Foldable electronic device comprising flexible display

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise a foldable housing, a flexible display panel, a plate, and a layer disposed between the flexible display panel and the plate. The flexible display panel can include a portion that bends when the foldable housing is folded. The plate can include a bendable portion, which is disposed under the flexible display panel and has a plurality of slits. The bendable portion of the plate overlaps the portion of the flexible display panel and can bend when the foldable housing is folded. The layer can include a portion that overlaps the bendable portion of the plate and protrudes outward from the portion of the flexible display panel when the flexible display panel is viewed from above.

Description

Foldable electronic device including a flexible display

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device including a flexible display.

[0002] A foldable electronic device may include housing parts that are rotatable relative to each other. Additionally, the foldable electronic device may include a hinge mechanism that enables rotation of the housing parts. The housing parts may be rotatably coupled relative to each other through the hinge mechanism. Depending on the rotation of the housing parts, the foldable electronic device may be folded or unfolded.

[0003] Additionally, the foldable electronic device may include a flexible display installed in the housing parts. The flexible display may unfold or fold depending on the rotation of the housing parts.

[0004] 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 in relation to the present disclosure.

[0005] According to one embodiment, an electronic device may include a foldable housing, a flexible display panel, a plate, and a layer disposed between the flexible display panel and the plate. The foldable housing may include a first housing part and a second housing part rotatable relative to the first housing part to allow the foldable housing to be folded. The flexible display panel may include a portion that bends when the foldable housing is folded. The plate may include a bendable portion disposed below the flexible display panel and having a plurality of slits formed therein. The bendable portion of the plate may overlap the said portion of the flexible display panel and may bend when the foldable housing is folded. The layer may include a portion that overlaps the said portion of the plate and protrudes outward from the said portion of the flexible display panel when the flexible display panel is viewed from above.

[0006] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device may include: a foldable housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion; a display panel comprising a folding portion that is folded when the foldable housing is folded; a support plate comprising a pattern located below the display panel and providing flexibility; and at least one adhesive layer disposed at least partially between the display panel and the support plate. The pattern may be disposed at least partially below the folding portion of the display panel. The at least one adhesive layer may protrude at least partially with respect to the display panel in a direction parallel to the folding axis of the foldable housing.

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

[0008] FIG. 2a illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a folding state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2c is an exploded view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3a shows an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3b shows an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of a display according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of a display according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5b is a plan view showing a plate having a stripe pattern according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of a display according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the layer structure of a display according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIGS. 8A, FIGS. 8B, and FIGS. 8C are drawings showing examples of slits in an adhesive layer according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIGS. 10a, FIGS. 10b, FIGS. 10c, FIGS. 10d, FIGS. 10e, FIGS. 10f, FIGS. 10g, FIGS. 10h, FIGS. 10i, and FIGS. 10j illustrate examples of adhesive layers.

[0021] FIG. 11 shows a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a display of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a plate according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a plate and a protective layer of a display according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 15a is a cross-sectional view showing a display according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 15b is a plan view showing a display.

[0027] FIG. 15c is a cross-sectional view showing a display according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIGS. 15d and FIGS. 15e are cross-sectional views showing a display according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 15f is a plan view showing layers of a display according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a display according to a comparative example.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a first part of a display according to one embodiment.

[0032] FIGS. 18a and FIGS. 18b are cross-sectional views showing a third part of a display according to one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 19a is a cross-sectional view showing a display with a bonding material attached, according to one embodiment.

[0034] FIGS. 19b and FIGS. 19c are drawings illustrating a method of applying a bonding material.

[0035] FIGS. 20a and FIGS. 20b are cross-sectional views showing a display with a bonding material attached, according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIGS. 21 and FIGS. 22 are cross-sectional views showing a third part of a display according to one embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a third part of a display according to one embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) in a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0040] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0041] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0042] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0043] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0044] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0045] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0046] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0047] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0048] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0049] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0050] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0051] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0052] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0053] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0054] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0055] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range wireless communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) direct or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0056] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The wireless communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0057] The antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to an external source (e.g., an external electronic device) or receive it from an external source. According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). The signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0058] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0059] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0060] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0061] FIG. 2a illustrates an example of an unfolded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 2c is an exploded view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (201) (e.g., electronic device (101)) may include a first housing part (210), a second housing part (220), a hinge structure (260), a flexible display (230) (e.g., a display module (160)), a printed circuit board (250), a display (235), and / or a back plate (290). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may omit at least one of the components or additionally include other components. The electronic device (201) may be referred to as a foldable electronic device in that it is configured to be folded or unfolded along a folding axis (237).

[0063] In one embodiment, the first housing part (210) may define a portion of the outer surface of the electronic device (201). For example, the first housing part (210) may define a first surface (211), a second surface (212) spaced apart from and opposite to the first surface (211), and a first side of a first side wall (213) that encloses at least a portion of the first surface (211) and the second surface (212). In one embodiment, the first housing part (210) may provide the space defined by the first surface (211), the second surface (212), and the first side as a space for placing components of the electronic device (201).

[0064] In one embodiment, the second side wall (223) may be rotatably and / or pivotably connected to the first side wall (213) through a hinge structure (260) disposed on the hinge cover (265). The hinge structure (260) may include a hinge module and hinge plates (266, 267). The hinge plates may include a first hinge plate (266) and a second hinge plate (267), the first hinge plate (266) may be connected to the first housing part (210), and the second hinge plate (267) may be connected to the second housing part (220).

[0065] In one embodiment, the second housing part (220) may include a third surface (221), a fourth surface (222) separated from and facing the third surface (221), and a second side wall (223) that encloses at least a portion of the third surface (221) and the fourth surface (222). The second housing part (220) may provide a space defined by the third surface (221), the fourth surface (222), and the second side of the second side wall (223) as a space for placing components of the electronic device (201).

[0066] In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a window exposed to the outside. The window protects the surface of the flexible display (230) and is formed of a transparent material to transmit visual information provided from the flexible display (230) to the outside. The window may include a glass material such as ultra-thin glass (UTG) and / or a polymer material such as polyimide (PI).

[0067] In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may form at least a portion of the first surface (211) of the first housing part (210) (e.g., the front of the first housing part (210)) and the third surface (221) of the second housing part (220) (e.g., the front of the second housing part (220)). The flexible display (230) may be disposed on the first surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and the third surface (221) of the second housing part (220) across the hinge structure (260) within the hinge cover (265). The flexible display (230) may be configured to be bent within the folded state of the electronic device (201) by the hinge structure (260). The flexible display (230) may include a first display area (231), a second display area (232), and a third display area (233). For example, the flexible display (230) may include a first display area (231) disposed on a first surface (211) of a first housing, a second display area (232) disposed on a third surface (221) of a second housing, and a third display area (233) between the first display area (231) and the second display area (232). The flexible display (230) may be supported by a first bracket (270) of the first housing part (210) and a second bracket (280) of the second housing part (220).

[0068] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include an opening formed in a part of the screen display area, or the bracket supporting the flexible display (230) may include a recess or an opening. The electronic device (201) may include at least one camera aligned with the recess or the opening. For example, the first display area (231) may further include at least one camera (236) capable of acquiring an image from the outside through a part of the first display area (231). According to one embodiment, at least one camera (236) may be included on the rear of the flexible display (230) corresponding to the first display area (231) or the second display area (232) of the flexible display (230). For example, at least one camera (236) may be positioned below the flexible display (230) and wrapped by the flexible display (230). At least one camera (236) may be an under-display camera (UDC) that is not visually exposed to the outside by being wrapped by the flexible display (230). However, not limited thereto, the flexible display (230) may include an opening that visually exposes at least one camera (236) to the outside. In one embodiment, the camera (236) may acquire an image of an external environment and / or an external object through the opening.

[0069] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may include at least one camera (234) that is visually exposed through a portion of the second surface (212) of the first housing part (210).

[0070] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may further include at least one camera (226) and a display (235) that are visually exposed through a portion of the fourth side (222) of the second housing part (220).

[0071] In one embodiment, the hinge structure (260) may be configured to pivotally connect a first bracket (270) forming a first housing part (210) and a second bracket (280) forming a second housing part (220).

[0072] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) may be in a folded state, an unfolded state, or an intermediate state. The folded state may be a state in which the first surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and the third surface (221) of the second housing part (220) face each other. In the folded state, the direction in which the first surface (211) faces and the direction in which the third surface (221) faces may be opposite to each other. The unfolded state may be a state in which the first surface (211) of the first housing part (210) and the third surface (221) of the second housing part (220) are substantially continuous planes. In the unfolded state, the direction in which the first surface (211) faces and the direction in which the third surface (221) faces may be the same. The intermediate state may be a state between the unfolded state and the folded state. In the intermediate state, the direction in which the first surface (211) faces and the direction in which the third surface (221) faces may be different.

[0073] In one embodiment, while the electronic device (201) is in a folded state, the hinge cover (265) covering the hinge structure (260) may be at least partially visually exposed through the space between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). In another embodiment, while the electronic device (201) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (265) may be covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220).

[0074] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) can be folded along a folding axis (237) passing through a hinge cover (265) or a hinge structure (260). For example, a hinge structure (260) within the hinge cover (265) may be positioned between a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) of the electronic device (201) to allow the electronic device (201) to be bent, curved, or folded. For example, the first housing part (210) may be connected to the second housing part (220) through a hinge structure (260) positioned within the hinge cover (265) and may be rotated along a folding axis (237).

[0075] In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) can be folded so that the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) face each other by rotating about a folding axis (237). In one embodiment, the electronic device (201) can be folded so that the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) overlap or overlap each other. The first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) rotatable relative to the first housing part (210) can be described as a foldable housing of the electronic device (201). The foldable housing of the electronic device (201) may further include a hinge structure (260) that enables mutual rotation of the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220).

[0076] The hinge structure (260) may include a hinge module and hinge plates (266, 267). The hinge module may include a hinge gear (262, 263) that makes the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) pivotable.

[0077] The first housing part (210) may include a first bracket (270), and the second housing part (220) may include a second bracket (280). The first bracket (270) may be partially covered by the first side wall (213), and the second bracket (280) may be partially covered by the second side wall (223). The first bracket (270) may be formed integrally with the first side wall (213), and the second bracket (280) may be formed integrally with the second side wall (223). According to one embodiment, the first bracket (270) may be formed separately from the first side wall (213), and the second bracket (280) may be formed separately from the second side wall (223). The first side wall (213) and the second side wall (223) may be formed of a metal material, a non-metal material, or a combination thereof.

[0078] For example, the first sidewall (213) may be configured to function as at least part of the antenna of the electronic device (201). For example, the conductive portion included in the first sidewall (213) may be used as the antenna radiator of the electronic device (201). For example, the second sidewall (223) may be configured to function as at least part of the antenna of the electronic device (201). For example, the second sidewall (223) may include a conductive portion (228) and a non-conductive portion (229). The conductive portion (228) of the second sidewall (223) may be used as the antenna radiator of the electronic device (201).

[0079] One side of the first bracket (270) is coupled to the rear plate (290), and the other side of the first bracket (270) can be coupled to the flexible display (230). One side of the second bracket (280) is coupled to the display (235), and the other side of the second bracket (280) can be coupled to the flexible display (230).

[0080] A printed circuit board (250) and a battery may be disposed in the space between the surface formed by the first bracket (270) and the second bracket (280) and the surface formed by the display (235) and the rear plate (290). The printed circuit board (250) may be separated so as to be disposed on the first bracket (270) of the first housing part (210) and the second bracket (280) of the second housing part (220), respectively. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (201) may be disposed on the printed circuit board (250).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (251) may have components for implementing the overall function of the electronic device (201) placed thereon, and the second printed circuit board (252) may have electronic components for implementing some function of the first printed circuit board (251) placed thereon, or components for driving a display panel placed on the fourth side (222) placed thereon. The first printed circuit board (251) and the second printed circuit board (252) may be electrically connected by a flexible printed circuit board (240).

[0082] The battery (255) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell as a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device (201). At least a portion of the battery (255) may be disposed substantially coplanar with the printed circuit board (250). The surface formed substantially coplanar with the printed circuit board (250) and the battery (255) may be disposed on one side of the first bracket (270) and the second bracket (280) (e.g., the side facing the second side (212) and the fourth side (222) or the side facing the display panel and the rear plate (290). For example, a flexible display (230) may be placed on the first surface (211) and the third surface (221), and a printed circuit board (250) and a battery (255) may be placed on the second surface (212) and the fourth surface (222) facing the surface where the flexible display (230) is placed.

[0083] In one embodiment, the antenna (285) may be positioned between the rear plate (290) and the battery (255). The antenna (285) may include, for example, a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and / or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna (285) may, for example, communicate near-field with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

[0084] In the following, redundant descriptions of configurations having the same reference numerals as the configurations described above may not be repeated. Additionally, in the description of a specific drawing, reference numerals of other drawings may be referenced.

[0085] FIG. 3a shows an electronic device in an unfolded state according to one embodiment.

[0086] FIG. 3b shows an electronic device in a folded state according to one embodiment.

[0087] FIG. 3a may be a cross-sectional view of the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2a cut in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., X-axis). The Z-axis shown in FIG. 3a and other drawings may be an axis substantially perpendicular to the display (330) of the electronic device (201) in an unfolded state.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 3a, an electronic device (201) according to one embodiment may include a flexible display (330) (hereinafter, display (330) (e.g., flexible display (230)), a plate (390), and a hinge assembly (360) (e.g., hinge structure (260)).

