KR20220017583A - Foldable electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention can provide a foldable electronic device operated in various folding schemes through folding axes crossing each other. According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing coupled to at least a portion of the first housing to be foldable against the at least a portion of the first housing about a first folding axis through a first hinge module; a third housing coupled to the at least a portion of the first housing to be foldable against the at least a portion of the first housing about a second folding axis crossing the first folding axis through a second hinge module; a fourth housing coupled to the third housing to be foldable against the third housing through the first hinge module, and coupled to the second housing to be foldable against the second housing through the second hinge module; a flexible display disposed to be supported by the first housing, the second housing, the third housing, and/or the fourth housing, in which the flexible display includes a first plane region facing the first housing, a second plane region facing the second housing, a third plane region facing the third housing, a fourth plane region facing the fourth housing, a first bendable region foldable while facing the first folding axis, a second bendable region foldable while facing a second rotating axis, and a crossing region crossing the first bendable region and the second bendable region; and a conductive sheet layer disposed under the flexible display and including a first bendable part facing the first bendable region and having a first pattern, a second bendable unit facing the second bendable region and having a second pattern, and a crossing unit facing the crossing region and including a third pattern. Besides, various embodiments are possible.

Description

FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a foldable electronic device.

Electronic devices are becoming slimmer in order to satisfy consumers' purchasing desires, and the display of the electronic device is designed to provide a lot of information on a single screen or to provide a large screen of various contents (eg, movies or web surfing). It's getting bigger. In addition, improvements are being made to increase the rigidity of the electronic device, to strengthen the design aspect, and to differentiate the functional elements thereof. Such an electronic device may have a deformable structure capable of using a large-screen display while being convenient to carry. As a part of such electronic devices, foldable electronic devices in which a plurality of housings operate in a manner that they are folded with respect to each other are continuously being released.

The foldable electronic device may include a plurality of housings that perform a folding operation in a folding manner with respect to each other, and may use a large-screen display in an unfolded state, and may be easily portable due to a reduced volume in the folded state. In such a foldable electronic device, an operation of folding and unfolding two housings in designated folding methods may be performed through a single hinge module. These folding methods are an out-folding method in which the flexible display is visually exposed in a folded state through two housings rotatably connected by a hinge module, or an in-folding method in which the flexible display is not visually exposed in the folded state. It may include an (in-folding) method.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, in a foldable electronic device having folding axes intersecting each other through the intersecting arrangement of at least two hinge modules, the flexible display supported through housings operated by the intersected hinge modules It may include a support member (eg, a conductive sheet layer or a conductive plate) capable of reinforcing rigidity and determining flexural properties.

According to various embodiments, a foldable electronic device may be provided.

According to various embodiments, it is possible to provide a foldable electronic device that is operated in various folding methods through cross-arranged folding axes.

According to various embodiments, it is possible to provide a foldable electronic device having a support structure capable of supporting a corresponding area of the flexible display facing the intersecting folding axes and providing a bending characteristic.

The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. There will be.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing that is foldably connected to at least a portion of the first housing with respect to a first folding axis through a first hinge module, and a second hinge Through a module, a third housing is foldably connected to at least a portion of the first housing based on a second folding axis intersecting the first folding axis, and through the first hinge module, the third housing and a fourth housing that is foldably connected to the second housing and is foldably connected to the second housing through the second hinge module, and the first housing, the second housing, the third housing, and the fourth housing are supported. A flexible display disposed to receive a fourth planar region facing the housing, a first foldable region facing the first folding shaft and collapsible, a second foldable region facing the second rotation axis, and the first bendable region and the A flexible display including an intersection region in which second bendable regions intersect, and a first bendable portion disposed under the flexible display, the first bendable portion facing the first bendable region and including a first pattern, the second bendable portion and a conductive sheet layer including a second bendable portion facing the region and including a second pattern, and an intersection portion facing the crossing region and including a third pattern.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device includes a plurality of housings that are foldably coupled with respect to a second folding axis intersecting a first folding axis and/or a second folding axis, and the plurality of housings are arranged to receive support. A flexible display that can be used as a flexible display, including a first bendable area facing the first folding axis and foldable, a second bendable area facing the second folding axis and foldable, and the first bendable area and the second bendable area A flexible display including an intersecting region in which regions intersect, and a first bendable portion disposed under the flexible display, facing the first bendable region and including a first pattern, and facing the second bendable region and a conductive sheet layer having a second bendable portion including a second pattern and an intersection portion facing the intersection region and including a third pattern.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display supported by the conductive sheet layer includes a window layer, a first bendable region disposed under the window layer, and a first bendable area corresponding to a first folding axis, and crossing the first folding axis. A display panel comprising: a second bendable area corresponding to a second folding axis; and an intersection area corresponding to an area in which the first folding axis and the second folding axis intersect; and a polymer layer disposed under the display panel. and the conductive sheet layer is disposed under the polymer layer, the first bendable portion facing the first bendable region and comprising a first pattern, the first bendable portion facing the second bendable region and comprising a second pattern It may include a second bendable portion and an intersection portion facing the intersection area and including a third pattern.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device may provide a large screen display in an unfolded state because it performs folding and unfolding operations in various folding methods through crossed folding axes, and in the folded state, various A screen of a size may be provided. In addition, operation reliability of the foldable electronic device may be improved by the support structure provided with rigidity and bending characteristics for supporting corresponding regions of the flexible display facing the cross-arranged folding axes.

In addition, various effects directly or indirectly identified through this document may be provided.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components.
1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2A is a view illustrating a front side of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2B is a view illustrating a rear surface of a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
3A is a view illustrating a front side of a foldable electronic device in a state in which it is folded in a first folding manner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
3B is a view illustrating a rear side of a foldable electronic device in a state in which it is folded in a first folding manner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
3C is a view illustrating a rear side of a foldable electronic device in a state in which it is folded in a second folding method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
4 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
5 is a view showing the configuration of a conductive sheet layer according to various embodiments of the present invention.
6A is an enlarged view of area 6A of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
6B is an enlarged view of area 6B of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 6C is an enlarged view of area 6c of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
6D is a diagram illustrating a relationship between bending stiffness due to a load applied to a specimen according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
7A is a partial cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device taken along line 7a-7a of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
7B is a partial cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device taken along line 7b-7b of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
7C is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first hinge module and the second hinge module are connected through an elastic support disposed in the region 7c of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a conductive sheet layer viewed along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 for comparison of thicknesses for each region according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;
9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of the area 6c of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 101 in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in a network environment 100 , the electronic device 101 communicates with the electronic device 102 through a first network 198 (eg, a short-range wireless communication network) or a second network 199 . It may communicate with the electronic device 104 or the server 108 through (eg, a long-distance wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 may communicate with the electronic device 104 through the server 108 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device 101 includes a processor 120 , a memory 130 , an input device 150 , a sound output device 155 , a display device 160 , an audio module 170 , and a sensor module ( 176), interface 177, connection terminal 178, haptic module 179, camera module 180, power management module 188, battery 189, communication module 190, subscriber identification module 196 , or an antenna module 197 may be included. In some embodiments, at least one of these components (eg, the connection terminal 178 ) may be omitted or one or more other components may be added to the electronic device 101 . In some embodiments, some of these components (eg, sensor module 176 , camera module 180 , or antenna module 197 ) are integrated into one component (eg, display device 160 ). can be For example, the sensor module 176 (eg, a fingerprint sensor, an iris sensor, or an illuminance sensor) may be implemented while being embedded in the display device 160 (eg, a display).

The processor 120, for example, executes software (eg, the program 140) to execute at least one other component (eg, hardware or software component) of the electronic device 101 connected to the processor 120 . It can control and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of data processing or operation, the processor 120 converts commands or data received from other components (eg, the sensor module 176 or the communication module 190 ) to the volatile memory 132 . may be loaded into the volatile memory 132 , and may process commands or data stored in the volatile memory 132 , and store the result data in the non-volatile memory 134 . According to an embodiment, the processor 120 is the main processor 121 (eg, a central processing unit or an application processor), or a secondary processor 123 (eg, a graphic processing unit, a neural network processing unit) that can operate independently or together with the main processor 121 . (NPU: neural processing unit), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, when the electronic device 101 includes the main processor 121 and the auxiliary processor 123 , the auxiliary processor 123 uses less power than the main processor 121 or is set to be specialized for a specified function. can The auxiliary processor 123 may be implemented separately from or as a part of the main processor 121 .

The secondary processor 123 may, for example, act on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or when the main processor 121 is active (eg, executing an application). ), together with the main processor 121, at least one of the components of the electronic device 101 (eg, the display device 160, the sensor module 176, or the communication module 190) It is possible to control at least some of the related functions or states. According to an embodiment, the coprocessor 123 (eg, image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (eg, camera module 180 or communication module 190). have.

The memory 130 may store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device 101 (eg, the processor 120 or the sensor module 176 ). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (eg, the program 140 ) and instructions related thereto. The memory 130 may include a volatile memory 132 or a non-volatile memory 134 .

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

The input device 150 may receive a command or data to be used in a component (eg, the processor 120 ) of the electronic device 101 from the outside (eg, a user) of the electronic device 101 . The input device 150 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (eg, a button), or a digital pen (eg, a stylus pen).

