Electronic device comprising structure for signal transmission and support of flexible display

Abstract

This foldable electronic device comprises: a flexible display including a first display part, a second display part, and a third display part extending from the first display part to the second display part and configured to be bent when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state; a printed circuit board for supporting the flexible display, the printed circuit board including a first part corresponding to the first display part, a second part corresponding to the second display part, and a third part corresponding to the third display part, wherein multiple holes are formed in one area of the third part; an electric wire configured to extend from the first part of the printed circuit board to the second part of the printed circuit board through the third part of the printed circuit board so as to pass through a first number of holes among the multiple holes; and a conductive material disposed on inner surfaces of the multiple holes and electrically disconnected from the electric wire.

Description

An electronic device comprising a structure for transmitting signals and supporting a flexible display

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

[0002] As user demands diversify, displays for displaying content may include deformable structures. For example, an electronic device may include a foldable flexible display. The electronic device may require a support structure or buffer structure for the flexible display to reduce breakage of the deformable flexible display. Furthermore, the electronic device may require a structure for transmitting high-speed and / or high-power signals using the support structure of the flexible display.

[0003] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above-described matters constitute prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] A foldable electronic device is disclosed. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display, the flexible display including: a first display portion, a second display portion, and a third display portion extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to bend when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state; a printed circuit board supporting the flexible display, the printed circuit board including: a first portion corresponding to the first display portion, a second portion corresponding to the second display portion, and a third portion corresponding to the third display portion, a plurality of holes formed in an area of ​​the third portion; and a wire, the wire configured to extend from the first portion of the printed circuit board, through the third portion of the printed circuit board, to the second portion of the printed circuit board, so as to pass between a first number of holes among the plurality of holes; and a conductive material disposed on inner surfaces of the plurality of holes and electrically insulated from the wire.

[0005] A foldable electronic device is disclosed. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display including a first display portion, a second display portion, and a third display portion extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to bend when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state. The foldable electronic device may include a printed circuit board supporting the flexible display, the printed circuit board including a first portion corresponding to the first display portion, a second portion corresponding to the second display portion, a third portion corresponding to the third display portion and including surfaces defining holes, and a wire extending from the first portion to the second portion across the third portion of the printed circuit board by closely circumventing at least some of the holes. The foldable electronic device may include a conductive material plated on the surfaces of the third portion of the printed circuit board, the conductive material being electrically isolated from the wire.

[0006] An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a flexible display including a deformable portion configured to be bent, a printed circuit board supporting the flexible display and including holes disposed under the deformable portion, a conductive line disposed within the printed circuit board and closely circumventing at least a portion of the holes, a conductive material plated on an inner surface of each of the holes, and a conductive ink material filled within the holes together with the conductive material and adhered to the conductive material.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0008] Figure 2a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device.

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

[0010] Figure 2c is an exploded view of an exemplary electronic device.

[0011] Figure 3a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device.

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

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2a.

[0014] Figure 5a is a top plan view of a substrate of an exemplary electronic device.

[0015] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a substrate of an exemplary electronic device taken along line B-B' of FIG. 5a.

[0016] FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view of a substrate of an exemplary electronic device taken along line C-C' of FIG. 5a.

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a portion of a substrate of an exemplary electronic device.

[0018] FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a substrate of an exemplary electronic device taken along line D-D' of FIG. 6.

[0019] Figure 8 is a graph showing the resistance of a conductive ink material according to the state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0020] FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a first state.

[0021] Figure 9b illustrates an exemplary electronic device within a second state.

[0022] FIG. 9c is a plan view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state with the flexible display removed.

[0023] FIG. 9d is a rear view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state with the back cover removed.

[0024] FIG. 9e is a plan view of a substrate disposed within the exemplary electronic device of FIGS. 9a to 9d.

[0025] FIG. 10A is a top plan view of an exemplary electronic device in a retracted state.

[0026] FIG. 10b is a bottom view of an exemplary electronic device in a reduced state.

[0027] FIG. 10c is a plan view of an exemplary electronic device in an extended state.

[0028] FIG. 10d is a bottom view of an exemplary electronic device in an expanded state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0052] Figure 2a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device. Figure 2b illustrates a folded state of an exemplary electronic device. Figure 2c is an exploded view of an exemplary electronic device.

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

[0054] The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may form at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device (101) that can be gripped by a user. At least a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device (101) defined by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may come into contact with a portion of the user's body when the electronic device (101) is used by the user. According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) may include a first front surface (211), a first rear surface (212) facing the first front surface (211) and spaced apart from the first front surface (211), and first side surfaces (213) surrounding at least a portion of the first front surface (211) and the first rear surface (212). The first side surfaces (213) can connect the periphery of the first front surface (211) and the periphery of the first back surface (212). The first front surface (211), the first back surface (212), and the first side surfaces (213) can define an internal space of the first housing part (210). According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) can provide a space formed by the first front surface (211), the first back surface (212), and the first side surfaces (213) as a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101).

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

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

[0057] The first side surfaces (213) and the second side surfaces (223) may include a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof. For example, the second side surfaces (223) may include at least one conductive portion (225) and at least one non-conductive portion (226). The at least one conductive portion (225) may include a plurality of conductive portions that are spaced apart from each other. The at least one non-conductive portion (226) may be positioned between the plurality of conductive portions. The plurality of conductive portions may be isolated from each other by the at least one non-conductive portion (226) positioned between the plurality of conductive portions. According to one embodiment, the plurality of conductive portions and the plurality of non-conductive portions may together form an antenna radiator. The electronic device (101) may be capable of communicating with an external electronic device through the antenna radiator formed by the plurality of conductive portions and the plurality of non-conductive portions.

[0058] The display (230) may be configured to display visual information. According to one embodiment, the display (230) may be disposed on a first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and a second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) across the hinge structure (250). For example, the display (230) may include a first planar portion (231) disposed on the first front surface (211) of the first housing, a second planar portion (232) disposed on the second front surface (221) of the second housing, and a foldable portion (233) disposed between the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232). The first planar portion (231), the second planar portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) may form a front surface of the display (230). According to one embodiment, the display (230) may further include a sub-display (235) disposed on the second rear surface (222) of the second housing part (220). For example, the display (230) may be referred to as a flexible display. According to one embodiment, the display (230) may include a window exposed toward the outside of the electronic device (101). The window may protect the surface of the display (230) and may include a substantially transparent material to transmit visual information provided by the display (230) to the outside of the electronic device (101). For example, the window may include, but is not limited to, glass (e.g., UTG, ultra-thin glass) and / or a polymer (e.g., PI, polyimide). Within the present disclosure, each of the first planar portion (231), the second planar portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) may correspond to a display portion. For example, the first flat portion (231) may correspond to the first display portion, the second flat portion (232) may correspond to the second display portion, and the foldable portion may correspond to the third display portion.

[0059] At least one camera (240) may be configured to acquire an image based on receiving light from a subject external to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the at least one camera (240) may include first cameras (241), second cameras (242), and / or third cameras (243). The first cameras (241) may be disposed in the first housing part (210). For example, the first cameras (241) may be disposed inside the first housing part (210) and at least a portion of the first cameras (241) may be visible through the first rear surface (212) of the first housing part (210). The first cameras (241) may be supported by a bracket (not shown) within the first housing part (210). The first housing part (210) may include at least one opening (241a) that overlaps the first cameras (241) when viewed from above on the first rear surface (212). The first cameras (241) may acquire images based on receiving light from the outside of the electronic device (101) through the at least one opening (241a).

[0060] The second camera (242) may be disposed in the second housing part (220). For example, the second camera (242) may be disposed inside the second housing part (220) and may be visible through the sub-display (235). The second housing part (220) may include at least one opening (242a) that overlaps the second camera (242) when the second rear surface (222) is viewed from above. The second camera (242) may acquire an image based on receiving light from the outside of the electronic device (101) through the at least one opening (242a).

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

[0062] The second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be positioned below the display (230) (e.g., toward the inside of the first housing part (210) or the inside of the second housing part (220). For example, the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be under-display cameras (UDCs). When the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are under-display cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the respective positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may not be an inactive area. For example, when the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are under-display cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the respective positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may have a lower pixel density than the pixel density of other areas of the display (230). The inactive area of ​​the display (230) may refer to an area of ​​the display (230) that does not include pixels or does not emit light outside of the electronic device (101). For another example, the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be punch-hole cameras. When the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are punch-hole cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the respective positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be an inactive area. For example, when the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) are punch-hole cameras, an area of ​​the display (230) corresponding to the respective positions of the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may include an opening that does not include pixels.

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

[0064] When the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be different from each other. For example, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be opposite to each other. For another example, when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state, the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be inclined with respect to each other. When the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces is inclined with respect to the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces, the first housing part (210) may be inclined with respect to the second housing part (220). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the first rear surface (212) of the first housing part (210) may face the second rear surface (222) of the second housing part (220). When the first rear surface (212) and the second rear surface (222) face each other in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the direction in which the first front surface (211) faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) faces may be opposite to each other. When the first rear surface (212) and the second rear surface (222) face each other in the folded state of the electronic device (101), the display (230) may be directly exposed to the outside in the folded state of the electronic device (101).

[0065] The electronic device (101) may be foldable based on a folding axis (f). The folding axis (f) may refer to an imaginary line extending through the hinge cover (251) in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101), but is not limited thereto. For example, the folding axis (f) may be an imaginary line extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101). When the folding axis (f) extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101), the hinge structure (250) may extend in a direction parallel to the folding axis (f) to connect the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be rotatable by the hinge structure (250) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electronic device (101).

[0066] The hinge structure (250) may include a hinge cover (251), a first hinge plate (252), a second hinge plate (253), and a hinge module (254). The hinge cover (251) may surround internal components of the hinge structure (250) and form an outer surface of the hinge structure (250). According to one embodiment, the hinge cover (251) surrounding the hinge structure (250) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) through a space between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) when the electronic device (101) is in a folded state. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (251) may be covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) and may not be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101).

[0067] The first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) are coupled to the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), respectively, so that the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be rotatably connected. For example, the first hinge plate (252) can be coupled to the first bracket (215) of the first housing part (210), and the second hinge plate (253) can be coupled to the second bracket (227) of the second housing part (220). As the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) are coupled to the first bracket (215) and the second bracket (227), respectively, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be rotated according to the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253).

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

[0069] The first housing part (210) may include a first bracket (215) and a first cover (216), and the second housing part (220) may include a second bracket (227) and a second cover (228). The first bracket (215) and the first cover (216) may support components of the electronic device (101). The first bracket (215) may define the first housing part (210) by being coupled with the first cover (216). The first cover (216) may define a portion of the outer surface of the first housing part (210). The second bracket (227) and the second cover (228) may support components of the electronic device (101). The second bracket (227) can define a second housing part (220) by being combined with the second cover (228). The second cover (228) can define a portion of the outer surface of the second housing part (220). For example, the display (230) can be disposed on one side of the first bracket (215) and one side of the second bracket (227). The first cover (216) can be disposed on the other side of the first bracket (215) opposite to the one side of the first bracket (215). The second cover (228) can be disposed on the other side of the second bracket (227) opposite to the one side of the second bracket (227). The sub-display (235) can be disposed between the second bracket (227) and the second cover (228).

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

[0071] At least one electronic component (260) may implement various functions to be provided to a user. According to one embodiment, at least one electronic component (260) may include a first printed circuit board (261), a second printed circuit board (262), a flexible printed circuit board (263), a battery (264) (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1), and / or an antenna (265) (e.g., antenna module (197) of FIG. 1). The first printed circuit board (261) and the second printed circuit board (262) may each form an electrical connection between components within the electronic device (101). For example, components for implementing the overall function of the electronic device (101) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1) may be placed on the first printed circuit board (261), and at least one electronic component for implementing a part of the function of the first printed circuit board (261) may be placed on the second printed circuit board (262). As another example, components for the operation of the sub-display (235) placed on the second rear surface (222) may be placed on the second printed circuit board (262).

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

[0073] The battery (264) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (101), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery (264) may be arranged substantially on the same plane as the first printed circuit board (261) or the second printed circuit board (262).

[0074] The antenna (265) may be configured to receive power or a signal from outside the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the antenna (265) may be positioned between the first cover (216) and the battery (264). The antenna (265) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, an antenna module, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna (265) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

[0075] Fig. 3a illustrates an unfolded state of an exemplary electronic device. Fig. 3b illustrates a folded state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0076] The electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) rotatable with respect to the first housing part (210), like the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 2C. The electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be referred to as a foldable electronic device in that it includes a display (230) including a foldable portion (233) that is deformable by a hinge structure (250) (or hinge assembly) configured to rotate the second housing part (220) with respect to the first housing part (210), like the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 2C. For example, the folding axis (f) of the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A to 3B may be parallel to the x-axis, as illustrated. The folding axis (f) of the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 2C may be parallel to the y-axis, which is orthogonal to the x-axis, unlike the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 3A to 3B. However, the electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 2A to 3B is exemplary, and the electronic device (101) may have various foldable form factors (e.g., a multi-foldable electronic device exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9D). Hereinafter, an electronic device (101) exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B is described with reference to the description of components having the same reference numerals in FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0077] An electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), and a hinge structure (or hinge assembly) (250). The first housing part (210) may be rotatably connected to the hinge structure (250). The first housing part (210) may be rotatable relative to the second housing part (220) via the hinge structure (250). The second housing part (220) may be rotatably connected to the hinge structure (250). The second housing part (220) may be rotatable relative to the first housing part (210) via the hinge structure (250).

