Flexible display including support plate and foldable electronic device including same

Abstract

This foldable electronic device comprises: a foldable housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part; and a flexible display. The flexible display comprises: a display panel; and a support plate which supports the display panel and is formed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The support plate of the flexible display comprises: a first layer including a first CFRP; a second layer stacked under the first layer and including at least a second CFRP; and a third layer stacked under the second layer and including a third CFRP. The tensile modulus of the second CFRP is higher than the tensile modulus of the first CFRP and the tensile modulus of the third CFRP.

Description

Flexible display including a support plate and foldable electronic device including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flexible display including a support plate and a foldable electronic device including the same.

[0002] A foldable electronic device may include housing parts that are rotatably connected. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display that bends according to the rotation of the housing parts. The flexible display may include a display panel configured to display visual information and a support plate that supports the display panel. Meanwhile, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a material that is lightweight and provides high rigidity. The support plate may include CFRP. The rigidity of the CFRP may be based on the carbon fiber precursors and the arrangement direction of the carbon fibers.

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

[0004] A foldable electronic device is disclosed. The foldable electronic device may include a foldable housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display. The flexible display may include a display panel and a support plate formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) that supports the display panel. While carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) is a preferred material for the support plate, the support plate may more generally be formed of any fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) or composite material, such as glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) or aramid fiber reinforced plastic, in which high-strength fibers are impregnated within a resin matrix. The support plate may include a plurality of rigid regions and at least one flexible region. Each of the plurality of rigid regions of the support plate of the flexible display may include a first layer portion comprising a first CFRP, a second layer portion laminated below the first layer portion comprising a second CFRP, and a third layer portion laminated below the second layer portion comprising a third CFRP. The tensile modulus of the second CFRP may be higher than the tensile modulus of the first CFRP and the tensile modulus of the third CFRP.

[0005] A foldable electronic device is disclosed. The foldable electronic device may include a foldable housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display. The flexible display may include a display panel and a support plate formed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) that supports the display panel. The support plate of the flexible display may include a first layer comprising a first CFRP, a second layer stacked below the first layer comprising at least a second CFRP, and a third layer stacked below the second layer comprising a third CFRP. The tensile modulus of the second CFRP may be higher than the tensile modulus of the first CFRP and the tensile modulus of the third CFRP.

[0006] A flexible display is disclosed. The flexible display may include a display panel comprising a bending portion and a flat portion. The flexible display may include a support member disposed under one side of the display panel. The support member may include a first support portion that supports the bending portion and a second support portion that supports the flat portion. The second support portion may include a first flat layer disposed under the flat portion and having a first tensile modulus, and a second flat layer disposed between the first flat layer and the flat portion and having a second tensile modulus smaller than the first tensile modulus.

[0007] An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a foldable housing comprising a first housing portion and a second housing portion connected to the first housing portion so as to be foldable. The electronic device may include a hinge assembly connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion so as to be foldable and unfoldable by rotation. The electronic device may include a flexible display that is accommodated in the first housing portion and the second housing portion and is bendable when the first housing portion and the second housing portion are folded. The flexible display may include a display panel comprising a flat portion and a bending portion on the hinge assembly, and a support member between the display panel and the foldable housing. The support member may include a first flat layer disposed below the flat portion and having a first tensile modulus, and a second flat layer disposed between the first flat layer and the flat portion and having a second tensile modulus smaller than the first tensile modulus.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments.

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

[0010] FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a folded state of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2c is an exploded view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display.

[0013] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a display panel and a support plate.

[0014] Fig. 4b is a plan view of the support plate.

[0015] FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 illustrate examples of layers of support plates.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates the temperature of a foldable electronic device including a support plate illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates the temperature of a foldable electronic device including a support plate illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the support plate illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0019] FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d illustrate examples of support plates comprising five layers.

[0020] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a support plate including a second layer containing different types of CFRPs.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the support plate cut along the A-A' line of FIG. 4a.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a foldable housing with waterproof tape attached.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device.

[0024] FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 illustrate the manufacturing processes of a support plate including the second layer of FIG. 11.

[0025] FIG. 20 illustrates the states of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the foldable electronic device of FIG. 20.

[0027] FIGS. 22 and FIGS. 23 illustrate a support plate of a flexible display.

[0028] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a support plate including a second layer containing different types of CFRPs.

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

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with 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)).

[0031] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., a 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., a sensor module (176) or a 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., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a 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 less 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.

[0032] 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 is performed, 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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).

[0035] 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).

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

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

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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, WiFi (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).

[0047] 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) may 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.

[0048] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). 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). A 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).

[0049] According to one embodiment, 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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. FIG. 2c is an exploded view of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0053] The electronic device (101) of FIG. 1 may include a foldable electronic device (200). Referring to FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b, a foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a foldable housing (201), a flexible display (230), one or more cameras (240), and a hinge assembly (250).

[0054] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (201) can define the appearance of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the foldable housing (201) can accommodate components disposed inside the foldable electronic device (200) as the physical appearance of the foldable electronic device (200) exposed to the outside. At least some of the components for implementing the function of the foldable electronic device (200) may be disposed within the foldable housing (201). According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (201) includes a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) may include a first surface (211), a second surface (212) opposite to the first surface (211), and a first side (213) that at least partially covers the edge of the first surface (211) and the edge of the second surface (212). For example, the first surface (211) may be referred to as the front of the first housing part (210), and the second surface (212) may be referred to as the rear of the first housing part (210). The first side (213) may be connected to the edge of the first surface (211) and the edge of the second surface (212). The first surface (211), the second surface (212), and the first side (213) may form an internal space of the first housing part (210). For example, at least one component may be placed within the space enclosed by the first surface (211), the second surface (212), and the first side (213).

[0056] According to one embodiment, the second housing part (220) may include a third surface (221), a fourth surface (222) opposite to the third surface (221), and a second side (223) that at least partially covers the edge of the third surface (221) and the edge of the fourth surface (222). For example, the third surface (221) may be referred to as the front of the second housing part (220), and the fourth surface (222) may be referred to as the rear of the second housing part (220). The second side (223) may be connected to the edge of the third surface (221) and the edge of the fourth surface (222). The third surface (221), the fourth surface (222), and the second side (223) may form an internal space of the second housing part (220). For example, at least one component may be placed within the space enclosed by the third side (221), the fourth side (222), and the second side (223).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may be configured to display visual information. For example, the flexible display (230) may include a display area comprising a plurality of pixels. For example, the active area may be referred to as an area that displays visual information.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a first part (231), a second part (232), and a third part (233) disposed between the first part (231) and the second part (232). The foldable electronic device (200) may further include a sub-display (235) distinct from the flexible display (230). The sub-display (235) may be referred to as a cover display.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the first part (231) may be supported by the first housing part (210). The second part (232) may be supported by the second housing part (220). The first part (231) and the second part (232) may be substantially flat independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (200). The third part (233) may be configured to bend based on the rotation of the first housing part (210) or the second housing part (220). For example, in the unfolded state where the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) are unfolded, the third part (233) may be substantially flat. In the folded state where the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) are folded, the third part (233) may be at least partially bent. The flexible display (230) may be a flexible display comprising a third portion (233) that bends. The first portion (231) and the second portion (232) may be referred to as flat portions (e.g., flat portion (1220) of FIG. 12) in terms of being flat independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (200). The third portion (233) may be referred to as bending portions (e.g., bending portion (1210) of FIG. 12) in terms of being bent depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0060] According to one embodiment, one or more cameras (240) may be configured to acquire an image based on receiving light from an object outside the foldable electronic device (200). For example, one or more cameras (240) may include first cameras (241), a second camera (242), and / or a third camera (243). For example, the first cameras (241) may be disposed within a first housing part (210). For example, the first housing part (210) may include at least one opening (241a) that overlaps the first cameras (241) when the foldable electronic device (200) is viewed from above. The first cameras (241) may acquire an image based on receiving light from outside the foldable electronic device (200) through at least one opening (241a).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the second camera (242) may be disposed within the second housing part (220). The second housing part (220) may include at least one opening (242a) that overlaps the second camera (242) when the foldable electronic device (200) is viewed from above. The second camera (242) may acquire an image based on receiving light from outside the foldable electronic device (200) through the at least one opening (242a).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the third camera (243) may be disposed within the first housing part (210). For example, the first part (231) of the flexible display (230) may include at least one opening that overlaps the third camera (243) when the flexible display (230) is viewed from above. The third camera (243) may acquire an image based on receiving light from outside the flexible display (230) through the at least one opening.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the second camera (242) and the third camera (243) may be positioned below the flexible display (230) or sub-display (235) (e.g., in the -z direction). For example, the second camera (242) and / or the third camera (243) may include an under-display camera (UDC) and / or a punch-hole camera.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be rotatably coupled. For example, the second housing part (220) can be rotatably coupled to the first housing part (210) through a hinge assembly (250).

[0065] According to one embodiment, the hinge assembly (250) can rotatably connect the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The hinge assembly (250) can be positioned between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) of the foldable electronic device (200) so that the foldable electronic device (200) can be folded. The hinge assembly (250) can change the foldable electronic device (200) from an unfolded state to a folded state. The hinge assembly (250) can change the foldable electronic device (200) from a folded state to an unfolded state. For example, the hinge assembly (250) can maintain the foldable electronic device (200) in a partially folded state or a partially unfolded state between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0066] FIG. 2a illustrates an unfolded state of a foldable electronic device (200), and FIG. 2b illustrates a folded state of a foldable electronic device (200). According to one embodiment, the unfolded state may be referenced as a state in which the first direction in which the first part (231) faces and the second direction in which the second part (232) faces are substantially the same. The folded state may be referenced as a state in which the first direction is substantially opposite to the second direction. When the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be stacked on top of each other or overlapped with each other.

[0067] According to one embodiment, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state and an intermediate state, the first direction and the second direction may be different from each other. For example, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, the first direction and the second direction may be opposite to each other. For example, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first direction may form an angle with respect to the second direction.

[0068] For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one conductive portion (214a, 224a) and at least one non-conductive portion (214b, 224b) included within the first side (213) and / or the second side (223). For example, the at least one conductive portion (214a, 224a) may be separated from other conductive portions within the first side (213) and / or the second side (223) by contacting the at least one non-conductive portion (214b, 224b). In one embodiment, the at least one conductive portion (214a, 224a) may operate as an antenna radiator to be used for communication with an external electronic device.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2c, the hinge assembly (250) may include a hinge cover (251), a first hinge plate (252), a second hinge plate (253), and a plurality of hinge modules (254). The hinge cover (251) may at least partially cover the components of the hinge assembly (250) and form the outer surface of the hinge assembly (250). The hinge cover (251) may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device (200) through the space between the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state. When the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (251) may be covered by the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) so as not to be exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0070] According to one embodiment, the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) can be rotatably connected to the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) by being operatively coupled to the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220), respectively. The second housing part (220) can be rotatably connected to the first housing part (210) with respect to the folding axis (f) through the hinge assembly (250). For example, the first hinge plate (252) can be coupled to the first bracket (215) of the first housing part (210), and the second hinge plate (253) can be coupled to the second bracket (227) of the second housing part (220). As the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) are operatively coupled to the first bracket (215) and the second bracket (227), respectively, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be rotatable according to the rotation of the first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253).

[0071] According to one embodiment, a plurality of hinge modules (254) can rotate a first hinge plate (252) and a second hinge plate (253). For example, the plurality of hinge modules (254) may include gears that are rotatably engaged with each other. The first hinge plate (252) and the second hinge plate (253) can be rotated based on the rotational movement of the gears of the plurality of hinge modules (254).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) may include a first bracket (215) and a rear cover (216). The first bracket (215) is disposed inside the first housing part (210) and may support at least one component disposed inside the first housing part (210). The rear cover (216) may at least partially form a second surface (212) of the first housing part (210). For example, the second housing part (220) may include a second bracket (227). The second bracket (227) is disposed inside the second housing part (220) and may support at least one component disposed inside the second housing part (220). For example, a sub-display (235) may be disposed below (e.g., in the -z direction) the second bracket (227). According to one embodiment, a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 2a) can define the front side of the foldable electronic device (200), and a rear cover (216) opposite to the flexible display can define the rear side of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0073] A foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a plurality of electronic components for implementing various functions in addition to the one or more cameras (240) described above. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a first printed circuit board (261), a second printed circuit board (262), a flexible printed circuit board (263), and / or a battery (189). The electronic components described above are exemplary and are not limited thereto.

[0074] For example, the first printed circuit board (261) and the second printed circuit board (262) can each provide electrical connections between components within the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the first printed circuit board (261) can be placed within the first housing part (210), and the second printed circuit board (262) can be placed within the second housing part (220). The first printed circuit board (261) can provide electrical connections between electronic components placed within the first housing part (210). The second printed circuit board (262) can provide electrical connections between electronic components placed within the second housing part (220). A flexible printed circuit board (263) can electrically connect the first printed circuit board (261) and the second printed circuit board (262). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (263) may extend from the first printed circuit board (261) across the hinge assembly (250) to the second printed circuit board (262). For example, the flexible printed circuit board (263) may overlap at least partially with the hinge assembly (250).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the battery (189) is a device for supplying power to at least one component of the foldable electronic device (200), and may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery and / or a rechargeable secondary battery.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a plurality of antennas (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, or ANT4) to be used for communication with an external electronic device. For example, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a main antenna (ANT1), a sub-antenna (ANT2), an ultra-wide band (UWB) antenna (ANT3), and / or an antenna (ANT4) for short-range wireless communication. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the main antenna (ANT1) may include one or more conductive portions forming at least a portion of the first housing part (210) or the second housing part (220). For example, the main antenna (ANT1) may include a plurality of conductive portions forming an edge portion of the first housing part (210). For example, the main antenna (ANT1) may further include conductive portions forming an upper edge or a side edge of the first housing part (210). The main antenna (ANT1) may be configured to transmit and / or receive signals of various frequency bands through each of the plurality of conductive parts or a combination of the plurality of conductive parts.

[0077] One or more components to be described below with reference to the drawings may be implemented together with the components of the foldable electronic device (200) described with reference to FIG. 2a, 2b, and 2c. The same reference numerals are assigned to components identical to those described above, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. In this disclosure, terms indicating positions such as above and below may be used to describe relative positions between components and do not define absolute positional relationships. For example, if the foldable electronic device (200) illustrated in the drawings is flipped over, the above and below may be reversed.

[0078] The components of the flexible display (230) are described below.

[0079] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 3, the flexible display (230) may include a plurality of layers. A plurality of layers stacked together may form the flexible display (230). According to one embodiment, the flexible display (230) includes a display panel (310) and a support plate (320). The flexible display (230) described below is merely exemplary, and the flexible display (230) of the present disclosure is not limited to the flexible display (230) illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, at least one of the components of the flexible display (230) described below may be omitted. For example, the electromagnetic induction panel (330) described below may be omitted.

[0081] According to one embodiment, a display panel (310) may be configured to display visual information. The display panel (310) may include pixels for displaying visual information and subpixels included within said pixels. The display panel (310) may be configured to output an image using the pixels and subpixels. The display panel (310) may be electrically connected to a display driving circuit configured to control a flexible display (230).

