Foldable electronic device including support plates

Abstract

This multi-foldable electronic device may comprise: a housing including a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part that, in a multi-folded state, is disposed between the first housing part and the second housing part; a first hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part; a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part; and a flexible display that includes a first folding region formed by the rotation of the first hinge structure and a second folding region formed by the rotation of the second hinge structure. The flexible display may include: a display panel; a flexible plate disposed on the rear surface of the display panel and configured to support the display panel; and a set of support plates supporting the flexible plate.

Description

Foldable electronic device including support plates

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device including support plates.

[0002] A foldable electronic device may have a folded or open state. The foldable electronic device may include a support plate for supporting a deformable portion (or foldable portion) of the 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-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A multi-foldable electronic device is disclosed. The multi-foldable electronic device may include a housing and a flexible display. The housing may include a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part, and a first hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part and being wider than the first hinge structure. The flexible display may include a first folding area formed by the first hinge structure and a second folding area formed by the rotation of the second hinge structure, which are disposed on the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part. The flexible display may include a display panel, a flexible plate disposed on a rear surface of the display panel and configured to support the display panel, and a set of support plates supporting the flexible plate. The set of support plates may include a first rigid plate corresponding to a portion of the left side of the second folding area, a second rigid plate corresponding to a portion of the right side of the second folding area, and a third rigid plate corresponding to a central area of ​​the second folding area.

[0005] A multi-foldable electronic device is disclosed. The multi-foldable electronic device may include a housing including a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part, a first hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second hinge structure rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part. The multi-foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed in the housing and including a first folding area formed by rotation of the first hinge structure and a second folding area formed by rotation of the second hinge structure. The flexible display may include a set of a display panel, a flexible plate supporting the display panel, and a support plate supporting the flexible plate. The flexible plate may include a first pattern portion including openings, a second pattern portion spaced from one side of the first pattern portion and including openings, a first support portion disposed between the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion, a second support portion connected to the other side of the first pattern portion, and a third support portion connected to one side of the second pattern portion. The set of support plates may include a first rigid plate disposed on the first support portion of the flexible plate.

[0006] Figure 1a illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device.

[0007] Figure 1b illustrates an example of a second state of the electronic device.

[0008] Figure 1c illustrates an example of a third state of the electronic device.

[0009] Figure 2a is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed.

[0010] Figure 2b is a rear view of the electronic device with the back cover and display removed.

[0011] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device.

[0012] Figure 4 shows the location of the magnets placed within the electronic device and the arrangement between the hinge structure.

[0013] FIG. 5 shows a connection relationship between a second hinge structure disposed within an electronic device and a second housing part and a third housing part.

[0014] Fig. 6 shows a section that interferes with a portion placed on a second hinge structure among the sets of support plates.

[0015] FIG. 7a is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the relationship between the second hinge structure and the set of support plates in the folded state.

[0016] FIG. 7b shows the structure of a portion disposed on a second hinge structure among the sets of support plates in a folded state of a multi-foldable electronic device.

[0017] FIG. 8a is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating the relationship between the second hinge structure and the set of support plates in the folded state.

[0018] FIG. 8b shows the structure of a portion disposed on a second hinge structure among the sets of support plates in a folded state of a multi-foldable electronic device.

[0019] FIG. 9 shows the structure of a portion of a set of support plates arranged on a second hinge structure in an unfolded state of a multi-foldable electronic device.

[0020] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate portions of a set of support plates disposed on the back of a display and arrangement of a waterproof member, according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 12 shows an example of a deformation of the display when the set of support plates is omitted.

[0022] Figure 13 shows a set of support plates including protrusions.

[0023] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view showing that the protrusion acts as a stopper.

[0024] Fig. 15 shows an example of a portion of a set of support plates arranged on a second hinge structure.

[0025] Figures 16, 17, 18, and 19 illustrate examples of portions of a set of support plates arranged on a second hinge structure.

[0026] Figures 20, 21, and 22 illustrate exemplary structures between a portion disposed on a second hinge structure among a set of support plates and the hinge structure.

[0027] Fig. 23 shows an exemplary structure of an elastic part disposed on a second hinge structure among a set of support plates.

[0028] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0029] Figure 1a illustrates an example of a first state of an electronic device. Figure 1b illustrates an example of a second state of an electronic device. Figure 1c illustrates an example of a third state of an electronic device.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, an electronic device (100) may include a housing structure (101), a flexible display (140), a first hinge structure (150), a second hinge structure (160), and a display (170). The housing structure (101) may include a first housing part (110), a second housing part (120), and a third housing part (130).

[0031] The first housing part (110) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (120) by the first hinge structure (150). The second housing part (120) and the first housing part (110) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (150). While the first housing part (110) is rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (150), the second housing part (120) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (150). For example, when the second housing part (120) and the first housing part (110) are rotated with respect to the first hinge structure (150), the angular displacement of the second housing part (120) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the first housing part (110).

[0032] The third housing part (130) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (120) by the second hinge structure (160). The second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) can rotate with respect to the second hinge structure (160). While the second housing part (120) rotates with respect to the second hinge structure (160), the third housing part (130) can rotate with respect to the second hinge structure (160). For example, when the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) rotate with respect to the second hinge structure (160), the angular displacement (or angular change) of the second housing part (120) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the third housing part (130).

[0033] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can change the state of the electronic device. The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide (or enable) a first state (100a) of the electronic device (100) (or a first state (100a) of the housing structure (101)). The first state (100a) of the electronic device (100) (or the first state (100a) of the housing structure (101)) can be described as an unfolded state (or an unfolded state) of the electronic device (100) (or the housing structure (101)). Within the first state (100a), the front surface of the first housing part (110), the front surface of the second housing part (120), and the front surface of the third housing part (130) can define the front surface of the electronic device (100). Within the first state (100a), the front surface of the first housing part (110), the front surface of the second housing part (120), and the front surface of the third housing part (130) can face the same direction. Within the first state (100a), the electronic device (100) can provide a large display area of ​​the flexible display (140) to the user.

[0034] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a second state (100b) of the electronic device (100). The second state (100b) of the electronic device (100) can be described as a state in which the electronic device (100) is partially folded and partially unfolded (or a single folding state or a half-folding state). For example, within the second state (100b), the front surface of the second housing part (120) and the front surface of the third housing part (130) may face the same direction, and the front surface of the first housing part (110) and the front surface of the second housing part (120) may face opposite directions. For example, within the second state (100b), the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120) may be folded, and the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) may be unfolded. Within the second state (100b), the electronic device (100) can provide visual information through a portion of the flexible display (140) (e.g., the third display area (140c)).

[0035] The electronic device (100) can change from the first state (100a) to the third state (100c) through the second state (100b). The electronic device (100) can change from the first state (100a), which is an unfolded state, to the second state (100b), which is a partially unfolded state. For example, the electronic device (100) can change from the first state (100a), in which the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130) face the same direction, to the second state (100b), in which the front of the first housing part (110) faces the front of the second housing part (120). The electronic device (100) can change from the second state (100b), which is a partially unfolded state, to the third state (100c), which is a folded state. For example, when changing from the second state (100b) to the third state (100c), the folded first housing part (110) and second housing part (120) can be placed on the third housing part (130).

[0036] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a third state (100c) of the electronic device (100) (or a third state (100c) of the housing structure (101)). The third state (100c) of the electronic device (100) (or the third state (100c) of the housing structure (101)) can be described as a folded state (or a folding state or a multi-folding state) of the electronic device (100) (or the housing structure (101)). Within the third state (100c), the front surface of the first housing part (110) and the front surface of the second housing part (120) can face in opposite directions, and the front surface of the second housing part (120) and the front surface of the third housing part (130) can face in opposite directions. Within the third state (100c), the front surface of the first housing part (110) and the front surface of the third housing part (130) may face the same direction. For example, within the third state (100c), the front surface of the second housing part (120) may face the front surface of the first housing part (110), and the front surface of the third housing part (130) may face the rear surface of the first housing part (110). Within the third state (100c), the rear surface of the second housing part (120) may be exposed to the outside. The display (170) may be disposed on the rear surface of the second housing part (120). Within the third state (100c), the rear surface of the third housing part (130) may be exposed to the outside. The camera (175) may be disposed on the rear surface of the third housing part (130). Within the third state (100c), the electronic device (100) can be folded to improve portability and provide visual information through a display (170) disposed on the rear of the second housing part (120).

[0037] The electronic device (100) may further include a key button (139). The key button (139) may be exposed from a structure (e.g., an opening) formed on a side surface of the third housing part (130) and may partially protrude outside the electronic device (100). The key button (139) may provide a physical input to a processing circuit inside the electronic device (100) by pressure transmitted from the outside. The key button (139) may not be included in the electronic device (100) and may be implemented in another form, such as a soft key displayed on a flexible display (140) or a display (170).

