CN117795937A - Electronic equipment including display support structures - Google Patents

Abstract

According to various embodiments, an electronic device includes: a first housing; a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing by a hinge device; a flexible display arranged to be supported by the first and second housings and including a folding region deformed in a folded state; at least one waterproof member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display; and at least one support structure disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display in a perimeter of the at least one waterproof member, wherein the at least one support structure comprises: a first portion arranged to have a first height; and a second portion arranged to have a second height greater than the first height, and at least a portion of the second portion may be arranged at a position where the at least a portion of the second portion overlaps over at least a portion of the folded region when the flexible display is viewed from above.

Description

Electronic equipment including display support structures

Technical field

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a display support structure.

Background technique

Electronic devices have gradually become thinner and improvements have been made to increase the rigidity of the electronic device, to enhance its design aspects, and to differentiate its functional elements. Electronic devices have evolved from one-sided rectangular shapes to more diverse shapes. Electronic devices can have deformable structures, allowing the use of large-screen displays while ensuring portability. As an example of a deformable structure, an electronic device may include a foldable housing that operates to fold its portions onto each other or unfold its portions from each other. Such electronic devices may require support structures for improving the durability and/or surface quality of folded areas where the display is deformed by folding and unfolding operations.

Contents of the invention

technical problem

The foldable electronic device may include a hinge device (eg, a hinge module) and first and second housings connected by the hinge device to be foldable (eg, foldable) relative to each other. Such a foldable electronic device can operate in an in-folding and/or an out-folding type when the first housing is rotated relative to the second housing through the hinge arrangement within a specific range of 0-360°. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display (eg, a display) disposed across the first and second housings when the electronic device is unfolded 180°.

Foldable electronic devices may have poor water resistance due to the folding and unfolding operating mechanism. Therefore, the electronic device may include at least one waterproof member for waterproofing and/or dustproofing to prevent the inflow of moisture or foreign matter. For example, the waterproof member may include at least one first waterproof member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display in a first space of the first housing and a second waterproof member disposed in a second space of the second housing. at least one second waterproof member between the body and the flexible display. This waterproof member has a height, and in order to compensate for the height, a support structure having a specified height may be provided between the first waterproof member and the second waterproof member in the first and second spaces.

However, if such a support structure is disposed near at least one waterproof member having the same height (e.g., thickness), the waterproof member attached by compression may have a non-attached area caused by the physical level difference (e.g., height) of the support structure, resulting in poor waterproofness. In addition, if the support structure is given a lower height than the waterproof member in an attempt to avoid poor waterproofness, durability and/or surface quality may deteriorate due to sagging caused by a gap occurring between the flexible display and the support structure. Furthermore, it may be difficult to configure the height of the support structure in consideration of the compression of the waterproof member.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an electronic device including a display support structure.

Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a display support structure capable of improving surface quality or durability of a flexible display.

Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including a display support structure capable of improving waterproof performance of a waterproof member.

The problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and can be variously expanded without departing from the concept and scope of the present disclosure.

Solution to the problem

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include: a first shell; a second shell foldably connected to the first shell by a hinge device; a flexible display configured to be supported by the first shell and the second shell and including a folding area that is deformed in a folded state; at least one waterproof member arranged between the first shell and the flexible display and/or between the second shell and the flexible display; and at least one supporting structure, which is arranged between the first shell and the flexible display and/or between the second shell and the flexible display in the periphery of the at least one waterproof member, wherein the at least one supporting structure includes a first part configured to have a first height and a second part configured to have a second height higher than the first height, wherein, when the flexible display is observed from above, at least a portion of the second part is arranged at a position overlapping with at least a portion of the folding area.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include: a first shell; a second shell foldably connected to the first shell by a hinge device; a flexible display, which is configured to be supported by the first shell and the second shell and includes a folding area that is deformed in a folded state, the flexible display including a window layer, a display panel arranged below the window layer, a support plate arranged below the display panel and including a plurality of openings in a portion corresponding to the folding area, a first reinforcing plate and a second reinforcing plate, the first reinforcing plate being arranged below the support plate and in a portion corresponding to the first shell, and the second reinforcing plate being arranged below the support plate and in a portion corresponding to the second shell; at least one waterproof member being arranged between the first reinforcing plate and the first shell and/or between the second reinforcing plate and the second shell; and at least one supporting structure being arranged between the first reinforcing plate and the first shell and/or between the second reinforcing plate and the second shell in a periphery of the at least one waterproof member, wherein the at least one supporting structure includes a first portion arranged to have a first height and a second portion arranged to have a second height higher than the first height, wherein when the flexible display is viewed from above, at least a portion of the second portion is arranged at a position overlapping at least a portion of the folding area.

Beneficial effects of the invention

An electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a support structure provided between the flexible display and the housing such that a portion overlapping at least the folding area is provided to have a greater height than the remaining portion, thereby having Helps to improve surface quality and/or durability in folded areas and helps to improve waterproofing properties by improving adhesion of waterproofing components.

Various other advantageous effects explicitly or implicitly identified by the present disclosure may be provided.

Description of the drawings

1 a is a front perspective view of a flat electronic device showing a flat or unfolded state in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

1 b is a plan view illustrating a front surface of an electronic device in a flat state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

1 c is a plan view illustrating a rear surface of an electronic device in a flat state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a folded electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, showing a folded state;

2b is a perspective view of a partially folded electronic device showing an intermediate state in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

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

4 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figure 5a is a plan view illustrating a rear surface of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

5b is a view illustrating a state in which a support structure is provided on the rear surface of the flexible display of FIG. 5a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

6a is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 6a-6a of FIG. 1a, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

6b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device illustrating a height relationship between a waterproof member and a support structure compressed according to assembly of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

7a is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a flat or unfolded electronic device, showing a flat state, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

7b is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a folded electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, showing a folded state;

FIG. 7c is an enlarged view of region 7c of FIG. 7b according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

8a and 8b are partial cross-sectional views schematically illustrating a flat or unfolded electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, showing a flat state and a folded state; and

9a to 9d are views illustrating various examples of support structures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed ways

Figure 1a is a front perspective view of an electronic device in a flat or unfolded state in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1b is a plan view illustrating the front of an electronic device in a deployed state in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1c is a plan view illustrating the back of an electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figure 2a is a perspective view of an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2b is a perspective view of an electronic device in an intermediate state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figures 1a-2b, electronic device 100 may include a pair of housings 110 and 120 (eg, a foldable housing) rotatably coupled to fold relative to a hinge mechanism (eg, hinge mechanism 140 in Figure 1b) facing each other at the same time. In a certain embodiment, the hinge mechanism (eg, hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1 b ) may be disposed in the X-axis direction or the Y-axis direction. In a certain embodiment, two or more hinge mechanisms (eg, hinge mechanism 140 in Figure 1b) may be arranged to fold in the same direction or in different directions. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a flexible display 400 (eg, a foldable display) disposed in an area formed by a pair of housings 110 and 120 . According to an embodiment, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may be disposed on both sides about the folding axis (axis A), and may have a substantially symmetrical shape relative to the folding axis (axis A). According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 may vary depending on whether the state of the electronic device 100 is a flat or unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

According to various embodiments, a pair of housings 110 and 120 may include a first housing 110 (e.g., a first housing structure) coupled to a hinge mechanism (e.g., a hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1b ) and a second housing 120 (e.g., a second housing structure) coupled to the hinge mechanism (e.g., a hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1b ). According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first housing 110 may include a first surface 111 facing a first direction (e.g., a front direction) (z-axis direction) and a second surface 112 facing a second direction (e.g., a rear direction) (negative z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface 111. According to one embodiment, in the unfolded state, the second housing 120 may include a third surface 121 facing the first direction (z-axis direction) and a fourth surface 122 facing the second direction (negative z-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may operate in such a manner that the first surface 111 of the first housing 110 and the third surface 121 of the second housing 120 face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction) in the unfolded state and the first surface 111 and the third surface 121 face each other in the folded state. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may be operated in such a manner that the second surface 112 of the first housing 110 and the fourth surface 122 of the second housing 120 face substantially the same second direction (negative z-axis direction) in the unfolded state, and the second surface 112 and the fourth surface 122 face each other in opposite directions in the folded state. For example, in the folded state, the second surface 112 may face the first direction (z-axis direction), and the fourth surface 122 may face the second direction (negative z-axis direction).

