Foldable electronic device including buffer member

Abstract

A foldable electronic device according to an embodiment may comprise: a foldable housing (101); a flexible display (130) which is arranged in the foldable housing, is folded or unfolded with respect to a folding axis of the foldable housing, and includes a first layer part (LA1) and a second layer part (LA2) arranged over the first layer part; a first buffer member (610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1210) arranged between the side portion of the flexible display and an inner side surface (513) of the foldable housing and having first elasticity higher than that of the inner side surface; and a second buffer member (620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1220) arranged between the side portion of the flexible display and the first buffer member and having second elasticity higher than that of the first buffer member.

Description

Foldable electronic device including a buffer member

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a foldable electronic device comprising a cushioning member.

[0002] With the integration of communication technologies and advancements in display technology, portable electronic devices are now used by almost everyone as everyday electronic devices. Many users make calls with others or utilize web-based information search, collection, and information provision functions without being restricted by location or time. Currently, the majority of usage time for portable electronic devices is concentrated on information retrieval. Users feel the need for faster information retrieval and verification, and in this regard, they are demanding larger display panels.

[0003] If the display panel becomes larger, the size of the portable electronic device must increase, which may lead to an increase in weight. Consequently, larger display panels can reduce the portability of the device and create vulnerabilities that make it susceptible to deformation or damage from external impacts. To address these issues, research is being conducted on various types of display panels. For example, foldable electronic devices allow the display to be unfolded or folded as needed, enabling the device to maintain portability while keeping its size below a certain threshold.

[0004] A foldable electronic device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include: a foldable housing (101); a flexible display disposed within the foldable housing and folded or unfolded with respect to a folding axis of the foldable housing, comprising a first layer portion and a second layer portion disposed on the first layer portion; a first cushioning member disposed between a side of the flexible display and an inner surface of the foldable housing and having a first elasticity higher than that of the inner surface; and a second cushioning member disposed between a side of the flexible display and the first cushioning member and having a second elasticity higher than that of the first cushioning member.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rear direction of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 including a hinge device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of an unfolded state of a display of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a display of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of a first deformation buffer member of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIGS. 9a and 9b are drawings showing examples of a portion of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0018] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0019] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] The present invention, described below, can provide a foldable electronic device capable of reducing display stress due to slippage of the display resulting from the folding operation of the electronic device (or display, foldable housing) and ensuring the robustness of the cushioning structure against external forces. Furthermore, the foldable electronic device of the present invention can minimize or reduce the amount of slippage by interrupting the slippage that continuously increases from the neutral plane by applying a step to the display. In addition, the foldable electronic device of the present invention can eliminate protective decorations, thereby improving aesthetics and reducing the black matrix due to the elimination of protective decorations.

[0021] In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

[0022] Hereinafter, various structures, arrangements, and relationships with surrounding structures of a foldable electronic device including the antenna described herein will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear plan view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a foldable electronic device (100) may include a first housing (110) (e.g., a first housing structure) comprising a first side member (113) (e.g., a side bezel) and a second housing (120) (e.g., a second housing structure) comprising a second side member (123) (e.g., a side bezel), which are foldably joined to each other with respect to a folding axis (F) through at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) (e.g., a hinge module or a hinge structure) with respect to a folding axis (F). For example, the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) may be configured as a foldable housing (e.g., a housing structure). For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a first display (130) (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) positioned to be supported by a first housing (110) and a second housing (120). For example, the first housing (110) may include a first surface (111) and a second surface (112) facing in the opposite direction of the first surface (111) (e.g., the -z axis direction). For example, the second housing (120) may include a third surface (121) and a fourth surface (122) facing in the opposite direction of the third surface (121) (e.g., the -z axis direction). For example, the first housing (110) may include a first rear cover (114) coupled with a first side member (113). For example, the second housing (120) may include a second rear cover (124) combined with a second side member (123). For example, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a fully unfolded first state (e.g., unfolded state, unfolded state, or unfolded state), the first surface (111) and the third surface (121) may be operated so that they face substantially the same direction (e.g., z-axis direction).For example, when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a completely folded second state (e.g., folded state or folded state), the first side (111) and the third side (121) may be operated to face each other or face in opposite directions. For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may be operated to maintain a third state (e.g., intermediate state) between the first state and the second state.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a hole (110_rch) in which a receiver is disposed on a first side (111) of a first housing (110), at least one sensor module (104) (e.g., an ambient light sensor) and / or at least one first camera module (105) (e.g., a UDC, under display camera). For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may include at least one key (106) disposed on a first side member (113). For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a second display (131) (e.g., a sub-display), at least one second camera module (108) and / or a flash (109) disposed on a second side (112) (e.g., a first rear cover (114)) of the first housing (110). For example, the second display (131) may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the first rear cover (114). For example, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a speaker (102), a microphone (103), or a connector port (107) disposed on a second side member (123). At least some of the aforementioned plurality of components may be repositioned to the first housing (110) and / or the second housing (120).

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first display (130) (e.g., flexible display) may include a first region (130a) (e.g., first planar portion) corresponding to at least a portion of the first surface (111), a second region (130b) (e.g., second planar portion) corresponding to at least a portion of the third surface (121), and a third region (130c) (e.g., flexible portion) connecting the first region (130a) and the second region (130b), wherein the foldable electronic device (100) is deformed in a second state (e.g., folded state) and / or a third state (e.g., intermediate state). For example, the third region (130c) may be positioned so as to overlap at least partially with at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) when the first display (130) is viewed from above (e.g., in the z-axis direction). For example, the first display (130) may be positioned so as not to be seen from the outside in the second state, with the first surface (111) and the third surface (121) facing each other (e.g., inward-fold type). For example, the first display (130) may be positioned so as to be seen from the outside in the second state, with the first surface (111) and the third surface (121) facing in opposite directions (e.g., outward-fold type).

[0027] The first side member (113) may include a first side wall (110a) positioned in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the first housing (110) of the foldable electronic device (100), a second side wall (110b) positioned in a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction perpendicular to the first direction) of the first housing (110), and a third side wall (110c) positioned in a third direction (e.g., -x-axis direction opposite to the first direction) of the first housing (110). Additionally, the first side member (113) may include a fourth side wall (110d) positioned in a fourth direction (e.g., -y-axis direction opposite to the second direction) of the first housing (110). The second side wall (110b) and the fourth side wall (110d) may be positioned between the first side wall (110a) and the third side wall (110c). The upper edge (e.g., y-axis edge) of the first side wall (110a) may be connected to the left edge (e.g., x-axis edge) of the second side wall (110b), the right edge (e.g., -x-axis edge) of the second side wall (110b) may be connected to the upper edge (e.g., y-axis edge) of the third side wall (110c), the lower edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the third side wall (110c) may be connected to the right edge (e.g., -x-axis edge) of the fourth side wall (110d), and the left edge (e.g., x-axis edge) of the fourth side wall (110d) may be connected to the lower edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the first side wall (110a). One edge of the first to third side walls (110a, 110b, 110c) (or, the first to third sides) (e.g., the edge in the z-axis direction) may be arranged to wrap around one edge of the first display (130).

[0028] The second side member (123) may include a fifth side wall (120a) positioned in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the second housing (120) of the foldable electronic device (100), a sixth side wall (120b) positioned in a fourth direction (e.g., -y-axis direction perpendicular to the first direction) of the second housing (120), and a seventh side wall (120c) positioned in a third direction (e.g., -x-axis direction opposite to the first direction) of the second housing (120). Additionally, the second side member (123) may include an eighth side wall (120d) positioned in a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction opposite to the fourth direction) of the second housing (120). The sixth side wall (120b) and the eighth side wall (120d) may be positioned between the fifth side wall (120a) and the seventh side wall (120c). Based on the illustrated drawing, the lower edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the fifth side wall (120a) is connected to the left edge (e.g., x-axis edge) of the sixth side wall (120b), the right edge (e.g., -x-axis edge) of the sixth side wall (120b) is connected to the lower edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the seventh side wall (120c), the lower edge (e.g., -y-axis edge) of the seventh side wall (120c) is connected to the right edge (e.g., -x-axis edge) of the eighth side wall (120d), and the left edge (e.g., x-axis edge) of the eighth side wall (120d) is connected to the upper edge (e.g., y-axis edge) of the fifth side wall (120a). One edge (e.g., the edge in the z-axis direction) of the above 5th to 7th side walls (or, 5th to 7th sides) (120a, 120b, 120c) may be positioned to wrap around the other edge of the first display (130). When the foldable electronic device (100) is unfolded (or, in an unfolded state), the 4th side wall (110d) and the 8th side wall (120d) may be positioned facing each other or next to each other (adjacently).When the above-mentioned foldable electronic device (100) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the fourth side wall (110d) and at least a portion of the eighth side wall (120d) may be spaced apart by the thickness of the hinge housing.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 including a hinge device according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the foldable electronic device (100) may include at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) (e.g., hinge module or hinge structure) connecting a first housing (110) and a second housing (120) below a first display (130) (e.g., in the -z axis direction). For example, the at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) may include a first hinge device (140) and a second hinge device (140-1) spaced apart from the first hinge device (140) along a direction parallel to the folding axis (F) (e.g., in the ± y axis direction). For example, at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) may be supported by a first support member (2131) extending from a first side member (113) into a first space (2101) of a first housing (110) and a second support member (2231) extending from a second side member (123) into a second space (2201) of a second housing (120). For example, at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) may be positioned between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) so as not to be seen from the outside through a hinge housing (150) (e.g., a hinge cover).