[0038] The key button (139) may be positioned on the side of the third housing part (130) so as to be exposed to the outside in the third state (100c). The key button (139) may be positioned in the direction in which the side of the third housing part (130) faces, as the key button (193) is positioned on the side of the third housing part (130). Even if the state of the electronic device (100) is changed from the third state (100c) to the first state (100a) by a user looking at the display (170), the position of the key button (139) positioned on the side of the third housing part (130) may not move. For example, referring to FIG. 1a, in the first state (100a), when the flexible display (140) is viewed from above, the key button (139) may be positioned on the right side. Referring to FIG. 1b, in the third state (100c), when the display (170) is viewed from above, the key button (139) can be placed on the right side.

[0039] A flexible display (140) can at least partially define the appearance of an electronic device (100). The flexible display (140) can be partially disposed within a housing structure (101). The flexible display (140) can define a front surface of the electronic device (100). The flexible display (140) can include a first unbendable portion (141), a second unfoldable portion (142), a third unfoldable portion (143), a first foldable portion (144), and a second foldable portion (145). The first unfoldable portion (141) of the flexible display (140) can be disposed on a front surface of the first housing part (110). The second unfoldable portion (142) of the flexible display (140) can be disposed on a front surface of the second housing part (120). The third unfoldable part (143) of the flexible display (140) may be arranged on the front side of the third housing part (130). The first foldable part (144) of the flexible display (140) may be arranged between the first unfoldable part (141) and the third unfoldable part (143) of the flexible display (140). For example, the first foldable part (144) of the flexible display (140) may be arranged on the first hinge structure (150) connecting the first housing part (110) and the second housing part (120). The second foldable part (145) of the flexible display (140) may be arranged between the second unfoldable part (142) and the third unfoldable part (143) of the flexible display (140). For example, the second foldable part (145) of the flexible display (140) may be placed on a second hinge structure (160) connecting the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130).

[0040] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) may face substantially the same direction as the first unfoldable portion (141) of the flexible display (140), the second unfoldable portion (142) of the flexible display (140), and the third unfoldable portion (143) of the flexible display (140). In the first state (100a), the first foldable portion (144) and the second foldable portion (145) may be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane as the first unfoldable portion (141), the second unfoldable portion (142), and the third unfoldable portion (143).

[0041] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a second state (100b) of the electronic device (100). Within the second state (100b), the first unfoldable portion (141) of the flexible display (140) can face the second unfoldable portion (142) of the flexible display (140), and the third unfoldable portion (143) of the flexible display (140) can face the same direction as the second unfoldable portion (142) of the flexible display (140). For example, the second unfoldable portion (142) and the third unfoldable portion (143) can be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane.

[0042] In the second state (100b), the first foldable portion (144) of the flexible display (140) is bent by the first hinge structure (150), so that the first foldable portion (144) of the flexible display (140) can be folded so that the first unfoldable portion (141) of the flexible display (140) and the second unfoldable portion (142) of the flexible display (140) face different directions.

[0043] In the second state (100b), the second foldable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) is maintained in an unfolded state by the second hinge structure (160), so that the second foldable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) can unfold so that the second unfoldable portion (142) of the flexible display (140) and the third unfoldable portion (143) of the flexible display (140) face the same direction.

[0044] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) can provide a third state (100c) of the electronic device (100). In the third state (100c), the second unfoldable part (142) of the flexible display (140) can face the first unfoldable part (141) of the flexible display (140), and the third unfoldable part (143) of the flexible display (140) can face the rear surface of the first housing part (110).

[0045] In the third state (100c), the first foldable portion (144) of the flexible display (140) is bent by the first hinge structure (150), so that the first foldable portion (144) of the flexible display (140) can be folded so that the first unfoldable portion (141) of the flexible display (140) and the second unfoldable portion (142) of the flexible display (140) face different directions.

[0046] In the third state (100c), the second foldable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) is bent by the second hinge structure (160), so that the second foldable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) can be folded such that the second unfoldable portion (142) of the flexible display (140) and the third unfoldable portion (143) of the flexible display (140) face different directions. The second foldable portion (145) may further include a first deformable portion (145a), a second deformable portion (145b), and a flat portion (145c). The first deformable portion (145a) may be disposed between the flat portion (145c) and the second unfoldable portion (142), and the second deformable portion (145b) may be disposed between the flat portion (145c) and the third unfoldable portion (143). The flat portion (145c) may be disposed between the first deformable portion (145a) and the second deformable portion (145b). The flat portion (145c) may be supported by a support plate (e.g., the support plate (264) of FIG. 2a) that is distinct from the hinge plates of the second hinge structure (160) (e.g., the third hinge plate (262) and the fourth hinge plate (263) of FIG. 2a). Regardless of the state of the electronic device (100), the flat portion (145c) may maintain a flat surface. The first deformable portion (145a) and the second deformable portion (145b) can be unfolded in the first state (100a) and the second state (100b), and in the third state (100c), the first deformable portion (145a) and the second deformable portion (145b) can be bent so that the second unfoldable portion (142) and the third unfoldable portion (143) face different directions. In the third state (100c), the first housing part (110) can be disposed between the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130). In the third state (100c), the second foldable portion (145) of the flexible display (140) disposed on the second hinge structure (160) can be partially oriented toward the side surface (110c) of the first housing part (110).

[0047] The display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may include a first display area (140a), a second display area (140b), and a third display area (140c). The display area represents an area that can provide visual information from the flexible display (140). In the first state (100a), the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may be visible from the front of the housing structure (101). For example, in the first state (100a), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may be visually exposed. The electronic device (100) may provide a user with a large display area that includes the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c).

[0048] Within the second state (100b), the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may be partially visible from the front of the third housing part (130). For example, the third display area (140c) may be visually exposed, and the first display area (140a) and the second display area (140b) may not be visually exposed.

[0049] Within the third state (100c), the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) may not be visible. For example, within the third state (100c), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may not be visually exposed.

[0050] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen within a first state (100a) of the electronic device (100), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may be activated. As a non-limiting example, within a third state (100c), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) may be deactivated. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen in the second state (100b) of the electronic device (100), the third display area (140c) may be activated, and the first display area (140a) and the second display area (140b) of the flexible display (140) may be deactivated.

[0051] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen within a first state (100a) of the electronic device (100), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) can display visual information. As a non-limiting example, within the third state (100c), the first display area (140a), the second display area (140b), and the third display area (140c) of the flexible display (140) can provide a black image. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (140) is used to display a screen in the second state (100b) of the electronic device (100), the third display area (140c) may provide visual information, and the first display area (140a) and the second display area (140b) of the flexible display (140) may provide a black image.

[0052] Figure 2a is a plan view of an electronic device with the flexible display removed. Figure 2b is a rear view of the electronic device with the back cover and display removed.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the electronic device (100) may include a first hinge structure (150) and a second hinge structure (160). A first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (150) may be narrower than a second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (160). A difference between the first width (w1) of the first hinge structure (150) and the second width (w2) of the second hinge structure (160) may be equal to or greater than a thickness of the first housing part (110). For example, the second hinge structure (160) may have a second width (w2) that is wider than the first width (w1) such that the first housing part (110) is disposed between the second housing part (120) and the third housing part (130) according to the third state (100c). The first hinge structure (150) may be referred to as a narrow hinge structure in terms of having a narrower width than the second hinge structure (160). The second hinge structure (160) may be referred to as a wide hinge structure in terms of having a wider width than the first hinge structure (150).

[0054] The first hinge structure (150) may include a first set of gears (251), a first hinge plate (252), and a second hinge plate (253). The first hinge plate (252) may be coupled to a first support portion (111) of the first housing part (110). The second hinge plate (253) may be coupled to a second support portion (121) of the second housing part (120). The gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (251) may be configured to rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253). It should be appreciated that a different number of gears may be used to configure the first set of gears (251) to rotate the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253). For example, the gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (251) can rotate the second hinge plate (253) (or the second housing part (120)) in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) (or the first housing part (110)). After the first hinge plate (252) (or the first housing part (110)) is rotated, the gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (251) can be rotated in accordance with the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) (or the first housing part (110)). The second hinge plate (253) (or the second housing part (120)) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) according to the rotation of the gears included in the first set of gears (251). The gears (g11, g12, g13, g14) included in the first set of gears (251) can include a first gear (g11), a second gear (g12), a third gear (g13), and a fourth gear (g14). The first gear (g11) can be arranged adjacent to the first hinge plate (252), and the fourth gear (g14) can be arranged adjacent to the second hinge plate (253).The second gear (g12) and the third gear (g13) may be arranged between the first gear (g11) and the fourth gear (g14). The first gear (g11), the second gear (g12), the third gear (g13), and the fourth gear (g14) may be sequentially engaged. Depending on the rotation of the first gear (g11) in the first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise), the second gear (g12) engaged with the first gear (g11) may rotate in the second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction. Depending on the rotation of the second gear (g12) in the second rotation direction, the third gear (g13) engaged with the second gear (g12) may rotate in the first rotation direction. Depending on the rotation of the third gear (g13) in the first rotation direction, the fourth gear (g14) may rotate in the second rotation direction. As the first gear (g11) and the fourth gear (g14) rotate in different directions, the first housing part (110) connected to the first hinge plate (252) and the second housing part (120) connected to the second hinge plate (253) can be folded or unfolded.