[0082] The flexible display (230) may include layers for protecting the display panel (310). For example, the flexible display (230) may include a first protective layer (301) and an ultra-thin glass (UTG) (302) that form the outer surface of the flexible display (230). The first protective layer (301) and the UTG (302) may be placed on the display panel (310) configured to display visual information (e.g., in the +z direction). The first protective layer (301) and the UTG (302) may include a substantially transparent material so that the visual information displayed through the display panel (310) can be seen from the outside. An adhesive layer (303) may be interposed between the first protective layer (301) and the UTG (302), and an adhesive layer (304) may be interposed between the display panel (310) and the UTG (302). For example, the flexible display (230) may include a second protective layer (305) placed below the display panel (310) (e.g., in the -z direction).

[0083] According to one embodiment, a support plate (320) may be placed below the display panel (310) to support the display panel (310). For example, the support plate (320) may be placed below the second protective layer (305). An adhesive layer (307) may be interposed between the second protective layer (305) and the support plate (320). The support plate (320) may be referred to as a support member in terms of supporting the display panel (310).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the support plate (320) may include a plurality of slits (320a). The plurality of slits (320a) may provide flexibility to a portion of the support plate (320). For example, when the state of a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a) changes from an unfolded state to a folded state, the width of each of the plurality of slits (320a) may be increased by a tensile force. As the width increases, a portion of the support plate (320) including the plurality of slits (320a) (e.g., the third portion (323) of FIG. 4b) may be bent. The plurality of slits (320a) may be referred to as a plurality of holes or lattice patterns. The plurality of slits (320a) may be arranged such that the ratio of the area of ​​the slits to the total area of ​​the flexible region is 20% or more and 50% or less. This range provides the flexibility required for folding while maintaining structural strength to support the display panel (310). The support plate (320) may be referred to as a lattice structure or a lattice plate in that it includes a plurality of slits (320a). A protective member (308) may be disposed below a portion of the support plate (320) that includes the plurality of slits (320a). The protective member (308) may include, but is not limited to, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The plurality of slits (320a) function to mechanically decouple bending stiffness and tensile strength in the flexible region. By removing material in a pattern that extends along the folding axis, the area moment of inertia is locally reduced, so that the plate can be easily bent with minimal reaction force.Meanwhile, remaining material bridges ensure that the neutral axis is stably maintained, thereby preventing the display panel from buckling into the hinge gap.

[0085] For example, a plurality of slits (320a) may penetrate at least a portion of the support plate (320). For example, a plurality of slits (320a) may penetrate the entire support plate (320) or penetrate a portion of the support plate (320). For example, a plurality of slits (320a) may extend from the front side of the support plate (320) (e.g., the side facing the +z direction) in contact with the adhesive layer (e.g., the adhesive layer (307) of FIG. 3) to the rear side of the support plate (320) (e.g., the side facing the -z direction) in contact with the protective member (308). For example, a plurality of slits (320a) may extend from the front side of the support plate (320) to a position between the front side and the rear side of the support plate (320). For example, a plurality of slits (320a) may extend from the rear surface of the support plate (320) to a position between the front surface and the rear surface of the support plate (320).

[0086] The flexible display (230) may include an electromagnetic induction panel (330) and a shielding layer (340).

[0087] For example, the electromagnetic induction panel (330) may be configured to interact with a stylus pen (or electronic pen). The electromagnetic induction panel (330) may be referred to as a digitizer in terms of interacting with the stylus pen. For example, at least one processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) may be configured to acquire input information based on the interaction between the stylus pen and the electromagnetic induction panel (330). The electromagnetic induction panel (330) may be attached under a support plate (320). For example, an adhesive layer (309) may be interposed between the support plate (320) and the electromagnetic induction panel (330). At least one processor may be configured to display information based on the operation of the stylus pen through a flexible display (230). The electromagnetic induction panel (330) may include separate parts so that the flexible display (230) can be folded because it is rigid.

[0088] For example, the shielding layer (340) may include magnetic metal powder (MMP). For example, the magnetic metal powder may include, but is not limited to, iron, aluminum, nickel, and / or silicon. The shielding layer (340) may be placed under the electromagnetic induction panel (330). The shielding layer (340) may reduce electromagnetic waves transmitted from the inside of the foldable electronic device (200) to the electromagnetic induction panel (330) and / or electromagnetic waves transmitted from an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic pen and / or stylus pen) into the foldable electronic device (200). The shielding layer (340) may improve electromagnetic interference (EMI). The electromagnetic induction panel (330) and the shielding layer (340) may be omitted.

[0089] Below, the display panel (310) and the support plate (320) are described.

[0090] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a display panel and a support plate. FIG. 4b is a top view of the support plate.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4a, the display panel (310) may include a first part (311), a second part (312), and a third part (313). For example, the first part (311) of the display panel (310) may be a part of the display panel (310) supported by a first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2a). For example, the second part (312) of the display panel (310) may be a part of the display panel (310) supported by a second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2a). The first part (311) and the second part (312) may maintain a substantially flat shape independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a). For example, when the foldable electronic device (200) is in a folded state, a partially folded state, or an unfolded state, the first part (311) and the second part (312) may be substantially flat without being bent.

[0092] According to one embodiment, a third portion (313) of the display panel (310) may be positioned between the first portion (311) and the second portion (312). For example, the third portion (313) may extend from the first portion (311) to the second portion (312). The third portion (313) of the display panel (310) may be substantially flat or at least partially bent, depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0093] For example, in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200) illustrated in FIG. 2a, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be arranged to form substantially the same plane. In the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first part (311) of the display panel (310) supported by the first housing part (210) and the second part (312) of the display panel (310) supported by the second housing part (220) may be arranged to form substantially the same plane. The third part (313) of the display panel (310) between the first part (311) of the display panel (310) and the second part (312) of the display panel (310) may be substantially flat in the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0094] For example, in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200) illustrated in FIG. 2b, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be stacked on top of each other. In the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200), the first part (311) of the display panel (310) supported by the first housing part (210) may be positioned to face the second part (312) of the display panel (310) supported by the second housing part (220). The third part (313) of the display panel (310) between the first part (311) of the display panel (310) and the second part (312) of the display panel (310) may be bent in the folded state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the support plate (320) may be configured to support the display panel (310) below the display panel (310) (e.g., in the -z direction). The support plate (320) may have a shape corresponding to the display panel (310). Referring to FIG. 4a, the support plate (320) may include a first part (321) corresponding to a first part (311) of the display panel (310), a second part (322) corresponding to a second part (312) of the display panel (310), and a third part (323) corresponding to a third part (313) of the display panel (310).

[0096] For example, the first part (321) and the second part (322) may be relatively rigid. The first part (321) may be positioned below the first part (311) of the display panel (310) to support the first part (311) of the display panel (310). The second part (322) may be positioned below the second part (312) of the display panel (310) to support the second part (312) of the display panel (310). Each of the first part (321), the second part (322), and the third part (323) may be referred to as a support part. For example, the first part (321) may be referred to as the first support part of the support plate (320), the second part (322) may be referred to as the second support part of the support plate (320), and the third part (323) may be referred to as the third support part of the support plate (320). The rigidity of the first part (321) and the second part (322) may be higher than the rigidity of the third part (323). The flexibility of the first part (321) and the second part (322) may be lower than the flexibility of the third part (323). In terms of having relatively high rigidity, the first part (321) and the second part (322) may be referred to as a plurality of rigid parts or a plurality of rigid regions.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 4b, the third portion (323) of the support plate (320) may include a plurality of slits (320a). Since the third portion (323) including the plurality of slits (320a) corresponds to the third portion (313) of the display panel (310), it may be bent together with the third portion (313) of the display panel (310). As described above, the plurality of slits (320a) may provide flexibility to the third portion (323) of the support plate (320). The third portion (323) including the plurality of slits (320a) may overlap with the folding axis (f). For example, each of the plurality of slits (320a) may be elongated in the direction of the folding axis (f). The third part (323) may be referred to as at least one flexible part or at least one flexible region.

[0098] The support plate (320) may have high stiffness so as to support a display panel (e.g., the display panel (310) of FIG. 4a). For example, the support plate (320) may have a high tensile modulus. The tensile modulus is an indicator representing the ratio of a material's strain to a tensile force. A high tensile modulus indicates high resistance to tensile force. The tensile modulus is an intrinsic property of the material that is independent of thickness or shape. A support plate (320) having a high tensile modulus can stably support the display panel (310) and reduce the deformation of the display panel (310). For example, since the deformation of the display panel (310) can be reduced by the support plate (320) having a high tensile modulus, the surface quality of the flexible display (230) can be improved.

[0099] For example, if the support plate contains a metal material (e.g., titanium), the support plate may have a high tensile modulus. Since metal materials are relatively heavy, a support plate containing metal materials may cause an increase in the weight of the flexible display. Since metal materials have a relatively lower thermal conductivity than carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) described later, a support plate containing metal materials may reduce the heat diffusion effect through the flexible display. Since metal materials have electrical conductivity, a support plate containing metal materials may electromagnetically interfere with an electromagnetic induction panel (e.g., the electromagnetic induction panel (330) of FIG. 3).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the support plate (320) is formed from CFRP. CFRP is a material comprising carbon fibers fixed and bonded by a resin (e.g., epoxy resin) and has high tensile strength, stiffness, thermal conductivity, low density, and chemical resistance. The carbon fibers of the CFRP can be arranged to have a directionality, and the physical properties of the CFRP can be determined based on the directionality of the carbon fibers. For example, since CFRP is lighter than metal materials, the support plate (320) containing CFRP may be lighter than the support plate containing metal materials. Since the thermal conductivity of CFRP is higher than the thermal conductivity of metal materials, the support plate (320) containing CFRP may have a higher thermal conductivity than the support plate containing metal materials.

[0101] Since the physical properties of the CFRP are based on the direction in which the carbon fibers are arranged, the support plate (320) containing the CFRP may have a relatively low tensile modulus for a specific direction. Depending on the precursor, the CFRP may be distinguished as PAN-based CFRP or pitch-based CFRP. The precursor of the PAN-based CFRP is polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and the precursor of the pitch-based CFRP is petroleum pitch or coal pitch. The physical properties of the CFRP may be based on the precursor.

[0102] A foldable electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a) may include a support plate (320) having a structure for improving the surface quality of a flexible display (230). Examples of a support plate (320) including CFRP are described below.

[0103] FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 illustrate examples of layers of support plates.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 5, the support plate (320) may include a plurality of layers. For example, the support plate (320) may be formed by stacking a plurality of layers.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the number of multiple layers forming the support plate (320) may be an odd number of 3 or more. For example, the support plate (320) may include 3 layers or 5 layers, but the number of multiple layers is not limited to 3 or 5. For example, the support plate (320) may include an odd number of multiple layers of 7 or more. The support plate (320) may have a sandwich structure of an odd number of layers.

[0106] According to one embodiment, a plurality of layers may be distinguished, based on the middle layer, into at least one upper layer located above the middle layer (e.g., in the +z direction) and at least one lower layer located below the middle layer (e.g., in the -z direction). The middle layer, as the layer located in the middle among an odd number of layers, may be referred to as the central layer. Although a high-rigidity material (e.g., pitch-based carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP)) has been described herein primarily in relation to the middle layer or the second layer (520), it is explicitly considered that the high-rigidity material may be applied to any one of the first layer, the second layer, or the third layer, or a combination thereof, depending on the desired bending profile of the support plate (320).

[0107] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when there are three layers (e.g., a first layer (510), a second layer (520), and a third layer (530)) in which a plurality of layers are stacked sequentially, the second layer (520) may correspond to a middle layer, the first layer (510) may correspond to at least one upper layer, and the third layer (530) may correspond to at least one lower layer. The second layer (520) may be located between the first layer (510) and the third layer (530).

[0108] As described below with reference to FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, when a plurality of layers includes five layers (e.g., a first layer (510), a second layer (520), a third layer (530), a fourth layer (540), and a fifth layer (550)), the second layer (520) may correspond to a middle layer, the first layer (510) and the fourth layer (540) may correspond to at least one upper layer, and the third layer (530) and the fifth layer (550) may correspond to at least one lower layer.

[0109] According to one embodiment, in a plurality of layers, the carbon fibers of at least one upper layer and the carbon fibers of at least one lower layer may be symmetrical with respect to the middle layer. The carbon fibers of the middle layer may be arranged to intersect the carbon fibers of at least one upper layer and the carbon fibers of at least one lower layer. Since the support plate (320) includes an odd number of layers, the plurality of layers may be symmetrical with respect to at least one upper layer and at least one lower layer. If the support plate (320) includes an even number of layers, bending or deformation due to asymmetric thermal stress may occur. Due to the symmetrical structure, the force can be evenly distributed to the support plate (320), so the curl occurring in the support plate (320) can be reduced, and the bending or deformation can be reduced. By using an odd number of layers having a laminated structure symmetrical with respect to the middle layer, the support plate (320) effectively balances the internal residual stress generated during the curing process of the CFRP. This specific symmetrical structure offsets bending moments that may occur due to mismatches in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) between layers, thereby preventing the support plate from warping or curling even when temperature changes are applied during operation.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 5, the support plate (320) includes a first layer (510), a second layer (520), and a third layer (530). For example, the second layer (520) may be located between the first layer (510) and the third layer (530). As previously described, the second layer (520) may correspond to a middle layer, and the first layer (510) may be symmetrical to the third layer (530).

[0111] According to one embodiment, the first layer (510) may include a first CFRP (511). A second layer (520) laminated below the first layer (510) (e.g., in the -z direction) may include at least a second CFRP (521). A third layer (530) laminated below the second layer (520) may include a third CFRP (531). For example, the first CFRP (511) may be identical to the third CFRP (531). In this case, the first tensile modulus may be substantially identical to the third tensile modulus.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the second tensile modulus of the second CFRP (521) included in the second layer (520) may be higher than the first tensile modulus of the first CFRP (511) included in the first layer (510) and the third tensile modulus of the third CFRP (531) included in the third layer (530).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the first CFRP (511) contained within the first layer (510) may include first carbon fibers (512) arranged in a first direction. The second CFRP (521) contained within the second layer (520) may include second carbon fibers (522) arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Since the third layer (530) is symmetric to the first layer (510), the third CFRP (531) contained within the third layer (530) may include third carbon fibers (532) arranged in a first direction.

[0114] As described above, the first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 2a) and the second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2a) may be rotatably connected to each other with respect to a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (f) of FIG. 2a). According to one embodiment, the first direction may be perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis (f) (e.g., the y-axis direction), and the second direction may be parallel to the direction of the folding axis. For example, the carbon fiber may be positioned at an angle of about 30 to 60 degrees with respect to the direction of the folding axis (f), and more specifically, at an angle of about 45 degrees. Such an angled position may improve the torsional rigidity of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the first direction may be parallel to the x-axis direction, and the second direction may be parallel to the y-axis direction. However, the first direction and the second direction are not limited thereto. For example, the first direction and the second direction may be inclined with respect to the direction of the folding axis. For example, the first direction may be parallel to the direction of the folding axis, and the second direction may be perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first carbon fibers (512) and the third carbon fibers (532) may be arranged in a first direction, and the second carbon fibers (522) may be arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so that curling, bending, or deformation of the support plate (320) may be reduced. For example, when a force is applied to the support plate (320), the force may be dispersed because the adjacent layers contain carbon fibers arranged in different directions. If the first carbon fibers (512) of the first layer (510) and the second carbon fibers (522) of the second layer (520) are arranged in a specific direction, curling may occur due to a force in that specific direction, or bending or deformation may occur due to asymmetric thermal stress. Due to the structure of the support plate (320) illustrated in FIG. 5, the force and thermal stress can be evenly distributed to the support plate (320), so the durability of the support plate (320) can be improved.