[0031] According to one embodiment, the first hinge device (140) may include a first rotation member (141) (e.g., a first arm or a first rotator) disposed on a first support member (2131) of a first housing (110), a second rotation member (142) (e.g., a second arm or a second rotator) disposed on a second support member (2231) of a second housing (120), and a gear assembly (143) connected to the first rotation member (141) and the second rotation member (142) so that the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) rotate symmetrically with respect to each other. For example, the gear assembly (143) may include a plurality of gears (e.g., spur gears and / or worm gears) that are geared to each other. For example, the gear assembly (143) may include a cam coupling structure for providing a free stop at various folding angles, which presses the first housing (110) and the second housing (120) with respect to each other in a direction intended to transition from a first state (e.g., unfolded state) to a second state (e.g., folded state) or from a second state to a first state. For example, the second hinge device (140-1) may be substantially symmetric to or have substantially the same configuration as the first hinge device (140).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (100) may be coupled with at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) and may include at least one detent module (144) for providing a stopping sensation at various angles. For example, at least one hinge device (140, 140-1) and / or detent module (144) may form substantially the same plane as the first support member (2131) and the second support member (2231) when the foldable electronic device (100) is in a first state. For example, the second hinge device (140-1) may be substantially symmetric to the first hinge device (140) or have substantially the same configuration.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a first cushioning structure (210) (or an elastic member, a deformation member, a protective frame, a decorative member, an auxiliary frame, an auxiliary housing) and a second cushioning structure (220). The first cushioning structure (210) and the second cushioning structure (220) may be arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to the folding axis (F).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the first buffer structure (210) may include a first buffer area (210a) disposed (or coupled) between the first side wall (110a) and the first area (130a) of the display (130), a second buffer area (210b) disposed (or coupled) between the second side wall (110b) and the first area (130a) of the display (130), and a third buffer area (210c) disposed (or coupled) between the third side wall (110c) and the first area (130a) of the display (130). The first buffer area (210a), the second buffer area (210b), and the third buffer area (210c) may be connected to each other, but the foldable electronic device (100) of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the first buffer area (210a), the second buffer area (210b), and the third buffer area (210c) may be disposed in a separated state between each side wall (e.g., the first to third side walls (110a, 110b, 110c)) and the first area (130a) of the first display (130). The width, width, and thickness of the first buffer area (210a), the second buffer area (210b), and the third buffer area (210c) may be formed identically or similarly, but the present description is not limited thereto. For example, the width, width, and thickness of the first buffer area (210a), the second buffer area (210b), and the third buffer area (210c) may be designed considering the amount of slip (or, slip distance) of the first area (130a) of the display (130) according to the folding operation of the display. At least some of the material of the first buffer structure (210) may be formed of a material different from the material of the first housing (110) (e.g., metal material, aluminum material, opaque material). The first buffer structure (210) may be formed of a material having a different light transmittance than the first housing (110), or a material of a different color than the first housing (110).For example, at least a portion of the first buffer structure (210) may be formed of a plastic structure, a polymer structure, a silicone structure, rubber, fiber, or a combination thereof.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the second buffer structure (220) may include a fourth buffer area (220a) positioned (or coupled) between the fifth side wall (120a) and the second area (130b) of the display (130), a fifth buffer area (220b) positioned (or coupled) between the sixth side wall (120b) and the second area (130b) of the display (130), and a sixth buffer area (220c) positioned (or coupled) between the seventh side wall (120c) and the second area (130b) of the display (130). The fourth buffer area (220a), the fifth buffer area (220b), and the sixth buffer area (220c) may be connected to each other, but the foldable electronic device (100) of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, at least some of the fourth buffer area (220a), the fifth buffer area (220b), and the sixth buffer area (220c) may be disposed in a separated state between each side wall (e.g., the fifth to seventh side walls (120a, 120b, 120c)) and the second area (130b) of the first display (130). The width, width, and thickness of the fourth buffer area (220a), the fifth buffer area (220b), and the sixth buffer area (220c) may be formed identically or similarly, but the present description is not limited thereto. For example, the width, width, and thickness of the fourth buffer area (220a), the fifth buffer area (220b), and the sixth buffer area (220c) may be designed considering the amount of slip (or, slip distance) of the second area (130b) of the display (130) according to the folding operation of the display (130). At least some of the materials of the second buffer structure (220) may include or be provided with a material different from the material of the second housing (120) (e.g., metal material, aluminum material, opaque material). The second buffer structure (220) may include or be provided with a material having a different light transmittance than the second housing (120), or a material of a different color than the second housing (120).For example, at least a portion of the second buffer structure (220) may include or be equipped with a plastic structure, a polymer structure, a silicone structure, rubber, fiber, or a combination thereof.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning structure (210) may include a first cushioning member (610) and a second cushioning member (620). The first cushioning member (610) may be positioned between the first side member (113) of the first housing (110) and the first area (130a) of the display (130). The first cushioning member (610) may be formed along the edge of the first area (130a) of the display. The first cushioning member (610) may form, for example, a C-shaped structure or a partial band (or an angled shape or a curved shape) with one side open toward the -y-axis. The second cushioning member (620) may be positioned between the first cushioning member (610) and the first area (130a) of the display (130). The second cushioning member (620) may be formed along the edge of the first cushioning member (610). The second buffer member (620) can form, for example, a C-shaped structure or partial band (or an angular shape or a curved shape) with one side open toward the -y-axis.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the second cushioning structure (220) may include a third cushioning member (630) and a fourth cushioning member (640). The third cushioning member (630) may be positioned between the second side member (123) of the second housing (120) and the second region (130b) of the display (130). The third cushioning member (630) may be formed along the edge of the second region (130b) of the display. The third cushioning member (630) may form, for example, a C-shaped structure or a partial band (or an angled shape or a curved shape) with one side open toward the y-axis. The third cushioning member (630) may be positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the first cushioning member (610) with respect to the folding axis (F). The fourth buffer member (640) may be positioned between the third buffer member (630) and the first area (130a) of the display (130). The fourth buffer member (640) may be formed along the edge of the third buffer member (630). The fourth buffer member (640) may form, for example, a C-shaped structure or partial band (or an angled shape or a curved shape) with one side open toward the y-axis. The fourth buffer member (640) may be positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the second buffer member (620) with respect to the folding axis (F).

[0038] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of an unfolded state of a display of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment, FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a display of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. As an example, in FIG. 4 <401> is a plan view showing the unfolded state of a display included in a foldable electronic device, and <402> Is <401> It is an enlarged drawing of area 301 of, and <403> silver <402> It is a drawing of the 302 area enlarged, and <404> Is <402> This is an enlarged drawing of the 303 area. In Fig. 5, <501> is a drawing showing the unfolded state of the display of a foldable electronic device cut along the AA' cutting line of FIG. 4, and <502> is a drawing showing the folded state of the display of the foldable electronic device cut along the AA' cutting line of FIG. 4. In FIG. 6, <601> This is a drawing of the unfolded state of a foldable electronic device including a cushioning member, cut along the AA' cutting line of FIG. 4, and <602> is a drawing of the folded state of a foldable electronic device including a cushioning member, cut along the AA' cutting line of FIG. 4.

[0039] In the following description of FIGS. 5 and 6, the structure of the first housing (110) and the first buffer structure (210) cut along the AA' cutting line is described as an example. When the AA' cutting line is applied to a designated location of the second housing (the second housing (120) of FIGS. 1 to 3) and the second buffer structure (the second buffer structure (220) of FIG. 3), at least a portion of the fifth side wall (120a) of the second side member (123) included in the second housing (120) and the cut surface of the second buffer structure (220) may be identical or similar to the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113) included in the first housing (110) and the cut surface of the first buffer structure (210).

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, according to one embodiment, the electronic device may include a display (130), a foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing (101) of FIGS. 1 to 3), and a cushioning member (610, 620).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the display (130) may include a plurality of layers. For example, the display (130) may include a metal sheet (450), a support plate (440), a display panel (430), a polarizing member (420), a glass layer (412), and a polymer layer (411). For example, the display (130) may have the metal sheet (450), the support plate (440), the display panel (430), the polarizing member (420), the glass layer (412), and the polymer layer (411) stacked sequentially. The display (130) illustrated in FIG. 5 is merely an example for explaining one embodiment, and not all components included in the display (130) illustrated in FIG. 5 are essential components. Accordingly, the display (130) may be configured by omitting some of the components illustrated in FIG. 5 or by adding some of them.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the glass layer (412), the polarizing member (420), the display panel (430), the support plate (440), and the metal sheet (450) can be attached to each other through adhesive members (P1, P2, P3, P4). For example, the adhesive members (P1, P2, P3, P4) may include at least one of OCA (optical clear adhesive), PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive), thermal adhesive, photosensitive adhesive, or double-sided tape.

[0043] According to one embodiment, at least one of the support plate (440), display panel (430), polarizing member (420), glass layer (412) and polymer layer (411) may be positioned to cross at least a portion of the folding axis (F).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the window may include at least one of a polymer layer (411) and a glass layer (412). At least a portion of the polymer layer (411) may be exposed to the outside through the front of the electronic device (e.g., a surface facing the z-axis). The polymer layer (411) may be placed on the glass layer (412) to protect the glass layer (412). For example, the glass layer (1631) may include ultra-thin glass (UTG). The polymer layer (1632) may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and / or polyimide (PI). The display panel (430) may include a plurality of pixels for displaying an image. The display panel (430) may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) panel. The display panel (430) may include a touch sensor in which electrodes for receiving touch input, fingerprint recognition, or pen input are arranged. According to one embodiment, the display panel (430) and the polarizing member (420) may be formed integrally (or integratedly as a single unit). A support plate (440) may be placed below the display panel (430). The support plate (440) may be formed of a cushioning material to provide a dark background for ensuring visibility of the display panel (430) and to provide cushioning action. In one embodiment, the support plate (440) may be placed below the display panel (430), the polarizing member (420), or / and a metal sheet (450). The metal sheet (450) may form the back surface of the display (130). The metal sheet (450) may include or be provided with a metal material having rigid characteristics. The metal sheet (450) may include a lattice structure including an opening extending in the direction of the folding axis (F).The lattice structure can be placed in an area corresponding to the third area of ​​the display (130).

[0045] An electronic device according to one embodiment may form a step (or a step shape) on at least a part of the display in consideration of the slip phenomenon of the display due to the folding operation.

[0046] In one embodiment, when the display (130) is formed as a multilayer structure, a plurality of layers forming the display (130) may each slip during the process of folding around the folding axis (F). For example, when the electronic device (100) transitions from a first state (e.g., unfolded state of FIG. 2a) to a second state (e.g., folded state of FIG. 2b), the third region (or folding region) (130c) of the layer adjacent to the front of the display (130) may have a relatively large curvature compared to the folding region (130c) of the layer adjacent to the back of the display (130). Accordingly, each layer forming the display (130) may slip in a slip direction (S1, S2) that is perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (e.g., the y-axis direction and -y-axis direction of FIG. 4b) during the folding process of the electronic device (100). The amount of slip of the layer adjacent to the front of the display (130) can be formed to be greater than that of at least one of the remaining layers included in the display. In a direction parallel to the folding axis (F) (e.g., the x-axis direction and the -x-axis direction in FIG. 4b), the slip phenomenon of the display may not occur, or the slip phenomenon may occur less than in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F).

