Electronic device comprising structure for supporting flexible display

Abstract

A foldable electronic device according to an embodiment may comprise a flexible display including a first display portion, a second display portion, and a third display portion extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to be bent in a folded state of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may comprise a plate which supports the flexible display and includes a first support portion aligned with the first display portion of the flexible display, a second support portion aligned with the second display portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion aligned with the third display portion. The third support portion may include a first portion including slits, a second portion including slits, and a third portion that does not include slits and is disposed between the first portion of the third support portion of the plate and the second portion of the third support portion of the plate.

Description

An electronic device comprising a structure for supporting a flexible display

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

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

[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. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display including a first display portion, a second display portion, and a third display portion extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to bend within a folded state of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include a plate supporting the flexible display, the plate including a first support portion aligned with respect to the first display portion of the flexible display, a second support portion aligned with respect to the second display portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion aligned with respect to the third display portion. The third support portion may include a first portion including slits, a second portion including slits, and a third portion not including slits, the third portion being disposed between the first portion of the third support portion of the plate and the second portion of the third support portion of the plate.

[0005] A foldable electronic device is disclosed. The foldable electronic device may include a foldable housing including a first housing part and a second housing part, and a hinge assembly disposed within the foldable housing and rotatably coupling the first housing part and the second housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display including a first display portion coupled to the first housing part, a second display portion coupled to the second housing part, and a third display portion extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to be deformed by the hinge assembly. The foldable electronic device may include a plate supporting the flexible display and including a first support portion disposed under the first display portion, a second support portion disposed under the second display portion, and a third support portion disposed under the display portion. The foldable electronic device may include an adhesive layer forming a continuous layer and disposed between the plate and the flexible display. The third support portion may include a first portion including slits, a second portion including slits, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion and having a continuous surface to be attached to the adhesive layer.

[0006] An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a flexible display including a first planar portion, a second planar portion, and a foldable portion extending from the first planar portion to the second planar portion and being deformable. The electronic device may include a support plate that supports the flexible display and includes a first support portion disposed under the first planar portion, a second support portion disposed under the second planar portion, and a third support portion disposed under the foldable portion. The electronic device may include an adhesive layer disposed between the flexible display and the support plate. The third support portion may include a first portion including one or more first slits, a second portion including one or more second slits, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion and having a continuous surface to be attached to the adhesive layer.

[0007] An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a foldable housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part. The electronic device may include a hinge assembly disposed within the foldable housing and rotatably coupling the first housing part and the second housing part. The electronic device may include a flexible display comprising a first planar portion coupled to the first housing part, a second planar portion coupled to the second housing part, and a foldable portion extending from the first planar portion to the second planar portion and configured to be deformed by the hinge assembly. The electronic device may include a support plate supporting the flexible display and including a first support portion disposed below the first planar portion, a second support portion disposed below the second planar portion, and a third support portion disposed below the foldable portion. The electronic device may include a continuous adhesive layer disposed between the flexible display and the support plate, the continuous adhesive layer attaching the support plate to the flexible display. The third support portion may include a first portion including one or more first slits, a second portion including one or more second slits, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion and having a continuous surface.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0010] Figure 2b illustrates a folded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0011] Figure 2c is an exploded view of an exemplary electronic device.

[0012] Figure 3a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0013] Figure 3b illustrates a folded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2a.

[0015] FIG. 5A illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0016] FIG. 5b illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device in a folded state.

[0017] FIG. 5c illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0018] Figure 6a illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device.

[0019] FIG. 6b is a top plan view of the support plate of the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 6a.

[0020] Figure 6c illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device.

[0021] FIG. 6d is a plan view of the support plate of the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 6c.

[0022] Figure 6e illustrates a portion of the internal structure of an exemplary electronic device.

[0023] Figures 6f and 6g are plan views of the internal structure of an exemplary electronic device.

[0024] FIG. 6h illustrates a portion of the internal structure of an exemplary electronic device taken along line B-B' of FIG. 6f.

[0025] FIG. 6i illustrates a portion of the internal structure of an exemplary electronic device.

[0026] Figure 7a illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device.

[0027] FIG. 7b is a plan view of the support plate of the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 7a.

[0028] Figure 7c illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device.

[0029] FIG. 7d is a plan view of the support plate of the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 7c.

[0030] Figures 8a and 8b illustrate portions of an exemplary electronic device.

[0031] Figure 8c is a plan view of the adhesive layer of the exemplary electronic device of Figure 8a.

[0032] FIG. 8d illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device.

[0033] FIG. 8e is a plan view of the adhesive layer of the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 8d.

[0034] FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a first state.

[0035] Figure 9b illustrates an exemplary electronic device within a second state.

[0036] FIG. 9c is a plan view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state with the flexible display removed.

[0037] FIG. 9d is a rear view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state with the back cover removed.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0039] 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)).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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).

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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).

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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).

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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).

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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).

[0058] 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 to 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 to 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.

[0059] 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)).

[0060] 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 another 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.

[0061] Figure 2a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device. Figure 2b illustrates a folded state of an exemplary electronic device. Figure 2c is an exploded view of an exemplary electronic device.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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 first side surfaces (213) surrounding at least a portion of the first front surface (211) and the first rear surface (212). The first side surfaces (213) can connect the periphery of the first front surface (211) and the periphery of the first back surface (212). The first front surface (211), the first back surface (212), and the first side surfaces (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 surface (211), the first back surface (212), and the first side surfaces (213) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101).

[0064] 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 second side surfaces (223) surrounding at least a portion of the second front surface (221) and the second rear surface (222). The second side surfaces (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 surfaces (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 second side surfaces (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).

[0065] 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 an edge of the first flat portion (231) of the display (230), and the second protective member (224) may surround an edge of the second flat portion (232) of the display (230). The first protective member (214) may be formed by being attached to the first side surfaces (213) of the first housing part (210), or may be formed integrally with the first side surfaces (213). The second protective member (224) may be formed by being attached to the second side surfaces (223) of the second housing part (220), or may be formed integrally with the second side surfaces (223).

[0066] The first side surfaces (213) and the second side surfaces (223) may include a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof. For example, the second side surfaces (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 spaced apart from each other. The at least one non-conductive portion (226) may be positioned 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) positioned 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.

[0067] 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 planar portion (231) disposed on the first front surface (211) of the first housing, a second planar portion (232) disposed on the second front surface (221) of the second housing, and a foldable portion (233) disposed between the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232). The first planar portion (231), the second planar portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) may form a front surface of the display (230). According to one embodiment, the display (230) may further include a sub-display (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 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).

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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 (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).

[0070] 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). As 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 flat surface portion (231) of the display (230). The first flat surface portion (231) of the display (230) may include at least one opening (not shown) that overlaps the third camera (243) when the display (230) is viewed from above. The third camera (243) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the display (230) through the at least one opening.

[0071] 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 respective positions 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 refer to an area of ​​the display (230) that does not include pixels or does not emit light outside of the electronic device (101). For 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, 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 include an opening that does not include pixels.

[0072] 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 surfaces (213) and a portion of the second side surfaces (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.

[0073] 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 directly exposed to the outside in the folded state of the electronic device (101).

[0074] 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).

[0075] The hinge structure (250) may include a hinge cover (251), a first hinge plate (252), a second hinge plate (253), and a hinge module (254). The hinge cover (251) may surround internal components of the hinge structure (250) and form an outer surface of the hinge structure (250). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (251) surrounding the hinge structure (250) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device (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 exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101).

[0076] The first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) are coupled to the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), respectively, so that the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be rotatably connected. For example, the first hinge plate (252) can be coupled to the first bracket (215) of the first housing part (210), and the second hinge plate (253) can be coupled to the second 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 bracket (215) and the second 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).

[0077] The hinge module (254) can rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253). For example, the hinge module (254) can rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) about the folding axis (f) by including gears that are interlocked with each other and can rotate. According to one embodiment, the hinge modules (254) can be plural. For example, the plurality of hinge modules (254) can be arranged spaced apart from each other at both ends of the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253), respectively.

[0078] The first housing part (210) may include a first bracket (215) and a first cover (216), and the second housing part (220) may include a second bracket (227) and a second cover (228). The first bracket (215) and the first cover (216) may support components of the electronic device (101). The first bracket (215) may define the first housing part (210) by being coupled with the first cover (216). The first cover (216) may define a portion of the outer surface of the first housing part (210). The second bracket (227) and the second cover (228) may support components of the electronic device (101). The second bracket (227) can define a second housing part (220) by being combined with the second cover (228). The second cover (228) can define a portion of the outer surface of the second housing part (220). For example, the display (230) can be disposed on one side of the first bracket (215) and one side of the second bracket (227). The first cover (216) can be disposed on the other side of the first bracket (215) opposite to the one side of the first bracket (215). The second cover (228) can be disposed on the other side of the second bracket (227) opposite to the one side of the second bracket (227). The sub-display (235) can be disposed between the second bracket (227) and the second cover (228).

[0079] A portion of the first bracket (215) may be surrounded by the first side surfaces (213), and a portion of the second bracket (227) may be surrounded by the second side surfaces (223). For example, the first bracket (215) may be formed integrally with the first side surfaces (213), and the second bracket (227) may be formed integrally with the second side surfaces (223). For another example, the first bracket (215) may be formed separately from the first side surfaces (213), and the second bracket (227) may be formed separately from the second side surfaces (223).

[0080] 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 (235) placed on the second rear surface (222) may be placed on the second printed circuit board (262).

[0081] A first printed circuit board (261) may be disposed within a first housing part (210). For example, the first printed circuit board (261) may be disposed on one surface of a first bracket (215). According to one embodiment, a second printed circuit board (262) may be disposed within a 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 a second 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).

[0082] 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).

[0083] 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 cover (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.

[0084] Fig. 3a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device. Fig. 3b illustrates a folded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0085] The electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) rotatable with respect to the first housing part (210), like the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 2C. The electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be referred to as a foldable electronic device in that it includes a display (230) including a foldable portion (233) that is deformable by a hinge structure (250) (or hinge assembly) configured to rotate the second housing part (220) relative to the first housing part (210), like the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 2C. For example, the folding axis (f) of the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be parallel to the x-axis, as illustrated. The folding axis (f) of the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 2C may be parallel to the y-axis, which is orthogonal to the x-axis, unlike the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B. However, the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 3B is exemplary, and the electronic device (101) may have various foldable form factors (e.g., a multi-foldable electronic device exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9D). Hereinafter, the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3B will be described with reference to the description of components having the same reference numerals in FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0086] An electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), and a hinge structure (or hinge assembly) (250). The first housing part (210) may be rotatably connected to the hinge structure (250). The first housing part (210) may be rotatable relative to the second housing part (220) via the hinge structure (250). The second housing part (220) may be rotatably connected to the hinge structure (250). The second housing part (220) may be rotatable relative to the first housing part (210) via the hinge structure (250).