[0116] According to one embodiment, since the second tensile modulus of the second layer (520) corresponding to the middle layer is higher than the first tensile modulus of the first layer (510) and the second tensile modulus of the third layer (530), bending stiffness in the second direction can be secured. Since the first layer (510) and the third layer (530) both include carbon fibers arranged in the same first direction, bending stiffness in the first direction can be secured by the two layers even if they have a relatively small tensile modulus. According to one embodiment, in order to reduce curl, bending, or deformation, the carbon fibers are arranged symmetrically with respect to the middle layer, and since the middle layer includes CFRP having a relatively high tensile modulus, the support plate (320) can have high durability and high bending stiffness.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the first CFRP (511) and the third CFRP (531) may include PAN-based CFRP. For example, each of the first CFRP (511) and the third CFRP (531) may correspond to PAN-based CFRP. The second CFRP (521) may include pitch-based CFRP. For example, the second CFRP (521) may correspond to pitch-based CFRP. The tensile modulus of the pitch-based CFRP is higher than the tensile modulus of the PAN-based CFRP. For example, the tensile modulus of the pitch-based CFRP may be about 500 GPa to about 900 GPa, and the tensile modulus of the PAN-based CFRP may be about 200 GPa to about 400 GPa. In some embodiments, the tensile modulus of the pitch-based carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) may preferably be in the range of 600 GPa to 800 GPa, and more specifically in the range of 650 GPa to 750 GPa. Similarly, the tensile modulus of the PAN-based CFRP may preferably be in the range of 250 GPa to 350 GPa. These intermediate ranges provide an optimal balance between stiffness and brittleness for the support plate (320). The thermal conductivity of the pitch-based CFRP is higher than that of the PAN-based CFRP. Generally, the thickness of the pitch-based CFRP may be thicker than that of the PAN-based CFRP.

[0118] As described above, since the second tensile modulus of the second CFRP (521) is higher than the first tensile modulus of the first CFRP (511) and the third tensile modulus of the third CFRP (531), the first CFRP (511) and the third CFRP (531) may be PAN-based CFRPs, and the second CFRP (521) may be pitch-based CFRPs. As the pitch-based CFRP includes second carbon fibers (522) arranged in a second direction parallel to the folding axis, the tensile modulus of the support plate (320) in the second direction can be secured by the high tensile modulus of the pitch-based CFRP. As the PAN-based CFRP comprises first carbon fibers (512) and third carbon fibers (532) arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the folding axis, the tensile modulus of the support plate (320) in the first direction can be secured by the two layers. Since the thickness of the PAN-based CFRP is thinner than the thickness of the pitch-based CFRP, the thickness of the support plate (320) can be reduced by the two layers (e.g., first layer (510) and third layer (530)). This configuration can form a 'sandwich' structure that optimizes the flexural rigidity-to-weight ratio. The high modulus core (e.g., pitch-based CFRP) functions as a primary load-bearing member that resists out-of-plane deformation, such as pressure from the lower waterproof tape. At the same time, outer layers (e.g., PAN-based CFRP) having low elastic modulus and high toughness act as a protective skin that absorbs impact energy and prevents crack formation on the surface, thereby improving the overall durability of the brittle core.

[0119] A support plate (320) according to one embodiment may be relatively light because it contains CFRP rather than a metal material (e.g., titanium). Since the support plate (320) is light, the weight of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 3) and the weight of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a) may be reduced. The support plate (320) may have a high tensile modulus in the first and second directions through mutually intersecting carbon fibers, thereby reducing the deterioration of the surface quality of the flexible display (230) caused by deformation of the support plate (320).

[0120] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first carbon fibers (512) of the first CFRP (511) contained in the first layer (510) and the third carbon fibers (532) of the third CFRP (531) contained in the third layer (530) may be arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the folding axis, and the second carbon fibers (522) of the second CFRP (521) contained in the second layer (520) may be arranged in a second direction parallel to the folding axis. However, the arrangement direction of the carbon fibers of the support plate (320) of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 6, the first carbon fibers (512) of the first CFRP (511) contained in the first layer (510) and the third carbon fibers (532) of the third CFRP (531) contained in the third layer (530) may be arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axis (e.g., y-axis direction), and the second carbon fibers (522) of the second CFRP (521) contained in the second layer (520) may be arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis (e.g., x-axis direction). According to one embodiment, as adjacent layers contain carbon fibers arranged in different directions, the force applied to the support plate (320) may be distributed. For example, the first CFRP (511) and the third CFRP (531) may be PAN-based CFRPs, and the second CFRP (521) may be pitch-based CFRPs.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the second thermal conductivity of the second CFRP (521) included in the second layer (520) may be higher than the first thermal conductivity of the first CFRP (511) included in the first layer (510) and the third thermal conductivity of the third CFRP (531) included in the third layer (530). Hereinafter, the heat dissipation effect by the structure of the support plate (320) is described.

[0123] FIG. 7 illustrates the temperature of a foldable electronic device including a support plate illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 illustrates the temperature of a foldable electronic device including a support plate illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a top view of the support plate illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0124] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the temperature of the foldable electronic device (200) while the foldable electronic device (200) is in operation. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the density of the hatching in a region indicates the temperature of the region. For example, a region having a dense hatching density indicates that it has a high temperature.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 7, the foldable electronic device (200) may include at least one processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1). For example, at least one processor may be referred to as an application processor or a main processor (e.g., main processor (121) of FIG. 1). At least one processor may be configured to control the overall operation of the foldable electronic device (200). The application processor may include a CPU (central processing unit) and / or a GPU (graphic processing unit). Since the transistors integrated inside the CPU and / or GPU perform various operations, the application processor may generate a relatively large amount of heat. If the heat is not diffused and is concentrated within a specific area, the heat may cause a temperature rise in the foldable electronic device (200). The temperature rise may cause malfunction of the foldable electronic device (200) or damage to the foldable electronic device (200). In order to reduce the above malfunction or damage, it may be necessary to spread the heat over a wide area.

[0126] According to one embodiment, at least one processor may be disposed within a first housing part (210). The first housing part (210) in which at least one processor is disposed may be referred to as a main housing part, and the second housing part (220) may be referred to as a sub-housing part. At least one processor may be disposed adjacent to a hinge assembly (250). For example, the first housing part (210) may include a first edge (711) and a second edge (712) parallel to the direction of the folding axis (f) (e.g., the y-axis direction). The hinge assembly (250) may be adjacent to the first edge (711) among the first edge (711) and the second edge (712). At least one processor may be closer to the first edge (711) adjacent to the hinge assembly (250) among the first edge (711) and the second edge (712).

[0127] The thermal conductivity of the CFRP may be based on the precursor. The thermal conductivity of the pitch-based CFRP is higher than that of the PAN-based CFRP. The thermal conductivity of the pitch-based CFRP may be about 100 to about 1,000 W / mk, and the thermal conductivity of the PAN-based CFRP may be about 6 to 10 W / mk. Advantageously, the second CFRP (521) may have a thermal conductivity that is at least 10 times, preferably at least 50 times, higher than the thermal conductivity of the first CFRP (511). This ratio can ensure that the intermediate layer acts as a primary heat diffusion path throughout the hinge region. The thermal conductivity of the CFRP may be based on the arrangement direction of the carbon fibers. Heat diffusion in the direction in which the carbon fibers of the CFRP are arranged may be smoother than heat diffusion in a direction different from said direction.

[0128] Referring to FIG. 7, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) can be rotatably connected about a folding axis (f). For example, the first housing part (210) can be configured to rotate about the folding axis (f) in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise), and the second housing part (220) can be configured to rotate about the folding axis (f) in a second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the support plate (320) may include a first layer (510), a second layer (520), and a third layer (530). First carbon fibers (512) of a first CFRP (511) included in the first layer (510) and third carbon fibers (532) of a third CFRP (531) included in the third layer (530) may be arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axis (f) (e.g., y-axis direction), and second carbon fibers (522) of a second CFRP (521) included in the second layer (520) may be arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis (f) (e.g., x-axis direction).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the second thermal conductivity of the second CFRP (521) may be higher than the first thermal conductivity of the first CFRP (511) and the third thermal conductivity of the third CFRP (531). As previously described, the thermal conductivity of the pitch-based CFRP is higher than the thermal conductivity of the PAN-based CFRP. For example, the first CFRP (511) and the third CFRP (531) may be PAN-based CFRPs, and the second CFRP (521) may be a pitch-based CFRP.

[0131] According to one embodiment, since the support plate (320) includes CFRP, the heat dissipation performance of the foldable electronic device (200) can be improved. For example, since the thermal conductivity of a metal material (e.g., titanium) is lower than the thermal conductivity of CFRP, heat generated from at least one processor can be diffused through the support plate (320) including CFRP. Although not illustrated, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a heat dissipation member for the diffusion of said heat. For example, said heat dissipation member may include a heat dissipation sheet, a vapor chamber, or a thermal interface material (TIM). Since the heat of the foldable electronic device (200) can be diffused through the flexible display (230) including the support plate (320) formed of CFRP as well as the heat dissipation member, the heat dissipation performance of the foldable electronic device (200) can be improved.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 7, the region where at least one processor is located may have a relatively higher temperature than other regions. Heat generated from at least one processor may diffuse into the surroundings. Since the second layer (520) having relatively high thermal conductivity includes second carbon fibers (522) arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis (f) (e.g., y-axis direction), heat generated from at least one processor may diffuse predominantly in the first direction (e.g., x-axis direction). For example, the temperature of the region with the highest temperature may be about 49.8°C.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 8, the support plate (320) may include a first layer (510), a second layer (520), and a third layer (530). The first carbon fibers (512) of the first CFRP (511) included in the first layer (510) and the third carbon fibers (532) of the third CFRP (531) included in the third layer (530) may be arranged in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis (f) (e.g., y-axis direction), and the second carbon fibers (522) of the second CFRP (521) included in the second layer (520) may be arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axis (f). As described above, the second thermal conductivity of the second CFRP (521) may be higher than the first thermal conductivity of the first CFRP (511) and the third thermal conductivity of the third CFRP (531). For example, the first CFRP (511) and the third CFRP (531) may be PAN-based CFRPs, and the second CFRP (521) may be pitch-based CFRP.

[0134] Heat generated from at least one processor can diffuse into the surroundings. Since the second layer (520) having relatively high thermal conductivity includes second carbon fibers (522) arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axis (f), heat generated from at least one processor can predominantly diffuse in the second direction (e.g., the y-axis direction). For example, the temperature of the region having the highest temperature may be about 49.0°C.

[0135] According to one embodiment, when the second carbon fibers (522) of the second CFRP (521) are arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axis (f), the heat dissipation performance may be higher than when the second carbon fibers (522) are arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis (f).

[0136] Referring to FIG. 9, the support plate (320) may include a first portion (321), a second portion (322), and a third portion (323) of the support plate (320) comprising a plurality of slits (320a). For example, the first portion (321) and the second portion (322) may be referred to as a plurality of rigid regions, and the third portion (323) may be referred to as at least one flexible region. Since the third portion (323) comprising the plurality of slits (320a) is bent, it may overlap at least partially with a hinge assembly (e.g., the hinge assembly (250) of FIG. 8). For example, at least a portion of the third portion (323) may be placed on the hinge assembly (250) (e.g., in the +z direction). Multiple rigid regions (321, 322) may overlap with the first part (311) and the second part (312) of the display panel when the flexible display is viewed from above. At least one flexible region (323) may overlap with the third part (313) of the display panel when the flexible display is viewed from above.

[0137] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of slits (320a) may have a length parallel to the direction of the folding axis (f) (e.g., the y-axis direction). For example, each of the plurality of slits (320a) may be elongated in the direction of the folding axis (f). As described above, at least one processor (e.g., at least one processor (120) of FIG. 8) may be placed within a first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (210) of FIG. 8) so as to be adjacent to the hinge assembly (250). Since at least one processor is placed within the first housing part (210) so as to be adjacent to the hinge assembly (250), at least one processor may be adjacent to the third part (323) of the support plate (320). Since each of the plurality of slits (320a) included in the third part (323) is elongated in the direction of the folding axis (f), heat generated from at least one processor can be smoothly diffused in the direction of the folding axis (f).

[0138] In the support plate (320) illustrated in FIG. 7, since the second carbon fibers (522) of the second CFRP (521) having a relatively high thermal conductivity are arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis (f), the arrangement of the second carbon fibers (522) may be perpendicular to a plurality of slits (e.g., the plurality of slits (320a) in FIG. 9). When the arrangement of the second carbon fibers (522) is perpendicular to the plurality of slits (320a), heat generated from at least one processor may not spread smoothly around the third part (323) containing the plurality of slits (320a), so the heat dissipation performance of the foldable electronic device (200) may be relatively reduced.

[0139] Meanwhile, in the support plate illustrated in FIG. 8, since the second carbon fibers (522) of the second CFRP (521) having a relatively high thermal conductivity are arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axis (f), the arrangement of the second carbon fibers (522) can be parallel to a plurality of slits (e.g., a plurality of slits (320a) in FIG. 9).

[0140] According to one embodiment, when the arrangement of the second carbon fibers (522) is parallel to the plurality of slits (320a), heat generated from at least one processor can be smoothly diffused around the third part (323) containing the plurality of slits (320a), thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the foldable electronic device (200). Since the thermal conductivity of carbon fibers is significantly higher in the fiber axial direction than in the transverse direction, aligning the fibers of the second CFRP (521), which has high thermal conductivity, parallel to the folding axis (f) forms a preferential thermal path. This allows the heat generated by the processor to spread rapidly along the length of the hinge area, contributing to effectively extending the heat dissipation area over the entire length of the device before the heat saturates the display panel. According to one embodiment, the heat dissipation performance of a foldable electronic device (200) comprising second carbon fibers (522) arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axis (f) may be higher than the heat dissipation performance of a foldable electronic device (200) comprising second carbon fibers (522) arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis (f). When high heat dissipation performance of the foldable electronic device (200) is required, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a support plate (320) illustrated in FIG. 5. However, the foldable electronic device (200) according to the present disclosure does not exclude the support plate (320) illustrated in FIG. 6. For example, depending on the usage environment of the foldable electronic device (200) or the target performance of the foldable electronic device (200), the foldable electronic device (200) may include the support plate (320) illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0141] FIGS. 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d illustrate examples of support plates comprising five layers.