[0047] According to one embodiment, a plurality of layers included in the display may be divided into a first layer portion (LA1), a second layer portion (LA2), and a third layer portion (LA3). The first layer portion (LA1) may be positioned between the second layer portion (LA2) and the third layer portion (LA3). The second layer portion (LA2) may be positioned over the first layer portion (LA1). The second layer portion (LA2) may be stacked in a stepped manner on the first layer portion (LA1). The second layer portion (LA2) may include at least one layer located on the z-axis with respect to the neutral plane (NP). The third layer portion (LA3) may be positioned below the first layer portion (LA1). The third layer portion (LA3) may include at least one layer located on the -z-axis with respect to the neutral plane (NP). For example, the neutral plane (NP) may be a virtual plane that maintains a constant length without change when transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state of the display. Slip may occur starting from the layer located above (e.g., along the +z-axis) relative to the neutral plane (NP). The amount of slip (or slip distance) may increase as one moves further away from the neutral plane (NP).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the neutral surface (NP) may be located at the interface between a lower layer (e.g., a support plate (440)) and an upper layer (e.g., a third adhesive member (P3)) sequentially stacked between the metal sheet (450) and the display panel (430). According to one embodiment, the neutral surface (NP) may be formed in a direction parallel to the y-axis direction within any one of the multiple layers disposed between the metal sheet (450) and the display panel (430). For example, the neutral surface (NP) may be formed closer to the display panel (430) than the metal sheet (450) to reduce or prevent slippage of the display panel (430). For example, in FIGS. 5 and 6, the neutral surface (NP) is shown disposed between the third adhesive member (P3) and the support plate (440), but the present invention is not limited thereto. The neutral surface (NP) according to one embodiment may be changed into various forms due to product structure or design, etc.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first layer portion (LA1) may include at least one of a display panel (430), a second adhesive member (P2), and a third adhesive member (P3). The second layer portion (LA2) may be any one of a plurality of layers disposed on the display panel (430) and / or the second adhesive member (P2). For example, the second layer portion (LA2) may include at least one of a polymer layer (411), a glass layer (412), a polarizing member (420), and a first adhesive member (P1). The third layer portion (LA3) may be at least one of a plurality of layers disposed on the lower part of the display panel (430). For example, the third layer portion (LA3) may include a support plate (440), a metal sheet (450), a fourth adhesive member (P4), and a lower adhesive member (P6).

[0050] According to one embodiment, considering the amount of slip (or slip distance) of a plurality of layers included in a display according to the folding operation of a foldable electronic device (100), the plurality of layers may be arranged in a stacked structure having a stepped shape (or an inclined shape).

[0051] According to one embodiment, a second layer portion (LA2) may be stacked in a stepped shape on a first layer portion (LA1). At least one layer included in the first layer portion (LA1) may have a first length (e.g., length in the y-axis direction), and at least one layer included in the second layer portion (LA2) may have a second length (e.g., length in the y-axis direction). At least one layer included in the first layer portion (LA1) may have a first length perpendicular to the folding axis (F), and at least one layer included in the second layer portion (LA2) may have a second length perpendicular to the folding axis (F). The second length may be shorter than the first length. At least some of the layers included in the second layer portion (LA2) may be laminated on the first layer portion (LA1) in a stepped shape that moves away from the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) of the first housing and / or the inner surface (e.g., inner surface (523) of FIG. 11) of the fifth side wall (120a) of the second housing (120) as they move away from the display panel (430) in the thickness direction (e.g., z-axis direction) (or as they move away from the neutral plane (NP) as they move away from the display panel (430) toward the top layer of the display (e.g., polymer layer). By forming a plurality of layers included in the second layer portion (LA2) in a stepped shape, the slip that increases continuously and proportionally from the neutral plane during the folding operation of the display can be divided (or separated, disconnected) into each layer. The sides (411e, 412e, 420e, P1e, P2e) of the plurality of layers included in the second layer portion (LA2) can be separated from each other during the folding operation of the display, thereby reducing or minimizing the maximum slip amount of the display. Compared to a comparative example in which the plurality of layers included in the second layer portion (LA2) are not formed in a stepped shape, an embodiment in which the plurality of layers included in the second layer portion (LA2) are formed in a stepped shape can reduce the slip amount to 50% to 70%.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first layer portion (LA1) may not be formed in a stepped shape. The display panel (430) included in the first layer portion (LA1) may not be formed in a stepped shape with the second adhesive member (P2). The display panel (430) may maintain a length relationship with at least one of the second adhesive member (P2) and the third adhesive member (P3). To avoid affecting the dead space of the display panel (430), the display panel (430) may not be formed in a stepped shape with the second adhesive member (P2).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the first side (e.g., the y-axis facing portion) of the first layer portion facing the inner surface (513) (e.g., the surface facing -y-axis) of the first side wall (110a) of the first housing (110) parallel to the folding axis (F) may be positioned to protrude more than the second side (e.g., the y-axis facing portion) of the second layer portion facing the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). The third side (e.g., the y-axis facing portion) of the first layer portion facing the inner surface (e.g., the surface facing y-axis) of the fifth side wall (120a) of the second housing (120) parallel to the folding axis (F) may be positioned to protrude more than the fourth side (e.g., the y-axis facing portion) of the second layer portion facing the inner surface (513) of the fifth side wall (120a).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first side of the first layer portion (side of the display panel (430e)) facing the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113) parallel to the folding axis (F) may be positioned to protrude more than the second side of the second layer portion facing the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) (e.g., side of the polymer layer (411e), side of the glass layer (412e), side of the polarizing member (420e), side of the first adhesive member (P1e), side of the second adhesive member (P2e)). For example, the side (430e) of the display panel (430) facing the inner surface (513) of the first housing (110) parallel to the folding axis (F) may protrude more than the side (411e) of the polymer layer (411) and the side (412e) of the glass layer (412) facing the inner surface (513) of the first housing (110). The side (412e) of the glass layer (412) facing the inner surface (513) of the first housing (110) may protrude more than the side (411e) of the polymer layer (411) facing the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) of the first housing (110).

[0055] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state), the side (P2e) of the second adhesive member (P2) parallel to the folding axis (F) and / or the side (430e) of the display panel (430) parallel to the folding axis (F) may protrude by a first protrusion length (d1) (or a y-axis length, a length perpendicular to the folding axis) more than the side (420e) of the polarizing member (420) parallel to the folding axis (F). The first protrusion length (d1) may be greater than the slip amount (or slip distance) of the polarizing member (420) when the electronic device is switched to a folded state. For example, the first protrusion length (d1) may be 0.1 mm. For example, when the electronic device is unfolded (or in the unfolded state), the side (P2e) of the second adhesive member (P2) parallel to the folding axis (F) and / or the side (430e) of the display panel (430) parallel to the folding axis (F) may protrude by a second protrusion length (d2) compared to the side (P1e) of the first adhesive member (P1) parallel to the folding axis (F). The second protrusion length (d2) may be greater than the slip amount (or slip distance) of the first adhesive member (P1) when the electronic device is switched to a folded state. The second protrusion length (d2) may be greater than the first protrusion length (d1). For example, the second protrusion length (d2) may be 0.25 mm. For example, when the electronic device is unfolded (or in the unfolded state), the side (P2e) of the second adhesive member (P2) parallel to the folding axis (F) and / or the side (430e) of the display panel (430) parallel to the folding axis (F) may protrude by a third protrusion length (d3) compared to the side (411e) of the polymer layer (411) parallel to the folding axis (F). The third protrusion length (d3) may be greater than the slip amount (or slip distance) of the polymer layer (411) when the electronic device is switched to the folded state. The third protrusion length (d3) may be greater than the second protrusion length (d2). For example, the third protrusion length (d3) may be 0.4 mm.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the distance between the second side of the second layer portion parallel to the folding axis (F) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) (or the y-axis length, the length perpendicular to the folding axis) may be formed to be longer than the distance between the first side of the first layer portion (LA1) parallel to the folding axis (F) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). For example, when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state), the distance between the side (411e) of the polymer layer (411) and / or the side (412e) of the glass layer (412) parallel to the folding axis (F) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) may be formed to be longer than the distance between the side (430e) of the display panel (430) parallel to the folding axis (F) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). For example, the distance between the side (411e) of the polymer layer (411) parallel to the folding axis (F) and / or the side (P1e) of the first adhesive member (P1) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) may be formed to be longer than the distance between the side (420e) of the polarizing film (420) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). For example, the distance between the side (420e) of the polarizing film (420) parallel to the folding axis (F) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) may be formed to be longer than the distance between the side (430e) of the display panel (430) and / or the side (P2e) of the second adhesive member (P2) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a).

[0057] According to one embodiment, a plurality of layers (or a second layer portion (LA2)) disposed on a neutral plane (NP) when the electronic device is folded (or in a folded state) may be disposed spaced apart from the inner surface (513) to secure a slip space. When the electronic device is folded (or in a folded state), a plurality of layers (or a second layer portion (LA2)) disposed on a neutral plane (NP) may be stacked in a stepped shape considering the amount of slip. When the electronic device is converted (or switched) from an unfolded state to a folded state, a plurality of layers (or a second layer portion (LA2)) disposed on a neutral plane (NP) may not protrude beyond a first layer portion (LA1) (e.g., a side portion (430e) of a display panel (430)) even if they are slipped. The sides (411e, 412e, 420e, P1e, P2e) of the plurality of layers included in the second layer portion (LA2) can be separated from each other during the folding operation of the display, thereby reducing or minimizing the maximum slip amount (SA) of the display.

[0058] According to one embodiment, at least some of the plurality of layers included in the display (130) may not experience slip phenomena in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F) or may experience relatively little slip. The side of the plurality of layers perpendicular to the folding axis (F) may not be formed in a stepped shape (or an inclined shape). The side perpendicular to the folding axis of the first layer portion may not protrude more than the side perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the second layer portion. For example, the side (430f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the display panel (430) and / or the side (P2f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the second adhesive member (P2) may not protrude more than any one of the side (411f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the polymer layer (411), the side (P1f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the first adhesive member (P1), the side (420f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the polarizing film (420), and the side (P1f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the second adhesive member (P2). For example, the side (430f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the display panel (430) and / or the side (P2f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the second adhesive member (P2) may be aligned in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) with any one of the side (411f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the polymer layer (411), the side (P1f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the first adhesive member (P1), the side (420f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the polarizing film (420), and the side (P1f) perpendicular to the folding axis (F) of the second adhesive member (P2).

[0059] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state), a first cushioning member (610) and a second cushioning member (620) may be disposed (or filled) in the empty space between the first housing (110) and each of the first layer portion (LA1) and the second layer portion (LA2), which are stacked in a stepped shape. The first cushioning member (610) may have a first elasticity higher than the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). In this description, when comparing the elasticity (or elastic modulus, elastic modulus) of each component with the elasticity (or elastic modulus, elastic modulus) of another component, the elasticity of each component and the elasticity (or elastic modulus, elastic modulus) of another component may be measured under the same environmental conditions (e.g., the same temperature and / or the same humidity conditions). The second cushioning member (620) may have a second elasticity higher than the first cushioning member (610). For example, the first buffer member (610) may have a first modulus, and the second buffer member (620) may have a second modulus lower than the first modulus. For example, the first buffer member (610) may have a first modulus of tens of MPa to hundreds of MPa (e.g., 50 MPa or more and 150 MPa or less), and the second buffer member (620) may have a second modulus of several MPa to tens of MPa (e.g., 7 MPa or more and less than 50 MPa). For example, the first buffer member (610) may have a first elongation rate (e.g., 50 to 100% elongation rate), and the second buffer member (620) may have a second elongation rate higher than the first elongation rate (e.g., 200 to 300% elongation rate). For example, the first cushioning member (610) may have a first hardness (or stiffness), and the second cushioning member (620) may have a second hardness (or stiffness) lower than the first hardness.