[0087] The first housing part (210) may include a first front surface (211), a first rear surface (212) facing away from the first front surface (211), and first side surfaces (213) surrounding at least a portion of the first front surface (211) and the first rear surface (212). The first housing part (210) may provide a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101). The first housing part (210) may include a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof.

[0088] The second housing part (220) may include a second front surface (221), a second rear surface (222) facing and separated from the second front surface (221), and second side surfaces (223) surrounding at least a portion of the second front surface (221) and the second rear surface (222). The second housing part (220) may provide a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101).

[0089] The hinge structure (250) may be connected to the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), respectively. For example, the hinge structure (250) may include a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (252) of FIG. 2C) and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (253) of FIG. 2C) configured to be rotatable. The first hinge plate may be connected to the first housing part (210), and the first housing part (210) may be rotated by the first hinge plate. The second hinge plate may be connected to the second housing part (220), and the second housing part (220) may be rotated by the second hinge plate.

[0090] The electronic device (101) can be folded or unfolded based on a folding axis (f) passing through the hinge structure (250) according to the rotation of 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) so that the electronic device (101) can be folded based on the folding axis (f).

[0091] The hinge structure (250) may include a hinge cover (251) for covering an internal structure constituting the mechanism of the hinge structure. The hinge cover (251) may be exposed to the outside or covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) depending on the degree to which the electronic device (101) is folded. For example, while the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3b), the hinge cover (251) may be at least partially exposed between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, while the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3a), the hinge cover (251) may be covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220).

[0092] The electronic device (101) may include a display (230) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) disposed within a space provided by a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220). For example, the display (230) may be at least partially accommodated within a recess formed in a first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and a second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220). The display (230) may include a first flat portion (231) aligned with respect to the first housing part (210), a second flat portion (232) spaced apart from the first flat portion (231) and aligned with respect to the second housing part (220), and a foldable portion (233) aligned with respect to a hinge structure (250) and extending from the first flat portion (231) to the second flat portion (232). The display (230) may be referred to as a foldable display or a flexible display. The first planar portion (231), the second planar portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) may form a surface of the display (230). The surface of the display (230) may at least partially form a first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and a second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220). The first planar portion (231), the second planar portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) may define a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area of ​​the display (230), respectively, on which visual information may be displayed.

[0093] The electronic device (101) may include a sub-display (235) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) disposed within the first housing part (210). The sub-display (235) may be visible through the second rear surface (222) of the first housing part (210).

[0094] The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of cameras (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1). For example, the electronic device (101) may include cameras (234, 236). The camera (234) may be positioned within the first housing part (210) so as to obtain an image through a portion of the first rear surface (212). The camera (236) may be positioned below the first flat portion (231) of the display (230). The camera (236) may be aligned with an opening that at least partially penetrates the first flat portion (231) and obtain an image through the hole. The camera (236) may be positioned within a screen display area of ​​the display (230), but is not limited thereto.

[0095] Hereinafter, the states of the electronic device (101) will be described. The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of states including an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3a) and a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3b). The electronic device (101) may transform or change in the unfolded state and the folded state. In addition, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of intermediate states between the unfolded state and the folded state. Depending on the state of the electronic device (101), the angle between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may vary.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 3A, in the unfolded state, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may form a first angle. For example, the first angle may be about 180 degrees. The first planar portion (231), the second planar portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) may form a substantially flat surface. The direction in which the first front surface (211) (or the first planar portion (231)) of the first housing part (210) faces (e.g., the +z direction) and the direction in which the second front surface (221) (or the second planar portion (232)) of the second housing part (220) faces (e.g., the +z direction) may be substantially the same.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 3B, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (101), the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be folded to face each other by rotating around the folding axis (f). The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be overlapped to form a second angle smaller than the first angle. For example, the second angle can be about 0 degrees. The foldable portion (233) of the display (230) can be bent to correspond to the second angle. The first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) can face the second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) or overlap with the second front surface (221). The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be in at least partial contact, but are not limited thereto. The direction in which the first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) faces (e.g., +z direction) and the direction in which the second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) faces (e.g., -z direction) may be opposite to each other. In the unfolded state, at least a portion of the display (230) may not be visible from the outside of the electronic device (101), and the sub-display (235) may be visible from the outside of the electronic device (101).

[0098] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2a.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), a display (230), a hinge structure (250), and a support plate (410).

[0100] The display (230) may include a first planar portion (231), a second planar portion (232) spaced apart from the first planar portion (231), and a foldable portion (233) that connects the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232) and is foldable.

[0101] The unfolded state of the electronic device (101) may be a state in which the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232) of the display (230) face the same direction (e.g., +z direction). For example, the housing (200) may include a first front surface (e.g., the first front surface (211) of FIG. 2A) on which the first planar portion (231) is disposed, and a second front surface (e.g., the second front surface (221) of FIG. 2A) on which the second planar portion (232) is disposed. The unfolded state may be a state in which the first front surface (211) and the second front surface (221) face substantially the same direction. For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the display (230) is unfolded. The above unfolded state may be a state in which the first flat portion (231), the second flat portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) substantially form a flat surface.

[0102] The folded state of the electronic device (101) may be a state in which the first flat portion (231) and the second flat portion (232) of the display (230) face each other. For example, the folded state may be a state in which the direction in which the first flat portion (231) faces (e.g., -x direction) is opposite to the direction in which the second flat portion (232) faces (e.g., +x direction). For example, the folded state may be a state in which the direction in which the first front surface (211) on which the first flat portion (231) is disposed faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) on which the second flat portion (232) is disposed faces are opposite to each other. For example, the folded state may be a state in which the first flat portion (231) and the second flat portion (232) come into contact by folding the foldable portion (233).

[0103] For example, within the unfolded state of the electronic device (101), the first planar portion (231) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., +z direction) as the second planar portion (232). For example, within the folded state of the electronic device (101), the first planar portion (231) may face the second planar portion (232). For example, the first planar portion (231) may contact the second planar portion (232) within the folded state. For example, the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232) may form a substantially flat surface within the unfolded state of the electronic device (101) and the folded state of the electronic device (101). For example, the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232) may be indeformable portions of the display (230).

[0104] For example, the foldable portion (233) may extend from the first planar portion (231) to the second planar portion (232). For example, the foldable portion (233) may be positioned between the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232). For example, the foldable portion (233) may be configured to rotate the second planar portion (232) relative to the first planar portion (231) by being deformed.

[0105] The display (230) may be referred to as a display stack or display structure in which multiple layers are combined.

[0106] For example, the display (230) may include a window (310) (or cover glass), which is the upper-most layer that is visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101). The window (310) may be at least partially deformable or may include one or more curved portions. For example, the window (310) may include a stacked structure of multiple windows, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The window (310) may form a part of the exterior of the electronic device (101). For example, the window (310) may define a front side (e.g., the first front side (211), the second front side (221) of FIG. 2A) of the electronic device (101).

[0107] For example, the display (230) may include a glass layer (330) attached under the window (310). The glass layer (330) may be a substantially transparent thin-film layer. The glass layer (330) may be formed from, for example, at least one of polyimide (PI) or ultra-thin glass (UTG), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The glass layer (330) may be configured to be at least partially deformable together with the window (310) attached on the glass layer (330).

[0108] For example, the display (230) may include a display panel (340) attached under a glass layer (330). The display panel (340) may be configured to provide visual information, for example, through the glass layer (330) and the window (310) on the display panel (340), which are substantially transparent. For example, although not shown, the display panel (340) may include pixels configured to emit light and sub-pixels included in each of the pixels. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0109] For example, the display (230) may include a reinforcing layer (350) attached under the display panel (340). The reinforcing layer (350) may support the display panel (340), thereby reducing damage to the display panel (340) while the display (230) is deformed.

[0110] The layers or stack structure included in the display (230) supported by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and for example, some of the layers in the above-mentioned display (230) may be omitted or one or more layers may be added to the display (230).

[0111] For example, the display (230) may include a polarizer attached below the window (310). The polarizer may reduce the amount of light reflected within the display (230) after being incident from the outside of the electronic device (101). As the amount of light reflected within the display (230) is reduced, the visibility of the display (230) may be improved. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the display (230) may include a plurality of layers including at least partially deformable regions and / or a stacked structure of the plurality of layers.

[0112] The housing (200) can support the display (230). The housing (200) can include a first housing part (210) that supports a first planar portion (231) and a second housing part (220) that supports a second planar portion (232). For example, the first housing part (210) can surround at least a portion of the first planar portion (231). The second housing part (220) can surround at least a portion of the second planar portion (232). For example, the second housing part (220) can be configured to rotate with respect to the first housing part (210). The second housing part (220) can rotate with respect to the first housing part (210), thereby rotating the second planar portion (232) with respect to the first planar portion (231). For example, when viewing the display (230) from above (e.g., when viewing in the -z direction), the first housing part (210) may at least partially overlap the first planar part (231). For example, when viewing the display (230) from above (e.g., when viewing in the -z direction), the second housing part (220) may at least partially overlap the second planar part (232).

[0113] For example, the first planar portion (231) may be disposed on the first housing portion (210). The second planar portion (232) may be disposed on the second housing portion (220). It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element in this document, it may be directly on the other element or there may be intervening elements between them. It should also be noted that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it may mean that the element is attached to, integrally joined to, or formed with the other element, and it should not be construed as limiting the arrangement relationship between the two elements.

[0114] For example, within this document, "B disposed on A" may represent "B disposed over A." For example, within this document, "B disposed on A" may represent "B facing A and spaced apart from A." For example, "the first planar portion (231) disposed on the first housing part (210)" may represent "the first planar portion (231) that contacts the first housing part (210)." For example, "the first planar portion (231) disposed on the first housing part (210)" may represent "the first planar portion (231) facing the first housing part (210) and spaced apart from the first housing part (210)."

[0115] The hinge structure (250) can be configured to provide a folded state in which the first flat portion (231) faces the second flat portion (232) and an unfolded state in which the first flat portion (231) and the second flat portion (232) face substantially the same direction by rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) can rotatably connect the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) can be at least partially disposed between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) can support the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). For example, the hinge structure (250) may be configured to deform the foldable portion (233) by rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) may at least partially overlap the foldable portion (233) when the display (230) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the -z direction).

