CN116917836A

CN116917836A - Electronic device including foldable flexible board

Info

Publication number: CN116917836A
Application number: CN202280019365.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 金浩渊; 金声俊; 柳广熙; 安正铁; 权伶哉
Original assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Current assignee: Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-05
Filing date: 2022-03-03
Publication date: 2023-10-20

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a hinge module disposed on the folding axis; a first housing connected to the hinge module; a second housing connected to the hinge module in a foldable manner with respect to the first housing; and a display disposed to be supported from at least a portion of the first housing to at least a portion of the second housing through the hinge module. The display may include: a display panel; at least one polymer member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel; and a flexible sheet disposed on the rear surface of the polymer member. The flexible board may include: a first planar portion facing the first housing; a second planar portion facing the second housing; and a flexible portion flexibly disposed and connecting the first planar portion and the second planar portion. The flexible portion includes: a plurality of supports spaced apart from each other by a plurality of slits; and a plurality of snap patterns having lengths extended from the plurality of supports, wherein the snap patterns of adjacent supports may be disposed to engage each other in a grid form.

Description

Electronic device including foldable flexible board

Technical Field

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a foldable flexible board.

Background

Recent design trends in portable electronic devices include lighter, thinner, stiffer, and more aesthetically pleasing, in an attempt to further conform to consumer preferences. Sometimes, these elements function to distinguish between the functional elements of the device. And such evolution involves a gradual transition from a generally rectangular form to a more diverse shape. For example, the electronic device may be implemented as a deformable structure, allowing physical reconfiguration from rectangular to other shapes. This may enable the portable device to use a large screen display without affecting portability, for example.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

The foldable electronic device may include a hinge structure, a first housing structure and a second housing structure operatively connected to the hinge structure. The foldable electronic device may be operated in an inner fold type and/or an outer fold type by rotating the first housing structure relative to the second housing structure via the hinge structure in a range of 0 to 360 degrees. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display that spans the first housing structure and the second housing structure when the device is opened 180 degrees. In general, an electronic device (e.g., a bar-type electronic device) having a single case may include at least one flexible board disposed on a rear surface of a display in an internal space of the display, which may help to enhance rigidity by providing support for the display and to shield electromagnetic noise. The flexible board may be grounded to a printed circuit board ground provided in the electronic device. In the case of a foldable electronic device, the first housing structure and the second housing structure may be separated from each other by moving relative to each other using a hinge structure. Accordingly, in the case of a non-foldable flexible sheet, the two flexible sheets may be separately disposed in the respective housing structures. In a structure in which the flexible boards are separately provided, creases may be generated in portions of the display that face edge portions of the respective flexible boards near the hinge structure due to frequent folding operations of the electronic device. These creases lead to failures within the electronic device and may degrade operational reliability.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a flexible board supporting a display panel, which is capable of reducing weight and improving flexibility and durability. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a flexible board is provided that improves the surface quality of a flexible display by forming a flat top surface of the flexible board.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device including a foldable flexible board is disclosed.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device is disclosed that includes a foldable flexible board whose flexibility is adjustable for each region according to folding characteristics.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device including a foldable flexible board is disclosed that can reduce manufacturing costs and improve reliability of the final assembly.

Solution to the problem

An electronic device according to some embodiments of the present invention may include: a hinge module forming a fold axis; a first housing operatively connected to the hinge module; a second housing, the second housing being operably connected to the hinge module in a foldable manner relative to the first housing; and a display disposed across the hinge module from at least a portion of the first housing to at least a portion of the second housing, wherein the display comprises: a display panel; at least one polymer member disposed on a rear surface of the display panel; and a flexible board disposed on a rear surface of the at least one polymer member, wherein the flexible board comprises: a first planar portion facing the first housing; a second planar portion facing the second housing; and a flexible portion that is bendable and that interconnects the first planar portion and the second planar portion, wherein the flexible portion comprises a plurality of supports and a plurality of snap patterns, wherein the plurality of supports are spaced apart from one another via a plurality of slits, the plurality of snap patterns extending in length from the plurality of supports, and wherein the snap patterns of adjacent supports are arranged to engage one another in a grid formation.

The beneficial effects of the invention are that

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, by providing a foldable flexible board as a separate component to support a foldable flexible display, the strength of a folding region can be improved, and the flexibility can be adjusted for each region according to various folding characteristics of an electronic device, so that the operational reliability of a folding mechanism can be improved.

According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the surface quality of a display can be improved by breaking up a foldable flexible board into separate components to support the foldable flexible display.

Drawings

The same or similar components may be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals in connection with the description of the figures.

Fig. 1 is a view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 2 is a view illustrating a folded state of the electronic device of fig. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 4a is an exploded perspective view illustrating a stacked structure of a display according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a stacked structure of a display according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5a is a diagram illustrating an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5b is a diagram illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating materials of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a fold axis according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a view showing the orientation direction of a flexible sheet along a fold axis according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a view along a fold axis showing the orientation direction of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 13a is a view illustrating a flexible board of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 13b is a view showing a snap (Velcro) pattern of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 14 is a view illustrating a flexible board of an electronic device in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 15 is a view illustrating a flexible board of an electronic device in an unfolded state (e.g., an open state) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 16 is a view showing the flexible board in a compressed state;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 18 is a view illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a snap pattern corresponding to the position of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 21 is a view illustrating a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 22 is a view illustrating a flexible board of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a snap pattern of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 29 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 35 is a view showing a plurality of slits formed by a wire cutting method;

fig. 36 is a view showing a plurality of slits formed by a wire cutting method;

FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 38 is a view showing a flexible portion of the flexible board shown in FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a view showing a flexible portion of the flexible board shown in FIG. 37;

Fig. 40 is a view showing a flexible portion of the flexible board shown in fig. 37.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 is a view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a view illustrating a folded state of the electronic device 100 of fig. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, the electronic device 100 may include a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 (e.g., foldable housing structures), a hinge cover 165, and a display 130 (e.g., a flexible display or a foldable display).

According to an embodiment, a pair of housing structures 110 and 120 (e.g., foldable housing structures) are rotatably coupled via a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure 164 in fig. 3) in a manner that is foldable relative to each other. According to an embodiment, the hinge cover 165 may cover the foldable portions of the pair of housing structures 110 and 120. According to an embodiment, a display 130 (e.g., a flexible display or a foldable display) may be disposed in a space defined by the pair of housing structures 110 and 120.

Herein, the surface provided with the display 130 may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device 100, and the surface opposite to the front surface may be defined as a rear surface of the electronic device 100. Further, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device 100.

In an embodiment, the pair of housing structures 110 and 120 may include a first housing structure 110, a second housing structure 120, a first back cover 140, and a second back cover 150, wherein the first housing structure 110 includes a sensor region 131d. The pair of housing structures 110 and 120 of the electronic device 100 are not limited to the shapes and assemblies shown in fig. 1 and 2, but may be implemented by other shapes or other combinations and/or assemblies of components. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure 110 and the first rear cover 140 may be integrated with each other, and the second housing structure 120 and the second rear cover 150 may be integrated with each other.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may be disposed at opposite sides about the folding axis (axis a) and may have a substantially symmetrical shape about the folding axis (axis a).

According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may vary depending on whether the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state (flat state), a folded state (closed state), or an intermediate state.

According to an embodiment, unlike the second housing structure 120, the first housing structure 110 may further include a sensor region 131d provided with various sensors. In the region other than the sensor region 131d, the first case structure 110 and the second case structure 120 may have shapes symmetrical to each other. As a further embodiment, the sensor region 131d may additionally be provided or replaced in at least a partial region of the second housing structure 120.

In a certain embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the first housing structure 110 may be connected to a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure 164 in fig. 3). The first housing structure 110 may include a first surface 111 disposed to face a front side of the electronic device 100, a second surface 112 facing an opposite side of the first surface 111, and a first side member 113 surrounding at least a portion of a space between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112.

In an embodiment, the first side member 113 may include: a first side surface 113a disposed parallel to the folding axis (axis a); a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis; and a third side surface 113c extending from the other end of the first side surface 113a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (axis a) and parallel to the second side surface 113 b.

In a certain embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the second housing structure 120 may be connected to a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure 164 in fig. 3). The second housing structure 120 may include: a third surface 121 disposed to face a front side of the electronic device 100; a fourth surface 122 facing an opposite side of the third surface 121; and a second side member 123 surrounding at least a portion of the space between the third surface 121 and the fourth surface 122. In a certain embodiment, the second side member 123 may include: a fourth side surface 123a provided parallel to the folding axis (axis a); a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (axis a); and a sixth side surface 123c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123a in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (axis a) and parallel to the fifth side surface 123 b. In an embodiment, in the folded state, the first surface 111 may face the third surface 121.

In a certain embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a recess 101, the recess 101 being configured to house the display 130 by structural coupling of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120. The recess 101 may have substantially the same size as the display 130.

In a certain embodiment, due to the sensor region 131d, the recess 101 is formed perpendicular to the folding axis (shaftThe line a) may have two or more different widths in the direction. For example, the recess 101 may have a first width W between a first portion 110a provided at an edge of the sensor region 131d of the first housing structure 110 and a second portion 120a of the second housing structure 120 parallel to the folding axis (axis a) ₁ And may have a second width W between a third portion 110b of the first housing structure 110 parallel to the fold axis (axis a) and not corresponding to the sensor region 113d and a fourth portion 120b of the second housing structure 120 ₂ . In this case, the second width W ₂ Can be smaller than the first width W ₁ Long. For example, the recess 101 may be configured to have a first width W from the first portion 110a of the first housing structure 110 to the second portion 120a of the second housing structure 120 ₁ Wherein the first and second portions are asymmetric with respect to each other and have a second width W from the third portion 110b of the first housing structure 110 to the fourth portion 120b of the second housing structure 120 ₂ So that the third and fourth portions are symmetrical to each other.

In a certain embodiment, the first portion 110a and the third portion 110b of the first housing structure 110 may be configured to have different distances to the fold axis (axis a). The width of the recess 101 is not limited to the example shown. In some embodiments, the recess 101 may have two or more different widths due to the shape of the sensor region 131d or the asymmetric portions of the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120.

In a certain embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure 110 and at least a portion of the second housing structure 120 may be formed of a metallic or non-metallic material having a stiffness, the stiffness level of which is selected so as to support the display 130.

In a certain embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include electronic components configured to perform various functions and disposed to be exposed to a front surface of the electronic device 100 through the sensor region 131d or one or more openings disposed in the sensor region 131 d. In some embodiments, the electronic component may include, for example, at least one of a front-end camera device, a receiver, a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an indicator.

In a certain embodiment, the first rear cover 140 may be disposed on the second surface 112 of the first housing structure 110. The first rear cover 140 may have a substantially rectangular outer periphery. In a certain embodiment, at least a portion of the rim may be surrounded by the first housing structure 110. Similarly, a second back cover 150 may be disposed on the fourth surface 122 of the second housing structure 120, and at least a portion of the outer periphery of the second back cover 150 may be at least partially surrounded by the second housing structure 120.

In a certain embodiment, the first and second back covers 140 and 150 may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (axis a). As another example, the first and second rear covers 140 and 150 may include various shapes different from each other. As another example, the first rear cover 140 may be integrated with the first housing structure 110, and the second rear cover 150 may be integrated with the second housing structure 120.

In a certain embodiment, the first rear cover 140, the second rear cover 150, the first housing structure 110, and the second housing structure 120 may provide a space in which various components of the electronic device 100 (e.g., a printed circuit board, an antenna module, a sensor module, or a battery) are disposed through an inter-coupling structure. In some embodiment, one or more components may be disposed or visually exposed on a rear surface of the electronic device 100. For example, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear region 141 of the first rear cover 140. In some embodiments, the sensor may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera device, and/or a flash (flash). In another embodiment, at least a portion of the secondary display 152 may be visually exposed through the second rear region 151 of the second rear cover 150. In another embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a speaker module 153, the speaker module 153 being disposed to be exposed to at least a partial region of the second rear cover 150.

In a certain embodiment, the display 130 may be disposed in a space defined by the pair of housing structures 110 and 120. For example, the display 130 may be disposed in the recess 101 defined by the pair of housing structures 110 and 120 and may be configured to occupy substantially a majority of the front surface of the electronic device 100. Accordingly, the front surface of the electronic device 100 may include the display 130 and a partial region (e.g., a peripheral region) of the first housing structure 110 and a partial region (e.g., a peripheral region) of the second housing structure 120 that are adjacent to the display 130.

In a certain embodiment, the rear surface of the electronic device 100 may include a first rear cover 140 and a partial region (e.g., an outer peripheral region) of the first housing structure 110 adjacent to the first rear cover 140, and a second rear cover 150 and a partial region (e.g., an outer peripheral region) of the second housing structure 120 adjacent to the second rear cover 150.

In a certain embodiment, display 130 may be a display in which at least a portion of the area is capable of being deformed into a flat or curved surface. In a certain embodiment, the display 130 may include a folding region 131c, a first region 131a disposed at one side of the folding region 131c (e.g., a right side region of the folding region 131 c), and a second region 131b disposed at the other side of the folding region 131c (e.g., a left side region of the folding region 131 c). For example, the first region 131a may be disposed in the first surface 111 of the first housing structure 110, while the second region 131b may be disposed in the third surface 121 of the second housing structure 120.