According to various embodiments, the first housing 110 may include a first side member 113 that at least partially constitutes an appearance of the electronic device 100 , and at least a portion of a second surface 112 coupled to the first side member 113 and constituting the electronic device 100 The first back cover 114. According to an embodiment, the first side member 113 may include a first side surface 113a, a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a, and a third side surface extending from the other end of the first side surface 113a. 113c. According to an embodiment, the first side member 113 may be formed in a rectangular shape (eg, square or rectangular) by the first, second, and third side surfaces 113a, 113b, and 113c.

According to various embodiments, the second housing 120 may include a second side member 123 that at least partially constitutes an appearance of the electronic device 100 and a second side member 123 coupled to the second side member 123 and constituting at least a portion of the fourth surface 122 of the electronic device 100 . The second back cover 124. According to an embodiment, the second side member 123 may include a fourth side surface 123a, a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a, and a sixth side surface extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123a. 123c. According to an embodiment, the second side member 123 may be formed in a rectangular shape by fourth, fifth, and sixth side surfaces 123a, 123b, and 123c.

According to various embodiments, a pair of housings 110 and 120 are not limited to the shapes and combinations shown, and can be implemented with other shapes or combinations of components. For example, in a certain embodiment, the first side member 113 can be formed integrally with the first rear cover 114, and the second side member 123 can be formed integrally with the second rear cover 124.

According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the second side surface 113b of the first side member 113 and the fifth side surface 123b of the second side member 123 may be connected without gaps. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device 100, the third side surface 113c of the first side member 113 and the sixth side surface 123c of the second side member 123 may be connected without gaps. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device 100 may be configured such that the combined length of the second side surface 113b and the fifth side surface 123b is longer than the length of the first side surface 113a and/or the fourth side surface 123a. In addition, the combined length of the third side surface 113c and the sixth side surface 123c may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side surface 113a and/or the fourth side surface 123a.

According to various embodiments, the first side member 113 and/or the second side member 123 may be made of metal or may further include a polymer injected into the metal. According to one embodiment, the first side member 113 and/or the second side member 123 may include at least one conductive portion 116 and/or 126, which are electrically segmented by one or more segmented portions 1161 and 1162 and/or 1261 and 1262 made of a polymer. In this case, the at least one conductive portion may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device 100 and may be used as an antenna operating in at least one designated frequency band (e.g., a conventional frequency band).

According to various embodiments, the first back cover 114 and/or the second back cover 124 may be made of, for example, coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (eg, aluminum, stainless steel (STS) or magnesium), or a combination thereof.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 may be arranged to extend from the first surface 111 of the first housing 110 across the hinge mechanism (e.g., the hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1b) to at least a portion of the third surface 121 of the second housing 120. For example, the flexible display 400 may include a first area 130a substantially corresponding to the first surface 111, a second area 130b corresponding to the second surface 121, and a third area 130c (e.g., a bendable area) connecting the first area 130a and the second area 130b and corresponding to the hinge mechanism (e.g., the hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1b). According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first protective cover 115 (e.g., a first protective frame or a first decorative member) coupled along the periphery of the first housing 110. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second protective cover 125 (e.g., a second protective frame or a second decorative member) coupled along the periphery of the second housing 120. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover 115 and/or the second protective cover 125 may be made of a metal or polymer material. According to one embodiment, the first protective cover 115 and/or the second protective cover 125 may be used as a decorative member. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be positioned so that the periphery of the first region 130a is interposed between the first housing 110 and the first protective cover 115. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be positioned so that the periphery of the second region 130b is interposed between the second housing 120 and the second protective cover 125. According to one embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be positioned so that the periphery of the flexible display 400 corresponding to the protective cap 135 is protected by a protective cap provided in an area corresponding to the hinge mechanism (e.g., the hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1b). Therefore, the periphery of the flexible display 400 may be substantially protected from external influences. According to one embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a hinge housing 141 (e.g., a hinge cover) configured to support a hinge mechanism (e.g., the hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1b) so as to be exposed to the outside when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state and to be invisible from the outside by being pulled into a first space (e.g., an internal space of the first housing 110) and a second space (e.g., an internal space of the second housing 120) when the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state. In a certain embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be configured to extend from at least a portion of the second surface 112 to at least a portion of the fourth surface 122. In this case, the electronic device 100 may be folded so that the flexible display 400 is exposed to the outside (outward folding scheme).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a sub-display 131 provided separately from the flexible display 400 . According to an embodiment, the sub-display 131 may be disposed to be at least partially exposed on the second surface 112 of the first housing 110 , and may display status information of the electronic device 100 instead of the display of the flexible display 400 in the folded state. Function. According to an embodiment, the sub-display 131 may be configured to be externally visible through at least some areas of the first back cover 114 . In a certain embodiment, the sub-display 131 may be disposed on the fourth surface 122 of the second housing 120 . In this case, the sub-display 131 may be provided to be visible from the outside through at least some areas of the second back cover 124 .

According to various embodiments, electronic device 100 may include at least one of input device 103 (eg, a microphone), sound output devices 101 and 102, sensor module 104, camera devices 105 and 108, key input device 106, or connector port 107 . In the illustrated embodiment, input device 103 (eg, a microphone), sound output devices 101 and 102, sensor module 104, camera devices 105 and 108, key input device 106, and connector port 107 are indicated to be formed in first housing 110 or a hole or shape in the second housing 120, but may be defined to include substantial electronic components (e.g., input devices, sound output devices, sensor modules, or camera devices) disposed within the electronic device 100 and operated through the holes or shapes. .

According to various embodiments, the input device 103 may include at least one microphone 103 provided on the second housing 120 . In a certain embodiment, the input device 103 may include a plurality of microphones 103 configured to detect the direction of sound. In a certain embodiment, multiple microphones 103 may be disposed at appropriate locations in the first housing 110 and/or the second housing 120 . According to an embodiment, the sound output devices 101 and 102 may include speakers 101 and 102. According to an embodiment, the speakers 101 and 102 may include a receiver 101 for calling provided in the first housing 110 and a speaker 102 provided in the second housing 120 . In a certain embodiment, the input device 103, the sound output devices 101 and 102, and the connector port 107 may be disposed in a space disposed in the first housing 110 and/or the second housing 120 of the electronic device 100, and The exposure to the external environment may be through at least one hole formed in the first housing 110 and/or the second housing 120 . According to an embodiment, at least one connector port 107 may be used to transmit power and/or data to and receive power and/or data from external electronic devices. In a certain embodiment, at least one connector port (eg, a headphone jack) may accommodate a connector (eg, a headphone jack) for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from an external electronic device. In a certain embodiment, the holes formed in the first housing 110 and/or the second housing 120 may be used together for the input device 103 and the sound output devices 101 and 102 . In a certain embodiment, sound output devices 101 and 102 may include speakers (eg, piezoelectric speakers) that operate without the use of holes formed in first housing 110 and/or second housing 120 .

According to various implementations, sensor module 104 may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to internal operating conditions or external environmental conditions of electronic device 100 . The sensor module 104 may detect the external environment through the first surface 111 of the first housing 110, for example. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device 100 may further include at least one sensor module configured to detect the external environment through the second surface 112 of the first housing 110 . According to an embodiment, the sensor module 104 (eg, an illumination sensor) may be disposed below the flexible display 400 to detect the external environment through the flexible display 400 . According to an embodiment, the sensor module 104 may include a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip force sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illumination sensor. At least one of a sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an illumination sensor 104.

According to various embodiments, the camera devices 105 and 108 may include a first camera device 105 (eg, a front camera device) disposed on the first surface 111 of the first housing 110 and a third camera device disposed on the first housing 110 . A second camera device 108 on the second surface 112 . The electronic device 100 may also include a flash 109 disposed proximate the second camera device 108 . According to an embodiment, camera device 105 or 108 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, and/or image signal processors. Flash lamp 109 may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, camera devices 105 and 108 may be arranged such that two or more lenses (eg, wide-angle lens, ultra-wide-angle lens, or telephoto lens) and image sensors are positioned on one surface of electronic device 100 (eg, first on the surface 111, the second surface 112, the third surface 121 or the fourth surface 122). In certain embodiments, camera devices 105 and 108 may include time-of-flight (TOF) lenses and/or image sensors.