[0142] As described above, the number of multiple layers of the support plate (320) may be an odd number of three or more. Although a support plate (320) comprising three layers has been described, the support plate (320) according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Referring to FIG. 10a, the support plate (320) may comprise five layers.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the support plate (320) may include a first layer (510), a second layer (520), a third layer (530), a fourth layer (540), and a fifth layer (550). For example, the second layer (520) may correspond to a middle layer. The first layer (510) may be stacked on top of the second layer (520) (e.g., in the +z direction), and the third layer (530) may be stacked below the second layer (520) (e.g., in the -z direction). The fourth layer (540) may be stacked on top of the first layer (510), and the fifth layer (550) may be stacked below the third layer (530). For example, the fourth layer (540), the first layer (510), the second layer (520), the third layer (530), and the fifth layer (550) can be stacked sequentially from top to bottom (e.g., in the -z direction).

[0144] According to one embodiment, adjacent layers may include carbon fibers arranged in directions intersecting each other. For example, the second CFRP (521) of the second layer (520) corresponding to the middle layer may include second carbon fibers (522) arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (f) in FIG. 2A) (e.g., the y-axis direction). The first CFRP (511) of the first layer (510) and the third CFRP (531) of the third layer (530) adjacent to the second layer (520) may each include first carbon fibers (512) and third carbon fibers (532) arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., the x-axis direction). The fourth CFRP (541) of the fourth layer (540) adjacent to the first layer (510) may include fourth carbon fibers (542) arranged in a second direction. The fifth CFRP (551) of the fifth layer (550) adjacent to the third layer (530) may include fifth carbon fibers (552) arranged in a second direction. Referring to FIG. 10a, with respect to the second layer (520) corresponding to the middle layer, the first layer (510) and the fourth layer (540) corresponding to at least one upper layer may be symmetrical with respect to the third layer (530) and the fifth layer (550) corresponding to at least one lower layer.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the second tensile modulus of the second CFRP (521) may be higher than the tensile modulus of the remaining CFRPs. For example, the second tensile modulus may be higher than the first tensile modulus of the first CFRP (511), the third tensile modulus of the third CFRP (531), the fourth tensile modulus of the fourth CFRP (541), and the fifth tensile modulus of the fifth CFRP (551). For example, the second CFRP (521) may include pitch-based CFRP. For example, the first CFRP (511), the third CFRP (531), the fourth CFRP (541), and the fifth CFRP (551) may include PAN-based CFRP. When the thickness of the foldable electronic device (200) is thick, the support plate (320) may include five or more layers.

[0146] According to one embodiment, a plurality of layers arranged symmetrically with respect to a middle layer can evenly distribute the force applied to the support plate (320), so that curling occurring in the support plate (320) can be reduced. Since thermal stress caused during the manufacturing process of the support plate (320) can be symmetrically distributed within the support plate (320), bending or deformation of the support plate (320) can be reduced.

[0147] The structure of the support plate (320) described in FIG. 10a is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0148] Referring to FIG. 10b, the support plate (320) may include five layers. For example, the support plate (320) may include a first layer (510), a second layer (520), a third layer (530), a fourth layer (540), and a fifth layer (550) stacked together. As previously described, the second layer (520) may correspond to a middle layer, the first layer (510) and the fifth layer (550) may correspond to at least one upper layer, and the third layer (530) and the fifth layer (550) may correspond to at least one lower layer. The fourth layer (540) and the fifth layer (550) may be referred to as the outermost layers of the support plate (320). The first layer (510) and the third layer (530) may be referred to as intermediate layers. Each of the above layers may include fibers.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 10c, the middle layer (e.g., the second layer (520)) may comprise a woven fabric, and at least one upper layer and at least one lower layer may comprise CFRP. For example, the first layer (510) may comprise a first CFRP (511). The third layer (530) may comprise a third CFRP (531). The fourth layer (540) may comprise a fourth CFRP (541). The fifth layer (550) may comprise a fifth CFRP (551).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the first CFRP (511) and the third CFRP (531) may be identical to each other, and the fourth CFRP (541) and the fifth CFRP (551) may be identical to each other. For example, the first CFRP (511) and the third CFRP (531) may correspond to pitch-based CFRP, and the fourth CFRP (541) and the fifth CFRP (551) may correspond to PAN-based CFRP.

[0151] In FIG. 10c, an arrangement of fibers contained in five layers stacked together is illustrated. Referring to FIG. 10c, the middle layer can improve the impact resistance of the support plate (320). For example, the second layer (520) corresponding to the middle layer may include woven fibers. For example, woven fibers can enhance the impact resistance of the support plate (320). The woven fibers may have a structure formed by the repeated intersecting of weft (521) and warp (523). For example, the weft (521) may include fibers (522) arranged in a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) parallel to the direction of the folding axis (e.g., y-axis direction), and the warp (523) may include fibers (524) arranged in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) perpendicular to the second direction. The pattern of the weft (521) and warp (523) may be a plain weave, a twill weave, or a stain weave, but is not limited thereto.

[0152] According to one embodiment, woven fibers formed by weft (521) and warp (523) can improve the impact resistance of the support plate (320) by reinforcing the rigidity of the support plate (320). For example, the fibers (522, 524) may include, but are not limited to, glass fibers, carbon fibers, Kevlar, polyethylene, nylon, PBO (poly(p-phenylene benzobisoxazole)), ceramics, and / or basalt. The fibers (522, 524) contained within the second layer (520) corresponding to the middle layer may be impregnated into prepreg in a woven form. The middle layer, which is located in the middle among the layers of the support plate (320), may have a thickness that does not cause a decrease in the flexural modulus of the support plate (320). For example, the thickness of the second layer (520) may be less than about 1 / 4 of the total thickness of the support plate (320).

[0153] According to one embodiment, with respect to a second layer (520) corresponding to a middle layer, at least one upper layer (e.g., first layer (510) and fourth layer (540)) may be symmetrical with respect to at least one lower layer (e.g., third layer (530) and fifth layer (550)).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the fourth layer (540) and the fifth layer (550), which correspond to the outermost layer of the support plate (320), can improve the surface quality and rigidity of the support plate (320). The fourth layer (540) may be the uppermost layer, and the fifth layer (550) may be the lowermost layer. For example, the fourth layer (540) and the fifth layer (550) may include PAN-based CFRP. For example, the fourth layer (540) may include a fourth CFRP (541) corresponding to PAN-based CFRP, and the fifth layer (550) may include a fifth CFRP (551) corresponding to PAN-based CFRP. As illustrated in FIG. 10c, the fourth layer (540) and the fifth layer (550) may correspond to each other. As a non-limiting example, the fourth CFRP (541) of the fourth layer (540) may include fourth carbon fibers (542) arranged in a second direction (e.g., y-axis direction) parallel to the direction of the folding axis (e.g., y-axis direction), and the fifth CFRP (551) of the fifth layer (550) may include fifth carbon fibers (552) arranged in the second direction. As a non-limiting example, the fourth carbon fibers (542) and the fifth carbon fibers (552) may include PBO, ceramic, or basalt. To improve the surface quality of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 3) and to have high flatness, the fourth layer (540) and the fifth layer (550) may be formed to have the same thickness and may be formed with the same fiber composition ratio. Since the fourth layer (540) and the fifth layer (550) correspond to the outermost layer, if the fourth layer (540) and the fifth layer (550) are too thick, the anisotropy of the bending elasticity modulus of the support plate (320) may increase.The fourth layer (540) and the fifth layer (550) may have a thickness to reduce the anisotropy of the flexural modulus of the support plate (320). For example, the sum of the thickness of the fourth layer (540) and the thickness of the fifth layer (550) may be less than about 1 / 2 of the total thickness of the support plate (320).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the first layer (510) and the third layer (530), which correspond to the intermediate layer, may be placed between the middle layer and the outermost layer. For example, the first layer (510) may be placed between the fourth layer (540) and the second layer (520), and the third layer (530) may be placed between the second layer (520) and the fifth layer (550). The intermediate layer may improve the rigidity and thermal conductivity of the support plate (320).

[0156] As an example, but not limited to, the first layer (510) and the third layer (530) may include pitch-based CFRP. For example, the first layer (510) may include a first CFRP (511) corresponding to pitch-based CFRP, and the third layer (530) may include a third CFRP (531) corresponding to pitch-based CFRP. As the first layer (510) and the third layer (530) include pitch-based CFRP, the flexural modulus of the support plate (320) may be improved and the anisotropy of the flexural modulus may be reduced. As an example, but not limited to, the first carbon fibers (512) and the third carbon fibers (532) may include PBO, ceramic, or basalt. Since pitch-based CFRP has a higher tensile modulus than PAN-based CFRP, the tensile modulus of the support plate (320) can be improved by the first layer (510) and the third layer (530).

[0157] As illustrated in FIG. 10c, the first layer (510) and the third layer (530) may correspond to each other. For example, the first CFRP (511) of the first layer (510) may include first carbon fibers (512) arranged in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis, and the third CFRP (531) of the third layer (530) may include third carbon fibers (532) arranged in the first direction. The first layer (510) and the third layer (530) may have a thickness to reduce the anisotropy of the flexural modulus of the support plate (320). For example, the sum of the thickness of the first layer (510) and the thickness of the third layer (530) may be less than about 1 / 2 of the total thickness of the support plate (320). The support plate (320) illustrated in FIGS. 10b and FIGS. 10c may have a high flexural modulus in the isotropic direction due to the outermost layer and the intermediate layer. For example, the flexural modulus of the support plate (320) may be about 100 GPa or more, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Since the thermal conductivity of pitch-based CFRP is higher than that of PAN-based CFRP, the pitch-based CFRP included in the first layer (510) and the third layer (530) may have high thermal conductivity. For example, the thermal conductivity of the support plate (320) may be about 90 W / mK, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The woven fibers included in the middle layer can absorb energy from the impact by suppressing the growth of cracks formed by external impact and the delamination between the fibers and the epoxy, thereby improving the impact resistance of the support plate (320). According to one embodiment, a support plate (320) with a thin thickness (e.g., about 150 micrometers or less) while having high impact resistance can be provided.The descriptions of the support plate (320) described with reference to FIG. 10b and FIG. 10c may be substantially applied to a foldable electronic device comprising three housing parts (e.g., the foldable electronic device (2000) of FIG. 20).

[0158] Referring to FIG. 10d, the structure regarding the arrangement of fibers included in each of the layers of the support plate (320) may vary. As shown in FIG. 10d, the arrangement direction of the fibers included in the middle layer and intermediate layer may be different from the arrangement direction of the fibers included in the outermost layer.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the first layer (510) may be formed from a first CFRP (511) comprising first carbon fibers (512), the second layer (520) may be formed from a second CFRP (521) comprising second carbon fibers (522), and the third layer (530) may be formed from a third CFRP (531) comprising third carbon fibers (532). The first carbon fibers (512), the second carbon fibers (522), and the third carbon fibers (532) may be arranged in the same direction as each other. For example, the first carbon fibers (512), the second carbon fibers (522), and the third carbon fibers (532) may be arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axis (e.g., the direction of the folding axis (f) in FIG. 2A (e.g., the y-axis direction).

[0160] According to one embodiment, the fourth layer (540) may be formed of a fourth CFRP (541) comprising fourth carbon fibers (542), and the fifth layer (550) may be formed of a fifth CFRP (551) comprising fifth carbon fibers (552). The fourth carbon fibers (542) and the fifth carbon fibers (552) may be arranged in the same direction as each other. For example, the fourth carbon fibers (542) and the fifth carbon fibers (552) may be arranged in a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis. The first direction in which the fourth carbon fibers (542) of the fourth CFRP (541) and the fifth carbon fibers (552) of the fifth CFRP (551) are arranged may be perpendicular to the second direction in which the first carbon fibers (512) of the first CFRP (511), the second carbon fibers (522) of the second CFRP (521), and the third carbon fibers (532) of the third CFRP (531) are arranged. In the foregoing description, the first direction was described as perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis and the second direction as parallel to the direction of the folding axis, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first direction and the second direction may be inclined with respect to the folding axis, and the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular (or intersecting) each other.

[0161] According to one embodiment, among the five layers, the CFRP included in the odd-numbered layers and the CFRP included in the even-numbered layers may be of different types. For example, the first CFRP (511) and the third CFRP (531) may correspond to pitch-based CFRP. The second CFRP (521), the fourth CFRP (541), and the fifth CFRP (551) may correspond to PAN-based CFRP. Since the second CFRP (521) of the second layer (520) corresponding to the middle layer corresponds to PAN-based CFRP, the impact resistance of the support plate (320) may be improved. As the PAN-based CFRP and the pitch-based CFRP are alternately laminated, the impact resistance of the support plate (320) may be improved. The descriptions of the support plate (320) described with reference to FIG. 10d can be substantially applied to a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (2000) of FIG. 20) comprising three housing parts.

[0162] In the examples of the support plate (320) described above, the middle layer (e.g., the second layer (520)) is described as comprising one CFRP, but the support plate (320) of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, depending on the regions of the second layer (520), different types of CFRPs may be included. Below, an example in which the second layer (520) comprises different types of CFRPs is described.

[0163] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a support plate including a second layer containing different types of CFRPs.

[0164] Referring to FIG. 11, a support plate (320) supporting a display panel (310) may be positioned below the display panel (310) (e.g., in the -z direction). The support plate (320) may include a first layer (510), a second layer (520), and a third layer (530). The first CFRP (511) of the first layer (510) may include first carbon fibers (512) arranged in a first direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (f) in FIG. 2a) (e.g., in the y-axis direction). The second CFRP (521) of the second layer (520) may include second carbon fibers (522) arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axis.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the second layer (520) may include a first region (1110), a second region (1120), and a third region (1130). For example, the first region (1110) of the second layer (520) may correspond to a first part (311) of the display panel (310). When the flexible display (230) is viewed from above, the first region (1110) may overlap with the first part (311). The second region (1120) of the second layer (520) may correspond to a second part (312) of the display panel (310). When the flexible display (230) is viewed from above, the second region (1120) may overlap with the second part (312). The third region (1130) of the second layer (520) may correspond to the third part (313) of the display panel (310). When the flexible display (230) is viewed from above, the third region (1130) may overlap with the third part (313). The third region (1130) may extend from the first region (1110) to the second region (1120). The third region (1130) may be located between the first region (1110) and the second region (1120). The first region (1110) and the second region (1120) may be included within a second layer of a plurality of rigid regions (e.g., the first part (321) and the second part (322) of FIG. 4a), and the third region (1130) may be included within at least one flexible region (e.g., the third part (323) of FIG. 4a).

[0166] For example, when the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a) is in an unfolded state, the first region (1110) of the second layer (520) can support the first part (311) of the display panel (310), the second region (1120) of the second layer (520) can support the second part (312) of the display panel (310), and the third region (1130) of the second layer (520) can support the third part (313) of the display panel (310). For example, the first region (1110) may be part of the first part (321) of the support plate (320), and the second region (1120) may be part of the second part (322) of the support plate (320).

[0167] According to one embodiment, a third region (1130) of the second layer (520) may be bent based on the state of the foldable electronic device (200). For example, the third region (1130) may be part of a third portion (323) of a support plate (320) comprising a plurality of slits (320a). When the state of the foldable electronic device (200) is a folded state or a partially folded state, the third region (1130) of the second layer (520) may be bent. When the foldable electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the third region (1130) of the second layer (520) may be substantially flat.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the first region (1110) of the second layer (520) and the second region (1120) of the second layer (520) may be substantially flat. For example, the first region (1110) and the second region (1120) may be substantially flat independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (200).