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

The display device 160 may visually provide information to the outside of the electronic device 101 (eg, a user). The display device 160 may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the corresponding device. According to an embodiment, the display device 160 may include a touch sensor configured to sense a touch or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

The audio module 170 may convert a sound into an electric signal or, conversely, convert an electric signal into a sound. According to an embodiment, the audio module 170 acquires a sound through the input device 150 , or an external electronic device (eg, a sound output device 155 ) connected directly or wirelessly with the electronic device 101 . A sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (eg, a speaker or a headphone).

The sensor module 176 detects an operating state (eg, power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an external environmental state (eg, a user state), and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the sensed state. can do. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 176 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, It may include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

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

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

The haptic module 179 may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (eg, vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sense. According to an embodiment, the haptic module 179 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

The camera module 180 may capture still images and moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module 180 may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

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

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

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

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

At least some of the components include a communication method between peripheral devices (eg, a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), inter-integrated circuit (I2C), mobile display digital interface (MDDI), Alternatively, they may be connected to each other through a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI) and exchange signals (eg, commands or data) with each other.

According to an embodiment, the command or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device 101 and the external electronic device 104 through the server 108 connected to the second network 199 . Each of the external electronic devices 102 or 104 may be the same as or different from the electronic device 101 . According to an embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device 101 may be executed in one or more external electronic devices 102 , 104 , or 108 . For example, when the electronic device 101 is to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or other device, the electronic device 101 may perform the function or service itself instead of executing the function or service itself. Alternatively or additionally, one or more external electronic devices may be requested to perform at least a part of the function or the service. One or more external electronic devices that have received the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit a result of the execution to the electronic device 101 . The electronic device 101 may process the result as it is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, and mobile edge computing (MEC: mobile edge computing), or client-server computing techniques may be used. The electronic device 101 may provide an ultra-low latency service using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 104 may include an Internet of things (IoT) device. Server 108 may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 104 or the server 108 may be included in the second network 199 . The electronic device 101 may be applied to an intelligent service (eg, smart home, smart city, smart car, or health care) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

The electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may have various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (eg, a smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance device. The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present document is not limited to the above-described devices.

The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but it should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, like reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or more of the item, unless the relevant context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B," "A, B or C," "at least one of A, B and C," and "A , B, or C" each may include any one of, or all possible combinations of, items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish an element from other elements in question, and may refer elements to other aspects (e.g., importance or order) is not limited. It is said that one (eg, first) component is "coupled" or "connected" to another (eg, second) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively". When referenced, it means that one component can be connected to the other component directly (eg by wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

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

According to various embodiments of the present document, one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (eg, internal memory 136 or external memory 138) readable by a machine (eg, electronic device 101) may be implemented as software (eg, the program 140) including For example, the processor (eg, the processor 120 ) of the device (eg, the electronic device 101 ) may call at least one command among one or more commands stored from a storage medium and execute it. This makes it possible for the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the called at least one command. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (eg, electromagnetic wave), and this term is used in cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and It does not distinguish between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be included in a computer program product (computer program product) and provided. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. The computer program product is distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (eg compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store (eg Play Store™) or on two user devices (eg, It can be distributed online (eg download or upload), directly between smartphones (eg smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium such as a memory of a server of a manufacturer, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (eg, a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a singular or a plurality of entities. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations among the above-described corresponding components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (eg, a module or a program) may be integrated into one component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each component of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. . According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component are executed sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations are executed in a different order, or omitted. or one or more other operations may be added.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a front side of a foldable electronic device 200 in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a rear side of the foldable electronic device 200 in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The foldable electronic device 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be at least partially similar to the electronic device 101 of FIG. 1 , or may include other embodiments of the electronic device.

2A and 2B , the foldable electronic device 200 is positioned with respect to each other with respect to a first folding axis A and a second folding axis B disposed to intersect the first folding axis A. It may include a first housing 210 , a second housing 220 , a third housing 230 , and a fourth housing 240 , which are rotatably disposed. According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device 200 includes a first hinge module 285 disposed along a first folding axis A and a first hinge along a second folding axis B in an internal space. It may include a second hinge module 286 disposed to intersect the module 285 , and an elastic support 287 connecting the first hinge module 285 and the second hinge module 286 in the intersecting region. . According to an embodiment, the second housing 220 may be foldably connected to at least a portion of the first housing 210 with respect to the first folding axis A through the first hinge module 285 . . According to one embodiment, the third housing 230 may be foldably connected to at least a portion of the first housing 210 with respect to the second folding axis B through the second hinge module 286 . . According to one embodiment, the fourth housing 240 may be foldably connected to the third housing 230 through the first hinge module 285 , and through the second hinge module 286 , the second housing 220 and may be collapsible. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the foldable electronic device 200 supports the first housing 210 , the second housing 220 , the third housing 230 , and/or the fourth housing 240 . It may include a flexible display 250 (eg, the display device 160 of FIG. 1 ) disposed to receive . According to an embodiment, the flexible display 250 may provide a user with a large-screen display having a rectangular shape in an unfolded state. According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing 210 , the second housing 220 , the third housing 230 and/or the third housing 240 is selected for supporting the flexible display 250 . It may be formed of a metal material and/or a non-metal material having a size rigidity.

According to various embodiments, the first housing 210, in the unfolded state, the first surface 211 facing the first direction (eg, the Z-axis direction), the second surface 211 facing the opposite direction to the first surface 211 The surface 212 may include a first side frame 213 surrounding the space between the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 . According to one embodiment, the second housing 220, in the unfolded state, the third surface 221 facing the first direction (eg, the Z-axis direction), the third surface 221 and the fourth surface facing the opposite direction The surface 222 may include a second side frame 223 surrounding the space between the third surface 221 and the fourth surface 222 . According to one embodiment, the third housing 230 is, in the unfolded state, the fifth surface 231 facing the first direction (eg, the Z-axis direction), and the sixth surface 231 facing the opposite direction to the fifth surface 231 . The surface 232 may include a third side frame 233 surrounding the space between the fifth surface 231 and the sixth surface 232 . According to one embodiment, the fourth housing 240, in the unfolded state, the seventh surface 241 facing the first direction (eg, the Z-axis direction), the seventh surface 241 and the eighth side facing the opposite direction. A fourth side frame 243 surrounding the surface 242 and the space between the seventh surface 241 and the eighth surface 242 may be included. According to one embodiment, at least some of the side frames 213 , 223 , 233 , and 243 are electrically segmented through at least one segment (not shown) formed of a non-conductive part (eg, polymer or hollow space). It may include at least one conductive portion (not shown). For example, the at least one conductive portion is electrically connected to a wireless communication module (eg, the wireless communication module 192 of FIG. 1 ) included in the foldable electronic device 200 , thereby designating at least one band (eg, legacy It can be used as an antenna operating in a cellular network band). According to an embodiment, the side frames 213 , 223 , 233 , and 243 may be used as decoration members.

According to various embodiments, the second surface 212 , the fourth surface 222 , the sixth surface 232 , and the eighth surface 242 are the first housing 210 , the second housing 220 , and the third surface The housing 230 and the fourth housing 240 may be formed as a part of each, or may include structurally coupled rear covers 214 , 224 , 234 , and 244 . According to one embodiment, the rear covers 214 , 224 , 234 , 244 include a first rear cover 214 disposed as at least a portion of the second surface 212 , and a first rear cover 214 disposed as at least a portion of the fourth surface 222 . The second rear cover 224 may include a third rear cover 234 disposed as at least a portion of the sixth surface 232 , and a fourth rear cover 244 formed as at least a portion of the eighth surface 242 . According to one embodiment, the rear covers 214 , 224 , 234 , 244 are integrally formed with the side frames 213 , 223 , 233 , 243 , or with the side frames 213 , 223 , 233 , 243 and They may be individually configured to be coupled. According to one embodiment, the back covers 214 , 224 , 234 , 244 are, for example, coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (eg, aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium); Or it may be formed by a combination of at least two of the above materials. According to an embodiment, the housings 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 of the foldable electronic device 200 are not limited to the shapes and combinations shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , but different shapes or combinations of parts and/or It can be implemented by combining.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 250 includes a first planar area 250a facing the first housing 210 , a second planar area 250b facing the second housing 220 , and a third housing A third planar area 250c facing 230, a fourth planar area 250d facing the fourth housing 240, a first bendable area 250e facing the first hinge module 285, The second bendable region 250f facing the second hinge module 286, and the region facing the elastic support 287 elastically connecting the first hinge module 285 and the second hinge module 286 It may include an intersecting region 250g (eg, a region where the first bendable region 250e and the second bendable region 250f intersect) disposed on the . According to one embodiment, the first planar area 250a, the second planar area 250b, the third planar area 250c, and/or the fourth planar area 250d are the first hinge module 285 and the second planar area 250d. According to a folding operation of the housings 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 through the two hinge module 286 , they may at least partially face each other or may be deformed to face opposite directions. The flexible display 250 may be disposed in a space formed by the housings 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 . For example, the flexible display 250 may be seated in a recess formed by the housings 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 , and the front surface of the foldable electronic device 200 (eg, in the Z-axis direction) (the side facing the ) may be disposed to form most of the

