FIG. 5b) connected to the first portion and positioned outside the recess and attached to the support plate.

[0165] For example, the recess may include at least one curved portion facing the bending region (e.g., at least one curved portion (322) of FIG. 6A).

[0166] For example, the elastic member can fill the space of the recess.

[0167] For example, the elastic member may include polyurethane foam.

[0168] In one embodiment, a foldable electronic device may include a flexible display including a first region, a second region spaced apart from the first region, and a bending region positioned between the first region and the second region and configured to bend within a folded state of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include a support plate including a recess facing the bending region and providing a space for the bending region to move according to a change from an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device to the folded state. The foldable electronic device may include an elastic member disposed between the bending region and the support plate and attached to the recess so as to be pressed by the bending region positioned within the space within the folded state of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include a coating layer attached to the flexible display and at least partially disposed between the bending region and the elastic member. The coating layer may be spaced apart from the elastic member in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device and may be in contact with the elastic member in the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0169] For example, the elastic member may be configured such that the contact area with the coating layer varies depending on the bending area moving toward the support plate while the foldable electronic device changes from the unfolded state to the folded state.

[0170] For example, the thickness of the elastic member from the recess toward the bending area may be equal to or greater than the depth of the recess for the space.

[0171] For example, the elastic member may be deformed by the bending region while the foldable electronic device is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, and may be restored with a recovery rate within a range of 90% or more and 99% or less by being separated from the coating layer while the foldable electronic device is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0172] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a housing including a first housing part supporting the first region and a second housing part supporting the second region and rotatably coupled to the first housing part. The support plate may be configured to move in a first direction toward the bending region and a second direction opposite to the first direction within the housing. A distance by which the bending region moves toward the support plate while the foldable electronic device is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state may be greater than a distance by which the support plate moves in the second direction.

[0173] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0174] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A) including a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A) and a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A). The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed on the first housing part and the second housing part, the flexible display including a bending area (e.g., bending area (233) of FIG. 3A) that bends within a folded state of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C) positioned below the flexible display for rotatably connecting the second housing part to the first housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a support plate (e.g., the support plate (310) of FIG. 3A) coupled to the hinge assembly and including a recess (e.g., the recess (320) of FIG. 3B) facing the bending area. A portion of the bending area may be disposed within a space provided by the recess in the folded state. The foldable electronic device may include an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member (410) of FIG. 4A) disposed between the bending area and the support plate.

[0175] For example, the hinge assembly may include a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (252) of FIG. 2C) disposed within the first housing part, and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (253) of FIG. 2C) disposed within the second housing part. The support plate may include a center bar disposed between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate in an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device. The center bar may be configured to be fixed so as not to vertically move during a change between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0176] For example, the elastic member may be configured to be attached to the recess of the support plate and pressed by the portion of the bending region disposed within the space within the folded state.

[0177] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a coating layer (e.g., coating layer (420) of FIG. 4A) attached to a rear surface of the flexible display facing the hinge assembly and at least partially disposed between the bending region and the elastic member.

[0178] For example, the elastic member may be configured such that a contact area with the bending region changes along the bending region as it moves toward the support plate while the foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0179] For example, the thickness of the elastic member from the recess toward the bending area (e.g., w in FIG. 5a) may be equal to or greater than the depth of the recess for the space (e.g., h in FIG. 5a).

[0180] For example, the elastic member may be deformed by contact with the bending region while the foldable electronic device is changed from an unfolded state to the folded state, and may be restored with a recovery rate that is within a range of 90% or more and 99% or less by being separated from the bending region while the foldable electronic device is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0181] For example, the support plate may be configured to be movable in a first direction toward the bending area within the housing (e.g., the first direction (701) of FIG. 7A) and a second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the second direction (702) of FIG. 7A).

[0182] For example, a distance by which the bending region moves toward the support plate while the foldable electronic device changes from an unfolded state to a folded state (e.g., d1 in FIG. 7b) may be greater than a distance by which the support plate moves in the second direction (e.g., d2 in FIG. 7b).

[0183] For example, the elastic member may include a first surface (e.g., the first surface (410a) of FIG. 4A) attached to one side of the recess facing the bending area, and a second surface (e.g., the second surface (410b) of FIG. 4A) opposite the first surface and in contact with the bending area within the folded state of the foldable electronic device. The second surface may be recessed toward the first surface by the bending area while the foldable electronic device is changed from the unfolded state to the folded state, and may be moved toward the bending area while the foldable electronic device is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0184] For example, the second surface may have a shape corresponding to the shape of at least a portion of the bent bending region within the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0185] For example, the elastic member may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion (411) of FIG. 5b) positioned within the recess (320), and a second portion (e.g., the second portion (412) of FIG. 5b) connected to the first portion and positioned outside the recess and attached to the support plate.