[0060] The first cushioning member (610) may be positioned between one side of the display (e.g., the side facing the y-axis) and the inner surface (513) of the first housing. By including or providing a material with lower deformation than the second cushioning member (620), the first cushioning member (610) can reduce or prevent damage (e.g., tearing, detachment) caused by external force. The first cushioning member (610) can protect the display against external force, thereby ensuring robustness against external force.

[0061] The second buffer member (620) may be positioned between one side of the display (e.g., the side facing the y-axis) and the first buffer member (610). The second buffer member (620) may be positioned to contact the side of the first layer portion (LA1) and the side of the second layer portion (LA2) when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state). It may be formed to have an inverse step shape side corresponding to the side of the first layer portion (LA1) and the second layer portion (LA2) stacked in a step shape. The step shape side of the first layer portion (LA1) and the second layer portion (LA2) may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the folding axis (F) with respect to the inverse step shape side of the second buffer member (620).

[0062] The second cushioning member (620) is formed of a material with higher deformation than the first cushioning member (610) so as to absorb the amount of slip change of the display panel (130) due to the folding operation of the display (130). At least a portion of the second cushioning member (620) can be compressed toward the first cushioning member (610) by the slipping display when the display (130) is converted from an unfolded state to a folded state.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. As an example, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device as an example of a cross-section cut along the AA' cutting line of FIG. 4.

[0064] The foldable electronic device of FIG. 7 may be at least partially similar to at least one of the electronic devices of FIG. 1 to 6, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device. For the electronic device of FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are assigned to or omitted for configurations that are identical to or can be easily understood through at least one prior embodiment of FIG. 1 to 6, and the detailed description thereof is also omitted.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, the foldable electronic device (100) may include a first housing (110), a first buffer structure (210), and a first display (130). In the following description, the structure of the first housing (110) and the first buffer structure (210) cut along the AA' cutting line is described as an example. When the AA' cutting line is applied to a designated location of the second housing (the second housing (120) of FIG. 1 to 6) and the second buffer structure (the second buffer structure (220) of FIG. 3), at least a portion of the fifth side wall (120a) of the second side member (123) included in the second housing (120) and the cut surface of the second buffer structure (220) may be the same or similar as the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113) included in the first housing (110) and the cut surface of the first buffer structure (210).

[0066] The first side member (113) of the first display (130) and the first housing (110) may include a configuration identical or similar to the first side member (113) of the first display (130) and the first housing (110) described above in FIGS. 1 to 6. Accordingly, the description of the first side member (113) of the first display (130) and the first housing (110) may be supplemented or replaced by the description in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the first buffer structure (210) may include a first buffer member (710) and a second buffer member (720). The first buffer member (710) may be disposed between at least one side of the display (130) (e.g., side of the polymer layer (411) (411e), side of the glass layer (412) (412e), side of the polarizing film (420) (420e), side of the display panel (430) (430e), side of the adhesive member (P1, P2) (P1e, P2e)) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113). The second buffer member (720) may be disposed between at least one side of the display (130) and the first buffer member (710).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (710) may have a first elasticity higher than the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). The second cushioning member (720) may have a second elasticity higher than the first cushioning member (710). For example, the first cushioning member (710) may have a first modulus, and the second cushioning member (720) may have a second modulus lower than the first modulus. For example, the first cushioning member (710) may have a first hardness (or stiffness), and the second cushioning member (720) may have a second hardness (or stiffness) lower than the first hardness.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the first buffer member (710) may include a first buffer portion (7101) and a second buffer portion (7102). The first buffer portion (7101) may be positioned between the second buffer member (720) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). The second buffer portion (7102) may be positioned between the side of a part of the display (130) (or the side of a part of the display that is not in contact with the first buffer member (710)) (e.g., the side (P2e) of the second adhesive member (P2), the side (430e) of the display panel (130)) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). The first buffer portion (7101) may include a first buffer side (711) facing the second buffer member (720), a second buffer side (712) facing the inner side (513) of the first side wall (110a), and a first buffer front (713) facing the front of the electronic device. The first buffer side (711) may be formed at an angle so as to be closer to the inner side (513) of the first side wall (110a) as it moves away from the second buffer portion (7102) (or as it extends from the second buffer portion (7102) toward the first buffer front (713), as it extends from the bottom to the top, as it extends in the z-axis direction) when the electronic device is unfolded (or in the unfolded state). At least a portion of the first buffer side may be in contact with the fourth buffer side (722) of the second buffer member (720). At least a portion of the second buffer side may come into contact with the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). For example, a portion of the second buffer side may come into contact with the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state). At least a portion of the remaining portion of the second buffer side (712) may be formed at an angle such that when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state), it becomes closer to the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) as it moves away from the second buffer portion (7102).The first buffer front (713) may have a size (or area) exposed to the outside of the electronic device that is smaller than that of the second buffer front (723). For example, the first buffer front (713) may be formed to have a first width (L71) exposed to the outside of the electronic device (e.g., length along the y-axis, length perpendicular to the folding axis, length in the slip direction (e.g., length of the first slip direction (S1) in FIG. 4)).

[0070] The second buffer portion (7102) may be placed on the support plate (440) of the display (130). The second buffer portion (7102) may include a fifth buffer side (715) facing the display panel (430) and a sixth buffer side (716) facing the inner side (513) of the first side wall (110a). The second buffer portion (7102) may form a step with the first buffer portion (7101). The sixth buffer side (716) of the second buffer portion (7102) may be spaced apart from the inner side (513) of the first side wall (110a) by a specified distance (D7) when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state). Due to the separation between the inner side (513) of the first side wall (110a) and the sixth buffer side (716), interference between the first housing (110) and the first buffer member (710) can be minimized and / or reduced. Damage to the display (130) caused by interference between the first housing (110) and the first buffer member (710) can be minimized and / or reduced.

[0071] The second buffer member (720) may include a third buffer side (721) facing the display panel (430), a fourth buffer side (722) facing the first buffer member (710), and a second buffer front (723) facing the front of the electronic device. The third buffer side (721) may face (or contact, face) at least one of the side (411e) of the polymer layer (411), the side (412e) of the glass layer (412), the side (420e) of the polarizing film (420), and the side (P1e) of the first adhesive member (P1). The fourth buffer side (722) may be formed at an angle such that when the electronic device is unfolded (or in the unfolded state), as it moves away from the support plate (440) (or toward the second buffer front (723), as it extends from the bottom to the top, as it extends in the z-axis direction), it becomes closer to the inner side (513) of the first side wall (110a). At least a portion of the fourth buffer side (722) may come into contact with the first buffer side (711) of the first buffer member (710) when the electronic device is unfolded (or in the unfolded state) to form a boundary surface (730). The boundary surface may be formed at an angle such that, following the sloped shape of the fourth buffer side and the first buffer side, as it extends from the bottom to the top (or as it extends in the z-axis direction), it becomes closer to the inner side (513) of the first side wall (110a). The second buffer front (723) may have a size (or area) exposed to the outside of the electronic device when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state) that is larger than the first buffer front (713). For example, the second buffer front (723) may be formed to have a second width (L72) exposed to the outside of the electronic device (e.g., length along the y-axis, length perpendicular to the folding axis, length of the slip direction (e.g., length of the first slip direction (S1) in FIG. 4). The second width (L72) may be larger than the first width (L71) of the first buffer front (713).

[0072] The second cushioning member (720) includes a second cushioning front surface (723) that extends in the slip direction (e.g., the first slip direction (S1) of FIG. 4, the y-axis length direction, the length direction perpendicular to the folding axis) (or toward the inner surface), thereby minimizing or reducing stress caused by slip resulting from the folding operation of the display (130).

[0073] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. As an example, in FIG. 8, <801> is a drawing showing the unfolded state of a foldable electronic device cut along the AA' cutting line in FIG. 4. <802> is a drawing showing the folded state of a foldable electronic device cut along the AA` cutting line of Fig. 4.

[0074] The foldable electronic device (800) of FIG. 8 may be at least partially similar to at least one of the electronic devices of FIG. 1 to 7, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device. For the electronic device of FIG. 8, the same reference numeral is assigned or omitted for configurations that are identical to at least one prior embodiment of FIG. 1 to 7 or can be easily understood through the prior embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is also omitted.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 8, the foldable electronic device (800) may include a first housing (110), a first buffer structure (210), a first display (130), and a film member (830). In the following description, the structure of the first housing (110) and the first buffer structure (210) cut along the AA' cutting line is described as an example. When the AA' cutting line is applied to a certain position of the second housing (the second housing (120) of FIG. 1 to 6) and the second buffer structure (the second buffer structure (220) of FIG. 3), at least a portion of the fifth side wall (120a) of the second side member (123) included in the second housing (120) and the cut surface of the second buffer structure (220) may be the same or similar as the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113) included in the first housing (110) and the cut surface of the first buffer structure (210).

[0076] The first display (130), the first side member (113) of the first housing (110), and the first cushioning structure (210) may include the same or similar configuration as the first display (130), the first side member (113) of the first housing (110), and the first cushioning structure (210) described above in FIGS. 1 to 6. Accordingly, the description of the first display (130), the first side member (113) of the first housing (110), and the first cushioning structure (210) may be supplemented or replaced by the description in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first buffer structure (210) may include a first buffer member (810) and a second buffer member (820). The first buffer member (810) may be disposed between at least one side of the display (130) (e.g., side of the polymer layer (411) (411e), side of the glass layer (412) (412e), side of the polarizing film (420) (420e), side of the display panel (430) (430e), side of the adhesive member (P1, P2) (P1e, P2e)) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113). The first buffer member (810) may include a first buffer side (811) in contact with the fourth buffer side (822) of the second buffer member (820), a second buffer side (812) in contact with the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a), and a first buffer front (813) connecting the first buffer side (811) and the second buffer side (812). The second buffer member (820) may be positioned between at least one side of the display (130) and the first buffer member (710). The second buffer member (820) may include a third buffer side (821) in contact with at least one side of the display (130), a fourth buffer side (822) in contact with the first buffer side (811) of the first buffer member (810), and a second buffer front (823) connecting the third buffer side (821) and the fourth buffer side (822).