According to various embodiments, the key input device 106 (eg, key button) may be provided on the third side surface 113c of the first side member 113 of the first housing 110. In a certain embodiment, the key input device 106 may be disposed on at least one of the other side surfaces 113a and 113b of the first housing 110 and/or the side surfaces 123a, 123b and 123c of the second housing 120. In certain embodiments, electronic device 100 may not include some or all key input devices 106 , and those key input devices 106 that are not included may be implemented in other forms (such as soft keys) on flexible display 400 . In a certain embodiment, key input device 106 may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in flexible display 400 .

According to various embodiments, some of the camera devices 105 and 108 (eg, the first camera device 105 ) or the sensor module 104 may be configured to be exposed through the flexible display 400 . For example, the first camera device 105 or the sensor module 104 may be disposed in an internal space of the electronic device 100 to contact the external environment through an opening (eg, a through hole) at least partially formed in the flexible display 400 . In another embodiment, some sensor modules 104 may be disposed in the internal space of the electronic device 100 to perform their functions without being visually exposed by the flexible display 400 . For example, in this case, an opening of the area of the flexible display 400 facing the sensor module may not be needed.

Referring to Figure 2b, the electronic device 100 may be operated to remain in an intermediate state via a hinge mechanism (eg, hinge device 140 in Figure 1b). In this case, the electronic device 100 may control the flexible display 400 to display different contents on the display area corresponding to the first surface 111 and the display area corresponding to the third surface 121 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 can be rotated relative to a specific deflection angle (eg, between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 in an intermediate state) through a hinge mechanism (eg, the hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1 b ). angle) substantially in an unfolded state (eg, the unfolded state of FIG. 1a) and/or substantially in a folded state (eg, the folded state of FIG. 2a). For example, when pressure is applied in the deployment direction (B direction) through a hinge mechanism (for example, the hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1 b ) in a state where the electronic device 100 is deployed at a specific deflection angle, the electronic device 100 may transition to the deployed state ( For example, the unfolded state of Figure 1a). For example, when pressure is applied in the folding direction (C direction) through a hinge mechanism (for example, the hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1 b ) in a state where the electronic device 100 is unfolded at a specific deflection angle, the electronic device 100 may transition to a closed state ( For example, the folded state of Figure 2a). In one embodiment, electronic device 100 may be operated by a hinge mechanism (eg, hinge mechanism 140 in FIG. 1 b ) to remain in a deployed state at various angles (not shown).

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

Referring to FIG. 3 , the electronic device 100 may include a first side member 113 (eg, a first side frame), a second side member 123 (eg, a second side frame), and a first side member 113 and a second side frame rotatably connected. Hinge mechanism 140 of member 123 (eg, hinge module). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first support member 1131 (eg, a first support member) extending at least partially from the first side member 113 and a second support member extending at least partially from the second side member 123 1231. According to an embodiment, the first support member 1131 may be integrally formed with the first side member 113 or may be structurally coupled to the first side member 113 . Similarly, the second support member 1231 may be integrally formed with the second side member 123 or may be structurally coupled to the second side member 123 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a flexible display 400 configured to be supported by the first support member 1131 and the second support member 1231 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first back cover 114 and a second back cover 124 , the first back cover 114 being coupled to the first side member 113 and providing a first space between itself and the first support member 1131 , the second back cover 124 is coupled to the second side member 123 and provides a second space between itself and the second support member 1231 . In a certain embodiment, the first side member 113 and the first back cover 114 may be integrally formed. In a certain embodiment, the second side member 123 and the second back cover 124 may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a first housing 110 (eg, the first housing 110 in FIG. 1 a ) (eg, a first housing structure), which includes a first side member 113 , a first support member 1131 and a first back cover 114 are provided. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second housing (eg, the second housing 120 of FIG. 1 a ) (eg, a second housing structure) configured by the second side member 123 , the second support member 1231 and A second back cover 124 is provided. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a sub-display 131 disposed to be externally visible through at least some areas of the first back cover 114 .

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a first substrate assembly 161 (eg, a main printed circuit board) disposed in a first space between the first side member 113 and the first back cover 114 , a camera assembly 163 , The first battery 171 or the first bracket 151 . According to an embodiment, camera assembly 163 may include a plurality of camera devices (eg, camera devices 105 and 108 in FIGS. 1a and 2a ) and may be electrically connected to first substrate assembly 161 . According to an embodiment, the first bracket 151 may provide a support structure for supporting the first substrate assembly 161 and/or the camera assembly 163 and increase rigidity. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second board assembly 162 (eg, a sub-printed circuit board), an antenna 190 (eg, coil member), the second battery 172 or the second bracket 152. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a wiring member 180 (eg, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) disposed to extend from the first substrate assembly 161 across the hinge mechanism 140 to be disposed on the second side member 123 and A plurality of electronic components are provided between the second back cover 124 to provide electrical connections. According to an embodiment, the antenna 190 may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna 190 may, for example, perform short-distance communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power required for charging.

According to various embodiments, electronic device 100 may include a hinge housing 141 (eg, a hinge cover) that supports hinge mechanism 140 and is configured to be exposed to when the electronic device 100 is in a folded state (eg, the folded state of Figure 2a). External and not visible from the outside by being pulled into the first space and/or the second space when the electronic device 100 is in an unfolded state (eg, the unfolded state of Figure 1a).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a first protective cover 115 coupled along a periphery of the first side member 113 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a second protective cover 125 coupled along the periphery of the second side member 123 . According to an embodiment, in the flexible display 400, the periphery of the first flat part (eg, the first flat part 130a in FIG. 1b) may be protected by the first protective cover 115. According to an embodiment, in the flexible display 400, the periphery of the second flat part (eg, the second flat part 130b in FIG. 1b) may be protected by the second protective cover 125. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100 may include a protective cap 135 configured to protect a periphery of the flexible display 400 corresponding to the third area of the hinge mechanism 140 (eg, the third area 130c in FIG. 1 b ).

According to various embodiments, the first support member 1131 may include a first support surface 1131a facing a first direction (z-axis direction) and a second direction (negative z-axis direction) opposite to the first direction (z-axis direction). The second supporting surface 1131b. According to an embodiment, the second support member 1231 may include a third support surface 1231a facing the first direction and a fourth support surface 1231b facing the second direction in the deployed state. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be configured to be supported by the first support surface 1131a of the first support member 1131 and the third support surface 1231a of the second support member 1231.

According to certain embodiments, flexible display 400 may include a curved portion (eg, curved portion 432 in FIG. 4 ) that includes an extension portion (eg, FIG. 4 ) extending from a display panel (eg, display panel 430 in FIG. 4 ). 4) and a flexible substrate (eg, flexible substrate 4322 in FIG. 4) connected to the extension portion 4321 (eg, flexible printed circuit board FPCB). As shown, the curved portion 432 may be curved in a second direction (-z-axis direction) from the flexible display and may be disposed to be attached to a rear surface of the flexible display 400 (eg, a polarizer (POL) in FIG. 4 )420 rear surface). According to an embodiment, the curved portion 432 may include a control circuit (eg, a display driver IC (DDI)) configured to control driving of the flexible display (eg, the control circuit 4321a in FIG. 4 ) and a plurality of other electrical components (eg, Electrical component 4322a) in Figure 5a.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include at least one waterproof member 481, 482, 483, or 484 disposed between the flexible display 400 and the second support member 1231 and between the flexible display 400 and the first support member 1131. As shown, some of the at least one waterproof members 481 , 482 , 483 or 484 may include a flexible display member disposed to at least partially surround the curved portion 432 between the flexible display 400 and the second support member 1231 The first waterproof member 481, the second waterproof member 482 provided between the extension part (for example, the extension part 4321 in FIG. 4) and the second support member 1231, and the third waterproof member 483. The third waterproof member 483 will One end 4811 of a waterproof member 481 is connected to one end of the second waterproof member 482, and the other end 4812 of the first waterproof member 481 is connected to the other end of the second waterproof member 482. According to an embodiment, the at least one waterproof member 484 may further include a fourth waterproof member 484 having a closed loop shape and disposed between the flexible display 400 and the first support member 1131 . According to an embodiment, a control circuit (eg, the control circuit 4321a in FIG. 4) and a plurality of electrical components (eg, the electrical component 4322a in FIG. 5a) disposed in the curved portion 432 may be disposed through the flexible display 400 and the first The first waterproof member 481 , the second waterproof member 482 and the third waterproof member 483 form a sealed first waterproof space 4813 between the two support members 1231 , and thus can be protected from external water and/or foreign matter. According to an embodiment, at least one electronic component (eg, a sensor module (eg, sensor module 104 in FIG. 1a ) and/or a camera device (eg, camera device 105 in FIG. 1a )) is provided by the first support member 1131 The second waterproof space 4841 formed by the closed loop shape of the fourth waterproof member 484 between the flexible display 400 and the first support member 1131 may be disposed in the second waterproof space 4841 and thus may be protected from external water and/or foreign matter.

