Electronic apparatus comprising flexible display

Abstract

An electronic apparatus according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may comprise: a housing; a printed circuit board disposed in the housing; a battery disposed in the housing; a display which is supported through the housing, and which has a front surface having at least one exposed portion, the display being capable of including a display panel, a bending part extending from the display panel to the rear surface of the display and including a first region facing one surface of the housing and a second region, which is positioned opposite to the first region and faces the rear surface of the display, and a control circuit disposed in any one of the first region and the second region of the bending part and electrically connected to the bending part; and a flexible substrate which is disposed in the other one of the first region and the second region of the bending part and which electrically connects the bending part and the printed circuit board. Additional other various embodiments are possible.

Description

Electronic device including a flexible display

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to electronic devices including flexible displays.

[0002] Electronic devices are becoming increasingly slimmer, and are being developed to increase rigidity, enhance design aspects, and differentiate their functional elements. Electronic devices are moving away from uniform rectangular shapes and are gradually transforming into various shapes. Electronic devices can have a deformable structure that allows for convenient portability and the use of large screen displays. For example, as part of the deformable structure, the electronic device may include foldable housings that operate by folding or unfolding relative to each other.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may include a housing. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board disposed in the housing. The electronic device may include a battery disposed in the housing. The electronic device may include a display supported by the housing and having at least a portion of its front surface exposed. The display may include a display panel. The display may include a bending portion that extends from the display panel to the back surface of the display and includes a first area facing one side of the housing and a second area located opposite the first area and facing the back surface of the display. The display may include a control circuit disposed in either the first area or the second area of ​​the bending portion and electrically connected to the bending portion. The electronic device may include a flexible substrate disposed in the other of the first area and the second area of ​​the bending portion and electrically connecting the bending portion and the printed circuit board.

[0005] According to various embodiments disclosed in this document, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge assembly rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board disposed in the second housing. The electronic device may include a battery disposed in the second housing. The electronic device may include a flexible display supported by the first housing and the second housing, with at least a portion of its front surface exposed. The flexible display may include a display panel. The flexible display may include a bending portion extending from the display panel to the back surface of the flexible display and comprising a first area facing one side of the second housing and a second area located opposite the first area and facing the back surface of the flexible display. The flexible display may include a control circuit disposed in either the first area or the second area of ​​the bending portion and electrically connected to the bending portion. The electronic device may include a flexible substrate disposed in the other of the first region and the second region of the bending portion to electrically connect the bending portion and the printed circuit board.

[0006] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0007] FIGS. 1a and 1b are drawings of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front and rear.

[0008] FIGS. 2a and 2b are drawings of an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front and rear.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5a is a rear view of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 5b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P1-P1 of Fig. 5a.

[0013] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P2-P2 of FIG. 5a, and is an embodiment in which a control circuit is placed in the first region of the bending portion and a flexible substrate is placed in the second region of the bending portion.

[0014] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P2-P2 of FIG. 5a, and is an embodiment in which a flexible substrate is placed in the first region of the bending portion and a control circuit is placed in the second region of the bending portion.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P2-P2 of FIG. 5a, and is a drawing of an embodiment in which a support member is placed between a flexible substrate placed in the second region of the bending portion and the back surface of a flexible display.

[0016] FIGS. 8a and 8b are cross-sectional views taken along the line P2-P2 of FIG. 5a, and are drawings of an embodiment in which a control circuit disposed in a second region of the bending portion is accommodated in a support member disposed inside the bending portion.

[0017] In the following description, an embodiment of this document is described with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0018] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] FIGS. 1a and 1b are drawings of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front and rear. FIGS. 2a and 2b are drawings of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the front and rear.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1a through 2b, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of housings (210, 220) (e.g., foldable housing structure) that are rotatably coupled about a folding axis (F) through at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3) (e.g., hinge module, hinge assembly, or hinge structure) so as to be foldable relative to each other, a first display (230) (e.g., flexible display, foldable display, or main display) disposed through the pair of housings (210, 220), and / or a second display (300) (e.g., sub display) disposed through the second housing (220). In one embodiment, at least a portion of at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3) may be positioned so as not to be seen from the outside through a first housing (210) and a second housing (220), and in an unfolded state, may be positioned so as not to be seen from the outside through a hinge housing (310) (e.g., a hinge cover) that covers a foldable portion. In this document, the surface on which the first display (230) is positioned may be defined as the front of the electronic device (200), and the surface opposite to the front may be defined as the rear of the electronic device (200). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front and the rear may be defined as the side of the electronic device (200).

[0021] According to one embodiment, a pair of housings (210, 220) may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are foldably arranged relative to each other through at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the pair of housings (210, 220) are not limited to the shapes and combinations shown in FIG. 1a through 2b and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and / or combinations of parts. In one embodiment, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are arranged on both sides with respect to a folding axis (F) and may be folded to coincide with each other, having a shape that is symmetrical overall with respect to the folding axis (F). According to some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be folded asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may differ depending on whether the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) is connected to at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3) in the unfolded state of the electronic device (200) and may include a first surface (211) positioned to face the front of the electronic device (200), a second surface (212) facing in the opposite direction of the first surface (211), and / or a first side member (213) surrounding at least a portion of the first space (2101) between the first surface (211) and the second surface (212). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) is connected to at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3) in the unfolded state of the electronic device (200) and may include a third surface (221) positioned to face the front of the electronic device (200), a fourth surface (222) facing in the opposite direction of the third surface (221), and / or a second side member (223) surrounding at least a portion of the second space (2201) between the third surface (221) and the fourth surface (222). In one embodiment, the first surface (211) may face substantially the same direction as the third surface (221) in the unfolded state and may at least partially face the third surface (221) in the folded state. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210) and a recess (201) formed to accommodate a first display (230) through the structural combination of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the recess (201) may have substantially the same size as the first display (230). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first protective frame (213a) (e.g., a first decorative member) which is combined with a first side member (213) when the first display (230) is viewed from above and overlaps with the edge of the first display (230) to cover the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the first protective frame (213a) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213).In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a second protective frame (223a) (e.g., a second decorative member) which is coupled to the second side member (223) when the first display (230) is viewed from above and overlaps with the edge of the first display (230) to cover the edge of the first display (230) so that it is not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, the second protective frame (223a) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In some embodiments, the first protective frame (213a) and the second protective frame (223a) may be omitted.

[0023] According to one embodiment, a hinge housing (310) (e.g., a hinge cover) is positioned between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) and may be positioned to cover a part (e.g., at least one hinge module) of at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) may be covered by a part of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on the unfolded state, folded state, or intermediate state of the electronic device (200). For example, when the electronic device (200) is in the unfolded state, at least a part of the hinge housing (310) may be positioned to be covered by the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) so that it is substantially not visible from the outside. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220). In one embodiment, when the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded with a certain angle, the hinge housing (310) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside at least partially between the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) to the outside of the electronic device (200). For example, the area of ​​the hinge housing (310) exposed to the outside may be smaller than in a fully folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge housing (310) may include a curved surface.

[0024] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b), the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) form an angle of about 180 degrees, and the first area (230a), the second area (230b), and the folding area (230c) of the first display (230) form substantially the same plane and may be arranged to face substantially the same direction (e.g., the z-axis direction). In another embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing (210) may be rotated at an angle of about 360 degrees relative to the second housing (220) and folded in the opposite direction so that the second surface (212) and the fourth surface (222) face each other (out folding method).