In a certain embodiment, given by way of example the region division of display 130, display 130 may be divided into multiple regions (e.g., four or more regions, or two regions) according to its structure or function. As an example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the area of the display 130 may be divided by a fold area 131c extending parallel to the y-axis or fold axis (axis a). In another embodiment, the division of the area of the display 130 may be based on another fold area (e.g., a fold area parallel to the x-axis) or another fold axis (e.g., a fold axis parallel to the x-axis). The above-described area division of the display is based solely on the physical division of the pair of housing structures 110 and 120 and the hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure 164 in fig. 3), while the display 130 may be displayed substantially entirely through the pair of housing structures 110 and 120 and the hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure 164 in fig. 3). In a certain embodiment, the first region 131a and the second region 131b may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folded region 131 c. However, unlike the second region 131b, the first region 131a may include a cut-out region (e.g., the cut-out region 133 in fig. 3) cut out according to the presence of the sensor region 131d, and may have a shape symmetrical to the second region 131b at a region other than the cut-out region. In other words, the first region 131a and the second region 131b may include portions that are symmetrical to each other and portions that are asymmetrical to each other.

The hinge cover 165 shown in fig. 2 may be disposed between the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 to cover internal components (e.g., the hinge structure 164 in fig. 3). In a certain embodiment, the hinge cover 165 may be covered by a portion of the first housing structure 110 and a portion of the second housing structure 120, or may be exposed, depending on the operating state (unfolded state or folded state) of the electronic device 100.

As an example, as shown in fig. 1, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state, the hinge cover 165 may be covered by the first and second case structures 110 and 120 without being exposed. As an example, as shown in fig. 2, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., a fully folded state), the hinge cover 165 may be exposed between the first and second case structures 110 and 120. As an example, when the first and second case structures 110 and 120 are in an intermediate state where the first and second case structures 110 and 120 are folded at an angle, the hinge cover 165 may be partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device 100 between the first and second case structures 110 and 120. In this case, the exposed area may be smaller than that in the fully folded state. In a certain embodiment, the hinge cover 165 may include a curved surface.

The operations of the respective areas of the first and second case structures 110 and 120 and the display 130 corresponding to the operation states (e.g., an unfolded state (flat state) and a folded state) of the electronic device 100 will be described hereinafter.

In a certain embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state (flat state) (e.g., the state of fig. 1), the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may form an angle of 180 degrees therebetween, and the first region 131a and the second region 131b of the display may face in the same direction. Further, the folded region 131c may form the same plane as the first region 131a and the second region 131 b. As another example, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state (flat state), the first housing structure 110 may be rotated at an angle of 360 degrees with respect to the second housing structure 120 such that the second surface 112 and the fourth surface 122 are reversely folded to face each other.

In a certain embodiment, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may be disposed to face each other when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., the state of fig. 2). The first region 131a and the second region 131b of the display 130 may face each other while forming a narrow angle (e.g., an angle between 0 and 10 degrees) with respect to each other. At least a portion of the folded region 131c may be formed as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

In a certain embodiment, the first housing structure 110 and the second housing structure 120 may be disposed to form a predetermined angle therebetween when the electronic device 100 is in the intermediate state. The first region 131a and the second region 131b of the display 130 may form an angle therebetween that is greater than in the folded state and less than in the unfolded state. At least a portion of the folded region 131c may be formed as a curved surface having a predetermined curvature, and the curvature in this case may be smaller than that in the folded state.

Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 3, an electronic device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a display 130, a support member assembly 160, at least one printed circuit board 170, a first housing structure 110, a second housing structure 120, a first rear cover 140, and a second rear cover 150.

According to an embodiment, the display 130 may include a display panel 131 (e.g., a flexible display panel) and at least one plate 132 or layer disposed on the display panel 131. In a certain embodiment, the at least one plate 132 may include a flexible plate (e.g., flexible plate 500 in fig. 4a and 5 a) disposed between the display panel 131 and the support member assembly 160 (e.g., a copper plate or a stainless steel plate). According to an embodiment, the flexible board (e.g., flexible board 500 in fig. 4a and 5 a) may include a conductive metal.

According to an embodiment, a flexible sheet (e.g., flexible sheet 500 in fig. 4a and 5 a) may have substantially the same area as the display 130, and an area facing a folded area of the display may be configured to be bendable. The plate 132 may include at least one auxiliary material layer (e.g., a graphite member) disposed on the rear surface of the display panel 131. In a certain embodiment, the shape of the plate 132 may correspond to the shape of the display panel 131. For example, the shape of the partial region of the first plate 132 may correspond to the shape of the cutout region 133 in the display panel 131.

The support member assembly 160 may include: a first support member 161 (e.g., a first support plate); a second support member 162 (e.g., a second support plate); a hinge structure 164 disposed between the first support member 161 and the second support member 162; a hinge cover 165, the hinge cover 165 covering the hinge structure 164 when the hinge structure 164 is viewed from the outside; and at least one wiring member 163 (e.g., a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB)) extending across the first and second support members 161 and 162.

In a certain embodiment, the support member assembly 160 may be disposed between the board 132 and at least one printed circuit board 170. As an example, the first support member 161 may be disposed between the first region 131a of the display 130 and the first printed circuit board 171. The second support member 162 may be disposed between the second region 131b of the display 130 and the second printed circuit board 172.

In certain embodiments, the wiring member 163 and the hinge structure 164 may be at least partially disposed inside the support member assembly 160. The wiring member 163 may be disposed in a direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) crossing the first support member 161 and the second support member 162. The wiring member 163 may be disposed in a direction (e.g., in the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or folding axis in fig. 1) of the folding region 131 c.

In a certain embodiment, the at least one printed circuit board 170 may include a first printed circuit board 171 disposed on the side of the first support member 161 and a second printed circuit board 172 disposed on the side of the second support member 162. The first printed circuit board 171 and the second printed circuit board 172 may be disposed in a space defined by the support member assembly 160, the first housing structure 110, the second housing structure 120, the first rear cover 140, and the second rear cover 150. Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device 100 may be mounted on the first printed circuit board 171 and the second printed circuit board 172.

In a certain embodiment, in the first space of the first housing structure 110 provided by the first support member 161, the first battery 191 may be disposed at a position facing the first printed circuit board 171 and the first expansion hole 1611 in the first support frame 161. Further, at least one sensor module 181 or at least one camera module 182 may be disposed in the first space of the first housing structure 110. The first housing structure 110 may include a window 183 at a location corresponding to the cut-out region 133 in the display 130, which is configured to protect the at least one sensor module 181 and the at least one camera module 182.

In a certain embodiment, in the second space of the second housing structure 120 provided by the second support member 162, the second battery 192 may be disposed at a position facing the second printed circuit board 172 and the second expansion hole 1621 in the second support member 162.

According to an embodiment, the first housing structure 110 and the first support member 161 may be integrated with each other. According to an embodiment, the second housing structure 120 and the second support member 162 may be integrated with each other, and according to an embodiment, the sub-display 152 may be disposed in the second space of the second housing structure 120. According to an embodiment, the sub display 152 (e.g., the second display) may be provided to be externally visible through at least a partial area of the second rear cover 150.

In a certain embodiment, the first housing structure 110 may include a first rotational support surface 114 and the second housing structure 120 may include a second rotational support surface 124 corresponding to the first rotational support surface 114. The first and second rotation support surfaces 114 and 124 may include curved surfaces corresponding to the curved surfaces included in the hinge cover 165.

In a certain embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state (e.g., the state of fig. 1), the first and second rotational support surfaces 114 and 124 may cover the hinge cover 165 such that the hinge cover 165 is not exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device 100 or minimally exposed to the rear surface of the electronic device 100. In a certain embodiment, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., the state of fig. 2 b), the first and second rotation support surfaces 114 and 124 may rotate along a curved surface included in the hinge cover 165 such that the hinge cover 165 is exposed to as much of the rear surface of the electronic device 100 as possible.

Fig. 4a is an exploded perspective view illustrating a stacked structure of a display according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view illustrating a stacked structure of a display according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 4a and 4b, the display 400 may include a window 410, for example, a Polyimide (PI) film or ultra-thin glass (UTG), and a polarizing Plate (POL) 420, for example, a polarizing film, a display panel 430, a polymer member 440, and a flexible plate 500, which are sequentially disposed on a rear surface of the window 410.

According to an embodiment, the window 410, the POL 420, the display panel 430, the polymer member 440, and the flexible sheet 500 may be disposed across at least a portion of a first surface (e.g., the first surface 111 in fig. 1) of a first housing structure (e.g., the first housing structure 110 in fig. 1) and at least a portion of a third surface (e.g., the third surface 121 in fig. 1) of a second housing structure (e.g., the second housing structure 120 in fig. 1).

According to an embodiment, the display 400 may include a first region h1, a second region h2, and a third region h3 (e.g., a region corresponding to the flexible portion 503 in fig. 5 a) (e.g., a folded region). The first region h1 may be a planar region corresponding to the first housing structure 110 of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100 in fig. 1). The second region h2 may be a planar region corresponding to the second housing structure 120. The third region h3 (e.g., the region corresponding to the flexible portion 503 in fig. 5 a) (e.g., the folded region) may include a region that faces the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure 164 of fig. 3) and is at least partially folded. The first region h1 and the second region h2 may be configured to be foldable or unfoldable around a third region h3 (e.g., the flexible portion 503 (h 3) in fig. 5 a) (e.g., a folded region).

According to an embodiment, the POL 420, the display panel 430, the polymer member 440, and the flexible board 500 may be attached to each other by adhesive members P1, P2, and P3, respectively. For example, the adhesive members P1, P2, and P3 may include Optically Clear Adhesives (OCA), pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSA), heat sensitive adhesives, general purpose adhesives, and double sided tapes.

According to some embodiments, the display 400 may include a flexible board 500 having substantially the same size and shape as the display panel 430.

According to an embodiment, the display 400 may include other adhesive members P4 (e.g., double-sided tape or waterproof members) disposed along an edge of one surface of the flexible board 500. According to an embodiment, the display 400 may be attached to a support member assembly (e.g., support member assembly 160 in fig. 3) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 3) through the other adhesive member P4.

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 500 may include: a first planar portion 501 facing a first region of the display 400 (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion 502 facing a second region of the display 400 (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b), and a flexible portion 503 facing a third region of the display 400 (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b). According to an embodiment, the flexible board 500 may be provided in a state in which the first planar portion 501, the second planar portion 502, and the flexible portion 503 are connected to each other in succession. According to an embodiment, in the flexible board 500, the first planar portion 501, the second planar portion 502, and the flexible portion 503 may be integrated with each other. According to an embodiment, the flexible board 500 may be attached to a rear surface of a polymer member (e.g., the polymer member 440 in fig. 4 b) by an adhesive member (e.g., the adhesive member P3 in fig. 4 b) to enable the display panel 430 to be folded or unfolded by at least a portion of the flexible portion 503. Further, the flexible board 500 may have air tightness so as to block foreign substances that may be introduced from the outside through the conductive elastic member 460, wherein the conductive elastic member 460 is partially attached from a portion of the first planar portion 501 to a portion of the second planar portion 502 through the flexible portion 503. According to an embodiment, the flexible board 500 may be at least partially flexible to the flexible portion 503 by means of the conductive elastic member 460. According to an embodiment, the conductive elastic member 460 may be formed to have an elongation of about 1% or more.

According to some embodiments, when the display is off, the dark color (e.g., black) may help to show the dark color by applying polymer member 440 to polymer member 440 as the dark color. According to an embodiment, the polymer member 440 may function as a cushion layer to prevent damage to the display 400 by absorbing impact from outside the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100 of fig. 1 and 2).

According to some embodiments, the display 400 may include at least one functional member disposed between the polymer member 440 and the flexible sheet 500. According to an embodiment, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, an additional display, a patch touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, a heat sink, a conductive/non-conductive tape, or an open-pore sponge.

According to an embodiment, when the functional component is bendable, the functional component may be disposed from a first housing structure (e.g., first housing structure 110 in fig. 3) to a second housing structure (e.g., second housing structure 120 in fig. 3) via a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure 164 in fig. 3). As another example, the display 400 may further include a detection member configured to detect an input of the electromagnetic induction type writing member. According to an embodiment, the detection means may comprise a digitizer.

Fig. 5a is a diagram illustrating an electronic device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 5b is a diagram illustrating a flexible board 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 5a and 5b, the electronic device 100 (e.g., the electronic device 100 of fig. 1 and 2 or the electronic device 100 of fig. 3) may include a first housing structure 401 (e.g., the first housing structure 110 of fig. 1 and 2), a second housing structure 402 (e.g., the second housing structure 120 of fig. 1 and 2), a first back cover 404 (e.g., the first back cover 140 of fig. 1 and 2), a second back cover 405 (e.g., the second back cover 150 of fig. 1 and 2), and a flexible board 500 (e.g., the flexible board 500 of fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, a first housing structure 401 (e.g., first housing structure 110 in fig. 1 and 2) and a second housing structure 402 (e.g., second housing structure 120 in fig. 1 and 2) of an electronic device 100 (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 1 and 2 or electronic device 100 in fig. 3) may be disposed on opposite sides of a folding axis (e.g., axis a). With the flexible board 500, the first housing structure 401 and the second housing structure 402 can be folded or unfolded about a folding axis (e.g., axis a).