According to one embodiment, at least one electronic component (e.g., a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module 104 of FIG. 1a ) and/or a camera device (e.g., the camera device 105 of FIG. 1a ) disposed through the first supporting member 1131 may be disposed between the flexible display 400 and the first supporting member 1131 and in the second waterproof space 4841 formed by the closed loop shape of the fourth waterproof member 484 , and thus protected from external moisture and/or foreign matter. According to various embodiments, there is no limitation on the type of components disposed in the first waterproof space 4813 and/or the second waterproof space 4841 . According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include the flexible display 400 and at least one supporting structure 500 (e.g., a supporting structure, a supporting member, or a supporting plate) disposed between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 . According to one embodiment, the at least one supporting structure 500 may include a first member 510 disposed between the flexible display 400 and the first housing 110 and a second member 520 disposed between the flexible display 400 and the second housing 120 . In some embodiments , the first member 510 and the second member 520 may be integrally constructed. As will be described later, the first member 510 and/or the second member 520 may include components (or portions) having different heights (e.g., thicknesses). For example, in at least one supporting structure 500, the height of the components (e.g., the second portion 512 and/or the fourth portion 522 of FIG. 5b ) corresponding to at least the folding area (e.g., the third area 130c of FIG. 1b ) of the electronic device 100 may be configured to be higher than the height of the surrounding components (e.g., the first portion 511 and/or the third portion 522 of FIG. 5b ). The height of the portion 521). By such a stepped structure of the support structure 500, the flexible display 400 is firmly supported in the folding area (e.g., the third area 130c of FIG. 1b), so that durability can be increased and surface quality can be improved. In addition, the periphery of the waterproof members 481 and 483 has a relatively low height (e.g., having a thickness equal to or thinner than the thickness of the compressed waterproof member), so that the waterproof members 481 and 483 can help improve the waterproof performance by causing a smooth attachment between the flexible display 400 and the housings 110 and 120.

4 is an exploded perspective view of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

A display (eg, flexible display 400) according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include an unbreakable (UB) type OLED display (eg, bendable (or curved) display). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the flexible display 400 may include an on-cell touch (OCTA) active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) type flat panel display.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the flexible display 400 may include a window layer 410 , a polarizing layer (polarizer, POL) 420 (for example, a polarizing film) disposed on a rear surface of the window layer 410 closest to the reinforcing plate 470 , a display panel 430 in sequence. , polymer layer 440, support plate 450 and reinforcement plate 470. In some embodiments, flexible display 400 may include digitizer 460 disposed between polymer layer 440 and support plate 450 or between support plate 450 and reinforcement plate 470 .

According to various embodiments, the window layer 410 may include a glass layer. According to one embodiment, the window layer 410 may include ultra-thin glass (UTG). In some embodiments, the window layer 410 may include a polymer. In this case, the window layer 410 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI). In some embodiments, the window layer 410 may be provided in a plurality of layers so as to include a glass layer and a polymer.

According to various embodiments, the window layer 410, the polarizing layer 420, the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, and the support plate 450 may be disposed across the first housing (eg, the first housing 110 of Figure 1a) at least a portion of the first surface (eg, the first surface 111 of FIG. 1 a ) and the third surface (eg, the third surface 121 of FIG. 1 a ) of the second housing (eg, the second housing 120 of FIG. 1 a ). . According to an embodiment, the reinforcing plate 470 may include a first reinforcing plate 471 facing the first housing (eg, the first housing 110 of FIG. 1a) and a first reinforcing plate 471 facing the second housing (eg, the second housing 120 of FIG. 1a). ) of the second reinforcing plate 472. According to an embodiment, the window layer 410, the polarizing layer 420, the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, the support plate 450, and the reinforcement plate 470 may be attached to each other through adhesives P1, P2, P3, and P4 (or adhesive). For example, the adhesives P1, P2, P3, and P4 may include at least one of an optically clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a general-purpose adhesive, or a double-sided tape. kind.

According to various embodiments, the display panel 430 may include a plurality of pixels and wiring structures (eg, electrode patterns). According to an embodiment, the polarizing layer 420 may selectively pass light generated from a light source of the display panel 430 and vibrating in a predetermined direction. According to an embodiment, the display panel 430 and the polarizing layer 420 may be integrally configured. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a touch panel (not shown).

According to various embodiments, the polymer layer 440 may be disposed below the display panel 430 to provide a dark background for ensuring visibility of the display panel 430, and may be formed of (or include) a cushioning material for cushioning action. cushioning material). In some embodiments, to waterproof the flexible display 400, the polymer layer 440 may be removed or disposed under the support plate 450.

According to various embodiments, the support plate 450 may provide bending characteristics to the flexible display 400. For example, the support plate 450 may be formed from (or include a non-metallic sheet material), such as fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) with rigid properties (eg, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) or glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP)) Used to support the display panel 430. According to an embodiment, the support plate 450 may include a first flat portion 451 corresponding to the first housing (eg, the first housing 110 of FIG. 1a), a first flat portion 451 corresponding to the second housing (eg, the second housing 110 of FIG. 1a). A second flat portion 452 of the body 120) and a curved portion 453 (flexible or curved portion) connecting the first flat portion 451 and the second flat portion 452 to each other (eg, a bendable portion). The electronic device and its various components and layers may be bendable at their respective areas corresponding to the bending portion 453 and may bend with each other, but are not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the curved portion 453 may include (or define) a plurality of openings arranged at predetermined intervals that extend completely through the thickness of the support plate 450 (or partially extend into the thickness of the support plate 450 and on the surface of the support plate 450 A recess opening on the upper or lower surface). According to an embodiment, the bending characteristics of the bending portion 453 may be determined based on at least one of a size, a shape, and an arrangement density of at least a portion of the plurality of openings. In one embodiment, the support plate 450 may be formed of stainless steel (SUS) (eg, stainless steel (STS)), Cu, Al, or metal cladding (eg, a stacked member in which SUS and Al are alternately disposed). In this case, a plurality of openings may be configured to pass through the entire area of the support plate 450 so as to cause a detection operation of the digitizer 460 disposed below the support plate 450 . According to one embodiment, the support plate 450 may help to stiffen an electronic device (eg, electronic device 100 of FIG. 1a) and may serve to shield ambient noise and dissipate heat from surrounding heat dissipation components.

According to various embodiments, the display 400 may include a digitizer 460 as a detection member, the digitizer 460 being disposed below the support plate 450 and receiving input from an input tool such as an electronic pen (eg, a stylus) (eg, external enter). For example, the digitizer 460 may include a coil member disposed on a dielectric substrate to detect the resonant frequency of the electromagnetic induction scheme applied from the electronic pen.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 may include at least one functional component (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer 440 and the support plate 450 (eg, disposed above the support plate 450 ) or below the support plate 450 . According to an embodiment, the functional components that provide functions to the electronic device may include graphite sheets for heat dissipation function, additional display for image display function, force touch FPCB for detecting contact or touch function from the input tool, Fingerprint sensor FPCB for capturing fingerprint function, antenna radiator for communication function, or conductive/non-conductive strip. According to an embodiment, in the case where the functional component is not bendable, the functional component may be separately provided on the first housing (eg, the first housing 110 of FIG. 1a) and the second housing (eg, the second housing of FIG. 1a). casing 120). According to an embodiment, in case the functional member is bendable, the functional member may come out of the first housing (eg, first housing 110 of FIG. 1 a ) and out of the first housing and through a hinge arrangement (eg, FIG. The hinge device 140 of FIG. 1 b) is provided up to at least a portion of the second housing (eg, the second housing 120 of FIG. 1 a).