[0025] According to one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b), the first surface (211) of the first housing (210) and the third surface (221) of the second housing (220) may be positioned to face each other. In this case, the first area (230a) and the second area (230b) of the first display (230) may be positioned to face each other through the folding area (230c), forming a narrow angle (e.g., a range of 0 to about 10 degrees) from each other. In one embodiment, the folding area (230c) may be deformed into a curved shape having at least a portion of a certain curvature. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be positioned at a certain angle from each other. In this case, the first region (230a) and the second region (230b) of the first display (230) may form an angle that is larger than the folded state and smaller than the unfolded state, and the curvature of the folding region (230c) may be smaller than the folded state and larger than the unfolded state. In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may form an angle that can stop at a specified folding angle between the folded state and the unfolded state through at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3) (free stop function). In some embodiments, the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) may be continuously operated while being pressed in an unfolding direction or a folding direction based on a specified inflection angle through at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3).

[0026] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one display (230, 300), an input device (215), an audio output device (227, 228), a sensor module (217a, 217b, 226), a camera module (216a, 216b, 225), a key input device (219), an indicator (not shown), or a connector port (229) disposed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may omit at least one of the components or additionally include at least one other component.

[0027] According to one embodiment, at least one display (230, 300) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display) positioned to be supported by a third surface (221) of a second housing (220) through at least one hinge device (e.g., a hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3) from a first surface (211) of a first housing (210), and a second display (300) positioned to be visible from the outside at least partially through a fourth surface (222) in the internal space of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the second display (300) may be positioned to be visible from the outside through a second surface (212) in the internal space of the first housing (210). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may be primarily used in the unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and the second display (300) may be primarily used in the folded state of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may control the first display (230) and / or the second display (300) to be usable based on the folding angle of the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) in the case of an intermediate state.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may be placed in a receiving space formed by a pair of housings (210, 220). For example, the first display (200) may be placed in a recess (201) formed by a pair of housings (210, 220) and may be placed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device (200) in an unfolded state. In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a flexible display in which at least some area may be deformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a first area (230a) facing the first housing (210) and a second area (230b) facing the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a folding area (230c) comprising a portion of the first area (230a) and a portion of the second area (230b) with respect to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area (230c) may include an area corresponding to at least one hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the division of the area of ​​the first display (230) is merely an exemplary physical division by a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3), and substantially, the first display (230) can be displayed as a single, seamless, whole screen through a pair of housings (210, 220) and at least one hinge device (e.g., hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the first area (230a) and the second area (230b) may have a shape that is symmetrical overall with respect to the folding area (230c) or a partially asymmetrical shape.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first rear cover (240) disposed on a second side (212) of a first housing (210) and a second rear cover (250) disposed on a fourth side (222) of a second housing (220). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally with the first side member (213). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally with the second side member (223). In one embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may be formed of a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate. In one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be formed by an opaque plate, such as, for example, coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the materials. In one embodiment, the second rear cover (250) may be formed through a substantially transparent plate, such as, for example, glass or polymer. Thus, the second display (300) may be positioned so as to be visible from the outside through the second rear cover (250) within the internal space of the second housing (220).

[0030] According to one embodiment, the input device (215) may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device (215) may include a plurality of microphones arranged to detect the direction of sound. In one embodiment, the sound output device (227, 228) may include speakers. In one embodiment, the sound output device (227, 228) may include a call receiver (227) arranged through the fourth side (222) of the second housing (220) and an external speaker (228) arranged through at least a portion of the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the input device (215), the acoustic output device (227, 228), and the connector (229) are disposed in the spaces of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) may be used in common for the input device (215) and the acoustic output device (227, 228). In some embodiments, the acoustic output device (227, 228) may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that is operated with the holes formed in the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220) excluded.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include a first camera module (216a) disposed on a first surface (211) of a first housing (210), a second camera module (216b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third camera module (225) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flash (218) disposed near the second camera module (216b). In one embodiment, the flash (218) may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. In one embodiment, the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and / or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, at least one camera module among the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225) includes two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and may be placed together on either side of the first housing (210) and / or the second housing (220).

[0032] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (217a, 217b, 226) can generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or an external environmental state of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the sensor module (217a, 217b, 226) may include a first sensor module (217a) disposed on a first surface (211) of a first housing (210), a second sensor module (217b) disposed on a second surface (212) of the first housing (210), and / or a third sensor module (226) disposed on a fourth surface (222) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the sensor module (217a, 217b, 226) may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, an ambient light sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., a TOF (time of flight) sensor or a LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include at least one sensor module not illustrated, e.g., a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. In some embodiments, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be positioned through at least one side member of the first side member (213) of the first housing (210) and / or the second side member (223) of the second housing (220).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the key input device (219) may be positioned to be exposed to the outside through the first side member (213) of the first housing (210). In some embodiments, the key input device (219) may be positioned to be exposed to the outside through the second side member (223) of the second housing (220). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may not include some or all of the key input devices (219), and the key input device (219) not included may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys, on at least one display (230, 300). In another embodiment, the key input device (219) may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display (230, 300).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the connector port (229) may include a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and / or data with an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the connector port (229) may perform the function of transmitting and receiving audio signals with an external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., an earphone jack hole) for performing the function of transmitting and receiving audio signals.

[0036] According to one embodiment, at least one camera module (216a, 225) among the camera modules (216a, 216b, 225), at least one sensor module (217a, 226) among the sensor modules (217a, 217b, 226), and / or an indicator may be positioned to be exposed through at least one display (230, 300). For example, at least one camera module (216a, 225), at least one sensor module (217a, 226), and / or an indicator may be positioned in the internal space of at least one housing (210, 220), below the display area of ​​at least one display (230, 300), and may be positioned to come into contact with the external environment through an opening or transparent area perforated to a cover member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) of the first display (230) and / or a second rear cover (250)). In one embodiment, the area where at least one display (230, 300) and at least one camera module (216a, 225) face each other may be formed as a transparent area having a certain transmittance as part of the area for displaying content. In one embodiment, the transparent area may be formed to have a transmittance in the range of about 5% to about 20%. This transparent area may include an area that overlaps with the effective area (e.g., field of view area) of at least one camera module (216a, 225) through which light passes to form an image by an image sensor to generate an image. For example, the transparent area of ​​the display (230, 300) may include an area with a lower pixel density than the surrounding area. For example, the transparent area may replace an opening. For example, at least one camera module (216a, 225) may include an under-display camera (UDC) or an under-panel camera (UPC).In another embodiment, some camera modules or sensor modules (217a, 226) may be positioned to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display. For example, the area facing the camera module (216a, 225) and / or sensor module (217a, 226) placed below the display (230, 300) (e.g., display panel) may be an under-display camera (UDC) structure, so a perforated opening may be unnecessary.

[0037] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (200) may include a first display (230) (e.g., a flexible display), a second display (300), at least one hinge device (400, 400-1), a pair of support members (261, 262), at least one substrate (270) (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)), a first housing (210), a second housing (220), a first rear cover (240) and / or a second rear cover (250).