[0078] The first housing part (210) may include a first front surface (211), a first rear surface (212) facing away from the first front surface (211), and first side surfaces (213) surrounding at least a portion of the first front surface (211) and the first rear surface (212). The first housing part (210) may provide a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101). The first housing part (210) may include a conductive material, a non-conductive material, or a combination thereof.

[0079] The second housing part (220) may include a second front surface (221), a second rear surface (222) facing and separated from the second front surface (221), and second side surfaces (223) surrounding at least a portion of the second front surface (221) and the second rear surface (222). The second housing part (220) may provide a space for arranging components of the electronic device (101).

[0080] The hinge structure (250) may be connected to the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), respectively. For example, the hinge structure (250) may include a first hinge plate (e.g., the first hinge plate (252) of FIG. 2C) and a second hinge plate (e.g., the second hinge plate (253) of FIG. 2C) configured to be rotatable. The first hinge plate may be connected to the first housing part (210), and the first housing part (210) may be rotated by the first hinge plate. The second hinge plate may be connected to the second housing part (220), and the second housing part (220) may be rotated by the second hinge plate.

[0081] The electronic device (101) can be folded or unfolded based on a folding axis (f) passing through the hinge structure (250) according to the rotation of the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The hinge structure (250) can be positioned between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) so that the electronic device (101) can be folded based on the folding axis (f).

[0082] The hinge structure (250) may include a hinge cover (251) for covering an internal structure constituting the mechanism of the hinge structure. The hinge cover (251) may be exposed to the outside or covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) depending on the degree to which the electronic device (101) is folded. For example, while the electronic device (101) is in a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3b), the hinge cover (251) may be at least partially exposed between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, while the electronic device (101) is in an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3a), the hinge cover (251) may be covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220).

[0083] The electronic device (101) may include a display (230) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) disposed within a space provided by a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220). For example, the display (230) may be at least partially accommodated within a recess formed in a first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and a second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220). The display (230) may include a first planar portion (231) aligned with respect to the first housing part (210), a second planar portion (232) spaced apart from the first planar portion (231) and aligned with respect to the second housing part (220), and a foldable portion (233) aligned with respect to a hinge structure (250) and extending from the first planar portion (231) to the second planar portion (232). The display (230) may be referred to as a foldable display or a flexible display. The first planar portion (231), the second planar portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) may form a surface of the display (230). The surface of the display (230) may at least partially form a first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and a second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220). The first planar portion (231), the second planar portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) may define a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area of ​​the display (230), respectively, on which visual information may be displayed.

[0084] The electronic device (101) may include a sub-display (235) (e.g., the display module (160) of FIG. 1) disposed within the first housing part (210). The sub-display (235) may be visible through the first rear surface (212) of the first housing part (210).

[0085] The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of cameras (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1). For example, the electronic device (101) may include cameras (234, 236). The camera (234) may be positioned within the first housing part (210) so as to obtain an image through a portion of the first rear surface (212). The camera (236) may be positioned below the first flat portion (231) of the display (230). The camera (236) may be aligned with an opening that at least partially penetrates the first flat portion (231) and obtain an image through the hole. The camera (236) may be positioned within a screen display area of ​​the display (230), but is not limited thereto.

[0086] Hereinafter, states of the electronic device (101) will be described. The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of states including an unfolded state (e.g., FIG. 3A) and a folded state (e.g., FIG. 3B). The electronic device (101) may transform or change in the unfolded state and the folded state. In addition, the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of intermediate states between the unfolded state and the folded state. Depending on the state of the electronic device (101), the angle between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may vary. In this document, the unfolded state may be considered a fully opened state, a flat or substantially flat state, or a fully unfolded state. The folded state may be considered a closed state, an unopened state, or a fully folded state.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 3A, in the unfolded state, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may form a first angle. For example, the first angle may be about 180 degrees. The first planar portion (231), the second planar portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) may form a substantially flat surface. The direction in which the first front surface (211) (or the first planar portion (231)) of the first housing part (210) faces (e.g., the +z direction) and the direction in which the second front surface (221) (or the second planar portion (232)) of the second housing part (220) faces (e.g., the +z direction) may be substantially the same.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 3B, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (101), the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be folded to face each other by rotating around the folding axis (f). The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be overlapped to form a second angle smaller than the first angle. For example, the second angle can be about 0 degrees. The foldable portion (233) of the display (230) can be bent to correspond to the second angle. The first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) can face the second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) or overlap with the second front surface (221). The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be in at least partial contact, but are not limited thereto. The direction in which the first front surface (211) of the first housing part (210) faces (e.g., +z direction) and the direction in which the second front surface (221) of the second housing part (220) faces (e.g., -z direction) may be opposite to each other. In the unfolded state, at least a portion of the display (230) may not be visible from the outside of the electronic device (101), and the sub-display (235) may be visible from the outside of the electronic device (101).

[0089] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary electronic device taken along line A-A' of FIG. 2a.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220), a display (230), a hinge structure (250), and a support plate (410).

[0091] The display (230) may include a first planar portion (231) (or first portion (231)), a second planar portion (232) (or second portion (232)) spaced apart from the first planar portion (231), and a foldable portion (233) (or third portion (233)) that connects the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232) and is foldable.

[0092] The unfolded state of the electronic device (101) may be a state in which the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232) of the display (230) face the same direction (e.g., +z direction). For example, the housing (200) may include a first front surface (e.g., the first front surface (211) of FIG. 2A) on which the first planar portion (231) is disposed, and a second front surface (e.g., the second front surface (221) of FIG. 2A) on which the second planar portion (232) is disposed. The unfolded state may be a state in which the first front surface (211) and the second front surface (221) face substantially the same direction. For example, the unfolded state may be a state in which the display (230) is unfolded. The unfolded state may be a state in which the first flat portion (231), the second flat portion (232), and the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) substantially form a flat surface. The unfolded state may be a state in which the surface of the first flat portion (231), the surface of the second flat portion (232), and the surface of the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) are aligned with each other.

[0093] The folded state of the electronic device (101) may be a state in which the first flat portion (231) and the second flat portion (232) of the display (230) face each other. For example, the folded state may be a state in which the direction in which the first flat portion (231) faces (e.g., -x direction) is opposite to the direction in which the second flat portion (232) faces (e.g., +x direction). For example, the folded state may be a state in which the direction in which the first front surface (211) on which the first flat portion (231) is disposed faces and the direction in which the second front surface (221) on which the second flat portion (232) is disposed faces are opposite to each other. For example, the folded state may be a state in which the first flat portion (231) and the second flat portion (232) come into contact by folding the foldable portion (233).

[0094] For example, within the unfolded state of the electronic device (101), the first planar portion (231) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., +z direction) as the second planar portion (232). For example, within the folded state of the electronic device (101), the first planar portion (231) may face the second planar portion (232). For example, the first planar portion (231) may contact the second planar portion (232) within the folded state. For example, the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232) may form a substantially flat surface within the unfolded state of the electronic device (101) and the folded state of the electronic device (101). For example, the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232) may be portions of the display (230) that are not deformed, or at least are intended not to be deformed.

[0095] For example, the foldable portion (233) (or deformable portion (233)) may extend from the first planar portion (231) to the second planar portion (232). For example, the foldable portion (233) may be positioned between the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232). For example, the foldable portion (233) may be configured to rotate the second planar portion (232) relative to the first planar portion (231) by being deformed.

[0096] The display (230) may be referred to as a display stack or display structure in which multiple layers are combined.

[0097] For example, the display (230) may include a window (310) (or cover glass), which is the upper-most layer that is visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101). The window (310) may be at least partially deformable or may include one or more curved portions. For example, the window (310) may include a stacked structure of multiple windows, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The window (310) may form a part of the exterior of the electronic device (101). For example, the window (310) may define a front side (e.g., the first front side (211), the second front side (221) of FIG. 2A) of the electronic device (101).

[0098] For example, the display (230) may include a glass layer (330) attached under the window (310). The glass layer (330) may be a substantially transparent thin-film layer. The glass layer (330) may be formed from, for example, at least one of polyimide (PI) or ultra-thin glass (UTG), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The glass layer (330) may be configured to be at least partially deformable together with the window (310) attached on the glass layer (330).

[0099] For example, the display (230) may include a display panel (340) attached under a glass layer (330). The display panel (340) may be configured to provide visual information, for example, through the glass layer (330) and the window (310) on the display panel (340), which are substantially transparent. For example, although not shown, the display panel (340) may include pixels configured to emit light and sub-pixels included in each of the pixels. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0100] For example, the display (230) may include a reinforcing layer (350) attached under the display panel (340). The reinforcing layer (350) may support the display panel (340), thereby reducing damage to the display panel (340) while the display (230) is deformed.

[0101] The layers or stack structure included in the display (230) supported by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and for example, some of the layers in the above-mentioned display (230) may be omitted or one or more layers may be added to the display (230).

[0102] For example, the display (230) may include a polarizer attached below the window (310). The polarizer may reduce the amount of light reflected within the display (230) after being incident from the outside of the electronic device (101). As the amount of light reflected within the display (230) is reduced, the visibility of the display (230) may be improved. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the display (230) may include a plurality of layers including at least partially deformable regions and / or a stacked structure of the plurality of layers.

[0103] The housing (200) can support the display (230). The housing (200) can include a first housing part (210) that supports a first planar portion (231) and a second housing part (220) that supports a second planar portion (232). For example, the first housing part (210) can surround at least a portion of the first planar portion (231). The second housing part (220) can surround at least a portion of the second planar portion (232). For example, the second housing part (220) can be configured to rotate with respect to the first housing part (210). The second housing part (220) can rotate with respect to the first housing part (210), thereby rotating the second planar portion (232) with respect to the first planar portion (231). For example, when viewing the display (230) from above (e.g., when viewing in the -z direction), the first housing part (210) may at least partially overlap the first planar part (231). For example, when viewing the display (230) from above (e.g., when viewing in the -z direction), the second housing part (220) may at least partially overlap the second planar part (232).

[0104] For example, the first planar portion (231) may be disposed on the first housing portion (210). The second planar portion (232) may be disposed on the second housing portion (220). It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element in this document, it may be directly on the other element or there may be intervening elements between them.

[0105] For example, within this document, "B disposed on A" may represent "B disposed over A." For example, within this document, "B disposed on A" may represent "B facing A and spaced apart from A." For example, "the first planar portion (231) disposed on the first housing part (210)" may represent "the first planar portion (231) that contacts the first housing part (210)." For example, "the first planar portion (231) disposed on the first housing part (210)" may represent "the first planar portion (231) facing the first housing part (210) and spaced apart from the first housing part (210)."

[0106] The hinge structure (250) may be configured to provide (e.g., enable or function) a folded state in which the first planar portion (231) faces the second planar portion (232) and an unfolded state in which the first planar portion (231) and the second planar portion (232) face substantially the same direction by rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) may rotatably connect the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) may be at least partially disposed between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) may support the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). For example, the hinge structure (250) may be configured to deform the foldable portion (233) by rotatably connecting the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). For example, the hinge structure (250) may at least partially overlap the foldable portion (233) when the display (230) is viewed from above (e.g., when viewed in the -z direction).

[0107] The support plate (410) can support the display (230) attached to the support plate (410) or the display layers included in the display (230). The support plate (410) can include a first support portion (411) disposed under a first flat portion (231) of the display (230), a second support portion (412) disposed under a second flat portion (232) of the display (230), and a third support portion (413) disposed under a foldable portion (233) of the display (230). For example, the first support portion (411) can be spaced apart from the second support portion (412). For example, the third support portion (413) can connect the first support portion (411) and the second support portion (412). The third support portion (413) may extend from the first support portion (411) to the second support portion (412). For example, the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410) may include a plurality of slits (415) (or openings (415), gaps (415), etc.) to provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, some of the plurality of slits (415) may be formed in at least a portion of the first support portion (411) and / or at least a portion of the second support portion (412) connected to the third support portion (413) to reduce damage to the flat portions (231, 232) of the display (230) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state or from the folded state to the unfolded state. However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0108] For example, the plurality of slits (415) may each have a width in a direction parallel to the x-axis. The width of each of the plurality of slits (415) may be substantially the same, but is not limited thereto. For example, the size and / or length of at least some of the plurality of slits (415) may be different from each other. For example, the plurality of slits (415) may be formed in a portion of the first support portion (411) and at least a portion of the third support portion (413). The plurality of slits (415) may be arranged such that the width and / or length gradually decrease from the first support portion (411) to the center portion of the third support portion (413). For example, the plurality of slits (415) may be formed in a portion of the second support portion (412) and at least a portion of the third support portion (413). The plurality of slits (415) may be arranged such that the width and / or length gradually decrease from the second support portion (412) to the center of the third support portion (413). For example, the plurality of slits (415) may be arranged such that the density per unit area within the support plate (410) decreases from the first support portion (411) and / or the second support portion (412) to the third support portion (413). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the plurality of slits (415) may be formed or arranged in various shapes to provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). For example, the support plate (410) can guide deformation of display layers included in the foldable portion (233) and placed on the support plate (410) and support the display layers by including a third support portion (413) including a plurality of slits (415).The above support plate (410) may be referred to as a lattice structure and / or a lattice plate in terms of including a plurality of slits (415) for guiding deformation of the display (230), but is not limited thereto.