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 a ) may include a camera device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 a ) disposed below the flexible display 400 and configured to detect an external environment of the electronic device through the flexible display 400 . A camera device 105). In some embodiments, an electronic device (eg, electronic device 100 of FIG. 1 a ) may include at least one sensor module (eg, sensor module 104 of FIG. 1 a ) disposed under flexible display 400 (eg, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, or a sensor module). TOF sensor). According to an embodiment, the polarizing layer 420, the display panel 430, the polymer layer 440, the supporting plate 450, and the reinforcing plate 470 may include through holes 4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, and 4701. In some embodiments, by adjusting the transmittance of the corresponding areas, the display panel 430 and/or the polarizing layer 420 may not require the through holes 4201 and 4301. In some embodiments, through holes 4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, and 4701 have dimensions (e.g., taken along a plane defined by a first direction (such as the X-axis direction) and a second direction (such as the Y-axis direction) through-holes 4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601 and 4701 may have different sizes from each other. Various of the through holes 4201, 4301, 4401, 4501, 4601, and 4701 may be aligned with each other, but are not limited thereto.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 400 may include a curved portion 432 that is bendable such that a portion of the display panel 430 can face a portion of a rear surface of the flexible display 400 . That is, the flexible display 400 bent at the bending portion 432 may provide a portion of the rear surface of the display panel 430 facing the flexible display 400 . According to an embodiment, the curved portion 432 may include an extension portion 4321 extending from the display panel 430 and including the control circuit 4321a, and a flexible substrate 4322 electrically connected to the extension portion 4321 and including a plurality of electrical components.

According to an embodiment, the control circuit 4321a may include a display driver IC (DDI) or a touch display driver IC (TDDI) mounted on the extension portion 4321 having an electrical wiring structure. According to an embodiment, the control circuit 4321a may have a chip-on-panel or chip-on-plastic (COP) structure disposed directly on the extension 4321. In some embodiments, the control circuit may have a chip-on-film (COF) structure mounted on a separate connection film (not shown) connecting the extension 4321 and the flexible substrate 4322.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a plurality of electrical components 4322a disposed on a flexible substrate 4322. According to an embodiment, flexible display 400 may include a connector portion extending from flexible substrate 4322 and electrically connected to a substrate (eg, second printed circuit board 162 of FIG. 3) of an electronic device (eg, electronic device 100 of FIG. 3). 4323. According to an embodiment, the plurality of electrical components 4322a may include a touch IC, flash memory for a display, a diode for ESD protection, a pressure sensor, or a passive component such as a decap. In another embodiment, when the curved portion 432 is disposed in a region of the flexible display 400 facing the first housing (eg, the first housing 110 of FIG. 1 ) of the flexible display 400 , the connector portion 4323 may electrically Connected to another substrate (eg, first printed circuit board 161 of FIG. 3) of the electronic device (eg, electronic device 100 of FIG. 3).

Figure 5a is a plan view illustrating the rear surface of a flexible display according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 5 b is a view illustrating a state in which a support structure is provided on the rear surface of the flexible display of FIG. 5 a according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b , an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 6a ) may include a flexible display 400 disposed by a first support member (eg, the first support member of FIG. 3 ) of the first housing 110 . The support member 1131) and the second support member (eg, the second support member 1231 of FIG. 3) of the second housing 120 support. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a curved portion 432 extending outwardly from a display panel (eg, display panel 430 of FIG. 4 ) and disposed on a rear surface of the flexible display 400 . According to an embodiment, the curved portion 432 may include an extension portion 4321 extending from the display panel (eg, display panel 430 of FIG. 4) and including a control circuit (eg, control circuit 4321a of FIG. 4), and connected to the extension portion 4321 and Flexible substrate 4322 includes a plurality of electrical components 4322a. According to an embodiment, the curved portion 432 may be curved to the rear surface of the flexible display 400 and then attached to the rear surface of the second reinforcement plate 472 that is attached to the support plate 450 . In some embodiments, the ground of the flexible substrate 4322 may be electrically connected to the second reinforcement plate 472 formed of a conductive material, thereby helping to prevent failure of the flexible display 400 (eg, flicker phenomenon).

According to various embodiments, the curved curved portion 432 may be disposed to face at least a portion of the second reinforcing plate 472 in a region that at least partially corresponds to the second housing 120 . In this case, the corresponding portion of the second housing 120 may include a recess formed lower than the outer surface of the second housing so as to receive the curved portion 432 . In some embodiments, the curved portion 432 may be disposed to face the first reinforcing plate 471 in a region that at least partially corresponds to the first housing 110 . In some embodiments, the curved portion 432 may correspond to at least a portion of the second housing 120 and may be provided in a manner attached to the second flat portion 452 of the support plate 450 in a region where the second reinforcing plate 472 is partially omitted. . In this case, the ground of the flexible substrate 4322 may be electrically connected to the support plate 450 formed of a conductive material. In some embodiments, the curved portion 432 may correspond to at least a portion of the first housing 110 and may be attached to the first flat portion 451 of the support plate 450 in a region where the first reinforcing plate 471 is partially omitted. In this case, the ground of the flexible substrate 4322 may be electrically connected to the support plate 450 formed of a conductive material.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 6a) may include at least one waterproof member 481, 482, 483, and 484 that provides a waterproof function (eg, a waterproof member). According to an embodiment, at least one waterproof member 481, 482, 483 and 484 may include a first waterproof member 481 and a second waterproof member 482, the first waterproof member 481 being disposed between the second reinforcing plate 472 and the second housing (for example, 6a) to substantially surround the curved portion 432, and the second waterproof member 482 is disposed between the extension portion 4321 and the second housing 120. According to an embodiment, the at least one waterproof member may include a third waterproof member 483 connected to one end 4811 of the first waterproof member 481 and one end of the second waterproof member 482 (for example, connected to each other), and connected to the first waterproof member 483 . The other end 4812 of the waterproof member 481 and the other end of the second waterproof member 482 (for example, are connected to each other). According to an embodiment, the first waterproof member 481 and the second waterproof member 482 may include at least one of tape, adhesive, waterproof glue, silicone, waterproof rubber, and polyurethane.

According to an embodiment, when the first waterproof member 481 and the second waterproof member 482 are integrally constructed (for example, constructed as a single body), moisture or foreign matter may be introduced into the space between the curved portion 432 and the second reinforcing plate 472 In the gap formed by the height difference (step difference).