[0078] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (810) may have a first elasticity higher than the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). The second cushioning member (820) may have a second elasticity higher than the first cushioning member (810). For example, the first cushioning member (810) may have a first modulus, and the second cushioning member (820) may have a second modulus lower than the first modulus. For example, the first cushioning member (810) may have a first hardness (or stiffness), and the second cushioning member (820) may have a second hardness (or stiffness) lower than the first hardness.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the film member (830) may be formed over the first buffer structure (210) along the first buffer structure (210). For example, the film member (830) may form a C-shape or a partial band (or an angled shape or a curved shape) with one side open toward the -y-axis. The film member (830) may be placed over at least one of the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820). For example, the film member (830) may be attached to at least one of the first buffer front surface (813) of the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer front surface (823) of the second buffer member (820) through an adhesive member (840). For example, the film member (830) may be attached to at least one of the front portion of the polymer layer (411) of the display (130), the first buffer front surface (813) of the first buffer member (810), and the second buffer front surface (823) of the second buffer member (820) through the adhesive member (840). The film member (830) may prevent the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820) from being exposed to the outside of the electronic device, thereby protecting the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820). For example, the film member (830) may prevent the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820) from being peeled off or damaged by external force.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the film member (830) may include a first film portion (831) and a plurality of second film portions (832). At least one of the plurality of second film portions (832) may protrude (or extend) from the first film portion (831) toward the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820). The plurality of second film portions (832) may be spaced apart with a slit space (833) between them when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state). When the electronic device (or display, folding housing) is folded, the plurality of second film portions (832) can be compressed in the same direction as the first cushioning structure (210) (e.g., the first slip direction (S1) in FIG. 4, a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, the y-axis direction). The slit space (833) is reduced by the compression of the plurality of second film portions (832), so that the plurality of second film portions (832) can come closer to each other. For example, the plurality of second film portions (832) can come into close contact with each other without a slit space (833).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the film member (830) and the adhesive member (840) may be formed with a thickness (or z-axis length) such that the user's hand does not get caught when using the electronic device. For example, the sum of the thickness of the film member (830) and the thickness of the adhesive member (840) may be formed to be 0.05 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less.

[0082] FIGS. 9A and 9B are drawings illustrating examples of a portion of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. As an example, in FIG. 9A, <901> is a drawing showing the unfolded state of a foldable electronic device cut along the AA' cutting line in FIG. 4. <902> Figure 4 is a drawing showing the folded state of a foldable electronic device cut along the AA' cutting line of Figure 4. Figure 9b is a drawing showing the unfolded state of a foldable electronic device cut along the AA' cutting line of Figure 4.

[0083] The foldable electronic device (900) of FIG. 9a and the foldable electronic device (900-1) of FIG. 9b may be at least partially similar to at least one of the electronic devices of FIG. 1 to 6, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device. For the foldable electronic device (900) of FIG. 9a and the foldable electronic device (900-1) of FIG. 9b, the same reference numerals are assigned to configurations that are identical to at least one prior embodiment of FIG. 1 to 6 or can be easily understood through the prior embodiment, or are omitted, and the detailed description thereof is also omitted.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the foldable electronic device (900, 900-1) may include a first housing (110), a first buffer structure (210), a first display (130), and a coating layer (930) (or a hard coating layer). In the following description, the structure of the first housing (110) and the first buffer structure (210) cut along the AA' cutting line is illustrated. When the above AA' cutting line is applied to a certain position of the second housing (the second housing (120) of FIGS. 1 to 6) and the second buffer structure (the second buffer structure (220) of FIG. 3), at least a portion of the fifth side wall (120a) of the second side member (123) included in the second housing (120) and the cutting surface of the second buffer structure (220) may be the same or similar to the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113) included in the first housing (110) and the cutting surface of the first buffer structure (210).

[0085] The first display (130), the first side member (113) of the first housing (110), and the first cushioning structure (210) may include the same or similar configuration as the first display (130), the first side member (113) of the first housing (110), and the first cushioning structure (210) described above in FIGS. 1 to 6. Accordingly, the description of the first display (130), the first side member (113) of the first housing (110), and the first cushioning structure (210) may be supplemented or replaced by the description in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the first buffer structure (210) may include a first buffer member (910) and a second buffer member (920). The first buffer member (910) may be disposed between at least one side of the display (130) (e.g., side of the polymer layer (411) (411e), side of the glass layer (412) (412e), side of the polarizing film (420) (420e), side of the display panel (430) (430e), side of the adhesive member (P1, P2) (P1e, P2e)) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113). The first buffer member (910) may be in contact with at least a portion of the second buffer member (920) and at least a portion of the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). The second buffer member (920) may be disposed between at least one side of the display (130) and the first buffer member (910). The second buffer member (920) may be in contact with at least one side of the display (130) and at least a portion of the first buffer member (910).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (910) may have a first elasticity higher than the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). The second cushioning member (920) may have a second elasticity higher than the first cushioning member (810). For example, the first cushioning member (910) may have a first modulus, and the second cushioning member (920) may have a second modulus lower than the first modulus. For example, the first cushioning member (910) may have a first hardness (or stiffness), and the second cushioning member (920) may have a second hardness (or stiffness) lower than the first hardness.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (930) may be disposed on at least one of the top layer of the display, the first buffer member (810), and the second buffer member (820). For example, the coating layer (930) may be formed by applying it over the entire surface on each of the polymer layer (411), the first buffer member (810), and the second buffer member (820). The coating layer (930) may come into contact with each of the polymer layer (411), the first buffer member (810), and the second buffer member (820). Since the coating layer (930) is formed to cross the folding axis, it may be formed with a thickness capable of withstanding the folding of the display. For example, the coating layer (930) may be formed with a thickness of 20 μm or more and 30 μm or less (e.g., z-axis length). The coating layer (930) can prevent the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820) from being exposed to the outside of the electronic device, thereby protecting the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820). For example, the coating layer (930) can prevent the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820) from being peeled off or damaged by external force.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (900-1) may include a printed layer (940) (or opaque layer) disposed on a coating layer (930) as illustrated in FIG. 9b. The printed layer (940) may be formed to be at least partially opaque by being printed on the coating layer (930). The printed layer (940) may be formed on the coating layer (930) to correspond (or overlap) with the front surface (e.g., the side facing the z-axis) of the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820). The printed layer (940) may include or be provided with black resin.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (930) of the foldable electronic device is formed to contact the polymer layer (411) in an area corresponding to the display (130), and the printing layer (940) can be formed to contact the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820) in an area corresponding to the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the coating layer (930) may be formed with a certain thickness when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state). When the electronic device (or display, folding housing) is folded, the coating layer (930) may be compressed toward the first housing (110) in the same direction as the first cushioning structure (210) (e.g., first slip direction (S1 in FIG. 4), a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, y-axis direction).

[0092] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing an example of a portion of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. As an example, FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the unfolded state of a foldable electronic device cut along the AA' cutting line of FIG. 4.

[0093] The foldable electronic device (1000) of FIG. 10 may be at least partially similar to at least one of the electronic devices of FIG. 1 to 7, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device. For the electronic device of FIG. 8, the same reference numeral is assigned to or omitted for configurations that are identical to at least one prior embodiment of FIG. 1 to 7 or can be easily understood through the prior embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is also omitted.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 10, the foldable electronic device (1000) may include a first housing (110), a first buffer structure (210), a first display (130), and a film member (830). In the following description, the structure of the first housing (110) and the first buffer structure (210) cut along the AA' cutting line is described as an example. When the AA' cutting line is applied to a designated location of the second housing (the second housing (120) of FIG. 1 to 6) and the second buffer structure (the second buffer structure (220) of FIG. 3), at least a portion of the fifth side wall (120a) of the second side member (123) included in the second housing (120) and the cut surface of the second buffer structure (220) may be the same or similar as the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113) included in the first housing (110) and the cut surface of the first buffer structure (210).

[0095] The first display (130), the first side member (113) of the first housing (110), and the first cushioning structure (210) may include the same or similar configuration as the first display (130), the first side member (113) of the first housing (110), and the first cushioning structure (210) described above in FIGS. 1 to 6. Accordingly, the description of the first display (130), the first side member (113) of the first housing (110), and the first cushioning structure (210) may be supplemented or replaced by the description in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first buffer structure (210) may include a first buffer member (1010) and a second buffer member (1020). The first buffer member (1010) may be disposed between at least one side of the display (130) (e.g., side of the polymer layer (411) (411e), side of the glass layer (412) (412e), side of the polarizing film (420) (420e), side of the display panel (430) (430e), side of the adhesive member (P1, P2) (P1e, P2e)) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113). The first buffer member (1010) may be in contact with at least a portion of the second buffer member (1020) and at least a portion of the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). The second buffer member (1020) may be disposed between at least one side of the display (130) and the first buffer member (1010). The second buffer member (1020) may be in contact with at least one side of the display (130) and at least a portion of the first buffer member (1010).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (1010) may have a first elasticity higher than the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). The second cushioning member (1020) may have a second elasticity higher than the first cushioning member (1010). For example, the first cushioning member (1010) may have a first modulus, and the second cushioning member (1020) may have a second modulus lower than the first modulus. For example, the first cushioning member (1010) may have a first hardness (or stiffness), and the second cushioning member (1020) may have a second hardness (or stiffness) lower than the first hardness.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the first buffer member (1010) may extend from between the second buffer member (1020) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a) and be disposed on at least a portion of the second buffer member (1020). The first buffer member (1010) may be formed to cover (or overlap) at least a portion of the second buffer member (1020). For example, the first buffer member (1010) may be formed in an inverted “L” shape.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (1010) may include a first cushioning portion (or, top) (10101) and a second cushioning portion (or, bottom) (10102). The first cushioning portion (10101) may be formed to extend from the second cushioning portion (10102) and cover at least a portion of the second cushioning member (1020). A portion of the first cushioning portion (10101) may be placed on the second cushioning front surface (1023) of the second cushioning member (1020). A portion of the first cushioning portion (10101) may be in contact with the second cushioning front surface (1023) of the second cushioning member (1020). The second cushioning portion (10102) may be placed between the second cushioning member (1020) and the inner surface (513) of the first side wall (110a). The second buffer portion (10102) may include a first buffer side (1011) facing the second buffer member (1020) and a second buffer side (1012) facing the inner side (513) of the first side wall (110a). A portion of the first buffer side (1011) may be in contact with the fourth buffer side (1022) of the second buffer member (1020), and the remaining portion of the first buffer side (1011) may be in contact with a side of a portion of the display (130) (or a side of a portion of the display that is not in contact with the first buffer member (1010)) (e.g., a side (P2e) of the second adhesive member (P2), a side (430e) of the display panel (430)). The first buffer member (1010) is formed to cover the second buffer member (1020), so that the first buffer member (1010), which has a relatively higher rigidity (or modulus) than the second buffer member (1020), can be exposed to the outside of the electronic device. The second buffer member (1020), which has a relatively lower rigidity, can be protected from disturbances (e.g., external shocks) by the first buffer member (1010) exposed to the outside of the electronic device.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (1010) exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device (1000) may be formed with a thickness (or z-axis length) such that the user's hand does not get caught when using the electronic device.