According to various embodiments, the foldable electronic device 200 is disposed under at least a portion of the flexible display 250 or is visually exposed through an opening (eg, a punch hole) provided in at least a portion of the flexible display 250 . It may include at least one electronic component arranged so as to be possible. According to an embodiment, the at least one electronic component includes at least one camera module 204 or 207 (eg, the camera module 180 of FIG. 1 ) disposed in the inner space of the foldable electronic device 200 and at least One sensor module 205 (eg, the sensor module 176 of FIG. 1 ) may be included. According to an embodiment, the at least one camera module 204 or 207 is disposed under the flexible display 250 in the inner space of the foldable electronic device 200 , and is configured to photograph a subject through the flexible display 250 . a first camera module 204 for, and a second camera module 207 disposed in the inner space of the foldable electronic device 200 for photographing a subject through a rear surface (eg, the second surface 212) may include In some embodiments, the at least one camera module 204, in the interior space of the electronic device 200 , is visually displayed from the outside through the flexible display 250 without a perforated opening formed in at least a portion of the flexible display 250 . It may be arranged so that it is not visible. In this case, the corresponding area of the display panel of the flexible display 250 facing the at least one camera module 204 may be configured to have higher transmittance than the surrounding area by adjusting the wiring density and/or pixel density. According to an embodiment, the first camera module 204 may be disposed under the first flat area 250a of the flexible display 250 . In some embodiments, the first camera module 204 may be disposed below the second planar area 250b, the third planar area 250c, and/or the fourth planar area 250d. According to an embodiment, the second camera module 207 may be disposed to face the first rear cover 214 in the inner space of the foldable electronic device 200 . In some embodiments, the second camera module 207 may include, in the inner space of the foldable electronic device 200 , the second back cover 224 , the third back cover 234 , and/or the fourth back cover 244 . ) may be arranged to face the According to an embodiment, the second camera module 207 may include a plurality of cameras or a single camera. According to one embodiment, the second camera module is omitted, and is not disposed on the first back cover 214 , the second back cover 224 , the third back cover 234 and/or the fourth back cover 244 . may not be According to an embodiment, the at least one sensor module 205 may include at least one of a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a fingerprint sensor, a distance detection sensor (eg, TOF sensor), or an indicator. have. According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device 200 may include a receiver 206 disposed through at least a part of the first housing 210 . According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device 200, although not shown, is connected through the first housing 210 , the second housing 220 , the third housing 230 , and/or the fourth housing 240 . It may include an interface connector port, an ear jack hole, an external speaker module, an external card (SIM, UIM or SD card) tray, or at least one key button to be disposed.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the housings 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 may be formed at an angle to each other or to each other according to a state (eg, an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state) of the foldable electronic device 200 . distance may vary. For example, the angle formed by the housings 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 is a first angle (eg, about 180 degrees) in an unfolded state, and a second angle (eg, about 0 degrees or about 360 degrees) in a folded state ), or in an intermediate state, it can form a third angle (eg, about 90 degrees). For example, in the folded state, the foldable electronic device 200 includes the housings 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 according to a first folding method (eg, out-folding) or a second folding method (eg, in-folding). ) may be different from each other. In addition, in the case of the intermediate state, it may include a state of maintaining an arbitrary designated angle, moving from the folded state to the unfolded state or from the unfolded state to the folded state.

According to various embodiments, the first hinge module 285 includes the first housing 210 and the third housing 230 , and the second housing 220 and the fourth housing 240 are out-folded. It may include a rail-type multi-joint hinge module for operation. In another embodiment, the first hinge module 285 operates the first housing 210 and the third housing 230 in an out-folding manner with respect to the second housing 220 and the fourth housing 240 . Accordingly, when the area and/or length to which the flexible display 250 is visually exposed is changed, a multi-joint hinge module may be included. For example, the multi-joint hinge module may include a single-axis, two-axis, or multi-axis hinge module. According to one embodiment, the second hinge module 286 is folded with respect to the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 , and the third housing 230 and the fourth housing 240 . may include a biaxial hinge module and/or a uniaxial hinge module for operating in this manner. According to an embodiment, a thickness of the foldable electronic device 200 according to a state change (eg, out-folding or in-folding) of the foldable electronic device 200 may be different in in-folding and out-folding. For example, the foldable electronic device 200 may have a smaller thickness in a state in which in-folding is performed through the second hinge module 286 than in a state in which out-folding is performed through the first hinge module 285 . can

3A is a view illustrating a front side of a foldable electronic device in a state folded in a first folding manner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 3B is a view illustrating a rear side of a foldable electronic device in a state in which it is folded in a first folding manner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 3C is a view illustrating a rear side of a foldable electronic device in a state in which it is folded in a second folding method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

3A and 3B , in the foldable electronic device 200 , a first housing 210 and a third housing 230 are It may be operated to be folded in a folding method (eg, an out-folding method). In this case, the flexible display 250 may be disposed to be exposed to the outside. For example, when the first housing 210 and the third housing 230 are folded with respect to the second housing 220 and the fourth housing 240 with respect to the first folding axis A, the first The surface 211 and the fifth surface 231 are substantially oriented in the same first direction, the third surface 221 and the seventh surface 241 are oriented in a direction opposite to the first direction, and the second surface 212 is opposite to the first direction. may face the fourth surface 222 , and the sixth surface 232 may face the eighth surface 242 . According to an embodiment, the flexible display 250 supported by the second housing 220 and the fourth housing 240 so that the second camera module 207 is exposed to the outside when it is folded in the first folding manner. ), the sum of the areas of the second planar area 250b and the fourth planar area 250d is the first planar area of the flexible display 250 supported by the first housing 210 and the third housing 230 . It may be formed to be smaller than the sum of the areas of the area 250a and the third planar region 250c. (Asymmetrically folded structure) For example, the foldable electronic device 200 may 2 A subject may be photographed through the camera module 207 . In some embodiments, the sum of the areas of the second planar area 250b and the fourth planar area 250d of the flexible display 250 supported by the second housing 220 and the fourth housing 240 is the first It may be formed to be substantially equal to the sum of the areas of the first planar area 250a and the third planar area 250c of the flexible display 250 supported by the housing 210 and the third housing 230 . (Symmetrically folded structure) In some embodiments, the sum of the areas of the second housing 220 and the fourth housing 240 is smaller than the sum of the areas of the first housing 210 and the third housing 230 . (asymmetrically folded structure) In some embodiments, the sum of the areas of the second housing 220 and the fourth housing 240 is the sum of the areas of the first housing 210 and the third housing 230 . (Symmetrically folded structure) In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first hinge module 285 , the second hinge module 286 , and/or the elastic support 287 is It may be exposed to the outside of the foldable electronic device 200 or may be disposed in an internal space so as not to be exposed.

Referring to FIG. 3C , in the foldable electronic device 200, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, the third housing 230 and the fourth housing 240 are in a second folding method ( For example, it may be operated to be folded in an in-folding manner. In this case, the flexible display 250 may be disposed so as not to be exposed to the outside. For example, when the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 are folded with respect to the third housing 230 and the fourth housing 240 based on the second folding axis B, the first The surface 211 may face the fifth surface 231 , and the third surface 221 may face the seventh surface 241 . According to one embodiment, the sum of the areas of the first flat area 250a and the third flat area 250c of the flexible display 250 supported by the first housing 210 and the third housing 220 is, It can be formed to be substantially equal to the sum of the areas of the third and fourth planar regions 250c and 250d of the flexible display 250 supported by the third housing 230 and the fourth housing 240 . have. For example, when the foldable electronic device 200 is folded in the second folding method, portability may be facilitated and the flexible display 250 may be protected from external shocks and/or foreign substances.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 has various modes according to the unfolded state, the folded state in the first folding method (eg, the out-folding method), and/or the folded state in the second folding method (eg, the in-folding method). It can be set to operate as According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state (eg, in the case of FIG. 2A ), it may be set to operate in a first mode (eg, a tablet mode). For example, in the first mode, the electronic device 200 may provide a large screen display (eg, a full front display) of a specified ratio (eg, 4:3). According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is folded in the first folding method (eg, in the case of FIG. 3A ), the electronic device 200 is set to operate in a second mode (eg, a call mode or a selfie mode) can be For example, in the second mode, the electronic device 200 may provide displays of different ratios. For example, in a folded state (eg, in the case of FIG. 3A ), a display of a first ratio (eg, 2:1) may be provided through the first surface 211 and the fifth surface 231 , A display of a second ratio (eg, 4:1) may be provided through the third surface 221 and the seventh surface 241 . According to an embodiment, in the folded state (eg, in the case of FIG. 3A ), the call mode may be provided using the first ratio and the selfie mode may be provided using the second ratio. For example, in the call mode, the electronic device 200 uses the at least one first camera module 204 disposed at the lower end (eg, -z-axis direction) of the flexible display 250 to perform a call function (eg: may acquire an image related to a video call) and provide it to at least a portion of a surface (eg, the first surface 211 and the fifth surface 231 ) facing substantially in the same direction as the first camera module 204 . . Also, in the selfie mode, the electronic device 200 provides image information (eg, a preview, or a photographed image) related to camera photographing in a direction substantially the same as that of the at least one second camera module 207 . It may be provided on at least a portion of the surfaces (eg, the third surface 221 and the seventh surface 241 ). According to an embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is folded in the second folding method (eg, in the case of FIG. 3C ), it may be set to operate in a third mode (eg, a wallet mode). For example, in the third mode, the electronic device 200 is positioned between the support member assembly 280 and the rear covers 214 , 224 , 234 , and 244 while protecting the flexible display 250 from external impact. A payment function and/or a charging function may be performed using an antenna (not shown). For example, the antenna (not shown) may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. An antenna (not shown) may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external electronic device (eg, the electronic devices 102 and 104 of FIG. 1 , and the server 108 of FIG. 1 ) or wirelessly transmit/receive power required for charging. .