[0116] The support plate (410) can support the display (230) attached to the support plate (410) or the display layers included in the display (230). The support plate (410) can include a first support portion (411) disposed under a first flat portion (231) of the display (230), a second support portion (412) disposed under a second flat portion (232) of the display (230), and a third support portion (413) disposed under a foldable portion (233) of the display (230). For example, the first support portion (411) can be spaced apart from the second support portion (412). For example, the third support portion (413) can connect the first support portion (411) and the second support portion (412). The third support portion (413) may extend from the first support portion (411) to the second support portion (412). For example, the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410) may include a plurality of slits (415) to provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, at least a portion of the first support portion (411) and / or at least a portion of the second support portion (412) connected to the third support portion (413) may be formed with some of the plurality of slits (415) to reduce damage to the flat portions (231, 232) of the display (230) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0117] For example, the plurality of slits (415) may each have a width in a direction parallel to the x-axis. The width of each of the plurality of slits (415) may be substantially the same, but is not limited thereto. For example, the size and / or length of at least some of the plurality of slits (415) may be different from each other. For example, the plurality of slits (415) may be formed in a portion of the first support portion (411) and at least a portion of the third support portion (413). The plurality of slits (415) may be arranged such that the width and / or length gradually decrease from the first support portion (411) to the center portion of the third support portion (413). For example, the plurality of slits (415) may be formed in a portion of the second support portion (412) and at least a portion of the third support portion (413). The plurality of slits (415) may be arranged such that the width and / or length gradually decrease from the second support portion (412) to the center of the third support portion (413). For example, the plurality of slits (415) may be arranged such that the density per unit area within the support plate (410) decreases from the first support portion (411) and / or the second support portion (412) to the third support portion (413). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the plurality of slits (415) may be formed or arranged in various shapes to provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). For example, the support plate (410) can guide deformation of display layers included in the foldable portion (233) and placed on the support plate (410) and support the display layers by including a third support portion (413) including a plurality of slits (415).The above support plate (410) may be referred to as a lattice structure and / or a lattice plate in terms of including a plurality of slits (415) for guiding deformation of the display (230), but is not limited thereto.

[0118] The electronic device (101) may include a protective member (420) attached below the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410). The protective member (420) may be elastic so as to be deformed as the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410) is deformed. The protective member (420) may include, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The protective member (420) may cover, for example, a plurality of slits (415) formed in the third support portion (413). For example, the protective member (420) may be disposed between adhesive layers (324) that attach the electromagnetic induction panel (430) to the support plate (410). The protective member (420) is positioned between the adhesive layers (324), thereby reducing the step formed by the adhesive layers (324). The protective member (420) is attached below the third support portion (413), thereby reducing the inflow of foreign substances into the plurality of slits (415) formed in the third support portion (413). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0119] The electronic device (101) may include an electromagnetic induction panel (430) that can be interoperable with a stylus that can be used with the display (230). The electromagnetic induction panel (430) may be referred to as a digitizer in terms of interacting with the stylus, but is not limited thereto. For example, the electromagnetic induction panel (430) may be configured to electromagnetically interact with the stylus. A processor of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1 ) may be configured to obtain input information from the electrical interaction between the stylus and the electromagnetic induction panel (430). For example, the electromagnetic induction panel (430) may generate a magnetic field of a specified strength by flowing an alternating current through the electromagnetic induction panel (430). As the stylus approaches the electromagnetic induction panel (430), an induced current may flow in a coil disposed within the stylus due to the magnetic field. The stylus can detect the induced current flowing in the coil and transmit an electromagnetic wave signal to the electromagnetic induction panel (430). The electromagnetic induction panel (430) can be configured to detect the position and intensity of the electromagnetic wave signal received from the stylus and transmit information related to the electromagnetic wave signal to the processor (120) of the electronic device (101). The processor (120) can be configured to receive information related to the electromagnetic wave signal from the electromagnetic induction panel (430) and display information according to the operation of the stylus through the display (230).

[0120] For example, the electromagnetic induction panel (430) may be attached (e.g., via the adhesive layer (324)) under the support plate (410). For example, the electromagnetic induction panel (430) may include a first panel (431) attached to a first support portion (411) of the support plate (410) and a second panel (432) attached to a second support portion (412) of the support plate (410) to provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). The first panel (431) and the second panel (432) may be separated from each other based on the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). By separating the first panel (431) and the second panel (432), the electromagnetic induction panel (430) can provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state.

[0121] The electronic device (101) may include a shielding layer (440) for absorbing electromagnetic waves from an electromagnetic induction panel (430). The shielding layer (440) may be attached under the electromagnetic induction panel (430). The shielding layer (440) may include, for example, magnetic metal powder (MMP), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the shielding layer (440) may cover a portion of the electromagnetic induction panel (430). For example, the shielding layer (440) may include shielding portions (441, 442, 443) that are separated from each other to provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). For example, the first shielding portion (441) may be attached under the first panel (431). The second shielding portion (442) may be attached under the second panel (432). The third shielding portion (443) may be attached under a portion of the first panel (431) and a portion of the second panel (432). For example, the third shielding portion (443) may be positioned under the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) within the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0122] The electronic device (101) may include a conductive layer (450) for reducing the influence of the electromagnetic induction panel (430) by at least one conductive portion (e.g., at least one conductive portion (225) of FIG. 2A) included in the housing (200). The conductive layer (450) may be attached (e.g., via the adhesive layer (325)) under the shielding layer (440). The conductive layer (450) may include, for example, at least one of copper and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The conductive layer (450) may be configured such that the frequency of a signal from the electromagnetic induction panel (430) is maintained to be even. The conductive layer (450) may include a first conductive layer (451) attached under the first shielding portion (441), and a second conductive layer (452) attached under the second shielding portion (442). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0123] The electronic device (101) may include one or more adhesive layers (320) for attaching display layers within the display (230) and / or a plurality of layers attached below the display (230) to each other. For example, the display (230) may include adhesive layers (321, 322). The adhesive layer (321) may be interposed between the window (310) and the glass layer (330), thereby attaching the glass layer (330) to the window (310). The adhesive layer (322) may be interposed between the glass layer (330) and the display panel (340), thereby attaching the display panel (340) to the glass layer (330).

[0124] For example, the electronic device (101) may include an adhesive layer (323) interposed between the display (230) and the support plate (410) to attach the support plate (410) to the display (230). For example, the electronic device (101) may include an adhesive layer (324) interposed between the support plate (410) and the electromagnetic induction panel (430) to attach the electromagnetic induction panel (430) to the support plate (410). For example, the electronic device (101) may include an adhesive layer (325) interposed between the shielding layer (440) and the conductive layer (450) to attach the conductive layer (450) to the shielding layer (440). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and one or more adhesive layers (320) may include a plurality of adhesive layers configured to attach a plurality of display layers within the display (230) to each other or to attach a plurality of layers beneath the display (230) to each other, wherein the characteristics of each of the plurality of adhesive layers may be substantially the same or different from each other.

[0125] FIG. 5A illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state. FIG. 5B illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device in a folded state. FIG. 5C illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device in an unfolded state.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), a display (230), and a support plate (410) supporting the display (230). The display (230) may include a first planar portion (231), a second planar portion (232), and a foldable portion (233) extending from the first planar portion (231) to the second planar portion (232) and being deformable. The support plate (410) may include a first support portion (411) disposed under the first planar portion (231), a second support portion (412) disposed under the second planar portion (232), and a third support portion (413) disposed under the foldable portion (233). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, the third support portion (413) may include a plurality of slits (415). For example, the hinge structure (250) may include hinge plates (252, 253) that support the display (230). For example, the first hinge plate (252) may be disposed within the first housing part (210). The second hinge plate (253) may be disposed within the second housing part (220). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a protective member (420) attached below the third support portion (413). Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of components having the same reference numerals as those exemplarily illustrated and described in FIG. 4 are omitted.

[0127] The electronic device (101) may include an adhesive layer (520) disposed between the display (230) and the support plate (410). The adhesive layer (520) may include a first adhesive portion (521) and a second adhesive portion (522) that are spaced apart from each other to provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). For example, the adhesive layer (520) may be configured to be spaced apart from a plurality of slits (415) of the third support portion (413) for providing flexibility to the foldable portion (233). For example, the adhesive layer (520) may include a space (S) formed between the plurality of slits (415) and the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). By the space (S), the first adhesive portion (521) and the second adhesive portion (522) may be separated from each other.

[0128] The electronic device (101) may include a center bar (510) for supporting the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) and / or the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410). The center bar (510) may be configured to be pressed by the foldable portion (233) within the folded state of the electronic device (101). For example, the center bar (510) may be configured to come into contact with a protective member (420) attached below the support plate (410) while the state of the electronic device (101) is changed. The center bar (510) may exert a repulsive force on the foldable portion (233), the third support portion (413), and / or the protective member (420) by being pressed by the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. The repulsive force may cause damage to the foldable portion (233) and / or the protective member (420).

[0129] For example, when referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B sequentially, while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the foldable portion (233) and the third support portion (413) attached below the foldable portion (233) may move toward the center bar (510) (e.g., in the -z direction). Since the adhesive layer (520) is not disposed on the plurality of slits (415), the foldable portion (233) and the third support portion (413) may be deformed by a repulsive force applied from the center bar (510). For example, the foldable portion (233) and the third support portion (413) may be plastically deformed or tensed in the folded state by a repulsive force applied from the center bar (510). For example, referring to FIG. 5b, in the folded state, a part of the third support portion (413) may come into contact with the foldable portion (233) by pressure applied from the center bar (510).

[0130] Referring sequentially to FIGS. 5B and 5C, while the electronic device (101) is changed from a folded state to an unfolded state, the foldable portion (233) and the third support portion (413) attached below the foldable portion (233) may move in a direction opposite to the direction toward the center bar (510) (e.g., in the +z direction). Since the foldable portion (233) is deformed by the repulsive force applied by the center bar (510) within the folded state of the electronic device (101), a wrinkle (C) may be formed in the foldable portion (233) while the electronic device (101) is changed from the folded state to the unfolded state. The visibility of the foldable portion (233) may be reduced by the wrinkle (C) formed in the foldable portion (233). The electronic device (101) may require a structure to reduce the reduction in visibility of the foldable portion (233) due to the internal structure of the electronic device (101) (e.g., center bar (510)).

[0131] Through the city below in FIG. 6a, an exemplary internal structure of an electronic device (101) is described to reduce damage to the foldable portion (233) due to the internal structure of the electronic device (101) and to support the foldable portion (233).

[0132] FIG. 6A illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device. FIG. 6B is a top plan view of a support plate of the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device. FIG. 6D is a top plan view of the support plate of the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 6C. FIG. 6E illustrates a portion of an internal structure of the exemplary electronic device. FIG. 6F and FIG. 6G are top plans of an internal structure of the exemplary electronic device. FIG. 6H illustrates a portion of an internal structure of the exemplary electronic device taken along line B-B' of FIG. 6F. FIG. 6I illustrates a portion of an internal structure of the exemplary electronic device.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), a display (230), and a support plate (410) supporting the display (230). The support plate (410) may include, for example, at least one of a conductive metal (e.g., metal), carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The display (230) may include a first planar portion (231), a second planar portion (232), and a foldable portion (233) extending from the first planar portion (231) to the second planar portion (232) and being deformable. The support plate (410) may include a first support portion (411) disposed below the first flat portion (231), a second support portion (412) disposed below the second flat portion (232), and a third support portion (413) disposed below the foldable portion (233). However, the embodiment supported by the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the electronic device (101) may include a protective member (420) attached below the third support portion (413). For example, the electronic device (101) may include a center bar (510) disposed below the third support portion (413). The third support portion (413) may be configured to be pressed by the center bar (510) in a folded state of the electronic device (101). In the following, redundant descriptions of configurations having the same reference numerals as those exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 4 to 5c are omitted.