According to an embodiment, the first rear cover 404 and the second rear cover 405 may be arranged substantially symmetrical to each other with respect to the folding axis (axis a). The first housing structure 401, the second housing structure 40, the first rear cover 404, and the second rear cover 405 may have structures coupled to each other.

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 500 may be in the form of a conductive sheet metal, which may help to strengthen the rigidity of the electronic device, and may serve to block ambient noise and dissipate heat emitted by surrounding heat generating components.

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 500 may include at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), stainless steel (SUS), or composite steel (CLAD) (e.g., a laminated member in which stainless steel (SUS) and aluminum (Al) are alternately disposed). As another example, the flexible board 500 may include other alloy materials.

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 500 may include: a first planar portion 501 facing a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b); a second planar portion 502 facing a second region of the display 400 (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b); and a flexible portion 503 facing a third region of the display 400 (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b). According to an embodiment, the flexible board 500 may be foldable or expandable about a folding axis (e.g., axis a) via at least a portion of the flexible portion 503 together with a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible portion 503 may be configured to support a rear surface of a display panel (e.g., the display panel in fig. 4 b) when the display (e.g., the third region h3 of the display 400 in fig. 4 b) experiences bending. As another example, the third region h3 may correspond to at least a portion of the flexible portion 503.

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 500 may be disposed between a first region (e.g., a first region h1 in fig. 4 b) and a second region (e.g., a second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., the display 400 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, the first planar portion 501 of the flexible board 500 may include a first support portion 510 that supports a first region (e.g., a first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., the display 400 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, the second planar portion 502 of the flexible board 500 may include a second support portion 520 that supports a second region (e.g., a second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., the display 400 in fig. 4 b).

The flexible portion 503 of the flexible plate 500 may include slits 530 arranged at regular or irregular intervals, and a plurality of support pieces 540. The first planar portion 501 of the flexible board 500 may include a first bracket 510 without a slit 530, while the second planar portion 502 may include a second bracket 520 without a slit 530. The plurality of support sheets 540 of the flexible portion 503 may be provided to be connected to each other. In another example, the plurality of supports 540 of the flexible portion 503 may be arranged separate from one another. Since the slits 530 are formed in the flexible portion 503, the total weight of the flexible board 500 is reduced, and flexibility may be provided at least partially through the formation of the slits 530 so as to be able to facilitate folding and unfolding operations through the third region h3 (e.g., folding region).

According to an embodiment, a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b) for connecting the plurality of support pieces 540 of the flexible portion 503 may be disposed under the flexible board 500. As an example, a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b) may be disposed on a surface of the flexible board 500 opposite to a surface of the flexible board 500 facing the display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b).

In a certain embodiment, a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b) may be disposed to overlap at least a portion of the first planar portion 501, at least a portion of the second planar portion 502, and the entire flexible portion 503. The first planar portion 501, the second planar portion 502, and the flexible portion 503 may be connected to each other by a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b). The plurality of supports 540 separated (or spaced apart) from each other by the plurality of slits 530 may be kept connected to each other by the conductive elastic member 460. Further, the flexibility of the flexible portion 503 may be provided by a plurality of supports 540 spaced apart from each other by a plurality of slits 530 and connected to each other via conductive elastic members 460. Further, since the plurality of slits 530 are closed by the conductive elastic member 460, it is possible to prevent an external foreign matter from invading into the device through the front surface of the flexible board.

In a certain embodiment, the conductive elastic member 460 may include a conductive elastic band member or a conductive elastic film member on the rear surface of the flexible board 500 that spans from a portion of the first planar portion 501 to a portion of the second planar portion 502 across the plurality of supports 540. In a certain embodiment, the conductive elastic band member may be formed of at least one of conductive rubber, conductive silicone, or conductive polyurethane.

In a certain embodiment, the first planar portion 501 and the second planar portion 502 spaced apart from each other in the flexible board 500 may be electrically connected to each other via the conductive elastic member 460. Thus, a ground region of a printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board 170 in fig. 3) inside the electronic device 100 (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 3) may be electrically connected to each other with the flexible board 500.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 5a and 6, a first housing structure 401 (e.g., first housing structure 110 in fig. 1 and 2) and a second housing structure 402 (e.g., second housing structure 120 in fig. 1 and 2) of an electronic device 100 (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 1 and 2 or electronic device 100 in fig. 3) may be disposed on opposite sides of a folding axis (e.g., axis a). According to an embodiment, the first housing structure 401 and the second housing structure 402 may be foldable or expandable about a folding axis (e.g., axis a) by means of a flexible sheet 600 (e.g., flexible sheet 500 in fig. 4 b).

According to embodiments, the flexible board 600 may be implemented in the form of a conductive metal sheet, which may help to strengthen the rigidity of the electronic device, and may serve to block ambient electrical noise and dissipate heat emitted by surrounding heat-generating components.

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 600 may include at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), stainless steel (SUS), or composite steel (CLAD) (e.g., a laminated member in which stainless steel (SUS) and aluminum (Al) are alternately disposed). As another example, the flexible sheet 600 may include other alloys and/or materials.

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 600 may include: a first planar portion 601 facing a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b); a second planar portion 602 facing a second region of the display 400 (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b); and a flexible portion 603 facing a third region of the display 400 (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b). According to an embodiment, the flexible sheet 600 may be foldable or expandable about a folding axis (e.g., axis a) via at least a portion of the flexible portion 603 along with a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible portion 603 may be configured to support a rear surface of a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) during bending of the flexible display (e.g., third region h3 of display 400 in fig. 4 b). As another example, the third region h3 may correspond to at least a portion of the flexible portion 603.

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 600 may be disposed between a first region (e.g., a first region h1 in fig. 4 b) and a second region (e.g., a second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., the display 400 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, the first planar portion 601 of the flexible board 600 may include a first support portion 601 that supports a first region (e.g., a first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., the display 400 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, the second planar portion 602 of the flexible board 600 may include a second support portion 620 that supports a second region (e.g., a second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., the display 400 in fig. 4 b).

In a certain embodiment, the flexible portion 603 of the flexible board 600 may include slits 630 disposed at regular or irregular intervals, and a plurality of support tabs 640. As an example, the slit 630 may be configured in a bar shape. In a certain embodiment, in the flexible portion 603 of the flexible board 600, a plurality of supports 640 having a predetermined width w are disposed to be spaced apart from each other by slits 630 having a predetermined interval d. The first planar portion 601 of the flexible board 600 may include a first support portion 610 without a slit 630, and the second planar portion 602 may include a second support portion 620 without a slit 630.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of supports 640 of the flexible portion 603 may be provided connected to each other. In another example, the plurality of supports 640 of the flexible portion 603 may be disposed spaced apart from one another. Since the slit 603 is provided in the elastic portion 603, the total weight of the flexible board 600 can be reduced, and flexibility can be provided by the slit 630, so that folding and unfolding operations can be facilitated in the third region h3 (for example, a folding region).

According to an embodiment, a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b) connecting the plurality of supports 640 of the flexible portion 603 may be disposed under the flexible plate 600. As an example, a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b) may be disposed on a surface of the flexible board 600 opposite to a surface of the flexible board 600 facing the display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b).

In a certain embodiment, a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b) may be disposed to overlap at least a portion of the first planar portion 601, at least a portion of the second planar portion 602, and the entire flexible portion 603. The first planar portion 601, the second planar portion 602, and the flexible portion 603 may be connected to each other by a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b). The plurality of supporters 640 separated (or separated) from each other by the plurality of slits 630 may remain connected to each other via the conductive elastic member 460. Further, the flexibility of the flexible portion 603 may be provided via a plurality of supports 640, wherein the plurality of supports 640 are spaced apart from each other via a plurality of slits 630 and connected to each other via a conductive elastic member 460. Further, since the plurality of slits 630 are closed via the conductive elastic member 460, it is possible to prevent an external foreign matter from invading into the device through the front surface of the flexible board.

According to an embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion 603 of the flexible plate 600 may be adjusted by varying the shape and/or arrangement density of the plurality of supports 640 and slits 630. According to an embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion 603 may be adjusted by varying the width w of the plurality of supports 640. For example, the flexibility of the flexible portion 603 may be adjusted by gradually increasing or decreasing the width w of the plurality of supports 640 having the same spacing d from the folding axis (e.g., axis a) to the left or right. According to an embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion 603 may also be adjusted by causing the spacing d between the plurality of supports 640 having the same width w to gradually decrease or increase in a left and/or right direction relative to the folding axis (e.g., axis a). According to an embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion 603 may be adjusted by providing different widths and different spacings d of the plurality of supports 640.

In a certain embodiment, the first and second planar portions 601 and 602 may be spaced apart from each other in the flexible board 600 and may be electrically connected to each other through the conductive elastic member 460. Thus, the ground regions of the printed circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board 170 in fig. 3) within the electronic device 100 (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 3) may be electrically connected to each other with the flexible board 600.

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board 700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 7, a flexible board 700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first planar portion 701 supporting a first region (e.g., a first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion 702 supporting a second region (e.g., a second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of the display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), and a flexible portion 703 supporting a third region (e.g., a third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of the display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b).

In a certain embodiment, the flexible portion 703 of the flexible sheet 700 may include slits 730 arranged at regular or irregular intervals, and a plurality of supports 740. As an example, the slit 730 may be configured in a bar shape.

In a certain embodiment, in the flexible portion 703 of the flexible board 700, a plurality of supports 740 having a predetermined width may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other via slits 730 having a predetermined interval. The first planar portion 701 of the flexible board 700 may include a first support portion 710 without the slit 730, and the second planar portion 702 may include a second support portion 720 without the slit 730.

According to an embodiment, the slit 730 of the flexible portion 703 may be provided as an opening formed at the upper side 704 (e.g., y-axis direction) and the lower side 705 (e.g., -y-axis direction) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., axis a). The plurality of supporters 740 may be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals by the slits 730. The plurality of supports 740 separated by the plurality of slits 730 may remain connected to each other via a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b). Further, the flexibility of the flexible portion 703 may be provided via a plurality of supports 740 connected to each other by the conductive elastic member 460.

Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating materials of a flexible board 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 8, according to an embodiment, a first planar portion 801 (e.g., the first planar portion 701 of fig. 7) and a second planar portion 802 (e.g., the second planar portion 702 of fig. 7) of the flexible board 800 may be constructed using a single material. For example, the first planar portion 801 and the second planar portion 802 may be formed of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).

According to an embodiment, the flexible portion 803 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7) of the flexible plate 800 may be formed of a variety of materials. As an example, the flexible portion 803 may include a resin 810 and a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) 820. In certain embodiments, the plurality of supports (e.g., the plurality of supports 740 in fig. 7) may be formed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic 820. The resin 810 may be disposed in spaces between at least some of the plurality of supports (e.g., the plurality of supports 740 in fig. 7). For example, the resin 810 may be a conductive elastic resin, and may be provided by filling a plurality of slits in a liquid state and then curing.

Since the flexible portion 803 is composed of different materials, resistance against an impact received by the front surface of the electronic device can be improved, and shear strength can be improved. Further, since the flexible portion 803 is formed of different materials, the flexibility can be maintained by increasing the repulsive force so as to facilitate the folding and unfolding operations in the third region h3 (for example, the folding region).

Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board 900 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 9, a flexible board 900 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first planar portion 901 supporting a first region (e.g., a first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion 902 supporting a second region (e.g., a second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of the display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), and a flexible portion 903 supporting a third region (e.g., a third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of the display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b).

In a certain embodiment, the flexible portion 903 of the flexible board 900 may include slits 930 arranged at regular or irregular intervals, and a plurality of supports 940. As an example, the slit 930 may be formed in a bar shape.

In a certain embodiment, in the flexible portion 903 of the flexible board 900, a plurality of supports 940 having a predetermined width are provided to be spaced apart from each other via slits 930 having a predetermined interval. The first planar portion 901 of the flexible board 900 may include a first support portion 910 without a slit 930, and the second planar portion 902 may include a second support portion 920 without a slit 930.

According to an embodiment, bridge 912 may be disposed at upper side 904 (e.g., y-axis direction) relative to the fold axis (e.g., axis a) such that slit 930 of flexible portion 703 is closed proximate upper side 904 (e.g., y-axis direction). The first support portion 910 and the second support portion 920 may be connected to each other by a bridge 912. The slit 930 of the flexible portion 903 may open at an underside 905 (e.g., -y-axis direction) relative to the fold axis (e.g., axis a).

In a certain embodiment, the upper portions 940a of the plurality of supports 940 may be connected by a bridge 912. The middle portions 940b and the lower portions 940c of the plurality of supports 940 may be spaced apart from each other at regular intervals by slits 930. The plurality of supports 940 of the flexible portion 903 are connected to one another by a bridge 912. Accordingly, the upper side 904 of the flexible portion 903 can be formed to be flat, and thus the surface quality of the flexible portion 903 can be improved.

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of supports 940 may be held in connection with each other by a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b). Further, the flexibility of the flexible portion 703 may be provided via a plurality of supports 940 connected to each other by a conductive elastic member 460.

According to an embodiment, the first planar portion 901 (e.g., the first planar portion 701 in fig. 7) and the second planar portion 902 (e.g., the second planar portion 702 in fig. 7) of the flexible board 900 may be formed of a single material. For example, the first planar portion 901 and the second planar portion 902 may include Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).