[0039] According to one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a display panel (430) (e.g., a flexible display panel) and a support plate (450) disposed below the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the first display (230) may include a reinforcing plate (462) disposed below the support plate (450). In some embodiments, the reinforcing plates (462) may be omitted. In one embodiment, the display panel (430) may include a first panel area (430a) corresponding to a first area of ​​the first display (230) (e.g., the first area (230a) of FIG. 1a), a second panel area (430b) extending from the first panel area (430a) and corresponding to a second area of ​​the first display (230) (e.g., the second area (230b) of FIG. 1a), and a third panel area (430c) connecting the first panel area (430a) and the second panel area (430b) and corresponding to a folding area of ​​the first display (230) (e.g., the folding area (230c) of FIG. 1a). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) is positioned between the display panel (430) and a pair of support members (261, 262) and may be formed to have a material and shape to provide a planar support structure for the first panel area (430a) and the second panel area (430b), and a bendable structure to aid in flexibility for the third panel area (430c). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may be formed of a conductive material (e.g., metal) or a non-conductive material (e.g., polymer or FRP (fiber reinforced plastics)). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (462) may include a first reinforcing plate (4621) positioned to correspond to at least a portion of the first panel area (430a) and the third panel area (430c) and a second reinforcing plate (4622) positioned to correspond to at least a portion of the second panel area (430b) and the third panel area (430c) between the support plate (450) and a pair of support members (261, 262).In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (462) is formed of a metal material (e.g., SUS) to help with the ground connection structure and rigidity reinforcement for the first display (230). In some embodiments, the electronic device (200) may be placed under the support plate (450) and may include a digitizer (e.g., the digitizer (461) of FIG. 4) added between the support plate (450) and the reinforcing plate (462), or replaced by the reinforcing plate (462).

[0040] According to one embodiment, the second display (300) may be placed in the space between the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (250). In one embodiment, the second display (300) may be placed in the space between the second housing (220) and the second rear cover (250) so as to be visible from the outside through substantially the entire surface area of ​​the second rear cover (250).

[0041] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first support member (261) may be foldably coupled to the second support member (262) through at least one hinge device (400, 400-1). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one wiring member (263) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) disposed from at least a portion of the first support member (261) across at least one hinge device (400, 400-1) to a portion of the second support member (262). In one embodiment, the first support member (261) may be disposed in such a way that it extends from the first side member (213) or is structurally coupled to the first side member (213). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first space (e.g., the first space (2101) of FIG. 1a) provided through a first support member (261) and a first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, the first housing (210) (e.g., the first housing structure) may be formed by combining a first side member (213), a first support member (261), and a first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, the second support member (262) may be arranged in such a way that it extends from the second side member (223) or is structurally coupled to the second side member (223). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a second space (e.g., the second space (2201) of FIG. 1a) provided through a second support member (262) and a second rear cover (250). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) (e.g., second housing structure) may be formed by combining a second side member (223), a second support member (262), and a second rear cover (250). In one embodiment, at least one part of at least one wiring member (263) and / or at least one hinge device (400, 400-1) may be arranged to be supported by at least part of a pair of support members (261, 262).In one embodiment, at least one wiring member (263) may be arranged to extend from the first support member (261) to the second support member (262) across the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, at least one wiring member (263) may be arranged to have a length in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis (F) of FIG. 1A) (e.g., the x-axis direction).

[0042] According to one embodiment, at least one substrate (270) may include a first substrate (271) disposed in a first space (2101) and a second substrate (272) disposed in a second space (2201). In one embodiment, the first substrate (271) and the second substrate (272) may include a plurality of electronic components disposed to implement various functions of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the first substrate (271) and the second substrate (272) may be electrically connected through at least one wiring member (263).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one battery (291, 292). In one embodiment, the at least one battery (291, 292) may include a first battery (291) disposed in a first space (2101) of a first housing (210) and electrically connected to a first substrate (271), and a second battery disposed in a second space (2201) of a second housing (220) and electrically connected to a second substrate (272). In one embodiment, the first support member (261) and the second support member (262) may further include at least one swelling hole for the first battery (291) and the second battery (292).

[0044] According to one embodiment, the first housing (210) may include a first rotational support surface (214), and the second housing (220) may include a second rotational support surface (224) corresponding to the first rotational support surface (214). In one embodiment, the first rotational support surface (214) and the second rotational support surface (224) may include a curved surface corresponding to (naturally connected to) the curved outer surface of the hinge housing (310). In one embodiment, the first rotational support surface (214) and the second rotational support surface (224) may cover the hinge housing (310) when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, thereby preventing the hinge housing (310) from being exposed to the rear of the electronic device (200) or exposing only a portion of it. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the first rotational support surface (214) and the second rotational support surface (224) can rotate along the outer surface of the hinge housing (310) to expose at least a portion of the hinge housing (310) to the rear of the electronic device (200).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include at least one antenna (276) disposed in a first space (2201). In one embodiment, at least one antenna (276) may be disposed in the first space (2201) on the first battery (291) and the first rear cover (240). In one embodiment, at least one antenna (276) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. In one embodiment, at least one antenna (276) may, for example, communicate near-field with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging. In some embodiments, an antenna structure may be formed by at least a part of the first side member (213) or the second side member (223) and / or a part of the first support member (261) and the second support member (262) or a combination thereof.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may further include at least one electronic component assembly (274, 275) and / or additional support members (263, 273) disposed in a first space (e.g., the first space (2101) of FIG. 1a) and / or a second space (e.g., the second space (2201) of FIG. 1a). For example, at least one electronic component assembly may include an interface connector port assembly (274) or a speaker assembly (275).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first waterproof member (WP1) disposed between a first reinforcing plate (4621) and a first support member (261), and a second waterproof member (WP2) disposed between a second reinforcing plate (4622) and a second support member (262). In one embodiment, the first waterproof member (WP1) may provide at least one first waterproof space between the first reinforcing plate (4621) and the first support member (261). In one embodiment, the at least one first waterproof space may accommodate an area corresponding to at least one electronic component (e.g., a camera module or a sensor module) disposed to be supported by the first support member (261). In one embodiment, the second waterproof member (WP2) may provide a second waterproof space between the second reinforcing plate (4622) and the second support member (262). In one embodiment, the second waterproof space may accommodate at least a portion of the bending portion (432) that folds toward the back of the first display (230). For example, the second waterproof space may be arranged to extend from the display panel (430) of the first display (230) and surround at least a portion of the bending portion (e.g., the bending portion (432) of FIG. 4) that folds toward the back. Accordingly, a control circuit (e.g., the control circuit (4321a) of FIG. 4) (e.g., a DDI (display driver IC)) and a plurality of electrical components placed in the bending portion (432) can be protected from external moisture and / or foreign substances by being placed in the second waterproof space.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a waterproof tape (241) disposed between a first rear cover (240) and a first housing (210). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a bonding member (251) disposed between a second rear cover (250) and a second housing (220). In some embodiments, the bonding member (251) may be disposed between a second display (300) and a second housing (220). In some embodiments, the waterproof tape (241) may be replaced by the bonding member (251), and the bonding member (251) may be replaced by the waterproof tape (241).

[0049] According to one embodiment, at least one hinge device (400, 400-1) may include a first hinge device (400) positioned at one end in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F) and a second hinge device (400-1) positioned at the other end. In one embodiment, the first hinge device (400) and the second hinge device (400-1) may have substantially the same configuration. In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a connecting module (400-2) positioned between the first hinge device (400) and the second hinge device (400-1). In one embodiment, the connecting module (400-2) may be positioned via a combination of at least one gear and / or at least one link combination. In some embodiments, the connecting module (400-2) may be replaced by the first hinge device (400). In some embodiments, at least one hinge device (400, 400-1) may be arranged in one location or at least three locations at designated intervals along a direction parallel to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a first hinge plate (311) and a second hinge plate (312) connected through at least one hinge device (400, 400-1). In one embodiment, the first hinge plate (311) may form a plane identical to the first housing (210) in the unfolded state, and the second hinge plate (312) may form a plane identical to the second housing (220) in the unfolded state.