[0134] The foldable portion (233) of the display (230) may include bendable portions (233a, 233d, 233e) for flexibility of the foldable portion (233) and unbendable portions (233b, 233c) for maintaining the shape of the foldable portion (233). For example, the bendable portions (233a, 233d, 233e) may be portions that can be deformed to bend or unfold while the state of the electronic device (101) changes. For example, the unbendable portions (233b, 233c) may be portions that do not deform to have a substantially flat shape while the state of the electronic device (101) changes.

[0135] For example, the first bendable portion (233a) may form a center portion of the foldable portion (233). For example, the first bendable portion (233a) may be a portion that provides a folding axis of the display (230) (e.g., the folding axis (f) of FIG. 2A). For example, the second bendable portion (233d) may be connected to the first flat portion (231) of the display (230). The third bendable portion (233e) may be connected to the second flat portion (232) of the display (230). For example, the first bendable portion (233a) may have a positive curvature within the folded state of the electronic device (101). The second bendable portion (233d) and the third bendable portion (233e) may have a negative curvature opposite to the positive curvature of the first bendable portion (233a) within the folded state. The first bendable portion (233a) may be referred to as a bending section of the display (230). The second bendable portion (233d) and the third bendable portion (233e) may be referred to as a reverse bending section in terms of having a curvature opposite to that of the first bendable portion (233a). The reverse bending section may be subjected to half etching or may include a recess shape. For example, the thickness of the second bendable portion (233d) may be thinner than the thickness of the first flat portion (231) connected to the second bendable portion (233d). The thickness of the third bendable portion (233e) may be thinner than the thickness of the second flat portion (232) connected to the third bendable portion (233e). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) may include a plurality of bending sections and a plurality of reverse bending sections.

[0136] For example, the first unbendable portion (233b) may extend from the first bendable portion (233a) to the second bendable portion (233d). The first unbendable portion (233b) may have a substantially flat shape by being supported by one or more structures (e.g., the third plate (661), the first hinge plate (252)) disposed below the first unbendable portion (233b). For example, the second unbendable portion (233c) may extend from the first bendable portion (233a) to the third bendable portion (233e). The second unbendable portion (233c) may have a substantially flat shape by being supported by one or more structures (e.g., the fourth plate (662), the second hinge plate (253)) positioned below the second unbendable portion (233c). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) may include a plurality of unbendable portions.

[0137] The electronic device (101) may include an adhesive layer (630) disposed between the flexible display (230) and the support plate (410). For example, the adhesive layer (630) may be configured to be deformed or restored from a deformed state by including an elastic material (e.g., rubber, polyurethane, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), etc.). For example, the adhesive layer (630) may be at least partially disposed between the foldable portion (233) and the third support portion (413). The adhesive layer (630) may be attached beneath the foldable portion (233). The adhesive layer (630) may be deformed or restored along the foldable portion (233) that is deformed while the state of the electronic device (101) changes. For example, the adhesive layer (630) may be bent while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state. The adhesive layer (630) may be configured to be restored to a state prior to the folded state by the elastic force (or restoring force) of the adhesive layer (630) while the electronic device (101) changes from the folded state back to the unfolded state.

[0138] For example, the adhesive layer (630) may be attached under the deformable bendable portions (233a, 233d, 233e) of the foldable portion (233). The adhesive layer (630) may be interposed, for example, between the bendable portions (233a, 233d, 233e) and the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410). The adhesive layer (630) is disposed under the bendable parts (233a, 233d, 233e), so that while the bendable parts (233a, 233d, 233e) are each deformed, the bendable parts (233a, 233d, 233e) can reduce damage to the bendable parts (233a, 233d, 233e) due to interference between the bendable parts (233a, 233d, 233e) and structures (e.g., support plate (410), center bar (510)) under the bendable parts (233a, 233d, 233e).

[0139] The electronic device (101) may include a first reinforcing plate (640) for supporting flat portions (231, 232) of the display (230). The reinforcing plate (640) may include, for example, a first plate (641) disposed between a first support portion (411) and a first housing part (210) (or a first bracket (215)), and a second plate (642) disposed between a second support portion (412) and a second housing part (220) (or a second bracket (227)).

[0140] The electronic device (101) may include a second reinforcing plate (660) for supporting the unbendable portions (233b, 233c) of the foldable portion (233). The second reinforcing plate (660) may include, for example, a third plate (661) disposed below the first unbendable portion (233b) and attached to the first portion (601) of the third support portion (413). The second reinforcing plate (660) may include a fourth plate (662) disposed below the second unbendable portion (233c) and attached to the second portion (602) of the third support portion (413).

[0141] The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of adhesive layers (650) for attaching the lower structures of the support plate (410) to each other. For example, the plurality of adhesive layers (650) may include a first adhesive layer (651) for attaching the first reinforcing plate (640) to the support plate (410). For example, the plurality of adhesive layers (650) may include a second adhesive layer (652) for attaching the second reinforcing plate (660) to the third support portion (413). For example, the plurality of adhesive layers (650) may include a third adhesive layer (653) for attaching the second reinforcing plate (660) to each of the hinge plates (252, 253) of the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C). The above hinge plates (252, 253) may be referred to as wing plates of the hinge structure (250), but the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0142] The adhesive layer (630) can form a continuous layer between the flexible display (230) and the support plate (410). For example, unlike the adhesive layer (520) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the adhesive layer (630) can extend between the display (230) and the support plate (410) such that a space (S) is not formed between the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) and the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410). For example, unlike the adhesive layer (520) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the adhesive layer (630) can be disposed on (or above) the slits (610, 620) of the support plate (410). For example, the elastic material (and / or adhesive material) forming the adhesive layer (630) can fill the entire space between the display (230) and the support plate (410). For example, the adhesive layer (630) can cover one side of the display (230) facing the inside of the electronic device (101). The adhesive layer (630) can cover one side of the support plate (410) facing the display (230). For example, the adhesive layer (630) can include a continuous surface so as to cover the slits (610, 620) of the support plate (410).

[0143] For example, the adhesive layer (630) may be interposed between the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410) and the first bendable portion (233a). The adhesive layer (630) may be disposed between the first bendable portion (233a) and the third support portion (413), thereby buffering interference between the center bar (510) and the first bendable portion (233a) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state. By buffering the interference, the adhesive layer (630) may reduce formation of wrinkles in the foldable portion (233) or damage to the foldable portion (233) by the center bar (510). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The adhesive layer (630) forms a continuous layer between the display (230) including the deformable foldable portion (233) and the support plate (410) including the slits (610, 620) formed under the foldable portion (233), thereby reducing the damage of the display (230) by the internal structure of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the center bar (510)).

[0144] The adhesive layer (630) may include an adhesive material. The adhesive layer (630) may be referred to as an elastic adhesive layer in terms of including, for example, an adhesive material and / or an elastic material, but is not limited thereto. For example, the adhesive layer (630) may attach the support plate (410) to the display (230). For example, the adhesive layer (630) may include at least one of a PSA, an optically clear adhesive (OCA), a non-Newtonian fluid (NNF), or a thermoplastic polyurethane (PTU), but embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0145] The thickness of the adhesive layer (630) may be positioned within a range of about 16 μm to about 25 μm or less. For example, the adhesive layer (630) may form a continuous layer having a thickness of about 16 μm to about 25 μm between the display (230) and the support plate (410). For example, the adhesive layer (630) may form a layer having a designated thickness positioned within a range of about 16 μm to about 25 μm or less in the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The adhesive layer (630) may provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) by having a thickness of about 16 μm to about 25 μm or less, thereby reducing damage to the foldable portion (233) by internal structures of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the center bar (510)).

[0146] The third support portion (413) of the support plate (410) may include a first portion (601) including one or more first slits (610), a second portion (602) including one or more second slits (620), and a third portion (603) disposed between the first portion (601) and the second portion (602) and having a continuous surface to be attached to the adhesive layer (630). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, at least some of the one or more first slits (610) may be formed below the first unbendable portion (233b) or below the boundary between the first unbendable portion (233b) and the first bendable portion (233a). At least some of the one or more second slits (620) may be formed below the second unbendable portion (233c) or below the boundary between the second unbendable portion (233c) and the first bendable portion (233a). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0147] For example, the first part (601) can be connected to the first support part (411) of the support plate (410). The first part (601) can be attached, for example, by an adhesive layer (630) under the first bendable part (233a), the second bendable part (233d), and the first unbendable part (233b) of the display (230). For example, the second part (602) can be connected to the second support part (412) of the support plate (410). The second part (602) can be attached, for example, by an adhesive layer (630) under the first bendable part (233a), the third bendable part (233e), and the second unbendable part (233c) of the display (230). For example, the first portion (601) and the second portion (602) may each be configured to be at least partially deformable. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0148] For example, the third portion (603) may form a central portion of the support plate (410). For example, the third portion (603) may be aligned below the folding axis (f) of the display (230) and / or the first bendable portion (233a) that provides the folding axis (f). For example, the third portion (603) may be a portion that provides the folding axis of the support plate (410) that is configured to fold as the display (230) is deformed. For example, the third portion (603) may be in contact with or overlap with the adhesive layer (630). For example, the third portion (603) may be attached below the first bendable portion (233a). The third portion (603) may overlap with the first bendable portion (233a).

[0149] For example, the third portion (603) can define a continuous surface for supporting the display (230). For example, the third portion (603) can be a portion that is attached below the first bendable portion (233a) and does not have a slit formed thereon. For example, the third portion (603) can include a continuous first surface (603a) that is in contact with the adhesive layer (630). The third portion (603) can increase a contact area with the adhesive layer (630) and a support area of ​​the first bendable portion (233a) by including the first surface (603a) that is arranged toward the first bendable portion (233a). For example, the third portion (603) can include a continuous second surface (603b) that is opposite the first surface (603a) and to which the protective member (420) is attached. The third portion (603) includes the second surface (603b) to which the protective member (420) is attached, thereby increasing the contact area with the protective member (420) and reducing damage to the protective member (420) by the center bar (510) positioned under the protective member (420). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0150] For example, referring to FIG. 6B, the width (w1) of the continuous third portion (603) in which no slits are formed may be greater than the distance (g1) between two adjacent slits among the one or more first slits (610). The width (w1) of the third portion (603) may be greater than the distance (g2) between two adjacent slits among the one or more second slits (620). Since the width (w1) of the third portion (603) is greater than the distance (g1) and the distance (g2), the third portion (603) may increase the contact area with the adhesive layer (630) and the support area of ​​the first bendable portion (233a). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0151] The support plate (410) illustrated and described through FIG. 6b is merely exemplary, and for example, the length (e.g., length in the +y direction) and / or width (e.g., length in the +x direction) of each of at least some of the slits (610, 620) may be different from each other. For example, the length, width, thickness, and / or shape of the gap widths (g1, g2) (and / or bridges) between at least some of the slits (610, 620) may be different from each other. For example, with respect to the third portion (603), the shape and / or pattern of the outer-most slits formed toward the first support portion (411) among the one or more first slits (610) may be different from the shape and / or pattern of the remaining slits among the one or more first slits (610). For example, with respect to the third portion (603), the shape and / or pattern of the outermost slits formed toward the second support portion (412) among one or more second slits (620) may be different from the shape and / or pattern of the remaining slits among the one or more second slits (620). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the above-mentioned structures may be substantially identically or similarly applied to the slits (610, 620) and / or the third support portion (413) described below.