According to an embodiment, the first waterproof member 481 may be attached in a separated state from the second waterproof member 482 so as to be spaced apart from the second waterproof member 482 at a specified interval in the above-mentioned stepped portion, and the stepped portion including the corresponding interval may They are connected without gaps through the third waterproof member 483 . In some embodiments, in a state where the first waterproof member 481 and the second waterproof member 482 are integrally constructed, the third waterproof member 483 may be applied to a height difference corresponding to the height difference between the curved portion 432 and the second reinforcing plate 472 The area of the gap formed. According to an embodiment, the third waterproof member 483 may include a waterproof filling member including a semi-solid or liquid substance and having a property of being cured by natural or external conditions (eg, heat, ultraviolet light, or pressure). Therefore, the control circuit 4321a and the plurality of electrical components 4322a may be configured between the second case 120 and the second reinforcement plate 472 of the flexible display 400 through the first, second, and third waterproof members 481, 482, and 483. , and is provided in the first waterproof space 4813 of the closed loop type without discontinuous portions due to the stepped structure, so moisture and/or foreign matter can be prevented from penetrating from the outside.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 6a ) may include a fourth waterproof member 484 having a closed loop shape and disposed in the first housing (eg, the first housing of FIG. 6a ). between the body 110) and the first reinforcing plate 471 of the flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, the fourth waterproof member 484 may provide a sealed second waterproof space 4841. According to an embodiment, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 6 a ) may include at least one electronic component disposed in a first arrangement area 4842 and a second arrangement area 4843 , the first arrangement area 4842 and the second arrangement area 4843 Provided in at least part of the second waterproof space 4841. According to an embodiment, the at least one electronic component may include a camera device (eg, the camera device 105 of FIG. 1 a ) disposed in the first arrangement area 4842 and a sensor module (eg, the camera device 105 of FIG. 1 a ) disposed in the second arrangement area 4843 sensor module 104). Therefore, at least one electronic component may be disposed in the second waterproof space 4841 configured to be sealed by the first housing 110, the fourth waterproof member 484, and the first reinforcing plate 471 of the flexible display 400, thus Can be protected from external moisture and/or foreign matter.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 6a) may include a flexible display 400 and a first housing (eg, the first housing 110 of FIG. 6a) and a second housing (eg, At least one support structure 500 between the second housing 120 of Figure 6a. According to an embodiment, at least one support structure 500 may include a first member 510 disposed between the first reinforcing plate 471 and the first housing 110 and a third member disposed between the second reinforcing plate 472 and the second housing 120 . Two components 520. According to an embodiment, the first member 510 may include a first part 511 and a second part 512. The first part 511 at least partially corresponds to the first area 130a of the flexible display 400 and is disposed until near the fourth waterproof member 484. The second part 512 Connected to the first portion 511 and configured to correspond at least in part to the third region 130c (eg, folded region). According to an embodiment, the second member 520 may include a third part 521 and a fourth part 522. The third part 521 at least partially corresponds to the second area 130b of the flexible display 400 and is disposed until near the first waterproof member 481, and the fourth part 522 Portion 522 is connected to third portion 521 and is configured to correspond at least in part to third area 130c (eg, fold area). According to an embodiment, the height of the second portion 512 may be higher than the height of the first portion 511 . According to an embodiment, the height of the fourth portion 522 may be higher than the height of the third portion 521 . According to an embodiment, the first portion 511 and the third portion 521 may be configured to have substantially the same height. According to an embodiment, the second portion 512 and the fourth portion 522 may be configured to have substantially the same height. In some embodiments, the heights of the first portion 511 and the third portion 521 may be different from each other. In some implementations, the heights of the second portion 512 and the fourth portion 522 may be different from each other.

According to various embodiments, at least one support structure 500 may be formed from metallic materials and/or polymeric materials (eg, TPU, PET, or PC). In some embodiments, at least one support structure 500 may be formed as a strap member from compressible materials and/or incompressible materials. According to an embodiment, at least one support structure 500 may be at least partially replaced with a heat dissipation member (eg, graphite sheets). According to an embodiment, in at least one support structure 500, the first and third portions 511, 521 and the second and fourth portions 512, 522 may be formed of the same or different materials. In some embodiments, at least one support structure 500 may be configured such that first member 510 and second member 520 are integrally configured. In this case, at least one support structure 500 may be formed from a flexible material.

In the support structure 500 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the heights of portions (eg, the second portion 512 and the fourth portion 522 ) corresponding to at least the third region 130 c (eg, the folding region) of the flexible display 400 may is configured to be higher than the height of the portions adjacent to the waterproof members 481 and 484 and corresponding to the first and second areas 130a and 130b of the flexible display 400 (eg, the first and third portions 511 and 521) so that the The curved third region 130c causes strong support for the flexible display 400 and helps to improve the durability and/or surface quality of the flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, at least one support structure 500 is arranged to have a relatively lower height than the third region 130c in the periphery of the waterproof members 481 and 484, thereby reducing undesired damage of the waterproof members 481 and 484 caused by the support structure 500. Attachment area, thus helping to improve waterproofing properties.

Figure 6a is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line 6a-6a of Figure 1a, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 6b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device illustrating a height relationship between a compressed waterproof member and a support structure according to assembly of a flexible display, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b , the electronic device may include a first housing 110 , a second housing 120 coupled to be foldable through a hinge device 140 , and a flexible display 400 supported by the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 . According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may include a window layer 410 and a polarizing layer (polarizer, POL) 420 sequentially disposed below the window layer 410, a display panel 430, a polymer layer 440, a support plate 450, and at least one reinforcement. Plates 471 and 472. In some embodiments, flexible display 400 may include a digitizer (eg, digitizer 460 of FIG. 4 ) disposed between polymer layer 440 and support plate 450 or between support plate 450 and at least one reinforcement plate 471 and 472 . According to an embodiment, the flexible display 400 may be provided to be supported by the first side member 113 of the first housing 110 and the second side member 123 of the second housing 120 .

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 100 may include a support structure (eg, the support structure 500 of FIG. 3 ) including a first member 510 disposed between the first reinforcing plate 471 and the first housing 110 and a disposed The second member 520 is between the second reinforcing plate 472 and the second housing 120 . According to an embodiment, the first member 510 may include a first sub-member 510a and a second sub-member 510b. The first sub-member 510a is disposed in an area corresponding to the third area 130c of the flexible display 400 and is disposed in the first housing. In at least a portion of 110, the second sub-member 510b is stacked on the first sub-member 510a in an area corresponding to at least the third area 130c. According to an embodiment, when the flexible display 400 is viewed from above, the second sub-member 510b may be disposed with a size that at least overlaps the third area 130a. According to an embodiment, the first member 510 may include a first part 511 corresponding to the first housing 110 and configured only by a region of the first sub-member 510a, and a second part 512 corresponding to at least the first sub-member 510a. The three regions 130a are configured by a first sub-member 510a and a second sub-member 510b. According to an embodiment, the first portion 511 may be disposed from the third area 130c to near the waterproof member 484 (eg, the fourth waterproof member 484 of FIG. 3 ) disposed between the first housing 110 and the flexible display 400 .

According to an embodiment, the second member 520 may include a third sub-member 520a and a fourth sub-member 520b. The third sub-member 520a is disposed in at least a part of the second housing 120 and the third area 130c of the flexible display 400. Four sub-members 520b are stacked on the third sub-member 520a in areas corresponding to at least the third area 130c. According to an embodiment, when the flexible display 400 is viewed from above, the fourth sub-member 520b may be disposed in a size that overlaps at least the third area 130c. According to an embodiment, the second member 520 may include a third portion 521 corresponding to the second housing 120 and configured only by a region of the third sub-member 520a, and a fourth portion 522 corresponding to At least the third region 130c is configured by a third sub-member 520a and a fourth sub-member 520b. According to an embodiment, the third portion 521 may be disposed from the third area 130c to the vicinity of the waterproof member 481 (eg, the first waterproof member 481 of FIG. 3 ), the waterproof member 481 being disposed between the second housing 120 and the flexible display 400 .

According to one embodiment, the first member 510 and the second member 520 are separated (or disconnected) from each other and are arranged to have a predetermined gap in the left and right relative to the folding axis A of the electronic device 100, thereby facilitating the folding operation of the electronic device. According to one embodiment, the gap formed by the first member 510 and the second member 520 may be substantially the same as the gap formed by the first reinforcing plate 471 and the second reinforcing plate 472.

According to various embodiments, the first height H1 of the first portion 511 and/or the third portion 521 may be lower than the second height H2 of the second portion 512 and/or the fourth portion 522 . Portions of different thicknesses (eg, 511 and 512 within 510 and 521 and 522 within 520) form a stepped structure. The stepped structure is open to waterproof members (eg, 481 and 484 in Figure 6a). Each corresponding stepped structure defines a first space 1101 or a second space 1201 together with the flexible display 400, the waterproof member (eg, 481 and 484 in Figure 6a) and the housing (eg, 110 and 120). According to an embodiment, the second height H2 of the second portion 512 and/or the fourth portion 522 may be substantially the same as or lower than the height t of the waterproof members 481 and 484 . According to an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6b , considering that the flexible display 400 is attached to the housings 110 and 120 through a compression clamp and the waterproof members 481 and 484 are compressed, the first part 511 and/or the third part 521 A height H1 may be configured to have a height that is the same as or lower than the height t1 of the compressed waterproof members 481 and 484 . Flexible display 400 is attached to housings 110 and 120 through adhesive member P5. In this case, the first height H1 of the first portion 511 and/or the third portion 521 disposed around the waterproof members 481 and 484 may be configured to be lower than the height t1 of the compressed waterproof members 481 and 484, so that when compressed The repulsive force of the first part 511 and/or the third part 521 is reduced when the waterproof members 481 and 484 extend toward and meet each part, thereby enhancing the adhesion of the waterproof members 481 and 484 and helping to improve the electronic device 100 waterproof performance.