[0109] The electronic device (101) may include a protective member (420) attached under at least a portion of the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410). The protective member (420) may be elastic so as to be deformed as the third support portion (413) of the support plate (410) is deformed. The protective member (420) may include, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The protective member (420) may cover, for example, a plurality of slits (415) formed in the third support portion (413). For example, the protective member (420) may be disposed between adhesive layers (324) that attach the electromagnetic induction panel (430) to the support plate (410). The protective member (420) is positioned between the adhesive layers (324), thereby reducing the step formed by the adhesive layers (324). The protective member (420) is attached below the third support portion (413), thereby reducing the inflow of foreign substances into the plurality of slits (415) formed in the third support portion (413). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0110] The electronic device (101) may include an electromagnetic induction panel (430) that can be interoperable with a stylus that can be used with the display (230). The electromagnetic induction panel (430) may be referred to as a digitizer in terms of interacting with the stylus, but is not limited thereto. For example, the electromagnetic induction panel (430) may be configured to electromagnetically interact with the stylus. A processor of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1 ) may be configured to obtain input information from the electrical interaction between the stylus and the electromagnetic induction panel (430). For example, the electromagnetic induction panel (430) may generate a magnetic field of a specified strength by flowing an alternating current through the electromagnetic induction panel (430). As the stylus approaches the electromagnetic induction panel (430), an induced current may flow in a coil disposed within the stylus due to the magnetic field. The stylus can detect the induced current flowing in the coil and transmit an electromagnetic wave signal to the electromagnetic induction panel (430). The electromagnetic induction panel (430) can be configured to detect the position and intensity of the electromagnetic wave signal received from the stylus and transmit information related to the electromagnetic wave signal to the processor (120) of the electronic device (101). The processor (120) can be configured to receive information related to the electromagnetic wave signal from the electromagnetic induction panel (430) and display information according to the operation of the stylus through the display (230).

[0111] For example, the electromagnetic induction panel (430) may be attached (e.g., via adhesive layers (324)) under the support plate (410). For example, the electromagnetic induction panel (430) may include a first panel (431) attached to a first support portion (411) of the support plate (410) and a second panel (432) attached to a second support portion (412) of the support plate (410) to provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). The first panel (431) and the second panel (432) may be separated from each other based on the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). By separating the first panel (431) and the second panel (432), the electromagnetic induction panel (430) can provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) while the electronic device (101) is changed from an unfolded state to a folded state or from a folded state to an unfolded state.

[0112] The electronic device (101) may include a shielding layer (440) for absorbing electromagnetic waves from an electromagnetic induction panel (430). The shielding layer (440) may be attached under the electromagnetic induction panel (430). The shielding layer (440) may include, for example, magnetic metal powder (MMP), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the shielding layer (440) may cover a portion of the electromagnetic induction panel (430). For example, the shielding layer (440) may include shielding portions (441, 442, 443) that are separated from each other to provide flexibility to the foldable portion (233) of the display (230). For example, the first shielding portion (441) may be attached under the first panel (431). The second shielding portion (442) may be attached under the second panel (432). The third shielding portion (443) may be attached under a portion of the first panel (431) and a portion of the second panel (432). For example, the third shielding portion (443) may be positioned under the foldable portion (233) of the display (230) within the unfolded state of the electronic device (101). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0113] The electronic device (101) may include a conductive layer (450) for reducing the influence of the electromagnetic induction panel (430) by at least one conductive portion (e.g., at least one conductive portion (225) of FIG. 2A) included in the housing (200). The conductive layer (450) may be attached (e.g., attached via the adhesive layer (325)) under the shielding layer (440). The conductive layer (450) may include, for example, at least one of copper and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The conductive layer (450) may be configured so that the frequency of the signal from the electromagnetic induction panel (430) is maintained to be even. The conductive layer (450) may include a first conductive layer (451) attached under the first shielding portion (441), and a second conductive layer (452) attached under the second shielding portion (442). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0114] The electronic device (101) may include one or more adhesive layers (320) for attaching display layers within the display (230) and / or a plurality of layers attached below the display (230) to each other. For example, the display (230) may include adhesive layers (321, 322). The adhesive layer (321) may be interposed between the window (310) and the glass layer (330), thereby attaching the glass layer (330) to the window (310). The adhesive layer (322) may be interposed between the glass layer (330) and the display panel (340), thereby attaching the display panel (340) to the glass layer (330).

[0115] For example, the electronic device (101) may include an adhesive layer (323) interposed between the display (230) and the support plate (410) to attach the support plate (410) to the display (230). For example, the electronic device (101) may include adhesive layers (324) interposed between the support plate (410) and the electromagnetic induction panel (430) to attach the electromagnetic induction panel (430) to the support plate (410). For example, the electronic device (101) may include an adhesive layer (325) interposed between the shielding layer (440) and the conductive layer (450) to attach the conductive layer (450) to the shielding layer (440). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and one or more adhesive layers (320) may include a plurality of adhesive layers configured to attach a plurality of display layers within the display (230) to each other or to attach a plurality of layers beneath the display (230) to each other, wherein the characteristics of each of the plurality of adhesive layers may be substantially the same or different from each other.

[0116] Fig. 5a is a top plan view of a substrate of an exemplary electronic device. Fig. 5b is a cross-sectional view of a substrate of an exemplary electronic device taken along line B-B' of Fig. 5a. Fig. 5c is a cross-sectional view of a substrate of an exemplary electronic device taken along line C-C' of Fig. 5a. Fig. 5a illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a portion of line B-B'.

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, an electronic device (101) may include a display (e.g., a display (230) of FIG. 2A), a substrate (510), and a conductive line (530). The display (230) may include a first display portion (e.g., a first planar portion (231) of FIG. 2A), a second display portion (e.g., a second planar portion (232) of FIG. 2A), and a third display portion (e.g., a foldable portion (233) of FIG. 2A) configured to extend from the first display portion (231) to the second display portion (232) and be bent.

[0118] The substrate (510) may be disposed below the display (230). The substrate (510) may include a first portion (511) aligned with respect to the first display portion (231), a second portion (512) aligned with respect to the second display portion (232), and a third portion (513) aligned with respect to the third display portion (233) and including a plurality of holes (520). The arrangement of the portions (511, 512, 513) of the substrate (510) may be substantially the same as or similar to the arrangement of the support portions (411, 412, 413) of the support plate (410) of FIG. 4. For example, the first portion (511) may be disposed below the first display portion (231) of the display (230). The second portion (512) may be positioned below the second display portion (232) of the display (230). The third portion (513) may be positioned below the third display portion (233) of the display (230) between the first portion (511) and the second portion (512). For example, the third portion (513) may be configured to be bent by a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C) together with the third display portion (233) positioned above the third portion (513). A plurality of holes (520) formed in the third portion (513) may guide the deformation of the third portion (513) and provide flexibility to the third portion (513). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The plurality of holes (520) may be referred to collectively as openings (520), gaps (520), or cavities (520).

[0119] The third portion (513) of the substrate (510) may include portions without a plurality of holes (520) so as to have a continuous surface. For example, the third portion (513) of the substrate (510) may include bendable portions (513a, 513b, 513c, 513d, 513e) configured to be bent by the hinge structure (250). For example, the third portion (513) may include bendable portions (513a, 513b, 513c) (or first portions (513a, 513b, 513c)) having a plurality of holes (520) formed therein, and bendable portions (513d, 513e) (or second portions (513d, 513e)) disposed between the bendable portions (513a, 513b, 513c) and having continuous surfaces. For example, the width of each of the bendable portions (513d, 513e) having continuous surfaces may be greater than the distance between two adjacent holes among the plurality of holes (520). However, embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The third portion (513) can increase the support area of ​​the third display portion (233) of the display (230) supported by the third portion (513) by including a portion where a plurality of holes (520) are not formed so as to have a continuous surface. That is, by including at least one portion where holes are not formed, the size of the support area of ​​the third display portion (230) increases.

[0120] The conductive line (530) (or wiring line (530)) may be disposed within the substrate (510). For example, the substrate (510) may include the conductive line (530). The substrate (510) may be referred to as a printed circuit board in that it includes the conductive line (530) or the conductive line (530) is formed thereon, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The conductive line (530) may extend from the first portion (511) of the substrate (510) across the third portion (513) to the second portion (512). The conductive line (530) may be disposed within the substrate (510) so as to closely bypass the plurality of holes (520). For example, a conductive line (530) may be formed to cross the substrate (510) in an area between a plurality of holes (520).

[0121] For example, the conductive line (530) may include a first conductive line portion disposed within a first portion (511) of the substrate (510), a second conductive line portion disposed within a second portion (512) of the substrate (510), and a third conductive line portion extending from the first conductive line portion across the third portion (513) of the substrate (510) to the second conductive line portion. The third conductive line portion may be formed within the third portion (513) so as to bypass a plurality of holes (520) of the third portion (513). The third conductive line portion may be disposed avoidantly with respect to the plurality of holes (520), for example, so as not to pass through the holes. The third conductive line portion may extend through a plurality of bridge portions of the third portion (513) that space the plurality of holes (520) apart from each other, thereby connecting the first conductive line portion and the second conductive line portion (512). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, the bendable portions (513d, 513e) having continuous surfaces may be omitted. For example, depending on the type of hinge structure on which the substrate (510) is disposed, the bendable portions (513d, 513e) may be added, or the spacing between the bendable portions (513d, 513e) and / or the plurality of holes (520) may vary. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0122] For example, the conductive line (530) may be formed or coupled within a portion of the third portion (513) of the substrate (510) in which the plurality of holes (520) are not formed. For example, the conductive line (530) may be disposed next to at least some of the plurality of holes (520) within the third portion (513) of the substrate (510) or may be disposed near the plurality of holes (520). For example, the conductive line (530) may extend from the first portion (511) of the substrate (510) to the second portion (512) through the bendable portions (513a, 513b, 513c, 513d, 513e) of the third portion (513). A portion of the conductive line (530) disposed within the bendable portions (513a, 513b, 513c) including a plurality of holes (520) may be formed within the bendable portions (513a, 513b, 513c) to bypass the plurality of holes (520). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0123] The electronic device (101) may include a plurality of terminals (580). The plurality of terminals (580) may be disposed on a substrate (510). For example, the plurality of terminals (580) may be disposed or formed within the substrate (510). For example, the plurality of terminals (580) may include a first terminal (581) disposed on a first portion (511) of the substrate (510), and a second terminal (582) disposed on a second portion (512). The terminals (581, 582) may be connected to a conductive line (530) extending from the first portion (511) to the second portion (512) across a third portion (513). Through the conductive line (530), the terminals (581, 582) that are spaced apart from each other may be electrically connected to each other. The plurality of terminals (580) may be referred to as connectors of the electronic device (101), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0124] The substrate (510) may include a plurality of layers (500). The conductive line (530) may be disposed between two of the plurality of layers (500). For example, the substrate (510) may be formed by a stacked structure of the plurality of layers (500). Each of the plurality of layers (500) may provide surfaces on which the conductive line (530) is printed. The plurality of layers (500) may be stacked on each other to form the substrate (510). For example, the conductive line (530) may include a plurality of conductive lines formed on each of the plurality of layers (500). The above plurality of layers (500) may be formed of an electrically insulating material or a dielectric material to electrically insulate the plurality of conductive lines from each other, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0125] For example, the plurality of layers (500) may include a first layer (501), a second layer (502), and a third layer (503) between the first layer (501) and the second layer (502). For example, the first layer (501) may be an upper-most layer among the plurality of layers (500). The second layer (502) may be a bottom-most layer among the plurality of layers (500). For example, the conductive line (530) may include a plurality of conductive lines formed on the plurality of layers (500). At least some of the plurality of conductive lines (530) may be visible from the outside of the substrate (510) by being disposed on the outer-most layers (501, 502) among the plurality of layers (500). Some of the remaining conductive lines may be disposed within the substrate (510) by being disposed between layers (501, 502, 503). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0126] For example, the laminated structure of a plurality of layers (500) of a substrate (510) on which a conductive line (530) is formed may correspond to a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) structure. For example, a layer on which a conductive line (530) is arranged among the plurality of layers (500) may be referred to as a conductive layer (e.g., a copper (Cu) layer) of the flexible printed circuit board. Layers (501, 502, 503) for electrically insulating the conductive line (530) may be a non-conductive layer (e.g., a polyimide (PI) layer) of the flexible printed circuit board. In various examples, the layers (501, 502, 503) may be formed of graphite, thereby providing a thermal conduction path connecting the first portion (511) and the second portion (512) across the third portion (513) for heat generated from the conductive line (530). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0127] The substrate (510) may include a coating layer (540) attached on a plurality of layers (500). For example, the coating layer (540) may define or form an outer surface of the substrate (510) by covering the plurality of layers (500). For example, the coating layer (540) may be coated on the outermost layers (501, 502) among the plurality of layers (500). For example, the coating layer (540) may include a first coating layer (541) coated on a first layer (501) and a second coating layer (542) coated on a second layer (502). For example, the first coating layer (541) may define a first surface (510a) of the substrate (510) facing the display (230). The first coating layer (541) may cover the conductive line (530) disposed on the first layer (501). For example, the second coating layer (542) may define a second side (510b) opposite to the first side (510a) of the substrate (510). The second coating layer (542) may cover the conductive line (530) disposed on the second layer (502). For example, the coating layer (540) may include at least one of resin, fiber, and / or epoxy, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0128] The substrate (510) may include shielding members (550, 560) for shielding the conductive line (530). For example, the substrate (510) and the conductive line (530) formed on the substrate (510) may function as a digitizer (e.g., the electromagnetic induction panel (430) of FIG. 4) for interfacing with a stylus outside the electronic device (101). The conductive line (530) may be configured to form a magnetic field for interfacing with the stylus, for example, by forming a loop on the substrate (510). The shielding members (550, 560) may reduce interference between electronic components (e.g., a camera or a speaker) around the conductive line (530) and the magnetic field formed by the conductive line (530), thereby reducing noise of the magnetic field for interfacing with the stylus by the electronic components.