[0152] For example, one or more first slits (610) and one or more second slits (620) may form at least a portion of an edge of a third portion (603) of a third support portion (413), or may be arranged along the edge of said third portion (603). For example, one or more first slits (610) and one or more second slits (620) may be spaced apart from each other by the third portion (603). For example, one or more first slits (610) and one or more second slits (620), together with the third portion (603), may be disposed below the first bendable portion (233a), although the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, one or more first slits (610) may be positioned at least partially below the first bendable portion (233a), the first unbendable portion (233b), and / or the second bendable portion (233d), respectively. For example, one or more second slits (620) may be positioned at least partially below the first bendable portion (233a), the second unbendable portion (233b), and / or the third bendable portion (233e), respectively. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0153] The width (w1) of the continuous third portion (603) in which no slits are formed may be less than approximately 30% of the width of the third support portion (413), which may be referred to as a lattice section. For example, the width (w1) of the third portion (603) may be less than approximately 30% of the width of the section in which the plurality of slits (e.g., the plurality of slits (415) of FIG. 4) and / or the slits (610, 620) are formed. For example, the width (w1) of the third portion (603) may be less than approximately 30% of the sum of the widths of the portions of the third support portion (413) in which the slits (610, 620) are formed and the widths of the third portion (603). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the above-mentioned structure may be substantially identically or similarly applied to the third portion (603) and / or the third support portion (413) to be mentioned below.

[0154] At least some of the one or more first slits (610) may have different shapes. At least some of the one or more second slits (620) may have different shapes. For example, the one or more first slits (610) may be arranged so that their sizes and / or lengths gradually change from the first support portion (411) to the third portion (603) of the third support portion (413). For example, the one or more second slits (620) may be arranged so that their sizes and / or lengths gradually change from the second support portion (412) to the third portion (603) of the third support portion (413). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, the one or more first slits (610) may be formed to have the same shape. The one or more second slits (620) may be formed to have the same shape. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and one or more of the first slits (610) and / or one or more of the second slits (620) may have various shapes to provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233).

[0155] At least a portion of the adhesive layer (630) may permeate into at least a portion of the one or more first slits (610) and / or the one or more second slits (620). For example, at least a portion of the elastic material and / or adhesive material forming the adhesive layer (630) may be disposed within at least a portion of the one or more first slits (610) and / or the one or more second slits (620). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0156] The third portion (603) may have a minimum radius of curvature among the third portions (413) within the folded state of the electronic device (101). For example, the third portion (603) may move toward the center bar (510) below the third support portion (413) (e.g., in the -z direction) while the electronic device (101) changes from the unfolded state to the folded state. Within the folded state of the electronic device (101), the protective member (420) attached below the third support portion (413) may come into contact with the center bar (510). The protective member (420) and the third portion (603) attached on the protective member (420) may be pressed (e.g., in the +z direction) by a repulsive force applied from the center bar (510). The third portion (603) may have a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the first portion (601) and the radius of curvature of the second portion (602) of the third support portion (603) when pressed by the center bar (510) in the folded state of the electronic device (101). For example, in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the third portion (603) may have a substantially flat shape in the folded state due to a repulsive force applied from the center bar (510). For example, the third portion (603) may overlap with the center bar (510) when the display (230) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the +z direction) so as to be supported by the center bar (510) in the folded state of the electronic device (101). For example, the area of ​​the second side (603b) facing the center bar (510) of the third portion (603) may be smaller than the area of ​​one side of the center bar (510) facing the third portion (603). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0157] The longitudinal direction of each of the one or more first slits (610) may correspond to the longitudinal direction of each of the one or more second slits (620). The longitudinal direction of the third portion (603) may correspond to the longitudinal direction of each of the one or more first slits (610). Within the present disclosure, the length of an element may be the length of a portion defining a major axis of the element. The width of the element may be the length of a portion defining a minor axis of the element. For example, the longitudinal direction of the first slits (610) may be a direction parallel to the folding axis (f) of the display (230) (e.g., +y direction). The longitudinal direction of the second slits (620) may be a direction parallel to the folding axis (f). The third portion (413) may have a length in a direction parallel to the folding axis (f). The third portion (413) may have a width (w1) in a direction orthogonal to the folding axis (f) (e.g., +x direction). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 6C and 6D , the one or more first slits (610) may include first slits (611) and second slits (612) spaced apart from the first slits (611). The first portion (601) of the third support portion (413) may include a fourth portion (604) disposed between the first slits (611) and the second slits (612) and having a continuous surface. The one or more second slits (620) may include third slits (621) and fourth slits (622) spaced apart from the third slits (621). The second part (602) of the third support part (413) may include a fifth part (605) that is disposed between the third slits (621) and the fourth slits (622) and has a continuous surface.

[0159] For example, the fourth portion (604) and the fifth portion (605) may form continuous surfaces without slits, like the third portion (603). For example, the fourth portion (604) may space the first slits (611) and the second slits (612) apart from each other. The fifth portion (605) may space the third slits (621) and the fourth slits (622) apart from each other. For example, the longitudinal direction (e.g., +y direction) of the fourth portion (604) may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the third portion (603). The longitudinal direction of the fourth portion (604) may correspond to the longitudinal direction of the fifth portion (605). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0160] For example, referring to FIG. 6D, the width (w2) of the fourth portion (604) may be larger than the gap width between two adjacent slits among the first slits (611). The width (w2) of the fourth portion (604) may be larger than the gap width between two adjacent slits among the second slits (612). For example, the width (w3) of the fifth portion (605) may be larger than the gap width between two adjacent slits among the third slits (621). The width (w3) of the fifth portion (605) may be larger than the gap width between two adjacent slits among the fourth slits (622). For example, the width (w1) of the third portion (603), the width (w2) of the fourth portion (604), and the width (w3) of the fifth portion (605) may be substantially the same as each other, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and some of the widths (w1, w2, w3) may be formed to be the same as each other or different. The fourth portion (604) and the fifth portion (605) may reduce damage to the foldable portion (233) supported by the third support portion (413) by forming a continuous surface, respectively.

[0161] Referring to FIGS. 6e, 6f, 6g, 6h, and 6i, the electronic device (101) may include an adhesive (670) for attaching a protective member (420) to a third support portion (413) of a support plate (410). The adhesive (670) may be interposed, for example, between the third support portion (413) and the protective member (420).

[0162] The adhesive (670) may form one or more air gaps (680) between the protective member (420) and the third support portion (413). The one or more air gaps (680) may be connected to at least a portion of, for example, one or more first slits (610) formed in the first portion (601) of the third support portion (413) and / or one or more second slits (620) formed in the second portion (602) of the third support portion (413).

[0163] For example, at least one air gap (680) may be formed under a plurality of slits (415) of the support plate (410). An adhesive (670) may be formed, for example, under the plurality of slits (415) to form a space (or one or more air gaps (680)) in fluid communication with the plurality of slits (415).

[0164] For example, the support plate (410) may define one side (410a) facing the display (230) and another side (410b) opposite the one side (410a). The other side (410b) may form one or more air gaps (680) together with the protective member (420) and an adhesive (670) that attaches the other side (410b) to the protective member (420). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0165] For example, referring to FIGS. 6F and 6H, the adhesive (670) may include first adhesive portions (671). The first adhesive portions (671) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the first adhesive portions (671) may be spaced apart from each other at a specified interval, thereby including first air gaps (681) formed between the first adhesive portions (671). The first air gaps (681) may be connected to the exterior of the electronic device (101), for example, through one or more vent holes formed in a side surface of the housing (200) (e.g., the first side surfaces (213) and the second side surfaces (223) of FIG. 2A). For example, the first adhesive portions (671) may each have a length in a direction parallel to the folding axis (f) (e.g., +y direction), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0166] For example, referring to FIG. 6g, the adhesive (670) may include first adhesive portions (671) and second adhesive portions (672) that form second air gaps (682) together with the first adhesive portions (671). The second adhesive portions (672) may extend in a different direction from the direction in which the first adhesive portions (671) extend, thereby forming the second air gaps (682) together with the first adhesive portions (671). For example, the second adhesive portions (672) may be orthogonal to the first adhesive portions (671), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 6i, the adhesive (670) may include one or more recessed portions (675) that are connected to the plurality of slits (415) of the third support portion (413). The one or more recessed portions (675) may be recessed from one surface of the adhesive (670) that is attached to the third support portion (413), thereby forming third air gaps (683) (or recesses) that are connected to at least a portion of the plurality of slits (415). However, the embodiment supported by the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Through the plurality of air gaps (680), air inside the plurality of slits (415) of the support plate (410) may be ventilated.

[0168] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device (101) can reduce damage to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) due to a change in the state of the electronic device (101) by including an adhesive layer (630) that forms a continuous layer between the display (230) and the support plate (410). The support plate (410) can reduce damage to the foldable portion (233) due to a change in the state of the electronic device (101) and increase a contact area with the adhesive layer (630) by including a continuous third portion (603) that is disposed below the foldable portion (233) and in which no slit is formed.

[0169] FIG. 7A illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device. FIG. 7B is a plan view of a support plate of the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7C illustrates a portion of an exemplary electronic device. FIG. 7D is a plan view of the support plate of the exemplary electronic device of FIG. 7C.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, an electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (230) including a first planar portion (231), a second planar portion (232), and a foldable portion (233) extending from the first planar portion (231) to the second planar portion (232) and being deformable. The electronic device (101) may include a support plate (410) that supports the flexible display (230) and includes a first support portion (411) disposed under the first planar portion (231), a second support portion (412) disposed under the second planar portion (232), and a third support portion (413) disposed under the foldable portion (233). The electronic device may include an adhesive layer (630) disposed between the flexible display (230) and the support plate (410). The third support portion (413) may include a first portion (601) including one or more first slits (610), a second portion (602) including one or more second slits (620), and a third portion (603) disposed between the first portion (601) and the second portion (602) and having a continuous surface so as to be attached to the adhesive layer (630). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the electronic device (101) may include, as illustrated, the configurations (e.g., bendable portions (233a, 233d, 233e) and unbendable portions (233b, 233c) of the foldable portion (233), the protective member (420), the center bar (510), the first reinforcing plate (640), the plurality of adhesive layers (650), the second reinforcing plate (660)) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 6A to 6D . Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of the configurations having the same reference numerals as those described in FIGS. 6A to 6D are omitted.