[0055] The second hinge structure (160) may include a second set of gears (261), a third hinge plate (262), a fourth hinge plate (263), and a support plate (264). The third hinge plate (262) may be coupled to a second support portion (121) of the second housing part (120). The fourth hinge plate (263) may be coupled to a third support portion (131) of the third housing part (130). The gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (261) may be configured to rotate the third hinge plate (262) and the fourth hinge plate (263). It should be appreciated that a different number of gears may be used to form the second set of gears (261) to rotate the third hinge plate (262) and the fourth hinge plate (254). For example, the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (261) may rotate the fourth hinge plate (263) (or the third housing part (130)) in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (262) (or the second housing part (120)). After the third hinge plate (262) (or the second housing part (120)) is rotated, the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (261) can be rotated according to the rotation of the third hinge plate (262) (or the second housing part (120)). The fourth hinge plate (263) (or the third housing part (130)) can be rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (262) according to the rotation of the gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (261).

[0056] The gears (g21, g22, g23, g24, g25, g26) included in the second set of gears (261) may include a first gear (g21), a second gear (g22), a third gear (g23), a fourth gear (g24), a fifth gear (g25), and a sixth gear (g26). The first gear (g21) may be arranged adjacent to the third hinge plate (262), and the sixth gear (g26) may be arranged adjacent to the fourth hinge plate (263). The second gear (g22), the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24), and the fifth gear (g25) may be arranged between the first gear (g21) and the sixth gear (g26). The first gear (g21), the second gear (g22), the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24), the fifth gear (g25), and the sixth gear (g26) can be sequentially meshed. According to the rotation of the first rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) of the first gear (g21), the second gear (g22) meshed with the first gear (g21) can be rotated in a second rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the second rotation direction of the second gear (g22), the third gear (g23) meshed with the second gear (g22) can be rotated in the first rotation direction. According to the rotation of the first rotation direction of the third gear (g23), the fourth gear (g24) can be rotated in the second rotation direction. As the fourth gear (g24) rotates in the second rotation direction, the fifth gear (g25) meshed with the fourth gear (g24) can rotate in the first rotation direction. As the fifth gear (g25) rotates in the first rotation direction, the sixth gear (g26) meshed with the fifth gear (g25) can rotate in the second rotation direction. As the first gear (g21) and the sixth gear (g26) rotate in different directions, the second housing part (120) connected to the third hinge plate (262) and the third housing part (130) connected to the fourth hinge plate (263) can be folded or unfolded.

[0057] The first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160) may further include a spiral structure. The spiral structure may include a spiral groove formed on each hinge plate or a rotating member connected to the hinge plate, and a moving member sliding along the spiral groove. The hinge plates connected to the hinge structure may be configured to rotate at substantially the same angular displacement through the spiral structure.

[0058] The electronic device (100) may include a first printed circuit board (271), a second printed circuit board (272), and a third printed circuit board (273).

[0059] A first printed circuit board (271) may be placed on a first support portion (111) of a first housing part (110). Hardware components within the first housing part (110) may be mounted on the first printed circuit board (271). A second printed circuit board (272) may be placed on a second support portion (121) of a second housing part (120). A third printed circuit board (273) may be placed on a third support portion (131) of a third housing part (130). Hardware components within the third housing part (130) may be mounted on the third printed circuit board (273).

[0060] The hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (271) can support or operate independently of the hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (272) and / or the hardware components placed on the third printed circuit board (273).

[0061] The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (272) may support or operate independently of the hardware components arranged on the first printed circuit board (271) or the third printed circuit board (273). The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (272) may include a speaker, a front camera, and / or a display driving circuit.

[0062] Hardware components arranged on the third printed circuit board (273) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit (e.g., an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP)), a memory including one or more storage media, a communication circuit, and a rear camera (175). The rear camera (175) may be exposed through a structure (e.g., an opening) on ​​the rear of the second housing part (120).

[0063] The electronic device (100) may further include a sub-printed circuit board (275) and flexible printed circuit boards (280, 290). The sub-printed circuit board (275) may be disposed on at least some of the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130). The flexible printed circuit boards (280, 290) may include a first flexible printed circuit board (280) and a second flexible printed circuit board (290). The first flexible printed circuit board (280) may electrically connect printed circuit boards disposed on each of the housing parts (110, 120, 130). The second flexible printed circuit board (290) may connect the sub-printed circuit board (275) to a printed circuit board within the housing part in which the sub-printed circuit board (275) is disposed by the second flexible printed circuit board (290).

[0064] Components within the electronic device (100) may be connected to at least one processor within the third printed circuit board (273) via flexible printed circuit boards (280, 290). For example, a signal received from an antenna disposed in the third housing part (130) may be transmitted to the third printed circuit board (273) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP or CP) is disposed via a signal path (a) provided by the first flexible printed circuit board (280). A driving circuit for the flexible display (140) disposed within the first housing part (110) may be connected to the third printed circuit board (273) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP) is disposed via a signal path (b) provided by the sub-printed circuit board (275) and the first flexible printed circuit board (280). A driving circuit for a display (170) connected to a sub-printed circuit board (275) disposed on a second housing part (120) can be electrically connected to a third printed circuit board (273) on which at least one processor (e.g., AP) is disposed via a signal path (c) provided by the sub-printed circuit board (275) and the first flexible printed circuit board (280) and the second flexible printed circuit board (290).

[0065] The electronic device (100) may further include batteries. Each of the batteries may be attached to support portions (111, 121, 131) included in the housing parts (110, 120, 130). The support portions (111, 121, 131) may support rechargeable batteries.

[0066] The arrangement of hardware components is exemplary, and unlike the above, the rear camera (175) and the second printed circuit board (272) may be arranged in the third housing part (130), and the third printed circuit board (273) may be arranged in the second housing part (120).

[0067] Although the first housing part (110) and the third housing part (130) are shown as rotating in opposite directions with respect to the second housing part (120), this is not limited thereto. For example, during the change from the first state (100a) to the third state (100c), the first housing part (110) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (120). As the first housing part (110) and the third housing part (130) rotate in the same direction, a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (140) within the second state may be visually exposed.

[0068] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (100) may include a display (140), a waterproof member (340), and a housing structure (101).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the display (140) may include a cover layer (300), a display panel (301), a flexible plate (310), and a set of support plates (320).

[0071] The cover layer (300) can function as a cover glass or a window. The cover layer (300) can be at least partially transparent. The cover layer (300) can define at least a portion of the front surface of the housing (e.g., the housing structure (101) of FIG. 1A) or the electronic device (100). The display panel (301) can include a polarizing plate. The polarizing plate can reduce the amount of light reflected within the display panel (301) after being incident from the outside of the electronic device (100). As the amount of light reflected within the display panel (301) is reduced by the polarizing plate, the visibility of the display (140) can be improved. To improve visibility, the display panel (301) can include a color filter instead of a polarizing plate. Without being limited thereto, the display panel (301) can include both a polarizing plate and a color filter. The display panel (301) can include a pixel layer. The pixel layer may be configured to provide visual information to the outside. The pixel layer may be configured to emit light of a specified color from each pixel to the outside. The pixel layer may be configured to operate by a thin film transistor. The display panel (301) may include a touch panel or a digitizer. The touch panel or digitizer may be configured to receive external input transmitted through the surface of the display (140).

[0072] The display (140) can be folded or unfolded according to a change in the state of the electronic device (100) by the first hinge structure (150) and the second hinge structure (160). To change the display (140), the cover layer (300) constituting the display and the substrate of the display panel (301) can be formed from a flexible material. In order to support the display panel (301) formed from the flexible material, the display panel (301) can be placed on a set (320) of a flexible plate (310) and a support plate.

[0073] The flexible plate (310) may be placed under the display panel (301). The flexible plate (310) may include portions (310a, 310b) corresponding to a first foldable part of the display (140) (e.g., a first foldable part (144) of FIG. 1A) and a second foldable part of the display (140) (e.g., a second foldable part (145) of FIG. 1A).

[0074] Each of the above portions (310a, 310b) of the above flexible plate (310) may have a pattern (e.g., a lattice pattern) including openings, slits or grooves extending in a direction parallel to the folding axis of the hinge structures (150, 160) to provide flexibility.

[0075] A set of support plates (320) may be arranged under the flexible plate (310). The set of support plates (320) may include a plurality of separate parts (321, 322, 323, 324). The part (321) arranged on the first housing part (110) may be arranged at a position corresponding to the first unfoldable part (141) of the display (140). The part (322) arranged on the second housing part (120) may be arranged at a position corresponding to the second unfoldable part (142) of the display (140). The part (323) arranged on the third housing part (130) may be arranged at a position corresponding to the third unfoldable part (143) of the display (140). A portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates may be partially disposed on a second hinge structure (160) wider than the width of the first hinge structure (150).

[0076] A portion (310b) of the flexible plate (310) may include a plurality of patterns. For example, the portion (310b) of the flexible plate (310) may include a first pattern including a plurality of openings and a second pattern including a plurality of openings. The portion (310b) of the flexible plate (310) may include a section without an opening disposed between the first pattern and the second pattern. A portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates may be disposed in the section without an opening included in the portion (310b) of the flexible plate (310). The portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates may be formed of one or more sections.