[0101] The second buffer member (1020) may include a third buffer side (1021) facing the display (130), a fourth buffer side (1022) facing the first buffer member (1010), and a second buffer front (1023) facing the front of the electronic device. The third buffer side (1021) may face (or contact, face) at least one of the side (411e) of the polymer layer (411), the side (412e) of the glass layer (412), the side (420e) of the polarizing film (420), and the side (P1e) of the first adhesive member (P1). At least a portion of the fourth buffer side (1022) may contact the first buffer side (1012) of the first buffer member (1010) when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state). The second cushioning member (1020) absorbs the slip of the display (130) due to the folding operation of the foldable electronic device (1000), so that the stress on the slip phenomenon of the display (130) can be minimized and / or reduced.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a part of a cross-section of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. As an example, in FIG. 11, <1101> is a drawing showing the unfolded state of a foldable electronic device cut along the BB' cutting line of FIG. 4, and <1102> is a drawing showing the folded state of a foldable electronic device cut along the BB' cutting line of Fig. 4.

[0103] The foldable electronic device (1100) of FIG. 11 may be at least partially similar to at least one of the electronic devices of FIG. 1 to 10, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device. For the electronic device of FIG. 11, the same reference numeral is assigned or omitted for configurations that are identical to at least one prior embodiment of FIG. 1 to 10 or can be easily understood through the prior embodiment, and the detailed description thereof is also omitted.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 11, the foldable electronic device (1100) may include a second housing (120), a second buffer structure (220), and a first display (130). In the following description, the structure of the second housing (120) and the second buffer structure (220) cut along the BB' cutting line is described as an example. When the BB' cutting line is applied to a certain position of the first housing (the first housing (110) of FIG. 1 to 6) and the first buffer structure (the first buffer structure (210) of FIG. 3), at least a portion of the first side wall (110a) of the first side member (113) included in the first housing (110) and the cut surface of the first buffer structure (210) may be the same or similar to the fifth side wall (120a) of the second side member (123) included in the second housing (120) and the cut surface of the second buffer structure (220).

[0105] The first display (130), the second side member (123) of the second housing (120), and the second cushioning structure (220) may include the same or similar configuration as the first display (130), the second side member (123) of the second housing (120), and the second cushioning structure (220) described above in FIGS. 1 to 6. Accordingly, the description of the first display (130), the second side member (123) of the second housing (120), and the second cushioning structure (220) may be supplemented or replaced by the description in FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the first display (130) may have a flexible substrate (1150) having a bending portion (1151) in which a portion of the edge of at least one of the two edges parallel to the folding axis (F) is bent. The bending portion (1151) of the flexible substrate (1150) may be positioned so as to be folded from the display panel (430) to at least a portion of the back surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the display (130). A display circuit portion (not shown) may be positioned on the flexible substrate (1150) having the bending portion (1151) in a COF (chip on film) or COP (chip on plastic or chip on panel) structure. The flexible substrate (1150) may be part of a plastic substrate or glass substrate included in the display panel (430). The display circuit portion may include a DDI (display driver IC) and / or a TDDI (touch display driver IC). A bending protection layer (1152) can be formed on the flexible substrate (1150) so as to correspond to the bending portion (1151).

[0107] According to one embodiment, a second buffer structure (220) (e.g., the second buffer structure (220) of FIG. 3) may include a third buffer member (1110) and a fourth buffer member (1120). The third buffer member (1110) may be positioned between at least a portion of the fourth buffer member (1120), a portion of the display (130) (e.g., a flexible substrate (1150) or a bending protection layer (1152)), and an inner surface (523) of the fifth side wall (120a) of the second side member (123). The third buffer member (1110) may be in contact with at least a portion of the fourth buffer member (1120) and at least a portion of the inner surface (523) of the fifth side wall (120a). The fourth buffer member (1120) may be positioned between at least one side of the display (130) and the third buffer member (1110). The fourth buffer The member (1120) may come into contact with at least one side of the display (130) (e.g., a side (410e) of the window (410) including a polymer layer (e.g., polymer layer (411) of FIG. 5) and a glass layer (e.g., glass layer (412) of FIG. 5), a side (420e) of the polarizing film (420)) and at least a portion of the third buffer member (1110).

[0108] According to one embodiment, the third cushioning member (1110) may have a first elasticity higher than the fifth sidewall (120a) (or the inner surface (523) of the fifth sidewall (120a)). The fourth cushioning member (1120) may have a second elasticity higher than the third cushioning member (1110). For example, the third cushioning member (1110) may have a first modulus, and the fourth cushioning member (1120) may have a second modulus lower than the first modulus. For example, the third cushioning member (1110) may have a first hardness (or stiffness), and the fourth cushioning member (1120) may have a second hardness (or stiffness) lower than the first hardness. A third cushioning member (1110), which has lower elasticity than the fourth cushioning member (1120) and higher hardness and modulus than the fourth cushioning member (1120), can protect the display (130) and prevent the fourth cushioning member (1120) from detaching due to external force. A fourth cushioning member (1120), which has lower elasticity than the third cushioning member (1110) and higher hardness and modulus than the third cushioning member (1110), can absorb the maximum amount of slip of the display (130) caused by the folding operation of the foldable electronic device (1100).

[0109] According to one embodiment, a portion of the third buffer member (1110) may be formed to have a curved surface along the bending portion (1151) of the flexible substrate (1150). The third buffer member (1110) may include a first buffer side (e.g., a surface facing the y-axis) (1111) facing the fourth buffer member (1120), a second buffer side (e.g., a surface facing the -y-axis) (1112) facing the inner surface (523) of the fifth side wall (120a), and a third buffer side (1113) facing the bending portion (1151). The third buffer side (1113) may be formed in a curved shape along the bending portion (1151) of the flexible substrate (1150). The third buffer side (1113) may have the same or similar curvature (or radius of curvature) as the bending portion (1151). By means of a third buffer member (1110) having lower elasticity than the fourth buffer member (1120) and higher hardness and modulus than the fourth buffer member (1120), the bending portion (1151) of the flexible substrate (1150) can maintain a constant curvature.

[0110] The fourth buffer member (1120) may include a third buffer side (e.g., a side facing the y-axis) (1121) facing the display (130) and a fourth buffer side (e.g., a side facing the -y-axis) (1122) facing the first buffer member (1010). The third buffer side (1121) may face (or contact, oppose) the side (410e) of the window (410) and / or the side (420e) of the polarizing film (420). At least a portion of the fourth buffer side (1122) may contact the first buffer side (1112) of the third buffer member (1110) when the electronic device is unfolded (or in an unfolded state). The fourth cushioning member (1120) absorbs the slip of the display (130) due to the folding operation of the foldable electronic device (1100), so that the stress on the slip phenomenon of the display (130) can be minimized and / or reduced.

[0111] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. The foldable electronic device of FIG. 12 may be at least partially similar to at least one of the electronic devices of FIG. 1 to FIG. 11, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device. For the electronic device of FIG. 12, for configurations that are identical to at least one prior embodiment of FIG. 1 to FIG. 10 or can be easily understood through the prior embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned or omitted, and the detailed description thereof is also omitted.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 12, a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment may include a display having a plurality of layers (e.g., a display (130) of any one of FIG. 1 to FIG. 11), a first cushioning member (1210), a second cushioning member (1220), a third cushioning member (1230), and a fourth cushioning member (1240).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (710) may have a first elasticity higher than the first sidewall (e.g., the first sidewall (110a) of FIGS. 5 to 10) (or the inner surface of the first sidewall (e.g., the first inner surface (513) of FIGS. 5 to 10)). The second cushioning member (1220) may have a second elasticity higher than the first cushioning member (1210). The first cushioning member (1210) may have a first modulus, and the second cushioning member (1220) may have a second modulus lower than the first modulus. The first cushioning member (1210) may have a first hardness (or stiffness), and the second cushioning member (1220) may have a second hardness (or stiffness) lower than the first hardness. According to one embodiment, the third cushioning member (1230) may have a fifth sidewall (e.g., FIG. 11). The fifth side wall (120a)) (or the inner surface of the fifth side wall (e.g., the inner surface (523) in FIG. 11)) may have a third elasticity that is higher than or similar to the first elasticity of the first cushioning member (1210). The fourth cushioning member (1240) may have a fourth elasticity that is higher than the third cushioning member (1230) and is similar to or similar to the second elasticity of the second cushioning member (1220). The third cushioning member (1230) may have a third modulus that is similar to or similar to the first modulus of the first cushioning member (1210), and the fourth cushioning member (1240) may have a fourth modulus that is lower than the third modulus and is similar to or similar to the second modulus of the second cushioning member (1220). The third cushioning member (1230) may have a third hardness (or stiffness) that is similar to or similar to the first hardness of the first cushioning member (1210), and the fourth The buffer member (1240) may have a fourth hardness (or stiffness) that is lower than the third hardness and equal to or similar to the second hardness of the second buffer member (1220).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the display may include a first layer portion (e.g., the first layer portion (LA1) of FIG. 5), a second layer portion (e.g., the second layer portion (LA2) of FIG. 5) (1200), and a third layer portion (e.g., the third layer portion (LA3) of FIG. 5). The first layer portion may be positioned between the second layer portion and the third layer portion. The second layer portion (1200) may be positioned above the first layer portion. The third layer portion may be positioned below the first layer portion.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first layer portion, the second layer portion (1200), and the third layer portion may include at least one layer. For example, the first layer portion may include a display panel. The second layer portion (1200) may include at least one layer among a plurality of layers disposed on top of the display panel. For example, the second layer portion (1200) may include a polymer layer disposed on top of the display panel to protect the display panel. For example, the second layer portion (1200) may include a polymer layer disposed on top of the display panel to protect the display panel, and a glass layer disposed between the display panel and the polymer layer. The third layer portion may include at least one layer among a plurality of layers disposed on the bottom of the display panel.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the second layer portion (1200) (e.g., display panel (e.g., display panel (430) of FIGS. 1 to 11, polymer layer (411) of FIGS. 1 to 11, glass layer (412) of FIGS. 1 to 11, and / or polarizing film (420) of FIGS. 1 to 11)) may include a first side portion (1201), a second side portion (1202), a third side portion (1203), and a fourth side portion (1204). The first side portion (1201) and the second side portion (1202) may be substantially parallel to the folding axis (F) and opposite each other. The third side portion (1203) and the fourth side portion (1204) may be substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (F) and opposite each other. The third side portion (1203) is the first side portion (1201) and the second side portion Between the first side part (1201) and the second side part (1202), one end of the first side part (1201) (e.g., the edge facing the x-axis) and the other end of the second side part (1202) (e.g., the edge facing the x-axis) can be connected. Between the first side part (1201) and the second side part (1202), the fourth side part (1204) can be connected to the other end of the first side part (1201) (e.g., the edge facing the -x-axis) and the other end of the second side part (1202) (e.g., the edge facing the -x-axis).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (1210) may be formed to surround a first side portion (1201), a portion of the third side portion (1203) (e.g., upper with respect to the folding axis (F)), and a portion of the fourth side portion (1204) (e.g., upper with respect to the folding axis (F)). The third cushioning member (1230) may be formed to surround a second side portion (1202), the remaining portion of the third side portion (1203) (e.g., lower with respect to the folding axis (F)), and the remaining portion of the fourth side portion (1204) (e.g., lower with respect to the folding axis (F)). The first cushioning member (1210) and the third cushioning member (1230) may be formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the folding axis (F). The second buffer member (1220) may be formed along the first buffer member (1210) on the outside of the first buffer member (1210). The fourth buffer member (1240) may be formed along the third buffer member (1230) on the outside of the third buffer member (1230).