[0050] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] The flexible display (230) of FIG. 4 may be at least partially similar to the first display (230) of FIG. 1a, or may include other embodiments of the flexible display.

[0052] A flexible display (230) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (e.g., a curved display). However, it is not limited thereto, and the flexible display (230) may include an on-cell touch AMOLED (active matrix organic light-emitting diode) type flat display.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, a first display (230) (hereinafter referred to as a 'flexible display') may include a window layer (410) (e.g., a transparent window layer, or a protective layer), a polarizing layer (POL) (420) (e.g., a polarizing film) sequentially disposed on the back surface (e.g., in the -z-axis direction) of the window layer (410), a display panel (430), a polymer layer (440), a support plate (450), and / or a functional layer (460). In one embodiment, the functional layer (460) may include a digitizer (461) and / or a reinforcing plate (462). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (462) may include a first reinforcing plate (4621) positioned at a location corresponding to the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 1a) and a second reinforcing plate (4622) positioned at a location corresponding to the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 1a). In some embodiments, the reinforcing plate (462) may be formed integrally. In some embodiments, the flexible display (230) may include a digitizer (461) positioned between the support plate (450) and the reinforcing plate (462). In some embodiments, the digitizer (461) may include a first digitizer (4611) positioned at a location corresponding to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) in FIG. 1a) and a second digitizer (4612) electrically connected to the first digitizer and positioned at a location corresponding to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) in FIG. 1a). In some embodiments, the digitizer (461) may be formed integrally. In some embodiments, the digitizer (461) may be positioned between a polymer layer (440) and a support plate (450). In one embodiment, the digitizer (461) may include coil members positioned on a dielectric substrate (e.g., a dielectric film or a dielectric sheet) to detect an electromagnetic induction resonant frequency applied from an electronic pen.In some embodiments, if the flexible display (230) is a POL-less display, the polarizing layer may be omitted, and a transparent reinforcing layer (e.g., a buffer layer) may be further disposed in that location. In some embodiments, the polymer layer (440) and / or the reinforcing plate (462) may be omitted. In some embodiments, the polymer layer (440) may be disposed on the reinforcing plate (462).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the window layer (410) may include a first layer (e.g., the first layer (411) of FIG. 6) and a second layer (e.g., the second layer (412) of FIG. 6) that are sequentially stacked. According to one embodiment, the first layer (411) may be formed of a polymer (e.g., PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PI (polyimide), or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)). According to one embodiment, the second layer (412) may be formed of glass. According to one embodiment, the second layer may include UTG (ultra thin glass). In some embodiments, the flexible display (230) may further include a coating layer formed as part of the window layer (410) and disposed on top of the first layer (411). In this case, the coating layer may include a hard coating layer (HC layer), an anti-reflection (AR) / low reflection (LR) coating layer, a shatterproof (SP) coating layer, or an anti-fingerprint (AF) coating layer. In some embodiments, the coating layer may be formed on at least one of the following: between the first layer (411) and the second layer (412), on the side of the first layer (411), or on the back or side of the second layer (412).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the window layer (410), polarizing layer (420), display panel (430), polymer layer (440), and support plate (450) may be arranged to cross at least a portion of the first surface (e.g., the first surface (211) of FIG. 1a) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 1a) and the third surface (e.g., the third surface (221) of FIG. 1a) of the second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 1a). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (462) may provide rigidity for the flexible display (230) and may be used as a ground to prevent malfunction of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (462) may be formed of a metal material. In one embodiment, the reinforcing plate (462) may be formed of SUS or Al. In one embodiment, the window layer (410), polarizing layer (420), display panel (430), polymer layer (440), support plate (450), and reinforcing plate (462) can also be attached to each other through an adhesive (or adhesive member).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the display panel (430) may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (e.g., an electrode pattern). In one embodiment, the polarizing layer (420) may selectively allow light generated from a light source of the display panel (430) and vibrating in a certain direction to pass through. In one embodiment, the display panel (430) and the polarizing layer (420) may be formed integrally. In one embodiment, the polarizing layer (420) may be removed by placing a color filter formed of red (R), green (G), and blue (B) pigments having a polarizing function on a pixel placed on the display panel (430). In one embodiment, when a color filter having a polarizing function is applied, the interior of the display panel (430) may include a light reflection blocking layer (e.g., a black pixel define layer) capable of preventing reflection of external light. In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a touch panel (not shown).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the polymer layer (440) is placed below the display panel (430) to provide a dark background for ensuring visibility of the display panel (430) and can be formed as a cushioning material for cushioning. In some embodiments, for waterproofing of the flexible display (230), the polymer layer (440) may be removed or placed below the support plate (450). In some embodiments, the polymer layer (440) may be omitted if the support plate (450) is formed of an opaque material.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the support plate (450) may provide bending characteristics to the flexible display (230). For example, the support plate (450) may be formed from a non-metallic thin-plate material, such as fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastics or glass fiber reinforced plastics) having rigid characteristics for supporting the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may include a first planar portion (451) corresponding to a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 1a), a second planar portion (452) corresponding to a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 1a), and a flexible portion (453) (flexible portion or bending portion) connecting the first planar portion (451) and the second planar portion (452). In one embodiment, the flexible portion (453) may include a plurality of openings formed to penetrate from the upper surface to the back surface of the support plate (450) and / or a plurality of recesses formed in a part of the upper surface and / or a part of the back surface to improve flexibility. In one embodiment, the flexible portion (453) may have a bending characteristic determined by at least one of the size, shape, or arrangement density of at least some of the plurality of openings and / or at least some of the plurality of recesses. In some embodiments, the support plate (450) may be formed of a metal material such as SUS (steel use stainless) (e.g., STS (stainless steel)), Cu, Al, or a metal CLAD (e.g., a laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged). In this case, the support plate (450) may have a plurality of openings formed over the entire surface area to induce a detection operation of the digitizer (461) placed underneath.In one embodiment, the support plate (450) may be used to help reinforce the rigidity of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) of FIG. 1a), shield ambient noise, and dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat dissipation components.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include at least one auxiliary layer (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer (440) and the support plate (450), or below the support plate (450). In one embodiment, the at least one auxiliary layer may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, a communication antenna radiator, or a conductive / non-conductive tape. In one embodiment, the at least one auxiliary layer may be replaced with a functional layer (460) comprising the aforementioned digitizer (461) and / or reinforcing plate (462). In one embodiment, if bending is not possible, the at least one auxiliary layer may be disposed separately in a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) in FIG. 1a) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) in FIG. 1a). In one embodiment, if bendable, at least one auxiliary material layer may be integrally formed so as to be positioned from a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) of FIG. 1a) to at least a part of a second housing (e.g., the second housing (220) of FIG. 1a) through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device (400, 400-1) of FIG. 3).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a bending portion (432) that is positioned 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 flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may be positioned on a support plate (450) positioned below the display panel (430). For example, the bending portion (432) may be positioned on the back surface of the support plate (450) facing the second support member (262) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, if a reinforcing plate (462) is positioned below the support plate (450), the bending portion (432) may be positioned on the back surface of the reinforcing plate (462) facing the second support member (262) of the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include an extension portion (4321) that extends from the display panel (430) and includes a control circuit (4321a), and a flexible substrate (4322) (e.g., FPCB, flexible printed circuit board) that is electrically connected to the extension portion (4321) and includes a plurality of electronic components. In one embodiment, the control circuit (4321a) may include a DDI (display driver IC) or TDDI (touch display driver IC) mounted on the extension portion (4321) having an electrical wiring structure. In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include a COP (chip on panel or chip on plastic) structure in which the control circuit (4321a) is directly placed on the extension portion (4321). In some embodiments, the bending portion (432) may include a chip-on-film (COF) structure in which a control circuit (4321a) is mounted on a separate connecting film (not shown) connecting the extension portion (4321) and the flexible substrate (4322). In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a plurality of electronic elements disposed on the flexible substrate (4322).In one embodiment, a plurality of electronic components may include passive components such as a touch IC, a flash memory for a display, an ESD protection diode, a pressure sensor, a fingerprint sensor, or a decap. In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include an FPCB connection portion (4323) (e.g., a connector portion) that extends from a flexible substrate (4322) and is electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., a second substrate (272) in FIG. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) in FIG. 3). In another embodiment, when the bending portion (432) is placed in an area of ​​the flexible display (230) facing a first housing (e.g., the first housing (210) in FIG. 1a), the FPCB connection portion (4323) may be electrically connected to another substrate (e.g., a first substrate (271) in FIG. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (200) in FIG. 3).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include perforated openings (not shown) in an area corresponding to an electronic component (e.g., camera device) disposed on each of the layers (420, 430, 440, 450, 460) and disposed below it. In some embodiments, the perforated openings may not be necessary for the display panel (430) and / or the polarizing layer (420).