[0077] The electronic device (100) may further include an adhesive member (340) disposed between the display (140) and the housing structure (101). The adhesive member (340) may be disposed on the support portions of the first housing part (110), the second housing part (120), and the third housing part (130). A portion of the adhesive member (340) may be disposed on the hinge structures (150, 160). The adhesive member (340) may include a double-sided tape, a tape, an adhesive, or a waterproof tape.

[0078] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device (100) can support the display panel (301) on the relatively wide second hinge structure (160) by including a portion (324) of the set of support plates (320). The portion (324) of the set of support plates (320) can improve the rigidity of the display panel (301) by additionally supporting portions of the display panel (301) that are not supported by the portions (322) and (323) of the set of support plates (320).

[0079] Figure 4 shows the arrangement between the position of the magnet placed within the electronic device and the hinge structure.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (100) may include magnets (401, 402, 403, 404) configured to provide a force to maintain the folded state of the electronic device (100).

[0081] A first magnet (401) and a second magnet (402) may be placed within the first housing part (110). A third magnet (403) may be placed within the second housing part (120). A fourth magnet (404) may be placed within the third housing part (130).

[0082] As the electronic device (100) changes from the first state (100a) to the third state (100c), the first magnet (401) in the first housing part (110) may face the third magnet (403) in the second housing part (120). The second magnet (402) in the first housing part (110) may face the fourth magnet (404) in the third housing part (130).

[0083] The second magnet (402) may be positioned close to the first hinge structure (150), and the third magnet (403) may be positioned close to the second hinge structure (160). As the third magnet (403) is positioned close to the second hinge structure (160), the position of the rotator for driving the second hinge structure (160) may be limited by the magnet (403). The position of the rotator of the second hinge structure (160) will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0084] FIG. 5 shows a connection relationship between a second hinge structure disposed within an electronic device and a second housing part and a third housing part.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, the second hinge structure (160) may include a base (501) and rotators (511, 512, 513, 521, 522, 523). The rotators (511, 512, 513, 521, 522, 523) may be arranged to avoid the positions of the magnets described in FIG. 4 and to avoid other components. The second hinge structure (160) may omit support plates (e.g., the first support plate (252) and the second support plate (253) of FIG. 2a) for the entire area where the second hinge structure (160) is arranged in order to avoid the magnets and other components. There may be gaps (sa, sb, sc, sd) between the rotators to avoid missing support plates and components or magnets.

[0086] For example, the first rotator (511), the second rotator (512), and the third rotator (513), which share folding axes with each other, may be spaced apart from each other to avoid interference between other parts. The fourth rotator (521), the fifth rotator (522), and the sixth rotator (523), which share different folding axes with each other, may be spaced apart from each other to avoid interference between other parts. A space (sa) may be arranged between the first rotator (511) and the second rotator (512). A space (sb) may be arranged between the second rotator (512) and the third rotator (513). A space (sc) may be arranged between the fourth rotator (521) and the fifth rotator (522). The space (sd) may be arranged between the fifth rotator (522) and the sixth rotator (523). Since the back surface of the display (140) is not supported evenly by the spaces (sa, sb, sc, sd), a structure for rigidity of a portion of the display (140) arranged on the second hinge structure (160) may be required. The structure may be a portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates of FIG. 3. A description of the portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates is described in detail in FIG. 6 and below.

[0087] Fig. 6 shows a section that interferes with a portion placed on a second hinge structure among the sets of support plates.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 6, in the unfolded state (600a) of the electronic device (100), a portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates may be placed on a base (501) connected to the first rotator (511) and the fourth rotator (521) of the second hinge structure (160). The portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates placed on the base (501) should be able to avoid interference with the rotators (511, 521) while the state of the electronic device (100) changes. When a portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates is longer than the distance between the axis (f1) of the first rotator (511) and the axis (f2) of the fourth rotator (521), interference may occur with the first rotator (511) and the fourth rotator (521) in a state (600b) in which the electronic device (100) changes into a folded state. For example, when a portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates is longer than the distance between the axis (f1) of the first rotator (511) and the axis (f2) of the fourth rotator (521), a portion (S) overlapping with the first rotator (511) and the fourth rotator (521) may exist in a state (600b) in which the electronic device (100) changes into a folded state. To reduce damage to the set of support plates (320), the width of the portion (324) of the set of support plates (320) may be narrower than the distance between the axis (f1) of the first rotator (511) and the axis (f2) of the fourth rotator (521). The portion (324) of the set of support plates (320) may be aligned with the base (501). For example, the portion (324) of the set of support plates (320) may be aligned with respect to the base (501) so as to be positioned between the axis (f1) of the first rotator (511) and the axis (f2) of the fourth rotator (521). A part (324) of a set (320) of support plates arranged between the axis (f1) of the first rotator (511) and the axis (f2) of the fourth rotator (521) may not interfere with the rotators (511, 521) even when the state of the electronic device (100) changes.

[0089] A portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates that comes into contact with the base (501) can be bonded to the base (501). As the portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates is aligned with the base (501) and placed between the axes (f1, f2) of the rotators (511, 521), the set (320) of support plates can stably support the display (140) without being damaged.

[0090] Fig. 7a is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating a relationship between a second hinge structure and a set of support plates in a folded state. Fig. 7b illustrates a structure of a portion of a set of support plates disposed on a second hinge structure in a folded state of a multi-foldable electronic device. Fig. 8a is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating a relationship between a second hinge structure and a set of support plates in a folded state. Fig. 8b illustrates a structure of a portion of a set of support plates disposed on a second hinge structure in a folded state of a multi-foldable electronic device. Fig. 9 illustrates a structure of a portion of a set of support plates disposed on a second hinge structure in an unfolded state of a multi-foldable electronic device.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 9, the set (320) of support plates may include rigid plates (721, 722, 723) corresponding to a portion (324) disposed on the second hinge structure (160). Although the portion (324) of the set (320) of support plates in FIG. 3 is described as being formed as one piece, it may be formed of a plurality of spaced plates, such as the rigid plates (721, 722, 723). The rigid plates (721, 722, 723) may correspond to the second foldable portion (145) of the display (140). For example, the flexible plate (310) may include a lattice portion (710) corresponding to the second foldable portion (145). The lattice portion (710) may include a first pattern portion (711) and a second pattern portion (712) having openings or slits arranged therein, and a first portion (713) arranged between the first pattern portion (711) and the second pattern portion (712). Referring to FIG. 9, the lattice portion (710) may further include a second portion (914) extending from the first pattern portion (711) and a third portion (915) extending from the second pattern portion (712).

[0092] The lattice portion (710) can be wrapped around the second hinge structure (160). The lattice portion (710) has flexibility in the first pattern portion (711) and the second pattern portion (712), and can be bent. The display (140) can be bent in the first pattern portion (711) and the second pattern portion (712) by the second hinge structure (160).

[0093] The first rigid plate (721) can be positioned between the flexible plate (310) and the first rotator (511) of the second hinge structure (160) and between the flexible plate (310) and a portion of the support portion of the second housing part (120). The first rigid plate (721) can contact the second portion (914) located next to the first pattern portion (711) of the flexible plate (310). The second portion (914) can be positioned within a portion of the second foldable portion (145) corresponding to the second hinge structure (160) and the second unfoldable portion (142). The first rigid plate (721) may be positioned under a portion of the first pattern portion (711) and the second portion (914) in the unfolded state of the electronic device (100) (e.g., the first state (100a) of the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A). The first rigid plate (721) may be in contact with the second portion (914). One side of the first rigid plate (721) may be attached to the second portion (914). The other side of the first rigid plate (721) may be attached to the support portion of the second housing part (120) and the first rotator (511) of the second hinge structure (160). The adhesive member (991) can be interposed between the first rigid plate (721) and the first rotator (511), thereby coupling the first rotator (511) of the second hinge structure (160) and the first rigid plate (721). The adhesive member (991) can correspond to the adhesive member (340a) of FIG. 3. Since the rotators (511, 512, 513) of FIG. 5, which correspond to the first rotator (511) to which the adhesive member (991) is attached, are separated from each other, the adhesive member (991) can be a plurality of tapes. The adhesive member (994) can be interposed between the first rigid plate (721) and the support portion of the second housing part (120), thereby coupling the second housing part (120) and the first rigid plate (721).

[0094] The second rigid plate (722) may be positioned between the flexible plate (310) and the fourth rotator (521) of the second hinge structure (160) and between the flexible plate (310) and a portion of the support portion of the third housing part (130). The second rigid plate (722) may be in contact with a third portion (915) positioned next to the second pattern portion (712) of the flexible plate (310). The third portion (915) may be positioned within a portion of the second foldable portion (145) corresponding to the second hinge structure (160) and the third unfoldable portion (143). The second rigid plate (722) may be positioned under a portion of the second pattern portion (712) and the third portion (915) in the unfolded state of the electronic device (100) (e.g., the first state (100a) of the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A). The second rigid plate (722) may be in contact with the third portion (915). One side of the second rigid plate (722) may be attached to the third portion (915). The other side of the second rigid plate (722) may be attached to the support portion of the third housing part (130) and the fourth rotator (521) of the second hinge structure (160). The adhesive member (992) can be interposed between the second rigid plate (722) and the fourth rotator (521), thereby coupling the fourth rotator (521) of the second hinge structure (160) and the second rigid plate (722). The adhesive member (992) can correspond to the adhesive member (340a) of FIG. 3. Since the rotators (521, 522, 523) of FIG. 5, which correspond to the fourth rotator (521) to which the adhesive member (992) is attached, are separated from each other, the adhesive member (992) can be a plurality of tapes. The adhesive member (995) can be interposed between the second rigid plate (722) and the support portion of the third housing part (130), thereby coupling the third housing part (130) and the second rigid plate (722).