[0089] The display (330) may include a first part (331), a second part (332) spaced apart from the first part (331), and a third part (333) extending from the first part (331) to the second part (332). The first display area (231) (Fig. 2a) of the display (330) may be included in the first part (331) of the display (330) or defined by the first part (331) of the display (330). The second display area (232) (Fig. 2a) of the display (330) may be included in the second part (332) of the display (330) or defined by the second part (332) of the display (330). The third display area (233) (Fig. 2a) of the display (330) may be included in the third part (333) of the display (330) or defined by the third part (333) of the display (330).

[0090] As illustrated in FIG. 3a, the third portion (333) of the display (330) may be unfolded (or substantially flat) when the electronic device (201) is unfolded. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, at least a portion of the third portion (333) of the display (330) may be bent when the electronic device (201) is folded. The first portion (331) and the second portion (332) of the display (330) may remain substantially flat regardless of whether the electronic device (201) is folded or unfolded.

[0091] Referring again to FIG. 3a, the plate (390) may be positioned below the display (330) (e.g., in the -Z direction). The plate (390) may be attached to at least a portion of the back surface of the display (330). The plate (390) may be formed to have a predetermined rigidity to support the display (330) and to protect the display (330). For example, the plate (390) may be formed of metal, though not limited thereto. The plate (390) may be described as being included in the display (330).

[0092] The plate (390) may include a first part (391), a second part (392) spaced apart from the first part (391), and a third part (393) extending from the first part (391) to the second part (392).

[0093] A first part (391) of the plate (390) may be positioned below (e.g., in the -Z direction) the first part (331) of the display (330) to support the first part (331) of the display (330). A first part (391) of the plate (390) may be attached to the first part (331) of the display (330). A first part (391) of the plate (390) may be positioned on (e.g., in the +Z direction) the first bracket (270) (Fig. 2c) of the first housing part (210) (Fig. 2c) of the electronic device (201).

[0094] The second part (392) of the plate (390) may be positioned below the second part (332) of the display (330) (e.g., in the -Z direction) to support the second part (332) of the display (330). The second part (392) of the plate (390) may be attached to the second part (332) of the display (330). The second part (392) of the plate (390) may be positioned on the second bracket (280) (Fig. 2c) of the second housing part (220) (Fig. 2c) of the electronic device (201) (e.g., in the +Z direction).

[0095] The third part (393) of the plate (390) may be positioned below the third part (333) of the display (330) (e.g., in the -Z direction). For example, the third part (393) of the plate (390) may overlap at least partially with the third part (333) of the display (330) (e.g., in the Z axis).

[0096] Referring to FIG. 3b, the third portion (393) of the plate (390) can be bent when the electronic device (201) is folded. For example, the third portion (393) of the plate (390) can be bent together with the third portion (333) of the display (330) when the electronic device (201) is folded. The third portion (393) of the plate (390) can be described as a bendable portion.

[0097] In the third portion (393) of the plate (390), a plurality of slits (396) (or openings) may be formed to provide flexibility to the third portion (393) of the plate (390). For example, the third portion (393) of the plate (390) may include an area where a plurality of slits (396) are formed. For example, the plate (390) may include recesses in addition to the plurality of slits (396). Alternatively, the plurality of slits (396) may be formed in the form of recesses that do not completely penetrate the plate (390). That is, the plate (390) may include an area where a plurality of slits (396) are formed and / or an area where recesses are formed. For example, without limitation, each of the plurality of slits (396) may have an elongated shape in a direction substantially parallel to the folding axis (237) (Fig. 2a) of the electronic device (201). A third portion (393) of the plate (390) may include a pattern (397) defined by the plurality of slits (396). For example, without limitation, the pattern (397) may be a lattice pattern formed by arranging the plurality of slits (396) in a brick pattern. For example, the plurality of slits (396) may be aligned in a line in a direction parallel to the folding axis (237) but arranged offset in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237). As another example, the pattern (397) may be a stripe pattern in which a plurality of slits (396) are each elongated in a direction parallel to the folding axis (237) and arranged at regular intervals in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., plate (490) of FIG. 5B). The plate (390) may be described as a support plate or a lattice plate.

[0098] Referring again to FIG. 3a, the third portion (393) of the plate (390) can be unfolded (or substantially flat) when the electronic device (201) is unfolded. The first portion (391) and the second portion (392) of the plate (390) can remain substantially flat regardless of whether the electronic device (201) is unfolded or folded.

[0099] The hinge structure (360) may include a first hinge plate (361) (e.g., first hinge plate (266)), a second hinge plate (362) (e.g., second hinge plate (267)), and a center plate (363). The first hinge plate (361) and the second hinge plate (362) may be described as a first wing plate and a second wing plate, respectively. The center plate (363) may have a bar shape extending parallel to the folding axis (237) (Fig. 2a) of the electronic device (201). In this respect, the center plate (363) may be described as a center bar (363).

[0100] The first hinge plate (361) and the second hinge plate (362) may be positioned below the plate (390) (e.g., in the -Z direction). The first hinge plate (361) and the second hinge plate (362) may be attached to the plate (390). For example, the first hinge plate (361) may be attached to a first portion (391) of the plate (390) and / or a first area of ​​a third portion (393) of the plate (390) adjacent to the first portion (391) through an adhesive material (366). For example, the second hinge plate (362) may be attached to the second part (392) of the plate (390) and / or the second region (e.g., opposite to the first region) of the third part (393) of the hinge plate (390) adjacent to the second part (392) through an adhesive material (367).

[0101] The center plate (363) may be positioned below the plate (390) (e.g., in the -Z direction). For example, the center plate (363) may be positioned below the third part (393) of the plate (390) (e.g., in the -Z direction). When the electronic device (201) is unfolded, the center plate (363) may be positioned between the first hinge plate (361) and the second hinge plate (362).

[0102] Referring to FIG. 3b, when the electronic device (201) is folded, the first hinge plate (361) and the second hinge plate (362) may each rotate in the direction in which the electronic device (201) is folded. For example, when the electronic device (201) is folded, the first hinge plate (361) and the second hinge plate (362) may each rotate toward each other. The center plate (363) may not move regardless of whether the electronic device (201) is folded or unfolded.

[0103] When the electronic device (201) is folded, the third part (333) of the display (330) and the third part (393) of the plate (390) can be bent within the space defined by the first hinge plate (361), the second hinge plate (362), and the center plate (363). For example, when the electronic device (201) is folded, the first hinge plate (361), the second hinge plate (362), and the center plate (363) can bend the third part (333) of the display (330) and the third part (393) of the plate (390) into a specified shape.

[0104] In FIG. 3b, an example is shown in which the third part (333) of the display (330) and the third part (393) of the plate (390) are bent into a teardrop shape by the first hinge plate (361), the second hinge plate (362), and the center plate (363), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the electronic device (201) is folded, the third part (333) of the display (330) and the third part (393) of the plate (390) can be bent into a U shape by the hinge structure (360).

[0105] The center plate (363) can support the third part (393) of the plate (390) when the electronic device (201) is folded. When the electronic device (201) is folded, the center plate (363) can press the third part (393) of the plate (390) (e.g., in direction (A)). When the electronic device (201) is folded, the area of ​​the third part (393) of the plate (390) that is pressed by the center plate (363) can be deformed along the surface shape of the third part (393) of the plate (390). For example, the center plate (363) may include a recess formed as a curved surface that contacts the third part (393) of the plate (390) when the electronic device (201) is folded.

[0106] When the electronic device (201) is folded, the third part (393) of the plate (390) can be pressed by the center plate (363), and the third part (393) of the plate (390) can press the third part (333) of the display (330). Accordingly, the third part (333) of the display (330) can be pressed by the pattern (397) of the third part (393) of the plate (390). As the third part (333) of the display (330) is pressed by the pattern (397) of the plate (390), at least one of the layers included in the display (330) can be plastically deformed into the shape of the pattern (397). The mark resulting from this plastic deformation can be seen from outside the display (330). In the drawings below, a stack structure of a display (330) capable of reducing and / or preventing the aforementioned problems is illustrated.

[0107] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a layer structure of a display according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 may be a cross-sectional view of the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2a cut in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., X-axis).

[0108] Referring to FIG. 4, a display (330) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of layers. For example, the display (330) may include a flexible display panel (430) (hereinafter, display panel (430)), a window (420) placed on the display panel (430) (e.g., + Z direction), a first layer (450) placed below the display panel (430) (e.g., - Z direction), a second layer (470) placed below the first layer (450) (e.g., - Z direction), and a plate (490) placed below the second layer (470) (e.g., - Z direction) (e.g., plate (390)). The plate (490) may include a first portion (491) (e.g., first portion (391)), a second portion (492) (e.g., second portion (392)), and a bendable portion (493) (e.g., third portion (393)) having a plurality of slits (496) (e.g., slits (396)) formed therein. The display (330) may further include a protective layer (410) disposed on the window (420) (e.g., in the +Z direction).

[0109] Each of the protective layer (410), window (420), display panel (430), first layer (450), second layer (470), and plate (490) may include a front side (e.g., facing the +Z direction) and a back side opposite to the front side (e.g., facing the -Z direction). For example, at least a portion of the front side of the protective layer (410) may be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device (201).

[0110] According to one embodiment, the display (330) may include adhesive layers for mutually attaching the plurality of layers included in the display (330). For example, the display (330) may include an adhesive layer (415) for attaching the back surface of the protective layer (410) to the front surface of the window (420), an adhesive layer (425) for attaching the back surface of the window (420) to the front surface of the display panel (430), an adhesive layer (440) for attaching the back surface of the display panel (430) to the front surface of the first layer (450), a first adhesive layer (460) for attaching the back surface of the first layer (450) to the front surface of the second layer (470), and a second adhesive layer (480) for attaching the back surface of the second layer (470) to the front surface of the plate (490). The adhesive layers (415, 425, 440, 460, and 480) may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0111] The display panel (430) may be configured to emit light to provide visual information. For example, the display panel (430) may include a flexible substrate, a circuit layer comprising thin film transistors (TFTs) formed on the flexible substrate, a light-emitting layer comprising light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or organic LEDs (OLEDs) formed on the circuit layer and configured to emit light by being controlled by the TFTs, and an encapsulation layer formed on the light-emitting layer. Additionally, the display panel (430) may include a touch sensor layer used to identify a user's touch on the protective layer (410). Light emitted from the display panel (430) may be transmitted to the outside through an adhesive layer (425), a window (420), an adhesive layer (415), and a protective layer (410).

[0112] The window (420) can be formed to be substantially transparent and flexible. The window (420) can protect the display panel (430) by covering the display panel (430). The window (420) can be formed of, for example, glass (e.g., UTG (ultra thin glass)) and / or plastic.

[0113] The protective layer (410) can protect the window (420) from external impact or scratches. The protective layer (410) can be formed of plastic, for example, PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), but is not limited to plastic.

[0114] The first layer (450) may be placed between the display panel (430) and the plate (490). For example, the first layer (450) may be placed between the display panel (430) and the second layer (470). The first layer (450) may be formed of, for example, a polymer material. The first layer (450) may be configured to block light. The first layer (450) may be configured to block light emitted downward (e.g., in the -Z direction) from the display panel (430). For example, the first layer (450) may include a coating layer configured to block light. For example, the first layer (450) may include a black coated film (e.g., a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film).

[0115] The second layer (470) may be disposed between the display panel (430) and the plate (490). For example, the second layer (470) may be disposed between the first layer (450) and the plate (490). The second layer (470) may overlap at least partially with the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). For example, the second layer (470) may overlap at least one of the plurality of slits (496) formed in the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). For example, the second layer (470) may cover at least one of the plurality of slits (496) formed in the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). The second layer (470) may be formed of plastic, not limited to, for example, polyimide, and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0116] A second layer (470) may be attached to the front surface of the plate (490) to flatten the surface of the plate (490). By attaching the plate (490) to the display panel (430) (or the first layer (450)) through the second layer (470), the adhesion between the plate (490) and the display panel (430) (or the first layer (450)) may be improved. Additionally, by attaching the plate (490) to the display panel (430) (or the first layer (450)) through the second layer (470), the surface characteristics of the display (330) may be improved (for example, the uneven surface characteristics of the plate (490) being visible through the display panel (490) may be reduced and / or prevented).

[0117] Additionally, the second layer (470) is positioned between the display panel (430) and the plate (490), thereby mitigating the impact that may be applied to the display panel (430) by the plate (490), which has relatively strong rigidity, in the event of an external impact such as a fall.

[0118] Additionally, the second layer (470) can reduce and / or block the inflow of foreign substances through the plurality of slits (496) by covering the plurality of slits (496) of the plate (490). Additionally, the second layer (470) can reduce and / or prevent foreign substances stuck in the plurality of slits (496) or already entered through the plurality of slits (496) from being visible from the outside through the display (330) by covering the plurality of slits (496) of the plate (490).

[0119] Each of the plurality of layers included in the display (330) may include a first portion corresponding to or at least partially included in a first portion (331) of the display (330). Additionally, each of the plurality of layers included in the display (330) may include a second portion corresponding to or at least partially included in a second portion (332) of the display (330). Additionally, each of the plurality of layers included in the display (330) may include a third portion corresponding to or at least partially included in a third portion (333) of the display (330).