[0062] FIG. 5a is a rear view of a flexible display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P1-P1 of FIG. 5a.

[0063] The flexible display (230) of FIG. 5a may be substantially similar to the first display (230) of FIG. 1a, or may include other embodiments of the flexible display.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5a, the flexible display (230) may include a first edge (401) having a first length, a second edge (402) having a second length that extends perpendicularly from the first edge (401) in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction), a third edge (403) having a first length that extends from the second edge (402) in a direction parallel to the first edge (401) in a direction (e.g., y-axis direction), and a fourth edge (404) having a second length that extends from the third edge (403) to the first edge (401) in a direction parallel to the second edge (402) in a direction (e.g., -x-axis direction). In one embodiment, the first edge (401) may be formed to have a length in a direction parallel to the folding axis (F). In one embodiment, the first length may be formed to be longer than the second length. In some embodiments, the first length may be the same as the second length or may be formed to be shorter than the second length.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a display panel (430) and a window layer (410) laminated on the upper surface of the display panel (430). In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a bending portion (432) attached to the back surface of the flexible display (230) in a manner that extends from and bends from the display panel (430) at a first edge (401). In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 5b, the bending portion (432) may include an extension portion (4321), a flexible substrate (4322) extending from the extension portion (4321), and an FPCB connection portion (4323) extending from at least a portion of the flexible substrate (4322) and connected to a substrate (e.g., a second substrate (272)). In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a control circuit (4321a) disposed in an extension portion (4321) and a plurality of electronic elements disposed in a flexible substrate (4322). In some embodiments, the bending portion (432) may be disposed to extend from any one of the second edge (402), the third edge (403), or the fourth edge (404), rather than the first edge (401).

[0066] In the above description, the flexible substrate (4322) is described as being included in the bending portion (432), but the bending portion (432) and the flexible substrate (4322) may be physically separate components. The bending portion (432) and the flexible substrate (4322) may be electrically connected to the extension portion (4321) of the bending portion (432) through a conductive adhesive member (e.g., Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF)). For example, the bending portion (432) may include a first pad portion (not shown) connected to the flexible substrate (4322). In one embodiment, the first pad portion may be formed at the end of the extension portion (4321) of the bending portion (432). The flexible substrate (4322) may include a second pad portion (not shown) corresponding to the first pad portion. The flexible substrate (4322) and the bending portion (432) can be electrically connected as a conductive adhesive member is applied to the first pad portion and the second pad portion. In the following description, in order to explain the connection relationship between the flexible substrate (4322) and the bending portion (432), the description will be based on the premise that the flexible substrate (4322) and the bending portion (4322) are physically separated components.

[0067] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P2-P2 of FIG. 5a, and is an embodiment in which a control circuit is placed in the first region of the bending portion and a flexible substrate is placed in the second region of the bending portion. FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P2-P2 of FIG. 5a, and is an embodiment in which a flexible substrate is placed in the first region of the bending portion and a control circuit is placed in the second region of the bending portion.

[0068] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the flexible display (230) may include a bending portion (432) that extends from the display panel (430) and extends to one side of the housing (210, 220) in a bending manner. In one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may face one side of the second housing (220) (e.g., the third side (221) of FIG. 1a). In some embodiments, the bending portion (432) may face one side of the first housing (210) (e.g., the first side (211) of FIG. 1a). For convenience of explanation, the following description assumes that the bending portion (432) extends from the display panel (430) to the back surface of the flexible display (230) (e.g., the surface facing the -Z direction in FIG. 6a) and faces one surface of the second housing (220) (e.g., the third surface (221) in FIG. 1a). However, the following description may also apply equally when the bending portion (432) faces one surface of the first housing (220).

[0069] Additionally, in one embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the polymer layer (440), support plate (450), and / or functional layer (460) disposed on the lower part of the display panel (430) may be omitted from the illustration, but in the embodiments of FIGS. 6a to 8b, the polymer layer (440), support plate (450), and / or functional layer (460) may be disposed on the lower part of the display panel (430) as shown in the enlarged views of FIGS. 6a and 6b. In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (4322) shown in FIG. 6a and FIG. 7, which will be described later, may be disposed in the second region (432b) of the bending part (432) and placed between the bending part (432) and the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, when a polymer layer (440) and a support plate (450) are disposed below a display panel (430), a flexible substrate (4322) may be disposed between the support plate (450) and the bending portion (432). In one embodiment, when a functional layer (460) (e.g., the second reinforcing plate (4622) of FIG. 4) is disposed below the support plate (450), the flexible substrate (4322) may be disposed between the bending portion (432) and the functional layer (460). In one embodiment, the control circuit (4321a) shown in FIG. 6b, FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b may be disposed in a second region (432b) of the bending portion (432) and may be disposed between the bending portion (432) and the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, when a polymer layer (440) and a support plate (450) are disposed below a display panel (430), a control circuit (4321a) may be disposed between the support plate (450) and the bending portion (432). In one embodiment, when a functional layer (460) (e.g., the second reinforcing plate (4622) of FIG. 4) is disposed below the support plate (450), a control circuit (4321a) may be disposed between the bending portion (432) and the functional layer (460).In the following description, when the flexible substrate (4322) is placed in the second region (432b) of the bending portion (432), the flexible substrate (4322) may be described as being placed between the bending portion (432) and the back surface of the flexible display (230). In this case, the flexible substrate (4322) may be placed between the bending portion (432) and the support plate (450) and / or the functional layer (460). Additionally, when the control circuit (4321a) is placed in the second region (432b) of the bending portion (432), the control circuit (4321a) may be described as being placed between the bending portion (432) and the back surface of the flexible display (230). In this case, the control circuit (4321a) may be positioned between the bending part (432) and the support plate (450) and / or the functional layer (460).