According to embodiments, the flexible portion 903 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7) of the flexible sheet 900 can be constructed of a variety of materials. For example, the flexible portion 903 may include a resin (e.g., the resin 810 in fig. 8) and a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (e.g., the carbon fiber reinforced plastic 820 in fig. 8). In a certain embodiment, the plurality of supports 940 (e.g., the plurality of supports 740 in fig. 7) may be formed of a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (e.g., the carbon fiber reinforced plastic 820 in fig. 8). A resin (e.g., the resin 810 in fig. 8) may be disposed in the space between the plurality of supports 940 (e.g., the plurality of supports 740 in fig. 7). Since the flexible portion 903 is formed of different materials, resistance against an impact applied to the front surface of the electronic device can be enhanced, and shear strength can be improved. Further, since the flexible portion 903 is formed of different materials, flexibility can be ensured by increasing repulsive force so as to facilitate folding and unfolding operations in the third region h3 (for example, a folded region).

Fig. 10 is a view illustrating a fold axis according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a view along a folding axis showing the orientation direction of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 10 and 11, an electronic device 1000 (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 5 a) may include a flexible board 1100 (e.g., flexible board 500 in fig. 5 a). The flexible board 1100 may include a plurality of layers 1110 and 1120. The plurality of layers 1110 and 1120 of the flexible board 1100 may include a first support layer 1110 and a second support layer 1120. In a certain embodiment, the first support layer 1110 may be located at the uppermost layer, and the second support layer 1120 may be located under the first support layer 1110.

According to an embodiment, the first support layer 1110 of the flexible board 1100 may be provided as a single flat layer supporting a display panel (e.g., the display panel 430 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, the second support layer 1120 of the flexible board 1100 may include: a first planar portion 1101 facing a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion 1102 facing a second region (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400, and a flexible portion 1103 facing a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400. According to an embodiment, the flexible board 1100 may be foldable or expandable about a folding shaft axis (e.g., axis a) via at least a portion of the flexible portion 1103 together with folding of a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the folded portion 1103 may be configured to: when the display (e.g., the third region h3 of the display 400 in fig. 4 b) experiences bending, the rear surface of the display panel (e.g., the display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) is supported.

According to an embodiment, the flexible portion 1103 of the flexible board 1100 may include a plurality of slits 1130 and a plurality of supports 1140 arranged at regular or irregular intervals. The first and second planar portions 1101, 1102 of the flexible board 1100 may be configured without the slit 1130. A plurality of supports 1140 of the flexible portion 1103 may be provided in connection with one another. In another embodiment, the plurality of supports 1140 of the flexible portion 1103 can be separate from one another.

According to an embodiment, the first support layer 1110 may be disposed at an upper side (e.g., y-axis direction) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., axis a), and thus the plurality of slits 1130 in the flexible portion 1103 may be disposed in a closed form at the upper side (e.g., y-axis direction). The first support portion 1110 and the second support portion 1120 may be connected to each other through the first support layer 1110. The plurality of slits 1130 in the flexible portion 1103 can open on an underside (e.g., -y-axis direction) of the flexible portion relative to the fold axis (e.g., axis a).

According to an embodiment, the first support layer 1110 of the flexible board 1100 may include Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). According to an embodiment, the second support layer 1120 of the flexible board 1100 may include Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).

According to an embodiment, the orientation directions of the first support layer 1110 and the second support layer 1120 of the flexible board 1100 may be different from each other with respect to the folding axis 1001 of the electronic device 1000. For example, the same direction 1020 (e.g., y-axis direction) as the folding axis 1001 of the electronic device 1000 may be defined as a 0 degree orientation. For example, a direction 1010 perpendicular to the folding axis 1001 of the electronic device 1000 (e.g., an x-axis direction) may be defined as a 90 degree orientation.

According to an embodiment, the first support layer 1110 of the flexible board 1100 may be oriented in a single direction. In a certain embodiment, the first support layer 1110 of the flexible board 1100 can be oriented in a first direction (e.g., the same direction 1020 as the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)) such as, for example, a 0 degree orientation.

According to an embodiment, the second support layer 1120 of the flexible board 1100 may be oriented in a plurality of directions. In a certain embodiment, the second support layer 1120 of the flexible board 1100 may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., the same direction 1020 as the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)) and a second direction (e.g., the direction 1010 orthogonal to the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)), such as a 90 degree orientation.

In a certain embodiment, in the flexible board 1100, the first support layer 1110 is disposed on the flexible portion 1103 of the second support layer 1120 such that upper sides of the plurality of supports 1140 of the flexible portion 1103 may be connected to each other through the first support layer 1110. The plurality of supports 1140 of the flexible portion 1103 may be connected by the first support layer 1110 to planarize the upper side of the flexible portion 1103. Thereby, the height difference of the upper surface of the flexible board 1100 can be reduced, and the surface quality can be improved. Further, in the flexible board 1100, the first support layer 1110 may be oriented in the same first direction as the folding axis 1001 (e.g., axis a), while the second support layer 1120 may be oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the folding axis 1001 (e.g., axis a). Thereby enhancing the shear strength and maintaining a sufficient degree of flexibility.

Fig. 12 is a view along a folding axis showing the orientation direction of a flexible sheet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 10 and 12, an electronic device 1000 (e.g., the electronic device 100 of fig. 5 a) may include a flexible board 1200 (e.g., the flexible board 500 of fig. 5 a). The flexible sheet 1200 may include a plurality of layers 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of layers 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 of the flexible sheet 1200 may include a first support layer 1210, a second support layer 1220, a third support layer 1230, and a flexible layer 1240.

In a certain embodiment, the first support layer 1210 may be positioned at the uppermost layer, and the second support layer 1220 may be positioned under the first support layer 1210. The first support layer 1230 may be located under the second support layer 1220. The flexible layer 1240 may be positioned below the first support layer 1210.

In a certain embodiment, the first support layer 1210 may be provided to face all of the first planar portion 1201, the second planar portion 1202, and the flexible portion 1203. In a certain embodiment, the first support portion 1221 of the second support layer 1220 may be disposed at a position overlapping the first planar portion 1201. The second support portion 1222 of the second support layer 1220 may be disposed at a position overlapping the second plane portion 1202. The first support portion 1231 of the third support layer 1230 may be disposed at a position overlapping the first plane portion 1201. The second support portion 1232 of the third support layer 1230 may be disposed at a position overlapping the second plane portion 1202. In a certain embodiment, the second support layer 1220 and the third support layer 1230 are not disposed at positions facing the flexible portion 1203. In some embodiment, the flexible layer 1240 may be disposed in the flexible portion 1203 between the first planar portion 1201 and the second planar portion 1202.

According to an embodiment, the flexible sheet 1200 may be foldable or expandable about a folding axis (e.g., axis a) via at least a portion of the flexible portion 1203 (e.g., flexible layer 1240) along with a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible portion 1203 may be configured to: the rear surface of the display panel (e.g., the display panel in fig. 4 b) is supported while the display (e.g., the third region h3 of the display 400 in fig. 4 b) is bent.

According to an embodiment, the first support layer 1210 may be disposed at an upper side (e.g., y-axis direction) with respect to the folding axis (e.g., axis a), so that the flexible portion 1203 may be disposed in such a manner that it is closed at the upper side (e.g., y-axis direction). The first and second support portions 1221 and 1222 of the second support layer 1220 may be connected to each other through the first support layer 1210.

According to an embodiment, the first support layer 1210 of the flexible sheet 1200 may include Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). According to an embodiment, the first and second support portions 1221 and 1222 of the second support layer 1220 of the flexible sheet 1200 may include Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). According to an embodiment, the first support portion 1231 and the second support portion 1232 of the third support layer 1230 of the flexible sheet 1200 may include Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). According to embodiments, the flexible layer 1240 may include a thermally conductive flexible composite resin (e.g., a graphite composite), a soft graphite resin, and/or a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).

According to an embodiment, the orientation directions of the first support layer 1210, the second support layer 1220, and the third support layer 1230 of the flexible sheet 1200 may be different from each other with respect to the folding axis 1001 of the electronic device 1000. For example, the same direction 1020 (e.g., y-axis direction) as the folding axis 1001 of the electronic device 1000 may be defined as a 0 degree orientation. For example, a direction 1010 perpendicular to the fold axis 1001 (e.g., x-axis direction) may be defined as a 90 degree orientation.

According to an embodiment, the first support layer 1210 of the flexible sheet 1200 may be oriented in a single direction. In a certain embodiment, the first support layer 1210 of the flexible sheet 1200 may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., the same direction 1020 as the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)) such as, for example, a 0 degree orientation.

According to an embodiment, the second support layer 1220 of the flexible sheet 1200 may be oriented in multiple directions. In a certain embodiment, the second support layer 1220 of the flexible sheet 1200 can be oriented in a first direction (e.g., the same direction 1020 as the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)) and a second direction (e.g., the direction 1010 orthogonal to the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)), such as a 90 degree orientation.

According to an embodiment, the third support layer 1230 of the flexible sheet 1200 may be oriented in a single direction. In a certain embodiment, the third support layer 1230 of the flexible sheet 1200 may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., the same direction 1020 as the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)), such as a 0 degree orientation. In another example, the third support layer 1230 of the flexible sheet 1200 may be oriented in a single direction. In a certain embodiment, the third support layer 1230 of the flexible sheet 1200 may be oriented in a second direction (e.g., direction 1010 orthogonal to the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)), such as a 90 degree orientation.

In a certain embodiment, in the flexible board 1200, the first support layer 1210 may be disposed on the flexible layer 1240 so that the upper side of the flexible portion 1103 is flat. Thereby, the height difference of the top surface of the flexible board 1200 can be reduced, and the surface quality can be improved. Further, in the flexible sheet 1200, the first support layer 1210 may be oriented in the same first direction as the folding axis 1001 (e.g., axis a), the second support layer 1220 may be oriented in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and the folding axis 1001 (e.g., axis a), and the third support layer 1230 may be oriented in the first direction or the second direction. Thereby enabling to enhance the shear strength and to ensure the flexibility.

Fig. 13a is a view illustrating a flexible board of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 13b is a view illustrating a snap pattern of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 13a and 13b, an electronic device 1300 (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 5 a) may include a flexible board 1310 (e.g., flexible board 500 in fig. 5 a). The flexible sheet 1310 may be constructed as a single layer or multiple layers (e.g., multiple layers 1110 and 1120 in fig. 11, or multiple layers 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 in fig. 12).

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 1310 may include: a first planar portion 1311a facing a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion 1311b facing a second region (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400, and a flexible portion 1311c facing a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400. According to an embodiment, the flexible sheet 1310 may be foldable or expandable about a folding axis (e.g., axis a) via at least a portion of the flexible portion 1311c along with a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible portion 1311c may be configured to: the rear surface of the display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) is supported while the display (e.g., third region h3 of display 400 in fig. 4 b) experiences bending.

According to an embodiment, the flexible portion 1311c of the flexible plate 1310 may include a plurality of slits 1316 and a plurality of supports 1312 disposed at regular or irregular intervals, and a plurality of snap patterns 1314 extending from the plurality of supports 1312.

In a certain embodiment, the first and second planar portions 1311a, 1311b of the flexible sheet 1310 may be configured without a plurality of slits 1316 and a plurality of snap patterns 1314. The plurality of supports 1312 of the flexible portion 1311c may be disposed spaced apart from one another via a plurality of slits 1316. The plurality of supports 1312 may be connected to each other by a plurality of snap patterns 1314.

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of snap patterns 1314 may include a plurality of first snap patterns 1314a extending in length from a first side surface 1312a of the plurality of supports 1312 in a first direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) and a plurality of second snap patterns 1314b extending in length from a second side surface 1312b of the plurality of supports 1312 in a second direction (e.g., -an x-axis direction).

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of first snap patterns 1314a may include first portions 1314a-1 and second portions 1314a-2, wherein the first portions 1314a-1 extend in a first direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) from the first side surfaces 1312a of the plurality of supports 1312, respectively, and the second portions 1314a-2 extend in a third direction (e.g., a y-axis direction) and a fourth direction (e.g., -y-axis direction) from ends of the first portions 1314a-1, respectively. The first portion 1314a-1 may have a length extending in a first direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) and the second portion 1314a-2 may have a length extending in a third direction (e.g., a y-axis direction) and a fourth direction (e.g., -y-axis direction).

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of second snap patterns 1314b may include a third portion 1314b-1 and a fourth portion 1314b-2, wherein the third portion 1314b-1 has a length extending in a second direction (e.g., -x-axis direction) from the second side surface 1312b of the plurality of supports 1312 and the fourth portion 1314b-2 has a length extending in a third direction (e.g., y-axis direction) and a fourth direction (e.g., -y-axis direction) from an end of the third portion 1314b-1, respectively. The third portion 1314b-1 may have a length extending in a second direction (e.g., -x-axis direction) and the fourth portion 1314a-2 may have a length extending in a third direction (e.g., y-axis direction) and a fourth direction (e.g., -y-axis direction).

In some embodiment, the support 1312 may be centrally located, the first snap pattern 1314a may be located in one side direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the support 1312, and the second snap pattern 1314b may be located in another side direction (e.g., -x-axis direction) of the support 1312. As another example, the support 1312 may be located at the center, the second snap patterns 1314b may be located in one side direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the support 1312, and the first snap patterns 1314a may be located in the other side direction (e.g., -x-axis direction) of the support 1312.