According to various embodiments, the support plate 450 disposed below the display panel 430 may provide flexibility through a plurality of openings 4531. According to an embodiment, the bendable third region 130c of the flexible display 400 may be provided with flexibility with respect to a folding width l set to correspond to the plurality of openings 4531 of the support plate 450. According to an embodiment, the folding width l may be determined by the distance p between the hinge axes through a plurality of gears included in the hinge device 140 . According to an embodiment, the support width W including the second sub-member 510b of the first member 510 and the fourth sub-member 520b of the second member 520 and a gap between the second sub-member 510b and the fourth sub-member 520b may be configured It is the same as the folding width l of the third region 130c and/or the support plate 450, and is at least larger than the folding width l. For example, support width W may include a second portion 512 of first member 510 including first sub-member 510a and a fourth portion 522 of second member 520 . Portion 522 includes fourth sub-member 520b. Therefore, since the second part 512 and/or the fourth part 522 , which are relatively thicker than the first part 511 and/or the third part 521 , support the part corresponding to the third area 130 c below the display panel 430 , the flexible display 400 Assistance may be obtained in improving durability and surface quality in the third region 130c.

7a is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an electronic device in a flat state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 7b is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an electronic device in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7c is an enlarged view of area 7c of Figure 7b in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 7a to 7c , the electronic device 100 may include a first housing 110 , a second housing 120 foldably coupled to the first housing 110 through a hinge device 140 , and a device configured to be formed by the first housing 110 and the second housing 110 . Two housings 120 support the flexible display 400 . According to an embodiment, the hinge device 140 may include a plurality of gears 142, 143, 144, and 145, and may be disposed invisible from the outside through the hinge housing 141. According to an embodiment, the folding width l of the flexible display 400 may be determined by the inter-axis distance p between the rotation axes A1 and A2 of the hinge device coupled via a plurality of gears 142, 143, 144 and 145. According to an embodiment, the folding width l of the flexible display 400 may be determined by the following <Equation 1>.

[Equation 1]

l=π(r+d)

In this case, l may correspond to the folded width of the flexible display 400, r may correspond to the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the curved area when the flexible display 400 is in the folded state, and d may represent the thickness of the flexible display 400. For example, the thickness d of the flexible display 400 may have a thickness corresponding to the vertical distance from the window layer (eg, window layer 410 of Figure 6a) to the support plate (eg, support plate 450 of Figure 6a).

Therefore, the support width (e.g., support width W of FIG. 6a ) of the support structure (e.g., support structure 500 of FIG. 5b ) may be determined based on the thickness d of the flexible display 400 and the folded width l calculated by the radius of curvature r of the flexible display 400 in the folded state. For example, the support width W of the support structure 500 may be configured to be the same as or greater than the calculated folded width l.

8a and 8b are partial cross-sectional views schematically illustrating an electronic device in a flat state and a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

8a and 8b, the electronic device 100' may include a first housing 110, a second housing 120 foldably coupled to the first housing 110 through a hinge device 140', and a second housing 120 configured to 110 and the second housing 120 support the flexible display 400 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 100' may include a first link member 148 and a second link member 149. The first link member 148 is connected to the first housing 110 and supports at least a portion of the flexible display 400. The two link members 149 are linked to the second housing 120 and support at least a portion of the flexible display 400 . According to an embodiment, in the flat state, the first link member 148 and the second link member 149 form the same plane as the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 , and in the folded state, the first link member 148 and the second link member 149 form the same plane as the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 . Member 148 and second link member 149 may move to support the curved portion of flexible display 400 .

According to various embodiments, electronic device 100' may include support structures 530 and 540 for supporting flexible display 400. According to an embodiment, the support structure may include a first member 530 that includes a first sub-member 530a disposed between the first housing 110 and the flexible display 400 and a first link member 148 and the flexible display. 400 between the second sub-member 530b. In this case, the first sub-member 530a and the second sub-member 530b may be provided in a separated state from each other. According to an embodiment, the support structure may include a second member 540 including a third sub-member 540a disposed between the second housing 120 and the flexible display 400 and a third sub-member 540a disposed between the second link member 149 and the flexible display. The fourth sub-member 540b between 400. In this case, the third sub-member 540a and the fourth sub-member 540b may be provided in a separated state from each other. According to an embodiment, the second sub-member 530b and the fourth sub-member 540b may be configured to support at least a portion of the third area 130c (eg, a folding area) of the flexible display 400. Even in this case, the supporting width W formed by the second sub-member 530b and the fourth sub-member 540b may be equal to or larger than the folding width l' of the flexible display 400 corresponding to at least the third area 130c. According to an embodiment, the height H1 of the first sub-member 530a and/or the third sub-member 540a may be configured to be lower than the height H2 of the second sub-member 530b and/or the fourth sub-member 540b.

9a to 9d are views illustrating various examples of a support structure according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figure 9a, support structures 541 and 542 together define a support structure and may include a first member 541 disposed on one side relative to the folding axis A and a second member 542 disposed on the other side. According to an embodiment, the first member 541 may include a first portion 511 (or a first thickness portion) having a first height H1 and a second height H2 connected to the first portion 511 and having a higher (or greater) height H1 second portion 512 (or second thickness portion). According to an embodiment, the second member 542 may include a third portion 521 having a first height H1 and a fourth portion 522 connected to the third portion 521 and having a second height H2 higher than the first height H1. According to an embodiment, in the first member 541, the first portion 511 and the second portion 512 may be constructed integrally, ie, define a single continuous body. According to an embodiment, in the second member 542, the third part 521 and the fourth part 522 may be integrally constructed. Accordingly, the second portion 512 of the first member 541 and the fourth portion 522 of the second member 542 (which have a relatively higher height than the height at the perimeter (eg, furthest from the folding axis A)) may be configured to have The support width W is sufficient for supporting the third area (eg, the third area 130c of FIG. 6a) of the flexible display (eg, the flexible display 400 of FIG. 6a).

Referring to Figure 9b, the support structures 551 and 552 may include a first member 551 disposed on one side and a second member 552 disposed on the other side relative to the folding axis A. According to an embodiment, the first member 551 may include a first sub-member 5511 configured to have a first height H1 in the first portion 511 and a second sub-member 5512 configured to connect A second portion 512 into the first portion 511 is separated (eg, disconnected) from the first sub-member 5511 and has a second height H2 that is higher than the first height H1. According to an embodiment, the second member 552 may include a third sub-member 5521 disposed to have a first height H1 in the third portion 521 and a fourth sub-member 5522 disposed to A fourth portion 522 connected to the third portion 521 is separated from the third sub-member 5521 and has a second height H2 higher than the first height H1. According to an embodiment, the second sub-member 5512 of the first member 551 and the fourth sub-member 5522 of the second member 552 having a relatively higher height than the perimeter may be configured to have a sufficient support width W for supporting flexibility. A third area (eg, third area 130c of FIG. 6a) of the display (eg, flexible display 400 of FIG. 6a).

Referring to FIG. 9c , the support structure 560 may include a first portion 511 disposed on one side with respect to the folding axis A and having a first height H1 and a second portion 512 extending from the first portion 511 , and may include another portion disposed on the folding axis A. A third portion 521 on one side and a fourth portion 522 extending from the third portion 521 . According to an embodiment, the first part 511, the second part 512, the third part 521 and the fourth part 522 may be constructed integrally. According to an embodiment, the first height H1 of the first part 511 and the third part 521 may be lower than the second height H2 of the second part 512 and the fourth part 522 . For example, the integrally configured support structure 560 may be formed from a resilient material (eg, rubber, polyurethane, silicone, or TPU) to provide flexibility in a third region (eg, third region 130c of Figure 6a). According to an embodiment, the second portion 512 and the fourth portion 522 configured to have a relatively higher height than the perimeter may be configured to have a sufficient support width W for supporting a flexible display (eg, the flexible display of FIG. 6a 400) (for example, the third area 130c of Figure 6a).