[0186] For example, the recess may include at least one curved portion facing the bending region (e.g., at least one curved portion (322) of FIG. 6A).

[0187] For example, the elastic member can fill the space of the recess.

[0188] For example, the elastic member may include polyurethane foam.

[0189] 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 will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0190] 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 of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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).

[0193] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions 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 instruction among the one or more instructions 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 called instruction. The one or more instructions 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.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity 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.

[0195] 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 a foldable electronic device (101), A housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220); A flexible display (230) disposed on the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) and including a bending region (233) that is bent within a folded state of the foldable electronic device (101); A hinge assembly (250) positioned below the flexible display (230) and rotatably connecting the second housing part (220) to the first housing part (210); A support plate (310) coupled with the hinge assembly (250) and including a recess (320) facing the bending area (233), a portion of the bending area (233) being positioned within the space provided by the recess (320) within the folded state; and Including an elastic member (410) arranged between the above bending area (233) and the above support plate (310). Foldable electronic device (101).

2. In paragraph 1, The above hinge assembly (250) is A first hinge plate (252) arranged within the first housing part (210); and A second hinge plate (253) disposed within the second housing part (220); The above support plate (310) includes a center bar arranged between the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (101), The center bar is configured to be stationary so that there is no vertical movement of the center bar during the change between the unfolded state and the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101). Foldable electronic device (101).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The above elastic member (410) is Attached to the recess (320) of the support plate (310) and configured to be depressed by a portion of the bending region (233) arranged in the space within the folded state, Foldable electronic device (101).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, Further comprising a coating layer (420) attached to the rear surface (230e) facing the hinge assembly (250) of the flexible display (230) and at least partially disposed between the bending region (233) and the elastic member (410); Foldable electronic device (101).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above elastic member (410) is The foldable electronic device (101) is configured such that the contact area with the bending area (233) changes along the bending area (233) moving toward the support plate (310) while changing from the unfolded state to the folded state. Foldable electronic device (101).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The thickness (w) of the elastic member (410) from the recess (320) toward the bending area (233) is The depth (h) of the recess (320) for the above space is equal to or greater than the depth (h) of the recess (320). Foldable electronic device (101).

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above elastic member (410) is The above foldable electronic device (101) is deformed by coming into contact with the bending area (233) while changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, and is restored with a recovery rate located within a range of 90% or more and 99% or less by moving away from the bending area (233) while changing from the folded state to the unfolded state. Foldable electronic device (101).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above support plate (310) is configured to be movable in a first direction (701) toward the bending area (233) within the housing (200) and in a second direction (702) opposite to the first direction (701); Foldable electronic device (101).

9. In paragraph 8, The distance (d1) by which the bending region (233) moves toward the support plate (310) while the foldable electronic device (101) changes from the unfolded state to the folded state is greater than the distance (d2) by which the support plate (310) moves in the second direction (702). Foldable electronic device (101).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above elastic member (410) is A first surface (410a) attached on one surface (320a) facing the bending area (233) of the recess (320); and A second surface (410b) opposite to the first surface (410a) and in contact with the bending region (233) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101); The above second side (410b) is, The foldable electronic device (101) is depressed toward the first surface (410a) by the bending area (233) while changing from the unfolded state to the folded state, and the foldable electronic device (101) is moved toward the bending area (233) while changing from the folded state to the unfolded state. Foldable electronic device (101).

11. In paragraph 10, The above second side (410b) is, In the folded state of the above foldable electronic device (101), having a shape corresponding to the shape of at least a part of the bent bending region (233), Foldable electronic device (101).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above elastic member (410) is A first part (411) positioned within the above recess (320); and A second part (412) connected to the first part (411), which is positioned outside the recess (320) and attached to the support plate (310), Foldable electronic device (101).

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, The above recess (320) is comprising at least one curved surface (322) facing the bending area (233); Foldable electronic device (101).

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, The above elastic member (410) is Filling the space of the above recess (320), Foldable electronic device (101).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, The above elastic member (410) is Containing PU foam (polyurethane foam), Foldable electronic device (101).

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