[0169] According to one embodiment, the third region (1130) may require relatively high toughness because, unlike the first region (1110) and the second region (1120), it can be bent depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (200). Toughness is the ability to absorb deformation energy in response to stress, and a material with high toughness can absorb more deformation energy and thus may not break easily. Generally, a material with high toughness may have low brittleness. Since the third region (1130) can be bent depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (200), it must be able to absorb more deformation energy than the first region (1110) and the second region (1120). For example, if the toughness of the third region (1130) is low, the third region (1130) may be damaged when the third region (1130) is bent. For example, if the toughness of the third region (1130) is low, the thin and long multiple slits (320a) may be damaged. Depending on the damage to the multiple slits (320a), the bending of the third part (323) of the support plate (320) may not be smooth.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the first region (1110) and the second region (1120), unlike the third region (1130), are substantially flat independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (200), so a relatively high tensile modulus may be required. Since the first region (1110) of the second layer (520) supports the first part (311) of the display panel (310) and the second region (1120) of the second layer (520) supports the second part (312) of the display panel (310), if the tensile modulus of the first region (1110) and the tensile modulus of the second region (1120) are low, the display panel (310) may not be stably supported. The low tensile modulus may cause deterioration of the surface quality of the flexible display (230).

[0171] Table 1 below shows the properties of PAN-based CFRP and pitch-based CFRP. In Table 1 below, T700, T800, and M40 represent product names from Toray, and HM-90 represents a CFRP with a high modulus.

[0172] CFRP Type Classification Tensile Modulus (GPa) Toughness (MJ / m²) 3 )PAN-based CFRPT70023051.5 PAN-based CFRPT80029459.0 PAN-based CFRPM4037726.4 Pitch-based CFRPHM-908604.5

[0173] Referring to Table 1, the tensile modulus of pitch-based CFRP is higher than that of PAN-based CFRP. The toughness of PAN-based CFRP is higher than that of pitch-based CFRP.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the first region (1110) and the second region (1120) may include a second CFRP (521) having a relatively high tensile modulus (e.g., a second tensile modulus). As previously described, the second CFRP (521) may include a pitch-based CFRP. Since the first region (1110) and the second region (1120) include a second CFRP (521) having a high tensile modulus, the first region (1110) and the second region (1120) can stably support the display panel (310) and reduce the deterioration of the surface quality of the flexible display (230).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the third region (1130) may include a CFRP different from the second CFRP (521). For example, the third region (1130) may include a fourth CFRP (541). The tensile modulus of the fourth CFRP (541) may be lower than the tensile modulus of the second CFRP (521). The toughness of the fourth CFRP (541) may be higher than the toughness of the second CFRP (521). For example, the fourth CFRP (541) may include a PAN-based CFRP. Since the toughness of the PAN-based CFRP is higher than the toughness of the pitch-based CFRP, the third region (1130), which bends according to the state of the foldable electronic device (200), may include a PAN-based CFRP having high toughness. The fourth CFRP (541) of the third region (1130) may be the same as the first CFRP (511) of the first layer (510) or the third CFRP (531) of the third layer (530). As the fourth CFRP (541) forming the third region (1130) has high toughness, damage to the third region (1130) may be reduced. For example, as the third region (1130) has high toughness, damage to the plurality of slits (320a) may be reduced. By replacing the high-modulus second CFRP in the third region (1130) with a high-toughness fourth CFRP (e.g., PAN-based), the support plate (320) implements a spatially customized mechanical response. This local configuration prevents brittle fracture in the hinge region where high strain occurs during repetitive folding cycles, while maintaining the high rigidity required to support the touch input pressure applied to the display panel in the flat region (1110, 1120).

[0176] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the support plate cut along the A-A' line of FIG. 4a.

[0177] The support member (320) described with reference to FIG. 12 may be substantially the same as the support plate (320) described above. For example, the descriptions related to FIG. 12 may be referred to as alternative descriptions to the descriptions described above. For example, the support plate may be alternatively referred to as the support member.

[0178] A flexible display (230) according to one embodiment may include a display panel (310) and a support member (320) (e.g., a support plate). For example, the display panel (310) may include a bending portion (1210) and a flat portion (1220) (or a flat portion). In the present disclosure, the flat portion (1220) may be referred to as a flat portion.

[0179] For example, the bending portion (1210) may be a portion of the display panel (310) included within the third portion (233) of FIG. 2A, and the flat portion (1220) may be a portion of the display panel (310) included within the first portion (231) and the second portion (232) of FIG. 2A. The flat portion (1220) may be flat independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2A). The bending portion (1210) may be substantially flat when the foldable electronic device is in a folded state, and may be at least partially bent when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state or partially folded state. According to one embodiment, the support member (320) may be placed under one side of the display panel (310) (e.g., in the -z direction). The support member (320) may include a first support portion (1231) that supports a bending portion (1210) and a second support portion (1232) that supports a flat portion (1220). The first support portion (1231) may be referred to as a flexible region, and the second support portion (1232) may be referred to as a plurality of rigid regions. The flexible region may be disposed between the plurality of rigid regions.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the second support portion (1232) (or a plurality of rigid regions) may include a first flat layer (1241) and a second flat layer (1242). The first flat layer (1241) may be disposed below the flat portion (1220). The first flat layer (1241) may have a first tensile modulus. The second flat layer (1242) may be disposed between the first flat layer (1241) and the flat portion (1220). The second flat layer (1242) may have a second tensile modulus smaller than the first tensile modulus. For example, the first flat layer (1241) may correspond to a part of the aforementioned second layer (e.g., the second layer (520) of FIG. 11) (e.g., the first region (1110) or the second region (1120) of FIG. 11), and the second flat layer (1242) may correspond to a part of the aforementioned first layer (e.g., the first layer (510) of FIG. 11).

[0181] According to one embodiment, the first flat layer (1241) may include one or more first fibers (e.g., second carbon fibers (522) of FIG. 5) formed in the longitudinal direction (e.g., y-axis direction) of the bending portion (1210). The second flat layer (1242) may include one or more second fibers (e.g., first carbon fibers (512) of FIG. 5) formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., x-axis direction). For example, the direction in which one or more first fibers are arranged and the direction in which one or more second fibers are arranged may be perpendicular to each other. The direction in which one or more first fibers are arranged may be perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis of the first housing part and the second housing part, and the direction in which one or more second fibers are arranged may be parallel to the direction of the folding axis.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the first flat layer (1241) may include a second CFRP (e.g., pitch-based CFRP). The second flat layer (1242) may include a first CFRP (e.g., PAN-based CFRP). For example, the second tensile modulus of the second CFRP may be higher than the first tensile modulus of the first CFRP. As previously described, since pitch-based CFRP is thicker than PAN-based CFRP, the thickness of the first flat layer (1241) may be thicker than the thickness of the second flat layer (1242). For example, the tensile modulus of the pitch-based CFRP may be about 500 GPa to about 900 GPa, and the tensile modulus of the PAN-based CFRP may be about 200 GPa to about 400 GPa.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the first support portion (1231) (e.g., at least one flexible region) may include a first bending layer (1251) having a third tensile modulus and substantially horizontal to the first flat layer (1241), and a second bending layer (1252) having a fourth tensile modulus and substantially horizontal to the second flat layer (1242). For example, the first bending layer (1251) may be connected to the first flat layer (1241), and the second bending layer (1252) may be connected to the second flat layer (1242). For example, the first bending layer (1251) and the first flat layer (1241) may be connected by processing to form a single layer. For example, the first bending layer (1251) may include a third CFRP (e.g., PAN-based CFRP). The second bending layer (1252) may include a fourth CFRP (e.g., PAN-based CFRP). The third tensile modulus and the fourth tensile modulus may be substantially the same as the first tensile modulus. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first support portion (1231) may include a first bending layer (1251) that is substantially horizontal with the first flat layer (1241) and has a third tensile modulus smaller than the first tensile modulus. For example, the third tensile modulus may be substantially the same as the second tensile modulus.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the bending portion (1210) may include at least one pattern (1260) formed therein. For example, the at least one pattern (1260) may be referred to as a lattice pattern formed by a plurality of slits (e.g., a plurality of slits (320a) of FIG. 3). The at least one pattern may be formed by a plurality of slits (320a) that penetrate the entire bending portion (1210). For example, the plurality of slits (320a) may penetrate the entire bending portion (1210). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the at least one pattern may be formed in the first bending layer (1251) and may not be formed in the second bending layer (1252). As described above, for example, a plurality of slits (320a) may completely penetrate the first bending layer (1251) and pass through part or all of the second bending layer (1252) but not pass through the third bending layer (1253). For example, a plurality of slits (320a) may be formed in the third bending layer (1253) and may not be formed in the first bending layer (1251). The plurality of slits (320a) may penetrate part or all of the second bending layer (1252). At least one pattern may be formed in at least one of the first bending layer (1251), the second bending layer (1252), and the third bending layer (1253) described later.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the second support portion (1232) may include a third flat layer (1243) disposed under the first flat layer (1241) and having a fifth tensile modulus smaller than the first tensile modulus. The first support portion (1231) may include a third bending layer (1253) substantially horizontal to the third flat layer (1243). For example, the third flat layer (1243) may include a fifth CFRP (e.g., PAN-based CFRP). For example, the second flat layer (1242) and the third flat layer (1243) may include the same PAN-based CFRP. In this case, the fifth tensile modulus of the third flat layer (1243) may be substantially the same as the second tensile modulus. For example, the third flat layer (1243) may correspond to a part of the aforementioned third layer (e.g., the third layer (530) of FIG. 5).

[0186] According to one embodiment, the third flat layer (1243) may include one or more third fibers (e.g., third carbon fibers (532) of FIG. 5) formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (e.g., y-axis direction) of the bending portion (1210).

[0187] According to one embodiment, the first support portion (1231) may include a third bending layer (1253) that is disposed below the first bending layer (1251) and is substantially horizontal to the third flat layer (1243). For example, the first support portion (1231) may include a first bending layer (1251), a second bending layer (1252), and a third bending layer (1253) that are substantially horizontal to the first flat layer (1241), the second flat layer (1242), and the third flat layer (1243), respectively. In an example that is not limited, the tensile modulus of the first bending layer (1251), the tensile modulus of the second bending layer (1252), and the tensile modulus of the third bending layer (1253) may be substantially the same as each other. As a non-limiting example, the tensile modulus of the second bending layer (1252) and the tensile modulus of the third bending layer (1253) may be smaller than the tensile modulus of the first bending layer (1251). For example, the tensile modulus of the second bending layer (1252) and the tensile modulus of the third bending layer (1253) may be substantially the same. The terms described with reference to FIG. 12 are exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the first support portion (1231) may be referred to as at least one flexible region (1231), and the second support portion (1232) may be referred to as a plurality of rigid regions (1232). At least one flexible region (1231) may be disposed between the plurality of rigid regions (1232). For example, the second flat layer (1242) may be referred to as the first layer portion (e.g., the portion of the first layer (510) of FIG. 5), the first flat layer (1241) may be referred to as the second layer portion (e.g., the portion of the second layer (520) of FIG. 5), and the third flat layer (1243) may be referred to as the third layer portion (e.g., the portion of the third layer (530) of FIG. 5).For example, the second bending layer (1252) may be referred to as the first layer portion (e.g., another portion of the first layer (510) of FIG. 5), the first bending layer (1251) may be referred to as the second layer portion (e.g., another portion of the second layer (520) of FIG. 5), and the third bending layer (1253) may be referred to as the third layer portion (e.g., another portion of the third layer (530) of FIG. 5). The first layer portion (1242) of the plurality of rigid regions (1232) and the first layer portion (1252) of at least one flexible region (1231) may be formed integrally. The second layer portion (1241) of the plurality of rigid regions (1232) and the second layer portion (1251) of at least one flexible region (1231) may be formed integrally. The third layer portion (1243) of the plurality of rigid regions (1232) and the third layer portion (1253) of at least one flexible region (1231) may be formed integrally. For example, the tensile modulus of the first flat layer (1241) (e.g., the second layer portion) may be higher than the tensile modulus of the second flat layer (1242) (e.g., the first layer portion) and the tensile modulus of the third flat layer (1243) (e.g., the third layer portion).

[0188] Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the contents of FIG. 12 described above may be described using the following terms.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 12, the support plate (320) may include a plurality of rigid regions (1220) and at least one flexible region (1210). Each of the plurality of rigid regions (1220) of the support plate (320) may include a first layer portion (1242) comprising a first CFRP, a second layer portion (1241) comprising a second CFRP stacked below the first layer portion (1242) of the plurality of rigid regions (1220), and a third layer portion (1243) comprising a third CFRP stacked below the second layer portion (1241) of the plurality of rigid regions (1220). The tensile modulus of the second CFRP may be higher than the tensile modulus of the first CFRP and the tensile modulus of the third CFRP.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the at least one flexible region (1210) of the support plate (320) may include a first layer portion (1252) comprising the first CFRP, a second layer portion (1251) comprising the fourth CFRP stacked below the first layer portion (1252) of the at least one flexible region (1210), and a third layer portion (1253) comprising the third CFRP stacked below the second layer portion (1251) of the at least one flexible region (1210).

[0191] According to one embodiment, the tensile modulus of the fourth CFRP may be substantially the same as the tensile modulus of the first CFRP. According to one embodiment, the toughness of the fourth CFRP may be higher than the toughness of the second CFRP.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the tensile modulus of the second CFRP may be higher than the tensile modulus of the first CFRP and the tensile modulus of the third CFRP.

[0193] FIG. 13 illustrates a foldable housing with a waterproof tape attached. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a foldable electronic device.

[0194] Referring to FIG. 13, the foldable electronic device (200) may include a waterproof tape (1310). For example, the waterproof tape (1310) may be placed between the foldable housing (201) and a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 2c). For example, in the foldable electronic device (200) in which the flexible display (230) is omitted as shown in FIG. 13, the waterproof tape (1310) may be placed on a side of the foldable housing (201) facing the flexible display (230) (e.g., a side facing the +z direction).

[0195] According to one embodiment, the waterproof tape (1310) may include a first waterproof tape (1311) disposed on a first housing part (210) and a second waterproof tape (1312) disposed on a second housing part (220). Each of the first waterproof tape (1311) and the second waterproof tape (1312) may be disposed to form a closed loop. A first area (1320) wrapped by the first waterproof tape (1311) may form a first waterproof area, and a second area (1330) wrapped by the second waterproof tape (1312) may form a second waterproof area. When moisture enters into the foldable electronic device (200), the first waterproof tape (1311) can reduce or block the inflow of moisture into the first waterproof area, and the second waterproof tape (1312) can reduce or block the inflow of moisture into the second waterproof area. Electronic components placed in the first waterproof area and electronic components placed in the second waterproof area can be protected from moisture.