In a certain embodiment, the first and second snap patterns 1314a and 1314b extending in length from adjacent ones of the plurality of supports 1312 may be disposed to engage each other in a grid form, and thus the plurality of supports 1312 may be connected to each other.

In a certain embodiment, the first portion 1314a-1 of the first snap pattern 1314a and the third portion 1314b-1 of the second snap pattern 1314b may have a first width w1 (e.g., about 0.05 mm). In a certain embodiment, the second portion 1314a-2 of the first snap pattern 1314a and the fourth portion 1314b-2 of the second snap pattern 1314b may have a second width w2 (e.g., about 0.05 mm). In a certain embodiment, the support 1312, the first snap pattern 1314a, and the second snap pattern 1314b may have a third width w3 (e.g., about 0.2 mm) in total.

In a certain embodiment, when the width of the support 1312 increases, rigidity for supporting the display panel in the folded region can be improved. In a certain embodiment, when the widths of the first and second snap patterns 1314a and 1314b are increased, the elongation and shear strength of the flexible portion 1311c can be improved and the flexibility is ensured. In a certain embodiment, when the density of the support 1312, the first snap pattern 1314a, and the second snap pattern 1314b is reduced and the thickness of the first snap pattern 1314a and the second snap pattern 1314b is increased, the tensile strength and the shear strength can be enhanced.

Fig. 14 is a view illustrating a flexible board in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 2 and 14, when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., a closed state), a gap between the plurality of slits 1316 provided in the flexible portion (e.g., the flexible portion 703 in fig. 7, the flexible portion 903 in fig. 9, the flexible portion 1103 in fig. 11, or the flexible portion 1311c in fig. 13 a) of the flexible plate 1310 may be increased to the first interval d1. As an example, since the display 130 is folded when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (e.g., a closed state), the interval between the plurality of slits 1316 in the flexible portion of the flexible sheet 1310 in the folded region may be maximized (e.g., to the first interval). Since the plurality of first snap patterns 1314a and the plurality of second snap patterns 1314b of the plurality of supports 1312 are disposed to be engaged with each other in a mesh form, the supports are connected to each other without being separated from each other even when the gap between the plurality of slits 1316 is increased to the first interval d1.

Fig. 15 is a view illustrating a flexible board in an unfolded state (e.g., an open state) of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 1 and 15, when the electronic device 100 is in the unfolded state (e.g., the open state), the gap between the plurality of slits 1316 provided in the flexible portion (e.g., the flexible portion 703 in fig. 7, the flexible portion 903 in fig. 9, the flexible portion 1103 in fig. 11, or the flexible portion 1311c in fig. 13 a) of the flexible plate 1310 may be reduced to the second interval d2. As an example, since the display 130 is unfolded when the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state (e.g., an open state), the interval between the plurality of slits 1316 in the flexible portion of the flexible sheet 1310 in the folded region may be reduced. Since the plurality of first snap patterns 1314a and the plurality of second snap patterns 1314b of the plurality of supports 1312 are disposed to be engaged with each other in a mesh form, the plurality of supports 1312 are connected to each other without being separated from each other even when the gap between the plurality of slits 1316 is reduced to the second interval d2.

Fig. 16 is a view showing the flexible board in a compressed state.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 16, when the electronic device 100 is dropped in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) or an unfolded state (e.g., an open state), a strong unfolding pressure may be instantaneously applied to the electronic device 100, thereby possibly causing gaps between the plurality of slits 1316 provided in the flexible portion (e.g., the flexible portion 703 in fig. 7, the flexible portion 903 in fig. 9, the flexible portion 1103 in fig. 11, or the flexible portion 1311c in fig. 13 a) of the flexible plate 1310 to be reduced to the third interval d3. As an example, when a user grips the electronic device 100 in a unfolded state (e.g., an open state) and applies pressure to the electronic device, a strong unfolding pressure may be applied to the electronic device 100, possibly resulting in a reduction of gaps between the plurality of slits 1316 provided in the flexible portion (e.g., the flexible portion 703 in fig. 7, the flexible portion 903 in fig. 9, the flexible portion 1103 in fig. 11, or the flexible portion 1311c in fig. 13 a) of the flexible sheet 1310 to a minimum interval (e.g., a third interval d 3). Since the plurality of first snap patterns 1314a and the plurality of second snap patterns 1314b of the plurality of supports 1312 are disposed to be engaged with each other in a mesh form, the plurality of supports 1312 are connected to each other without being separated from each other even when the gaps between the plurality of slits 1316 are narrowed to the third interval d3.

Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 17, a flexible sheet 1700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be constructed as a single layer or multiple layers (e.g., multiple layers 1110 and 1120 in fig. 11, or multiple layers 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 in fig. 12).

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 1700 may include: a first planar portion 1701 facing a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of the display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion 1702 facing a second region (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400, and a flexible portion 1703 facing a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400. According to an embodiment, flexible sheet 1700 may be foldable or expandable about a folding axis (e.g., axis a) via at least a portion of flexible portion 1703 along with a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible portion 1703 may be configured to: the rear surface of the display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) is supported when the display (e.g., third region h3 of display 400 in fig. 4 b) experiences bending.

According to an embodiment, the flexible portion 1703 of the flexible plate 1700 may include a plurality of slits 1730 and a plurality of supports 1710 arranged at regular or irregular intervals, and a plurality of snap patterns 1720 extending from the plurality of supports 1710.

According to an embodiment, first planar portion 1701 of flexible sheet 1700 may include first support portion 1740. According to an embodiment, the first planar portion 1702 of the flexible board 1700 may include a second support portion 1750. In a certain embodiment, the first support portion 1740 and the second support portion 1750 may be configured without the plurality of slits 1730 and the plurality of supports 1710.

In a certain embodiment, first planar portion 1701 and second planar portion 1702 of flexible board 1700 may be configured without a plurality of slits 1730 and a plurality of snap patterns 1720. The plurality of supports 1710 of the flexible portion 1703 may be disposed spaced apart from one another via a plurality of slits 1730. The plurality of supports 1710 may be connected to one another via a plurality of snap patterns 1720.

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of snap patterns 1720 may include a plurality of first snap patterns 1722 and a plurality of second snap patterns 1724, the plurality of first snap patterns 1722 extending in length from a first side surface of the plurality of supports 1710 in a first direction (e.g., an x-axis direction) and the plurality of second snap patterns 1724 extending in length from a second side surface of the supports 1710 in a second direction (e.g., -x-axis direction).

In a certain embodiment, the first snap pattern 1722 is in the form ofA shape in which the width of the first snap pattern increases from the first side of the support 1710 to a first direction (e.g., x-axis direction). />

In a certain embodiment, the second snap pattern 1724 hasA shape in which the width of the first snap pattern increases from the second side of the support 1710 to the second direction (e.g., -x-axis direction).

In some embodiment, the support 1710 may be centered, the first snap pattern 1722 may be located in one side direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the support 1710, and the second snap pattern 1724 may be located in the other side direction (e.g., -x-axis direction) of the support 1710. As another example, the support 1710 may be centered, the second snap pattern 1724 may be located in one side direction (e.g., x-axis direction) of the support 1710, and the first snap pattern 1724 may be located in the other side direction (e.g., -x-axis direction) of the support 1710.

In a certain embodiment, the first and second snap patterns 1722 and 1724 extending in length from the adjacent plurality of supports 1710 may be provided to be engaged with each other in a grid form, and thus the plurality of supports 1710 may be connected with each other.

Fig. 18 is a view illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 18, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 5 a) may include a flexible board 1800 (e.g., flexible board 900 in fig. 9, flexible board 1100 in fig. 11, or flexible board 1200 in fig. 12). The flexible sheet 1800 may include a plurality of layers 1810, 1820, 1830, 1822 and 1832. The plurality of layers 1810, 1820, 1830, 1822 and 1832 of the flex 1800 may include a first support layer 1810, a second support layer 1820, a third support layer 1830, a first skin 1822 and a second skin 1832. In some embodiment, second support layer 1820 and first skin layer 1822 may be positioned at an uppermost portion, and first support layer 1810 may be positioned below second support layer 1820. Third support layer 1830 and second skin layer 1832 may be positioned below first support layer 1810.

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 1800 may include: a first planar portion 1801 facing a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion 1802 facing a second region (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400, and a flexible portion 1803 facing a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400. According to an embodiment, the flexible sheet 1800 may be foldable or expandable about a folding axis (e.g., axis a) via at least a portion of the flexible portion 1803 along with a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b).

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible portion 1803 may be configured to: the rear surface of the display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) is supported while the display (e.g., third region h3 of display 400 in fig. 4 b) experiences bending.

In a certain embodiment, the second support layer 1820 is disposed on the first planar portion 1801 and the second planar portion 1802, respectively, but not on the flexible portion 1803. The first skin layer 1822 may be disposed on the flexible portion 1803 in a manner that is coplanar with the second support layer 1820. The first surface layer 1822 may be disposed in a space between the second support layers 1820.

In a certain embodiment, the third support layer 1830 is disposed on the first and second planar portions 1801 and 1802, respectively, but not on the flexible portion 1803. The second skin layer 1832 may be disposed on the flexible portion 1803 in a manner that is coplanar with the third support layer 1830. The second skin layer 1832 may be located in the space between the third support layers 1830.

According to an embodiment, the flexible portion 1803 of the flexible sheet 1800 may include a plurality of slits 1814 and a plurality of supports 1812 arranged at regular or irregular intervals. A plurality of slits 1814 and a plurality of supporters 1812 may be formed in the first support layer 1810. The first and second planar portions 1816 and 1818 of the first support layer 1810 may be configured without the slit 1814. The plurality of supports 1812 of the flexible portion 1803 may be provided to be connected to one another. In another embodiment, the plurality of supports 1812 of the flexible portion 1803 may be separate from one another.

According to an embodiment, the first skin 1822 may be disposed on an upper side (e.g., y-axis direction) of the first support surface 1810 relative to the fold axis (e.g., axis a), and thus the plurality of slits 1814 in the flexible portion 1803 may be disposed in a closed-top-side (e.g., y-axis direction) fashion. The plurality of supports 1812 may be connected to one another via a first skin 1822.

According to an embodiment, the second skin layer 1832 may be disposed on an underside (e.g., -y-axis direction) of the first support layer 1810 relative to the fold axis (e.g., axis a), and thus the plurality of slits 1814 in the flexible portion 1803 may be disposed in a closed form on the underside (e.g., -y-axis direction). The plurality of supports 1812 may be connected to one another via a plurality of second skin layers 1832.

As another example, the first skin 1822 and the second skin 1832 may include slits along a direction orthogonal to the plurality of slits 1814.

According to an embodiment, the first, second, and third support layers 1810, 1820, 1830 of the flexible sheet 1800 may include Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).

In a certain embodiment, the first support layer 1810, the second support layer 1820, and the third support layer 1830 of the flexible sheet 1800 may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., the same direction 1020 as the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)) such as, for example, a 0 degree orientation.

In a certain embodiment, the first support layer 1810, the second support layer 1820, and the third support layer 1830 of the flexible sheet 1800 may be oriented in a first direction (e.g., the same direction 1020 as the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)) and may be oriented in a second direction (e.g., the direction 1010 orthogonal to the fold axis 1001 (e.g., axis a)) such as a 90 degree orientation.

In some embodiment, in the flexible sheet 1800, since the first skin 1822 is disposed above the flexible portion 1803 and the second skin 1832 is disposed below the flexible portion 1803, the upper and lower sides of the flexible portion 1803 are flexibly flattened. The height difference of the top and bottom surfaces of the flexible board 1800 can be reduced, the surface quality can be improved, the shear strength can be enhanced, and the flexibility can be ensured.

Fig. 19 is a view illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 19, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 5 a) may include a flex 1900 (e.g., flex 900 in fig. 9, flex 1100 in fig. 11, or flex 1200 in fig. 12). The flex panel 1900 may include multiple layers 1910, 1920, and 1930. The plurality of layers 1910, 1920, and 1930 of the flexible sheet 1900 may include a first support layer 1910, a second support layer 1920, and a third support layer 1930. In some embodiment, the second support layer 1920 may be positioned at an uppermost layer, and the first support layer 1910 may be positioned below the second support layer 1920. Third support layer 1930 may underlie first support layer 1910.

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 1900 may include: a first planar portion 1901 facing a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion 1902 facing a second region (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400, and a flexible portion 1903 facing a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400. According to an embodiment, the flexible sheet 1900 may be foldable or expandable about a folding axis (e.g., axis a) along with a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) via at least a portion of the flexible portion 1903.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of flexible portion 1903 may be configured to: the rear surface of the display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) is supported while the display (e.g., third region h3 of display 400 in fig. 4 b) experiences bending.

According to an embodiment, the flexible portion 1903 of the flexible board 1900 may include a plurality of slits 1914 and a plurality of supports 1912 arranged at regular or irregular intervals. The first and second planar portions 1916, 1918 of the first support layer 1910 may be configured without slits 1914.