4 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device 200 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the far foldable electronic device 200 includes a flexible display 250 , a conductive sheet layer 260 (eg, a conductive plate or a metal sheet layer) sequentially disposed under the flexible display 250 , reinforcement Plate 270 , support member assembly 280 , at least one substrate 291 , 292 (eg, a printed circuit board (PCB), flexible PCB (FPCB), or rigid flexible PCB (RFPCB)), at least one bendable of a flexible substrate (eg, FPCB) 295a , 295b , and 295c , at least one battery 293 , 294 , and rear covers 214 , 224 , 234 , 244 . In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 200 may further include a member (eg, a digitizer) for recognizing a handwriting input, which is disposed under the flexible display 250 . For example, it may include a coil member disposed on the dielectric substrate to detect the resonance frequency of the electromagnetic induction method applied from the electronic pen. In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 200 may further include a touch sensor disposed in the flexible display 250 . In some embodiments, the foldable electronic device 200 may include a plurality of displays (eg, the display device 160 of FIG. 1 ), and the first display (eg, the flexible display 250 ) is an unbreakable display (UB). ) type active matrix organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, and the second display (not shown) may include an on cell touch AMOLED (OCTA) display.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 250 may include a window layer 251 , a polarization layer 252 , a display panel 253 , and a polymer layer 254 . According to one embodiment, the window layer 251 , the polarizing layer 252 , the display panel 253 , and the polymer layer 254 may be attached to each other through an adhesive P (or an adhesive). For example, the adhesive P may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-responsive adhesive, a general adhesive, and a double-sided tape.

According to various embodiments, the window layer 251 may include a glass layer. According to one embodiment, the window layer 251 may include ultra thin glass (UTG). In some embodiments, the window layer 251 may include a polymer. In this case, the window layer 251 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI). In some embodiments, a plurality of window layers 251 may be disposed. For example, one layer (eg, an upper surface) of the plurality of window layers 251 is disposed by an adhesive having a weaker adhesive strength or a thinner thickness than that of the other layer so that it can be well separated from the other layer. it might be According to various embodiments, the window layer 251 may include a first protective layer formed of a first material that is sequentially stacked, and a second protective layer formed of a second material different from the first material. For example, the first material may include PET or PI having relatively superior optical properties than the second material, and the second material may include TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), which is relatively advantageous in elasticity than the first material. can In some embodiments, the window layer 251 may further include various coating layers formed on at least a portion of at least one of an upper surface, a lower surface, and/or a side surface.

According to one embodiment, the display panel 253 may include a plurality of pixels. According to one embodiment, when viewed from the top of the display panel 253, at least one electronic component included in the foldable electronic device 200 (eg, the camera module 204 or 207 of FIGS. 2A to 2B ); Alternatively, a plurality of pixels may not be disposed in an area that at least partially overlaps the sensor module 205 . According to one embodiment, the display panel 253 may include a pixel protection layer (not shown) for protecting the plurality of pixels. For example, the pixel passivation layer (not shown) may include encapsulation glass. For example, the display panel 253 may include liquid crystal polymer (LCP) or low temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) glass. For example, the plurality of pixels may include a thin film transistor (TFT) formed on LTPS glass. According to one embodiment, the inside of the display panel 253 is a specified pattern (black matrix) for reducing the diffraction of light entering a camera module (eg, the camera module 204 or 207 of FIGS. 2A to 2B ), or a specified An opaque metal layer (not shown) (eg, a buffer layer) including patterns may be formed.

According to an embodiment, the polarizer 252 may selectively pass light generated from the light source of the display panel 253 and vibrating in a predetermined direction. According to one embodiment, the display panel 253 and the polarization layer 252 may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the flexible display 250 may include a touch panel (not shown). According to one embodiment, although not shown, the display panel 253 may include a control circuit. According to an embodiment, the control circuit may include a display driver IC (DDI) and/or a touch display driver IC (TDDI) arranged in a chip on panel (COP) or chip on film (COF) manner.

According to various embodiments, the polymer layer 254 is disposed under the display panel 253, thereby providing a dark background for securing visibility of the display panel 253, and a cushioning material (eg, cushion) for a cushioning action. ) can be formed. For example, the polymer layer 254 is opaque to remove air bubbles that may be generated between the display panel 253 and its lower attachments and block light generated in the display panel 253 or light incident from the outside. It may include a metal layer (eg, a black layer including an uneven pattern) and/or a buffer layer (eg, a sponge layer) disposed for impact mitigation.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 250 may include at least one functional member (not shown) disposed under the polymer layer 254 . According to an embodiment, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a poster touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, a conductive/non-conductive tape, or an open cell sponge.

According to various embodiments, the conductive sheet layer 260 may provide rigidity for supporting the flexible display 250 , and may include bendable regions of the flexible display 250 (eg, the first bendable region of FIG. 2A ). 250e and second bendable region 250f) and intersecting regions (eg, intersection region 250g in FIG. 2A ) may be arranged to provide specified flexural properties. For example, the conductive sheet layer 260 may include a metal plate. According to an exemplary embodiment, the conductive sheet layer 260 may include steel use stainless (SUS) (eg, stainless steel (STS)), Cu, Al, or metal CLAD (eg, a stacking member in which SUS and Al are alternately disposed). may include at least one of In some embodiments, the conductive sheet layer 260 may include other alloy materials. In some embodiments, the conductive sheet layer 260 may help to reinforce the rigidity of the electronic device 200 , shield ambient noise, and may be used to dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat dissipating components.

According to various embodiments, the conductive sheet layer 260 may include a first planar portion 261 and a second planar portion facing the first planar area (eg, the first planar area 250a of FIG. 2A ) of the flexible display 250 . The second planar portion 262 facing the planar area (eg, the second planar area 250b in FIG. 2A ), the third facing the third planar area (eg, the third planar area 250c in FIG. 2A )) Planar portion 263 , fourth planar portion 264 facing the fourth planar region (eg, first planar region 250d in FIG. 2A ), and first bendable region (eg, first bendable in FIG. 2A ) a first bendable portion 265 facing the region 250e), a second bendable portion 266 facing the second bendable region (eg, the second bendable region 250f in FIG. 2A ), and It may include an intersection 267 facing the intersection area (eg, intersection area 250g in FIG. 2A ). According to an embodiment, the first bendable part 265 is a first bend for supporting the flexible display 250 to be bent with respect to a first folding axis (eg, the first folding axis (A) of FIG. 2A ). A first pattern providing a characteristic (eg, the first pattern 2651 of FIG. 6A ) may be included. According to an embodiment, the second bendable part 266 is a second bend for supporting the flexible display 250 to be bent with respect to a second folding axis (eg, the second folding axis B of FIG. 2A ). A second pattern providing a characteristic (eg, the second pattern 2661 of FIG. 6B ) may be included. According to an embodiment, the crossing portion 267 may include a third pattern (eg, the third pattern 2671 of FIG. 6C ) provided to have both the first and second bending characteristics. In some embodiments, the first flexural characteristic and the second flexural characteristic may or may not be the same.

According to various embodiments, the stacked structures (eg, the polymer layer 254 or the conductive sheet layer 260 ) disposed under the display panel 253 in the flexible display 250 may move in a first direction (eg, FIG. In the Z-axis direction of 2a), the transmittance of the area is reduced by removing (or patterning) it from a portion that overlaps with the electronic component (eg, the camera module 204, the sensor module 205, or the fingerprint sensor of FIG. 2A). can be raised For example, the stacked structures disposed under the display panel 253 are at least partially removed (or patterned) in the area (or overlapping area) in which the camera module 204 or the fingerprint sensor (not shown) of FIG. 2A is embedded (or patterned). ) can be

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 200 supports each of the planar portions 261 , 262 , 263 , 264 of the conductive sheet layer 260 under the conductive sheet layer 260 and a reinforcement disposed to provide rigidity. A plate 270 may be included. According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plate 270 includes a first reinforcing plate 271 facing the first flat portion 261 , a second reinforcing plate 272 facing the second flat portion 262 , and a third It may include a third reinforcing plate 273 facing the flat portion 263 and a fourth reinforcing plate 274 facing the fourth flat portion 264 . According to one embodiment, the reinforcing plate 270 may be formed of a metal material. In some embodiments, in the foldable electronic device 200 , the reinforcing plates 271 , 272 , 273 , 274 are excluded, and a support structure for supporting the flexible display 250 through a support member assembly 280 to be described later. may have

According to various embodiments, the support member assembly 280 supports each other at the intersection region of the first hinge module 285 , the second hinge module 286 , and the first hinge module 285 and the second hinge module 286 . It may include an elastic support 287 for connecting, and a plurality of support plates 281 , 282 , 283 , and 284 rotatably connected to the first hinge module 285 and the second hinge module 286 . According to an embodiment, the support member assembly 280 may support the flexible display 250 in the inner space of the foldable electronic device 200 , and a rigidity for contributing to the rigidity of the foldable electronic device 200 . can have a structure.