[0196] A foldable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment may include a support plate (e.g., the support plate (320) of FIG. 4a) comprising pitch-based CFRP. The support plate (320) comprising pitch-based CFRP may be positioned below the display panel (e.g., in the -z direction) to support the display panel (e.g., the display panel (310) of FIG. 4a). Since the flexible display (230) is positioned on the foldable housing (201), the support plate (320) may be positioned above the waterproof tape (1310) (e.g., in the +z direction). Because the support plate (320) comprising pitch-based CFRP has a high tensile modulus, the deformation of the support plate (320) may be reduced. For example, even if the waterproof tape (1310) presses the flexible display (230) from below, the surface quality of the flexible display (230) can be improved because the support plate (320) does not deform.

[0197] When a flexible display (230) is placed on a foldable housing (201) illustrated in FIG. 13, a waterproof tape (1310) may be positioned below the flexible display (230) (e.g., in the -z direction). If the tensile modulus of the support plate (320) is low, the surface quality of the flexible display (230) may be degraded by the thickness of the waterproof tape (1310). Referring to FIG. 14, a portion of the front surface (1410) of the flexible display (230) that overlaps with the waterproof tape (e.g., the waterproof tape (1310) of FIG. 13) may be uneven or wrinkled by the waterproof tape (1310).

[0198] According to one embodiment, since the support plate (320) may include a second CFRP (e.g., the second CFRP (521) of FIG. 5) having a high tensile modulus (e.g., pitch-based CFRP), the support plate (320) may have high bending stiffness. When the bending stiffness of the support plate (320) is high, surface quality deterioration caused by the waterproof tape (1310) may be reduced. For example, when the bending stiffness of the support plate (320) is high, the probability of wrinkles occurring on the flexible display (230) caused by the waterproof tape (1310) is low, so the surface quality of the flexible display (230) may be improved. For example, if the support plate (320) includes a second layer (e.g., the second layer (520) of FIG. 11) shown in FIG. 11, a first area of ​​the second layer (520) (e.g., the first area (1110) of FIG. 11) may overlap with a first waterproof tape (1311), and a second area of ​​the second layer (520) (e.g., the second area (1120) of FIG. 11) may overlap with a second waterproof tape (1312). Since the first area (1110) and the second area (1120) include a second CFRP (521) having a high tensile modulus, surface quality deterioration caused by the first waterproof tape (1311) and the second waterproof tape (1312) may be reduced.

[0199] FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 illustrate the manufacturing processes of a support plate including the second layer of FIG. 11.

[0200] As described with reference to FIG. 11, a second layer (e.g., the second layer (520) of FIG. 11) may include a first region (e.g., the first region (1110) of FIG. 11), a second region (e.g., the second region (1120) of FIG. 11), and a third region (e.g., the third region (1130) of FIG. 11). The first region (1110) and the second region (1120) may include a second CFRP (521). The third region (1130) may include a fourth CFRP (541) different from the second CFRP (521). For example, the fourth CFRP (541) may be the same as the first CFRP (e.g., the first CFRP (511) of FIG. 11) of the first layer (e.g., the first layer (510) of FIG. 11) or the third CFRP (e.g., the third CFRP (531) of FIG. 11) of the third layer (e.g., the third layer (530) of FIG. 11), but is not limited thereto.

[0201] FIG. 15 illustrates prepregs for manufacturing a second layer (520). Referring to FIG. 15, a first region (e.g., the first region (1110) of FIG. 11), a second region (e.g., the second region (1120) of FIG. 11), and a third region (e.g., the third region (1130) of FIG. 11) may each be manufactured. For example, prepregs comprising carbon fibers may be manufactured to manufacture the first region (1110), the second region (1120), and the third region (1130). The prepregs may include carbon fibers impregnated in a resin.

[0202] For example, a first prepreg (1510) that becomes the first area (1110), a second prepreg (1520) that becomes the second area (1120), and a third prepreg (1530) that becomes the third area (1130) may each be manufactured. The first prepreg (1510) and the second prepreg (1520) may include a second CFRP (521), and the third prepreg (1530) may include a fourth CFRP (541). The first prepreg (1510) may be cut to fit the size of the first area (1110), the second prepreg (1520) may be cut to fit the size of the second area (1120), and the third prepreg (1530) may be cut to fit the size of the third area (1130).

[0203] FIG. 16 illustrates a bonding process. Referring to FIG. 16, prepregs can be bonded to each other. Since a third region (e.g., the third region (1130) of FIG. 11) is located between a first region (e.g., the first region (1110) of FIG. 11) and a second region (e.g., the second region (1120) of FIG. 11), the third prepreg (1530) can be bonded between the first prepreg (1510) and the second prepreg (1520). The bonding process can be performed through a process of curing the resin of the prepregs. With the third prepreg (1530) in contact with one side of the first prepreg (1510) and the second prepreg (1520) in contact with one side of the third prepreg (1530), the prepregs can be cured. As the resin hardens during the curing process, the prepregs can be bonded together. For example, a third prepreg (1530) can be bonded to one side of a first prepreg (1510), and a second prepreg (1520) can be bonded to one side of the third prepreg (1530). After the prepregs are bonded, the prepregs can be molded in a high-temperature environment.

[0204] FIG. 17 illustrates a prepreg (1710) formed through a molding process. Referring to FIG. 17, through the molding process, a prepreg (1710) in which a first prepreg (1510), a second prepreg (1520), and a third prepreg (1530) are integrally formed can be manufactured.

[0205] FIG. 18 illustrates jigs for cutting prepreg (1710). Referring to FIG. 18, the manufactured prepreg (1710) can be cut. During the cutting process, jigs can be used so that the prepreg (1710) can have a size suitable for the size of a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 2c). For example, the molded prepreg (1710) can be placed on a middle jig (1820) between an upper jig (1810) and a lower jig (1830). The upper jig (1810) and the lower jig (1830) may include holes for alignment to regions of the prepreg (e.g., a region corresponding to a first region (e.g., the first region (1110) of FIG. 11), a region corresponding to a second region (e.g., the second region (1120) of FIG. 11), and a region corresponding to a third region (e.g., the third region (1130) of FIG. 11). With the prepreg (1710) aligned with the jigs, the prepreg (1710) may be cut to fit the size of the second layer (e.g., the second layer (520) of FIG. 11), thereby manufacturing the second layer (520).

[0206] FIG. 19 illustrates a second layer (520) manufactured through the above processes. Referring to FIG. 19, the second layer (520) may include a first region (1110) formed by a first prepreg (e.g., the first prepreg (1510) of FIG. 15), a second region (1120) formed by a second prepreg (e.g., the second prepreg (1520) of FIG. 15), and a third region (1130) formed by a third prepreg (e.g., the third prepreg (1530) of FIG. 15). The second layer (520) may be manufactured through the aforementioned manufacturing processes.

[0207] According to one embodiment, since the bendable third region (1130) has relatively high toughness and a relatively low tensile modulus, the support plate (e.g., the support plate (320) of FIG. 4b) can be naturally bent, and damage to the plurality of slits (e.g., the plurality of slits (320a) of FIG. 4b) can be reduced. Since the substantially flat first region (1110) and second region (1120) have a relatively high tensile modulus and a relatively low toughness, the support plate (320) can firmly support the display panel (e.g., the display panel (310) of FIG. 4a) and reduce surface quality degradation of the flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (230) of FIG. 2c).

[0208] In the aforementioned foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (200) of FIG. 2a), a foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing (201) of FIG. 2a) comprising two housing parts (e.g., the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) of FIG. 2a) has been described, but the foldable electronic device according to the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As described below, the foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (2000) of FIG. 20) may include three housing parts. The foldable electronic device (2000) comprising three housing parts may be referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device (2000) comprising three housing parts may include a support plate corresponding to the aforementioned support plate (e.g., the support plate (320) of FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 10a, or FIG. 11). The descriptions regarding the support plate described above may be substantially applicable to the support plate of the foldable electronic device (2000) described below (e.g., the support plate (2200) of FIG. 22). Redundant descriptions may be omitted or described briefly.

[0209] Hereinafter, a foldable electronic device (2000) including three housing parts is described.

[0210] FIG. 20 illustrates the states of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 20, a foldable electronic device (2000) according to one embodiment (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may include a plurality of housing parts that are rotatably coupled. For example, the foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first housing part (2010), a second housing part (2020), and a third housing part (2030). The first housing part (2010) and the second housing part (2020) may be rotatably connected to each other. The second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030) may be rotatably connected to each other. The foldable electronic device (2000) includes a first hinge assembly (2050) that rotatably connects the first housing part (2010) and the second housing part (2020), and a second hinge that rotatably connects the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030). It may include an assembly (2060).

[0212] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (2010) may be rotatably coupled to one side of the second housing part (2020). For example, the first housing part (2010) and the second housing part (2020) may be rotatably connected to each other with respect to a first folding axis (f1). The third housing part (2030) may be rotatably coupled to the other side of the second housing part (2020). For example, the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030) may be rotatably connected to each other with respect to a second folding axis (f2). A foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first hinge assembly (2050) that rotatably connects a first housing part (2010) to one side of a second housing part (2020) and a second hinge assembly (2060) that rotatably connects a third housing part (2030) to the other side of the second housing part (2020). The foldable electronic device (2000) may have a structure that can be folded twice by means of the first hinge assembly (2050) and the second hinge assembly (2060). In terms of the structure that can be folded twice, the foldable electronic device (2000) may be referred to as a multi-foldable electronic device.

[0213] A foldable electronic device (2000) according to one embodiment may include a flexible display (2040). When the foldable housing (201) is folded or unfolded, the flexible display (2040) may also be folded or unfolded.

[0214] The first state (2000a) of FIG. 20 may be referred to as an unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2000). The first state (2000a) may represent a fully unfolded state in which the first housing part (2010), the second housing part (2020), and the third housing part (2030) are fully unfolded. Within the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2000), the first housing part (2010), the second housing part (2020), and the third housing part (2030) may be disposed substantially on the same plane. The first state (2000a) may also be referred to as an opened state, a flat state, and / or an outspread state in the view that the first housing part (2010), the second housing part (2020), and the third housing part (2030) are fully unfolded. When the foldable electronic device (2000) is in a first state (2000a), the second housing part (2020) may be located between the first housing part (2010) and the third housing part (2030).

[0215] The second state (2000b) of FIG. 20 may represent a state in which the first housing part (2010) is folded relative to the second housing part (2020), and the third housing part (2030) is not folded relative to the second housing part (2020). For example, within the first state (2000a), as the first housing part (2010) is rotated relative to the second housing part (2020), the foldable electronic device (2000) may change from the first state (2000a) to the second state (2000b). For example, the first housing part (2010) may rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise) relative to the second housing part (2020) through the first hinge assembly (2050). When the first housing part (2010) is rotated about 180 degrees, a second state (2000b) may be provided in which the first housing part (2010) is placed on the second housing part (2020). The second state (2000b) may be referred to as a sub-unfolded state, a sub-folded state, a partial unfolded state, and / or a partial folded state.

[0216] The third state (2000c) of FIG. 20 may be referred to as a folded state of the foldable electronic device (2000). The third state (2000c) may represent a state in which the first housing part (2010), the second housing part (2020), and the third housing part (2030) are completely folded. When viewed from above, the second housing part (2020), the first housing part (2010), and the third housing part (2030) may overlap each other. For example, within the second state (2000b), as the third housing part (2030) is rotated relative to the second housing part (2020), the foldable electronic device (2000) may change from the second state (2000b) to the third state (2000c). For example, the third housing part (2030) can be rotated in a second rotation direction (e.g., clockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction with respect to the second housing part (2020) via the second hinge assembly (2060). In the second state (2000b), when the third housing part (2030) is rotated about 180 degrees, a third state (2000c) may be provided in which the third housing part (2030) is placed over the first housing part (2010). In the third state (2000c), the flexible display (2040) may not be exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device (2000) by being covered by the second housing part (2020), the first housing part (2010), and / or the third housing part (2030). In the third state (2000c), the first housing part (2010) may be located between the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030). In the third state, a sub-display (2040) placed in the third housing part (2030) may be exposed to the outside.The third state (2000c) may be referred to as a closed state in the view that the first housing part (2010), the second housing part (2020), and the third housing part (2030) are completely folded.

[0217] According to one embodiment, the first hinge assembly (2050) may differ from the second hinge assembly (2060). For example, in a third state (2000c), the second hinge assembly (2060) may have a wider width than the first hinge assembly (2050) so that the first housing part (2010) can be positioned between the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030). In terms of having different widths, the first hinge assembly (2050) may be referred to as a narrow hinge, and the second hinge assembly (2060) may be referred to as a wide hinge.

[0218] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0219] Referring to FIG. 21, the foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first rear plate (2011), a sub-display (2040), and a second rear plate (2013) that define the rear of the foldable electronic device (2000). The first rear plate (2011) may cover the rear of the first housing part (2010). The second rear plate (2013) may cover the rear of the third housing part (2030). The sub-display (2040) may cover the rear of the second housing part (2020). When the foldable electronic device (2000) is in a folded state (e.g., the third state (2000c) of FIG. 20), the sub-display (2040) may be visible from outside the foldable electronic device (2000). When the foldable electronic device (2000) is in a folded state, the flexible display (2040) is covered by the foldable housing (2001), so the foldable electronic device (2000) can provide visual information through the sub-display (2040).

[0220] According to one embodiment, a flexible display (2040) may be placed on a foldable housing (2001) (e.g., in the +z direction). The flexible display (2040) may include a first part (2041), a second part (2042), a third part (2043), a fourth part (2044), and a fifth part (2045). For example, the first part (2041) may be placed on the front of a first housing part (2010) and may be supported by the first housing part (2010). The second part (2042) may be placed on the front of a second housing part (2020) and may be supported by the second housing part (2020). The third part (2043) may be placed on the front of a third housing part (2030) and may be supported by the third housing part (2030). The fourth part (2044) may be positioned between the first part (2041) and the second part (2042). For example, the fourth part (2044) may be positioned on the first hinge assembly (2050). The fifth part (2045) may be positioned between the second part (2042) and the third part (2043). For example, the fifth part (2045) may be positioned on the second hinge assembly (2060).

[0221] According to one embodiment, a fourth part (2044) of the flexible display (2040) may be bent based on the state of the foldable electronic device (2000). For example, when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the first state (2000a) of FIG. 20), the direction in which the first part (2041) faces may be substantially the same as the direction in which the second part (2042) faces. A fourth part (2044) positioned between the first part (2041) and the second part (2042) may be substantially flat when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in an unfolded state. For example, when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in a partially folded state (e.g., the second state of FIG. 20) or a folded state (e.g., the third state of FIG. 20), the first part (2041) may face the second part (2042). At least a portion of the fourth part (2044) positioned between the first part (2041) and the second part (2042) may be bent when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in a partially folded state or a folded state.

[0222] According to one embodiment, a fifth part (2045) of the flexible display (2040) may be bent based on the state of the foldable electronic device (2000). For example, when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in an unfolded state or a partially folded state, the direction in which the second part (2042) faces may be substantially the same as the direction in which the third part (2043) faces. The fifth part (2045) positioned between the second part (2042) and the third part (2043) may be substantially flat when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in an unfolded state or a partially folded state. For example, when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in a folded state, the second part (2042) may face the third part (2043). At least a portion of the fifth part (2045) positioned between the second part (2042) and the third part (2043) can be bent when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in a folded state. The width of the fifth part (2045) may be wider than the width of the fourth part (2044).