[0120] For example, each of the protective layer (410), window (420), display panel (430), first layer (450), second layer (470), and plate (490) may include the first part corresponding to or at least partially included in the first part (331) of the display (330), the second part corresponding to or at least partially included in the second part (332) of the display (330), and the third part corresponding to or at least partially included in the third part (333) of the display (330).

[0121] For example, the second layer (470) may include a first part (471) corresponding to or at least partially included in the first part (331) of the display (330), a second part (472) corresponding to or at least partially included in the second part (332) of the display (330), and a third part (473) corresponding to or at least partially included in the third part (333) of the display (330). For example, the first part (471) of the second layer (470) may be spaced apart from the second part (472) of the second layer (470). For example, the third part (473) of the second layer (470) may extend from the first part (471) of the second layer (470) to the second part (472).

[0122] For example, the plate (490) may include a first part (491) corresponding to or at least partially included in a first part (331) of the display (330), a second part (492) corresponding to or at least partially included in a second part (332) of the display (330), and a third part (493) corresponding to or at least partially included in a third part (333) of the display (330).

[0123] The first adhesive layer (460) may be disposed between the first layer (450) and the second layer (470). The first adhesive layer (460) may include a first portion (461) and a second portion (462) spaced apart from the first portion (461). For example, the first portion (461) of the first adhesive layer (460) may be spaced apart from the second portion (462) of the first adhesive layer (460) by a first gap (g1). The first width of the first gap (g1) may be smaller than the width of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). The first width of the first gap (g1) and the width of the bendable portion (493) may be lengths along a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., the X-axis).

[0124] A first portion (471) of the second layer (470) can be attached to the first layer (450) (e.g., the first portion of the first layer (450)) through the first portion (461) of the first adhesive layer (460). A second portion (472) of the second layer (470) can be attached to the first layer (450) (e.g., the second portion of the first layer (450)) through the second portion (462) of the first adhesive layer (460). A third portion (473) of the second layer (470) can face the first layer (450) (e.g., the third portion of the first layer (450)) through the first gap (g1). A third portion (473) of the second layer (470) can overlap at least partially with the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). For example, the third part (473) of the second layer (470) may overlap with at least one of the plurality of slits (496) formed in the bendable part (493) of the plate (490).

[0125] The second adhesive layer (480) may be disposed between the second layer (470) and the plate (490). The second adhesive layer (480) may include a first portion (481) and a second portion (482) spaced apart from the first portion (481). For example, the first portion (481) of the second adhesive layer (480) may be spaced apart from the second portion (482) of the second adhesive layer (480) by a second gap (g2).

[0126] The first width of the first gap (g1) may differ from the second width of the second gap (g2). For example, the first width of the first gap (g1) may be smaller than the second width of the second gap (g2), but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the first width of the first gap (g1) may be substantially the same as the second width of the second gap (g2). The first width of the first gap (g1) and the second width of the second gap (g2) may be lengths along a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., X-axis) when the electronic device (201) is unfolded.

[0127] A first portion (491) of the plate (490) can be attached to a second layer (470) (e.g., first portion (471)) through a first portion (481) of the second adhesive layer (480). A second portion (492) of the plate (490) can be attached to a second layer (470) (e.g., second portion (472)) through a second portion (482) of the second adhesive layer (480). A bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) can face a second layer (470) (e.g., third portion (473)) through a second gap (g2) of the second adhesive layer (480).

[0128] When the electronic device (201) is folded, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) can press against the third portion (473) of the second layer (470). In a comparative example, the first adhesive layer (460) may further include a third portion that attaches the third portion (473) of the second layer (470) to the first layer (450) (e.g., filling the first gap (g1)). When the electronic device (201) is folded, the third portion (473) of the second layer (470) can be plastically deformed by being pressed by the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). In this case, a mark corresponding to the pattern (397) (Fig. 3b) of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490), defined by a plurality of slits (496), can be formed on the third portion (473) of the second layer (470). Since the third portion (473) of the second layer (470) is in contact with the third portion of the first adhesive layer (460) and the third portion of the first adhesive layer (460) is in contact with the first layer (450), the mark formed on the third portion (473) of the second layer (470) can be seen from outside the display (330). In addition, since the first layer (450) can be pressed from the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) through the third portion (473) of the second layer (470) and the third portion of the first adhesive layer (460), the first layer (450) can be plastically deformed even if the second layer (470) is not plastically deformed. In this case, a mark corresponding to the pattern (397) (Fig. 3b) of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) can be formed on the first layer (450). The mark formed on the first layer (450) can be seen from outside the display (330).

[0129] In one embodiment, the third portion (473) of the second layer (470) may be spaced apart from the first layer (450) through a first gap (g1) so that the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) does not press the first layer (450) (e.g., the third portion of the first layer (450)) through the third portion (473) of the second layer (470). Accordingly, plastic deformation of the first layer (450) by the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may be reduced and / or prevented. Additionally, even if the third portion (473) of the second layer (470) is plastically deformed, the visibility of the mark formed on the third portion (473) of the second layer (470) from outside the display (330) may be reduced and / or prevented because it is physically spaced apart from the first layer (450).

[0130] FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view showing a layer structure of a display according to one embodiment. FIG. 5b is a plan view showing a plate having a stripe pattern according to one embodiment.

[0131] FIG. 5a may be a cross-sectional view of the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2a cut in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., X-axis).

[0132] Referring to FIG. 5a, according to one embodiment, the second adhesive layer (480) may further include a third portion (583). The first portion (481), the second portion (482), and the third portion (583) of the second adhesive layer (480) may be formed integrally. Whether the second adhesive layer (480) is configured as a separate type (e.g., the second adhesive layer (480) of FIG. 4) or as an integral type (e.g., the second adhesive layer (480) of FIG. 5a) may depend on the pattern of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) below the second adhesive layer (480). For example, if the plate (490) is composed of physically separated multiple pieces by opening at least a portion of the slits (496) defining the pattern of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) to both edges of the plate (490), the second adhesive layer (480) attached to the plate (490) may be formed integrally to maintain the shape of the plate (490).

[0133] The third portion (583) of the second adhesive layer (480) may be positioned between the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) and the third portion (473) of the second layer (470). The third portion (583) of the second adhesive layer (480) may attach the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) to the second layer (470) (e.g., the third portion (473)).

[0134] Referring to FIG. 5b, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may include a plurality of bars (597) forming a stripe pattern. For example, the plurality of bars (597) may be spaced apart from each other. The plurality of bars (597) may be completely separated from each other. The plurality of bars (597) may be spaced apart from the first portion (491) and the second portion (492) of the plate (490). The plurality of bars (597) may each be elongated in a direction parallel to the folding axis (237) (e.g., Y-axis) and may be arranged to have a specified spacing in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., X-axis). For example, each of the plurality of slits defined between the plurality of bars (597) may be open to the upper side (e.g., +Y direction) and the lower side (e.g., -Y direction) of the plate (490). For example, at least some of the plurality of slits defined between the plurality of bars (597) may be closed to the upper side and the lower side of the plate (490). In this case, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may include bridge portions extending between the plurality of bars (597) to close both ends of the at least some of the plurality of slits. For example, when both ends of all of the plurality of slits defined between the plurality of bars (597) are closed, the bridge portions may form the upper and lower edges of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490).

[0135] Referring to FIG. 5a, a plurality of bars (597) can be attached to a third portion (583) of a second adhesive layer (480). A plurality of bars (597), a first portion (491) of a plate (490), and a second portion (492) of a plate (490) can be connected to each other through the second adhesive layer (480).

[0136] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a layer structure of a display according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 may be a cross-sectional view of the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2a cut in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., X-axis).

[0137] Referring to FIG. 6, the display (330) may not include the aforementioned second layer (470). In this case, the display (330) may include a second adhesive layer (680) (e.g., second adhesive layer (480)) and a third adhesive layer (640) (e.g., adhesive layer (440)). The plate (490) may be attached to the first layer (450) through the second adhesive layer (680), and the first layer (450) may be attached to the display panel (430) through the third adhesive layer (640). The second adhesive layer (680) and the third adhesive layer (640) may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA).

[0138] For example, the first layer (450) may include a first part (651) corresponding to or at least partially included in a first part (331) of the display (330), a second part (652) corresponding to or at least partially included in a third part (333) of the display (330), and a third part (653) corresponding to or at least partially included in a third part (333) of the display (330). For example, the first part (651) of the first layer (450) may be spaced apart from the second part (652) of the first layer (450). For example, the third part (653) of the first layer (450) may extend from the first part (651) of the first layer (450) to the second part (652).

[0139] The first layer (450) may be disposed between the display panel (430) and the plate (490). The first layer (450) may overlap at least partially with the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). For example, the first layer (450) may overlap at least one of the plurality of slits (496) formed in the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). For example, the first layer (450) may cover at least one of the plurality of slits (496) formed in the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490).

[0140] The second adhesive layer (680) may be disposed between the first layer (450) and the plate (490). The second adhesive layer (680) may include a first portion (681) and a second portion (682) spaced apart from the first portion (681). For example, the first portion (681) of the second adhesive layer (680) may be spaced apart from the second portion (682) of the second adhesive layer (680) by a second gap (g2).

[0141] A first portion (491) of the plate (490) can be attached to a first layer (450) (e.g., first portion (651)) through a first portion (681) of the second adhesive layer (680). A second portion (492) of the plate (490) can be attached to a first layer (450) (e.g., second portion (652)) through a second portion (682) of the second adhesive layer (680). A bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) can face a first layer (450) (e.g., third portion (653)) through a second gap (g2) of the second adhesive layer (680).

[0142] A third adhesive layer (640) may be disposed between the display panel (430) and the first layer (450). The third adhesive layer (640) may include a first portion (641) and a second portion (642) spaced apart from the first portion (641). For example, the first portion (641) of the third adhesive layer (640) may be spaced apart from the second portion (642) of the third adhesive layer (640) by a third gap (g3) (e.g., a first gap (g1)).

[0143] The third width of the third gap (g3) may be smaller than the width of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). The third width of the third gap (g3) may be a length along a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., the X-axis). The third width of the third gap (g3) may be different from the second width of the second gap (g2). For example, the third width of the third gap (g3) may be smaller than the second width of the second gap (g2), but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the third width of the third gap (g3) may be substantially the same as the second width of the second gap (g2).

[0144] A first portion (651) of the first layer (450) can be attached to the display panel (430) (e.g., the first portion of the display panel (430)) through the first portion (641) of the third adhesive layer (640). A second portion (652) of the first layer (450) can be attached to the display panel (430) (e.g., the second portion of the display panel (430)) through the second portion (642) of the third adhesive layer (640). A third portion (653) of the first layer (450) can be attached to the display panel (430) (e.g., the third portion of the display panel (430)) through the third gap (g3). By separating the first layer (450) from the display panel (430) through the third gap (g3), plastic deformation of the layer within the display (330) caused by the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) can be reduced and / or prevented. By separating the first layer (450) from the display panel (430) through the third gap (g3), the visibility of marks caused by plastic deformation of the first layer (450) by the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) to the outside through the display (330) can be reduced and / or prevented.

[0145] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a layer structure of a display according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 may be a cross-sectional view of the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2a cut in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., X-axis).

[0146] Referring to FIG. 7, according to one embodiment, the second adhesive layer (680) may further include a third portion (783). The first portion (681), the second portion (682), and the third portion (783) of the second adhesive layer (680) may be formed integrally.

[0147] The third portion (783) of the second adhesive layer (680) may be positioned between the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) and the third portion (653) of the first layer (450). The third portion (783) of the second adhesive layer (680) may attach the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) to the first layer (450) (e.g., the third portion (653)).

[0148] A plurality of bars (597) of the plate (490) can be connected to each other through a third portion (783) of a second adhesive layer (680) attached to a bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). Additionally, a plurality of bars (597) can be connected to a first portion (491) and a second portion (492) of the plate (490) through the second adhesive layer (680).

[0149] FIGS. 8A, FIGS. 8B, and FIGS. 8C are drawings showing examples of slits in an adhesive layer according to one embodiment.

[0150] The adhesive layer (810) shown in FIGS. 8a, 8b, and 8c may be a first adhesive layer (460), a second adhesive layer (480), a second adhesive layer (680), or a third adhesive layer (640).

[0151] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the adhesive layer (810) may include a first portion (811) and a second portion (812). The first portion (811) of the adhesive layer (810) may be the first portion (461) of the first adhesive layer (460), the first portion (481) of the second adhesive layer (480), the first portion (681) of the second adhesive layer (680), or the first portion (641) of the third adhesive layer (640). The second portion (812) of the adhesive layer (810) may be the second portion (462) of the first adhesive layer (460), the second portion (482) of the second adhesive layer (480), the second portion (682) of the second adhesive layer (680), or the second portion (642) of the third adhesive layer (640).

[0152] Referring to FIG. 8a, the first portion (811) and the second portion (812) of the adhesive layer (810) can be completely separated. Between the first portion (811) and the second portion (812), a slit (820) substantially parallel to the folding axis (237) (e.g., Y-axis) of the electronic device (201) can be formed. The slit (820) can be opened upward (e.g., +Y direction) and downward (e.g., -Y direction) of the adhesive layer (810). The slit (820) can define, for example, a first gap (g1) of the first adhesive layer (460), a second gap (g2) of the second adhesive layer (480), a second gap (g2) of the second adhesive layer (680), or a third gap (g3) of the third adhesive layer (640).