[0095] The third rigid plate (723) can be disposed between the second hinge structure (160) and the flexible plate (310). The third rigid plate (723) can be in contact with the first portion (713) of the flexible plate (310). The third rigid plate (723) can be attached to the first portion (713) of the flexible plate (310). The third rigid plate (723) can be attached to the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160). The adhesive member (993) can be interposed between the third rigid plate (723) and the base (501), thereby coupling the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160) and the third rigid plate.

[0096] The electronic device (100) may further include a fourth rigid plate (721') and a fifth rigid plate (722'). The fourth rigid plate (721') may be attached to a support portion of the second housing part (120), and the fifth rigid plate (722') may be attached to a support portion of the third housing part (130). The fourth rigid plate (721') may be spaced apart from the first rigid plate (721). The fifth rigid plate (722') may be spaced apart from the second rigid plate (722).

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the electronic device (100) may omit the third rigid plate (723) from the electronic device (100) of FIGS. 7A and 7B. By omitting the third rigid plate (723), the second hinge structure (160) may include a center plate (813) positioned below the first portion (713) of the flexible plate (310). The center plate (813) may be positioned on a component of the second hinge structure (160) and may be spaced apart from the flexible plate (310). For example, the center plate (813) may be attached to one of the components of the second hinge structure (160) and may be spaced apart from the first portion (713) of the flexible plate (310) while facing the first portion (713) of the flexible plate (310).

[0098] The set of support plates (320) may include rigid plates (721, 722). The rigid plates (721, 722) may be positioned at a portion corresponding to the second foldable portion (145) of the display (140).

[0099] The first rigid plate (721) can be positioned between the flexible plate (310) and the first rotator (511) of the second hinge structure (160) and between the flexible plate (310) and a portion of the support portion of the second housing part (120). The first rigid plate (721) can contact the second portion (914) located next to the first pattern portion (711) of the flexible plate (310). The second portion (914) can be positioned within a portion of the second foldable portion (145) corresponding to the second hinge structure (160) and the second unfoldable portion (142). The first rigid plate (721) may be positioned under a portion of the first pattern portion (711) and the second portion (914) in the unfolded state of the electronic device (100) (e.g., the first state (100a) of the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A). The first rigid plate (721) may be in contact with the second portion (914). One side of the first rigid plate (721) may be attached to the second portion (914). The other side of the first rigid plate (721) may be attached to the support portion of the second housing part (120) and the first rotator (511) of the second hinge structure (160). The adhesive member (991) can be interposed between the first rigid plate (721) and the first rotator (511), thereby coupling the first rotator (511) of the second hinge structure (160) and the first rigid plate (721). The adhesive member (991) can correspond to the adhesive member (340a) of FIG. 3. Since the rotators (511, 512, 513) of FIG. 5, which correspond to the first rotator (511) to which the adhesive member (991) is attached, are separated from each other, the adhesive member (991) can be a plurality of tapes. The adhesive member (994) can be interposed between the first rigid plate (721) and the support portion of the second housing part (120), thereby coupling the second housing part (120) and the first rigid plate (721).

[0100] The second rigid plate (722) may be positioned between the flexible plate (310) and the fourth rotator (521) of the second hinge structure (160) and between the flexible plate (310) and a portion of the support portion of the third housing part (130). The second rigid plate (722) may be in contact with a third portion (915) positioned next to the second pattern portion (712) of the flexible plate (310). The third portion (915) may be positioned within a portion of the second foldable portion (145) corresponding to the second hinge structure (160) and the third unfoldable portion (143). The second rigid plate (722) may be positioned under a portion of the second pattern portion (712) and the third portion (915) in the unfolded state of the electronic device (100) (e.g., the first state (100a) of the electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A). The second rigid plate (722) may be in contact with the third portion (915). One side of the second rigid plate (722) may be attached to the third portion (915). The other side of the second rigid plate (722) may be attached to the support portion of the third housing part (130) and the fourth rotator (521) of the second hinge structure (160). The adhesive member (992) can be interposed between the second rigid plate (722) and the fourth rotator (521), thereby coupling the fourth rotator (521) of the second hinge structure (160) and the second rigid plate (722). The adhesive member (992) can correspond to the adhesive member (340a) of FIG. 3. Since the rotators (521, 522, 523) of FIG. 5, which correspond to the fourth rotator (521) to which the adhesive member (992) is attached, are separated from each other, the adhesive member (992) can be a plurality of tapes. The adhesive member (995) can be interposed between the second rigid plate (722) and the support portion of the third housing part (130), thereby coupling the third housing part (130) and the second rigid plate (722).

[0101] The center plate (813) can be attached to a component of the second hinge structure (160) and spaced apart from the flexible plate (310). The center plate (813) can be spaced apart from the first portion (713) of the flexible plate (310). The second hinge structure (160) can include the center plate (813). The center plate (813) can be attached to the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160). An adhesive member (993) can be interposed between the center plate (813) and the base (501) to couple the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160) and the center plate (813).

[0102] The second hinge structure (160) including the center plate (813) of FIGS. 8a and 8b can be applied in the same manner to FIG. 9.

[0103] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate portions of a set of support plates and arrangement of a waterproof member disposed on the back of a display according to one embodiment. Figure 12 illustrates an example of a variation of the display when the set of support plates is omitted.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the first rigid plate (721), the second rigid plate (722), and the third rigid plate (723) can be attached to the flexible plate (310).

[0105] The first rigid plate (721), the second rigid plate (722), and the third rigid plate (723) can be attached to a portion of the flexible plate (310) other than the first pattern portion (711) and the second pattern portion (712). For example, the third rigid plate (723) can be attached to the first portion (713) of the flexible plate (310) which is positioned between the first pattern portion (711) and the second pattern portion (712). The first rigid plate (721) can be attached to the second portion (914) which is positioned next to the first pattern portion (711). The second rigid plate (722) can be attached to the third portion (915) which is positioned next to the second pattern portion (712).

[0106] Referring to FIG. 11, the first rigid plate (721), the second rigid plate (722), and the third rigid plate (723) may be spaced apart from each other. For example, the first rigid plate (721) may be spaced apart from one side of the third rigid plate (723) by about 1 to 2 mm, and the second rigid plate (722) may be spaced apart from the other side of the third rigid plate (723) by about 1 to 2 mm.

[0107] The third rigid plate (723) of FIGS. 10 and 11 can be replaced with the center plate (813) of the second hinge structure (160) of FIGS. 8a and 8b.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 12, the sum of the distance between the end of the third rigid plate (723) and the point of contact with the first portion (713), the distance between the end of the first rigid plate (721) and the point of contact with the second portion (914), and the separation distance between the first rigid plate (721) and the third rigid plate (723) may be equal to the length of the first pattern portion (711). The length of the first pattern portion (711) may be 1 / 4 of a circumference having a radius of curvature of the first pattern portion (711) when the electronic device (100) is bent. In the folded state of the electronic device (100), the distance between the first rigid plate (721) of the set of support plates and the bottom surface of the second hinge structure (160) or the distance between the second rigid plate (722) of the set of support plates (320) and the bottom surface of the second hinge structure (160) may be shorter than the distance between the third rigid plate (723) of the set of support plates (320) and the bottom surface of the second hinge structure (160).

[0109] The first rigid plate (721), the second rigid plate (722), and the third rigid plate (723) may be spaced apart from each other and extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis. The first rigid plate (721), the second rigid plate (722), and the third rigid plate (723) may extend from one edge of the display overlapping the second hinge structure (160) to the other edge. The first rigid plate (721) may be disposed between adhesive members (1101, 1102) attached to the display (140). The adhesive members (1101, 1102) may be double-sided tapes or waterproof tapes. The adhesive members (1101, 1102) may be disposed between a housing (e.g., a housing structure (101) of FIG. 1A) and the display (140). The adhesive member (1101) may be disposed between the support portion of the second housing part (120) and the display (140), and the adhesive member (1102) may be disposed between the support portion of the third housing part (130) and the display (140). A hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure (160) of FIG. 3) may be disposed in the space between the adhesive members (1101, 1102). Double-sided tapes (e.g., the adhesive members (991, 992) of FIG. 9) disposed on the second hinge structure (160) may be separated from each other, resulting in insufficient rigidity of the display (140). In order to reinforce the rigidity of the display (140), rigid plates (721, 722) may be disposed on the separated adhesive members.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 12, the adhesive members (1101, 1102) may include bending portions depending on the shape of the hinge structure. Facing portions of the adhesive members (1101, 1102) may be asymmetrical. When the adhesive members (1101, 1102) or the tape are asymmetrical, the distribution of stress applied to the display (140) may be different. As the stress applied changes depending on the deformation of the display (140), the folded shape of the display (140) may be asymmetrical within the folded state of the electronic device (100) (e.g., the third state (100c)). A portion of the set (320) of support plates (e.g., portion (324) of FIG. 3) may be placed in an area where the rigidity of the display (140) is relatively insufficient.