[0129] For example, the shielding members (550, 560) may be attached to the first portion (511) and / or the second portion (512) among the portions (511, 512, 513) of the substrate (510). For example, the first shielding member (550) may be a magnetic shielding member. The first shielding member (550) may include, for example, a first shielding portion (551), a second shielding portion (552), and a third shielding portion (553) disposed between the first shielding portion (551) and the second shielding portion (552). For example, the second shielding member (560) attached below the third shielding portion (553) of the first shielding member (550) may be a conductive shielding member. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0130] The conductive line (530) formed on the substrate (510) may be required to have a function for transmitting and receiving high power signals for power supply of the electronic device (101) and / or high frequency band signals for wireless communication with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102) of FIG. 1), instead of a function for interfacing with a stylus external to the electronic device (101). The structure of the substrate (510) for transmitting and receiving the high power signals and / or the high frequency band signals and the structure for shielding the conductive line (530) are described through exemplary drawings in FIG. 6 and below.

[0131] Figure 6 illustrates a portion of a substrate of an exemplary electronic device.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 6, the electronic device (101) may include a display (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2A) that includes a first display portion (e.g., first display portion (231) of FIG. 2A), a second display portion (e.g., second display portion (232) of FIG. 2A), and a third display portion (e.g., third display portion (233) of FIG. 2A) that extends from the first display portion (231) to the second display portion (232) and is configured to be bent. The electronic device (101) may include a substrate (510) disposed below the display (230) and including a first portion (e.g., the first portion (511) of FIG. 5A) aligned with the first display portion (231), a second portion (e.g., the second portion (512) of FIG. 5A) aligned with the second display portion (232), and a third portion (513) aligned with the third display portion (233) and including a plurality of holes (520). The electronic device (101) may include a conductive line (530) disposed on the substrate (510) and extending from the first portion (511) across the third portion (513) to the second portion (512), and disposed adjacent to the plurality of holes (520) so as to bypass the plurality of holes (520) on the third portion (513).

[0133] The conductive line (530) may be used to transmit high power signals and / or signals in a high frequency band. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) for wireless communication with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102) of FIG. 1). The conductive line (530) may be used to transmit signals from the wireless communication circuit to the external electronic device. For example, unlike the conductive line (530) exemplarily illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 5C , the conductive line (530) may not form a loop for forming a magnetic field. For example, the conductive line (530) may linearly extend from the first portion (511) of the substrate (510) to the second portion (512) bypassing the plurality of holes (520) of the third portion (513). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0134] The electronic device (101) may include a conductive material (610) plated (or arranged) on the inner surface (e.g., the inner surface (520a) of FIG. 7A) of each of the plurality of holes (520) to shield the conductive line (530). For example, the conductive material (610) may be formed or arranged on the inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520) of the third portion (513). For example, the conductive material (610) may be arranged adjacent to the conductive line (530) or around the conductive line (530) by being plated on the inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520). For example, the conductive material (610) may be arranged along the conductive line (530) to surround the conductive line (530). For example, the conductive material (610) may include copper plating, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the conductive material (610) may include a metal material and / or an alloy material plated on the inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520).

[0135] For example, high power signals and / or high frequency band signals can be transmitted through the conductive line (530). The conductive material (610) can shield the conductive line (530) by being deposited on the inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520) arranged adjacent to the conductive line (530). For example, the conductive material (610) can form a waveguide for reducing signal loss of the conductive line (530) by being arranged on the inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520). The conductive material (610) can reduce signal loss and noise of signals transmitted through the conductive line (530) by shielding the conductive line (530) around the conductive line (530). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0136] The electronic device (101) may include a conductive ink material (620) (or a conductive material (620)) that is filled within a plurality of holes (520) to shield a conductive line (530) together with a conductive material (610) and that is in contact with the conductive material (610). For example, the conductive ink material (620) may occupy a space formed by the plurality of holes (520) together with the conductive material (610). For example, the conductive ink material (620) may support the conductive material (610) (or the inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520) on which the conductive material (610) is plated) by being attached to the conductive material (610). For example, the conductive ink material (620) can be electrically connected to the conductive material (610) by coming into contact with the conductive material (610).

[0137] For example, the conductive ink material (620) may be placed adjacent to the conductive line (530) or may be placed around the conductive line (530) by filling the plurality of holes (520). For example, the conductive ink material (620) may be placed along the conductive line (530) together with the conductive material (610), so as to surround the conductive line (530), for example, when the conductive ink material (620) is placed in the holes around the conductive line (530) formed therein. For example, the conductive ink material (620) may be placed within the plurality of holes (520) arranged adjacent to the conductive line (530), so as to shield the conductive line (530) together with the conductive material (610). For example, the conductive ink material (620) may be arranged along the conductive line (530) together with the conductive material (610) to form a waveguide for reducing signal loss of the conductive line (530). The conductive ink material (620) may shield the conductive line (530) around the conductive line (530) together with the conductive material (610), thereby reducing signal loss and noise of signals transmitted through the conductive line (530). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0138] The conductive line (530) may include a plurality of conductive lines adjacent to each other while bypassing the plurality of holes (520) of the third portion (513). For example, the conductive line (530) may include a first conductive line (531) disposed on the substrate (510), and a second conductive line (532) disposed adjacent to the first conductive line (531). The second conductive line (532), like the first conductive line (531), may extend from the first portion (511) of the substrate (510) across the third portion (513) to the second portion (512) and may be disposed to bypass the plurality of holes (520) on the third portion (513). For example, within the third portion (513) of the substrate (510), a portion of the first conductive line (531) may be arranged adjacent to or facing a portion of the second conductive line (532). Since the conductive lines (531, 532) are arranged adjacent to each other, noise may occur between signals transmitted through the conductive lines (531, 532). The substrate (510) may require a structure for shielding the conductive lines (531, 532) from each other.

[0139] The substrate (510) can include a plurality of conductive vias (630) (or vias (630) that can be filled with a conductive material or otherwise included) that at least partially penetrate the substrate (510) and are positioned between a first conductive line (531) and a second conductive line (532). For example, the plurality of conductive vias (630) can at least partially penetrate a third portion (513) of the substrate (510). For example, the plurality of conductive vias (630) can be surrounded by a plurality of holes (520) and conductive lines (531, 532). For example, the plurality of conductive vias (630) can be arranged in a direction in which the conductive lines (531, 532) extend (e.g., in the +x direction or the -x direction).

[0140] For example, a plurality of conductive vias (630) can be arranged between the conductive lines (531, 532) to shield the conductive lines (531, 532) from each other. For example, the plurality of conductive vias (630) can form a via wall that shields the conductive lines (531, 532) from each other between the plurality of holes (520). The via wall, for example, the via wall formed by the plurality of conductive vias (630), can isolate the conductive lines (531, 532) used for transmitting high power signals and / or high frequency band signals from each other, thereby reducing interference between the conductive lines (531, 532) and reducing noise of signals from the conductive lines (531, 532). For example, a via wall formed by a plurality of conductive vias (630) may be referred to as a via fence or a picket fence, but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The electronic device (101) can reduce signal loss and noise of signals transmitted through the conductive line (530) by including a plurality of conductive vias (630) that shield the conductive line (530) together with the conductive material (610) and the conductive ink material (620).

[0141] The plurality of holes (520) may include a first hole (521) and a second hole (522) disposed adjacent to the first hole (521). A distance (d1) between the first hole (521) and a conductive portion (531a) of a first conductive line (531) disposed between the first hole (521) and the second hole (522) may correspond to a distance (d2) between the second hole (522) and the conductive portion (531a). For example, a vertical distance (d1) from an inner surface of the first hole (521) to the conductive portion (531a) of the first conductive line (531) may be substantially equal to a vertical distance (d2) from an inner surface of the second hole (522) adjacent to the first hole (521) to the conductive portion (531a). For example, the distance (d1) from the conductive material (610) plated on the inner surface of the first hole (521) to the conductive portion (531a) of the first conductive line (531) may correspond to the distance (d2) from the conductive material (610) plated on the inner surface of the second hole (522) to the conductive portion (531a). Since the distances from adjacent holes (521, 522) to the conductive portion (531a) arranged between the holes (521, 522) are substantially the same, the conductive material (610) plated on the inner surface of each of the holes (521, 522) can provide stability to signals transmitted through the conductive line (530) and reduce noise in the signals.

[0142] FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a substrate of an exemplary electronic device taken along line D-D' of FIG. 6.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B , the electronic device (101) may include a display (e.g., the display (230) of FIG. 2A) that includes a first display portion (e.g., the first display portion (231) of FIG. 2A ), a second display portion (e.g., the second display portion (232) of FIG. 2A ), and a third display portion (e.g., the third display portion (233) of FIG. 2A ) that extends from the first display portion (231) to the second display portion (232) and is configured to be bent. The electronic device (101) may include a substrate (510) disposed below the display (230) and including a first portion (e.g., the first portion (511) of FIG. 5A) aligned with the first display portion (231), a second portion (e.g., the second portion (512) of FIG. 5A) aligned with the second display portion (232), and a third portion (513) aligned with the third display portion (233) and including a plurality of holes (520). The electronic device (101) may include a conductive line (530) disposed on the substrate (510) and extending from the first portion (511) across the third portion (513) to the second portion (512), and disposed adjacent to the plurality of holes (520) so as to bypass the plurality of holes (520) on the third portion (513). The electronic device (101) may include a conductive material (610) plated on the inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520) to shield the conductive line (530). The electronic device (101) may include a conductive ink material (620) that fills the plurality of holes (520) to shield the conductive line (530) together with the conductive material (610).However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, the electronic device (101) may include structures and / or configurations (e.g., a plurality of layers (500), a coating layer (540), a plurality of conductive vias (630)) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 5A to 6, within a non-contradictory scope. Hereinafter, redundant descriptions of structures and / or configurations having the same reference numerals as exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 5A to 6 may be omitted.

[0144] The conductive material (610) may be plated on the third portion (513) so that the conductive material (610) surrounds the conductive line (530). For example, the conductive material (610) may be plated on the third portion (513) of the substrate (510) so as to cover the third portion (513). For example, the conductive material (610) may be formed on the outer surface of the third portion (513) to surround the conductive line (530) disposed on the third portion (513). However, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the conductive material (610) may be plated on the substrate (510) so as to cover all of the portions (511, 512, 513) of the substrate (510). For example, the conductive material (610) may be plated on the outer surface of the substrate (510) to surround the entire conductive line (530) disposed on the substrate (510). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0145] For example, the conductive material (610) may include a first conductive portion (611) plated on a first surface (510a) of the substrate (510) facing the display (230), a second conductive portion (612) plated on a second surface (510b) of the substrate (510) opposite to the first surface (510a), and a third conductive portion (613) plated on an inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520) and extending from the first conductive portion (611) to the second conductive portion (612). For example, the first conductive portion (611) may be a portion plated on a first coating layer (541) forming the first surface (510a) of the substrate (510). The second conductive portion (612) may be a portion plated on the second coating layer (542) forming the second surface (510b) of the substrate (510). For example, the third conductive portion (613) may be plated on the inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520) to connect the first conductive portion (611) and the second conductive portion (612). The third conductive portion (613) may extend from the first conductive portion (611) through the plurality of holes (520) to the second conductive portion (612), thereby surrounding the conductive line (530) disposed on the third portion (513). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The conductive material (610) can form a waveguide for the conductive line (530) and reduce signal loss of signals transmitted through the conductive line (530) by including conductive parts (611, 612, 613) surrounding the conductive line (530) within the third portion (513).