In a certain embodiment, a plurality of slits 1914 may be provided in the first, second, and third support layers 1910, 1920, 1930 of the flexible portion 1903, and the plurality of slits 1914 may be filled with resin. The plurality of supports 1912 may be connected to each other by resin filled in the plurality of slits 1914. Further, the upper and lower sides of the flexible portion 1903 become flat due to being sealed by the resin filled in the plurality of slits 1914. The difference in height between the top and bottom surfaces of the flexible board 1900 can be reduced, the surface quality can be improved, the shear strength can be enhanced, and the flexibility can be ensured.

Fig. 20 is a view illustrating a snap pattern corresponding to a position of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 21 is a view illustrating a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 20 and 21, an electronic device 2000 (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 5 a) may include a flexible board 2010 (e.g., flexible board 500 in fig. 5a or flexible board 1310 in fig. 13 a). The flexible sheet 2010 may be constructed as a single layer or multiple layers (e.g., multiple layers 1110 and 1120 in fig. 11, or multiple layers 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 in fig. 12).

According to an embodiment, the flexible sheet 2010 may include: a first planar portion (e.g., first planar portion 1311a in fig. 13 a) facing a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion (e.g., second planar portion 1311b in fig. 13 a) facing a second region (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400, and a flexible portion 2001 (e.g., flexible portion 1311c in fig. 13 a) facing a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400. According to an embodiment, the flexible board 2010 may be foldable or expandable about a folding axis (e.g., axis a in fig. 13 a) along with a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) via at least a portion of the flexible portion 2001.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible portion 2001 may be configured to: when the display (e.g., the third region h3 of the display 400 in fig. 4 b) is subjected to bending, the rear surface of the display panel (e.g., the display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) is supported.

According to an embodiment, the flexible portion 2001 of the flexible plate 2010 may include a plurality of slits 2011 and a plurality of supporters 2013 disposed at regular or irregular intervals, and a plurality of snap patterns 2012, 2014 and 2016 extending from the plurality of supporters 2013.

The plurality of supports 2013 of the flexible portion 2001 may be disposed spaced apart from one another via a plurality of slits 2011. The plurality of supporters 2013 may be connected to each other by a plurality of snap patterns 2012, 2014 and 2016.

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of snap patterns 2012, 2014, and 2016 may include a plurality of first snap patterns 2012, a plurality of second snap patterns 2014, and a plurality of third snap patterns 2016.

In a certain embodiment, a plurality of first snap patterns 2012 may be provided at an upper end 2010a of the flexible sheet 2010. In a certain embodiment, a plurality of second snap patterns 2014 may be provided at the middle portion 2010b of the flexible board 2010. In a certain embodiment, a plurality of third snap patterns 2016 may be provided at the lower end 2010c of the flexible plate 2010.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 2000 is in a folded state (e.g., a closed state), a high tensile load may be applied to the plurality of first snap patterns 2012 disposed at the upper end 2010a and the plurality of third snap patterns 2016 disposed at the lower end 2010c. In a certain embodiment, in order to withstand a high tensile load applied when the electronic device 2000 is in a folded state (e.g., a closed state), the plurality of first snap patterns 2012 disposed at the upper end 2010a and the plurality of third snap patterns 2016 disposed at the lower end 2010c may be made thicker than the plurality of second snap patterns 2014 disposed at the middle portion 2010b.

Fig. 22 is a view illustrating a flexible board of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 22, an electronic device 2200 (e.g., the electronic device 100 in fig. 5 a) may include a flexible board 2210 (e.g., the flexible board 500 in fig. 5a or the flexible board 1310 in fig. 13 a). The flexible plate 2210 may be constructed as a single layer or multiple layers (e.g., multiple layers 1110 and 1120 in fig. 11, or multiple layers 1210, 1220, 1230, and 1240 in fig. 12).

According to an embodiment, the flexible board 2210 may include: a first planar portion (e.g., first planar portion 1311a in fig. 13 a) facing a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion (e.g., second planar portion 1311b in fig. 13 a) facing a second region (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400, and a flexible portion 2201 (e.g., flexible portion 1311c in fig. 13 a) facing a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of the display 400. According to an embodiment, the flexible board 2210 may be foldable or expandable about a folding axis (e.g., axis a in fig. 13 a) simultaneously with a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) via at least a portion of the flexible portion 2201.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the flexible portion 2201 may be configured to support a rear surface of a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4 b) when the display (e.g., third region h3 of display 400 in fig. 4 b) experiences bending.

According to an embodiment, the flexible portion 2201 of the flexible plate 2210 may include a plurality of slits 2211 and a plurality of supports 2212 and 2216 disposed at regular or irregular intervals, and a plurality of snap patterns 2214 and 2218 extending from the plurality of supports 2212 and 2216.

The plurality of supports 2212 and 2216 of the flexible portion 2201 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other via a plurality of slits 2211. The plurality of supporters 2212 and 2216 may be connected to each other via a plurality of snap patterns 2214 and 2218.

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of supports 2212 and 2216 may include a plurality of first supports 2212 and a plurality of second supports 2216. The width of the plurality of first supports 2212 may be gradually reduced from the upper end 2210a of the flexible plate 2210 toward the middle portion 2210 b. The width of the plurality of second supporters 2216 may be gradually reduced from the lower end 2101c of the flexible plate 2210 toward the intermediate portion 2210 b.

As another example, the plurality of first and second supports 2212 and 2216 may be tapered, the tapered width gradually increasing or decreasing in left and/or right directions with respect to the folding axis.

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of snap patterns 2214 and 2218 may include a plurality of first snap patterns 2214 and a plurality of second snap patterns 2218.

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of first snap patterns 2214 may extend in length from the plurality of first supports 2212. The plurality of second snap patterns 2218 may extend in length from the plurality of second supports 2216.

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of first supports 2212 of the flexible board 2210 may be disposed wider at the upper end 2210a, and the plurality of second supports 2216 may be disposed wider at the lower end 2210c, so that it is possible to enhance the resistance against the impact applied by the upper and lower ends of the electronic device 2200 and to increase the shear strength. In addition, flexibility can be ensured to facilitate folding and unfolding operations in the folding region.

Fig. 23 is a view illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 23, the tensile elongation and the compression ratio can be adjusted according to the widths w1 and w2 of the plurality of supports 2311, 2321 and 2331 of the flexible boards 2310, 2320 and 2330 and the lengths d1 and d2 of the plurality of fastener patterns 2312, 2314, 2322, 2324, 2332 and 2334.

In a certain embodiment, the first support 2311 of the first flexible board 2310 and the second support 2321 of the second flexible board 2320 may be made to have the same width d1. The first fastener patterns 2312 and 2314 of the first flexible sheet 2310 may have a first length d1, and the second fastener patterns 2322 and 2324 of the second flexible sheet 2320 may have a second length d2 greater than the first length d1. In this way, when the first support 2311 and the second support 2321 are made to have the same width w1 and the length d2 of the second fastener patterns 2322 and 2324 is made to be greater than the length d1 of the first fastener patterns 2312 and 2314, the tensile elongation can be improved.

In a certain embodiment, the width w2 of the third support 2331 of the third flexible plate 2330 may be made larger than the width w1 of the first support 2311 of the first flexible plate 2310. The first snap patterns 2312 and 2314 of the first flexible plate 2310 may have a first length d1, and the third snap patterns 2332 and 2334 of the third flexible plate 2320 may likewise have a first length d1. In this way, when the first and third snap patterns 2312 and 2314 and 2332 and 2334 are made to have the same length d1 and the width w2 of the third support is made to be greater than the width w1 of the first support 2311, it is possible to reduce the tensile elongation and improve the shear strength.

Fig. 24 is a view illustrating a buckle pattern 2420 of a flexible board 2400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 24, a flexible portion of a flexible board 2400 (e.g., flexible portion 1103 in fig. 11, flexible portion 1311c in fig. 13a, or flexible portion 1703 in fig. 17) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may be disposed in a folded region of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 5 a).

According to an embodiment, a flexible portion of the flexible board 2400 (e.g., the flexible portion 1103 in fig. 11, the flexible portion 1311c in fig. 13a, or the flexible portion 1703 in fig. 17) may include a plurality of supports 2410 and a plurality of snap patterns 2420.

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of buckle patterns 2420 may include: a first portion 2422 extending in length from side surfaces of the plurality of supports 2410; and a second portion 2424 extending in length from an end of the first portion 2422. Among the plurality of the buckle patterns 2420, the first portion 2422 may have a first width and the second portion 2424 may have a second width larger than the first width. Of the plurality of the buckle patterns 2420, the first portion 2422 may be a bar shape and the second portion 2424 may be an oval shape having a predetermined curvature.

Fig. 25 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 25, in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 2500 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) can be in a compressed state 2501. In the deployed state of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 2500 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) can be in a stretched state 2502.

In some embodiment, flexible portion 2500 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) can include multiple snap patterns 2510. As an example, the plurality of snap patterns 2510 may include a plurality of supports 2520 and a plurality of slit patterns 2530 provided in the plurality of snap patterns 2510. As an example, adjacent ones of the plurality of supports 2520 may be arranged on the same row along the x-axis direction (e.g., a horizontal direction). Adjacent ones of the plurality of supporters 2520 are inserted into the slit pattern 2530 and are disposed to be engaged with each other in a grid form so that the plurality of snap patterns 2510 can be connected to each other without being separated.

For example, the gap between the plurality of snap patterns 2510 of the flexible section 2500 may be maximized or reduced depending on the compressed state 2501 or the stretched state 2502. Even in the case where the interval between the plurality of snap patterns 2510 of the flexible part 500 is maximally increased or decreased, the support 2520 and the slit pattern 2530 may be provided to be engaged with each other, and thus the plurality of snap patterns 2510 may be connected to each other without being separated.

Fig. 26 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 26, in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 2600 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a compressed state 2601. In an expanded state (e.g., an open state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 2600 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a stretched state 2602.

In some embodiment, the flexible portion 2600 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may include a plurality of snap patterns 2610. For example, the plurality of snap patterns 2610 may include a plurality of supports 2620 and a plurality of slit patterns 2630 disposed in the plurality of snap patterns 2610. For example, adjacent multiple supports 2620 may be located in different rows along the x-axis direction (e.g., horizontal direction) and may be arranged in a zigzag pattern. The adjacent plurality of supporters 2620 are inserted into the slit patterns 2630 and are disposed to be engaged with each other in a grid form so that the plurality of snap patterns 2610 can be connected to each other without being separated.

For example, the gaps between the plurality of snap patterns 2610 of the flexible portion 2600 may be maximized or reduced according to the compressed state 2601 or the stretched state 2602. Even in the case where the interval between the plurality of snap patterns 2610 of the flexible portion is maximally increased or decreased, the plurality of supporters 2620 and the plurality of slit patterns 2630 may be disposed to be engaged with each other, and thus the plurality of snap patterns 2610 may be connected to each other without being separated.

Fig. 27 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 27, in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), a flexible portion 2700 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a compressed state 2701. In the deployed state of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 2700 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a stretched state 2702.

In some embodiment, flexible portion 2700 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may include a plurality of snap patterns 2710. For example, the plurality of snap patterns 2710 may include a plurality of supports 2720 and a plurality of slit patterns 2730 provided in the plurality of snap patterns 2710. As an example, the plurality of supports 2720 may be provided in a convex dumbbell-like form and the plurality of slit patterns 2730 may be provided in a carved dumbbell-like form. As an example, adjacent multiple supports 2720 may be arranged in the same row along the x-axis direction (e.g., horizontal direction). Adjacent ones of the plurality of supporters 2720 are inserted into the slit patterns 2730 and are disposed to be engaged with each other in a grid form so that the plurality of snap patterns 2710 can be connected to each other without being separated.

As an example, the gaps between the plurality of snap patterns 2710 of the flexible portion 2700 may be maximized or reduced depending on the compressed state 2701 or the stretched state 2702. Even in the case where the interval between the plurality of snap patterns 2710 of the flexible portion is maximally increased or decreased, the plurality of supporters 2720 and the plurality of slit patterns 2730 are disposed to be engaged with each other, and thus the plurality of snap patterns 2710 are still connected to each other without being separated.

Fig. 28 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 28, in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 2800 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a compressed state 2801. In an expanded state (e.g., an open state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 2800 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a stretched state 2802.

In some embodiment, flexible portion 2800 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may include a plurality of snap patterns 2810. As an example, the plurality of snap patterns 2810 may include a plurality of supports 2820 and a plurality of slit patterns 2830 provided in the plurality of snap patterns 2810. As an example, the plurality of supports 2820 may be provided in a convex dumbbell-like form and the plurality of slit patterns 2830 may be provided in a carved dumbbell-like form. As an example, adjacent ones of the plurality of supports 2820 may be located on different rows along the x-axis direction (e.g., horizontal direction) and may be arranged in a zigzag fashion. Adjacent ones of the plurality of supports 2820 are inserted into the slit patterns 2830 and are disposed to be engaged with each other in a grid form so that the plurality of snap patterns 2810 can be connected to each other without being separated.

As an example, the gap between the plurality of snap patterns 2810 of the flexible portion 2800 may be maximized or reduced depending on the compressed state 2801 or the stretched state 2802. Even in the case where the interval between the plurality of snap patterns 2810 of the flexible portion is maximally increased or decreased, the plurality of supporters 2820 and the plurality of slit patterns 2830 are disposed to be engaged with each other, and thus the plurality of snap patterns 2810 are connected to each other without being separated.