[0111] Again, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the distance between the adhesive members (1101, 1102) including the bending portion may vary depending on the location. For example, in a narrow portion of the second hinge structure (160), the distance between the adhesive members (1101, 1102) may be a first distance (d1), which is a minimum distance. In a wide portion of the second hinge structure (160), the distance between the adhesive members (1101, 1102) may be a second distance (d2), which is a maximum distance.

[0112] The first rigid plate (721), the second rigid plate (722), and the third rigid plate (723) may be disposed within a first distance (d1). The first rigid plate (721), the second rigid plate (722), and the third rigid plate (723) may be disposed between the waterproof member (1101) and the waterproof member (1102). For example, the first rigid plate (721) and the second rigid plate (722) may be disposed within the first distance (d1). For example, the first distance (d1) may be greater than the sum of the width of the first rigid plate (721), the width of the second rigid plate (722), and the separation distance between the first rigid plate (721) and the second rigid plate (722).

[0113] Fig. 13 shows a set of support plates including a protrusion. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing that the protrusion acts as a stopper.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 13, the display (140) may include a third rigid plate (1323) having a different shape from the third rigid plate (723) of FIG. 10. The third rigid plate (1323) may include a protrusion (1325) protruding from an edge of a flexible plate (310) included in the display (140). The protrusion (1325) may protrude in a direction corresponding to the folding axis.

[0115] The foldable portion of the display (140) may be moved slightly depending on the change in the state of the electronic device (100). For example, in the folded state of the electronic device (100), the foldable portion of the display (140) may be moved toward the hinge structure. In the unfolded state of the electronic device (100), the foldable portion of the display (140) may be moved in the direction toward the front of the electronic device (100).

[0116] As the display (140) moves, the electronic device (100) may further include a stopper to prevent the display (140) from being separated from the hinge structure.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 14, the electronic device (100) may further include a protective member (1410) for protecting the display. The protective member (1410) may be positioned at both ends of each of the hinge structures (150, 160). The protective member (1410) may cover a portion of an edge portion of the display (140). The protective member (1410) may prevent or reduce foreign substances from entering the electronic device (100) through a gap between the edge of the display (140) and the housing parts (120, 130).

[0118] The protruding portion (1325) of the third rigid plate (1323) disposed on the base (501) of the hinge structure (160) can function as a stopper by coming into contact with the catch portion (1411) on the inner surface of the protective member (1410) when the display (140) moves to the front surface of the electronic device (100) as the electronic device (100) changes to an unfolded state. The catch portion (1411) can be a stepped portion corresponding to the shape of the edge of the display (140) and the protrusion (1325) on the inner surface of the protective member (1410). By the catch portion (1411) and the protrusion (1325), the electronic device (100) can limit the detachment of the display (140).

[0119] The third rigid plate (1323) of FIGS. 13 and 14 may be replaced with the center plate (813) of FIGS. 8A and 8B. For example, the center plate (813) may further include a portion corresponding to the protrusion (1325).

[0120] Fig. 15 shows an example of a portion of a set of support plates arranged on a second hinge structure.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 15, the electronic device (100) may include a plurality of rigid plates (1521-1, 1521-2, 1522-1, 1522-2, 1523) corresponding to a portion (324) of a set of support plates (320) disposed on the second hinge structure (160).

[0122] A plurality of rigid plates (1521-1, 1521-2, 1522-1, 1522-2, 1523) may be arranged on the back surface of the flexible plate (310). For example, the plurality of rigid plates (1521-1, 1521-2, 1522-1, 1522-2, 1523) may be arranged on a second foldable portion (e.g., the second foldable portion (145) of FIG. 1A) of the flexible plate (310). A plurality of rigid plates (1521-1, 1521-2, 1522-1, 1522-2, 1523) can be arranged in the first part (713), the second part (914), and the third part (915) of the second foldable part, excluding the first pattern part (711) and the second pattern part (712).

[0123] A first set of rigid plates (1521-1, 1521-2) may be placed in a second portion (914). A second set of rigid plates (1522-1, 1522-2) may be placed in a third portion (915). A rigid plate (1523) may be placed in a first portion (713).

[0124] The rigid plates (1521-1, 1521-2, 1522-1, 1522-2) disposed on the second part (914) and the third part (915) are disposed spaced apart from each other, thereby providing flexibility to the display while reinforcing the rigidity of the foldable part of the display.

[0125] Among the rigid plates (1521-1, 1521-2, 1522-1, 1522-2, 1523) of FIG. 15, the rigid plate (1523) can be replaced with the center plate (813) of FIGS. 8a and 8b.

[0126] Figures 16, 17, 18, and 19 illustrate examples of portions of a set of support plates arranged on a second hinge structure.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the second foldable portion of the display (140) (e.g., the second foldable portion (145) of FIG. 1a) may include three or more deformable portions, unlike the second foldable portion (145) of FIG. 1c, which includes two deformable portions (145a, 145b).

[0128] Referring to FIG. 16, the flexible plate (310) of the display (140) supporting the display panel (301) may include a first deformable portion (1645a), a second deformable portion (1645b), and a third deformable portion (1645c). The first rigid plate (1621), the second rigid plate (1622), the third rigid plate (1623-1), and the fourth rigid plate (1623-2) may be disposed on flat portions (1645d, 1645e, 1645f, 1645g) disposed between the deformable portions.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 17, the flexible plate (310) of the display (140) supporting the display panel (301) may include a first deformable portion (1745a), a second deformable portion (1745b), and a third deformable portion (1745c). The first rigid plate (1721), the second rigid plate (1722), the third rigid plate (1723-1), and the fourth rigid plate (1723-2) may be disposed on flat portions (1745d, 1745e, 1745f, 1745g) disposed between the deformable portions. The third rigid plate (1723-1) and the fourth rigid plate (1723-2) may be disposed asymmetrically, unlike FIG. 16.

[0130] For example, the third rigid plate (1723-1) may be attached to a base (e.g., the base (501) of FIG. 5) of a second hinge structure (e.g., the second hinge structure (160) of FIG. 1C) similar to the third rigid plate (723) of FIG. 10. The fourth rigid plate (1723-2) may be spaced apart from the base and inclined with respect to the base within the folded state of the electronic device (100). A hinge structure, a magnet, or other mechanisms may be placed in the spaced-off space (g) between the fourth rigid plate (1723-2) and the base.

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, the second hinge structure (160) may have a reverse rotation section similar to the first hinge structure (150). By virtue of the hinge structure including the reverse rotation section, the display (140) may further include bending portions.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 18, some of the rotators on one side of the second hinge structure (160) may rotate in reverse. The display (140) may include a first rigid plate (1821), a second rigid plate (1822), and a third rigid plate (1823) of a set of support plates (320). The third rigid plate (1823) may be disposed on the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160). The first rigid plate (1821) may be disposed at a position corresponding to the rotators on the other side that rotate in a forward direction. The second rigid plate (1822) may include a first portion (1822-1), a second portion (1822-2), and a bent portion (1822-3). While the electronic device (100) changes into a folded state, the second portion (1822-2) may rotate in a reverse manner relative to the first portion (1822-1) with respect to the folded portion (1822-3). The folded portion (1822-3) may be positioned between the first portion (1822-1) and the second portion (1822-2), and a microscopic opening or microscopic sheath may be formed. The folded portion (1822-3) may be formed to be thinner than the first portion (1822-1) and the second portion (1822-2).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 19, some of the rotators of the second hinge structure (160) may be reversely rotated. The second hinge structure (160) may be deformed to be symmetrical to each other. The display (140) may include a first rigid plate (1921), a second rigid plate (1922), and a third rigid plate (1933) of a set of support plates (320). The third rigid plate (1933) may be disposed on the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160). Each of the first rigid plate (1921) and the second rigid plate (1922) disposed on the rotators of the second hinge structure (160) including the reverse rotation section may include corresponding bent portions (1921a, 1921b), respectively. The first rigid plate (1921) and the second rigid plate (1922) may be similar to the second rigid plate (1822) of FIG. 18.

[0134] The rigid plate (1823) of FIG. 18 and the rigid plate (1923) of FIG. 19 can be replaced with the center plate (813) of FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b.

[0135] Figures 20, 21, and 22 illustrate exemplary structures between a portion disposed on a second hinge structure among a set of support plates and the hinge structure.

[0136] Fig. 20 shows a configuration in which the adhesive member (993) is omitted from the display (140) of Fig. 9. The display (140) of Fig. 20 may be identical or similar to the display (140) of Fig. 9 except for the adhesive member (993).

[0137] Referring to FIG. 20, the electronic device (100) can provide a space between the third rigid plate (723) of the set of support plates (320) disposed below the first pattern portion (711), the second pattern portion (712) and the first portion (713) of the flexible plate (310) and the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160). For example, the third rigid plate (723) can be spaced apart from the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160).