9d , the integral support structure 560 of FIG. 9c may further include at least one groove 5601 (eg, recess) having a specified depth along the folding axis A. According to one embodiment, the at least one groove 5601 may help improve the flexibility of the support structure 560 folded relative to the folding axis A.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 6a) may include: a first housing (eg, the first housing 110 of FIG. 6a); through a hinge device (eg, the hinge device 140 of FIG. 6a) ) a second housing (eg, the second housing 120 of FIG. 6a) foldably coupled to the first housing; a flexible display (eg, the flexible display 400 of FIG. 6a) configured to be formed by the first housing and the second housing. The second housing supports and includes a folding area (for example, the third area 130c of FIG. 6a ) that is deformed in the folded state; and is provided between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display. at least one waterproof member (eg, waterproof members 481 and 484 of FIG. 6a); and disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display in the periphery of the at least one waterproof member At least one support structure (eg, support structure 500 of Figure 5b), wherein the at least one support structure includes a first portion (eg, first portion 511 of Figure 6a) disposed to have a first height (eg, first height H1 of Figure 6a) ) and a second portion (eg, the second portion 512 of FIG. 6a ) disposed to have a second height (eg, the second height H2 of FIG. 6a ) that is higher than the first height, and when the flexible display is viewed from above, At least a portion of the second portion is disposed overlapping at least a portion of the folded area.

According to various embodiments, the width of the second portion may be set to be the same as or larger than the width of the folding area.

According to various embodiments, the first height may be configured to be the same as or lower than the height of the at least one waterproof member.

According to various embodiments, the first height may be configured to be the same as or lower than the height of the at least one waterproof member that is compressed when assembling the flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure may be arranged separately relative to the folding axis of the folding area.

According to various embodiments, at least one support structure may include a first member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and a second member disposed between the second housing and the flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the first component may include a first sub-component having a first height and a second sub-component stacked on the first sub-component and together with the first sub-component forming a second height.

According to various embodiments, the second component may include a third sub-component having a first height and a fourth sub-component stacked on the third sub-component and together with the third sub-component forming a second height.

According to various embodiments, when the flexible display is viewed from above, at least a portion of the second sub-member and at least a portion of the fourth sub-member may be disposed at a position overlapping the folding area.

According to various embodiments, the first portion and the second portion may be integrally configured.

According to various embodiments, the first part and the second part may be provided separately.

According to various embodiments, the hinge device may include a first rotation axis for movement of the first housing and a second rotation axis for movement of the second housing, and the second member may be configured to rotate in conjunction with the first rotation axis. The inter-axis distance between the axis and the second axis of rotation is the same or greater.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display may include a window layer, a display panel disposed below the window layer, a support plate disposed below the display panel and including a plurality of openings in a portion corresponding to the folding area, disposed below the support plate, and a first reinforcing plate in a portion corresponding to the first housing, and a second reinforcing plate provided below the support plate and in a portion corresponding to the second housing.

According to various embodiments, at least one support structure and at least one waterproof member may be provided between the first reinforcing plate and the first housing and/or between the second reinforcing plate and the second housing.

According to various embodiments, at least one support structure may be formed from at least one of a metallic material, a polymeric material, a compressible material, an incompressible material, or a heat dissipation member.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (eg, electronic device 100 of FIG. 6a ) may include a first housing (eg, first housing 110 of FIG. 6a ), via a hinge device (eg, hinge device 140 of FIG. 6a ). a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing (eg, second housing 120 of FIG. 6a ), and configured to be supported by the first and second housings and include a folding region (eg, FIG. 6a The third area 130c) of the flexible display (for example, the flexible display 400 of Figure 6a), the flexible display includes a window layer (for example, the window layer 410 of Figure 6a), a display panel (for example, the display panel of Figure 6a) disposed below the window layer display panel 430), a support plate (eg, the support plate 450 of FIG. 6a) disposed below the display panel and including a plurality of openings (eg, the opening 4531 of FIG. 6a) in a portion corresponding to the folding area, disposed on the support plate a first reinforcing plate below and in a portion corresponding to the first housing (eg, the first reinforcing plate 471 of Figure 6a) and a second reinforcing plate disposed below the support plate and in a portion corresponding to the second housing plate (for example, the second reinforcing plate 472 of Figure 6a), and includes at least one waterproof member (for example, the waterproof members 481 and 484 of Figure 6a) and at least one support structure (for example, the support structure 500 of Figure 5b), at least one The waterproof component is disposed between the first reinforcing plate and the first shell and/or between the second reinforcing plate and the second shell, and at least one support structure is disposed between the first reinforcing plate and the first waterproof component in the periphery of the at least one waterproof component. between the shells and/or between the second reinforcing plate and the second shell, wherein at least one support structure includes a first portion (eg, FIG. 6a ) arranged to have a first height (eg, first height H1 of FIG. 6a ) a first portion 511) and a second portion (e.g., the second portion 512 of Fig. 6a) arranged to have a second height (e.g., the second height H2 of Fig. 6a) higher than the first height, and when viewed from above In the case of a flexible display, at least a part of the second part is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the folding area.

According to various embodiments, the first height may be configured to be the same as or lower than a height of the at least one waterproof member.

According to various embodiments, the at least one support structure may be arranged separately relative to the folding axis of the folding area.

According to various embodiments, the first part and the second part may be configured integrally.

According to various embodiments, the first part and the second part may be provided separately.

In addition, the embodiments of the present disclosure disclosed in the specification and the drawings are provided only to provide specific examples to easily describe technical contents according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and to help understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. scope of implementation. Therefore, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should be construed to include all changes or modifications based on the technical spirit of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims (15)

1. An electronic device, comprising:

a first housing;

a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing by a hinge device;

a flexible display disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing, the flexible display including a foldable fold area;

At least one waterproof member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display; and

at least one support structure provided in the periphery of the at least one waterproof member between the first housing and the flexible display and/or between the second housing and the flexible display,

wherein the at least one support structure comprises:

a first portion provided to have a first height; and

a second portion configured to have a second height greater than the first height,

wherein at least a portion of the second portion is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the fold region when the flexible display is viewed from above.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second portion is sized the same as or larger than the fold area.

3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first height is configured to be the same as or lower than a height of the at least one waterproof member.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the first height is configured to be the same as or lower than a height of the at least one waterproof member compressed when the flexible display is assembled.

5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one support structure is disposed separately with respect to a fold axis of the fold region.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein the at least one support structure comprises:

a first member disposed between the first housing and the flexible display; and

and a second member disposed between the second housing and the flexible display.

7. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein the first member comprises:

a first sub-member having the first height; and

a second sub-member stacked on the first sub-member and constituting the second height together with the first sub-member.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the second member comprises:

a third sub-member having the first height; and

a fourth sub-member stacked on the third sub-member and constituting the second height together with the third sub-member.

9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the second sub-member and at least a portion of the fourth sub-member are disposed at positions overlapping the fold region when the flexible display is viewed from above.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are integrally configured.

11. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the first portion and the second portion are disposed separately.

12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein

The hinge device includes a first rotation axis for movement of the first housing and a second rotation axis for movement of the second housing, and

the width of the second portion is configured to be equal to or greater than an inter-axis distance between the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.

13. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the flexible display comprises:

a window layer;

the display panel is arranged below the window layer;

a support plate disposed under the display panel, the support plate including a plurality of openings disposed at portions corresponding to the folding regions;

a first reinforcing plate disposed under the support plate and corresponding to the first case; and

and a second reinforcing plate disposed under the support plate and corresponding to the second case.

14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the at least one support structure and the at least one waterproof member are disposed between the first stiffener and the first housing and/or between the second stiffener and the second housing.

15. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one support structure comprises at least one of a metallic material, a polymeric material, a compressible material, an incompressible material, or a heat dissipating member.