[0070] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the bending portion (432) may include a first area (432a) facing one side of the second housing (220) (e.g., a third side (221)), and a second area (432b) (e.g., a second side, a second section, or a second section) located opposite the first area (432a) (e.g., a first side, a first section, or a first part) and facing the back side of the flexible display (230) (e.g., a side facing the -Z direction in FIG. 6a). In one embodiment, the second area (432b) of the bending portion (432) may be a portion facing a polymer layer (440), a support plate (450), and / or a functional layer (460) disposed on the back side of the display panel (430) (e.g., a side facing the -Z direction in FIG. 6a).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the bending portion (432) may include an extension portion (4321) that extends from the display panel (430) and includes a control circuit (4321a). The control circuit (4321a) may be electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., the second substrate (272) of FIG. 3) through a flexible substrate (4322) that is electrically connected to the extension portion (4321). In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (4322) may include an FPCB connection portion (4323) (e.g., a connector portion) that is electrically connected to the substrate (e.g., the second substrate (272) of FIG. 3). In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (4322) may be part of the bending portion (432) and may be connected to the extension portion (4321) of the bending portion (432) as a configuration physically separated from the bending portion (432).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the bending portion (432) and the flexible substrate (4322) may be located on the back side of the flexible display (230) and may face one side of the second housing (220) (e.g., the third side (221) of FIG. 1a). In the comparative embodiment of FIG. 5a, the flexible substrate (4322) may be electrically connected through a conductive adhesive member (e.g., Anisotropic Conductive Film (ACF)) at the end of the extension portion (4321) of the bending portion (432). The flexible substrate (4322) may be extended in the same direction as the extension portion (4321) (e.g., the +X direction of FIG. 5a) and placed on the back side of the flexible display (230). In this case, the flexible substrate (4322) may overlap at least a portion of the battery (e.g., the second battery (292) of FIG. 4) placed in the second housing (220) when viewed vertically from the flexible display (230) (e.g., the Z-axis direction of FIG. 6a). In order to place the second battery (292) inside the electronic device (200) within the limited thickness of the electronic device (200) (e.g., the length in the Z-axis direction of FIG. 3), the thickness of the second battery (292) may need to be reduced by the thickness at which the second battery (292) and the flexible substrate (4322) overlap. A reduction in the thickness of the second battery (292) may result in a reduction in the capacity of the second battery (292). Additionally, a jellyroll structure composed of a positive plate, a negative plate, and a separator is placed inside the battery (292), and as the thickness of the second battery (292) decreases, it may be difficult to form the jellyroll structure. According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, when the flexible display (230) is viewed vertically, the bending portion (432) and the flexible substrate (4322) may not overlap with the second battery (292) of the electronic device (200). For example, referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, the flexible substrate (4322) may be placed on the extension (4321) of the bending portion (432) so as not to overlap with the second battery (292) when the flexible display (230) is viewed vertically.Accordingly, the second battery (292) can be formed with a thickness such that a certain level of battery capacity can be secured within the limited thickness of the electronic device (200) as it does not overlap with the flexible substrate (4322). A structure to prevent the flexible substrate (4322) and the second battery (292) from overlapping will be described in detail below.

[0073] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the flexible substrate (4322) and the control circuit (4321a) may be located in opposite directions with respect to the bending portion (432). In one embodiment, the control circuit (4321a) may be placed in either the first region (432a) or the second region (432b) of the bending portion (432), and the flexible substrate (4322) may be placed in the other of the first region (432a) and the second region (432b). For example, referring to FIG. 6a, the control circuit (4321a) may be placed in the first region (432a) of the bending portion (432), and at least a portion of the flexible substrate (4322) may be placed in the second region (432b) of the bending portion (432). In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (4322) can be bonded to the second region (432b) of the bending portion (432) and the back surface of the flexible display (230) through an adhesive member (e.g., adhesive member (P) of FIG. 7) to support the bending portion (432) on the back surface of the flexible display (230).

[0074] Conversely, referring to FIG. 6b, at least a portion of the flexible substrate (4322) may be disposed in the first region (432a) of the bending portion (432), and a control circuit (4321a) may be disposed in the second region (432b) of the bending portion (432).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the flexible substrate (4322) may be extended in a direction opposite to the second battery (4322) relative to the first pad portion (e.g., the first direction, the -X direction in FIG. 6a) while the second pad portion is in contact with the first pad portion, which is located at the end of the extension portion (4321) of the bending portion (432), through a conductive adhesive member. For example, the bending portion (432) and the flexible substrate (4322) may be located in the first direction (e.g., the -X direction in FIG. 6a) relative to a part of the second housing (220) that separates the bending portion (432) and the second battery (292) (e.g., the second part (220b) in FIG. 6a), and the second battery (292) may be located in the second direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., the +X direction in FIG. 6a). Therefore, when the flexible display (230) is viewed vertically, the flexible substrate (4322), the bending part (432), the control circuit (4321a), and the second battery (292) may not overlap.

[0076] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, the second housing (220) may include one side facing the flexible display (230) (e.g., the third side (221) in FIG. 1a) and the other side opposite to the one side where the second battery (292) is placed (e.g., the fourth side (222) in FIG. 1b). In one embodiment, the second housing (220) may include a first portion (220a) (e.g., a first partition) positioned between the second battery (292) and the display panel (430) of the flexible display (230), a second portion (220b) (e.g., a second partition) positioned between the bending portion (432) and the second battery (292) and substantially perpendicular to the first portion (220a), and / or a third portion (220c) (e.g., a third partition) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second portion (220b) and facing the bending portion (432). In one embodiment, the first portion (220a) may be a portion supporting the flexible display (230) and / or the second battery (292). The second portion (220b) may be a portion partitioning the placement space between the bending portion (432) and the second battery (292). For example, the bending portion (432) may be located in a first direction (e.g., the -X direction in FIG. 6a) with respect to the second portion (220b) of the second housing (220). The second battery (292) may be located in a second direction (e.g., the +X direction in FIG. 6a) with respect to the second portion (220b) of the second housing (220). The third portion (220c) may be a portion that supports the bending portion (432) of the flexible display (230). In some embodiments, when a flexible substrate (4322) is placed in the first region (432a) of the bending portion (432), the third portion (220c) may support the flexible substrate (4322).

[0077] According to one embodiment, a separate metal plate (not shown) containing a metal material may be disposed between the flexible display (230) and the second battery (292). In one embodiment, the metal plate may be a heat dissipation member that diffuses heat generated from electronic components (e.g., the flexible display (230), the second battery (292)) to the surroundings. In one embodiment, the metal plate may be a battery plate that fixes the second battery (292) to the second housing (220). In one embodiment, the metal plate may physically partition the placement space of the second battery (292) and the flexible display (230) and support the second battery (292) and the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, the metal plate may partition the placement space of the bending part (432), the flexible substrate (4322), and the second battery (292).

[0078] The first part (220a), second part (220b), and / or third part (220c) of the second housing (220) described above are conceptually distinguished for convenience of explanation and may not be physically distinct components of the second housing (220).

[0079] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line P2-P2 of FIG. 5a and is a drawing of an embodiment in which a support member is placed between a flexible substrate placed in the second region of the bending portion and the back surface of a flexible display. FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b are cross-sectional views taken along the line P2-P2 of FIG. 5a and are drawings of an embodiment in which a control circuit placed in the second region of the bending portion is accommodated in a support member placed inside the bending portion.

[0080] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8a, and 8b, as the bending portion (432) extends from the display panel (430) to the back surface of the flexible display (230) (e.g., the surface facing the -Z direction in FIG. 7), a space may be formed between the bending portion (432) and the back surface of the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, a flexible substrate (4322) and / or a support member (500) may be disposed in the space between the bending portion (432) and the back surface of the flexible display (230), so that the bending portion (432) may be supported through the flexible substrate (4322) and / or the support member (500). Below, a configuration disposed in the space between the bending portion (432) and the back surface of the flexible display (230) will be described.