[0138] Fig. 21 shows a configuration in which the adhesive member (993) is omitted and the base (501) is modified in the display (140) of Fig. 9. The display (140) of Fig. 21 may be identical or similar to the display (140) of Fig. 9 except for the adhesive member (993) and the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160).

[0139] Referring to FIG. 21, the base (2151) may include a protrusion (2151a) to fill the space between the third rigid plate (723) of the set (320) of support plates disposed below the first pattern portion (711) and the second pattern portion (712) of the flexible plate (310) and the first portion (713) and the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160). For example, the third rigid plate (723) may contact the protrusion (2151a) of the base (2151) of the second hinge structure (160). The protrusion (2151a) of the base (2151) may protrude toward the third rigid plate (723).

[0140] Fig. 22 shows a configuration in which the adhesive member (993) is omitted from the display (140) of Fig. 9, and the segmented portions of the set (320) of support plates are omitted. The display (140) of Fig. 22 may be identical or similar to the display (140) of Fig. 9, except for the configuration of the adhesive member (993) and the set (320) of support plates.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 22, a portion (324) of a set (320) of support plates may have one plate (2223) disposed thereon. The plate (2223) may be disposed on the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160). The plate (2223) may not be disposed on the first rotator (511) and the fourth rotator (521) of the second hinge structure (160), and may be configured to be connected to the lattice plate through adhesive members. The plate (2223) may be interposed between the flexible plate (310) and the base (501) of the second hinge structure (160). The adhesive member between the plate (2223) and the flexible plate (310) is illustrated as being omitted, but is not limited thereto.

[0142] Fig. 23 shows an exemplary structure of an elastic part disposed on a second hinge structure among a set of support plates.

[0143] FIG. 23 shows a configuration further including connecting structures (2321, 2322) arranged on rigid plates (721, 722, 723) in the display (140) of FIG. 9.

[0144] Referring to FIG. 23, it may be the same except for the display (140) and connection structures (2321, 2322) of FIG. 9.

[0145] The first rigid plate (721) placed on the second housing part (120) and the first rotator (511), the second rigid plate (722) placed on the third housing part (130) and the second rotator (512), and the third rigid plate (723) placed on the base (501) can be connected to each other through connecting structures (2321, 2322).

[0146] The connecting structures (2321, 2322) may include a flexible structure so that the electronic device (100) can be bent in a bent state.

[0147] The first connection structure (2321) can connect the first rigid plate (721) and the third rigid plate (723) to each other. The second connection structure (2322) can connect the second rigid plate (722) and the third rigid plate (723) to each other.

[0148] The first connection structure (2321) and the second connection structure (2322) may be configured to have elasticity. The first connection structure (2321) and the second connection structure (2322) may include structures (2332) such as a plurality of slits or openings. The structures (2332) may be defined by wires (2331) arranged in the first connection structure (2321) and the second connection structure (2322). Although the first connection structure (2321) and the second connection structure (2322) have been described as being formed by wires, the present invention is not limited thereto, and openings or slits may be formed in the plate, such as a lattice pattern formed in pattern portions of the flexible plate (310).

[0149] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device can increase the rigidity of the display by further including a portion of the support plates or a rigid plate for reinforcing the foldable portion of the display.

[0150] The display can prevent or reduce breakage of the support plate while increasing the rigidity of the display by including separate parts such as a rigid plate.

[0151] According to the above-described embodiment, the electronic device may include a wide hinge structure and a narrow hinge structure. This combination of hinge structures may allow for the provision of a conveniently foldable device.

[0152] The technical tasks to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical tasks mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which this document pertains.

[0153] According to the above-described embodiment, a multi-foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A) may include a housing (e.g., housing (101) of FIG. 1A). The housing may include a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (110) of FIG. 1A), a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (120) of FIG. 1A), and a third housing part (e.g., third housing part (130) of FIG. 1A), and a first hinge structure (e.g., first hinge structure (150) of FIG. 1A) rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second hinge structure (e.g., second hinge structure (160) of FIG. 1A) rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part. The housing may include a flexible display defining a front surface (e.g., a display (140) of FIG. 1A). The flexible display may include a display panel (e.g., a display panel (301) of FIG. 3), a flexible plate supporting the display panel (e.g., a flexible plate (310) of FIG. 3), and a set of support plates supporting the flexible plate (e.g., a set of support plates (320) of FIG. 3). The flexible plate may include a foldable portion (e.g., a second foldable portion (145) of FIG. 1A) including a first portion having first openings (e.g., a first pattern portion (711) of FIG. 7A), a second portion having second openings (e.g., a second pattern portion (712) of FIG. 7A), a third portion (e.g., a first portion (713) of FIG. 7A) disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and a first unfoldable portion (e.g., a second unfoldable portion (142) of FIG. 1A) and a second unfoldable portion (e.g., a third unfoldable portion (143) of FIG. 1A) disposed on both sides of the foldable portion. The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion may be disposed on the first hinge structure wider than the width of the second hinge structure.The set of support plates may include a first support portion (e.g., a third rigid plate (723) in FIG. 7A) that contacts the third portion of the flexible plate, a second support portion (e.g., a first rigid plate (721) in FIG. 7A) that is spaced apart from the first support portion and contacts a portion of the first unfoldable portion of the flexible plate, and a third support portion (e.g., a second rigid plate (722) in FIG. 7A) that is spaced apart from the second support portion and contacts a portion of the second unfoldable portion of the flexible plate.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the first support portion, the second support portion, and the third support portion may overlap the first hinge structure when viewed from above within the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the first support portion, the second support portion, and the third support portion can support the foldable portion of the flexible plate in an unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device.

[0156] According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device, the second support portion may be disposed below the first portion and the first unfoldable portion. In the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device, the third support portion may be disposed below the second portion and the second unfoldable portion.

[0157] In one embodiment, the first support portion may be attached to the third portion of the flexible plate. The second support portion may be attached to the first unfoldable portion of the flexible plate. The third support portion may be attached to the second unfoldable portion of the flexible plate.

[0158] In one embodiment, the first hinge structure may include rotators that rotate along each of the folding axes of the first hinge structure. The second hinge structure may include rotators that rotate along each of the folding axes of the second hinge structure and hinge plates supported by each of the rotators of the second hinge structure.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device may include a magnet disposed between a first rotator and a second rotator that share a folding axis of one of the rotators of the first hinge structure. The magnet may be configured to maintain the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device within the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the first distance between the folding axes of the first hinge structure may be greater than the second distance between the folding axes of the second hinge structure.

[0161] In one embodiment, the width of the first support portion may be smaller than the first distance between the folding axes of the first hinge structure.

[0162] In one embodiment, the first part of the set of support plates can be attached to the first hinge structure. The second part of the set of support plates can be attached to the first hinge structure and the first housing part connected to the first hinge structure. The third part of the set of support plates can be attached to the first hinge structure and the second housing part connected to the first hinge structure.

[0163] According to one embodiment, in the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device, a distance between the first part of the set of support plates and the bottom surface of the first hinge structure may be shorter than a distance between the second part of the set of support plates and the bottom surface of the first hinge structure or a distance between the third part of the set of support plates and the bottom surface of the first hinge structure.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the first portion of the set of support plates may include a protrusion extending in a direction parallel to the folding axes of the first hinge structure.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the multi-foldable electronic device may further include a protective structure partially surrounding an edge of the display. The protective structure may include a stopper portion in contact with the protrusion to restrict movement of the display toward the front of the electronic device when the multi-foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the protective structure may include a protruding portion disposed at an end of the first hinge structure and protruding toward an edge of the display.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the set of support plates may include a first connecting portion having patterns formed thereon to have elasticity, disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and a second connecting portion having patterns formed thereon to have elasticity, disposed between the first portion and the third portion.

[0168] According to one embodiment, a multi-foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (100) of FIG. 1A) may include a housing (e.g., housing (101) of FIG. 1A) including a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (110) of FIG. 1A), a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (120) of FIG. 1A), and a third housing part (e.g., third housing part (130) of FIG. 1A), and a first hinge structure (e.g., first hinge structure (150) of FIG. 1A) rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part, and a second hinge structure (e.g., second hinge structure (160) of FIG. 1A) rotatably connecting the second housing part and the third housing part), and a flexible display (e.g., display (140) of FIG. 1A) defining a front surface of the housing. The flexible display may include a display panel (e.g., a display panel (301) of FIG. 3), a flexible plate supporting the display panel (e.g., a flexible plate (310) of FIG. 3), and a set of support plates supporting the flexible plate (e.g., a set of support plates (320) of FIG. 3). The flexible plate may include a first pattern portion (e.g., the first pattern portion (711) of FIG. 7A) including openings, a second pattern portion (e.g., the second pattern portion (712) of FIG. 7A) spaced from one side of the first pattern portion and including openings, a first support portion (e.g., the first portion (713) of FIG. 7A) disposed between the first pattern portion and the second pattern portion, a second support portion (e.g., the second portion (914) of FIG. 9) connected to the other side of the first pattern portion, and a third support portion (e.g., the second support portion (914) of FIG. 9) connected to one side of the second pattern portion. The set of support plates may include a first rigid plate (e.g., the third rigid plate (723) of FIG. 7A) disposed on the first support portion of the flexible plate.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the set of support plates may include a second rigid plate (e.g., the first rigid plate (721) of FIG. 7A) disposed on the second support portion of the flexible plate, and a third rigid plate (e.g., the second rigid plate (722) of FIG. 7A) disposed on the third support portion of the flexible plate.