[0118] According to one embodiment, the first buffer member (1210) may include a first sub-buffer (1211) formed along a first side portion (1201) of a second layer portion (1200) of the display, a second sub-buffer (1212) extending toward a folding axis (F) from one end of the first sub-buffer (1211) (e.g., an edge facing the x-axis), and a third sub-buffer (1213) extending toward a folding axis (F) from the other end of the first sub-buffer (1211) (e.g., an edge facing the -x-axis). The second buffer member (1220) may include a 12th sub-buffer member (1212) formed along the 11th sub-buffer member (1211) of the first buffer member (1210), a 22nd sub-buffer member (1222) extending toward the folding axis (F) from one end of the 12th sub-buffer member (1212) (e.g., the edge facing the x-axis), and a 23rd sub-buffer member (1223) extending toward the folding axis (F) from the other end of the 21st sub-buffer member (1221) (e.g., the edge facing the -x-axis). The third buffer member (1230) may include a third sub-buffer (1231) formed along the second side portion (1202) of the second layer portion (1200) of the display, a third-second sub-buffer (1232) extending toward the folding axis (F) from one end of the third-first sub-buffer (1231) (e.g., the edge facing the x-axis), and a third-third sub-buffer (1233) extending toward the folding axis (F) from the other end of the third-first sub-buffer (1231) (e.g., the edge facing the -x-axis). The fourth buffer member (1240) may include a fourth sub-buffer (1241) formed along the third sub-buffer (1231) of the third buffer member (1230), a fourth sub-buffer (1242) extending toward the folding axis (F) from one end of the fourth sub-buffer (1241) (e.g., the edge facing the x-axis), and a fourth sub-buffer (1243) extending toward the folding axis (F) from the other end of the fourth sub-buffer (1241) (e.g., the edge facing the -x-axis).

[0119] According to one embodiment, at least one layer included in the display (e.g., a second layer portion (1200)) may slip in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (F) (or y-axis direction) rather than in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F) (or x-axis direction). Considering the amount of slip of the display according to the folding operation of the display, at least one sub-buffer (e.g., 11th sub-buffer (1211), 21st sub-buffer (1221), 31st sub-buffer (1231), 41st sub-buffer (1241)) arranged parallel to the folding axis (F) may be formed to be larger in size than at least one of the remaining buffers (e.g., 12th sub-buffer (1212), 13th sub-buffer (1213), 22nd sub-buffer (1222), 23rd sub-buffer (1223), 32nd sub-buffer (1232), 33rd sub-buffer (1233), 42nd sub-buffer (1242), 43rd sub-buffer (1243)) arranged perpendicular to the folding axis (F). At least one sub-buffer corresponding to the first side portion (1201) and the second side portion (1202) where a relatively large amount of slip occurs may be formed to be larger in size than at least one sub-buffer corresponding to the third side portion (1203) and the fourth side portion (1204) where a relatively small amount of slip occurs.

[0120] According to one embodiment, considering the amount of slip of the display due to the folding operation of the display, the width (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) of at least one sub-buffer formed parallel to the folding axis (F) may be formed larger than the width (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the remaining buffers formed perpendicular to the folding axis (F). For example, the width (t11) of the 11th sub-buffer (1211) may be formed larger (or wider) than the width (t12) (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the 12th sub-buffer (1212) and / or the width (t13) (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the 13th sub-buffer (1213). For example, the width (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) (t21) of the 21st sub-buffer (1221) may be formed to be larger (or wider) than the width (t22) (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the 22nd sub-buffer (1222) and / or the width (t23) (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the 23rd sub-buffer (1223). For example, the width (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) (t31) of the 31st sub-buffer (1231) may be formed to be larger (or wider) than the width (t32) (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the 32nd sub-buffer (1232) and / or the width (t33) (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the 33rd sub-buffer (1233). For example, the width (e.g., length in the y-axis direction) (t41) of the 41st sub-buffer (1241) may be formed to be larger (or wider) than the width (t42) (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the 42nd sub-buffer (1242) and / or the width (t43) (e.g., length in the x-axis direction) of the 43rd sub-buffer (1243).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (1210) and the third cushioning member (1230) can protect the display and prevent the second cushioning member (1220) and the fourth cushioning member (1240) from detaching due to external force. The second cushioning member (1220) and / or the fourth cushioning member (1240) can absorb slip in the x-axis direction, -x-axis direction, y-axis direction and -y-axis direction of the display due to the folding operation of the foldable electronic device (1100).

[0122] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment. The foldable electronic device of FIG. 13 may be at least partially similar to at least one of the electronic devices of FIG. 1 to 12, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device. For the electronic device of FIG. 13, for configurations that are identical to at least one of the prior embodiments of FIG. 1 to 12 or can be easily understood through the prior embodiments, the same reference numerals are assigned or omitted, and the detailed description thereof is also omitted.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 13, a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment may include a display having a plurality of layers (e.g., a display (130) of any one of FIG. 1 to FIG. 11), a first cushioning member (1210), a second cushioning member (1220), a third cushioning member (1230), and a fourth cushioning member (1240).

[0124] According to one embodiment, a second layer portion (1200) of a display (e.g., a display panel (e.g., a display panel (430) of FIGS. 1 to 11, a polymer layer (411) of FIGS. 1 to 11, a glass layer (412) of FIGS. 1 to 11, and / or a polarizing film (420) of FIGS. 1 to 11)) may include a first side portion (1201), a second side portion (1202), a third side portion (1203), and a fourth side portion (1204). The first side portion (1201) and the second side portion (1202) may be substantially parallel to the folding axis (F) and opposite each other. The third side portion (1203) and the fourth side portion (1204) may be substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (F) and opposite each other. The third side portion (1203) is the first side portion (1201) and the second side portion Between the first side part (1201) and the second side part (1202), one end of the first side part (1201) (e.g., the edge facing the x-axis) and the other end of the second side part (1202) (e.g., the edge facing the x-axis) can be connected. Between the first side part (1201) and the second side part (1202), the fourth side part (1204) can be connected to the other end of the first side part (1201) (e.g., the edge facing the -x-axis) and the other end of the second side part (1202) (e.g., the edge facing the -x-axis).

[0125] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (1210) may be formed to wrap around a first side portion (1201), a portion of the third side portion (1203) (e.g., upper with respect to the folding axis (F)), and a portion of the fourth side portion (1204) (e.g., upper with respect to the folding axis (F)). The third cushioning member (1230) may be formed to wrap around a second side portion (1202), the remaining portion of the third side portion (1203) (e.g., lower with respect to the folding axis (F)), and the remaining portion of the fourth side portion (1204) (e.g., lower with respect to the folding axis (F)). The first cushioning member (1210) and the third cushioning member (1230) may be formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the folding axis (F). The second cushioning member (1220) may be formed along a portion of the first cushioning member (1210). The fourth buffer member (1240) may be formed along a portion of the third buffer member (1230).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the first buffer member (1210) may include a first sub-buffer (1211) formed along a first side portion (1201) of a second layer portion (1200) of the display, a second sub-buffer (1212) extending toward a folding axis (F) from one end of the first sub-buffer (1211) (e.g., an edge facing the x-axis), and a third sub-buffer (1213) extending toward a folding axis (F) from the other end of the first sub-buffer (1211) (e.g., an edge facing the -x-axis). The second buffer member (1220) may be formed along the first sub-buffer (1211) of the first buffer member (1210).

[0127] The third buffer member (1230) may include a third sub-buffer (1231) formed along the second side portion (1202) of the second layer portion (1200) of the display, a third second sub-buffer (1232) extending toward the folding axis (F) from one end of the third sub-buffer (1231) (e.g., the edge facing the x-axis), and a third sub-buffer (1233) extending toward the folding axis (F) from the other end of the third sub-buffer (1231) (e.g., the edge facing the -x-axis). The fourth buffer member (1240) may be formed along the third sub-buffer (1231) of the third buffer member (1230).

[0128] According to one embodiment, the width (e.g., y-axis length) of the 11th sub-buffer (1211) of the 1st buffer member (1210) may be similar to or equal to the width (e.g., y-axis length) of the 31st sub-buffer (1231) of the 3rd buffer member (1230). The width (e.g., x-axis length) of the 12th sub-buffer (1212) of the 1st buffer member (1210) may be similar to or equal to the width (e.g., x-axis length) of the 32nd sub-buffer (1232) of the 3rd buffer member (1230). The width (e.g., x-axis length) of the 13th sub-buffer (1213) of the 1st buffer member (1210) may be similar to or equal to the width (e.g., x-axis length) of the 33rd sub-buffer (1233) of the 3rd buffer member (1230). The widths of the first buffer member (1210) and the third buffer member (1230) are not limited to those described herein. In one embodiment, if the slip amount in the y-axis direction of the display and the slip amount in the -y-axis direction of the display are different, the first buffer member and the third buffer member may have two or more different widths.