[0146] The conductive ink material (620) may be adhered or elastically attached to the conductive material (610) to provide elastic support to the third portion (513) of the substrate (510) within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (101). For example, the conductive ink material (620) may be configured to be resilient to a state prior to the deformed state by having elasticity and / or viscosity. For example, the conductive ink material (620) may be elastically deformable along the third portion (513) (or the plurality of holes (520)) configured to be deformed while the state of the electronic device (101) changes. It will be appreciated that this effect may also be realized to some extent by providing (e.g., arranging, depositing, filling, etc.) the conductive ink material (620) to only some of the plurality of holes (520) (e.g., one or more holes or a subset of holes).

[0147] For example, when referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B sequentially, while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state (e.g., the unfolded state of FIG. 2A) to a folded state (e.g., the folded state of FIG. 2B), the size of each of the plurality of holes (520) may increase due to the bending third portion (513). Since the conductive ink material (620) is attached to the conductive material (610) plated on the inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520), the conductive ink material (620) may be tensioned by the plurality of holes (520) increasing in size. Since the conductive ink material (620) has elasticity, the stress applied to the third portion (513) within the folded state may be distributed by the repulsive force applied to the conductive ink material (620). The conductive ink material (620) can reduce damage to the third part (513) by the plurality of holes (520) by dispersing the stress applied to the third part (513) within the folded state.

[0148] For example, when referring to FIGS. 7B and 7A sequentially, while the electronic device (101) changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the size of each of the plurality of holes (520) may be reduced by the unfolded third portion (513). Since the conductive ink material (620) is attached to the conductive material (610) plated on the inner surface (520a) of each of the plurality of holes (520), the conductive ink material (620) may be compressed by the plurality of holes (520) whose size is reduced. Since the conductive ink material (620) has elasticity, the conductive ink material (620) may be restored to its state before the folded state. Since the conductive ink material (620) is filled inside the plurality of holes (520), when changing from the folded state to the unfolded state, the conductive ink material (620) can guide the deformation of the plurality of holes (520), thereby reducing damage to the plurality of holes (520). However, the embodiment supported by the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The electronic device (101) includes the conductive ink material (620) having elasticity and filled inside the plurality of holes (520), thereby reducing noise of signals transmitted through the conductive line (530) and reducing damage to the third portion (513) in which the plurality of holes (520) are formed while the state of the electronic device (101) is changed.

[0149] The electronic device (101) may include a shielding film (640) that is at least partially attached to the third portion (513) to shield the conductive line (530) together with the conductive material (610) and covers the plurality of holes (520). For example, the shielding film (640) may be attached to the conductive material (610) plated on the substrate (510). For example, the shielding film (640) may cover the substrate (510) to shield the conductive line (530) together with the conductive material (610) and the conductive ink material (620). For example, the shielding film (640) may be attached to the substrate (510) to cover the plurality of holes (520) of the third portion (513) (or the conductive ink material (620) filled in the plurality of holes (520)). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. It will be appreciated that in various embodiments, the shielding film (640) may be omitted.

[0150] For example, the shielding film (640) may include a first shielding film (641) attached on a first side (510a) of the substrate (510) facing the display (230), and a second shielding film (642) attached under a second side (510b) of the substrate (510) opposite to the first side (510a). For example, the substrate (510) and the conductive material (610) plated on the substrate (510) may be disposed between the first shielding film (641) and the second shielding film (642). For example, the first shielding film (641) may be attached to a first conductive portion (611) of the conductive material (610) plated on the first side (510a) of the substrate (510). The second shielding film (642) may be attached to the second conductive portion (612) of the conductive material (610) plated on the second surface (510b) of the substrate (510). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto. The electronic device (101) may reduce signal loss and noise of signals transmitted through the conductive line (530) together with the conductive material (610) and the conductive ink material (620) by including the shielding film (640) attached to the substrate (510).

[0151] The electronic device (101) may include a protective film (650) attached on a shielding film (640). The shielding film (640) and the protective film (650) may have elasticity. For example, the protective film (650) may protect the shielding film (640) and the substrate (510) by covering them. For example, the protective film (650) may reduce foreign substances from entering the plurality of holes (520) by covering the plurality of holes (520) together with the shielding film (640). For example, the protective film (650) may include a first protective film (651) attached on a first shielding film (641) and a second protective film (652) attached on a second shielding film (642). The above protective film (650) may correspond to the protective member (420) of FIG. 4 or may be formed from a material substantially identical to the protective member (420) (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), but the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0152] The substrate (510) may include an adhesive layer (660) that is interposed between the plurality of layers (500). For example, the adhesive layer (660) may attach the plurality of layers (500) to each other. The adhesive layer (660) may be disposed between the plurality of layers (500) to wrap the conductive line (530) disposed between the plurality of layers (500). For example, the adhesive layer (660) may fill or occupy a space between the plurality of layers (500). For example, the adhesive layer (660) may include a first adhesive layer (661) disposed between the first layer (501) and the third layer (503), and a second adhesive layer (662) disposed between the third layer (503) and the second layer (502). The above adhesive layer (660) may be referred to as a coating material that surrounds the conductive line (530) together with the coating layer (540), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto. It will be appreciated that the adhesive layer (660) may be omitted in various embodiments.

[0153] Figure 8 is a graph showing the resistance of a conductive ink material according to the state of an exemplary electronic device.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 8, the horizontal axis of the graph (800) represents time. The vertical axis of the graph (800) represents the resistance of a conductive ink material (e.g., conductive ink material (620) of FIG. 6) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) over time.

[0155] In a section (801) of a graph (800), the electronic device (101) may change from an unfolded state to a folded state. For example, at a timing (t1), the electronic device (101) may be in an unfolded state. The electronic device (101) may be in a folded state at a timing (t2). For example, as the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state in a section (801), the resistance applied to the conductive ink material (620) may increase from a first resistance (r1) to a second resistance (r2) greater than the first resistance (r1). For example, when referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B sequentially together, while the electronic device (101) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the conductive ink material (620) may be stretched or elongated along a third portion (e.g., the third portion (513) of FIG. 5A) of the deformed substrate (e.g., the substrate (510) of FIG. 5A). As the conductive ink material (620) is stretched, the resistance applied to the conductive ink material (620) may increase.

[0156] In a section (802) of a graph (800), the electronic device (101) may change from a folded state to an unfolded state. For example, at a timing (t2), the electronic device (101) may be in a folded state. The electronic device (101) may be in an unfolded state at a timing (t3). For example, as the electronic device (101) changes from a folded state to an unfolded state in a section (802), the resistance applied to the conductive ink material (620) may decrease from a second resistance (r2) to a third resistance (r3) that is less than the second resistance (r2). Although not shown, as more time passes, the resistance applied to the conductive ink material (620) may be restored from the third resistance (r3) to a first resistance (r1) that is less than the third resistance (r3). For example, referring sequentially to FIG. 7B and FIG. 7A together, while the electronic device (101) changes from a folded state to an unfolded state, the conductive ink material (620) may be elastically restored (e.g., restored to its original shape or state) along the third portion (513) of the restored substrate (510). As the conductive ink material (620) is restored, the resistance applied to the conductive ink material (620) may decrease. However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0157] Figure 9a illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a first state. Figure 9b illustrates an exemplary electronic device in a second state.

[0158] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B , the electronic device (101) may include a housing (200), a flexible display (940), a first hinge assembly (950), and a second hinge assembly (960). The housing (200) may include a first housing part (910), a second housing part (920), and a third housing part (930). The housing (200) may include a plurality of housing parts (910, 920, 930) and may be referred to as a multi-foldable housing in that it may be folded multiple times (e.g., has two folding regions, each region having a folding axis about which one housing part may be folded relative to at least one other housing part). The electronic device (101) may be referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device in that it includes a housing (200) and / or a flexible display (940) that can be folded multiple times. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0159] The first housing part (910) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (920) by the first hinge assembly (950). The second housing part (920) and the first housing part (910) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950). While the first housing part (910) is rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950), the second housing part (920) can be rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950). For example, when the second housing part (920) and the first housing part (910) are rotated with respect to the first hinge assembly (950), the angular displacement of the second housing part (920) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the first housing part (910).

[0160] The third housing part (930) can be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (920) by the second hinge assembly (960). The second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) can be rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960). While the second housing part (920) is rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960), the third housing part (930) can be rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960). For example, when the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) are rotated with respect to the second hinge assembly (960), the angular displacement (or angular change) of the second housing part (920) can be substantially equal to the angular displacement of the third housing part (930).

[0161] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can change the state of the electronic device. The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide (or enable) a first state (101a) of the electronic device (101) (or a first state (101a) of the housing (200)). The first state (101a) of the electronic device (101) (or the first state (101a) of the housing (200)) can be described as an unfolded state of the electronic device (101) (or the housing (200)). Within the first state (101a), the front surface of the first housing part (910), the front surface of the second housing part (920), and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can define the front surface of the electronic device (101). Within the first state (101a), the front surface of the first housing part (910), the front surface of the second housing part (920), and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can face substantially the same direction. Within the first state (101a), the electronic device (101) can provide a large display area of ​​the flexible display (940) to the user. For example, in the first state (101a), the first housing part (910), the second housing part (920), and the third housing part (930), or a surface (e.g., the front surface) of each, can form a plane (e.g., a single flat surface extending across the housing parts).

[0162] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide a second state (101b) of the electronic device (101) (or a second state (101b) of the housing (200)). The second state (101b) of the electronic device (101) (or the second state (101b) of the housing (200)) can be described as a multi-folded state of the electronic device (101) (or the housing (200)). Within the second state (101b), the front surface of the first housing part (910) and the front surface of the second housing part (920) can face in opposite directions, and the front surface of the second housing part (920) and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can face in opposite directions. Within the second state (101b), the front surface of the first housing part (910) and the front surface of the third housing part (930) may face the same direction. For example, within the second state (101b), the front surface of the second housing part (920) may face the front surface of the first housing part (910), and the front surface of the third housing part (930) may face the rear surface of the first housing part (910). Within the second state (101b), the electronic device (101) may be folded to enhance portability. The second state (101b) illustrated in FIG. 9b may be referred to as a G-fold or G-fold, which represents a shape formed by folding the electronic device (101). It will be appreciated that although various embodiments of the present disclosure include an electronic device having three housing parts as illustrated in FIG. 9a, the housing parts may be folded such that a Z-fold (or Z-fold) may be provided. In the case of an electronic device having first, second, and third housing parts when in a folded state corresponding to a Z-fold, the first housing part is rotatably connected to one side of the second housing part, and the third housing part is rotatably connected to the opposite side of the second housing part. The front side of the first housing part faces in the opposite direction to the front side of the second housing part (e.g., the rear side of the first housing part faces the rear side of the second housing part, and they can contact each other).And the front of the third housing part faces in the opposite direction to the front of the second housing part (for example, the front of the third housing part faces the front of the second housing part, and they can contact each other).

[0163] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide a third state of the electronic device (101). The third state of the electronic device (101) can be described as a state in which the electronic device (101) is partially folded and partially unfolded (or a single folded state or a half folded state). For example, within the third state, the front surface of the second housing part (920) and the front surface of the third housing part (930) can face the same direction, and the front surface of the first housing part (910) and the front surface of the second housing part (920) can face opposite directions. For example, within the third state, the first housing part (910) and the second housing part (920) can be folded, and the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) can be unfolded. For example, in the third state, the first angle between the first housing part (910) and the second housing part (920) may be different from the second angle between the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930), or the first angle and the second angle may be the same but not have a value of 0 degrees or 180 degrees.

[0164] A flexible display (940) can at least partially define the appearance of the electronic device (101). The flexible display (940) can be partially disposed within the housing (200). The flexible display (940) can define the front surface of the electronic device (101). The flexible display (940) can include a first planar portion (941), a second planar portion (942), a third planar portion (943), a first foldable portion (944), and a second foldable portion (945). The first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940) can be disposed on the front surface of the first housing part (910). The second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940) can be disposed on the front surface of the second housing part (920). The third flat portion (943) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed on the front side of the third housing part (930). The first foldable portion (944) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed between the first flat portion (941) and the second flat portion (942) of the flexible display (940). For example, the first foldable portion (944) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed on the first hinge assembly (950) connecting the first housing part (910) and the second housing part (920). The second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) may be disposed between the second flat portion (942) and the third flat portion (943) of the flexible display (940). For example, the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) may be placed on a second hinge assembly (960) connecting the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930).