[0153] The bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may include one or more portions protruding from the adhesive layer (810). For example, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may include portions (895) (e.g., portion (1595) of FIG. 15a) protruding from the top of the adhesive layer (810) (e.g., the edge of the adhesive layer (810) facing the +Y direction) and the bottom of the adhesive layer (810) (e.g., the edge of the adhesive layer (810) facing the -Y direction), respectively.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 8b, a slit (822) may be formed in the adhesive layer (810). The slit (822) may be located in the center of the adhesive layer (810). The adhesive layer (810) may include a first connecting portion (813) and a second connecting portion (814). The first connecting portion (813) may extend from a first area of ​​the first part (811) to a first area of ​​the second part (812) facing the first area of ​​the first part (811). The second connecting portion (814) may extend from a second area of ​​the first part (811) to a second area of ​​the second part (812) facing the second area of ​​the first part (811). The first part (811), the second part (812), the first connecting part (813) and the second connecting part (814) can define the circumference of the slit (822).

[0155] The slit (822) can define, for example, a first gap (g1) of the first adhesive layer (460), a second gap (g2) of the second adhesive layer (480), a second gap (g2) of the second adhesive layer (680), or a third gap (g3) of the third adhesive layer (640).

[0156] The first connecting portion (813) or the second connecting portion (814) may be the third portion (583) of the second adhesive layer (480) or the third portion (783) of the second adhesive layer (680). For example, in FIG. 5a, the first portion (481) and the second portion (482) of the second adhesive layer (480) are shown as being connected by the third portion (583), but in other sections, a slit (822) may be formed in the second adhesive layer (480). For example, in FIG. 7, the first portion (681) and the second portion (682) of the second adhesive layer (680) are shown as being connected by the third portion (783), but in other sections, a slit (822) may be formed in the second adhesive layer (480).

[0157] Referring to FIG. 8c, a first slit (824), a second slit (826), and a third slit (828) may be formed in the adhesive layer (810). The first slit (824), the second slit (826), and the third slit (828) may be arranged parallel to the folding axis (237) (e.g., Y-axis) of the electronic device (200). The first slit (824) may be located between the second slit (826) and the third slit (828). The second slit (826) may be opened at the top of the adhesive layer (810) (e.g., in the +Y direction), and the third slit (828) may be opened at the bottom of the adhesive layer (810) (e.g., in the -Y direction).

[0158] The adhesive layer (810) may include a first connecting portion (815) extending from a third area of ​​a first part (811) to a third area of ​​a second part (812) to separate a first slit (824) and a second slit (826), and a second connecting portion (816) extending from a fourth area of ​​a first part (811) to a fourth area of ​​a second part (812) to separate a first slit (824) and a third slit (828).

[0159] At least one of the first slit (824), the second slit (826), and / or the third slit (828) may define, for example, a first gap (g1) of the first adhesive layer (460), a second gap (g2) of the second adhesive layer (480), a second gap (g2) of the second adhesive layer (680), or a third gap (g3) of the third adhesive layer (640).

[0160] The first connecting portion (815) or the second connecting portion (816) may be the third portion (583) of the second adhesive layer (480) or the third portion (783) of the second adhesive layer (680). For example, in FIG. 5a, the first portion (481) and the second portion (482) of the second adhesive layer (480) are shown as being connected by the third portion (583), but in other sections, at least one of the first slit (824), the second slit (826), and / or the third slit (828) may be formed in the second adhesive layer (480). For example, in FIG. 7, the first part (681) and the second part (682) of the second adhesive layer (680) are shown as being connected by a third part (783), but in other sections, at least one of a first slit (824), a second slit (826), and / or a third slit (828) may be formed in the second adhesive layer (480).

[0161] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIG. 9 may be a cross-sectional view of the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2a cut in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) (e.g., X-axis).

[0162] Referring to FIG. 9, an electronic device (201) according to one embodiment may include a first printed circuit board (951) (e.g., first printed circuit board (251)), a second printed circuit board (952) (e.g., second printed circuit board (252)), and a flexible printed circuit board (940) (e.g., flexible printed circuit board (240)).

[0163] The display (330) may include a layer (970) to which an adhesive layer (810) is attached. The layer (970) may be an example of the second layer (470) of FIG. 4, the second layer (470) of FIG. 5a, the first layer (450) of FIG. 6, or the first layer (450) of FIG. 7. A slit (920) between a first portion (811) and a second portion (812) may be formed in the adhesive layer (810). The slit (920) may be an example of slits (820, 822, 824, 826, or 828).

[0164] The flexible printed circuit board (940) may extend from the first printed circuit board (951) across the hinge structure (360) (or center plate (363)) (or the third part (333) of the display (330)) to the second printed circuit board (952).

[0165] The slit (920) of the adhesive layer (810) may overlap the flexible printed circuit board (940) (e.g., along the Z-axis). For example, the slit (920) of the adhesive layer (810) may be positioned on the flexible printed circuit board (940) and aligned with the flexible printed circuit board (940). For example, at least a portion of the slit (920) of the adhesive layer (810) may be formed on a portion (971) of the layer (970) that overlaps the flexible printed circuit board (940) and the center plate (363) (e.g., along the Z-axis).

[0166] To provide a space through which the flexible printed circuit board (940) passes, the center plate (363) may be positioned higher (e.g., in the +Z direction) than other sections that do not span the space between the first printed circuit board (951) and the second printed circuit board (952). Accordingly, when the electronic device (201) is folded, the degree to which the display (330) (e.g., layer (970)) is pressed by the center plate (363) may be greater in the section than in the other sections. By forming a slit (920) of the adhesive layer (810) on a portion (971) of the layer (970) that overlaps the flexible printed circuit board (940) and the center plate (363), the visibility of marks caused by the pattern of the plate (490) (e.g., pattern (397 and / or 597)) in the section where the display (330) is pressed more strongly can be effectively reduced and / or prevented.

[0167] FIGS. 10a, FIGS. 10b, FIGS. 10c, FIGS. 10d, FIGS. 10e, FIGS. 10f, FIGS. 10g, FIGS. 10h, FIGS. 10i, and FIGS. 10j illustrate examples of adhesive layers.

[0168] With reference to the preceding drawings, the adhesive layers (460, 480, 640, 680, 810, or 910) have been described as including sections separated by one or more slits (e.g., slits (820, 822, 824, 826, 828, or 920), but are not limited thereto, and various examples of the adhesive layers (460, 480, 640, 680, 810, 910) are described with reference to FIG. 10a, FIG. 10b, FIG. 10c, FIG. 10d, FIG. 10e, FIG. 10f, FIG. 10g, FIG. 10h, FIG. 10i, and FIG. 10j.

[0169] For example, referring to FIG. 10a, the adhesive layer (1010a) may include a first surface (1011a) and a second surface (1012a) opposite to the first surface (1011a). The first surface (1011a) may face in the +Z direction, and the second surface (1012a) may face in the -Z direction.

[0170] The adhesive layer (1010a) may include a recess (1020a) formed on the second surface (1012a). The recess (1020a) may replace or be provided together with the one or more slits.

[0171] For example, referring to FIG. 10b, the adhesive layer (1010b) may include a first surface (1011b) and a second surface (1012b) opposite to the first surface (1011b). The first surface (1011b) may face in the +Z direction, and the second surface (1012b) may face in the -Z direction.

[0172] The adhesive layer (1010b) may include a recess (1020b) formed on the first surface (1011b). The recess (1020b) may replace or be provided together with the one or more slits.

[0173] For example, referring to FIG. 10c, the adhesive layer (1010c) may include a plurality of holes (1020c). The plurality of holes (1020c) may be arranged in a direction parallel to the X-axis. The plurality of holes (1020c) may replace or be provided together with the one or more slits.

[0174] For example, referring to FIG. 10d, the adhesive layer (1010d) may include an adhesive layer (1010c) and a material (1030d) filled within a plurality of holes (1020c) of the adhesive layer (1010c). The material (1030d) may have different physical properties from the adhesive layer (1010c). For example, the modulus of the material (1030d) may be different from the modulus of the adhesive layer (1010c).

[0175] For example, referring to FIG. 10e, the adhesive layer (1010e) may include a first surface (1011e) and a second surface (1012e) opposite to the first surface (1011e). The first surface (1011e) may face in the +Z direction, and the second surface (1012e) may face in the -Z direction.

[0176] The adhesive layer (1010e) may include the adhesive layer (1010a) and a material (1030e) filled within the recess (1020a) of the adhesive layer (1010a). The material (1030e) may define a second surface (1012e) of the adhesive layer (1010e) together with the adhesive layer (1010a). The material (1030e) may have different physical properties from the adhesive layer (1010a). For example, the modulus of the material (1030e) may be different from the modulus of the adhesive layer (1010a).

[0177] For example, referring to FIG. 10f, the adhesive layer (1010f) may include a first surface (1011f) and a second surface (1012f) opposite to the first surface (1011f). The first surface (1011f) may face in the +Z direction, and the second surface (1012f) may face in the -Z direction.

[0178] The adhesive layer (1010f) may include a material (1030f) disposed on a second surface (1012e) of the adhesive layer (1010e) to cover the adhesive layer (1010e) and the material (1030e). The first surface (1011f) of the adhesive layer (1010f) may be defined by the adhesive layer (1010e), and the second surface (1012f) of the adhesive layer (1010f) may be defined by the material (1030f).

[0179] The material (1030f) may have different physical properties from the adhesive layer (1010e). For example, the modulus of the material (1030f) may be different from the modulus of the adhesive layer (1010e). The material (1030f) may be formed integrally with the material (1030e).

[0180] For example, referring to FIG. 10g, the adhesive layer (1010g) may include a first surface (1011g) and a second surface (1012g) opposite to the first surface (1011g). The first surface (1011g) may face in the +Z direction, and the second surface (1012g) may face in the -Z direction.

[0181] The adhesive layer (1010g) may include an adhesive layer (1010b) and a material (1030g) filled within the recess (1020b) of the adhesive layer (1010b). The material (1030g), together with the adhesive layer (1010b), may define a first surface (1011g) of the adhesive layer (1010g). The material (1030g) may have different physical properties from the adhesive layer (1010b). For example, the modulus of the material (1030g) may be different from the modulus of the adhesive layer (1010b).

[0182] For example, referring to FIG. 10h, the adhesive layer (1010h) may include a first surface (1011h) and a second surface (1012h) opposite to the first surface (1011h). The first surface (1011h) may face in the +Z direction, and the second surface (1012h) may face in the -Z direction.

[0183] The adhesive layer (1010h) may include a material (1030h) disposed on a first surface (1011g) of the adhesive layer (1010g) to cover the adhesive layer (1010g) and the material (1030g). The first surface (1011h) of the adhesive layer (1010h) may be defined by the material (1030h), and the second surface (1012h) of the adhesive layer (1010h) may be defined by the adhesive layer (1010g).

[0184] The material (1030h) may have different physical properties from the adhesive layer (1010g). For example, the modulus of the material (1030h) may be different from the modulus of the adhesive layer (1010g). The material (1030h) may be formed integrally with the material (1030g).

[0185] For example, referring to FIG. 10i, the adhesive layer (1010i) may include a first surface (1011i) and a second surface (1012i) opposite to the first surface (1011i). The first surface (1011i) may face in the +Z direction, and the second surface (1012i) may face in the -Z direction.

[0186] The adhesive layer (1010i) may include an adhesive layer (1040i) and a material (1030i). The adhesive layer (1040i) may include a front surface (1041i) forming a first surface (1011i) of the adhesive layer (1010i) and a back surface (1042i) opposite to the front surface (1041i). The back surface (1042i) of the adhesive layer (1040i) may be formed substantially flat.

[0187] The material (1030i) may be placed on the back surface (1042i) of the adhesive layer (1040i). The material (1030i) may form the second surface (1012i) of the adhesive layer (1010i).

[0188] The material (1030i) may have different physical properties from the adhesive layer (1040i). For example, the modulus of the material (1030i) may be different from the modulus of the adhesive layer (1040i).

[0189] For example, referring to FIG. 10j, the adhesive layer (1010j) may include a first surface (1011j) and a second surface (1012j) opposite to the first surface (1011j). The first surface (1011j) may face in the +Z direction, and the second surface (1012j) may face in the -Z direction.

[0190] The adhesive layer (1010j) may include an adhesive layer (1040j) and a material (1030j). The adhesive layer (1040j) may include a front surface (1041j) forming a first surface (1011j) of the adhesive layer (1010j) and a back surface (1042j) opposite to the front surface (1041j). The back surface (1042j) of the adhesive layer (1040j) may be formed concavely.

[0191] The material (1030j) may be placed on the back surface (1042j) of the adhesive layer (1040j). The material (1030j) may form a second surface (1012j) of the adhesive layer (1010j).

[0192] The material (1030j) may have different physical properties from the adhesive layer (1040j). For example, the modulus of the material (1030j) may be different from the modulus of the adhesive layer (1040j).

[0193] FIG. 11 shows a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0194] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a display of a multi-foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0195] Referring to FIG. 11, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (1100) (e.g., electronic device (101 or 201)) may include a first housing part (1101) (e.g., first housing part (210)), a second housing part (1102) (e.g., second housing part (220)), and a first hinge structure (1161) (e.g., hinge structure (260) or hinge assembly (360)) that rotatably connects the second housing part (1102) to the first housing part (1101).