According to various embodiments, the first hinge module 285 has a first folding axis (eg, FIG. It may include a first sub-hinge module 2851 and a second sub-hinge module 2852 divided along the first folding axis (A) of 2a. According to one embodiment, the second hinge module 286 is a third sub-hinge module that is divided along a second folding axis (eg, the second folding axis (B) of FIG. 2A ) with respect to the elastic support body 287 ). 2861 and a fourth sub-hinge module 2862 may be included. According to one embodiment, the first sub hinge module 2851 , the second sub hinge module 2852 , the third sub hinge module 2861 , and the fourth sub hinge module 2862 are to be coupled to the elastic support 287 . can According to one embodiment, the first sub-hinge module 2851 and the second sub-hinge module 2852, in a region facing the intersection 267 of the conductive sheet layer 260, have a third structure through their own structure. When it has a structure in which bending characteristics are expressed, it may be integrally formed. According to one embodiment, the third sub hinge module 2861 and the fourth sub hinge module 2862 have a structure in which the third bending characteristic is expressed through their own structure in the region facing the intersection 267 . If it has, it may be integrally formed.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of support plates 281 , 282 , 283 , and 284 may include a first support plate 281 , a second planar portion facing the first flat portion 261 of the conductive sheet layer 260 . The second support plate 282 facing the 262, the third supporting plate 283 facing the third flat portion 263, and the fourth supporting plate 284 facing the fourth flat portion 264 may include According to an embodiment, the first support plate 281 and the third support plate 283 include a first hinge module 285 (eg, a first sub hinge module 2851 , and a second sub hinge module 2852 ). )) may be connected to the second support plate 282 and the fourth support plate 284 . According to one embodiment, the first support plate 281 and the second support plate 282 include the second hinge module 286 (eg, the third sub hinge module 2861 and the fourth sub hinge module 2862). ) may be connected to the third support plate 283 and the fourth support plate 284 . According to an embodiment, the first support plate 281 and the second support plate 282 may be connected to each other through the first sub-hinge module 2851 of the first hinge module 285 . According to an embodiment, the third support plate 283 and the fourth support plate 284 may be connected to each other through the second sub hinge module 2852 of the first hinge module 285 . According to an embodiment, the first support plate 281 and the third support plate 283 may be connected to each other through the third sub-hinge module 2861 of the second hinge module 286 . The second support plate 282 and the fourth support plate 284 may be connected to each other through a fourth sub-hinge module 2862 of the second hinge module 286 .

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the support member assembly 280 (eg, the first hinge module 285 , the second hinge module 286 , or the elastic support body 287 ) includes the housings 210 , 220 , 230 , 240), and may be covered by a portion of the housings 210, 220, 230, 240 or , can be exposed to the outside. For example, when the foldable electronic device 200 is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the first hinge module 285 , the second hinge module 286 , and/or the elastic support body 287 may include the housing 210 , 220, 230, 240) and may not be exposed. According to various embodiments, when in the folded state, at least a portion of the first hinge module 285 , the second hinge module 286 , and/or the elastic support 287 according to the first folding manner or the second folding manner may be exposed to the outside between the housings 210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 . In addition, in the intermediate state, at least a portion of the first hinge module 285 , the second hinge module 286 , and/or the elastic support 287 is externally between the housings 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 . may be partially exposed. For example, the exposed area of the intermediate state may be less than that of the folded state.

According to various embodiments, the substrates 291 , 292 , the batteries 293 , 294 , and the FPCBs 295 include the support plates 281 , 282 , 283 , 284 and the back covers 214 , 224 , 234, 244) may be disposed in the space formed between. For example, the substrates 291 and 292 , the batteries 293 and 294 , and the FPCBs 295a , 295b and 295c are disposed between the first support plate 281 and the first back cover 214 , and the second support plate disposed between 282 and the second back cover 224 , between the third support plate 283 and the third back cover 234 , and/or between the fourth support plate 284 and the fourth back cover 244 . can be For example, the first battery ( 293) may be disposed, in a position facing the space between the fourth support plate 284 and the fourth back cover 244 , or a designated space (eg, swelling hole) of the fourth support plate 284 . A second battery 294 may be disposed. According to an embodiment, the substrates 291 and 292 for driving the flexible display 250 and operating the electronic device may be adjacent to each other or disposed in a diagonal direction. For example, the first substrate 291 (eg, a main substrate) and/or the camera module 204 may include a first housing (eg, the first housing of FIG. 2A ) in order to improve assembly and slimness of the electronic device 200 . (210)) may be disposed in the inner space. According to an embodiment, the second substrate 292 (eg, a sub-substrate) may include an internal space of a second housing (eg, the second housing 220 of FIG. 2A ) and a third housing (eg, the third housing of FIG. 2A ). It may be disposed in the inner space of the housing 230 ) or the inner space of the fourth housing (eg, the fourth housing 240 of FIG. 2A ). According to one embodiment, the internal space of the four divided housings 210 , 220 , 230 , 240 includes batteries 293 , 294 , substrates 291 , 292 , or electronics such as the camera module 204 . The parts can be arranged separately. For example, the first substrate 291 and the camera module 204 are disposed in the inner space of the first housing (eg, the first housing 210 of FIG. 2A ), and the third housing (eg, the third housing of FIG. 2A ) By disposing the second substrate 292 in the inner space of the 230 ), it may be advantageous to minimize the number of the flexible substrates 295a , 295b , and 295c disposed through the bendable region.

5 is a view showing the configuration of a conductive sheet layer according to various embodiments of the present invention. 6A is an enlarged view of area 6A of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; 6B is an enlarged view of area 6B of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; At least one of the components (eg, the conductive sheet layer 260 ) of the foldable electronic device (eg, the foldable electronic device 200 of FIG. 2 ) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include the folder of FIGS. 2A to 4 . Since it is the same as or similar to at least one of the components of the electronic device 200 , the overlapping description will be omitted below.

5 to 6B , the conductive sheet layer 260 is a first flat portion 261 facing the first flat area of the flexible display 250 (eg, the first flat area 250a of FIG. 2A ). , facing the second planar area 262 facing the second planar area (eg, the second planar area 250b in FIG. 2A ), and facing the third planar area (eg, the third planar area 250c in FIG. 2A ). A third planar portion 263 that faces the third planar portion 263, a fourth planar portion 264 facing the fourth planar region (eg, the first planar region 250d in FIG. 2A ), and a first bendable region (eg, the first bendable region in FIG. 2A ) The first bendable portion 265 facing the first bendable region 250e), and the second bendable portion 266 facing the second bendable region (eg, the second bendable region 250f in FIG. 2A ). ) and an intersection 267 facing the intersection region (eg, intersection region 250g in FIG. 2A ). For example, the foldable electronic device 200 may have a grid type (drawing) in the longitudinal direction of the first bendable part 265 (eg, in substantially the same direction as the first folding axis A). lattice) through the multi-joint hinge of the metal and the first hinge module (eg, the first hinge module 285 of FIG. 4 ), it can be folded in the first folding method (eg, out-folding). For example, the foldable electronic device 200 may include a lattice-type metal that is stretchable in a lateral direction (eg, in substantially the same direction as the second folding axis B) of the second bendable portion 266 and the second Through the biaxial hinge of the hinge module (eg, the second hinge module 286 of FIG. 4 ), it may be folded in the second folding method (eg, in-folding).

According to various embodiments, the first bendable part 265 includes a first pattern 2651 providing a first bending characteristic for supporting the flexible display 250 to be bent with respect to the first folding axis A. may include According to an embodiment, the first pattern 2651 may include a plurality of first openings 2651a. According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of first openings 2651a has a first length H1 in a direction substantially parallel to the first folding axis A (Y-axis direction), and has a first length ( It may be formed as a slit having a first width W1 smaller than H1) and having a first interval T1 with respect to each other. According to an embodiment, the first bending characteristic may be determined through a shape and/or an arrangement structure of the plurality of first openings 2651a. According to an embodiment, the second bendable portion 266 includes a second pattern 2661 providing a second bending characteristic for supporting the flexible display 250 to be bent with respect to the second folding axis B. may include According to an embodiment, the second pattern 2661 may include a plurality of second openings 2661a. According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of second openings 2661a has a second length H2 in a direction substantially parallel to the second folding axis B (X-axis direction), and the second length ( A slit having a second width W2 smaller than H2) and having a second interval T2 with respect to each other may be formed. According to an embodiment, the second bending characteristic may be determined through a shape and/or an arrangement structure of the plurality of second openings 2661a.