[0165] In the first state (101a), the entire display area of ​​the flexible display (940) can be seen from the front of the housing (200). For example, the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), the third planar portion (943), the first foldable portion (944), and the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) can be visually exposed. The electronic device (101) can provide a user with a large display area including the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), the third planar portion (943), the first foldable portion (944), and the second foldable portion (945). In the second state (101b), the display area of ​​the flexible display (940) can be invisible. For example, the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), the third planar portion (943), the first foldable portion (944), and the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) may not be visually exposed. In the third state, the display area of ​​the flexible display (940) may be partially visible from the front of the third housing part (930). For example, the third planar portion (943) may be visually exposed, and the first planar portion (941) and the second planar portion (942) may not be visually exposed.

[0166] As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (940) is used to display a screen in a first state (101a) of the electronic device (101), all portions (941, 942, 943, 944, 945) of the flexible display (940) can be activated. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (940) is used to display a screen in a second state (101b), all portions (941, 942, 943, 944, 945) of the flexible display (940) can be deactivated. As a non-limiting example, when the flexible display (940) is used to display a screen in a third state of the electronic device (101), the third planar portion (943) can be activated, and other portions (941, 942, 944, 945) of the flexible display (940) can be deactivated. In various examples, instead of the flexible display (940), individual displays are provided for (e.g., covering) each of the first housing part (910), the second housing part (920), and the third housing part (930); in other examples, a flexible display is provided for (e.g., covering) two of the first housing part (910), the second housing part (920), and the third housing part (930), and another display is provided for (e.g., covering) the remaining one of the first housing part (910), the second housing part (920), and the third housing part (930).

[0167] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) may be arranged so that the first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940), the second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940), and the third planar portion (943) of the flexible display (940) may face substantially the same direction. In the first state (101a), the first foldable portion (944) and the second foldable portion (945) may be arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane as the first planar portion (941), the second planar portion (942), and the third planar portion (943).

[0168] The first hinge assembly (950) and the second hinge assembly (960) can provide a second state (101b) of the electronic device (101). Within the second state (101b), the second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940) can face the first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940), and the third planar portion (943) of the flexible display (940) can face the back of the first housing part (910). Within the second state (101b), the first foldable portion (944) of the flexible display (940) can be folded such that the first planar portion (941) of the flexible display (940) and the second planar portion (942) of the flexible display (940) face different directions. Within the second state (101b), the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) can be folded such that the second flat portion (942) of the flexible display (940) and the third flat portion (943) of the flexible display (940) face different directions.

[0169] Within the second state (101b), the first housing part (910) may be disposed between the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930). Within the second state (101b), the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940) disposed on the second hinge assembly (960) may be partially oriented toward the side surface (910c) of the first housing part (910). For example, in order to provide visual information to the user within the second state (101b), a sub-display (980) may be additionally disposed on the rear surface of the second housing part (920). For example, within the second state (101b), the sub-display (980) may be configured to provide visual information to the user instead of the flexible display (940). For example, the camera (975) may be partially protruded or exposed through the rear surface of the third housing part (930) to acquire an image regardless of a change in the state of the electronic device (101). For example, in the first state (101a), the flexible display (940) may be configured to display visual information related to an image acquired through the camera (975) through the flexible display (940). For example, in the second state (101b), the sub-display (980) may be configured to display visual information related to an image acquired through the camera (975) through the sub-display (980). However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0170] FIG. 9C is a top plan view of an exemplary electronic device in a first state with the flexible display removed. FIG. 9D is a rear view of the exemplary electronic device in a first state with the back cover removed.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 9c and 9d, the electronic device (101) may include a first hinge assembly (950) and a second hinge assembly (960). A first width (w1) of the first hinge assembly (950) may be narrower than a second width (w2) of the second hinge assembly (960). A difference between the first width (w1) of the first hinge assembly (950) and the second width (w2) of the second hinge assembly (960) may be equal to or greater than a thickness of the first housing part (910). For example, the second hinge assembly (960) may have a second width (w2) that is wider than the first width (w1) such that the first housing part (910) is disposed between the second housing part (920) and the third housing part (930) according to the second state (101b). The first hinge assembly (950) may be referred to as a narrow hinge structure in that it has a narrower width than the second hinge assembly (960). The second hinge assembly (960) may be referred to as a wide hinge structure in that it has a wider width than the first hinge assembly (950).

[0172] A first hinge assembly (950) may include a first set of gears (951), a first hinge plate (952), and a second hinge plate (953). The first hinge plate (952) may be coupled to a first support portion (911) of a first housing part (910). The second hinge plate (953) may be coupled to a second support portion (921) of a second housing part (920). The gears included in the first set of gears (951) may be configured to rotate the first hinge plate (952) and the second hinge plate (953). For example, the gears included in the first set of gears (951) can rotate the second hinge plate (953) (or the second housing part (920)) in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (952) (or the first housing part (910)). After the first hinge plate (952) (or the first housing part (910)) is rotated, the gears included in the first set of gears (951) can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the first hinge plate (952) (or the first housing part (910)). The second hinge plate (953) (or the second housing part (920)) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the first hinge plate (952) in accordance with the rotation of the gears included in the first set of gears (951).

[0173] A second hinge assembly (960) may include a second set of gears (961), a third hinge plate (962), a fourth hinge plate (963), and a support plate (964). The third hinge plate (962) may be coupled to a second support portion (921) of a second housing part (920). The fourth hinge plate (963) may be coupled to a third support portion (931) of a third housing part (930). The gears included in the second set of gears (961) may be configured to rotate the third hinge plate (962) and the fourth hinge plate (963). For example, the gears included in the second set of gears (961) can rotate the fourth hinge plate (963) (or the third housing part (930)) in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (962) (or the second housing part (920)). After the third hinge plate (962) (or the second housing part (920)) is rotated, the gears included in the second set of gears (961) can rotate in accordance with the rotation of the third hinge plate (962) (or the second housing part (920)). The fourth hinge plate (963) (or the third housing part (930)) can rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the third hinge plate (962) in accordance with the rotation of the gears included in the second set of gears (961).

[0174] An electronic device (101) may include a first printed circuit board (971), a second printed circuit board (972), and a third printed circuit board (973). Various hardware components may be mounted on each of the printed circuit boards (971, 972, 973).

[0175] A first printed circuit board (971) may be disposed on a first support portion (911) of a first housing part (910). Hardware components within the first housing part (910) may be disposed on the first printed circuit board (971). A second printed circuit board (972) may be disposed on a second support portion (921) of a second housing part (920). Hardware components within the second housing part (920) may be disposed on the second printed circuit board (972). A third printed circuit board (973) may be disposed on a third support portion (931) of a third housing part (930). Hardware components within the third housing part (930) (e.g., a rear camera (975)) may be disposed on the third printed circuit board (973).

[0176] The hardware components placed on the first printed circuit board (971) can support or operate independently of the hardware components placed on the second printed circuit board (972) and / or the hardware components placed on the third printed circuit board (973).

[0177] The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (972) may support or operate independently of the hardware components arranged on the first printed circuit board (971) or the third printed circuit board (973). The hardware components arranged on the second printed circuit board (972) may include a speaker, a front camera, and / or a display driving circuit.

[0178] Hardware components arranged on the third printed circuit board (973) may include at least one processor including a processing circuit, a memory including one or more storage media, a communication circuit, and a rear camera (975). The rear camera (975) may be exposed through a structure (e.g., an opening) on ​​the rear of the third housing part (930).

[0179] The electronic device (101) may further include batteries. Each of the batteries may be attached to support portions (911, 921, 931) included in the housing parts (910, 920, 930). The support portions (911, 921, 931) may support rechargeable batteries.

[0180] The housing (200) may include frames (915, 925, 935). For example, the frames (915, 925, 935) may form an edge of the electronic device (101) within the first state (101a). For example, the first housing part (910) may include a first frame (915) that at least partially surrounds the first support portion (911). The second housing part (920) may include a second frame (925) that at least partially surrounds the second support portion (912). The third housing part (930) may include a third frame (935) that at least partially surrounds the third support portion (913). The second frame (925) may be positioned between the first frame (915) and the third frame (935) within the first state (101a) of the electronic device (101). The frames (915, 925, 935) may be referred to as a peripheral portion and / or deco of the housing (200) in that they are positioned along the edge of the electronic device (101) to protect the edge of the flexible display (940), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0181] Although the first housing part (910) and the third housing part (930) are shown as rotating in opposite directions with respect to the second housing part (920), this is not limited thereto. For example, during the change from the first state (101a) to the second state (101b), the first housing part (910) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (920), and the third housing part (930) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (920). As the first housing part (910) and the third housing part (930) rotate in the same direction, a portion of the display area of ​​the flexible display (940) within the second state (101b) may be visually exposed. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and for example, while changing from the first state (101a) to the second state (101b), the first housing part (910) may rotate clockwise with respect to the second housing part (920), and the third housing part (930) may rotate counterclockwise with respect to the second housing part (920).

[0182] FIG. 9e is a plan view of a substrate disposed within the exemplary electronic device of FIGS. 9a to 9d.

[0183] Referring to FIG. 9e, the substrate (990) may include a first substrate portion (991), a second substrate portion (992), a third substrate portion (993), a fourth substrate portion (994), and a fifth substrate portion (995).

[0184] Referring to FIGS. 9A to 9D together, the first substrate portion (991) may be positioned below the first flat portion (941) of the flexible display (940). The second substrate portion (992) may be positioned below the second flat portion (942) of the flexible display (940). The third substrate portion (993) may be positioned below the third flat portion (943) of the flexible display (940). Since the substrate portions (991, 992, 993) support the flat portions (941, 942, 943), respectively, they may be portions of the substrate (990) that are not deformed.

[0185] The fourth substrate portion (994) may be positioned below the first foldable portion (944) of the flexible display (940). The fifth substrate portion (995) may be positioned below the second foldable portion (945) of the flexible display (940). The substrate portions (994, 995) may be deformable portions of the substrate (990) since they support the foldable portions (944, 945), respectively. For example, the substrate portions (944, 945) may each include a plurality of holes (996). For example, since the width of the second foldable portion (945) supported by the fifth substrate portion (995) is greater than the width of the first foldable portion (944) supported by the fourth substrate portion (994), the substrate portion (995) may include a portion (995c) having a continuous surface without the plurality of holes (996) between the portions (995a, 995b) in which the plurality of holes (996) are formed. However, the embodiments supported in the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0186] For example, a conductive line (531) may extend from a first substrate portion (991) across a fourth substrate portion (994), a second substrate portion (992), and a fifth substrate portion (995) to a third substrate portion (993). The conductive line (531) may cross the fourth portion (994) and the fifth portion (995) by closely bypassing (e.g., forming between) a plurality of holes (996) formed in the fourth substrate portion (994) and the fifth substrate portion (995). For example, a first terminal (581) disposed in the first substrate portion (991) and a second terminal (582) disposed in the third substrate portion (993) may be connected to each other via the conductive line (531). The above conductive line (531) may be an electrical wire for high-speed data transmission for a flexible display (940), but is not limited thereto.

[0187] For example, the conductive line (532) may extend from the first substrate portion (991) across the fourth substrate portion (994) to the second substrate portion (992). The conductive line (532) may cross the fourth substrate portion (994) by closely bypassing the plurality of holes (996) formed in the fourth substrate portion (994). For example, the third terminal (583) disposed on the first substrate portion (991) and the fourth terminal (584) disposed on the second substrate portion (992) may be connected to each other through the conductive line (532). The conductive line (532) may be a power line of a battery of the electronic device (101) (e.g., battery (189) of FIG. 1), but the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0188] For example, a portion (531b) of the conductive line (531) may be branched from the conductive line (531) within the second substrate portion (992). The portion (531b) may extend, for example, from the conductive line (531) to a fourth terminal (584) disposed in the second substrate portion (932). However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the electronic device (101) may include a plurality of conductive lines that traverse the substrate portions (994, 995) by closely bypassing the plurality of holes (996).

[0189] For example, the configurations and / or structures (e.g., multiple layers (500), conductive lines (530), coating materials (540), conductive materials (610), conductive ink materials (620), multiple conductive vias (630), shielding films (640), protective films (650), adhesive layers (660)) disposed on the substrate (510) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIGS. 6 to 8 may be substantially identically or similarly applied to the substrate portions (994, 995) of the substrate (990) exemplarily illustrated and described in FIG. 9e. However, the embodiments supported by the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

[0190] FIG. 10A is a top plan view of an exemplary electronic device in a retracted state.

[0191] Referring to FIG. 10A, an electronic device (101) may include a housing (200) including a first housing part (1010), a second housing part (1020) movable relative to the first housing part (1010) in a first direction (1061) parallel to the y-axis or a second direction (1062) parallel to the y-axis and opposite to the first direction (1061), and a flexible display (1030).

[0192] For example, the electronic device (101) may be in the collapsed state. For example, within the collapsed state, the second housing part (1020) may be movable relative to the first housing part (1010) in a first direction (1061) among the first direction (1061) and the second direction (1062). For example, within the collapsed state, the second housing part (1020) may not be movable relative to the first housing part (1010) in a second direction (1062) opposite to the first direction (1061).