[0129] According to one embodiment, considering the amount of slip of the display due to the folding operation of the display, the second cushioning member and the fourth cushioning member may be arranged parallel to the folding axis (F).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the 11th sub-buffer (1211) of the first buffer member (1210) and the 2nd buffer member (1220) may be arranged to correspond to (or formed along the first side portion (1201)) the first side portion (1201) where a relatively large amount of slip occurs. The 31st sub-buffer (1231) of the 3rd buffer member (1230) and the 4th buffer member (1240) may be arranged to correspond to the 2nd side portion (1202) where a relatively large amount of slip occurs.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the 12th sub-buffer (1212) of the first buffer member (1210) and the 32nd sub-buffer (1232) of the third buffer member may be arranged to correspond to a third side portion (1203) where a relatively small amount of slip occurs. The 13th sub-buffer (1213) of the first buffer member and the 33rd sub-buffer (1233) of the third buffer member may be arranged to correspond to a third side portion (1203) where a relatively small amount of slip occurs.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the second buffer member (1220) may be formed along the first side portion (1201) and may not be formed along the second side portion (1202) and / or the third side portion (1203). The fourth buffer member (1240) may be formed along the second side portion (1202) and may not be formed along the second side portion (1202) and / or the third side portion (1203).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (1210) and the third cushioning member (1230) can protect the display and prevent the second cushioning member (1220) and the fourth cushioning member (1240) from detaching due to external force. The second cushioning member (1220) and / or the fourth cushioning member (1240) can absorb slip in the y-axis and -y-axis directions of the display due to the folding operation of the foldable electronic device (1100).

[0134] As described above, the foldable electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention can minimize display stress due to slip of the display resulting from the folding operation of the foldable electronic device (or display, foldable housing) and ensure the robustness of the cushioning structure against external forces.

[0135] A foldable electronic device described in at least one of the various embodiments described above may include: a foldable housing (101); a flexible display (130) disposed within the foldable housing and folded or unfolded with respect to the folding axis of the foldable housing, comprising a first layer portion (LA1) and a second layer portion (LA2) disposed over the first layer portion; a first cushioning member (610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1210) disposed between the side of the flexible display and the inner surface (513) of the foldable housing and having a first elasticity higher than that of the inner surface; and a second cushioning member (620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1220) disposed between the side of the flexible display and the first cushioning member and having a second elasticity higher than that of the first cushioning member.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the first buffer member (610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1210) has a first modulus, and the second buffer member (620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1220) may have a second modulus lower than the first modulus.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the first cushioning member (610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1210) has a first hardness, and the second cushioning member (620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1220) may have a second hardness lower than the first hardness.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the first layer portion (LA1) has a first length, and the second layer portion (LA2) may have a second length shorter than the first length.

[0139] According to one embodiment, when the flexible display (130) is unfolded, the first side of the first layer portion (LA1) may be set to protrude further toward the inner surface (513) than the second side of the second layer portion (LA2).

[0140] According to one embodiment, one side of the second cushioning member (620) may not contact the first side of the first layer portion (LA1) but may contact the second side of the second layer portion (LA2).

[0141] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (130) may include a display panel (430) included in the first layer portion (LA1); and a polymer layer (411) disposed over the display panel (430) and included in the second layer portion (LA2).

[0142] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (130) may further include a glass layer (412) disposed between the display panel (430) and the polymer layer (411) and included in the second layer portion (LA2); and a polarizing film (420) disposed between the display panel and the glass layer (412) and included in the second layer portion (LA2).

[0143] When the flexible display (130) is unfolded, at least one side (411e, 420e) of the glass layer (412) and the polarizing film (420) may be set to protrude further toward the inner surface (513) than the side (411e) of the polymer layer.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the first buffer member (610) may contact the first side of the first layer portion (LA1) and the inner surface (513).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the first buffer member (610) may be in contact with the first side of the first layer portion (LA1) and may be spaced at least partially apart from the inner surface (513).

[0146] According to one embodiment, the second buffer member (620) can come into contact with the first buffer member (610).

[0147] According to one embodiment, the second layer portion (LA2, 1200) may include a first side portion (1201) substantially parallel to the folding axis; a second side portion (1202) opposite the first side portion and substantially parallel to the folding axis; a third side portion (1203) substantially perpendicular to the folding axis; and a fourth side portion (1204) opposite the third side portion and substantially perpendicular to the folding axis.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the second buffer member (1220) may be formed along the first side portion (1201).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the second buffer member (1220) may be partially extended along at least one of the third side portion (1203) and the fourth side portion (1204).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the first buffer member (1210) may be formed along the first side portion (1201), the third side portion (1203), and the fourth side portion (1204).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the second buffer member (1220) may be formed along the first side portion (1201) and may not be formed along the third side portion (1203) and the fourth side portion (1204).

[0152] According to one embodiment, when the flexible display (130) is unfolded, the boundary surface (730) between the first buffer member (710) and the second buffer member (720) may be formed to be inclined so as to become closer to the inner surface (513) as it goes from the rear to the front of the electronic device.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the first buffer member (710) may include a first buffer portion (7101) located between the second buffer member (720) and the inner surface (513) and in contact with the inner surface at least partially; and a second buffer portion (7102) located between the second layer portion and the inner surface (513) and spaced apart from the inner surface at least partially.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include a film member (830) disposed over the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include a coating layer (930) formed on one side of the display (130), the upper surface of the first buffer member (810), and the upper surface of the second buffer member (820).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the printing layer (940) corresponding to the first buffer member (910) and the second buffer member (920) among the coating layer (930) may be at least partially opaque.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the top (10101) of the first buffer member (1010) may be formed to extend from between the second buffer member (1020) and the inner surface to cover at least a portion of the second buffer member (1020).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device may further include: a third cushioning member (630, 1230) which is substantially symmetric with respect to the first cushioning member (610, 1210) with respect to the folding axis (F) and has a third elasticity higher than that of the inner surface; and a fourth cushioning member (640, 1240) which is substantially symmetric with respect to the second cushioning member (620, 1220) with respect to the folding axis (F) and has a fourth elasticity higher than that of the third cushioning member.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the fourth buffer member (1240) may be formed along the second side portion (1202).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the third buffer member (1230) may be formed along at least a portion of the second side portion (1202), a portion of the third side portion (1203), and a portion of the fourth side portion (1204).

[0161] The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B," "at least one of A and / or B," "A, B or C," or "at least one of A, B and / or C" may include all possible combinations of items listed together. Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" may modify said components regardless of order or importance and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit said components. When it is mentioned that a certain (e.g., first) component is "(functionally or telecommunicationally) connected" or "connected" to another (e.g., second) component, said certain component may be directly connected to said other component or connected through another component (e.g., third component).

[0162] In this document, "adapted to or configured to" may be used interchangeably with, depending on the context, for example, in hardware or software, "suitable for," "capable of," "modified to," "made to," "capable of," or "designed to." In some situations, the expression "device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" in conjunction with other devices or components.

[0163] Each component (e.g., module or program module) according to various embodiments may be composed of a singular or multiple entities, and some of the aforementioned sub-components may be omitted or additional sub-components may be included. Generally or additionally, some components (e.g., module or program module) may be integrated into a single entity to perform the functions performed by each of the respective components prior to integration in the same or similar manner. The operations performed by the module, program module, or other components according to various embodiments may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or at least some operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or other operations added.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device, Foldable housing (101); A flexible display (130) disposed within the foldable housing and folded or unfolded with respect to the folding axis of the foldable housing, comprising a first layer portion (LA1) and a second layer portion (LA2) disposed over the first layer portion; A first cushioning member (610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1210) disposed between the side of the flexible display and the inner surface (513) of the foldable housing; and It includes a second cushioning member (620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1220) disposed between the side of the flexible display and the first cushioning member, and When the first elasticity of the first cushioning member and the elasticity of the inner surface are measured under the same environmental conditions, the first cushioning member has the first elasticity which is higher than the elasticity of the inner surface, and A foldable electronic device in which, when the first elasticity of the first buffer member and the second elasticity of the second buffer member are measured under the same environmental conditions, the second buffer member has a second elasticity higher than that of the first buffer member.

2. In Paragraph 1, The first buffer member (610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1210) has a first modulus under the same environmental conditions, and The above second buffer member (620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1220) is a foldable electronic device having a second modulus lower than the first modulus under the same environmental conditions.

3. In Paragraph 1, The first cushioning member (610, 710, 810, 910, 1010, 1210) has a first hardness, and The above second buffer member (620, 720, 820, 920, 1020, 1220) is a foldable electronic device having a second hardness lower than the first hardness.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above first layer portion (LA1) has a first length, and The above second layer portion (LA2) is a foldable electronic device having a second length shorter than the first length.

5. In Paragraph 1, When the above flexible display (130) is unfolded, A foldable electronic device in which the first side of the first layer portion (LA1) protrudes further toward the inner surface (513) than the second side of the second layer portion (LA2).

6. In Paragraph 1, A foldable electronic device in which one side of the second buffer member (620) does not contact the first side of the first layer portion (LA1) but contacts the second side of the second layer portion (LA2).

7. In Paragraph 1, The above flexible display (130) is A display panel (430) included in the first layer portion (LA1) above; and A foldable electronic device comprising a polymer layer (411) that is disposed over the display panel (430) and included in the second layer portion (LA2).

8. In Paragraph 7, The above flexible display (130) is, A glass layer (412) disposed between the display panel (430) and the polymer layer (411) and included in the second layer portion (LA2); and It further includes a polarizing film (420) disposed between the display panel and the glass layer (412) and included in the second layer portion (LA2), A foldable electronic device in which, when the flexible display (130) is unfolded, at least one side (411e, 420e) of the glass layer (412) and the polarizing film (420) protrudes further toward the inner surface (513) than the side (411e) of the polymer layer.

9. In Paragraph 1, The first buffer member (610) above is, Contacting the first side of the first layer portion (LA1), and or contact the inner surface (513) above A foldable electronic device spaced at least partially from the inner surface (513) above.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above second buffer member (620) is a foldable electronic device that contacts the first buffer member (610).

11. In Paragraph 1, The above second layer portion (LA2,1200) is, A first side portion (1201) substantially parallel to the above folding axis; A second side portion (1202) opposite to the first side portion and substantially parallel to the folding axis; A third side portion (1203) substantially perpendicular to the above folding axis; and It includes a fourth side portion (1204) opposite to the third side portion and substantially perpendicular to the folding axis, The second buffer member (1220) is formed along the first side portion (1201), forming a foldable electronic device.

12. In Paragraph 1, The first buffer member (710) above is A first cushioning portion (7101) located between the second cushioning member (720) and the inner surface (513) and in contact with the inner surface at least partially; and A foldable electronic device comprising a second buffer portion (7102) located between the second layer portion and the inner surface (513), at least a portion of which is spaced apart from the inner surface.

13. In Paragraph 1, A foldable electronic device further comprising a film member (830) disposed over the first buffer member (810) and the second buffer member (820).

14. In Paragraph 1, A foldable electronic device further comprising a coating layer (930) formed on one side of the flexible display (130), the upper surface of the first cushioning member (810), and the upper surface of the second cushioning member (820).

15. In Paragraph 1, A foldable electronic device, wherein the upper portion (10101) of the first buffer member (1010) extends from between the second buffer member (1020) and the inner surface (513) and is formed to cover at least a portion of the second buffer member (1020).

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