[0196] The electronic device (1100) may also include a third housing part (1103) and a second hinge structure (1162). The third housing part (1103) may be rotatably coupled to the second housing part (1102) through the second hinge structure (1162). The first housing part (1101), the second housing part (1102), and the third housing part (1103) may be described as a foldable housing of the electronic device (1100).

[0197] Although not illustrated, the electronic device (1100) may include a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (1130) of FIG. 12) disposed within the foldable housing of the electronic device (1100) so as to form at least a portion of the front surface of the electronic device (1100) (or the foldable housing).

[0198] The state of the electronic device (1100) illustrated in FIG. 11 may be a multi-folded state in which the first housing part (1101), the second housing part (1102), and the third housing part (1103) are folded relative to each other. In the multi-folded state, the first housing part (1101) may be placed on the third housing part (1103), and the second housing part (1102) may be placed on the first housing part (1101).

[0199] Although not illustrated, in the unfolded state of the electronic device (1100), the first housing part (1101), the second housing part (1102), and the third housing part (1103) may be placed on substantially the same plane.

[0200] Although not illustrated, in a single-folded state of the electronic device (1100), the second housing part (1102) and the third housing part (1103) can be unfolded relative to each other, and the first housing part (1101) can be folded relative to the second housing part (1102).

[0201] In the multi-folded state of the electronic device (1100), the first housing part (1101) can be folded relative to the second housing part (1102) through the first hinge structure (1161) so as to be spaced apart from the second housing part (1102) by a first distance.

[0202] In a multi-folded state of the electronic device (1100), the third housing part (1103) can be folded relative to the second housing part (1102) through the second hinge structure (1162) so as to be spaced apart from the second housing part (1102) by a second distance. When the third housing part (1103) is folded relative to the second housing part (1102), the third housing part (1103) and the second housing part (1102) are positioned, so the second distance provided through the second hinge structure (1162) may be greater than the first distance provided through the first hinge structure (1161). Accordingly, the flexible display disposed within the foldable housing of the electronic device (1100) so as to cross the first hinge structure (1161) and the second hinge structure (1162) may have different structures in the first region (R1) corresponding to the first hinge structure (1161) and the second region (R2) corresponding to the second hinge structure (1162).

[0203] For example, referring to FIG. 12, a flexible display (1130) (hereinafter, display (1130)) (e.g., display module (160) or display (330)) may include a first part (1131) (e.g., first part (331)), a second part (1132) (e.g., second part (332)), and a third part (1133) (e.g., third part (333)).

[0204] Additionally, the display (1130) may include a fourth part (1134) spaced apart from the second part (1132) and a fifth part (1135) extending from the second part (1132) to the fourth part (1134).

[0205] Referring to FIG. 12 together with FIG. 11, a first part (1131) of the display (1130) may be placed on or within a first housing part (1101), a second part (1132) of the display (1130) may be placed on or within a second housing part (1102), and a fourth part (1134) of the display (1130) may be placed on or within a third housing part (1103).

[0206] The third part (1133) of the display (1130) can be bent as the first housing part (1101) and the second housing part (1102) are folded together. The fifth part (1135) of the display (1130) can be bent as the second housing part (1102) and the third housing part (1103) are folded together.

[0207] Referring to FIG. 12, the display (1130) may include a protective layer (1210) (e.g., protective layer (410)), an adhesive layer (1215) (e.g., adhesive layer (415)), a window (1220) (e.g., window (420)), an adhesive layer (1225) (e.g., adhesive layer (425)), a display panel (1230) (e.g., display panel (430)), an adhesive layer (1240) (e.g., adhesive layer (440)), a first layer (1250) (e.g., first layer (450)), a first adhesive layer (1260) (e.g., first adhesive layer (460)), a second layer (1270) (e.g., second layer (470)), a second adhesive layer (1280) (e.g., second adhesive layer (1280)), and a plate (1290) (e.g., plate (490)).

[0208] Each of the protective layer (1210), adhesive layer (1215), window (1220), adhesive layer (1225), display panel (1230), adhesive layer (1240), first layer (1250), first adhesive layer (1260), second layer (1270), second adhesive layer (1280), and plate (1290) may include a fourth part corresponding to the fourth part (1134) of the display (1130) and a fifth part corresponding to the fifth part (1135) of the display (1130). The description of each layer of the display (1130) corresponding to the fourth part (1134) and the fifth part (1135) of the display (1130) may be applied in a substantially identical, similar, or corresponding manner to the description provided for the first part (331) and the third part (333) of the display (330) mentioned above.

[0209] The third part (1133) of the display (1130) corresponding to the first region (R1) of the first hinge structure (1161) may have a structure different from the fifth part (1135) of the display (1130) corresponding to the second region (R2) of the second hinge structure (1162).

[0210] For example, the plate (1290) may include a first area (1293) corresponding to a third part (1133) of the display (1130) and having a first pattern formed therein, and a second area (1295) corresponding to a fifth part (1135) of the display (1130) and having a second pattern formed therein. For example, the width of the first area (1293) having the first pattern formed therein and the width of the second area (1295) having the second pattern formed therein may be different from each other. For example, the width of the second area (1295) having the second pattern formed therein may be larger than the width of the first area (1293) having the first pattern formed therein. For example, the width of the first pattern itself in the first area (1293) and the width of the second pattern itself in the second area (1295) may be different from each other. For example, the width of the second pattern itself in the second region (1295) may be greater than the width of the first pattern itself in the first region (1293). For example, the width of each of the first slits defining the first pattern in the first region (1293) may be different from the width of each of the second slits defining the second pattern in the second region (1295). For example, the number of the first slits defining the first pattern in the first region (1293) may be different from the number of the second slits defining the second pattern in the second region (1295). For example, the number of the second slits defining the second pattern in the second region (1295) may be greater than the number of the first slits defining the first pattern in the first region (1293). For example, the area of ​​the fifth part (1135) of the display (1130) corresponding to the second area (R2) may be larger than the area of ​​the third part (1133) of the display (1130) corresponding to the first area (R1).

[0211] For example, the first adhesive layer (1260) may include a first portion (1261) (e.g., first portion (461)), a second portion (1262) (e.g., second portion (462)), and a third portion (1263). The first portion (1261) and the second portion (1262) of the first adhesive layer (1260) may be separated from each other within a first region (R1). The second portion (1262) and the third portion (1263) of the first adhesive layer (1260) may be separated from each other within a second region (R2). In the first region (R1), the first width of the first gap (S1) (e.g., first gap (g1)) formed by separating the first part (1261) and the second part (1262) of the first adhesive layer (1260) may be smaller than the second width of the second gap (S2) formed by separating the second part (1262) and the third part (1263) of the first adhesive layer (1260) in the second region (R2). The first width of the first gap (S1) and the second width of the second gap (S2) may be lengths along a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) of the electronic device (1100) when the electronic device (1100) is fully unfolded, for example.

[0212] Alternatively, the second part (1262) and the third part (1263) of the first adhesive layer (1260) may be connected so that the second gap (S2) is omitted from the first adhesive layer (1260) (for example, in which the fifth part (1135) of the display (1130) in a multi-folded state is bent into a U shape, but is not limited to).

[0213] With reference to FIG. 11, the electronic device (1100) is described as comprising three housing parts (1101, 1102, and 1103) and two hinge structures (1161 and 1162), but the number of housing parts and hinge structures included in the electronic device (1100) is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (1100) may comprise four or more housing parts and three or more hinge structures. For example, the electronic device (1100) may further comprise a fourth housing part rotatably coupled to a third housing part (1103). For example, the electronic device (1100) may further comprise a third hinge structure connecting the third housing part (1103) and the fourth housing part. For example, the fourth housing part may be located below the third housing part (1103) in a multi-folded state of the electronic device (1100). As another example, the fourth housing part may be located on the second housing part (1102) in a multi-folded state of the electronic device (1100). If the electronic device (1100) further includes the fourth housing part, the second layer (1270) may include an area that is not attached to the first layer (1250) within an area corresponding to the third hinge structure (e.g., by physically separating the first adhesive layer (1260) within said area corresponding to the third hinge structure).

[0214] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a plate according to one embodiment.

[0215] Referring to FIG. 13, according to one embodiment, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may protrude relative to the first portion (491) and the second portion (492). For example, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may protrude in a first direction (e.g., +Y direction) parallel to the folding axis (237) relative to the first portion (491) and the second portion (492). Additionally, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may protrude in a second direction (e.g., -Y direction) parallel to the folding axis (237) and opposite to the first direction relative to the first portion (491) of the plate (490) and the second portion (492) of the plate (490).

[0216] The pattern of the plate (490) (e.g., pattern (397 or 597)) has been described as being formed on the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490), but is not limited thereto. For example, the pattern of the plate (490) may be further formed on the first portion (491) of the plate (490) adjacent to the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490), as in pattern (1301), and / or further formed on the second portion (492) of the plate (490) adjacent to the bendable portion (493), as in pattern (1302).

[0217] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a plate and a protective layer of a display according to one embodiment.

[0218] Referring to FIG. 14, the plate (490) may include a portion that protrudes outward from the protective layer (410) in the direction of the folding axis (237) when the display (330) is viewed from above. For example, when the display (330) is viewed from above, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may protrude outward from the protective layer (410). For example, when the display (330) is viewed from above, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may protrude outward from the protective layer (410) in the first direction (e.g., +Y direction) and the second direction (e.g., -Y direction). For example, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may protrude outward from the protective layer (410) in the first direction (e.g., +Y direction) and the second direction (e.g., -Y direction) over the entire length. In another example, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may include a first section overlapping the folding axis (237) (and / or center plate (363)) and second sections on either side of the first section. The first section of the bendable portion (493) may protrude outward from the protective layer (410) in the first direction (e.g., +Y direction) and the second direction (e.g., -Y direction). The second section of the bendable portion (493) may be recessed inward from the protective layer (410) when the display (330) is viewed from above. Alternatively, the outer edge of the second section of the bendable portion (493) may substantially coincide with the outer edge of the protective layer (410) when the display (330) is viewed from above.

[0219] When the display (330) is viewed from above, a first portion (491) of the plate (490) may protrude outside the protective layer (410). For example, when the display (330) is viewed from above, a first portion (491) of the plate (490) may protrude outside the protective layer (410) in the first direction (e.g., +Y direction) and the second direction (e.g., -Y direction).

[0220] For example, without limitation, when the display (330) is viewed from above, the side (e.g., facing the +X direction) of the first portion (491) of the plate (490) may not protrude from the first side (e.g., facing the +X direction) of the protective layer (410). For example, when the display (330) is viewed from above, the side (e.g., facing the +X direction) of the first portion (491) of the plate (490) may be located on substantially the same vertical plane (e.g., the YZ plane) as the first side (e.g., facing the +X direction) of the protective layer (410). For another example, the side (e.g., facing the +X direction) of the first portion (491) of the plate (490) may be recessed relative to the first side (e.g., facing the +X direction) of the protective layer (410).

[0221] When the display (330) is viewed from above, the second portion (492) of the plate (490) may protrude outside the protective layer (410). For example, when the display (330) is viewed from above, the second portion (492) of the plate (490) may protrude outside the protective layer (410) in the first direction (e.g., +Y direction) and the second direction (e.g., -Y direction).

[0222] For example, the plate (490) may not protrude outside the protective layer (410) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) when the display (330) is viewed from above. For example, the plate (490) may be recessed inwardly into the protective layer (410) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237). For another example, a portion of the outer edge of the plate (490) may substantially match the outer edge of the protective layer (410) so that the plate (490) does not protrude outside the protective layer (410) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237).

[0223] For example, without limitation, when the display (330) is viewed from above, the side (e.g., facing the -X direction) of the second portion (492) of the plate (490) may not protrude from the second side (e.g., facing the -X direction) of the protective layer (410). For example, when the display (330) is viewed from above, the side (e.g., facing the -X direction) of the second portion (492) of the plate (490) may be located on substantially the same vertical plane (e.g., the YZ plane) as the second side (e.g., facing the -X direction) of the protective layer (410). For another example, the side (e.g., facing the -X direction) of the second portion (492) of the plate (490) may be recessed relative to the second side (e.g., facing the -X direction) of the protective layer (410).

[0224] The electronic device (201) may include a protective member that wraps around at least a portion of the edge of the display (330) to protect the edge of the display (330). The protective member may reduce and / or prevent foreign matter from entering the electronic device (201) by covering the gap between the edge of the display (330) and the foldable housing of the electronic device (201).

[0225] The above protective member may include, for example, a first protective member disposed on a first housing part (210) to cover the edge of a first part (331) of the display (330), and a second protective member disposed on a second housing part (220) to cover the edge of a second part (332) of the display (330). Additionally, the above protective member may include a third protective member disposed on the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) to cover the edge of a third part (333) of the display (330), for example.

[0226] To allow bending of the third part (333) of the display (330), the third protective member may be formed of a more flexible material (e.g., rubber) than the first protective member and the second protective member. The third protective member of the display (330) may be supported by an edge portion (e.g., portion (1595) of FIG. 15a) of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) that protrudes out of the protective layer (410).

[0227] FIG. 15a is a cross-sectional view showing a display according to one embodiment. FIG. 15b is a plan view showing a display. FIG. 15c is a cross-sectional view showing a display according to one embodiment. FIG. 15d and FIG. 15e are cross-sectional views showing a display according to one embodiment.