[0171] A third portion (603) of the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410) can be separated from the first support portion (411) of the support plate (410) by one or more first slits (610). The third portion (603) can be separated from the second support portion (412) of the support plate (410) by one or more second slits (620).

[0172] For example, the first part (601) of the third support part (413) may include parts (601a, 601b) separated by slits (610a, 610b, 610c), respectively. The second part (602) of the third support part (413) may include parts (602a, 602b) separated by slits (620a, 620b, 620c), respectively. The parts (601a, 601b) of the first part (601) and the parts (602a, 602b) of the second part (602) may each include continuous surfaces, similar to the third part (603). For example, parts (601a, 601b, 602a, 602b) may be arranged parallel to each other and the third part (603). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0173] For example, referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the width (w4) of each of the parts (601a, 601b) of the first portion (601) may be smaller than the width (w1) of the third portion (603). The width (w5) of each of the parts (602a, 602b) of the second portion (602) may be smaller than the width (w1) of the third portion (603). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0174] For example, referring to FIGS. 7c and 7d, the width (w4) of each of the parts (601a, 601b) of the first portion (601) may be substantially the same as the width (w1) of the third portion (603). The width (w5) of each of the parts (602a, 602b) of the second portion (602) may be substantially the same as the width (w1) of the third portion (603). For example, the gap widths of the slits (610a, 610b, 610c, 620a, 620b, 620c) that separate the parts (601a, 601b) of the first portion (601), the parts (602a, 602b) of the second portion (602), and the third portion (603) from each other may be substantially the same. However, the embodiment supported by the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410) includes parts that are separated from each other and each form a continuous surface, thereby reducing the breakage of the foldable portion (233) according to a change in the state of the electronic device (101) and increasing the contact area with the adhesive layer (630).

[0175] Figures 8a and 8b illustrate portions of exemplary electronic devices. Figure 8c is a plan view of an adhesive layer of the exemplary electronic device of Figure 8a. Figure 8d illustrates a portion of the exemplary electronic device. Figure 8e is a plan view of an adhesive layer of the exemplary electronic device of Figure 8d.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E, the electronic device (101) may include a flexible display (230) including a first planar portion (231), a second planar portion (232), and a foldable portion (233) extending from the first planar portion (231) to the second planar portion (232) and being deformable. The electronic device (101) may include a support plate (410) that supports the flexible display (230) and includes a first support portion (411) disposed under the first planar portion (231), a second support portion (412) disposed under the second planar portion (232), and a third support portion (413) disposed under the foldable portion (233). The electronic device may include an adhesive layer (630) disposed between the flexible display (230) and the support plate (410). The third support portion (413) may include a first portion (601) including one or more first slits (610), a second portion (602) including one or more second slits (620), and a third portion (603) disposed between the first portion (601) and the second portion (602) and having a continuous surface so as to be attached to the adhesive layer (630). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the electronic device (101) may include configurations (e.g., bendable portions (233a, 233d, 233e) and unbendable portions (233b, 233c) of the foldable portion (233), a protective member (420), a center bar (510), a first reinforcing plate (640), a plurality of adhesive layers (650), and a second reinforcing plate (660)) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 6A to 7D, as illustrated.In addition, the structures of the adhesive layer (630) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 8A to 8E may be combined with any one of the structures of the support plate (410) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 6A to 7D and placed within the electronic device (101). Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of the structures having the same reference numerals as those described in FIGS. 6A to 7D are omitted.

[0177] The adhesive layer (630) may include one or more third slits (810) that at least partially overlap one or more first slits (610) of the support plate (410), and fourth slits (820) that at least partially overlap one or more second slits (620) of the support plate (410). The adhesive layer (630) may be disposed at least partially between the third support portion (413) and the foldable portion (233). For example, unlike the examples illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 7D , the adhesive layer (630) may not form a continuous layer by including the slits (810, 820). For example, the one or more third slits (810) may be formed between the first portion (601) of the third support portion (413) and the foldable portion (233). For example, one or more fourth slits (820) may be formed between the second portion (602) of the third support portion (413) and the foldable portion (233).

[0178] For example, referring to FIGS. 8A and 8C, one or more third slits (810) may be connected to one or more first slits (610) of the support plate (410). One or more fourth slits (820) may be connected to the second slits (620) of the support plate (410).

[0179] For example, referring to FIGS. 8D and 8E, one or more third slits (810) may at least partially overlap one or more first slits (610) of the support plate (410). One or more fourth slits (820) may at least partially overlap one or more second slits (620) of the support plate (410). However, the embodiment supported by the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the adhesive layer (630) may provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) by including slits formed under the foldable portion (233).

[0180] The adhesive layer (630) may include a first elastic portion (631) interposed between the first planar portion (231) and the first support portion (411), a second elastic portion (632) interposed between the second planar portion (232) and the second support portion (412), and a third elastic portion (633) interposed between the third support portion (413) and the foldable portion (233). The third elastic portion (633) may be a portion forming a central portion of the adhesive layer (630).

[0181] For example, the third elastic portion (633) may include a continuous surface. For example, referring to FIGS. 8A and 8C, the third elastic portion (633) may be disposed on the third portion (603) of the support plate (410) forming the continuous surface. For example, referring to FIG. 8B, the third elastic portion (633) may be disposed on the third portion (603) of the support plate (410), one or more first slits (610), and one or more second slits (620). The third elastic portion (633) may cover the one or more first slits (610) and the one or more second slits (620) together with the protective member (420). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0182] The third elastic portion (633) can be separated from the first elastic portion (631) and the second elastic portion (632). For example, referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the third elastic portion (633) can be separated from the first elastic portion (631) by one or more third slits (810). For example, the third elastic portion (633) can be separated from the second elastic portion (632) by one or more fourth slits (820). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0183] Referring to FIGS. 8d and 8e, similar to the structure of the support plate (410) in FIG. 6b, the third elastic portion (633) of the adhesive layer (630) may include a first connecting portion (801) in which one or more third slits (810) are formed, a second connecting portion (802) in which one or more fourth slits (820) are formed, and a third connecting portion (803) having a continuous surface and attached on the third portion (603) of the support plate (410). The connecting portions (801, 802, 803) of the adhesive layer (630) may be connected to each other. For example, the width of the third connecting portion (803) may be greater than the gap width between two adjacent slits among the one or more third slits (810). The width of the third portion (803) may be greater than the spacing between two adjacent slits among the one or more fourth slits (820). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the adhesive layer (630) may include various structures for providing flexibility to the foldable portion (233) based on the third elastic portion (633) having a continuous surface, similar to the structures of the support plate (410) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 6A to 7D.

[0184] Figure 9a illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a first state. Figure 9b illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a second state.

[0185] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B , an electronic device (101) may include a housing (200), a flexible display (940), a first hinge assembly (950), and a second hinge assembly (960). The housing (200) may include a first housing part (910), a second housing part (920), and a third housing part (930). The housing (200) may include multiple housing parts (910, 920, 930) and may be referred to as a multi-foldable housing in that it may be folded multiple times. The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device in that it includes a housing (200) and / or a flexible display (940) that may be folded multiple times. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0186] The first housing part (910) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (920) by the first hinge assembly (950). The second housing part (920) and the first housing part (910) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950). While the first housing part (910) is rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950), the second housing part (920) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950). For example, when the second housing part (920) and the first housing part (910) are rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950), the angular displacement of the second housing part (920) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the first housing part (910).

[0187] The third housing part (930) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (920) by the second hinge assembly (960). The second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) can be rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960). While the second housing part (920) is rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960), the third housing part (930) can be rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960). For example, when the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) are rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960), the angular displacement (or angular change) of the second housing part (920) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the third housing part (930).

[0188] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can change the state of the electronic device. The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide (or enable) a first state (101a) of the electronic device (101) (or a first state (101a) of the housing (200)). The first state (101a) of the electronic device (101) (or the first state (101a) of the housing (200)) can be described as an unfolded state of the electronic device (101) (or the housing (200)). Within the first state (101a), the front surface of the first housing part (910), the front surface of the second housing part (920), and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can define the front surface of the electronic device (101). Within the first state (101a), the front surface of the first housing part (910), the front surface of the second housing part (920), and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can face substantially the same direction. Within the first state (101a), the electronic device (101) can provide a large display area of ​​the flexible display (940) to the user.

[0189] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide a second state (101b) of the electronic device (101) (or a second state (101b) of the housing (200)). The second state (101b) of the electronic device (101) (or the second state (101b) of the housing (200)) can be described as a multi-folded state of the electronic device (101) (or the housing (200)). Within the second state (101b), the front surface of the first housing part (910) and the front surface of the second housing part (920) can face in opposite directions, and the front surface of the second housing part (920) and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can face in opposite directions. Within the second state (101b), the front surface of the first housing part (910) and the front surface of the third housing part (930) may face the same direction. For example, within the second state (101b), the front surface of the second housing part (920) may face the front surface of the first housing part (910), and the front surface of the third housing part (930) may face the rear surface of the first housing part (910). Within the second state (101b), the electronic device (101) may be folded to enhance portability.

[0190] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide a third state of the electronic device (101). The third state of the electronic device (101) can be described as a state in which the electronic device (101) is partially folded and partially unfolded (or a single folded state or a half folded state). For example, within the third state, the front surface of the second housing part (920) and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can face the same direction, and the front surface of the first housing part (910) and the front surface of the second housing part (920) can face opposite directions. For example, within the third state, the first housing part (910) and the second housing part (920) can be folded, and the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) can be unfolded.

[0191] A flexible display (940) can at least partially define the appearance of the electronic device (101). The flexible display (940) can be partially disposed within the housing (200). The flexible display (940) can define the front surface of the electronic device (101). The flexible display (940) can include a first planar portion (941), a second planar portion (942), a third planar portion (943), a first foldable portion (944), and a second foldable portion (945). The first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940) can be disposed on the front surface of the first housing part (910). The second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940) can be disposed on the front surface of the second housing part (920). The third flat portion (943) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed on the front side of the third housing part (930). The first foldable portion (944) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed between the first flat portion (941) and the second flat portion (942) of the flexible display (940). For example, the first foldable portion (944) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed on the first hinge assembly (950) connecting the first housing part (910) and the second housing part (920). The second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed between the second flat portion (942) and the third flat portion (943) of the flexible display (940). For example, the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) may be placed on a second hinge assembly (960) connecting the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930).