According to various embodiments, housings of the foldable electronic device 200 (eg, the first housing 210 , the second housing 220 , the third housing 230 , and the fourth housing 240 of FIG. 2A ) ) may be operated in a first folding method (eg, out-folding method) based on the first folding axis (A), and in a second folding method (eg, in-folding method) based on the second folding axis (B). can be operated with According to an embodiment, when the first folding method and the second folding method are not the same, the first bending characteristic and the second bending characteristic may be determined differently. According to an embodiment, when the first folding method and the second folding method are the same, the first bending characteristic and the second bending characteristic may be determined to be substantially the same. For example, when the difference between the first bending characteristic and the second bending characteristic is less than 5%, it may be said that they are substantially the same. The flexural property may be measured by fixing at least one side of the specimen to be measured (eg, the specimen 800 of FIG. 6D ) and obtaining the distortion by applying a load in the vertical direction on which the specimen is placed.

6C is an enlarged view of area 6c of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

5 and 6C , the crossing portion 267 of the conductive sheet layer 260 may have a first bending characteristic of the first bendable portion 265 and/or a second bending portion of the second bendable portion 266 . A third pattern 2671 provided to include (satisfy) the characteristic may be included. According to one embodiment, the third pattern 2671 has a third interval T3 specified along the x-axis direction, and a plurality of third openings (T4) arranged at a fourth interval T4 along the y-axis direction. 2671a). According to one embodiment, since each of the plurality of third openings 2671a must be bent with respect to the first folding axis A and the second folding axis B, they are formed symmetrically with respect to the center C. It may have a shape that becomes For example, each of the plurality of third openings 2671a has an x-axis (eg, a first axis) passing through the center C, and a y-axis (eg, a first axis) passing through the center C and substantially perpendicular to the x-axis (eg: The second axis) may have a shape formed symmetrically with respect to each other. According to an embodiment, each of the plurality of third openings 2671a may be disposed to have a specified separation distance from each other (eg, a third interval T3 and a fourth interval T4). For example, the plurality of third openings 2671a may be arranged such that the third interval T3 and the fourth interval T4 are substantially the same. According to an embodiment, the third bending characteristic may be determined through the shape and/or arrangement structure of the plurality of third openings 2671a (spaced distances T3 and T4 between unit openings). According to one embodiment, the third pattern 2671 is disposed in the space 2601 between the plurality of third openings 2671a, and a plurality of fourth openings disposed to have a designated fifth separation distance T5. (2671b). According to an embodiment, the plurality of fourth openings 2671b may be symmetrically formed with respect to the center C of each of the plurality of fourth openings 2671b, and may be formed symmetrically on the x-axis and/or y It may be arranged to have the same fifth separation distance T5 along the axial direction. According to an embodiment, the third bending characteristic of the intersection may be determined through the shape and/or arrangement structure of the plurality of fourth openings 2671b (a distance T5 between unit openings). According to an embodiment, a diameter of each of the plurality of third openings 2671a may be within 6 mm. According to an embodiment, a diameter of the plurality of fourth openings 2671b may be within 4 mm. In some embodiments, the plurality of third openings 2671a or the plurality of fourth openings 2671b may be omitted. For example, the third pattern 2671 includes a plurality of third openings 2671a disposed at a third interval T3 specified in the x-axis direction and at a fourth interval T4 specified in the y-axis direction. may be included, and the plurality of fourth openings 2671b may not be included.

According to various embodiments, the first bendable part 265 may have a first bending characteristic that can be bent based on the first folding axis A through the first pattern 2651 . According to an embodiment, the first bending characteristic may be determined through a first aperture ratio per unit area of the first pattern 2651 formed in the first bendable portion 265 . According to one embodiment, the first bendable portion 265 may be formed to satisfy the bending characteristics and rigidity through adjustment of the first aperture ratio.

According to various embodiments, the second bendable part 266 may have a second bending characteristic that can be bent based on the second folding axis A through the second pattern 2661 . According to an embodiment, the second bending characteristic may be determined through the second aperture ratio per unit area of the second pattern 2661 formed in the second bendable part 266 . According to one embodiment, the second bendable portion 266 may be formed to satisfy the bending characteristics and rigidity through adjustment of the second aperture ratio. According to an embodiment, having the third flexural characteristic satisfying both the first flexural characteristic and the second flexural characteristic may mean that the third flexural characteristic is greater than the first flexural characteristic and the second flexural characteristic. For example, the intersection portion 267 having the third bending characteristic may be more bendable than the first bendable portion 265 having the first bending characteristic and the second bendable portion 266 having the second bending characteristic. have.

According to various embodiments, the crossing portion 267 is bent based on the first bending characteristic and the second folding axis B, which are bent based on the first folding axis A, through the third pattern 2671 . It may have a third bending characteristic that satisfies the second bending characteristic. According to an embodiment, the third bending characteristic may be determined through the third aperture ratio per unit area of the third pattern 2671 formed at the intersection 267 . According to one embodiment, since the third bending characteristic of the third pattern 2671 must satisfy the first bending characteristic of the first pattern 2651 and the second bending characteristic of the second pattern 2652 , the intersection portion 267 ) may be determined to be at least equal to or greater than the first aperture ratio of the first bendable portion 265 and the second aperture ratio of the second bendable portion 266 .

According to various embodiments, when the crossing portion 267 in which different folding methods intersect is folded in the first folding method (eg, out-folding method), the bending stress equal to or similar to that of the first bendable portion 265 (bending) stiffness), and when folding in the second folding method (eg, in-folding method), it must have the same or similar bending stress as that of the second bendable portion 266 to reduce the phenomenon in which stress is concentrated in the intersection portion 267 can do it For example, the intersection portion 267 may reduce a breakage phenomenon due to stress concentration through the plurality of third openings 2671a and/or the plurality of fourth openings 2671b arranged with the same vertical, horizontal, and horizontal intervals. According to various embodiments, the center of each of the plurality of third openings 2671a is at least a portion of the center of at least some of the plurality of first openings 2651a and the center of at least some of the plurality of second openings 2661a. They may be arranged on substantially the same line. According to an embodiment, the center of each of the plurality of fourth openings 2671b is also substantially the same as the center of at least some of the plurality of first openings 2651a and the center of at least some of the plurality of second openings 2661a can be placed on the same line.

According to various embodiments, the third width W3 (eg, horizontal length) of each of the plurality of third openings 2671a is determined in consideration of the shape of the first pattern 2651 of the first bendable portion 255 . It may be equal to 2*W1+T1. According to an embodiment, the fourth width W4 (eg, vertical length) of each of the plurality of third openings 2671a is determined in consideration of the shape of the second pattern 2661 of the second bendable portion 256 . It may be equal to 2*W2+T2. According to an embodiment, the plurality of fourth openings 2671b may be disposed between the plurality of third openings 2671a while maintaining substantially the same distance. According to one embodiment, the third interval T3 of each of the plurality of third openings 2671a is equal to the first width W1 of the plurality of first openings 2651a, and the fourth interval T4 is a plurality of It may be equal to the second width W2 of each of the second openings 2661a. According to an embodiment, an interval between the plurality of third openings 2671a and/or the plurality of fourth openings 2671b may be adjusted in a range of about 50% to 300% while maintaining the same distance.

6D is a diagram illustrating a relationship between bending stiffness due to a load applied to a specimen according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

Referring to FIG. 6D , the bending characteristics of the conductive sheet layer 260 are calculated when one end of a specimen 800 (eg, a cantilever) to be measured is fixed and a load is applied in the vertical direction from the other end. It may be measured through the following <Equation 1> related to bending stiffness.

Here, P is a load applied to the specimen 800 , L is the length of the specimen 800 , and t may include the thickness of the specimen 800 . Through Equation 1, it can be seen that the bending stiffness is proportional to the length (L) of the specimen and inversely proportional to the thickness (t) of the specimen. For example, in the first bendable portion 265 , when the first width W1 of the plurality of first openings 2651a decreases and the first interval T1 increases, the stress and repulsive force during bending are increased, but the stiffness in the thickness direction can be increased. Conversely, in the first bendable portion 265 , when the first width W1 of the plurality of first openings 2651a increases and the first interval T1 decreases, the stress and repulsive force during bending are reduced, but the thickness The stiffness of the direction can be lowered.

7A is a partial cross-sectional view of the foldable electronic device 200 taken along line 7A-7A of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7A , the foldable electronic device 200 includes a flexible display 250 , a conductive sheet layer 260 disposed under the flexible display 250 , reinforcing plates 271 and 272 , and support plates 281 . , 282). The flexible display 250 may include a window layer 251 , a polarization layer 252 sequentially disposed under the window layer 251 , a display panel 253 , and a polymer layer 254 . According to an embodiment, the polymer layer 254 may include a cushion layer 2541 , a first layer 2542 stacked with the cushion layer 2541 interposed therebetween, and a second layer 2543 . According to one embodiment, the polymer layer 254 may block the inflow of foreign substances through the plurality of first openings 2651a formed of the first pattern 2651 of the conductive sheet layer 260 , and the first bendable portion At 265 , a stacked structure for preventing visibility of the folding boundary area of the flexible display 250 according to the folding and unfolding operation of the flexible display 250 may be provided. According to one embodiment, the cushion layer 2541 may be formed of a material (eg, sponge or poron) for cushioning. According to one embodiment, the first layer 2542 disposed on the cushion layer 2541, and the second layer 2543 disposed under the cushion layer 2541 are for improving surface quality (improving visibility). It may be formed of a material (eg, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)).