[0228] FIGS. 15a, FIGS. 15c, FIGS. 15d, and FIGS. 15e may be drawings showing the A-A' section of FIG. 14. FIG. 15b may be a plan view corresponding to FIG. 15a.

[0229] Referring to FIG. 15a and FIG. 15b, the display (330) may include a side (or edge) facing the first direction (e.g., +Y direction). Layers included in the display (330) may each include a side that defines (or forms) the side of the display (330).

[0230] For example, the protective layer (410) may protrude from the window (420) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction). For example, the side of the window (420) may be located inside the display (330) (e.g., in the -Y direction) relative to the side of the protective layer (410).

[0231] For example, the adhesive layer (415) may have a shape and / or area corresponding to the protective layer (410), but is not limited to. For example, the side of the adhesive layer (415) may be located on a vertical plane (e.g., the XY plane) substantially the same as the side of the protective layer (410).

[0232] The display panel (430) may protrude from the window (420) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction). For example, the side of the display panel (430) may be located outside (e.g., in the +Y direction) the side of the window (420).

[0233] For example, the side of the display panel (430) may be located on substantially the same vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) as the side of the protection layer (410), without limitation.

[0234] For example, the adhesive layer (425) and / or the adhesive layer (440) may have a shape and / or area corresponding to the display panel (430), but is not limited thereto. For example, the side of the adhesive layer (425) and / or the side of the adhesive layer (440) may be located on a vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) substantially identical to the side of the display panel (430).

[0235] The first layer (450) may have a shape and / or area corresponding to the display panel (430). For example, the side of the first layer (450) may be located on a vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) substantially identical to the side of the display panel (430).

[0236] The second layer (470) (or the third part (473)) may include a portion (1575) that overlaps the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction) and protrudes outward from the display panel (430) (e.g., in the +Y direction). For example, the length (D1) of the second layer (470) protruding outward from the display panel (430) may be, for example, about 20 μm, which is not limited.

[0237] For example, but not limited to, the side of the first adhesive layer (460) (e.g., first part (461) and / or second part (462)) may be located on substantially the same vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) as the side of the second layer (470) (or third part (473)). For example, the first adhesive layer (460) may include a portion (1565) that protrudes outward (e.g., in the +Y direction) of the display panel (430) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction). For example, the portion (1565) of the first adhesive layer (460) may protrude outward (e.g., in the +Y direction) of the first layer (450) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction).

[0238] For example, the side of the second adhesive layer (480) may be located on substantially the same vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) as the side of the second layer (470) (or the third part (473)). For example, the second adhesive layer (480) may include a portion (1585) that protrudes outward (e.g., in the +Y direction) of the display panel (430) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction).

[0239] The plate (490) (or bendable portion (493)) may include a portion (1595) that protrudes out of the second layer (470) (e.g., in the +Y direction) when the display (330) is viewed from above. For example, the length (D2) of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) protruding out of the second layer (470) may be, for example, about 150 μm, which is not limited. The portion (1595) may protrude out of the first layer (450) (e.g., in the +Y direction) when the display (330) is viewed from above.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 15b, the third portion (473) of the second layer (470) may protrude from the first portion (471) of the second layer (470) and the second portion (472) of the second layer (470) (e.g., in the +Y direction). For example, though not limited to, the length (D5) of the third portion (473) of the second layer (470) protruding from the first portion (471) of the second layer (470) and the second portion (472) of the second layer (470) may be about 360 μm.

[0241] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 15c, in the third part (333) of the display (330), the side of the third part (473) of the second layer (470), the side of the first adhesive layer (460), and the side of the second adhesive layer (480) may be located on a vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) substantially the same as the side of the display panel (430).

[0242] Referring to FIG. 15d, unlike the illustration in FIG. 15a, the display (330) may not include a first layer (450) and an adhesive layer (440) that attaches the first layer (450) to the display panel (430). In this case, the second layer (470) may be attached to the display panel (430) through the first adhesive layer (460) (e.g., a first part (461) and a second part (462)).

[0243] Referring to FIG. 15e, unlike the illustration in FIG. 15a, the display panel (330) may not include a second layer (470) and a first adhesive layer (460) that attaches the second layer (470) to the first layer (450). In this case, the plate (490) may be attached to the first layer (450) through the second adhesive layer (680). When the first adhesive layer (460) and the second layer (470) are omitted, the first portion (651) of the first layer (450) may protrude outward from the display panel (430) (e.g., in the +Y direction) when the display (330) is viewed from above. For example, the first portion (651) of the first layer (450) may protrude outward from the display panel (430) by a length (D1) (e.g., about 20 μm). For example, the first part (651) of the first layer (450) may include a part (1557) that overlaps the first part (491) of the plate (490) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction) and protrudes outward from the display panel (430) (e.g., in the +Y direction).

[0244] For example, the side of the first portion (641) of the adhesive layer (640) may be located on substantially the same vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) as the side of the first portion (651) of the first layer (450). For example, the first portion (641) of the adhesive layer (640) may include a portion (1547) that protrudes outward (e.g., in the +Y direction) of the display panel (430) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction).

[0245] For example, the side of the first portion (681) of the second adhesive layer (680) may be located on substantially the same vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) as the side of the first portion (651) of the first layer (450). For example, the first portion (681) of the second adhesive layer (680) may include a portion (1587) that protrudes outward (e.g., in the +Y direction) of the display panel (430) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction).

[0246] A first portion (491) of the plate (490) may include a portion (1597) that protrudes (e.g., in the +Y direction) out of a first portion (651) of the first layer (450) when viewed from above the display (330). For example, the portion (1597) of the plate (490) may protrude out of a first portion (651) of the first layer (450) by a length (D2) (e.g., about 150 μm).

[0247] The description of the first part (641) of the adhesive layer (640), the first part (651) of the first layer (450), and the first part (681) of the second adhesive layer (680), provided with reference to FIG. 15e, may be applied to the second part (642) of the adhesive layer (640), the second part (652) of the first layer (450), and the second part (682) of the second adhesive layer (680) in a substantially the same, similar, or corresponding manner.

[0248] For example, the second part (652) of the first layer (450) may protrude outward from the display panel (430) (e.g., in the +Y direction) when the display (330) is viewed from above. For example, the second part (652) of the first layer (450) may protrude outward from the display panel (430) by a length (D1) (e.g., about 20 μm). For example, the second part (652) of the first layer (450) may include a part (1558) that overlaps with the second part (492) of the plate (490) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction) and protrudes outward from the display panel (430) (e.g., in the +Y direction).

[0249] For example, the side of the second portion (642) of the adhesive layer (640) may be located on substantially the same vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) as the side of the second portion (652) of the first layer (450). For example, the second portion (642) of the adhesive layer (640) may include a portion (1548) that protrudes outward (e.g., in the +Y direction) of the display panel (430) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction).

[0250] For example, the side of the second portion (682) of the second adhesive layer (680) may be located on substantially the same vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) as the side of the second portion (652) of the first layer (450). For example, the second portion (682) of the second adhesive layer (680) may include a portion (1588) that protrudes outward (e.g., in the +Y direction) of the display panel (430) when viewed from above (e.g., in the -Z direction).

[0251] The second portion (492) of the plate (490) may include a portion (1598) that protrudes (e.g., in the +Y direction) outward from the second portion (652) of the first layer (450) when viewed from above the display (330). For example, the protruding portion (1598) of the second portion (492) of the plate (490) may protrude outward from the second portion (652) of the first layer (450) by a length (D2) (e.g., about 150 μm). The description provided with reference to FIGS. 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, and 15e may also be applied in a substantially the same, similar, or corresponding manner to the opposite side of the display (330) (e.g., facing the -Y direction), which is not illustrated.

[0252] FIG. 15f is a plan view showing layers of a display according to one embodiment.

[0253] Referring to FIG. 15f, the display (330) may include a first layer (1501) and a second layer (1502). The second layer (1502) may be placed on and / or above the first layer (1501) (e.g., placed in the +Z direction relative to the first layer (1501)).

[0254] For example, the second layer (1502) may be a display panel (430), and the first layer (1501) may be the second layer (470). For example, the second layer (1502) may be a display panel (430), and the first layer (1501) may be the first layer (450).

[0255] The first layer (1501) may include edges (1501a and 1501b) substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (237) and edges (1501c and 1501d) substantially parallel to the folding axis (237). For example, the first edge (1501a) of the first layer (1501) may be opposite to the second edge (1501b) of the first layer (1501). For example, the third edge (1501c) of the first layer (1501) may extend from one end of the first edge (1501a) of the first layer (1501) to one end of the second edge (1501b) of the first layer (1501). For example, the fourth edge (1501d) of the first layer (1501) may extend from the other end of the first edge (1501a) of the first layer (1501) to the other end of the second edge (1501b). For example, the fourth edge (1501d) of the first layer (1501) may be opposite to the third edge (1501c) of the first layer (1501).

[0256] The second layer (1502) may include edges (1502a and 1501b) substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (237) and edges (1502c and 1501d) substantially parallel to the folding axis (237). For example, the first edge (1502a) of the second layer (1502) may be opposite to the second edge (1502b) of the second layer (1502). For example, the third edge (1502c) of the second layer (1502) may extend from one end of the first edge (1502a) of the second layer (1502) to one end of the second edge (1502b) of the second layer (1502). For example, the fourth edge (1502d) of the second layer (1502) may extend from the other end of the first edge (1502a) of the second layer (1502) to the other end of the second edge (1502b). For example, the fourth edge (1502d) of the second layer (1502) may be opposite to the third edge (1502c) of the second layer (1502).

[0257] For example, the first edge (1501a) of the first layer (1501) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., +Y direction) as the first edge (1502a) of the second layer (1502).

[0258] For example, the second edge (1501b) of the first layer (1501) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., -Y direction) as the second edge (1502b) of the second layer (1502).

[0259] For example, the third edge (1501c) of the first layer (1501) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., -X direction) as the third edge (1502c) of the second layer (1502).

[0260] For example, the fourth edge (1501d) of the first layer (1501) may face substantially the same direction (e.g., -X direction) as the fourth edge (1502d) of the second layer (1502).

[0261] The first edge (1501a) of the first layer (1501) may protrude from the first edge (1502a) of the second layer (1502) (e.g., protrude in the +Y direction). For example, the first edge (1502a) of the first layer (1501) may protrude from the first edge (1502a) of the second layer (1502) in the first part (331), second part (332), and third part (333) of the display (330) (e.g., protrude in the +Y direction). For example, the second edge (1501b) of the first layer (1501) may protrude from the second edge (1502b) of the second layer (1502) (e.g., protrude in the -Y direction). For example, the second edge (1502b) of the first layer (1501) may protrude from the second edge (1502b) of the second layer (1502) in the first part (331), second part (332), and third part (333) of the display (330) (e.g., protruded in the -Y direction).

[0262] The third edge (1501c) of the first layer (1501) may be recessed inward from the third edge (1502c) of the second layer (1502) so as not to protrude from the third edge (1502c) of the second layer (1502) (e.g., recessed in the +X direction). The fourth edge (1501d) of the first layer (1501) may be recessed inward from the fourth edge (1502d) of the second layer (1502) so as not to protrude from the fourth edge (1502d) of the second layer (1502) (e.g., recessed in the -X direction).

[0263] Unlike what is illustrated, the third edge (1501c) of the first layer (1501) may overlap (e.g., coincide) with the third edge (1502c) of the second layer (1502), or may protrude from the third edge (1502c) of the second layer (1502) (e.g., protrude in the -X direction). Also, unlike what is illustrated, the fourth edge (1501d) of the first layer (1501) may overlap (e.g., coincide) with the fourth edge (1502d) of the second layer (1502), or may protrude from the fourth edge (1502d) of the second layer (1502) (e.g., protrude in the +X direction). Accordingly, damage to the display (330) caused by bending of the first edge (1502a) and second edge (1502b) (or third edge (1502c), and fourth edge (1502d)) of the second layer (1502) upon external impact can be reduced and / or prevented.

[0264] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a display according to a comparative example.

[0265] Referring to FIG. 16, the second layer (1670) of the display (1630) of the comparative example may be recessed into the interior of the display panel (430), unlike the second layer (470) of the display (330). In this case, the first adhesive layer (1660) attaching the second layer (1670) to the first layer (450) and the second adhesive layer (1680) attaching the plate (490) to the second layer (1670) may also be recessed into the interior of the display panel (430). Accordingly, the edge portion of the display panel (430) may not be supported. Consequently, upon external impact, the display panel (430) may bend downward, causing the display panel (430) to be damaged. To reduce and / or prevent such problems, the electronic device (201) may include a bonding material attached to the side of the display (1630). This is explained with reference to FIGS. 19a, 19b, 19c, 20a, and 20b.

[0266] Referring again to FIG. 15a, in one embodiment, the durability of the third part (333) of the display (330), which is more vulnerable to impact than the first part (331) and second part (332) of the display panel (430), can be improved through a structure in which the third part (473) of the second layer (470) protrudes outward from the display panel (430). The reason the third part (333) of the display (330) is more vulnerable to impact than the first part (331) and second part (332) of the display (330) may be that the third protective member protecting the third part (333) of the display (330) has less rigidity than the first protective member and the second protective member protecting the first part (331) and second part (332) of the display (330).