[0081] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a control circuit (4321a) may be disposed in the first region (432a) of the bending portion (432), and a flexible substrate (4322) may be disposed in the second region (432b). In one embodiment, the flexible substrate (4322) may be attached to the second region (432b) of the bending portion (432) through an adhesive member (P). In one embodiment, a support member (500) may be disposed between the flexible substrate (4322) and the back surface of the flexible display (230) (e.g., the surface facing the -Z direction in FIG. 7). In one embodiment, the support member (500) may be attached to the back surface of the flexible display (230) and the flexible substrate (4322) through an adhesive member (P) inside the bending portion (432). In one embodiment, the support member (500) is formed of a metal material having a certain strength and / or a non-metal material having elasticity and can support a flexible substrate (4322) and a bending part (432) on the back side of a flexible display (230). In one embodiment, when an external shock is applied to the electronic device (200), the support member (500) supports the bending part (432) and can prevent or avoid damage to the bending part (432) by cushioning the shock applied to the bending part (432).

[0082] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b, a flexible substrate (4322) may be disposed in a first region (432a) of the bending portion (432), and a control circuit (4321a) may be disposed in a second region (432b). In one embodiment, the second region (432b) of the bending portion (432) and the back surface of the flexible display (230) may be adhered to through an adhesive member (P) inside the bending portion (432). In one embodiment, the portion of the support member (500) corresponding to the control circuit (4321a) may be removed so that the control circuit (4321a) disposed in the second region (432b) of the bending portion (432) can be accommodated. For example, referring to FIG. 8a, the support member (500) may include an opening (501) that accommodates the control circuit (4321a). A support member (500) may be attached to a second region (432b) of the bending portion (432) such that a control circuit (4321a) is positioned in an opening (501) on the inside of the bending portion (432). Referring to FIG. 8b, the support member (500) may include a recess (502) that accommodates the control circuit (4321a). The support member (500) may be attached to a second region (432b) of the bending portion (432) such that a control circuit (4321a) is positioned in a recess (502) (e.g., groove, slit) on the inside of the bending portion (432).

[0083] A foldable electronic device (200) may include a hinge device (400, 400-1) (e.g., a hinge assembly, a hinge structure, or a hinge module) and a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are foldably connected to each other in opposite directions through the hinge device. The foldable electronic device (200) may operate in an in-folding and / or out-folding manner by rotating the first housing (210) with respect to the second housing (220) through the hinge device in a range of 0 to 360 degrees. The foldable electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (230) positioned to be supported at least partially through the first housing (210) and the second housing (220) in an unfolded state. Such flexible display (230) may include a plurality of layers (e.g., a transparent window layer (410), a POL (420), a polymer layer (440), or at least one functional layer (460)) disposed on the upper surface and / or lower surface based on the display panel (430).

[0084] The flexible display (230) may include a bending portion (432) that is at least partially bent and extends from the display panel (430) to the back surface of the flexible display (230). A control circuit (e.g., a DDI (display driver IC)) for controlling the display panel (430) may be placed in the bending portion (432). The flexible display (230) may be electrically connected to the substrates (271, 272) through a flexible substrate (4322) connected to the bending portion (432). The flexible substrate (4322) may be connected to the bending portion (432) and face the back surface of the flexible display (230).

[0085] Meanwhile, the bending portion (432) and / or the flexible substrate (4322) may overlap with the battery (291, 292) of the electronic device (200). In this case, the thickness of the battery (291, 292) may need to be reduced by the thickness of the bending portion (432) and / or the flexible substrate (4322) within the limited thickness of the electronic device (200). A reduction in the thickness of the battery (291, 292) may cause a reduction in the capacity of the battery (291, 292). Additionally, a jellyroll structure composed of a positive plate, a negative plate, and a separator is disposed inside the battery (291, 292), and as the thickness of the battery (291, 292) decreases, it may be difficult to form the jellyroll structure.

[0086] The technical tasks intended to be accomplished in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this document belongs from the description below.

[0087] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, an electronic device (200) may include a housing (210, 220). The electronic device may include a printed circuit board (271, 272) disposed in the housing. The electronic device may include a battery (291, 292) disposed in the housing. The electronic device may include a display (230) supported through the housing and having at least a portion of its front surface exposed. The display may include a display panel (430), a bending part (432) extending from the display panel to the back of the display and including a first area (432a) facing one side of the housing and a second area (432b) located opposite the first area and facing the back of the display, and a control circuit (4321a) disposed in either the first area or the second area of ​​the bending part and electrically connected to the bending part. The electronic device may include a flexible substrate (4322) that is positioned in the other of the first region and the second region of the bending part and electrically connects the bending part and the printed circuit board.

[0088] In one embodiment, when the display is viewed vertically, the bending portion, the control circuit, and the flexible substrate may not overlap with the battery.

[0089] In one embodiment, the housing may include one side (211, 221) facing the display and another side (212, 222) opposite to the one side and on which the battery is placed.

[0090] In one embodiment, the housing may include a first portion (220a) located between the back surface of the display and the battery, and a second portion (220b) located between the bending portion and the battery, substantially perpendicular to the first portion. The bending portion may be located in a first direction relative to the second portion. The battery may be located in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the second portion.

[0091] In one embodiment, the bending portion may include a first pad portion formed at an end facing the battery. The flexible substrate may include a second pad portion corresponding to the first pad portion and electrically connected to the first pad portion through a conductive adhesive member, and may extend in the first direction with respect to the second pad portion.

[0092] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a support member (500) disposed between the bending portion and the back surface of the display inside the bending portion. The control circuit may be disposed in a first region of the bending portion. The flexible substrate may be disposed in a second region of the bending portion. The support member may be disposed between the flexible substrate and the back surface of the display.

[0093] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a support member (500) disposed between the bending portion and the back surface of the display on the inner side of the bending portion. The flexible substrate may be disposed in a first region of the bending portion. The control circuit may be disposed in a second region of the bending portion. The portion of the support member corresponding to the control circuit may be removed.

[0094] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a support member (500) disposed between the bending portion and the back surface of the display on the inner side of the bending portion. The flexible substrate may be disposed in a first region of the bending portion. The control circuit may be disposed in a second region of the bending portion. The support member may include an opening (501) or a recess (502) into which the control circuit is received.

[0095] In one embodiment, the support member may include an elastic material.

[0096] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a metal plate comprising a metal material disposed between the battery and the display.

[0097] In one embodiment, the housing may include a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are foldably connected along a folding axis through a hinge assembly (400, 400-1). The display may be deformed based on the folding operation of the first housing and the second housing through the hinge assembly, at least a portion of the area corresponding to the hinge assembly.

[0098] According to one embodiment disclosed in this document, an electronic device (200) may include a first housing (210), a second housing (220), and a hinge assembly (400, 400-1) rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing. The electronic device may include a printed circuit board (272) disposed in the second housing. The electronic device may include a battery (292) disposed in the second housing. The electronic device may include a flexible display (230) supported through the first housing and the second housing, with at least a portion of the front exposed. The flexible display may include a display panel (430), a bending part (432) that extends from the display panel to the back of the flexible display and includes a first area (432a) facing one side of the second housing and a second area (432b) located opposite the first area and facing the back of the flexible display, and a control circuit (4321a) disposed in either the first area or the second area of ​​the bending part and electrically connected to the bending part. The electronic device may include a flexible substrate (4322) disposed in the other of the first area and the second area of ​​the bending part and electrically connecting the bending part and the printed circuit board.