[0223] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first camera (2111) overlapping with a flexible display (2040). For example, the first camera (2111) may be positioned below a third portion (2043) of the flexible display (2040) (e.g., in the -z direction). The first camera (2111) may be positioned to face the front side (e.g., in the +z direction) of the foldable electronic device (2000). The foldable housing (2001) and the flexible display (2040) may include holes for providing light to the lens of the first camera (2111). For example, a third housing part (2030) of the foldable housing (2001) may include a hole (2112) aligned with the first camera (2111), and a third part (2043) of the flexible display (2040) may include a hole (2113) aligned with the first camera (2111). The first camera (2111) may be referred to as a front camera in the view facing the front of the foldable electronic device (2000). The first camera (2111) may be referred to as an under display camera (UDC) in the view overlapping with the flexible display (2040).

[0224] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (2000) may include at least one second camera (2114) facing the rear side (e.g., -z direction) of the foldable electronic device (2000). For example, the at least one second camera (2114) may include a wide-angle camera, an ultra-wide-angle camera, and / or a telephoto camera. The foldable housing (2001) may include holes for providing light to the lens of the at least one second camera (2114). For example, a second rear plate (2013) covering the rear of the third housing part (2030) may include at least one opening (2115) aligned with the at least one second camera (2114).

[0225] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (2000) may include a third camera (2116) facing the rear of the foldable electronic device (2000) and overlapping with a sub-display (2040). The third camera (2116) may be used when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in a folded state. For example, when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in a folded state, the lens of the third camera (2116) may be configured to receive light and generate image data through a hole (2117) of the sub-display (2040) aligned with the third camera (2116).

[0226] A foldable electronic device (2000) according to one embodiment may include printed circuit boards. For example, the foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first printed circuit board (2121) disposed within a first housing part (2010), a second printed circuit board (2122) disposed within a second housing part (2020), and a third printed circuit board (2123) disposed within a third housing part (2030). Each of the printed circuit boards may include conductive layers and non-conductive layers alternating with the conductive layers. The printed circuit boards may be configured to provide electrical connections between electronic components through the conductive layers. For example, a first camera (2111) and at least one second camera (2114) may be disposed on the third printed circuit board (2123). A third camera (2116) may be disposed on the second printed circuit board (2122). A SIM (subscriber identity module) socket (2101) can be placed on the first printed circuit board (2121).

[0227] According to one embodiment, the first printed circuit board (2121) and the second printed circuit board (2122) may be electrically connected through the first flexible printed circuit board (2124). The second printed circuit board (2122) and the third printed circuit board (2123) may be electrically connected through the second flexible printed circuit board (2125). The foldable electronic device (2000) may include sub-printed circuit boards electrically connected to each of the printed circuit boards. For example, a foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first sub-printed circuit board (2126) electrically connected to a first printed circuit board (2121) and disposed within a first housing part (2010), a second sub-printed circuit board (2127) electrically connected to a second printed circuit board (2122) and disposed within a second housing part (2020), and a third sub-printed circuit board (2128) electrically connected to a third printed circuit board (2123) and disposed within a third housing part (2030). For example, each of the main printed circuit boards may be connected to each of the sub-printed circuit boards through a connecting member (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board). For example, the second printed circuit board (2122) and the second sub-printed circuit board (2127) may be electrically connected to each other through a third flexible printed circuit board (2129). The printed circuit boards may be adjacent to the upper part (e.g., the part in the +y direction) of the foldable housing (2001), and the sub-printed circuit boards may be adjacent to the lower part (e.g., the part in the -y direction) of the foldable housing (2001).

[0228] A foldable electronic device (2000) according to one embodiment may include batteries configured to store power and provide the stored power to electronic components of the foldable electronic device (2000). For example, the foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first battery (2131) disposed within a first housing part (2010), a second battery (2132) disposed within a second housing part (2020), and a third battery (2133) disposed within a third housing part (2030). A power management circuit (e.g., a power management module (188) of FIG. 1) may be electrically connected to the first battery (2131), the second battery (2132), and the third battery (2133), respectively.

[0229] A foldable electronic device (2000) according to one embodiment may include hinge covers that cover hinge assemblies. For example, the foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first hinge cover (2051) that covers a first hinge assembly (2050) and a second hinge cover (2052) that covers a second hinge assembly (2060). The first hinge cover (2051) may be located between a first housing part (2010) and a second housing part (2020). The second hinge cover (2052) may be located between a second housing part (2020) and a third housing part (2030).

[0230] A foldable electronic device (2000) according to one embodiment may include support members disposed within a second housing part (2020). For example, the foldable electronic device (2000) may include a first support member (2141) adjacent to the upper part of the second housing part (2020) and a second support member (2142) adjacent to the lower part of the second housing part (2020). The first support member (2141) may support the rear surface of a second printed circuit board (2122), and the second support member (2142) may support the rear surface of a second sub-printed circuit board (2127). A first speaker (2143) may be disposed within the first support member (2141), and a second speaker (2144) may be disposed within the second support member (2142).

[0231] A foldable electronic device (2000) according to one embodiment may include electronic components for providing various functions of the foldable electronic device (2000). For example, the foldable electronic device (2000) may include a motor (2151) configured to provide haptic notifications, an antenna (2152) for near-field wireless communication, and / or a connector (2153) for connection with a terminal of an external electronic device. For example, the antenna (2152) may include a multi-function coil (MFC) antenna for near field communication (NFC) and magnetic secure transmission (MST). In addition, various electronic components (e.g., a microphone, a mmWave antenna module, or a sensor) may be disposed within the foldable housing (2001).

[0232] FIGS. 22 and FIGS. 23 illustrate a support plate of a flexible display.

[0233] The support plate (2200) described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23 is a support plate (2200) included within a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (2040) of FIG. 20) of a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (2000) of FIG. 20) comprising three housing parts. The support plate (2200) described below may be substantially the same as the support plate (e.g., the support plate (320) of FIG. 4b) described above.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the support plate (2200) may be formed of CFRP. CFRP may be lightweight and have high thermal conductivity and tensile modulus. The support plate (2200) according to one embodiment may include an odd number of layers stacked together. For example, the support plate (2200) may include a first layer (2210), a second layer (2220), and a third layer (2230). As described above, with respect to the middle layer, at least one upper layer and at least one lower layer may be symmetrical to each other.

[0235] According to one embodiment, the first layer (2210) may include a first CFRP (2211). The second layer (2220) may include a second CFRP (2221). The third layer (2230) may include a third CFRP (2231). The third CFRP (2231) may be the same as the first CFRP (2211). According to one embodiment, the second tensile modulus of the second CFRP (2221) may be higher than the first tensile modulus of the first CFRP (2211) and the third tensile modulus of the third CFRP (2231). For example, the second CFRP (2221) may include a pitch-based CFRP, and the first CFRP (2211) and the third CFRP (2231) may include a PAN-based CFRP.

[0236] According to one embodiment, the first carbon fibers (2212) of the first CFRP (2211) may be arranged in a first direction. For example, the first direction may be perpendicular to the direction (e.g., the y-axis direction) of the folding axes (e.g., the first folding axis (f1) and the second folding axis (f2)). The second carbon fibers (2222) of the second CFRP (2221) may be arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. For example, the second direction may be parallel to the direction of the folding axes. The third carbon fibers (2232) of the third CFRP (2231) may be arranged in the first direction. However, the arrangement of the carbon fibers is not limited thereto. Referring to FIG. 23, the first carbon fibers (2212) of the first CFRP (2211) and the third carbon fibers (2232) of the third CFRP (2231) may be arranged in a second direction parallel to the direction of the folding axes (e.g., the y-axis direction), and the second carbon fibers (2222) of the second CFRP (2221) may be arranged in a first direction perpendicular to the direction of the folding axes.

[0237] A support plate (2200) according to one embodiment can provide high bending rigidity and high thermal conductivity. By the support plate (2200), the heat dissipation performance of the foldable electronic device (2000) can be improved, and the surface quality of the flexible display (2040) can be improved.

[0238] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a support plate including a second layer containing different types of CFRPs.

[0239] The support plate (2200) described with reference to FIG. 24 is a support plate (2200) included within a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display (2040) of FIG. 20) of a foldable electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronic device (2000) of FIG. 20) comprising three housing parts. The support plate (2200) described below may be substantially the same as the support plate described with reference to FIG. 11 (e.g., the support plate (320) of FIG. 11), except that it further includes a fourth region (2424) and a fifth region (2425) described below.

[0240] Referring to FIG. 24, the display panel (2410) may include a first part (2411), a second part (2412), a third part (2413), a fourth part (2414), and a fifth part (2415). For example, the first part (2411) of the display panel (2410) may be a part of the display panel (2410) supported by a first housing part (e.g., the first housing part (2010) of FIG. 20). The second part (2412) of the display panel (2410) may be a part of the display panel (2410) supported by a second housing part (e.g., the second housing part (2020) of FIG. 20). The third part of the display panel (2410) may be disposed between the first part (2411) and the second part (2412). A fourth part (2414) of the display panel (2410) may be a part of the display panel (2410) supported by a third housing part (e.g., a third housing part (2030) of FIG. 20). A fifth part of the display panel (2410) may be positioned between the second part (2412) and the fourth part (2414).

[0241] The first part (2411), the second part (2412), and the fourth part (2414) may maintain a substantially flat shape independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (2000). For example, when the foldable electronic device (2000) is in a folded state, a partially folded state, or an unfolded state, the first part (2411), the second part (2412), and the fourth part (2414) may remain substantially flat without bending. The third part (2413) and the fifth part (2415) may be substantially flat or at least partially bent depending on the state of the foldable electronic device (2000). For example, the third part (2413) may be bent when the first housing part (2010) and the second housing part (2020) are folded. For example, the fifth part (2415) can be bent when the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030) are folded.

[0242] For example, within the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2000) (e.g., the first state (2000a) of FIG. 20), the first part (2411) of the display panel (2410) supported by the first housing part (2010) and the second part (2412) of the display panel (2410) supported by the second housing part (2020) may be substantially flat. The third part (2413) of the display panel (2410) between the first part (2411) of the display panel (2410) and the second part (2412) of the display panel (2410) may be substantially flat within the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device (2000).

[0243] For example, within a partially folded state (e.g., the second state (2000b) of FIG. 20) or a folded state (e.g., the third state (2000c) of FIG. 20) of the foldable electronic device (2000), the first housing part (2010) and the second housing part (2020) may be overlapped with each other. The third part (2413) of the display panel (2410) between the first part (2411) of the display panel (2410) and the second part (2412) of the display panel (2410) may be bent within the partially folded state or folded state of the foldable electronic device (2000).

[0244] For example, within the unfolded or partially folded state of the foldable electronic device (2000), the second part (2412) of the display panel (2410) supported by the second housing part (2020) and the fourth part (2414) of the display panel (2410) supported by the third housing part (2030) may be substantially flat. The fifth part (2415) of the display panel (2410) between the second part (2412) of the display panel (2410) and the fourth part (2414) of the display panel (2410) may be substantially flat within the unfolded or partially folded state of the foldable electronic device (2000).

[0245] For example, within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2000), the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030) can be overlapped with each other. The fifth part (2415) of the display panel (2410), between the second part (2412) of the display panel (2410) and the fourth part (2414) of the display panel (2410), can be bent within the folded state of the foldable electronic device (2000).

[0246] According to one embodiment, the support plate (2200) may include a first layer (2210), a second layer (2220), and a third layer (2230). The second layer (2220) may include a first region (2421), a second region (2422), a third region (2423), a fourth region (2424), and a fifth region (2425).

[0247] For example, the first region (2421) of the second layer (2220) may correspond to the first part (2411) of the display panel (2410). When the flexible display (2040) is viewed from above, the first region (2421) may overlap with the first part (2411). The first region (2421) may support the first part (2411). The second region (2422) of the second layer (2220) may correspond to the second part (2412) of the display panel (2410). When the flexible display (2040) is viewed from above, the second region (2422) may overlap with the second part (2412). The second region (2422) may support the second part (2412). The third region (2423) of the second layer (2220) may correspond to the third part (2413) of the display panel (2410). When the flexible display (2040) is viewed from above, the third region (2423) may overlap with the third part (2413). The third region (2423) may support the third part (2413). The fourth region (2424) of the second layer (2220) may correspond to the fourth part (2414) of the display panel (2410). When the flexible display (2040) is viewed from above, the fourth region (2424) may overlap with the fourth part (2414). The fourth region (2424) may support the fourth part (2414). The fifth region (2425) of the second layer (2220) may correspond to the fifth part (2415) of the display panel (2410). When the flexible display (2040) is viewed from above, the fifth region (2425) may overlap with the fifth part (2415). The fifth region (2425) may support the fifth part (2415).

[0248] As described above, since the first part (2411), the second part (2412), and the fourth part (2414) are substantially flat independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (2000), the first region (2421), the second region (2422), and the fourth region (2424) may be substantially flat independently of the state of the foldable electronic device (2000). As described above, since the third part (2413) and the fifth part (2415) are at least partially bent based on the state of the foldable electronic device (2000), the third region (2423) and the fifth region (2425) may be at least partially bent based on the state of the foldable electronic device (2000).

[0249] According to one embodiment, the first region (2421), the second region (2422), and the fourth region (2424) may include a second CFRP (2221). The third region (2423) may include a fourth CFRP (2431). The fifth region (2425) may include a fifth CFRP (2432). The second tensile modulus of the second CFRP (2221) may be higher than the fourth tensile modulus of the fourth CFRP (2431) and the tensile modulus of the fifth CFRP (2432). The second toughness of the second CFRP (2221) may be lower than the fourth toughness of the fourth CFRP (2431) and the fifth toughness of the fifth CFRP (2432). As described above, the third region (2423) and the fifth region (2425), which are bent based on the state of the foldable electronic device (2000), may include a CFRP having high toughness for bending the support plate (2200). For example, the fourth CFRP (2431) and the fifth CFRP (2432) may include a PAN-based CFRP. As described above, to stably support the display panel (2410) and to improve the surface quality of the flexible display (2040), the first region (2421), the second region (2422), and the fourth region (2424) may include a CFRP having a high tensile modulus. For example, the second CFRP (2221) may include a pitch-based CFRP.

[0250] 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 belongs.

[0251] A foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) is disclosed. The foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a foldable housing (201) comprising a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) rotatably connected to the first housing part (210). The foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a flexible display (230). The flexible display (230) may include a display panel (310) and a support plate (320) that supports the display panel (310) and is formed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The support plate (320) may include a plurality of rigid regions (321, 322) and at least one flexible region (323). Each of the plurality of rigid regions (321, 322) of the support plate (320) of the flexible display (230) may include a first layer (510) comprising a first CFRP (511), a second layer (520) comprising a second CFRP (521) stacked below the first layer (510), and a third layer (530) comprising a third CFRP (531) stacked below the second layer (520). The tensile modulus of the second CFRP (521) may be higher than the tensile modulus of the first CFRP (511) and the tensile modulus of the third CFRP (531).