[0267] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a first part of a display according to one embodiment. FIG. 17 may be a drawing showing the B-B' cross-section of FIG. 14.

[0268] Referring to FIG. 17, in the first part (331) of the display (330), the window (420) may be recessed relative to the display panel (430). The length (D4) of the window (420) recessed relative to the display panel (430) may be about 110 μm.

[0269] In the first part (331) of the display (330), the first part (471) of the second layer (470) may be recessed relative to the display panel (430). The length (D3) of the first part (471) of the second layer (470) recessed relative to the display panel (430) may be greater than the length (D4). For example, the length (D3) may be about 150 μm.

[0270] Unlike in FIG. 14, where the first part (491) of the plate (490) is described as protruding outside the protective layer (410) (or display panel (430)), in the first part (331) of the display (330), the side of the first part (491) of the plate (490) may be located on a vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) substantially the same as the side of the display panel (430).

[0271] The description provided with reference to FIG. 17 may also be applied in a substantially the same, similar, or corresponding manner to the opposite side (e.g., facing the -Y direction) of the first part (331) of the display (330), which is not illustrated.

[0272] The description provided with reference to FIG. 17 may also be applied to the second part (332) of the display (330), which is not illustrated, in a substantially the same, similar, or corresponding manner.

[0273] FIGS. 18a and FIGS. 18b are cross-sectional views showing a third part of a display according to one embodiment. FIGS. 18a and FIGS. 18b may be drawings showing the A-A' cross-section of FIG. 14.

[0274] Referring to FIG. 18a, in the third part (333) of the display (330), the side of the window (420) may be located on substantially the same plane (e.g., XZ plane) as the side of the display panel (430). Alternatively, referring to FIG. 18b, in the third part (333) of the display (330), the window (420) may protrude outward relative to the display panel (430). In the third part (333) of the display (330), the side of the window (420) may be located on substantially the same vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) as the side of the second layer (470).

[0275] Although not shown in FIGS. 18a and 18b, an adhesive layer (440) and a first layer (450) may be disposed between the display panel (330) and the first adhesive layer (460). In this case, the display panel (430), the adhesive layer (440), the first layer (450), the first adhesive layer (460), the second layer (470), and the second adhesive layer (480) may be configured as shown in FIG. 15a.

[0276] FIG. 19a is a cross-sectional view showing a display with a bonding material attached according to one embodiment. FIG. 19b and FIG. 19c are drawings showing a method of applying a bonding material.

[0277] Referring to FIG. 19a, an electronic device (201) according to one embodiment may include a bonding material (1900) attached to a side of a display (330). The bonding material (1900) may be formed of a resin or an adhesive material. For example, the bonding material (1900) may be formed of an epoxy-based material having a relatively high modulus.

[0278] The bonding material (1900) may be attached to the side of the display panel (430) corresponding to the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490), the portion (1595) of the second layer (470), the third portion (333) of the display (330), and the side of the window (420) corresponding to the third portion (333) of the display (330). The bonding material (1900) can improve the durability of the display (330) by increasing the rigidity of the edge portion of the display (330).

[0279] Although not shown in FIG. 19a, an adhesive layer (440) and a first layer (450) may be disposed between the display panel (330) and the first adhesive layer (460). In this case, the display panel (430), the adhesive layer (440), the first layer (450), the first adhesive layer (460), the second layer (470), and the second adhesive layer (480) may be configured as shown in FIG. 15a. Additionally, a bonding material (1900) may be further attached to the side of the adhesive layer (440) and the side of the first layer (450).

[0280] Referring to FIG. 19b, a bonding liquid of a bonding material (1900) may be applied before the protective layer (410) is attached to the window (420). To prevent leakage of the bonding liquid, a dam (1904) may be installed on the side of the plate (490). Using a bonding needle (1902), the bonding liquid may be injected into the space between the display (330) and the dam (1904). Since the side of the display (330) includes a step that increases as it goes downward, the bonding liquid may be filled into the space between the display (330) and the dam (1904) by its own weight. Subsequently, the bonding material (1900) may be formed by curing the bonding liquid. After the bonding material (1900) is formed, the dam (1904) may be separated from the display (330). The protective layer (410) can be attached to the window (420) after the injection of the bonding liquid or after the formation of the bonding material (1900).

[0281] Referring to FIG. 19b, an example has been described in which the bonding liquid is injected in the -Z direction through the bonding needle (1902), but this is not limited thereto. For example, referring to FIG. 19c, the bonding needle (1902) may be directed toward the side of the display (330) (e.g., -Y direction), and the bonding liquid may also be applied to the side of the display (330).

[0282] FIGS. 20a and FIGS. 20b are cross-sectional views showing a display with a bonding material attached, according to one embodiment.

[0283] Referring to FIG. 20a and FIG. 20b, according to one embodiment, an electronic device (201) may include a display (1630) and a bonding material (2000) (e.g., a bonding material (1900)) attached to the display (1630).

[0284] In one embodiment, the second layer (1670) of the display (1630) may be drawn into the interior of the display panel (430), unlike the second layer (470) of the display (330). In this case, the first adhesive layer (1660) that attaches the second layer (1670) to the first layer (450) and the second adhesive layer (1680) that attaches the plate (490) to the second layer (1670) may also be drawn into the interior of the display panel (430).

[0285] The bonding material (2000) can be at least partially filled into the groove formed by the layers of the display panel (1630) being drawn in from other layers.

[0286] For example, referring to FIG. 20a, the bonding material (2000) may include a first portion disposed at least partially within a space formed by the second layer (1670) being recessed from the display panel (430) (and / or the first layer (450)) and the plate (490). For example, the first portion of the bonding material (2000) may be disposed at least partially within a gap between the edge portion of the display panel (430) and the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). For example, the first portion of the bonding material (2000) may be disposed at least partially within a gap between the edge portion of the first layer (450) and the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). For example, the first portion of the bonding material (2000) may be attached to the side of the first adhesive layer (1660), the side of the second layer (1670), and the side of the second adhesive layer (1680). Additionally, the first portion of the bonding material (2000) may be attached to the back surface of the edge portion of the first layer (450) and to the area of ​​the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) facing it.

[0287] For example, referring to FIG. 20b, the bonding material (2000) may further comprise a second portion that is at least partially filled within the space formed by the window (420) being recessed from the protective layer (410) and the display panel (430). For example, the second portion of the bonding material (2000) may be at least partially placed within the gap between the edge portion of the protective layer (410) and the edge portion of the display panel (430). For example, the second portion of the bonding material (2000) may be at least partially placed within the gap between the edge portion of the adhesive layer (415) and the edge portion of the adhesive layer (425). The second portion of the bonding material (2000) may be attached to the side of the window (420). Additionally, the second portion of the bonding material (2000) can be attached to the back surface of the edge portion of the adhesive layer (415) and the area of ​​the edge portion of the adhesive layer (425) facing it.

[0288] The bonding material (2000) may further include a third portion extending from the first portion of the bonding material (2000) to the second portion of the bonding material (2000) so as to be attached to the side of the display panel (430). For example, the third portion of the bonding material (2000) may be attached to the side of the adhesive layer (425), the side of the display panel (430), the side of the adhesive layer (440), and the side of the first layer (450).

[0289] The bonding material (2000) can improve the rigidity of the display (1630). For example, referring to FIG. 20a and FIG. 20b, the bonding material (2000) can be placed under the edge portion of the display panel (430) to provide a structure that can support the edge portion of the display panel (430) even if the edge portion of the display panel (430) is separated from the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490). For example, referring to FIG. 20b, the bonding material (2000) can be placed under the edge portion of the protective layer (410) to provide a structure that can support the edge portion of the protective layer (410) even if the edge portion of the protective layer (410) is separated from the display panel (430).

[0290] FIGS. 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views showing a third part of a display according to one embodiment. FIGS. 21 and 22 may be drawings showing the A-A' cross-section of FIG. 14.

[0291] Referring to FIG. 21, a portion (1565) of the first adhesive layer (460) may include a modified surface (2100) to reduce adhesive strength. For example, the surface (2100) of the portion (1565) of the first adhesive layer (460) may be surface-treated using ultraviolet light or plasma to reduce adhesive strength. As the adhesive surface of the portion (1565) of the first adhesive layer (460) is exposed, the attachment of dust or other foreign substances to the portion (1565) of the first adhesive layer (460) may be reduced and / or prevented. Additionally or alternatively, referring to FIG. 22, the display (330) may include a film (2200) attached to the portion (1565) of the first adhesive layer (460). The film (2200) may have no adhesive strength or may have an adhesive strength weaker than that of the first adhesive layer (460). The film (2200) may be attached to the surface (2100) of the portion (1565) of the first adhesive layer (460), or may be attached to the surface of the portion (1565) of the first adhesive layer (460) that is not surface-treated.

[0292] Although not shown in FIG. 21, an adhesive layer (440) and a first layer (450) may be disposed between the display panel (330) and the first adhesive layer (460). In this case, the display panel (430), the adhesive layer (440), the first layer (450), the first adhesive layer (460), the second layer (470), and the second adhesive layer (480) may be configured as shown in FIG. 15a, except that a surface (2100) modified to reduce adhesive force is formed on a portion (1565) of the first adhesive layer (460).

[0293] Although not shown in FIG. 22, an adhesive layer (440) and a first layer (450) may be disposed between the display panel (330) and the first adhesive layer (460). In this case, the display panel (430), the adhesive layer (440), the first layer (450), the first adhesive layer (460), the second layer (470), and the second adhesive layer (480) may be configured as shown in FIG. 15a, except that a film (2200) is disposed on a portion (1565) of the first adhesive layer (460).

[0294] As shown in FIG. 15e, when the first adhesive layer (460) and the first layer (470) are omitted, the protruding portion (1547) of the adhesive layer (450) may include a modified surface (e.g., surface (2100)) to reduce adhesive strength.

[0295] As shown in FIG. 15e, when the first adhesive layer (460) and the first layer (470) are omitted, the film (2200) can be placed on the protruding portion (1547) of the adhesive layer (450).

[0296] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a third part of a display according to one embodiment. FIG. 23 may be a drawing showing the A-A' cross-section of FIG. 14.

[0297] Referring to FIG. 23, the first adhesive layer (460) may not include a portion (1565). In this case, at the third portion (333) of the display (330), the side of the first adhesive layer (460) may be located on a vertical plane (e.g., XZ plane) substantially identical to the side of the display panel (430). Additionally, a portion (1575) of the second layer (470) may protrude outside the first adhesive layer (460).

[0298] The technical problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0299] According to one embodiment, an electronic device (101; 201) may include a foldable housing, a flexible display panel (430), a plate (490), and a layer (470) disposed between the flexible display panel (430) and the plate (490). The foldable housing may include a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) rotatable relative to the first housing part (210) to allow the foldable housing to be folded. The flexible display panel (430) may include a portion that bends when the foldable housing is folded. The plate (490) may include a bendable portion (493) disposed below the flexible display panel (430) and having a plurality of slits (396; 496) formed therein. The bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) overlaps the portion of the flexible display panel (430) and can be bent when the foldable housing is folded. The layer (470) may include a portion (1675) that overlaps the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) and protrudes outward from the portion of the flexible display panel (430) when viewed from above.

[0300] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may include another layer (450) disposed between the flexible display panel (430) and the layer (470).

[0301] In one embodiment, the layer (470) can cover the plurality of slits (396; 496) of the plate (490).

[0302] In one embodiment, the other layer (450) may be configured to block light.

[0303] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may include an adhesive layer (460) interposed between the other layer (450) and the layer (470). The portion (1675) of the layer (470) may protrude outside the adhesive layer (460) when the flexible display panel (430) is viewed from above.

[0304] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may include an adhesive layer (460) disposed between the other layer (450) and the layer (470). The adhesive layer (460) may include a portion (1565) disposed on the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) and protruding outward from the portion of the flexible display panel (430) when viewed from above.

[0305] In one embodiment, the portion (1565) of the adhesive layer (460) may protrude outside the other layer (450) when viewed from above the flexible display panel (430).

[0306] In one embodiment, the portion (1565) of the adhesive layer (460) may include a modified surface (2100) to reduce adhesive strength.

[0307] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may include a film (2200) attached to the portion (1565) of the adhesive layer (460).

[0308] In one embodiment, the layer (470) may be attached to the flexible display panel (430).

[0309] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may include a bonding material (1900). The bonding material (1900) may be attached to the portion of the flexible display panel (430); the portion (1675) of the layer (470); and the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490).

[0310] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may further include a substantially transparent layer (420) disposed on the flexible display. The bonding material (1900) may further be attached to the edge of the transparent layer (420).

[0311] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may further include a substantially transparent layer (420) disposed on the flexible display panel (430). When viewed from above, the edge of the transparent layer (420) may be located on substantially the same plane as the edge of the portion of the flexible display panel (430) or may protrude from the edge of the portion of the flexible display panel (430).

[0312] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may include a first adhesive layer (460) disposed between the other layer (450) and the layer (470). The layer (470) may include a first part (471) attached to a first part of the other layer (450) through a first part (461) of the first adhesive layer (460); a second part (472) spaced apart from the first part (471) of the layer (470) and attached to a second part of the other layer (450) through a second part (462) of the first adhesive layer (460); and a third part (473) extending from the first part (471) of the layer (470) to the second part (472) of the layer (470). The third portion (473) of the above layer (470) may face the third portion of the other layer (450) through the first gap (g1) between the first portion (461) of the first adhesive layer (460) and the second portion (462) of the first adhesive layer (460), and may overlap with at least one of the plurality of slits (396; 496) of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490).