[0193] For example, within the collapsed state, the flexible display (1030) may provide the display area having the smallest size. For example, within the collapsed state, the display area may correspond to the area (1030a). For example, although not illustrated in FIG. 10A, within the collapsed state, an area of ​​the flexible display (1030) other than the display area (1030a) (e.g., area (1030b) of FIG. 10C) may be located within the first housing part (1010). For example, within the collapsed state, the area (e.g., area (1030b) of FIG. 10C) may be covered by the first housing part (1010). For example, within the collapsed state, the area (e.g., area (1030b) of FIG. 10C) may be rolled into the first housing part (1010). For example, within the reduced state, region (1030a) may include a planar portion, unlike the region (e.g., region (1030b) of FIG. 10c) that includes a curved portion. However, this is not limited thereto. For example, region (1030a) may also include a curved portion that extends from the planar portion and is positioned within an edge portion, within the reduced state.

[0194] For example, the collapsed state may be referred to as a slide-in state or a closed state in that at least a portion of the second housing part (1020) is positioned within the first housing part (1010).

[0195] For example, the first housing part (1010) may include a first image sensor (1050-1) within a camera module (e.g., camera module (180) of FIG. 1) that is visually exposed through a portion of the area (1030a) and parallel to the z-axis. For example, the camera module (180) may also be arranged to perform its function within the internal space of the electronic device without being visually exposed through a portion of the area (1030a). For example, although not illustrated in FIG. 10A, the second housing part (1020) may include one or more second image sensors within a camera module (180) that are exposed through a portion of the second housing part (1020) and parallel to the z-axis. For example, the one or more second image sensors may be exemplified through the description of FIG. 10B.

[0196] FIG. 10b is a bottom view of an exemplary electronic device in a reduced state.

[0197] Referring to FIG. 10b, within the reduced state, one or more second image sensors (1050-2) disposed within the second housing part (1020) may be positioned within a structure disposed within the first housing part (1010) for one or more second image sensors (1050-2).

[0198] For example, light from outside the electronic device (101) may be received by one or more second image sensors (1050-2) through the structure within the collapsed state. For example, since the one or more second image sensors (1050-2) are positioned within the structure within the collapsed state, the one or more second image sensors (1050-2) may be exposed through the structure within the collapsed state. For example, the structure may be implemented in various ways. For example, the structure may be an opening or a notch. For example, the structure may be an opening (1012a) within a plate (1012) of the first housing part (1010) that surrounds at least a portion of the second housing part (1020). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, within the reduced state, one or more second image sensors (1050-2) contained within the second housing part (1020) may be covered by the plate (1012) of the first housing part (1010).

[0199] Referring again to FIG. 10a, the collapsed state can be changed to the expanded state.

[0200] For example, the collapsed state (or the expanded state) may be changed to the expanded state (or the collapsed state) through one or more intermediate states between the collapsed state and the expanded state.

[0201] For example, the collapsed state (or the expanded state) may be changed to the expanded state (or the collapsed state) based on a defined user input. For example, the collapsed state (or the expanded state) may be changed to the expanded state (or the collapsed state) in response to a user input to a physical button exposed through a part of the first housing part (1010) or a part of the second housing part (1020). For example, the collapsed state (or the expanded state) may be changed to the expanded state (or the collapsed state) in response to a touch input to an executable object displayed within the display area. For example, the collapsed state (or the expanded state) may be changed to the expanded state (or the collapsed state) in response to a touch input having a contact point on the display area and having a pressing strength greater than or equal to a reference strength. For example, the collapsed state (or the expanded state) may be changed to the expanded state (or the collapsed state) in response to a voice input received through a microphone of the electronic device (101). For example, the collapsed state (or the expanded state) may be changed to the expanded state (or the collapsed state) in response to an external force applied to the first housing part (1010) and / or the second housing part (1020) to move the second housing part (1020) with respect to the first housing part (1010). For example, the collapsed state (or the expanded state) may be changed to the expanded state (or the collapsed state) in response to a user input identified from an external electronic device (e.g., earbuds or a smart watch) connected to the electronic device (101). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0202] The above extended state can be exemplified through the description of FIG. 10c and FIG. 10d.

[0203] FIG. 10c is a plan view of an exemplary electronic device in an extended state.

[0204] Referring to FIG. 10C, the electronic device (101) may be in the expanded state. For example, in the expanded state, the second housing part (1020) may be movable relative to the first housing part (1010) in a second direction (1062) among the first direction (1061) and the second direction (1062). For example, in the expanded state, the second housing part (1020) may not be movable relative to the first housing part (1010) in the first direction (1061) opposite to the second direction (1062).

[0205] For example, within the expanded state, the flexible display (1030) may provide the display area having the largest size. For example, within the expanded state, the display area may correspond to an area (1030c) including an area (1030a) and an area (1030b). For example, within the collapsed state, an area (1030b) located within the first housing part (1010) may be exposed outside the housing (1010) within the expanded state. For example, within the expanded state, the area (1030a) may include a flat portion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the area (1030a) may also include a curved portion extending from the flat portion and positioned within the edge portion. For example, within the expanded state, the area (1030b) may include a flat portion among the flat portion and the curved portion, unlike the area (1030a) within the collapsed state. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the region (1030b) may include a curved portion extending from the planar portion of the region (1030b) and positioned within the edge portion.

[0206] For example, the flexible display (1030) may include a region (1030a) disposed on the second housing part (1020), and a region (1030b) extending from the region (1030a) and at least partially residing within the first housing part (1010) or visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101) as the second housing part (1020) moves relative to the first housing part (1010). For example, the region (1030a) may be a portion of the flexible display (1030) that is visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (101). The region (1030a) may be a portion that is not deformed as the second housing part (1020) moves relative to the first housing part (1010). For example, the region (1030b) may be a portion that is deformed along the second housing part (1020) that moves relative to the first housing part (1010) of the flexible display (1030). The flexible display (1030) may be referred to as a rollable display in that it includes the rollable region (1030b), but is not limited thereto.

[0207] For example, the expanded state may be referred to as a slide-out state or an open state in that at least a portion of the second housing part (1020) is positioned outside the first housing part (1010). For example, the expanded state may be referred to as an expanded state in that it provides the display area having the largest size. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0208] For example, the first image sensor (1050-1) may be moved together with the area (1030a) according to the movement of the second housing part (1020) in the second direction (1062) when the state of the electronic device (101) changes from the collapsed state to the expanded state. For example, although not shown in FIG. 10c, one or more second image sensors (1050-2) may be moved according to the movement of the second housing part (1020) in the second direction (1062) when the state of the electronic device (101) changes from the collapsed state to the expanded state. For example, the relative positional relationship between one or more second image sensors (1050-2) and the structure within the first housing part (1010) illustrated through the description of FIG. 10b may be changed according to the movement of one or more second image sensors (1050-2). For example, the change in the above relative position relationship can be illustrated through Fig. 10d.

[0209] FIG. 10d is a bottom view of an exemplary electronic device in an expanded state.

[0210] Referring to FIG. 10d, within the expanded state, one or more second image sensors (1050-2) may be positioned outside the structure (e.g., an opening or a notch) within the first housing part (1010) as illustrated in the description of FIG. 10b. For example, within the expanded state, one or more second image sensors (1050-2) may be positioned outside the opening (1012a) within the plate (1012). For example, one or more second image sensors (1050-2) may be exposed through the opening (1012a) within the collapsed state. The one or more second image sensors (1050-2) may be exposed by being positioned outside the opening (1012a) within the expanded state. For example, since one or more second image sensors (1050-2) are positioned outside the structure within the expanded state, the relative positional relationship between one or more second image sensors (1050-2) within the expanded state and the structure within the first housing part (1010) illustrated through the description of FIG. 10B may be different from the relative positional relationship within the collapsed state.

[0211] For example, if the electronic device (101) does not include the above structure such as the opening (1012a), one or more second image sensors (1050-2) in the collapsed state may not be exposed outside the housing, but in the expanded state, one or more second image sensors (1050-2) may be exposed outside the housing (200).

[0212] Although not shown in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, the electronic device (101) may be in an intermediate state between the collapsed state and the expanded state. For example, the size of the display area of ​​the flexible display (1030) in the intermediate state may be larger than the size of the display area in the collapsed state and smaller than the size of the display area in the expanded state. For example, the display area in the intermediate state may correspond to an area including a portion of area (1030a) and area (1030b). For example, in the intermediate state, a portion of area (1030b) may be exposed, and another portion (or a remaining portion) of area (1030b) may be covered by the first housing part (1010) or rolled into the first housing part (1010). However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0213] As described above, a foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a flexible display (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2A) including a first display portion (e.g., first display portion (231) of FIG. 2A), a second display portion (e.g., second display portion (232) of FIG. 2A), and a third display portion (e.g., third display portion (233) of FIG. 2A) extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to bend when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state. The foldable electronic device may include a printed circuit board (e.g., the substrate (510) of FIG. 5a) that supports the flexible display and includes a first portion corresponding to the first display portion (e.g., the first portion (511) of FIG. 5a), a second portion corresponding to the second display portion (e.g., the second portion (512) of FIG. 5a), a third portion corresponding to the third display portion (e.g., the third portion (513) of FIG. 5a) that includes surfaces defining holes (e.g., a plurality of holes (520) of FIG. 5a), and a wire extending from the first portion to the second portion across the third portion of the printed circuit board by closely circumventing at least some of the holes (e.g., a conductive line (530) of FIG. 5b, a first conductive line (531) of FIG. 6). The foldable electronic device may include a conductive material (e.g., conductive material (610) of FIG. 6) plated on the surfaces of the third portion of the printed circuit board and electrically disconnected from the wire.

[0214] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a conductive ink material (e.g., the conductive ink material (620) of FIG. 6) that is filled within the holes together with the conductive material and is in contact with the conductive material.

[0215] For example, the conductive ink material may have elasticity and may be attached to the conductive material to provide elastic support to the third portion of the printed circuit board within the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0216] For example, the conductive ink material and the conductive material may be electrically connected to the ground of the printed circuit board to shield a portion of the wire crossing the third portion of the printed circuit board through the ground of the printed circuit board.

[0217] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a first terminal (e.g., a first terminal (581) of FIG. 5A) disposed on the first portion of the printed circuit board and connected to the wire, and a second terminal (e.g., a second terminal (582) of FIG. 5A) disposed on the second portion of the printed circuit board and connected to the wire. The first terminal and the second terminal may be electrically connected to each other via the wire.

[0218] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a shielding film (e.g., shielding film (640) of FIG. 7A) that is at least partially attached to the third portion to shield the wire through the ground electrically connected to the conductive material together with the conductive material and covers the holes.

[0219] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a protective film (e.g., the protective film (650) of FIG. 7A) attached on the shielding film. The shielding film and the protective film may have elasticity.

[0220] For example, the printed circuit board may further include another wire (e.g., another conductive line (532) of FIG. 6) extending from the first portion across the third portion to the second portion and positioned adjacent to the wire so as to closely bypass at least some of the holes.

[0221] For example, the printed circuit board may further include a plurality of conductive vias (e.g., a plurality of conductive vias (630) of FIG. 6) that at least partially penetrate the printed circuit board and are positioned between the wire and the other wire.

[0222] For example, the printed circuit board may further include insulating layers (e.g., a plurality of layers (500) of FIG. 5B). The wire may be interposed between the insulating layers so as to be disposed within the printed circuit board.

[0223] For example, the insulating layers may be formed from graphite and provide a thermal conduction path for heat generated from the wire between the first portion and the second portion crossing the third portion.

[0224] For example, the holes may include a first hole (e.g., a first hole (521) of FIG. 6) and a second hole (e.g., a second hole (522) of FIG. 6) arranged adjacent to the first hole. A distance between the first hole and a portion of the wire arranged between the first hole and the second hole (e.g., d1 of FIG. 6) may correspond to a distance between the second hole and the portion of the wire (e.g., d2 of FIG. 6).

[0225] For example, the third portion of the printed circuit board may further include a support portion (e.g., bendable portions (513d, 513e) of FIG. 5a) without the holes so as to have a continuous surface.

[0226] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a foldable housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A) including a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A) coupled to the first display portion and a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A) coupled to the second display portion, and a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C) configured to rotatably couple the first housing part and the second housing part and deform the third display portion.

[0227] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1). The wire may be used to transmit signals from the wireless communication circuit to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1).

[0228] According to the above-mentioned, the electronic device may include a flexible display including a deformable portion configured to be bent, a printed circuit board supporting the flexible display and including holes disposed under the deformable portion, a conductive line disposed within the printed circuit board and closely circumventing at least a portion of the holes, a conductive material plated on an inner surface of each of the holes, and a conductive ink material filled within the holes together with the conductive material and attached to the conductive material.

[0229] For example, the conductive ink material of the electronic device may be elastic to provide elastic support to the printed circuit board within a state in which the variable portion is at least partially bent.

[0230] For example, the conductive ink material and the conductive material may be electrically connected to the ground of the printed circuit board to shield at least a portion of the holes and a portion of the conductive line adjacent thereto through the ground of the printed circuit board.