[0192] In the first state (101a), the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (940) can be seen from the front of the housing (200). For example, the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), the third planar portion (943), the first foldable portion (944), and the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) can be visually exposed. The electronic device (101) can provide a user with a large display area including the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), the third planar portion (943), the first foldable portion (944), and the second foldable portion (945). In the second state (101b), the display area of ​​the flexible display (940) can be invisible. For example, the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), the third planar portion (943), the first foldable portion (944), and the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) may not be visually exposed. In the third state, the display area of ​​the flexible display (940) may be partially visible from the front of the third housing part (930). For example, the third planar portion (943) may be visually exposed, and the first planar portion (941) and the second planar portion (942) may not be visually exposed.

[0193] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (940) is used to display a screen in a first state (101a) of the electronic device (101), all portions (941, 942, 943, 944, 945) of the flexible display (940) can be activated. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (940) is used to display a screen in a second state (101b), all portions (941, 942, 943, 944, 945) of the flexible display (940) can be deactivated. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (940) is used to display a screen in a third state of the electronic device (101), the third planar portion (943) can be activated, and other portions (941, 942, 944, 945) of the flexible display (940) can be deactivated.

[0194] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) may be arranged so that the first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940), the second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940), and the third planar portion (943) of the flexible display (940) may face substantially the same direction. In the first state (101a), the first foldable portion (944) and the second foldable portion (945) may be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane as the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), and the third planar portion (943).

[0195] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide a second state (101b) of the electronic device (101). Within the second state (101b), the second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940) can face the first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940), and the third planar portion (943) of the flexible display (940) can face the back of the first housing part (910). Within the second state (101b), the first foldable portion (944) of the flexible display (940) can be folded such that the first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940) and the second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940) face different directions. Within the second state (101b), the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) can be folded such that the second flat portion (942) of the flexible display (940) and the third flat portion (943) of the flexible display (940) face different directions.

[0196] Within the second state (101b), the first housing part (910) may be disposed between the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930). Within the second state (101b), the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) disposed on the second hinge assembly (960) may be partially oriented toward the side surface (910c) of the first housing part (910). For example, a sub-display may be additionally disposed on the rear surface of the second housing part (920) to provide visual information to the user within the second state (101b). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0197] FIG. 9C is a top plan view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state with the flexible display removed. FIG. 9D is a rear view of the exemplary electronic device in a first state with the back cover removed.

[0198] Referring to FIGS. 9c and 9d, the electronic device (101) may include a first hinge assembly (950) and a second hinge assembly (960). A first width (d1) of the first hinge assembly (950) may be narrower than a second width (d2) of the second hinge assembly (960). A difference between the first width (d1) of the first hinge assembly (950) and the second width (d2) of the second hinge assembly (960) may be equal to or greater than a thickness of the first housing part (910). For example, the second hinge assembly (960) may have a second width (d2) that is wider than the first width (d1) such that the first housing part (910) is disposed between the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) according to the second state (101b). The first hinge assembly (950) may be referred to as a narrow hinge structure in that it has a narrower width than the second hinge assembly (960). The second hinge assembly (960) may be referred to as a wide hinge structure in that it has a wider width than the first hinge assembly (950).

[0199] A first hinge assembly (950) may include a first set of gears (951), a first hinge plate (952), and a second hinge plate (953). The first hinge plate (952) may be coupled to a first support portion (911) of a first housing part (910). The second hinge plate (953) may be coupled to a second support portion (921) of a second housing part (920). The gears included in the first set of gears (951) may be configured to rotate the first hinge plate (952) and the second hinge plate (953). For example, the gears included in the first set of gears (951) can rotate the second hinge plate (953) (or the second housing part (920)) in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (952) (or the first housing part (910)). After the first hinge plate (952) (or the first housing part (910)) is rotated, the gears included in the first set of gears (951) can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the first hinge plate (952) (or the first housing part (910)). The second hinge plate (953) (or the second housing part (920)) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (952) in accordance with the rotation of the gears included in the first set of gears (951).

[0200] A second hinge assembly (960) may include a second set of gears (961), a third hinge plate (962), a fourth hinge plate (963), and a support plate (964). The third hinge plate (962) may be coupled to a second support portion (921) of a second housing part (920). The fourth hinge plate (963) may be coupled to a third support portion (931) of a third housing part (930). The gears included in the second set of gears (961) may be configured to rotate the third hinge plate (962) and the fourth hinge plate (963). For example, the gears included in the second set of gears (961) can rotate the fourth hinge plate (963) (or the third housing part (930)) in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (962) (or the second housing part (920)). After the third hinge plate (962) (or the second housing part (920)) is rotated, the gears included in the second set of gears (961) can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the third hinge plate (962) (or the second housing part (920)). The fourth hinge plate (963) (or the third housing part (930)) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (962) in accordance with the rotation of the gears included in the second set of gears (961).

[0201] An electronic device (101) may include a first printed circuit board (971), a second printed circuit board (972), and a third printed circuit board (973). Various hardware components may be mounted on each of the printed circuit boards (971, 972, 973).

[0202] A first printed circuit board (971) may be disposed on a first support portion (911) of a first housing part (910). Hardware components within the first housing part (910) may be disposed on the first printed circuit board (971). A second printed circuit board (972) may be disposed on a second support portion (921) of a second housing part (920). Hardware components within the second housing part (920) may be disposed on the second printed circuit board (972). A third printed circuit board (973) may be disposed on a third support portion (931) of a third housing part (930). Hardware components within the third housing part (930) (e.g., a rear camera (975)) may be disposed on the third printed circuit board (973).

[0203] The hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (971) can support or operate independently of the hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (972) and / or the hardware components placed on the third printed circuit board (973).

[0204] The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (972) may support or operate independently of the hardware components arranged on the first printed circuit board (971) or the third printed circuit board (973). The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (972) may include a speaker, a front camera, and / or a display driving circuit.

[0205] Hardware components arranged on the third printed circuit board (973) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit, a memory including one or more storage media, a communication circuit, and a rear camera (975). The rear camera (975) may be exposed through a structure (e.g., an opening) on ​​the rear of the third housing part (930).

[0206] The electronic device (101) may further include batteries. Each of the batteries may be attached to support portions (911, 921, 931) included in the housing parts (910, 920, 930). The support portions (911, 921, 931) may support rechargeable batteries.

[0207] The housing (200) may include frames (915, 925, 935). For example, the frames (915, 925, 935) may form an edge of the electronic device (101) within the first state (101a). For example, the first housing part (910) may include a first frame (915) that at least partially surrounds the first support portion (911). The second housing part (920) may include a second frame (925) that at least partially surrounds the second support portion (912). The third housing part (930) may include a third frame (935) that at least partially surrounds the third support portion (913). The second frame (925) may be positioned between the first frame (915) and the third frame (935) within the first state (101a) of the electronic device (101). The frames (915, 925, 935) may be referred to as a peripheral portion and / or deco of the housing (200) in that they are positioned along the edge of the electronic device (101) to protect the edge of the flexible display (940), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0208] Although the first housing part (910) and the third housing part (930) are shown as rotating in opposite directions with respect to the second housing part (920), this is not limited thereto. For example, during the change from the first state (101a) to the second state (101b), the first housing part (910) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (920), and the third housing part (930) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (920). As the first housing part (910) and the third housing part (930) rotate in the same direction, a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (940) within the second state may be visually exposed. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, while changing from the first state (101a) to the second state (101b), the first housing part (910) may rotate clockwise with respect to the second housing part (920), and the third housing part (930) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (920).

[0209] 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.

[0210] As described above, a foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a flexible display including a first display portion (e.g., first planar portion (231) of FIG. 2A), a second display portion (e.g., second planar portion (232) of FIG. 2A), and a third display portion (e.g., foldable portion (233) of FIG. 2A) extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to be bent within a folded state of the foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include a plate that supports the flexible display and includes a first support portion (e.g., the first support portion (411) of FIG. 4) aligned with respect to the first display portion of the flexible display, a second support portion (e.g., the second support portion (412) of FIG. 4) aligned with respect to the second display portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion (e.g., the third support portion (413) of FIG. 4) aligned with respect to the third display portion. The third support portion may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion (601) of FIG. 6A) including slits (e.g., one or more first slits (610) of FIG. 6A), a second portion (e.g., the second portion (602) of FIG. 6A) including slits (e.g., one or more second slits (620) of FIG. 6A), and a third portion (e.g., the third portion (603) of FIG. 6A) that does not include slits disposed between the first portion of the third support portion of the plate and the second portion of the third support portion of the plate.

[0211] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include an adhesive layer (e.g., the adhesive layer (630) of FIG. 6A) disposed to provide elastic support between the plate including the third support portion and the flexible display, and a center bar (e.g., the center bar (510) of FIG. 5A) disposed under the third support portion of the plate. The adhesive layer may be configured to provide a repulsive force to the third portion of the plate pressed by the center bar in the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0212] For example, the adhesive layer can form a continuous layer between the flexible display and the plate.

[0213] For example, the adhesive layer may include a first elastic portion (e.g., the first elastic portion (631) of FIG. 8A) interposed between the first display portion and the first support portion, a second elastic portion (e.g., the second elastic portion (632) of FIG. 8A) interposed between the second display portion and the second support portion, and a third elastic portion (e.g., the third elastic portion (633) of FIG. 8A) interposed between the third support portion and the display portion and separated from the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion.

[0214] For example, the third elastic portion may have a continuous surface and be arranged on the slits of the first portion of the third support portion and the slits of the second portion of the third support portion.

[0215] For example, the thickness of the adhesive layer may be within a range of 16 μm to 25 μm.

[0216] For example, the adhesive layer may include at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or a non-Newtonian fluid (NNF).

[0217] For example, the width of the third portion of the third support portion (e.g., w1 in FIG. 6b) may be greater than the distance between two adjacent slits of the first portion of the third support portion (e.g., g1 in FIG. 6b). The width of the third portion of the third support portion may be greater than the distance between two adjacent slits of the second portion of the third support portion (e.g., g2 in FIG. 6b).

[0218] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a center bar aligned with the third portion of the third support portion of the plate. The width of the third portion of the third support portion may be smaller than the width of the center bar.

[0219] For example, the third portion of the third support portion of the plate may have a continuous surface between the slits of the first portion and the slits of the second portion.

[0220] For example, the first part may further include a fourth part (e.g., the fourth part (604) of FIG. 6d) disposed between the first slits of the slits of the first part (e.g., the first slits (611) of FIG. 6d) and the second slits (e.g., the second slits (612) of FIG. 6d) and having a continuous surface. The second part may further include a fifth part (e.g., the fifth part (605) of FIG. 6d) disposed between the third slits of the slits of the second part (e.g., the third slits (621) of FIG. 6d) and the fourth slits (e.g., the fourth slits (622) of FIG. 6d) and having a continuous surface.

[0221] For example, the thickness of the third portion of the third support portion of the plate may be greater than the thickness of the first portion of the third support portion of the plate. The thickness of the third portion of the third support portion of the plate may be greater than the thickness of the second portion of the third support portion of the plate.