[0313] In one embodiment, the third portion (473) of the layer (470) may be spaced apart from the third portion of the other layer (450) so that the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) does not press the third portion of the other layer (450) through the third portion (473) of the layer (470).

[0314] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may include a second adhesive layer (480) disposed between the layer (470) and the plate (490). The second adhesive layer (480) may include a first portion (481) and a second portion (482) spaced apart from the first portion (481) of the second adhesive layer (480). The plate (490) includes a first portion (491) attached to the first portion (471) of the layer (470) through the first portion (481) of the second adhesive layer (480); and may include a second portion (492) that is spaced apart from the first portion (491) of the plate (490) and attached to the second portion (472) of the layer (470) through the second portion (482) of the second adhesive layer (480). The bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may extend from the first portion (491) of the plate (490) to the second portion (492) of the plate (490). The third portion (473) of the layer (470) may face the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) through a second gap (g2) between the first portion (481) of the second adhesive layer (480) and the second portion (482) of the second adhesive layer (480).

[0315] In one embodiment, the width of the first gap (g1) and the width of the second gap (g2) may be different.

[0316] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may include a first printed circuit board (251; 951) disposed within the first housing part (210); a second printed circuit board (252; 952) disposed within the second housing part (220); and a flexible printed circuit board (240; 940) extending from the first printed circuit board (251; 951) across the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) to the second printed circuit board (252; 952). The first gap may overlap the flexible printed circuit board (240; 940).

[0317] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may include a second adhesive layer (480) disposed between the layer (470) and the plate (490). The plate (490) may include a first portion (491) and a second portion (492) spaced apart from the first portion (491) of the plate (490). The bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may extend from the first portion (491) of the plate (490) to the second portion (492) of the plate (490). The second adhesive layer (480) includes a first portion (481) that attaches the first portion (491) of the plate (490) to the first portion (471) of the layer (470); It may include a second part (482) spaced apart from the first part (481) of the second adhesive layer (480) and attaching the second part (492) of the plate (490) to the second part (472) of the layer (470); and a third part (583; 783) extending from the first part (481) of the second adhesive layer (480) to the second part (482) of the second adhesive layer (480) and attached to the bendable part (493) of the plate (490) to cover the plurality of slits (396; 496).

[0318] In one embodiment, the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490) may include a plurality of bars (597) separated from each other through the plurality of slits (396; 496). The plurality of bars (597) may be spaced apart from the first portion (491) of the plate (490) and the second portion (492) of the plate (490), and may be attached to the third portion (583; 783) of the second adhesive layer (480).

[0319] In one embodiment, the electronic device (101; 201) may include a first adhesive layer (440) disposed between the flexible display panel (430) and the layer (470). The flexible display panel (430) may include a first portion; a second portion spaced apart from the first portion of the flexible display panel (430); and a third portion extending from the first portion of the flexible display panel (430) to the second portion of the flexible display panel (430) and at least partially including the portion of the flexible display panel (430) that bends when the foldable housing is folded. The layer (450) includes a first portion (651) attached to the first portion of the flexible display panel (430) through the first portion (641) of the first adhesive layer (440); It may include a second part (652) spaced apart from the first part (451) of the layer (450) and attached to the second part of the flexible display panel (430) through the second part (642) of the first adhesive layer (440); and a third part (653) extending from the first part (451) of the layer (450) to the second part (452) of the layer (450). The third portion (653) of the layer (450) may face the third portion of the flexible display panel (430) through the first gap (g3) between the first portion (641) of the first adhesive layer (440) and the second portion (642) of the first adhesive layer (440), and may overlap with at least one of the plurality of slits (396; 496) of the bendable portion (493) of the plate (490).

[0320] In one embodiment, the layer (450) may be configured to block light.

[0321] According to one embodiment, a foldable electronic device (101; 201; 1100) may include: a foldable housing comprising a first housing portion (210; 1101) and a second housing portion (220; 1102); a display panel (430; 1230) comprising a folding portion that is folded when the foldable housing is folded; a support plate (490; 1290) comprising a pattern (397; 597) that is located below the display panel (430; 1230) and provides flexibility; and at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) that is at least partially disposed between the display panel (430; 1230) and the support plate (490; 1290). The pattern (397; 597) may be at least partially disposed below the folding portion of the display panel (430; 1230). The above at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) may protrude at least partially with respect to the display panel (430; 1230) in a direction parallel to the folding axis (237) of the foldable housing.

[0322] In one embodiment, the at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) may include a first adhesive layer (460) disposed between the display panel (430; 1230) and the support plate (490; 1290), and a second adhesive layer (480) disposed between the first adhesive layer (460) and the support plate (490; 1290). The electronic device may include at least one polymer layer (450; 570) disposed between the first adhesive layer (460) and the second adhesive layer (480). The at least one polymer layer (450; 470) may protrude at least partially with respect to the display panel (430; 1230) in a direction parallel to the folding axis (237) of the foldable housing.

[0323] In one embodiment, the length of at least one of the at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) or the at least one polymer layer (450; 470) protruding at least partially with respect to the display panel (430; 1230) is 0.02 mm,

[0324] In one embodiment, the at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) may be at least partially recessed with respect to the support plate (490; 1290) in a direction parallel to the folding axis (237) of the foldable housing.

[0325] In one embodiment, while the foldable housing is folded and unfolded, the at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) is maintained to protrude relative to the display panel (430; 1230) in a direction parallel to the folding axis (237) of the foldable housing, and the relative position relative to the display panel (430; 1230) may be changed in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237).

[0326] In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (101; 201; 1100) may include a transparent member (420) covering the display panel (430; 1230). The transparent member (420) may protrude beyond the display panel (430; 1230) in a direction parallel to the folding axis (237) of the foldable housing.

[0327] In one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (101; 201; 1100) may include a reinforcing member (1900) in contact with at least a portion of the side of the transparent member (420), at least a portion of the side of the display panel (430; 1230), and at least a portion of the side of the at least one adhesive layer (460; 480).

[0328] In one embodiment, the at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) may include a first adhesive portion (461; 481) and a second adhesive portion (462; 482) that are at least partially spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) at a position between the folding portion of the display panel (430; 1230) and the pattern (397; 597) of the support plate (490; 1290).

[0329] In one embodiment, the at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) may include a first adhesive layer (460) disposed between the display panel (430; 1230) and the support plate (490; 1290), and a second adhesive layer (480) disposed between the first adhesive layer (460) and the support plate (490; 1290). The first adhesive layer (460) may include the first adhesive portion (461) and the second adhesive portion (462) that are at least partially spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) at the said position. The second adhesive layer (480) may be extended integrally.

[0330] In one embodiment, the at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) may include a first adhesive layer (460) disposed between the display panel (430; 1230) and the support plate (490; 1290), and a second adhesive layer (480) disposed between the first adhesive layer (460) and the support plate (490; 1290). The first adhesive layer (460) may include the first adhesive portion (461) and the second adhesive portion (462) that are at least partially spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) at the position. The second adhesive layer (480) may include a third adhesive portion (481) and a fourth adhesive portion (482) that are at least partially spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (237) at different locations between the folding portion of the display panel (430; 1230) and the pattern (397; 597) of the support plate (490; 1290).

[0331] In one embodiment, the first gap (g1) between the first adhesive portion (461) and the second adhesive portion (462) may be smaller than the second gap (g2) between the third adhesive portion (481) and the fourth adhesive portion (482).

[0332] In one embodiment, the gap between the first adhesive portion (461; 481) and the second adhesive portion (462; 482) may be between 1 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0333] In one embodiment, the first adhesive portion (461; 481) and the second adhesive portion (462; 482) may be partially connected to each other at least in at least one of the upper, lower, or side portions.

[0334] In one embodiment, a filling member may be included that at least partially fills the gap between the first adhesive portion (461; 481) and the second adhesive portion (462; 482).

[0335] In one embodiment, the foldable housing may include a third housing (1103). The display panel (430; 1230) may include another folding portion that is folded when the foldable housing is folded. The support plate (490; 1290) may include another pattern that is at least partially disposed below the other folding portion of the display panel (430; 1230).

[0336] In one embodiment, the at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) may include a third adhesive portion that is at least partially spaced apart from the second adhesive portion (462; 482) at a different location between the other folding portion of the display panel (430; 1230) and the other pattern of the support plate (490; 1290).

[0337] In one embodiment, the first gap between the first adhesive portion (461; 481) and the second adhesive portion (462; 482) may be smaller than the second gap between the second adhesive portion (462; 482) and the third adhesive portion.

[0338] In one embodiment, the foldable housing may be configured such that the first housing and the second housing are first folded in an in-folding manner, and then the second housing and the third housing (1103) are folded in an in-folding manner with the first housing in between. The width of the pattern (397; 597) of the support plate (490; 1290) may be narrower than the width of the other pattern.

[0339] In one embodiment, the at least one adhesive layer (460; 480) may extend integrally between the other folding portion of the display panel (430; 1230) and the other pattern of the support plate (490; 1290).

[0340] In one embodiment, the foldable housing may be configured such that the first housing and the second housing are folded in an in-folding manner, and the second housing and the third housing (1103) are folded in an out-folding manner.

[0341] 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.

[0342] The electronic device according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be a device 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.

[0343] 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, each of 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 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 a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any component (e.g., the first) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., the second), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationally," it means that said component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0344] 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).

[0345] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140)) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) or external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0346] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0347] 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 among 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, A foldable housing, wherein the foldable housing comprises a first housing part and a second housing part rotatable with respect to the first housing part to allow folding of the foldable housing; A flexible display panel including a portion that bends when the above-mentioned foldable housing is folded; A plate disposed below the flexible display panel and comprising a bendable portion having a plurality of slits formed therein, wherein the bendable portion of the plate overlaps the portion of the flexible display panel and bends when the foldable housing is folded; and It includes a layer disposed between the flexible display panel and the plate, The above layer overlaps the bendable portion of the plate and includes a portion that protrudes outward from the said portion of the flexible display panel when the flexible display panel is viewed from above. Electronic device.

2. In Claim 1, A flexible display panel comprising another layer disposed between the layer, Electronic device.

3. In Claim 2, The above layer covers the plurality of slits of the plate, and The other layer mentioned above is configured to block light, Electronic device.

4. In claim 2 or claim 3, It includes an adhesive layer interposed between the above other layer and the above layer, The above portion of the above layer protrudes outside the adhesive layer when the flexible display panel is viewed from above. Electronic device.

5. In claim 2 or claim 3, It includes an adhesive layer disposed between the above other layer and the above layer, The adhesive layer is disposed on the bendable portion of the plate and includes a portion that protrudes outward from the portion of the flexible display panel when the flexible display panel is viewed from above. Electronic device.

6. In Claim 5, The portion of the adhesive layer above protrudes outside of the other layer when viewed from above the flexible display panel, Electronic device.

7. In claim 5 or claim 6, The portion of the above adhesive layer comprises a surface modified to reduce adhesive strength, Electronic device.

8. In any one of claims 5 to 7, A film attached to the above portion of the adhesive layer, Electronic device.

9. In Claim 1, The above layer is attached to the flexible display panel, Electronic device.

10. In any one of claims 1 to 9, It includes a bonding material, and the bonding material is: The above portion of the flexible display panel; The above portion of the above layer; and Attached to the bendable portion of the above plate, Electronic device.

11. In Claim 10, It further includes a substantially transparent layer disposed on the flexible display, and The above bonding material is further attached to the edge of the transparent layer, Electronic device.

12. In any one of claims 1 to 10, It further includes a substantially transparent layer disposed on the flexible display panel above, and When the flexible display panel is viewed from above, the edge of the transparent layer is located on substantially the same plane as the edge of the portion of the flexible display panel or protrudes from the edge of the portion of the flexible display panel. Electronic device.

13. In claim 2 or claim 3, It includes a first adhesive layer disposed between the above other layer and the above layer, and The above layer is: A first portion attached to a first portion of the other layer through a first portion of the first adhesive layer; A second portion spaced apart from the first portion of the above layer and attached to the second portion of the other layer through the second portion of the first adhesive layer; and It includes a third portion extending from the first portion of the layer to the second portion of the layer, and The third portion of the above layer faces the third portion of the other layer through a first gap between the first portion of the first adhesive layer and the second portion of the first adhesive layer, and overlaps with at least one of the plurality of slits of the bendable portion of the plate. Electronic device.

14. In Claim 13, The third portion of the above layer is spaced apart from the third portion of the other layer so as not to press the third portion of the other layer through the third portion of the above layer, Electronic device.

15. In claim 13 or claim 14, It includes a second adhesive layer disposed between the above layer and the above plate, and The second adhesive layer comprises a first portion and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion of the second adhesive layer, and The above plate is: A first portion attached to the first portion of the layer through the first portion of the second adhesive layer; and It includes a second portion that is spaced apart from the first portion of the plate and attached to the second portion of the layer through the second portion of the second adhesive layer, The bendable portion of the plate extends from the first portion of the plate to the second portion of the plate, and The third portion of the above layer faces the bendable portion of the plate through the second gap between the first portion of the second adhesive layer and the second portion of the second adhesive layer, Electronic device.

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