[0231] For example, the holes may include a first hole and a second hole disposed adjacent to the first hole. A distance between the first hole and a portion of the conductive line disposed between the first hole and the second hole may correspond to a distance between the second hole and the portion of the conductive line.

[0232] For example, the printed circuit board may further include insulating layers formed from graphite.

[0233] As described above, a foldable electronic device (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a flexible display (e.g., display (230) of FIG. 2A) including a first display portion (e.g., first display portion (231) of FIG. 2A), a second display portion (e.g., second display portion (232) of FIG. 2A), and a third display portion (e.g., third display portion (233) of FIG. 2A) configured to extend from the first display portion to the second display portion and be bent. The foldable electronic device may include a substrate (e.g., the substrate (510) of FIG. 5A) disposed below the flexible display and including a first portion (e.g., the first portion (511) of FIG. 5A) aligned with the first display portion, a second portion (e.g., the second portion (512) of FIG. 5A) aligned with the second display portion, and a third portion (e.g., the third portion (513) of FIG. 5A) aligned with the third display portion and including a plurality of holes (e.g., the plurality of holes (520) of FIG. 5A). The foldable electronic device may include a conductive line (e.g., the conductive line (530) of FIG. 5B, the first conductive line (531) of FIG. 6) disposed on the substrate and extending from the first portion across the third portion to the second portion and adjacent to the plurality of holes so as to bypass the plurality of holes on the third portion. The above foldable electronic device may include a conductive material (e.g., conductive material (610) of FIG. 6) plated on the inner surface of each of the plurality of holes to shield the conductive line.

[0234] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a conductive ink material (e.g., conductive ink material (620) of FIG. 6) that is filled within the plurality of holes to shield the conductive line together with the conductive material and that is in contact with the conductive material.

[0235] For example, the conductive ink material may be elastically attached to the conductive material to provide elastic support to the third portion of the substrate within the folded state of the foldable electronic device.

[0236] For example, the conductive material may be plated on the third portion so that the conductive material surrounds the conductive line.

[0237] For example, the conductive material may include a first conductive portion (e.g., a first conductive portion (611) in FIG. 7A) plated on a first side of the substrate facing the flexible display, a second conductive portion (e.g., a second conductive portion (612) in FIG. 7A) plated on a second side of the substrate opposite the first side, and a third conductive portion (e.g., a third conductive portion (613) in FIG. 7A) plated on the inner surface of each of the plurality of holes and extending from the first conductive portion to the second conductive portion.

[0238] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a shielding film (e.g., shielding film (640) of FIG. 7A) that is at least partially attached to the third portion to shield the conductive line together with the conductive material and covers the plurality of holes.

[0239] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a protective film (e.g., the protective film (650) of FIG. 7A) attached on the shielding film. The shielding film and the protective film may have elasticity.

[0240] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include another conductive line (e.g., another conductive line (532) of FIG. 6) disposed on the substrate, extending from the first portion across the third portion to the second portion, and disposed adjacent to the conductive line so as to bypass the plurality of holes on the third portion.

[0241] For example, the substrate may further include a plurality of conductive vias (e.g., the plurality of conductive vias (630) of FIG. 6) that at least partially penetrate the substrate and are positioned between the conductive line and the other conductive line.

[0242] For example, the substrate may further include a plurality of layers (e.g., a plurality of layers (500) of FIG. 5B). The conductive line may be positioned between two of the plurality of layers.

[0243] For example, the substrate may further include a coating material (e.g., an adhesive layer (660) of FIG. 7A) that surrounds the conductive line and at least partially penetrates between the plurality of layers.

[0244] For example, the plurality of holes may include a first hole (e.g., a first hole (521) of FIG. 6) and a second hole (e.g., a second hole (522) of FIG. 6) arranged adjacent to the first hole. A distance between the first hole and a portion of the conductive line arranged between the first hole and the second hole (e.g., d1 of FIG. 6) may correspond to a distance between the second hole and the portion of the conductive line (e.g., d2 of FIG. 6).

[0245] For example, the third portion of the substrate may further include a support portion (e.g., bendable portions (513d, 513e) of FIG. 5a) without the plurality of holes so as to have a continuous surface.

[0246] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a foldable housing (e.g., housing (200) of FIG. 2A) including a first housing part (e.g., first housing part (210) of FIG. 2A) coupled to the first display portion and a second housing part (e.g., second housing part (220) of FIG. 2A) coupled to the second display portion, and a hinge assembly (e.g., hinge structure (250) of FIG. 2C) configured to rotatably couple the first housing part and the second housing part and deform the third display portion.

[0247] For example, the foldable electronic device may further include a wireless communication circuit. The conductive line may be used to transmit signals from the wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication module (192) of FIG. 1) to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1).

[0248] According to the above, the electronic device may include a flexible display including a deformable portion configured to be bent (e.g., the third display portion (233) of FIG. 2A). The electronic device may include a substrate supporting the flexible display and including a plurality of holes disposed under the deformable portion. The electronic device may include a conductive line formed on the substrate and disposed adjacent to the plurality of holes so as to at least partially bypass the plurality of holes. The electronic device may include a conductive material plated on an inner surface of each of the plurality of holes, and a conductive ink material filled within the plurality of holes together with the conductive material. The conductive material and the conductive ink material may be configured to shield the conductive line bypassing the plurality of holes.

[0249] For example, the conductive ink material may be elastically attached to the conductive material to provide elastic support to the substrate while the variable portion is at least partially bent.

[0250] For example, the conductive material may include a first conductive portion plated on a first side of the substrate facing the flexible display, a second conductive portion plated on a second side of the substrate opposite the first side, and a third conductive portion plated on the inner surface of each of the plurality of holes and extending from the first conductive portion to the second conductive portion.

[0251] For example, the electronic device may further include a shielding film attached to the substrate to shield the conductive line together with the conductive material and the conductive ink material, and covering the conductive ink material.

[0252] For example, the substrate may further include a plurality of layers, and a coating material that surrounds the plurality of layers and forms an outer surface of the substrate.

[0253] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0254] 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.

[0255] 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).

[0256] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0257] 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.

[0258] 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.

[0259] It will also be appreciated that certain aspects and embodiments of this disclosure are presented in the following numbered paragraphs.

[0260] Paragraph 1. A foldable electronic device comprising: a flexible display, the flexible display including: a first display portion, a second display portion, and a third display portion extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to bend when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state; a printed circuit board supporting the flexible display, the printed circuit board including: a first portion corresponding to the first display portion, a second portion corresponding to the second display portion, a third portion corresponding to the third display portion, a plurality of holes formed in an area of ​​the third portion, and a wire, the wire configured to extend from the first portion of the printed circuit board, through the third portion of the printed circuit board, to the second portion of the printed circuit board, so as to pass between a first number of holes among the plurality of holes; and a conductive material disposed on inner surfaces of the plurality of holes and electrically isolated from the wire.

[0261] Paragraph 2. In the foldable electronic device of paragraph 1, a conductive ink material is provided in each hole of the plurality of holes, and the foldable electronic device is in contact with the conductive material.

[0262] Paragraph 3. In the foldable electronic device of paragraph 2, the conductive ink provided in each hole of the plurality of holes has elasticity and is attached to the conductive material.

[0263] Paragraph 4. In the foldable electronic device of paragraph 2 or paragraph 3, the conductive ink material and the conductive material are electrically connected to the ground of the printed circuit board so as to shield a portion of the wire crossing the third portion of the printed circuit board through the ground of the printed circuit board.

[0264] Paragraph 5. A foldable electronic device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, further comprising: a first terminal disposed on the first portion of the printed circuit board and connected to the wire; and a second terminal disposed on the second portion of the printed circuit board and connected to the wire, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected to each other via the wire.

[0265] Paragraph 6. A foldable electronic device according to paragraphs 1 to 5, further comprising a shielding film attached on the third portion to shield the wire.

[0266] Paragraph 7. A foldable electronic device according to paragraph 6, further comprising a protective film attached on the shielding film, wherein the shielding film and the protective film have elasticity.

[0267] Paragraph 8. In the foldable electronic device of paragraphs 1 to 7, the printed circuit board includes another wire configured to extend from the first portion of the printed circuit board, through the third portion of the printed circuit board, to the second portion of the printed circuit board, wherein the other wire is provided between a second number of holes among the plurality of holes, and a portion of the other wire is disposed adjacent to a portion of the wire.

[0268] Paragraph 9. A foldable electronic device according to paragraph 8, wherein the printed circuit board comprises a plurality of conductive vias that at least partially penetrate the printed circuit board and are interposed between the portion of the wire and the other portion of the other wire.

[0269] Paragraph 10. A foldable electronic device according to paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein the printed circuit board further includes insulating layers, and the wires are interposed between the insulating layers.

[0270] Paragraph 11. In the foldable electronic device of paragraph 10, the insulating layers are formed from graphite.

[0271] Paragraph 12. In the foldable electronic device of paragraphs 1 to 11, the plurality of holes include a first hole and a second hole disposed adjacent to the first hole, and a distance between the first hole and the section of the wire disposed between the first hole and the first hole and the second hole corresponds to a second distance between the second hole and the section of the wire.

[0272] Paragraph 13. A foldable electronic device according to paragraphs 1 to 12, wherein the third portion of the printed circuit board includes another region that is different from the first region and is configured to support the third display portion.

[0273] Paragraph 14. A foldable electronic device according to paragraphs 1 to 13, further comprising a foldable housing comprising a first housing part coupled to the first display part and a second housing part coupled to the second display part; and a hinge assembly configured to rotatably couple the first housing part and the second housing part and deform the third display part.

[0274] Paragraph 15. A foldable electronic device according to paragraphs 1 to 14, further comprising a wireless communication circuit, wherein the wire is used to transmit and / or receive signals from the wireless communication circuit to an external electronic device.

Claims

1. In foldable electronic devices, A flexible display, wherein the flexible display comprises: First display section, Second display part, and A third display portion extending from the first display portion to the second display portion and configured to bend when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state; A printed circuit board supporting the above flexible display, the printed circuit board comprising: A first part corresponding to the first display part, A second part corresponding to the second display part, A third part corresponding to the third display part, a plurality of holes being formed within an area of ​​the third part, and A wire, wherein the wire is configured to extend from a first portion of the printed circuit board, through a third portion of the printed circuit board, and into a second portion of the printed circuit board, so as to pass between a first number of holes among a plurality of holes; and A conductive material disposed on the inner surfaces of the plurality of holes and electrically isolated from the wire, Foldable electronic devices.

2. In paragraph 1, A conductive ink material is provided in each hole of the plurality of holes, and is in contact with the conductive material. Foldable electronic devices.

3. In paragraph 2, The conductive ink provided within each hole of the plurality of holes is Having elasticity, and attached to the conductive material, Foldable electronic devices.

4. In paragraph 2, The above conductive ink material and the above conductive material, A portion of the wire crossing the third portion of the printed circuit board is electrically connected to the ground of the printed circuit board so as to be shielded through the ground of the printed circuit board. Foldable electronic devices.

5. In paragraph 1, A first terminal disposed on the first portion of the printed circuit board and connected to the wire; and further comprising a second terminal disposed on the second portion of the printed circuit board and connected to the wire; The above first terminal and the above second terminal, Electrically connected to each other through the above wires, Foldable electronic devices.

6. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a shielding film attached on the third portion to shield the wire; Foldable electronic devices.

7. In paragraph 6, Further comprising a protective film attached on the above shielding film, The above shielding film and the above protective film, elastic, Foldable electronic devices.

8. In paragraph 1, The above printed circuit board, Another wire configured to extend from the first portion of the printed circuit board, through the third portion of the printed circuit board, to the second portion of the printed circuit board, The other wires above are, Provided between a second number of holes among the plurality of holes, A portion of said other wire is arranged adjacent to a portion of said wire, Foldable electronic devices.

9. In paragraph 8, The above printed circuit board, A plurality of conductive vias at least partially penetrating the printed circuit board and interposed between the portion of the wire and the other portion of the other wire, Foldable electronic devices.

10. In paragraph 1, The above printed circuit board, Including more insulating layers, The above wires are, interposed between the above insulating layers, Foldable electronic devices.

11. In paragraph 10, The above insulating layers are, formed from graphite, Foldable electronic devices.

12. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of holes are, 1st hall, and including a second hole arranged adjacent to the first hole; The distance between the sections of the wire arranged between the first hole and the first hole and the second hole is corresponding to the second distance between the second hole and the section of the wire, Foldable electronic devices.

13. In paragraph 1, The third part of the printed circuit board, comprising another area different from the above-mentioned area and configured to support the third display portion; Foldable electronic devices.

14. In paragraph 1, A foldable housing including a first housing part coupled to the first display part and a second housing part coupled to the second display part; and Further comprising a hinge assembly configured to rotatably connect the first housing part and the second housing part and deform the third display part. Foldable electronic devices.

15. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a wireless communication circuit, The above wires are, Used to transmit and / or receive signals from the above wireless communication circuit to an external electronic device, Foldable electronic devices.

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