According to various embodiments, the conductive sheet layer 260 includes a first flat portion 261 , a second flat portion 262 , and a first extending from the first flat portion 261 to the second flat portion 262 . It may include a bendable portion 265 . According to an embodiment, the conductive sheet layer 260 may include a first pattern 2651 including a plurality of first openings 2651a disposed on the first bendable portion 265 . According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device 200 may include a first reinforcing plate 271 disposed under the first flat portion 261 , and a first support plate 281 disposed below the first flat portion 261 . have. According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device 200 may include a second reinforcing plate 272 disposed under the second planar portion 262 , and a second support plate 282 disposed below the second flat portion 262 . have. According to one embodiment, the first support plate 281 and the second support plate 282 may be rotatably connected through the first hinge module 285 . For example, the first hinge module 285 includes a plurality of link members 285a and coupling members (not shown) on both sides of the link members 285a, respectively. It may be connected to a coupling member (not shown), and the second support plate 282 may be connected to a coupling member (not shown) on the other side. According to one embodiment, when the first support plate 281 and the second support plate 282 are folded in the first folding method (eg, out-folding method) through the first hinge module 285, the first bending is possible. The unit 265 supports the first bendable area (eg, the first bendable area 250e of FIG. 2A ) under the flexible display 250 so that the first bendable characteristic related to the first pattern 2651 is applied. can do.

7B is a partial cross-sectional view of a foldable electronic device taken along line 7B-7B of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

In the description of the electronic device 200 of FIG. 7B , the same reference numerals are given to components substantially the same as those of the electronic device of FIG. 7A , and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7B , the conductive sheet layer 260 includes a first flat portion 261 , a third flat portion 263 , and a second portion extending from the first flat portion 261 to the third flat portion 263 . It may include a bendable portion 266 . According to an embodiment, the conductive sheet layer 260 may include a second pattern 2661 including a plurality of second openings 2661a disposed on the second bendable portion 266 . According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device 200 may include a first reinforcing plate 271 disposed under the first flat portion 261 , and a first support plate 281 disposed below the first flat portion 261 . have. According to an embodiment, the foldable electronic device 200 may include a third reinforcing plate 273 disposed under the third planar portion 263 , and a third support plate 283 disposed below the third planar portion 263 . have. According to an embodiment, the first support plate 281 and the third support plate 283 may be rotatably connected through the second hinge module 286 . For example, the second hinge module 286 includes a plurality of gears (not shown) and a plurality of rotation parts (not shown) supporting the plurality of gears (not shown), and the first support plate 281 is It may be connected to one rotating part (not shown), and the third support plate 283 may be connected to another rotating part (not shown). According to one embodiment, when the first support plate 281 and the third support plate 283 are folded in the second folding method (eg, in-folding method) through the second hinge module 286, the second bending is possible. The unit 266 may support the second bendable area (eg, the second bendable area 250f of FIG. 2A ) under the flexible display 250 so that the second bendable characteristic related to the second pattern 2661 is applied. can

7C is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the first hinge module 285 and the second hinge module 286 are connected through the elastic support 287 disposed in the region 7c of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. .

Referring to FIG. 7C , the first hinge module 285 is located in a region facing the intersection of the conductive sheet layer (eg, the conductive sheet layer 260 of FIG. 5 ) (eg, the intersection 267 of FIG. 5 ). The first sub-hinge module 2851 and the second sub-hinge module 2852 divided along the first folding axis (eg, the first folding axis (A) of FIG. 2A ) based on the disposed elastic support 287 may include According to one embodiment, the second hinge module 286 is a third sub-hinge module that is divided along a second folding axis (eg, the second folding axis (B) of FIG. 2A ) with respect to the elastic support body 287 ). 2861 and a fourth sub-hinge module 2862 may be included. According to one embodiment, the elastic support 287 may include a highly stretchable elastomer such as urethane, silicone, or rubber. According to one embodiment, the first sub hinge module 2851, the second sub hinge module 2852, the third sub hinge module 2861, and the fourth sub hinge module 2862 may be formed of a metal material. , may be fixed to the elastic support 287 through insert injection. In some embodiments, the first sub-hinge module 2851 , the second sub-hinge module 2852 , the third sub-hinge module 2861 , and the fourth sub-hinge module 2862 are structurally coupled (eg, fit-to-fit couplings). structure) may be fixed to the elastic support 287 . For example, the elastic support 287 may be disposed to protect and/or support internal electronic components according to a state (eg, an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state) of the foldable electronic device 200 . have. For example, the elastic support 287 may perform the same or similar function as the rear cover (eg, the rear cover (and the rear covers 214, 224, 234, 244) of FIG. 4), Electronic components can be protected In addition, a hinge module (eg, the first sub-hinge module 2851 , the second sub-hinge module 2852 , the third sub-hinge module 2861 , and the fourth sub-hinge module 2862 ) )) and a lattice structure, it is possible to provide stability to a state change of the foldable electronic device 200 .

According to various embodiments, the elastic support 287 may include a metal sheet. For example, the elastic support 287 may include a fourth pattern including a plurality of openings in the metal sheet. The elastic support 287 uses an adhesive member (eg, an adhesive tape, or a bond) or a welding member (eg, nickel, chromium, or copper), and the first sub-hinge module 2851 and the second sub-hinge module 2852 , the third sub hinge module 2861 and the fourth sub hinge module 2862 may be attached to at least one hinge module.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the conductive sheet layer 260 as viewed along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 for comparison of thickness by region according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the conductive sheet layer 260 is disposed between the second bendable portion 266 having a first thickness D1 and the first bendable portion 265 , and has a first thickness D1 . It has a thinner second thickness D2 and may include an intersection 267 intersecting the first bendable portion 265 . According to one embodiment, the crossing portion 267 of the conductive sheet layer 260 is formed to have a thinner thickness than the peripheral first bendable portion 265 and the second bendable portion 266, so that the first bendable portion is possible. A first pattern (eg, the first pattern 2651 of FIG. 6A ) that satisfies the first bending characteristic through the part 265 , and a second that satisfies the second bending characteristic through the second bendable part 266 . A pattern (eg, the second pattern 2661 of FIG. 6B ) may be formed, and it may help to demonstrate the third bending characteristic. According to one embodiment, the crossing portion 267 may be formed to have a thickness thinner than the thickness of the first bendable portion 265 and the second bendable portion 266 around it through an etching process.

According to various embodiments, the cross section 267 of the conductive sheet layer 260 is formed to have a thinner thickness than the peripheral first bendable portion 265 and the second bendable portion 266 , so that the conductive sheet layer 260 An opening may not be included in the intersection 267 of . For example, the cross section 267 of the conductive sheet layer 260 may be formed to have a third bending characteristic without forming an opening or a pattern.

9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating various embodiments of the area 6c of FIG. 5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

In describing the conductive sheet layer 260 of FIGS. 9A and 9B , the same reference numerals are assigned to the components substantially the same as those of the conductive sheet layer 260 of FIG. 6C , and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

According to various embodiments, since the third bending characteristic of the third pattern 2671 must satisfy the first bending characteristic of the first pattern 2651 and the second bending characteristic of the second pattern 2652, the intersection ( The third aperture ratio of 267 may be determined to be at least equal to or greater than the first aperture ratio of the first bendable portion 265 and the second aperture ratio of the second bendable portion 266 . According to an embodiment, the third pattern 2671 may be deformed into various shapes under a condition that satisfies the above-described third aperture ratio.