[0170] In one embodiment, the second rigid plate may be attached to the second support portion, and the third rigid plate may be attached to the third support portion.

[0171] In one embodiment, the first rigid plate can be superimposed on the first hinge structure as seen from above.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the first rigid plate can be attached to the first support portion of the flexible plate.

[0173] 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.

[0174] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0175] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an electronic device (2401) within a network environment (2400) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 24, in the network environment (2400), the electronic device (2401) may communicate with the electronic device (2402) via a first network (2498) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (2404) or the server (2408) via a second network (2499) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (2401) may communicate with the electronic device (2404) via the server (2408). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (2401) may include a processor (2420), a memory (2430), an input module (2450), an audio output module (2455), a display module (2460), an audio module (2470), a sensor module (2476), an interface (2477), a connection terminal (2478), a haptic module (2479), a camera module (2480), a power management module (2488), a battery (2489), a communication module (2490), a subscriber identification module (2496), or an antenna module (2497). In some embodiments, the electronic device (2401) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (2478)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (2476), camera module (2480), or antenna module (2497)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (2460)).

[0176] The processor (2420) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (2440)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (2401) connected to the processor (2420) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (2420) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (2476) or a communication module (2490)) in a volatile memory (2432), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (2432), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (2434). According to one embodiment, the processor (2420) may include a main processor (2421) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (2423) (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 (2421). For example, when the electronic device (2401) includes the main processor (2421) and the auxiliary processor (2423), the auxiliary processor (2423) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (2421) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (2423) may be implemented separately from the main processor (2421) or as a part thereof.

[0177] The auxiliary processor (2423) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., the display module (2460), the sensor module (2476), or the communication module (2490)) of the electronic device (2401), for example, on behalf of the main processor (2421) while the main processor (2421) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (2421) while the main processor (2421) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (2423) (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 (2480) or a communication module (2490)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (2423) (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 (2401) where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (2408)). 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.

[0178] The memory (2430) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor (2420) or the sensor module (2476)) of the electronic device (2401). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., the program (2440)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (2430) can include volatile memory (2432) or non-volatile memory (2434).

[0179] The program (2440) may be stored as software in memory (2430) and may include, for example, an operating system (2442), middleware (2444), or an application (2446).

[0180] The input module (2450) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (2401) (e.g., a processor (2420)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (2401). The input module (2450) 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).

[0181] The audio output module (2455) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (2401). The audio output module (2455) 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.

[0182] The display module (2460) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (2401). The display module (2460) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector, and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (2460) 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.

[0183] The audio module (2470) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa. According to one embodiment, the audio module (2470) can acquire sound through the input module (2450), output sound through the sound output module (2455), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2402)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (2401).

[0184] The sensor module (2476) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (2401) 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 (2476) 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.

[0185] The interface (2477) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (2401) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2402)). In one embodiment, the interface (2477) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0186] The connection terminal (2478) may include a connector through which the electronic device (2401) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2402)). In one embodiment, the connection terminal (2478) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0187] The haptic module (2479) 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. In one embodiment, the haptic module (2479) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0188] The camera module (2480) can capture still images and videos. In one embodiment, the camera module (2480) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0189] The power management module (2488) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (2401). According to one embodiment, the power management module (2488) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0190] A battery (2489) may power at least one component of the electronic device (2401). In one embodiment, the battery (2489) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0191] The communication module (2490) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (2401) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (2402), electronic device (2404), or server (2408)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (2490) may operate independently from the processor (2420) (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 (2490) may include a wireless communication module (2492) (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 (2494) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules may communicate with an external electronic device (2404) via a first network (2498) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (2499) (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 local area network or a wide area network)). These various types of communication modules may 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 (2492) may use subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (2496) to identify or authenticate the electronic device (2401) within a communication network such as the first network (2498) or the second network (2499).

[0192] The wireless communication module (2492) 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 (2492) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (2492) may support various technologies for securing performance in high-frequency bands, 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 (2492) may support various requirements specified in the electronic device (2401), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (2404)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (2499)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (2492) 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.

[0193] The antenna module (2497) 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 (2497) 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 (2497) 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 (2498) or the second network (2499), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (2490). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (2490) 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 (2497).

[0194] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (2497) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0195] 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)).

[0196] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (2401) and an external electronic device (2404) via a server (2408) connected to a second network (2499). Each of the external electronic devices (2402 or 2404) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (2401). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (2401) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (2402, 2404, or 2408). For example, when the electronic device (2401) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (2401) 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 (2401). The electronic device (2401) 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 (2401) may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (2404) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (2408) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network.According to one embodiment, an external electronic device (2404) or server (2408) may be included within the second network (2499). The electronic device (2401) may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0197] 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, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0198] 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.

[0199] 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).

[0200] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (2440)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (2436) or an external memory (2438)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (2401)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (2420)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (2401)) 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.

[0201] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0202] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In a multi-foldable electronic device, A housing comprising a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part; A first hinge structure rotatably connecting the first housing part and the second housing part; A second hinge structure that rotatably connects the second housing part and the third housing part and is wider than the first hinge structure; and A flexible display comprising a first folding area foldable by rotation of the first hinge structure and a second folding area foldable by rotation of the second hinge structure, and disposed in the first housing part, the second housing part, and the third housing part; The above flexible display, display panel; A flexible plate arranged on the back surface of the display panel and configured to support the display panel; and A set of support plates configured to support at least a portion of the flexible plate, The above set of support plates, A first rigid plate corresponding to a portion of the left side of the second folding area, a second rigid plate corresponding to a portion of the right side of the second folding area, and a third rigid plate corresponding to a central area of ​​the second folding area, Multi-foldable electronic devices.

2. In paragraph 1, The first rigid plate, the second rigid plate and the third rigid plate, when viewed from above, within the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device, Overlapping the second hinge structure, Multi-foldable electronic devices.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, The first rigid plate, the second rigid plate and the third rigid plate, in the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device, configured to support a portion of the flexible plate corresponding to the first folding area; Multi-foldable electronic devices.

4. In paragraph 3, In the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device, the first rigid plate is disposed in a portion of the flexible plate corresponding to the second folding area and a portion corresponding to a portion of a left side of the first folding area, In the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device, the second rigid plate is arranged in a portion corresponding to a portion of the flexible plate and a portion of the right side of the second folding area. Multi-foldable electronic devices.

5. In paragraph 4, The third rigid plate is attached to a portion of the flexible plate corresponding to the second folding area, The first rigid plate is attached to a portion of the flexible plate corresponding to a portion of the right side of the second folding area, The second rigid plate is attached to a portion of the flexible plate corresponding to a portion of the left side of the second folding area. Multi-foldable electronic devices.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The first hinge structure includes rotators configured to rotate along each of the folding axes of the first hinge structure, The second hinge structure includes rotators configured to rotate along each of the folding axes of the second hinge structure and hinge plates supported by each of the rotators of the second hinge structure. Multi-foldable electronic devices.

7. In paragraph 6, A magnet disposed between a first rotator and a second rotator that share a folding axis of one of the rotators of the first hinge structure, The magnet is configured to maintain the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device within the folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device. Multi-foldable electronic devices.

8. In paragraph 6 or 7, The first distance between the folding axes of the first hinge structure is, smaller than the second distance between the folding axes of the second hinge structure, Multi-foldable electronic devices.

9. In any one of paragraphs 6 to 8, The width of the third rigid plate is smaller than the second distance between the folding axes of the second hinge structure, Multi-foldable electronic devices.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The first rigid plate is attached to the second hinge structure and the second housing part, The second rigid plate is attached to the second hinge structure and the third housing part, The third rigid plate is attached to the second hinge structure. Multi-foldable electronic devices.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, In the multi-folded state of the multi-foldable electronic device, the distance between the third rigid plate and the bottom surface of the second hinge structure is shorter than the distance between the first rigid plate and the bottom surface of the second hinge structure or the distance between the second rigid plate and the bottom surface of the second hinge structure, Multi-foldable electronic devices.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, The above third rigid plate is, including a protrusion extending in a direction parallel to the folding axes of the second hinge structure; Multi-foldable electronic devices.

13. In paragraph 12, Further comprising a protective structure at least partially surrounding the edge of the display, The above protective structure is, In the unfolded state of the multi-foldable electronic device, the display includes a stopper portion in contact with the protrusion, configured to limit movement toward the front of the electronic device. Multi-foldable electronic devices.

14. In paragraph 13, The above protective structure is disposed at an end of the second hinge structure and includes a protruding portion protruding toward the edge of the display. Multi-foldable electronic devices.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, the set of support plates, a first connecting portion configured to be elastically movable and arranged between the first rigid plate and the third rigid plate; and Further comprising a second connecting portion configured to be elastically movable and disposed between the second rigid plate and the third rigid plate; Multi-foldable electronic devices.

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