[0222] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a protective member (e.g., protective member (420) of FIG. 4) attached below the third support portion of the plate and covering the slits of the first portion and the slits of the second portion, and an adhesive (e.g., adhesive (670) of FIG. 6e) interposed between the protective member and the third support portion of the plate and forming one or more air gaps (e.g., one or more air gaps (680) of FIG. 6e) between the protective member and the third support portion of the plate. The one or more air gaps may be connected to at least some of the slits of the first portion and the slits of the second portion.

[0223] For example, at least some of the slits of the first portion may have different shapes. At least some of the slits of the second portion may have different shapes.

[0224] For example, the third portion may have a minimum radius of curvature among the third support portions within the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0225] According to the above, the foldable electronic device may include a foldable housing (e.g., the housing (200) of FIG. 2A) 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), and a hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C) disposed within the foldable housing and rotatably coupling the first housing part and the second housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display including a first display portion coupled to the first housing part, a second display portion coupled to the second housing part, and a third display portion extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to be deformed by the hinge assembly. The foldable electronic device may include a plate that supports the flexible display and includes a first support portion disposed under the first display portion, a second support portion disposed under the second display portion, and a third support portion disposed under the display portion. The foldable electronic device may include an adhesive layer that forms a continuous layer and is disposed between the plate and the flexible display. The third support portion may include a first portion including slits, a second portion including slits, and a third portion that is disposed between the first portion and the second portion and has a continuous surface to be attached to the adhesive layer.

[0226] For example, the thickness of the adhesive layer may be within a range of 16 μm to 25 μm.

[0227] For example, the adhesive layer may include at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or a non-Newtonian fluid (NNF).

[0228] For example, the width of the third portion of the third support portion may be greater than the distance between two adjacent slits of the first portion of the third support portion. The width of the third portion of the third support portion may be greater than the distance between two adjacent slits of the second portion of the third support portion.

[0229] For example, the third portion may have a minimum radius of curvature among the third support portions within the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0230] As described above, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a flexible display (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2A) including a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion (231) of FIG. 2A), a second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion (232) of FIG. 2A), and a foldable portion (e.g., the foldable portion (233) of FIG. 2A) extending from the first planar portion to the second planar portion and being deformable. The electronic device may include a support plate (e.g., the support plate (410) of FIG. 4) that supports the flexible display and includes a first support portion (e.g., the first support portion (411) of FIG. 4) disposed under the first planar portion, a second support portion (e.g., the second support portion (412) of FIG. 4) disposed under the second planar portion, and a third support portion (e.g., the third support portion (413) of FIG. 4) disposed under the foldable portion. The electronic device may include an adhesive layer (e.g., the adhesive layer (630) of FIG. 6A) disposed between the flexible display and the support plate. The third support portion may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion (601) of FIG. 6A) including one or more first slits (e.g., one or more first slits (610) of FIG. 6A), a second portion (e.g., the second portion (602) of FIG. 6A) including one or more second slits (e.g., one or more second slits (620) of FIG. 6A), and a third portion (e.g., the third portion (603) of FIG. 6A) disposed between the first portion and the second portion and having a continuous surface to be attached to the adhesive layer.

[0231] For example, the adhesive layer can form a continuous layer between the flexible display and the support plate.

[0232] For example, the adhesive layer may include one or more third slits (e.g., one or more third slits (810) of FIG. 8A) overlapping the one or more first slits, and one or more fourth slits (e.g., one or more fourth slits (820) of FIG. 8A) overlapping the one or more second slits.

[0233] For example, the adhesive layer may include a first elastic portion (e.g., the first elastic portion (631) of FIG. 8A) interposed between the first planar portion and the first support portion, a second elastic portion (e.g., the second elastic portion (632) of FIG. 8A) interposed between the second planar portion and the second support portion, and a third elastic portion (e.g., the third elastic portion (633) of FIG. 8A) interposed between the third support portion and the foldable portion and separated from the first elastic portion and the second elastic portion.

[0234] For example, the third elastic portion may have a continuous surface and be disposed on the one or more first slits and the one or more second slits.

[0235] For example, the adhesive layer may include an adhesive material. The thickness of the adhesive layer may be in the range of 16 μm to 25 μm.

[0236] For example, the adhesive layer may include at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or a non-Newtonian fluid (NNF).

[0237] For example, at least a portion of the adhesive layer can penetrate into at least a portion of the one or more first slits and the one or more second slits.

[0238] For example, the third portion of the third support portion may be separated from the first support portion by one or more first slits. The third portion may be separated from the second support portion by one or more second slits.

[0239] For example, the longitudinal direction of each of the one or more first slits may correspond to the longitudinal direction of each of the one or more second slits. The longitudinal direction of the third portion may correspond to the longitudinal direction of each of the one or more first slits.

[0240] For example, the first portion may further include a fourth portion (e.g., the fourth portion (604) of FIG. 6c) disposed between first slits (e.g., the first slits (611) of FIG. 6c) and second slits (e.g., the second slits (612) of FIG. 6c) included in the one or more first slits and having a continuous surface. The second portion may further include a fifth portion (e.g., the fifth portion (605) of FIG. 6c) disposed between third slits (e.g., the third slits (621) of FIG. 6c) and fourth slits (e.g., the fourth slits (622) of FIG. 6c) included in the one or more second slits and having a continuous surface.

[0241] For example, the electronic device may further include a center bar (e.g., the center bar (510) of FIG. 5A) disposed below the third support portion. The third support portion may be configured to be pressed by the third support portion within a folded state of the electronic device.

[0242] For example, the electronic device may further include a first plate attached under the first support portion (e.g., the first plate (641) of FIG. 6A), a second plate attached under the second support portion (e.g., the second plate (642) of FIG. 6A), and a protective member (e.g., the protective member (420) of FIG. 5A) between the first plate and the second plate, which is attached under the third support portion and configured to contact the center bar.

[0243] For example, at least some of the one or more first slits may have different shapes. At least some of the one or more second slits may have different shapes.

[0244] For example, the third portion may have a minimum radius of curvature among the third support portions within a folded state of the electronic device.

[0245] According to the above, the electronic device may include a foldable housing (e.g., the housing (200) of FIG. 2A) 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 may include a hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C) disposed within the foldable housing and rotatably coupling the first housing part and the second housing part. The electronic device may include a flexible display including a first planar portion coupled to the first housing part, a second planar portion coupled to the second housing part, and a foldable portion extending from the first planar portion to the second planar portion and configured to be deformed by the hinge assembly. The electronic device may include a support plate that supports the flexible display and includes a first support portion disposed under the first flat portion, a second support portion disposed under the second flat portion, and a third support portion disposed under the foldable portion. The electronic device may include a continuous adhesive layer disposed between the flexible display and the support plate, the continuous adhesive layer attaching the support plate to the flexible display. The third support portion may include a first portion including one or more first slits, a second portion including one or more second slits, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the third portion having a continuous surface.

[0246] For example, the thickness of the adhesive layer may be within a range of 16 μm to 25 μm.

[0247] For example, the adhesive layer may include at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or a non-Newtonian fluid (NNF).

[0248] For example, the third portion of the third support portion may be separated from the first support portion by one or more first slits. The third portion may be separated from the second support portion by one or more second slits.

[0249] For example, the third portion may have a minimum radius of curvature among the third support portions within the folded state of the electronic device.

[0250] 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.

[0251] 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.

[0252] 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.

[0253] 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).

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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 product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0256] 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 foldable electronic devices, A flexible display comprising a first display portion, a second display portion, and a third display portion extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to bend within a folded state of the foldable electronic device; and A plate that supports the flexible display and includes a first support portion aligned with respect to the first display portion of the flexible display, a second support portion aligned with respect to the second display portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion aligned with respect to the third display portion, The third support part above, A first part comprising slits; a second portion including slits; and A third portion including no slits disposed between the first portion of the third support portion of the plate and the second portion of the third support portion of the plate, Foldable electronic devices.

2. In paragraph 1, An adhesive layer arranged to provide elastic support between the plate including the third support portion and the flexible display; and Further comprising a center bar disposed under the third support portion of the plate, The adhesive layer is configured to provide a repulsive force to the third support portion of the plate pressed by the center bar within the folded state of the foldable electronic device. Foldable electronic devices.

3. In paragraph 2, The above adhesive layer is, Forming a continuous layer between the flexible display and the plate, Foldable electronic devices.

4. In paragraph 2 or 3, The above adhesive layer is, A first elastic part interposed between the first display part and the first support part; A second elastic part interposed between the second display part and the second support part; and A third elastic part interposed between the third support part and the display part, and separated from the first elastic part and the second elastic part, Foldable electronic devices.

5. In paragraph 4, The third elastic part is, Having a continuous surface, and arranged on the slits of the first part of the third support part and the slits of the second part of the third support part, Foldable electronic devices.

6. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 5, The thickness of the above adhesive layer is Within the range of 16μm to 25μm, Foldable electronic devices.

7. In any one of paragraphs 2 to 6, The above adhesive layer is, Containing at least one of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), an optically clear adhesive (OCA), or a non-Newtonian fluid (NNF). Foldable electronic devices.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The width of the third part of the third support part is The distance between two adjacent slits of the first part of the third support part is greater than the distance between the two adjacent slits, The width of the third part of the third support part is, A distance greater than the distance between two adjacent slits among the slits of the second part of the third support part, Foldable electronic devices.

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, Further comprising a center bar aligned with respect to the third portion of the third support portion of the plate; The width of the third part of the third support part is, smaller than the width of the above center bar, Foldable electronic devices.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The third part of the third support part of the plate has a continuous surface between the slits of the first part and the slits of the second part. Foldable electronic devices.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, The above first part is, Further comprising a fourth portion having a continuous surface and disposed between the first slits and the second slits of the first portion, The second part above is, Further comprising a fifth portion having a continuous surface and disposed between the third slits and the fourth slits of the second portion; Foldable electronic devices.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The thickness of the third portion of the third support portion of the above plate is, The thickness of the third support portion of the above plate is greater than that of the first portion, The thickness of the third portion of the third support portion of the above plate is, The thickness of the second portion of the third support portion of the plate is greater than that of the third support portion of the plate. Foldable electronic devices.

13. In paragraph 12, A protective member attached below the third support portion of the plate and covering the slits of the first portion and the slits of the second portion; and Further comprising an adhesive interposed between the protective member and the third support portion of the plate, the adhesive forming one or more air gaps between the protective member and the third support portion of the plate, One or more of the above air gaps, Connected to at least some of the slits of the first part and the slits of the second part, Foldable electronic devices.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, At least some of the slits of the first part, They have different shapes, At least some of the slits of the second portion, having different shapes, Foldable electronic devices.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, The third part above is, In the folded state of the foldable electronic device, the third support portion has a minimum radius of curvature. Foldable electronic devices.

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