[0252] According to one embodiment, the at least one flexible region (323) of the support plate (320) may include a first layer (510) comprising the first CFRP (511), a second layer (520) stacked below the first layer (510) comprising the fourth CFRP (541), and a third layer (530) stacked below the second layer (520) comprising the third CFRP (531). The tensile modulus of the fourth CFRP (541) may be substantially the same as the tensile modulus of the first CFRP (511).

[0253] The first layer (510) of the plurality of rigid regions (321, 322) and the first layer (510) of the at least one flexible region (323) may be formed integrally. For example, when the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded, a portion of the first layer (510) that bends may be referred to as the first layer of the at least one flexible region (323). Another portion of the first layer (510) that remains substantially flat even when the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded may be referred to as the first layer of the plurality of rigid regions (321, 322).

[0254] The second layer (520) of the plurality of rigid regions (321, 322) and the second layer (520) of the at least one flexible region (323) may be formed integrally. For example, when the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded, a portion of the second layer (520) that bends may be referred to as the second layer of the at least one flexible region (323). Even when the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded, another portion of the second layer (520) that remains substantially flat may be referred to as the second layer of the plurality of rigid regions (321, 322).

[0255] The third layer (530) of the plurality of rigid regions (321, 322) and the third layer (530) of the at least one flexible region (323) may be formed integrally. For example, when a foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded, a portion of the third layer (530) that bends may be referred to as the third layer of the at least one flexible region (323). Even when the foldable electronic device is folded or unfolded, another part of the substantially flat third layer (530) may be referred to as the third layer of the plurality of rigid regions (321, 322). According to one embodiment, the at least one flexible region (323) of the support plate (320) may include a first layer (510) comprising the first CFRP (511), a second layer (520) comprising the second CFRP (521) stacked below the first layer (510), and a third layer (530) comprising the third CFRP (531) stacked below the second layer (520). The tensile modulus of the second CFRP (521) may be higher than the tensile modulus of the first CFRP (511) and the tensile modulus of the third CFRP (531).

[0256] A foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) is disclosed. The foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a foldable housing (201) comprising a first housing part (210) and a second housing part (220) rotatably connected to the first housing part (210). The foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a flexible display (230). The flexible display (230) may include a display panel (310) and a support plate (320) that supports the display panel (310) and is formed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). The support plate (320) of the flexible display (230) may include a first layer (510) comprising a first CFRP (511), a second layer (520) stacked below the first layer (510) and comprising at least a second CFRP (521), and a third layer (530) stacked below the second layer (520) and comprising a third CFRP (531). The tensile modulus of the second CFRP (521) may be higher than the tensile modulus of the first CFRP (511) and the tensile modulus of the third CFRP (531).

[0257] According to one embodiment, the first CFRP (511) included in the first layer (510) may include first carbon fibers (512) arranged in a first direction. The second CFRP (521) included in the second layer (520) may include second carbon fibers (522) arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The third CFRP (531) included in the third layer (530) may include third carbon fibers (532) arranged in the first direction.

[0258] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be rotatably connected to each other with respect to a folding axis (f). The first direction may be perpendicular to the direction of the folding axis (f). The second direction may be parallel to the direction of the folding axis (f).

[0259] According to one embodiment, the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) may be rotatably connected to each other with respect to a folding axis (f). The first direction and the second direction may be inclined with respect to the direction of the folding axis (f).

[0260] According to one embodiment, the first CFRP (511) and the third CFRP (531) may include a PAN (polyacrylonitrile)-based CFRP. The second CFRP (521) may include a pitch-based CFRP.

[0261] According to one embodiment, the thermal conductivity of the second CFRP (521) may be higher than the thermal conductivity of the first CFRP (511) and the thermal conductivity of the third CFRP (531).

[0262] According to one embodiment, the display panel (310) of the flexible display (230) may include a first part (311), a second part (312), and a third part (313) that extends from the first part (311) of the display panel (310) to the second part (312) of the display panel (310) and bends when the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220) are folded together. The second layer (520) of the support plate (320) may include a first area (1110) corresponding to the first part (311) of the display panel (310), a second area (1120) corresponding to the second part (312) of the display panel (310), and a third area (1130) corresponding to the third part (313) of the display panel (310). The first region (1110) of the second layer (520) and the second region (1120) of the second layer (520) may include the second CFRP (521). The third region (1130) of the second layer (520) may include the fourth CFRP (541). The tensile modulus of the second CFRP (521) may be higher than the tensile modulus of the fourth CFRP (541).

[0263] According to one embodiment, the toughness of the fourth CFRP (541) may be higher than the toughness of the second CFRP (521).

[0264] According to one embodiment, the third region (1130) of the second layer (520) may include a plurality of slits (320a) that overlap with the third portion (313) of the display panel (310).

[0265] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may further include a hinge assembly (250) that rotatably connects the first housing part (210) and the second housing part (220). The third region (1130) of the second layer (520) may overlap with at least a portion of the hinge assembly (250) when the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) is viewed from above.

[0266] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the second layer (520) may be thicker than the thickness of the first layer (510) and the thickness of the third layer (530).

[0267] According to one embodiment, the foldable housing (2001) may further include a third housing part (2030) rotatably connected to the second housing part (2020). When the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) is in an unfolded state, the second housing part (2020) may be positioned between the first housing part (2010) and the third housing part (2030). The display panel (2410) of the flexible display (2040) may include a first part (2411), a second part (2412), a third part (2413) that extends from the first part (2411) of the display panel (2410) to the second part (2412) of the display panel (2410) and bends when the first housing part (2010) and the second housing part (2020) are folded together, a fourth part (2414), and a fifth part (2415) that extends from the second part (2412) of the display panel (2410) to the fourth part (2414) of the display panel (2410) and bends when the second housing part (2020) and the third housing part (2030) are folded.

[0268] According to one embodiment, the second layer (2220) of the support plate (2200) may include a first area (2421) corresponding to the first part (2411) of the display panel (2410), a second area (2422) corresponding to the second part (2412) of the display panel (2410), a third area (2423) corresponding to the third part (2413) of the display panel (2410), a fourth area (2424) corresponding to the fourth part (2414) of the display panel (2410), and a fifth area (2425) corresponding to the fifth part (2415) of the display panel (2410). The first region (2421) of the second layer (2220), the second region (2422) of the second layer (2220), and the fourth region (2424) of the second layer (2220) may include the second CFRP (2221). The third region (2423) of the second layer (2220) may include the fourth CFRP (2431). The fifth region (2425) of the second layer (2220) may include the fifth CFRP (2432). The tensile modulus of the second CFRP (2221) may be higher than the tensile modulus of the fourth CFRP (2431) and the tensile modulus of the fifth CFRP (2432).

[0269] According to one embodiment, the toughness of the second CFRP (2221) may be lower than the toughness of the fourth CFRP (2431) and the toughness of the fifth CFRP (2432).

[0270] According to one embodiment, the foldable electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a waterproof tape (1310) disposed between the foldable housing (201) and the flexible display (230).

[0271] A flexible display (230) is disclosed. The flexible display (230) may include a display panel (310) comprising a bending portion (1210) and a flat portion (1220). The flexible display (230) may include a support member (320) disposed under one side of the display panel (310). The support member (320) may include a first support portion (1231) that supports the bending portion and a second support portion (1232) that supports the flat portion. The second support portion (1232) may include a first flat layer (1241) disposed below the flat portion (1220) and having a first tensile modulus, and a second flat layer (1242) disposed between the first flat layer (1241) and the flat portion (1220) and having a second tensile modulus smaller than the first tensile modulus.

[0272] According to one embodiment, the first flat layer (1241) may include one or more first fibers formed along the longitudinal direction of the bending portion (1210). The second flat layer (1242) may include one or more second fibers formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0273] According to one embodiment, the first flat layer (1241) may comprise pitch-based carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), and the second flat layer (1242) may comprise polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based CFRP.

[0274] According to one embodiment, the first support portion (1231) may include a first bending layer (1251) having a first tensile modulus and substantially horizontal to the first flat layer (1241), and a second bending layer (1252) having a second tensile modulus and substantially horizontal to the second flat layer (1242).

[0275] According to one embodiment, the first support portion (1231) may include a first bending layer (1251) that is substantially horizontal with the first flat layer (1241) and has a third tensile modulus smaller than the first tensile modulus.

[0276] According to one embodiment, the third tensile modulus may be substantially the same as the second tensile modulus.

[0277] According to one embodiment, the first support portion (1231) may include the first flat layer (1241) and the second flat layer (1242), respectively, a substantially horizontal first bending layer (1251) and a second bending layer (1252). The first bending layer (1251) includes at least one pattern formed therein, and the at least one pattern may not be formed in the second bending layer (1252).

[0278] According to one embodiment, the second support portion (1232) may include a third flat layer (1243) disposed under the first flat layer (1241) and having a tensile modulus smaller than the first tensile modulus.

[0279] According to one embodiment, the third flat layer (1243) may include one or more third fibers formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bending portion (1210).

[0280] According to one embodiment, the first support portion (1231) comprises the first flat layer (1241), the second flat layer (1242), and the third flat layer (1243), and respectively, a substantially horizontal first bending layer (1251), a second bending layer (1252), and a third bending layer (1253), and the first bending layer (1251) has a first tensile modulus, and the second bending layer (1252) and the third bending layer (1253) may each have a second tensile modulus and a third tensile modulus, respectively, which are smaller than the first tensile modulus.

[0281] According to one embodiment, the first bending layer (1251) and the second bending layer (1252) include at least one pattern formed therein, and the at least one pattern may not be formed in the first bending layer (1251).

[0282] An electronic device (101, 200, 2000) is disclosed. The electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a foldable housing (201) comprising a first housing portion (210) (e.g., a first housing part) and a second housing portion (220) (e.g., a second housing part) connected to the first housing portion (210) so as to be foldable. The electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a hinge assembly (250) that connects the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) so as to be rotatably foldable and unfoldable. The electronic device (101, 200, 2000) may include a flexible display (230) that is accommodated in the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) and is bendable when the first housing portion (210) and the second housing portion (220) are folded. The flexible display (230) may include a display panel (310) comprising a flat portion (1220) and a bending portion (1210) on the hinge assembly (250), and a support member (320) between the display panel (310) and the foldable housing (201). The support member (320) may include a first flat layer (1241) disposed below the flat portion (1220) and having a first tensile modulus, and a second flat layer (1242) disposed between the first flat layer and the flat portion (1220) and having a second tensile modulus smaller than the first tensile modulus.

[0283] 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.

[0284] The electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may be of various forms. The electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, electronic devices, or consumer electronics. The electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the devices described above.

[0285] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0286] 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).

[0287] 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 (120) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101)) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from 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.

[0288] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as 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 in a device-readable storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server's memory (130).

[0289] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In a foldable electronic device, A foldable housing comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatably connected to the first housing part; and Includes a flexible display, The above flexible display is, Display panel, and It includes a support plate configured to support the above-mentioned display panel and formed from CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), wherein the support plate includes a plurality of rigid regions and at least one flexible region. Each of the plurality of rigid regions of the support plate of the flexible display is, A first layer portion including a first CFRP, A second layer portion stacked below the first layer portion of the plurality of rigid regions and comprising a second CFRP, and A third layer portion comprising a third CFRP is laminated below the second layer portion of the plurality of rigid regions, and The tensile modulus of the second CFRP above is, Higher than the tensile modulus of the first CFRP and the tensile modulus of the third CFRP, Foldable electronic device.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned first CFRP is, It includes first carbon fibers arranged in a first direction, and The above second CFRP is, It includes second carbon fibers arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and The above third CFRP is, including third carbon fibers arranged in the first direction, Foldable electronic device.

3. In Paragraph 2, The first housing part and the second housing part are, They are rotatably connected to each other about a folding axis, The above first direction is, Perpendicular to the direction of the above folding axis, and The above second direction is, Parallel to the direction of the above folding axis, Foldable electronic device.

4. In Paragraph 2, The first housing part and the second housing part are, They are rotatably connected to each other about a folding axis, The above first direction and the above second direction are, Tilted with respect to the direction of the above folding axis, Foldable electronic device.

5. In Paragraph 1, Each of the above-mentioned first CFRP and the above-mentioned third CFRP is, It corresponds to PAN (polyacrylonitrile)-based CFRP, and The above second CFRP is, Corresponding to pitch-based CFRP, Foldable electronic device.

6. In Paragraph 1, The thermal conductivity of the above second CFRP is, Higher than the thermal conductivity of the first CFRP and the thermal conductivity of the third CFRP Foldable electronic device.

7. In Paragraph 1, The at least one flexible region of the support plate is, A first layer portion including the above-mentioned first CFRP, A second layer portion stacked below the first layer portion of the at least one flexible region and comprising a fourth CFRP, and It comprises a third layer portion laminated below the second layer portion of the at least one flexible region and including the third CFRP, The tensile modulus of the above-mentioned fourth CFRP is, substantially identical to the tensile modulus of the first CFRP above, Foldable electronic device.

8. In Paragraph 7, The toughness of the above-mentioned fourth CFRP is, Higher than the toughness of the second CFRP above, Foldable electronic device.

9. In Paragraph 1, The at least one flexible region of the support plate is, A first layer portion including the above-mentioned first CFRP, A second layer portion stacked below the first layer portion of the at least one flexible region and comprising a fourth CFRP, and It comprises a third layer portion laminated below the second layer portion of the at least one flexible region and including the third CFRP, The tensile modulus of the second CFRP above is, Higher than the tensile modulus of the first CFRP and the tensile modulus of the third CFRP, Foldable electronic device.

10. In Paragraph 1, The display panel of the above flexible display is, Part 1, Part 2, and A third portion extending from the first portion of the display panel to the second portion of the display panel, and bending when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded together, The plurality of rigid regions of the support plate are, When the above flexible display is viewed from above, it overlaps with the first part and the second part of the display panel, and The at least one flexible region of the support plate is, When the above flexible display is viewed from above, it overlaps with the third part of the display panel, Foldable electronic device.

11. In Paragraph 10, The at least one flexible region of the support plate is, Defining multiple slits Foldable electronic device.

12. In Paragraph 10, It further includes a hinge assembly configured to rotatably connect the first housing part and the second housing part, and The at least one flexible region of the support plate is, When the flexible display is viewed from above, it overlaps with at least a portion of the hinge assembly, Foldable electronic device.

13. In Paragraph 1, The thickness of the second layer portion above is, Thicker than the thickness of the first layer portion and the thickness of the third layer portion, Foldable electronic device.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned foldable housing is, The foldable electronic device further includes a third housing part rotatably connected to the second housing part, and when the foldable electronic device is in an unfolded state, the second housing part is located between the first housing part and the third housing part. The display panel of the above flexible display is, Part 1, Part 2, A third part extending from the first part of the display panel to the second part of the display panel, and bending when the first housing part and the second housing part are folded together, Part 4, and A fifth portion extending from the second portion of the display panel to the fourth portion of the display panel, and bending when the second housing part and the third housing part are folded, Foldable electronic device.

15. In Paragraph 14, The plurality of rigid regions of the support plate are, When the above flexible display is viewed from above, it overlaps with the first part, the second part, and the fourth part of the display panel, and The at least one flexible region of the support plate is, When the above flexible display is viewed from above, the third part and the fifth part of the display panel overlap, Foldable electronic device.

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