Fig. 29 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 29, in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 2900 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a compressed state 2901. In the expanded state (e.g., open state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 2900 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a stretched state 2902.

In some embodiment, flexible portion 2900 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may include a plurality of snap patterns 2910. As an example, the plurality of snap patterns 2910 may include a plurality of supports 2920 and a plurality of slit patterns 2930 disposed in the plurality of snap patterns 2910. As an example, the plurality of supports 2920 may be provided in a convex wedge-shaped form and the plurality of slit patterns 2930 may be provided in a carved wedge-shaped form. As an example, adjacent ones of the plurality of supports 2920 may be arranged in the same row along the x-axis direction (e.g., horizontal direction). The adjacent plurality of supporters 2920 are inserted into the slit patterns 2930 and are disposed to be engaged with each other in a grid form so that the plurality of snap patterns 2910 can be connected to each other without being separated.

As an example, the gaps between the plurality of snap patterns 2910 of the flexible portion 2900 may be maximized or reduced depending on the compressed state 2901 or the stretched state 2902. Even when the interval between the plurality of snap patterns 2910 of the flexible portion is maximally increased or decreased, the plurality of supporters 2920 and the plurality of slit patterns 2930 are disposed to be engaged with each other, and thus the plurality of snap patterns 2910 are still connected to each other without being separated.

Fig. 30 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 30, in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 3000 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a compressed state 3001. In an expanded state (e.g., an open state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 3000 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a stretched state 3002.

In some embodiment, the flexible portion 3000 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may include a plurality of snap patterns 3010. As an example, the plurality of buckle patterns 3010 may include a plurality of supports 3020 and a plurality of slit patterns 3030 provided in the plurality of buckle patterns 3010. As an example, the plurality of supports 3020 may be provided in a convex wedge-shaped form and the plurality of slit patterns 3030 may be provided in an engraved wedge-shaped form. As an example, adjacent ones of the plurality of supports 3020 may be located in different rows along the x-axis direction (e.g., horizontal direction) and may be arranged in a zigzag fashion. The adjacent plurality of supporters 3020 are inserted into the slit pattern 3030 and are disposed to be engaged with each other in a mesh form so that the plurality of snap patterns 3010 can be connected to each other without being separated.

As an example, the gap between the plurality of fastener patterns 3010 of the flexible portion 3000 may be maximized or reduced depending on the compressed state 3001 or the stretched state 3002. Even when the interval between the plurality of buckle patterns 3010 of the flexible portion is maximally increased or decreased, the plurality of supporters 3020 and the plurality of slit patterns 3030 may be disposed to be engaged with each other, and thus the plurality of buckle patterns 3010 may be connected to each other without being separated.

Fig. 31 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 31, in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), a flexible portion 3100 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a compressed state 3101. In an expanded state (e.g., an open state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 3100 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a stretched state 3102.

In some embodiment, flexible portion 3100 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) can include a plurality of snap patterns 3110. As an example, the plurality of buckle patterns 3110 may include a plurality of supports 3120 and a plurality of slit patterns 3130 provided in the plurality of buckle patterns 3110. As an example, the plurality of supports 3120 may be provided in the form of raised clamps and the plurality of slit patterns 3130 may be provided in the form of engraved clamps. As an example, adjacent ones of the plurality of support members 3120 may be aligned in the same row along the x-axis direction (e.g., a horizontal direction). The adjacent plurality of supporters 3120 are inserted into the slit pattern 3130 and are disposed to be engaged with each other in a grid form so that the plurality of snap patterns 3110 can be connected to each other without being separated.

As an example, the gaps between the plurality of snap patterns 3110 of the flexible portion 3100 may be maximally increased or decreased according to the compression state 3101 or the tension state 3102. Even in the case where the interval between the plurality of the snap patterns 3110 of the flexible portion is maximally increased or decreased, the plurality of supports 3120 and the plurality of slit patterns 3130 are disposed to be engaged with each other, and thus the plurality of snap patterns 3110 are still connected to each other without being separated.

Fig. 32 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 32, in a folded state (e.g., a closed state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 3200 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a compressed state 3201. In the unfolded state (open state) of an electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 2), flexible portion 3200 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may be in a stretched state 3202.

In some embodiment, flexible portion 3200 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 903 in fig. 9) may include a plurality of snap patterns 3210. As an example, the plurality of snap patterns 3210 may include a plurality of supports 3220 and a plurality of slit patterns 3230 provided in the plurality of snap patterns 3210. As an example, the plurality of supports 3220 may be provided in the form of raised clamps and the plurality of slit patterns 3230 may be provided in the form of engraved clamps. As an example, adjacent ones of the plurality of supports 3220 may be located in different rows along the x-axis direction (e.g., horizontal direction) and may be arranged in a zigzag fashion. The adjacent plurality of supporters 3220 are inserted into the slit pattern 3230 and are disposed to be engaged with each other in a grid form so that the plurality of snap patterns 3210 can be connected to each other without being separated.

As an example, the gaps between the plurality of snap patterns 3210 of the flexible portion 3200 may be maximally increased or decreased according to the compression state 3201 or the tension state 3202. Even when the interval between the plurality of snap patterns 3210 of the flexible part 3200 is maximally increased or decreased, the plurality of supporters 3220 and the plurality of slit patterns 3230 may be disposed to be engaged with each other, and thus the plurality of snap patterns 3210 may be connected to each other without being separated.

Fig. 33 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 33, a flexible board (e.g., conductive board 700 in fig. 7) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a first planar portion (e.g., first planar portion 701 in fig. 7) supporting a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion (e.g., second planar portion 702 in fig. 7) supporting a second region (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), and a flexible portion 3300 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7) supporting a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b).

In a certain embodiment, the flexible portion 3300 of a flexible sheet (e.g., the conductive sheet 700 of fig. 7) may include a plurality of slits 3310 (e.g., slits 730 of fig. 7) and a plurality of supports 3320 (e.g., a plurality of supports 740 of fig. 7) disposed at regular or irregular intervals. As an example, the slit 3310 may be configured in a bar shape.

In a certain embodiment, in the flexible portion 3300 of the flexible board (e.g., the conductive board 700), a plurality of supports 3320 having a predetermined width may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other via slits 3310 having a predetermined interval. A first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion 701 in fig. 7) of the flexible board (e.g., the conductive board 700 in fig. 7) may include a first support portion (e.g., the first support portion 701 in fig. 7) without the slit 3310, and a second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion 702 in fig. 7) may include a second support portion (e.g., the second support portion 720 in fig. 7) without the slit 3310.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of slits 3310 in the flexible portion 3300 may be provided in a form that are open at an upper side (e.g., y-axis direction) and a lower side (e.g., -y-axis direction) with respect to a folding axis (e.g., axis a).

According to an embodiment, a plurality of slits 3310 of the flexible portion 3300 may be provided through the flexible portion 3300 from the top surface 3311 to the bottom surface 3312. The plurality of slits 3310 of the flexible portion 3300 may have a constant width from the top surface 3311 to the bottom surface 3312.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of supports 3320 may be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals by the plurality of slits 3310. The plurality of supports 3320 separated by the plurality of slits 3310 may remain connected to each other via a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b). Further, the flexibility of the flexible portion 3300 may be provided by a plurality of supports 3320 that are connected to one another via conductive elastic members (e.g., conductive elastic members 460 in fig. 4 b).

In a certain embodiment, since the number of the plurality of slits 3310 in the flexible portion 3300 can be reduced from n to 1/2n and the width of the plurality of slits 3310 can be reduced, the surface quality at the portion where the flexible portion 3300 and the display (e.g., the display 400 in fig. 4 b) contact each other can be improved.

Fig. 34 is a view illustrating a flexible portion of a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 34, a flexible board (e.g., conductive board 700 in fig. 7) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a first planar portion (e.g., first planar portion 701 in fig. 7) supporting a first region (e.g., first region h1 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), a second planar portion (e.g., second planar portion 702 in fig. 7) supporting a second region (e.g., second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), and a flexible portion 3400 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7) supporting a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b).

In a certain embodiment, the flexible portion 3400 of a flexible board (e.g., the conductive board 700 of fig. 7) may include a plurality of slits 3410 (e.g., the slits 730 of fig. 7) and a plurality of supports 3420 (e.g., the plurality of supports 740 of fig. 7) arranged at regular or irregular intervals. As an example, the slit 3410 may be configured in a bar shape.

In a certain embodiment, in the flexible portion 3400 of a flexible board (e.g., the conductive board 700 in fig. 7), a plurality of supports 3420 having a predetermined width may be provided to be spaced apart from each other via slits 3410 having a predetermined interval. A first planar portion (e.g., first planar portion 701 in fig. 7) of a flexible sheet (e.g., conductive sheet 700 in fig. 7) may include a first support portion (e.g., first support portion 710 in fig. 7) without slits 3410, and a second planar portion (e.g., second planar portion 702 in fig. 7) may include a second support portion (e.g., second support portion 720 in fig. 7) without slits 3410.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of slits 3410 in the flexible portion 3400 may be provided in a form that is open at an upper side (e.g., y-axis direction) and a lower side (e.g., -y-axis direction) with respect to a folding axis (e.g., axis a).

According to an embodiment, a plurality of slits 3410 of flexible portion 3300 may be disposed through flexible portion 3300 from top surface 3411 to bottom surface 3412. The width of the plurality of slits 3410 in the flexible portion 3400 may increase from the top surface 3411 to the bottom surface 3412 of the flexible portion.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of supporters 3420 may be separated from each other at predetermined intervals by the plurality of slits 3410. The plurality of supports 3420 separated by the plurality of slits 3410 may remain connected to each other via a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b). Further, the flexibility of the flexible portion 3400 may be provided by a plurality of supports 3420 connected to each other via conductive elastic members (e.g., conductive elastic members 460 in fig. 4 b). Since the width of the plurality of slits 3410 in the flexible portion 3400 may increase from the top surface 3411 to the bottom surface 3412, the flexibility of the flexible portion 3400 can be further improved.

In certain embodiments, since the number of the plurality of slits 3410 in the flexible portion 3400 decreases from n to 1/2n and the width of the plurality of slits 3410 of the flexible portion 3400 may decrease from the bottom surface 3412 to the top surface 3411, the surface quality of a portion where the flexible portion 3400 and the display (e.g., the display 400 in fig. 4 b) contact each other can be improved.

Fig. 35 is a view showing a plurality of slits formed by a wire cutting method.

Referring to fig. 35, a flexible portion 3500 of a flexible board (e.g., conductive board 700 of fig. 7) may include a plurality of slits 3520.

In a certain embodiment, a plurality of slits 3520 are provided by marking the portion to be cut 3510 into a dotted line shape using a laser and removing the portion to be cut 3510 by a wire cutting method. As an example, the slit 3520 is provided in units of two slits.

Fig. 36 is a view showing a plurality of slits formed by a wire cutting method.

Referring to fig. 36, a flexible portion 3600 of a flexible sheet (e.g., conductive sheet 700 of fig. 7) may include a plurality of slits 3620.

In a certain embodiment, the plurality of slits 3620 are provided by marking the portion to be cut 3610 into a dotted line shape with a laser and removing the portion to be cut 3610 by a wire cutting method. As an example, the slit 3620 may be provided in units of one slit.

Fig. 37 is a diagram illustrating a flexible board according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 37, a flexible board 3700 (e.g., the conductive board 700 in fig. 7 or the flexible display 3800 in fig. 38) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a planar portion 3710 (e.g., first planar portion 701 and second planar portion 702 in fig. 7) supporting a first region (e.g., first region h1 and second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), and a flexible portion 3720 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7) supporting a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b).

Fig. 38 is a view showing a flexible portion of the flexible board shown in fig. 37.

Referring to fig. 38, in some embodiment, a flexible portion 3800 of a flexible sheet (e.g., conductive sheet 700 of fig. 7) may include: a planar portion 3810 (e.g., first planar portion 701 and second planar portion 702 in fig. 7, or planar portion 3710 in fig. 37) that supports a first region (e.g., first region h1 and second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), and a flexible portion 3820 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7 or flexible portion 3720 in fig. 37) that supports a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b).

In a certain embodiment, the planar portion 3810 is a hard region and may include a first member 3811 (e.g., first carbon fibers) and a second member 3812 (second carbon fibers). As an example, the first member 3811 (e.g., first carbon fibers) and the second member 3812 (second carbon fibers) may be twisted. As an example, the stretching directions of the first member 3811 (e.g., first carbon fiber) and the second member 3812 (second carbon fiber) may be different from each other. As an example, the stretching directions of the first member 3811 (e.g., first carbon fibers) and the second member 3812 (second carbon fibers) may be orthogonal to each other.

As an example, the fiber direction 3811a of the first member 3811 (e.g., first carbon fiber) of the planar portion 3810 may be an x-axis direction (e.g., a horizontal direction in fig. 38). The fiber direction 3812a of the second member 3812 (second carbon fiber) of the planar portion 3810 may be a y-axis direction (e.g., a vertical direction in fig. 38).

In certain embodiments, the flexible portion 3820 may be disposed between the planar portions 3810. The flexible portion 3820 may include a third member (e.g., a third carbon fiber). As an example, a third member (e.g., a third carbon fiber) of the flexible portion 3820 may be provided as a first member 3811 (e.g., a first carbon fiber) or a second member 3812 (a second carbon fiber) connected to the planar portion 3810.