[0099] In one embodiment, when the flexible display is viewed vertically, the bending portion, the control circuit, and the flexible substrate may not overlap with the battery.

[0100] In one embodiment, the second housing may include one side (221) facing the flexible display and another side (222) opposite to the one side, on which the battery is placed.

[0101] In one embodiment, the second housing may include a first portion (220a) located between the back surface of the flexible display and the battery, and a second portion (220b) located between the bending portion and the battery and substantially perpendicular to the first portion. The bending portion may be located in a first direction relative to the second portion. The battery may be located in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the second portion.

[0102] In one embodiment, the bending portion may include a first pad portion formed at an end facing the battery. The flexible substrate may include a second pad portion corresponding to the first pad portion and electrically connected to the first pad portion through a conductive adhesive member, and may extend in the first direction with respect to the second pad portion.

[0103] In one embodiment, a support member (500) may be further included, disposed between the bending portion and the back surface of the flexible display inside the bending portion. The control circuit may be disposed in a first region of the bending portion. The flexible substrate may be disposed in a second region of the bending portion. The support member may be disposed between the flexible substrate and the back surface of the flexible display.

[0104] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a support member (500) disposed between the bending portion and the back surface of the flexible display inside the bending portion. The flexible substrate may be disposed in a first region of the bending portion. The control circuit may be disposed in a second region of the bending portion. The portion of the support member corresponding to the control circuit may be removed.

[0105] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a support member (500) disposed between the bending portion and the back surface of the flexible display on the inner side of the bending portion. The flexible substrate may be disposed in a first region of the bending portion. The control circuit may be disposed in a second region of the bending portion. The support member may include an opening (501) or a recess (502) into which the control circuit is received and may be adhered to the second region of the bending portion.

[0106] In one embodiment, the electronic device may further include a metal plate comprising a metal material disposed between the battery and the back surface of the flexible display.

[0107]

[0108] According to the various embodiments disclosed in this document, when the flexible display (230) is viewed vertically, the bending portion (432) and the flexible substrate (4322) may not overlap with the battery (291, 292) of the electronic device (200). Therefore, the battery (291, 292) can be formed with a maximum thickness within the limited thickness of the electronic device (200) to secure a certain level of battery capacity.

[0109] In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided.

[0110] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0111] The electronic device (200) according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. For example, the electronic device (200) may include a sliderable electronic device (e.g., a rollable electronic device) in which a plurality of housings are slidably coupled, or a bar-type electronic device.

[0112] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics device. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the devices described above.

[0113] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0114] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0115] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In an electronic device (200), Housing(210, 220); A printed circuit board (271, 272) disposed in the above housing; and A battery (291, 292) disposed in the above housing; and A display (230) supported through the above housing and having at least a portion of the front exposed, Display panel (430), A bending portion (432) including a first area (432a) extending from the display panel to the back of the display and facing one side of the housing, and a second area (432b) located opposite the first area and facing the back of the display, and It includes a control circuit (4321a) disposed in either the first region or the second region of the bending part and electrically connected to the bending part, An electronic device comprising: a flexible substrate (4322) disposed in the other of the first region and the second region of the bending portion to electrically connect the bending portion and the printed circuit board.

2. In Paragraph 1, An electronic device in which, when the above display is viewed vertically, the bending part, the control circuit, and the flexible substrate do not overlap with the battery.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is, An electronic device comprising one side (211, 221) facing the display and another side (212, 222) opposite to the one side and on which the battery is placed.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above housing is, It includes a first portion (220a) located between the back surface of the display and the battery, and a second portion (220b) substantially perpendicular to the first portion and located between the bending portion and the battery. The above bending part Located in the first direction with respect to the second part above, The above battery is, An electronic device located in a second direction opposite to the first direction with respect to the second part.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above bending part is, It includes a first pad portion formed at the end facing the battery, and The above flexible substrate is, An electronic device comprising a second pad portion corresponding to the first pad portion and electrically connected to the first pad portion through a conductive adhesive member, and extending in the first direction with respect to the second pad portion.

6. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a support member (500) disposed between the bending part and the back surface of the display on the inner side of the bending part; and The above control circuit is, It is positioned in the first region of the above-mentioned bending part, and The above flexible substrate is, It is positioned in the second region of the above bending part, and The above support member is, An electronic device disposed between the flexible substrate and the back surface of the display.

7. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a support member (500) disposed between the bending part and the back surface of the display on the inner side of the bending part; and The above flexible substrate is, It is positioned in the first region of the above-mentioned bending part, and The above control circuit is, It is positioned in the second region of the above bending part, and The above support member is, An electronic device from which the part corresponding to the above control circuit has been removed.

8. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a support member (500) disposed between the bending part and the back surface of the display on the inner side of the bending part; and The above flexible substrate is, It is positioned in the first region of the above-mentioned bending part, and The above control circuit is, It is positioned in the second region of the above bending part, and The above support member is, An electronic device comprising an opening (501) or a recess (502) into which the above control circuit is received.

9. In paragraphs 6 through 8, The above-mentioned support member is an electronic device comprising an elastic material.

10. In Paragraph 1, An electronic device further comprising a metal plate comprising a metal material disposed between the battery and the display.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above housing is, It includes a first housing (210) and a second housing (220) that are foldably connected with respect to a folding axis through a hinge assembly (400, 400-1), and The above display is, An electronic device in which at least a portion of the area corresponding to the hinge assembly is deformed based on the folding motion of the first housing and the second housing through the hinge assembly.

12. In the electronic device (200), First housing (210); Second housing (220); A hinge assembly (400, 400-1) rotatably connecting the first housing and the second housing; A printed circuit board (272) disposed in the second housing above; A battery (292) disposed in the second housing above; A flexible display (230) supported through the first housing and the second housing and having at least a portion of the front exposed, Display panel (430), A bending portion (432) including a first area (432a) extending from the display panel to the back surface of the flexible display and facing one surface of the second housing, and a second area (432b) located opposite the first area and facing the back surface of the flexible display, and It includes a control circuit (4321a) disposed in either the first region or the second region of the bending part and electrically connected to the bending part, An electronic device comprising: a flexible substrate (4322) disposed in the other of the first region and the second region of the bending portion to electrically connect the bending portion and the printed circuit board.

13. In Paragraph 12, It further includes a support member (500) disposed between the bending part and the back surface of the flexible display on the inner side of the bending part; and The above control circuit is, It is positioned in the first region of the above-mentioned bending part, and The above flexible substrate is, It is positioned in the second region of the above bending part, and The above support member is, An electronic device disposed between the flexible substrate and the back surface of the flexible display.

14. In Paragraph 12, It further includes a support member (500) disposed between the bending part and the back surface of the flexible display on the inner side of the bending part; and The above flexible substrate is, It is positioned in the first region of the above-mentioned bending part, and The above control circuit is, It is positioned in the second region of the above bending part, and The above support member is, An electronic device from which the part corresponding to the above control circuit has been removed.

15. In Paragraph 12, It further includes a support member (500) disposed between the bending part and the back surface of the flexible display on the inner side of the bending part; and The above flexible substrate is, It is positioned in the first region of the above-mentioned bending part, and The above control circuit is, It is positioned in the second region of the above bending part, and The above support member is, An electronic device comprising an opening (501) or recess (502) into which the above control circuit is received, and attached to a second region of the bending portion.

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