In some embodiment, the flexible portion 3820 may be provided in the form of: i.e. in the form of a saw tooth that can be extended and folded.

As an example, the fiber direction of the third member (e.g., third carbon fiber) of the flexible portion 3820 may be a direction that is offset 45 degrees with respect to the stretching direction of the first member 3811 (e.g., first carbon fiber) of the planar portion 3810.

As an example, the fiber direction of the third member (e.g., third carbon fiber) of the flexible portion 3820 may be a direction that is offset 45 degrees with respect to the stretching direction of the second member 3812 (e.g., second carbon fiber) of the planar portion 3810.

Fig. 39 is a view showing a flexible portion of the flexible board shown in fig. 37.

Referring to fig. 39, in some embodiment, a flexible portion 3900 of a flexible sheet (e.g., conductive sheet 700 of fig. 7) may include: a planar portion 3910 (e.g., first planar portion 701 and second planar portion 702 in fig. 7, or planar portion 3710 in fig. 37, or planar portion 3810 in fig. 38) that supports a first region (e.g., first region h1 and second region h2 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b), and a flexible portion 3920 (e.g., flexible portion 703 in fig. 7, flexible portion 3720 in fig. 37, or flexible portion 3820 in fig. 38) that supports a third region (e.g., third region h3 in fig. 4 b) of a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4 b).

In a certain embodiment, the planar portion 3910 is a hard region and may include a first member 3911 (e.g., a first resin) and a second member 3912 (a second resin). As an example, the first member 3911 (e.g., first resin) and the second member 3912 (second resin) may be twisted. As an example, the first member 3911 of the planar portion 3910 may include a rigid resin. As an example, the stretching directions of the first member 3911 (e.g., first resin) and the second member 3912 (second resin) may be different from each other. As an example, the stretching directions of the first member 3911 (e.g., first resin) and the second member 3912 (second resin) may be orthogonal to each other.

For example, the first member 3911 (e.g., first resin) of the planar portion 3910 may be provided to extend in a horizontal direction (e.g., x-axis direction). The second member 3912 (second resin) of the planar portion 3910 may be provided to extend in a vertical direction (e.g., a y-axis direction).

In some embodiment, flexible portions 3920 may be disposed between planar portions 3910. The flexible portion 3920 may include a third member (e.g., a third resin). As an example, the third member (e.g., third resin) of the flexible portion 3920 may include a soft resin. As an example, a third member (e.g., a third resin) of the flexible portion 3920 may be provided as the first member 3911 (e.g., a first resin) or the second member 3912 (a second resin) connected to the planar portion 3910.

In a certain embodiment, flexible portion 3920 may be provided in the form of: i.e. in the form of a saw tooth that can be extended and folded.

As an example, a third member (e.g., a third carbon fiber) of the flexible portion 3920 may be stretched in a direction that is offset 45 degrees from the stretching direction of the first member 3911 (e.g., the first resin) of the planar portion 3910.

As an example, a third member (e.g., a third carbon fiber) of the flexible portion 3920 may be stretched in a direction that is offset 45 degrees from a stretching direction of a second member 3912 (e.g., a second resin) of the planar portion 3910.

Referring to fig. 40, in a certain embodiment, a flexible portion 4000 of a flexible board (e.g., conductive board 700 of fig. 7) may be provided in the form of: i.e. in the form of a saw tooth that can be extended and folded.

As an example, the flexible portion 4000 may include: a plurality of supports 4010; a plurality of grooves 4020 between the plurality of supporters 4010, which are provided to have a predetermined depth; and a resin layer 4030 provided to fill the plurality of grooves 4020 of the flexible portion 4000. The resin layer 4030 is provided to fill the plurality of grooves 4020 in the flexible portion 4000 to improve the surface quality of the flexible portion 4000.

An electronic device (e.g., electronic device 100 in fig. 1-3, electronic device 100 in fig. 5a, electronic device 1000 in fig. 10, or electronic device 1300 in fig. 13) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a hinge module (e.g., hinge module 164 in fig. 3) disposed on a fold axis (e.g., "a" in fig. 5 a); a first housing (e.g., first housing structure 110 in fig. 1 and 2 or first housing structure 401 in fig. 5 a) connected to hinge module 164; a second housing (e.g., the second housing structure 120 in fig. 1 and 2 or the second housing structure 402 in fig. 5 a) connected to the hinge module 164 to be foldable with respect to the first housing structure 110 or 401; and a display (e.g., display 400 in fig. 4a and 4 b) configured to be supported across the hinge module 164 from at least a portion of the first housing 110 or 401 to at least a portion of the second housing 120 or 402. The display 400 may include: a display panel (e.g., display panel 430 in fig. 4a and 4 b); at least one polymer member (e.g., polymer member 440 in fig. 4a and 4 b) disposed on a rear surface of the display panel 430; and a flexible board (e.g., flexible board 500 in fig. 5a, flexible board 700 in fig. 7, flexible board 900 in fig. 9, flexible board 1100 in fig. 11, flexible board 1200 in fig. 12, flexible board 1310 in fig. 13a, flexible board 1700 in fig. 17, flexible board 1800 in fig. 18, flexible board 1900 in fig. 19, flexible board 2010 in fig. 20, flexible board 2210 in fig. 22, or flexible board 2310 in fig. 23) disposed on the rear surface of polymer member 440. The flexible board 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1310, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2010, 2210, or 2310 may include: a first planar portion (e.g., the first planar portion 501 in fig. 5, the first planar portion 601 in fig. 6, or the first planar portion 701 in fig. 7) facing the first housing 110 or 401, a second planar portion 502, 602, or 702 facing the second housing 120 or 402, and a flexible portion (e.g., the flexible portion 503 in fig. 5, the flexible portion 603 in fig. 6, or the flexible portion 703 in fig. 7) that is interconnected with the first planar portion 501, 601, or 701 and the second planar portion (e.g., the second planar portion 502 in fig. 5, the second planar portion 602 in fig. 6, or the second planar portion 702 in fig. 7) and is provided to be bendable. The flexible portion 503, 603 or 703 may include: a plurality of supports (e.g., support 540 in fig. 5, support 640 in fig. 6, and support 740 in fig. 7) disposed to be spaced apart from each other via a plurality of slits (e.g., slit 530 in fig. 5, slit 630 in fig. 6, or slit 730 in fig. 7); and a plurality of snap patterns (e.g., the snap pattern 1314 in fig. 13 to 15 or the snap pattern 2012, 2014 or 2016 in fig. 20) extending in length from the plurality of supports 540, 640 or 740, the snap patterns 1314, 2012, 2014 or 2016 of adjacent supports 540, 640 or 740 may be arranged to engage each other in a grid.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100, 1000 or 1300 may include a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b) electrically or physically interconnected with the first planar portion 501, 601 or 701, the plurality of supports 540, 640 or 740, and the second planar portion 502, 602 or 702.

According to an embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion 503, 603 or 703 may be determined by a conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b) interconnected with the plurality of supports 540, 640 or 740.

According to an embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion 503, 603 or 703 may be determined by the width of the plurality of supports 540, 640 or 740.

According to an embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion 503, 603 or 703 may be determined by the length of the plurality of snap patterns 1314, 2012, 2014 or 2016.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of supports 540, 640 or 740 may be disposed with lengths along a first direction parallel to the folding axis (e.g., "a" in fig. 5 a) and spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction via the plurality of slits 530, 630 or 730.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of slits 530, 630, or 730 may include a resin.

According to an embodiment, the resin may be formed by filling in a liquid state in the plurality of slits 530, 630 or 730 and then curing.

According to an embodiment, among the plurality of supporters 540, 640 and 740, the width of the first supporter 540, 640 or 740 may decrease from the upper end of the flexible plate 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1310, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2010, 2210 or 2310 toward the middle portion of the flexible plate. Among the plurality of supporters 540, 640 and 740, the width of the second supporter 540, 640 or 740 may decrease from the lower end of the flexible plate 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1310, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2010, 2210 or 2310 toward the middle portion of the flexible plate.

According to an embodiment, the width of the plurality of supports 540, 640 or 740 may gradually increase or decrease in the second direction to the left and right with respect to the folding axis (e.g., "a" in fig. 5 a).

According to an embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion 503, 603 or 703 may be determined based on the arrangement density of the plurality of supports 540, 640 or 740.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of supports 540, 640, or 740 may be spaced apart gradually increasing or decreasing in the second direction to the left and right with respect to the folding axis (e.g., "a" in fig. 5 a).

According to an embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion 503, 603 or 703 may be determined by the widths of the plurality of supports 540, 640 or 740, which are different from each other in the first direction.

According to an embodiment, the first skin layer may be provided in a partial area of the upper end of the flexible portion 503, 603 or 703.

According to an embodiment, the second skin layer may be provided in a partial area of the lower end of the flexible portion 503, 603 or 703.

According to an embodiment, the flexibility of the flexible portion 503, 603 or 703 may be determined by the width of the plurality of snap patterns 1314, 2012, 2014 or 2016.

According to an embodiment, among the plurality of snap patterns 1314, 2012, 2014, or 2016, the first snap pattern 1314a or 2012 may be provided to have a first width at an upper end of the flexible board 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1310, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2010, 2210, or 2310. Among the plurality of snap patterns 1314, 2012, 2014, or 2016, the second snap pattern 1314b or 2014 may be provided to have a first width at a lower end of the flexible board 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1310, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2010, 2210, or 2310. Of the plurality of snap patterns 1314, 2012, 2014, or 2016, the third snap pattern 2016 may be provided to have a second width smaller than the first width at an intermediate portion of the flexible board 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1310, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2010, 2210, or 2310.

According to an embodiment, the flexible sheet 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1310, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2010, 2210, or 2310 may include a front surface facing the polymer member 440, and a rear surface facing away from the front surface. A conductive elastic member (e.g., conductive elastic member 460 in fig. 4 b) may be disposed on the rear surface of the flexible board 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1310, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2010, 2210, or 2310 to shield the flexible portion 503, 603, or 703.

According to an embodiment, the first planar portion 501, 601 or 701, the second planar portion 502, 602 or 702, and the flexible portion 503, 603 or 703 may comprise Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).

According to an embodiment, the flexible sheet 500, 700, 900, 1100, 1200, 1310, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2010, 2210, or 2310 may include at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), stainless steel (SUS), or composite steel (CLAD) in which stainless steel (SUS) and aluminum (Al) are alternately disposed.

The embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in the specification and the drawings are merely to set forth specific examples in order to facilitate the description of technical features according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to facilitate the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, in explaining the scope of some embodiments of the present disclosure, all changes or modifications derived from the technical ideas of some embodiments of the present disclosure are included in the scope of some embodiments of the present disclosure, except for the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising:

a hinge module forming a fold axis;

a first housing operatively connected to the hinge module;

a second housing, the second housing being operably connected to the hinge module in a foldable manner relative to the first housing; and

a display disposed across the hinge module from at least a portion of the first housing to at least a portion of the second housing,

wherein the display comprises:

the display panel is provided with a display screen,

at least one polymer member provided on a rear surface of the display panel, and

a flexible sheet disposed on a rear surface of the at least one polymer member,

wherein, the flexible board includes:

a first planar portion facing the first housing,

a second planar portion facing the second housing, and

a flexible portion, the flexible portion being bendable and interconnecting the first planar portion and the second planar portion,

Wherein the flexible portion comprises a plurality of supports and a plurality of snap patterns, wherein the plurality of supports are disposed to be spaced apart from each other via a plurality of slits, the plurality of snap patterns extending in length from the plurality of supports, and

wherein the snap patterns of adjacent supports are arranged to engage each other in a grid pattern.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, the electronic device further comprising:

a conductive elastic member electrically and physically connecting the first planar portion, the plurality of supports, and the second planar portion.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the flexibility of the flexible portion is based at least in part on the conductive elastic member connecting the plurality of supports.

4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the flexibility of the flexible portion is based at least in part on a width of the plurality of supports.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the flexibility of the flexible portion is based at least in part on the lengths of the plurality of snap patterns.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of supports each have a particular length extending in a first direction parallel to the fold axis, and

Wherein the plurality of supports are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals via the plurality of slits, wherein the plurality of slits extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of slits are at least partially filled with resin.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the resin is introduced into the plurality of slits in a liquid state and then cured.

9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein:

a first subset of the plurality of supports includes a first taper having a width that decreases from an upper end of the flexible sheet toward a middle portion of the flexible sheet,

a second subset of the plurality of supports includes a second taper having a width that decreases from a lower end of the flexible sheet toward the middle portion of the flexible sheet.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of supports comprise a taper having a width that gradually increases or decreases relative to the fold axis along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

11. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the flexibility of the flexible portion is determined at least in part by an arrangement density of the plurality of supports.

12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the spacing of the plurality of supports increases or decreases progressively both to the left and to the right in the second direction relative to the fold axis.

13. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the flexibility of the flexible portion is determined at least in part by the respective widths of the plurality of supports, and

wherein respective widths of each of the plurality of supports are different from each other.

14. The electronic device of claim 1, the electronic device further comprising:

a first skin layer disposed on at least a partial region of the upper end of the flexible portion.

15. The electronic device of claim 14, the electronic device further comprising:

and a second skin layer provided at least in a partial region of the lower end of the flexible portion.