9A and 9B , the third pattern 2671 has a first axis x1 passing through the center C, and a second axis passing through the center C and perpendicular to the first axis x1. It may include a plurality of third openings 2671c and 2671e formed symmetrically with respect to each other based on (y1) and arranged to have a specified separation distance (eg, a third interval D3) with respect to each other. . According to an embodiment, the third pattern 2671 may include a plurality of fourth openings 2671d and 2671f disposed between the plurality of third openings 2671c and 2671e. According to an embodiment, the plurality of third openings 2671c and 2671e and the plurality of fourth openings 2671d and 2671f are circular, and/or a cross shape, cruciform shaped symmetrically. may include Also, the plurality of openings (eg, the third openings 2671c and 2671e , or the fourth openings 2671d and 2671f ) may be formed in a recess shape. According to an embodiment, the plurality of third openings 2671c and 2671e may be formed in the same shape as or different from those of the plurality of fourth openings 2671d and 2671f. In some embodiments, the plurality of third openings 2671c and 2671e and the plurality of fourth openings 2671d and 2671f may be formed in a square shape. For example, depending on the shape of the third openings 2671c and 2671e and/or the fourth openings 2671d and 2671f, the bending characteristics of the intersection (eg, the intersection 267 in FIG. 5 ) (eg, the first 3 flexural properties) can be applied. According to an embodiment, the shapes and/or positions of the plurality of third openings 2671c and 2671e and the plurality of fourth openings 2671d and 2671f are not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and various embodiments are not limited thereto. It may be changed depending on the example.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2A ) includes a first housing (eg, the first housing 210 of FIG. 2A ) and a first hinge module (eg, the electronic device 200 of FIG. 2B ). A second housing that is foldably connected to at least a portion of the first housing based on a first folding axis (eg, the first folding axis A in FIG. 2A ) through the first hinge module 285) ( For example: through the second housing 220 of FIG. 2A ) and a second hinge module (eg, the second hinge module 286 of FIG. 2B ), a second folding axis intersecting the first folding axis (eg: A third housing (eg, the third housing 230 of FIG. 2A ) that is foldably connected to at least a portion of the first housing with respect to the second folding axis B of FIG. 2A ), and the first hinge A fourth housing that is foldably connected to the third housing through a module and is foldably connected to the second housing through the second hinge module (eg, the fourth housing 240 in FIG. 2A ) and , a flexible display (eg, the flexible display 250 of FIG. 2A ) disposed to receive the support of the first housing, the second housing, the third housing, and/or the fourth housing, and face the first housing a first planar area (eg, the first planar area 250a of FIG. 2A ), a second planar area facing the second housing (eg, the second planar area 250b of FIG. 2A ); A third planar area facing the third housing (eg, third planar area 250c in FIG. 2A ) and a fourth planar area facing the fourth housing (eg, fourth planar area 250d in FIG. 2A )) And, a first bendable region facing the first folding shaft and foldable (eg, the first bendable region 250e of FIG. 2A ), and a second foldable region facing the second rotation shaft (eg, foldable region) : a flexible display including a second bendable region 250f of FIG. 2A ) and an intersection region where the first bendable region and the second bendable region intersect (eg, an intersection region 250f of FIG. 2A ); and disposed under the flexible display, facing the first bendable area, and facing the first panel A first bendable portion (eg, the bendable portion 265 of FIG. 5 ) including a turn (eg, the first pattern 2651 in FIG. 6A ), and a second pattern (eg, the bendable portion 265 in FIG. 5 ) facing the second bendable region For example: a second bendable portion (eg, the second bendable portion 266 of FIG. 5 ) including a second pattern 2661 of FIG. 6B ) and a third pattern (eg, FIG. 5 ) facing the crossing region A conductive sheet layer (eg, the conductive sheet layer 260 of FIG. 5 ) including an intersection (eg, the intersection 267 of FIG. 5 ) including the third pattern 2671 of 6c) may be included. .

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first pattern includes a plurality of first openings in which the first bendable portion has a first bend characteristic, and the second pattern includes the second bendable portion second bends. A plurality of second openings may include a plurality of second openings formed to have a characteristic, and the third pattern may include a plurality of third openings formed to have the intersection portion having a third bending characteristic.

According to various embodiments, the first bending characteristic is determined through the shape and/or arrangement structure of the plurality of first openings, and the second bending characteristic is determined by the shape and/or arrangement structure of the plurality of second openings. can be determined through

According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of first openings may include a slit structure having a length along the first folding axis.

According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of second openings may include a slit structure having a length along the second folding axis.

According to various embodiments, the plurality of first openings may be formed such that the first bendable portion has a first aperture ratio, and the plurality of second openings may be formed such that the second bendable portion has a second aperture ratio. have.

According to various embodiments, in the plurality of third openings, the intersection portion is formed to have a third aperture ratio, and the third aperture ratio may be determined to be equal to or greater than the first aperture ratio and the second aperture ratio.

According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of third openings may be formed in a vertical, horizontally symmetrical shape, and may be disposed to have a specified spacing with respect to each other.

According to various embodiments, a plurality of fourth openings disposed at regular intervals in a space between the plurality of third openings may be included.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device is folded in the first folding manner, the first housing faces the second housing, the third housing faces the fourth housing, and the electronic device When folded in a folding manner, the first housing may face the third housing, and the second housing may face the fourth housing.

According to various embodiments, when folded in the first folding method, at least a portion of the flexible display may be visually exposed, and when folded in the second folding method, the flexible display may not be visually exposed.

According to various embodiments, when folded in the first folding method and/or in the second folding method, at least some of the respective housings may be asymmetrically folded with respect to each other.

According to various embodiments, the first hinge module includes a first sub-hinge module and a second sub-hinge module divided along the first folding axis based on the crossing region, and the second hinge module includes the crossing region. and a third sub-hinge module and a fourth sub-hinge module divided along the second folding axis based on can do.

According to various embodiments, the elastic support body may be formed of an elastic material that satisfies both bending characteristics of the first hinge module and the second hinge module.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device includes a plurality of housings that are foldably coupled with respect to a first folding axis and/or a second folding axis intersecting the first folding axis, and the plurality of housings to receive the support of the housings. A flexible display that is disposed, a first bendable region facing the first folding axis and foldable, a second foldable region facing the second folding axis, and the first bendable region and the second bendable region A flexible display including an intersecting region in which the possible regions intersect, and a first bendable portion disposed under the flexible display and facing the first bendable region and including a first pattern, and facing the second bendable region and a conductive sheet layer including a second bendable portion including a second pattern and an intersection portion facing the intersection region and including a third pattern.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first pattern includes a plurality of first openings in which the first bendable portion has a first bend characteristic, and the second pattern includes the second bendable portion second bends. A plurality of second openings may include a plurality of second openings formed to have a characteristic, and the third pattern may include a plurality of third openings formed to have the intersection portion having a third bending characteristic.

According to various embodiments, in the plurality of first openings, the first bendable portion is formed to have a first aperture ratio, and in the plurality of second openings, the second bendable portion is formed to have a second aperture ratio, The plurality of third openings may be formed such that the crossing portion has a third aperture ratio, and the third aperture ratio may be determined to be equal to or greater than the first aperture ratio and the second aperture ratio.

According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of third openings may be formed in a vertical, horizontally symmetrical shape, and may be disposed to have a specified spacing with respect to each other.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display supported by the conductive sheet layer includes a window layer, a first bendable region disposed under the window layer, and a first bendable area corresponding to a first folding axis, and crossing the first folding axis. A display panel comprising: a second bendable area corresponding to a second folding axis; and an intersection area corresponding to an area in which the first folding axis and the second folding axis intersect; and a polymer layer disposed under the display panel. and the conductive sheet layer is disposed under the polymer layer, the first bendable portion facing the first bendable region and comprising a first pattern, the first bendable portion facing the second bendable region and comprising a second pattern It may include a second bendable portion and a third pattern facing the crossing region.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first pattern includes a plurality of first openings in which the first bendable portion has a first bend characteristic, and the second pattern includes the second bendable portion second bends. a plurality of second openings formed to have a characteristic; It may be determined to include a characteristic and the second bending characteristic.

In addition, the embodiments of the present invention disclosed in the present specification and drawings are merely provided for specific examples in order to easily explain the technical contents according to the embodiments of the present invention and help the understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and to extend the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. It is not meant to be limiting. Therefore, in the scope of various embodiments of the present invention, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, all changes or modifications derived from the technical ideas of various embodiments of the present invention should be interpreted as being included in the scope of various embodiments of the present invention. .

200: electronic device 210: first housing
220: second housing 230: third housing
240: fourth housing 250: flexible display
260: conductive sheet layer 265: first bendable portion
266: second bendable portion 267: intersection portion
2651: first pattern 2661: second pattern
2671: third pattern

Claims (20)

In an electronic device,
a first housing;
a second housing that is foldably connected to at least a portion of the first housing with respect to the first folding axis through the first hinge module;
a third housing that is foldably connected to at least a portion of the first housing through a second hinge module based on a second folding axis intersecting the first folding axis;
a fourth housing that is foldably connected to the third housing through the first hinge module and is foldably connected to the second housing through the second hinge module;
A flexible display disposed to receive support from the first housing, the second housing, the third housing, and/or the fourth housing,
a first planar area facing the first housing;
a second planar area facing the second housing;
a third planar area facing the third housing;
a fourth planar area facing the fourth housing;
a first bendable region facing the first folding shaft and being foldable;
a second foldable second foldable region facing the second rotational shaft; and
a flexible display including an intersection region where the first bendable region and the second bendable region intersect; and
a first bendable portion disposed under the flexible display and facing the first bendable region and including a first pattern, a second bendable portion facing the second bendable region and including a second pattern; and a conductive sheet layer facing the cross region and including an intersection portion including a third pattern.
According to claim 1,
The first pattern includes a plurality of first openings formed so that the first bendable portion has a first bending characteristic,
The second pattern includes a plurality of second openings formed so that the second bendable portion has a second bending characteristic,
The third pattern may include a plurality of third openings in which the intersection portion has a third bending characteristic.
3. The method of claim 2,
The first bending characteristic is determined through a shape and/or an arrangement structure of the plurality of first openings,
The second bending characteristic is determined through a shape and/or an arrangement structure of the plurality of second openings.
3. The method of claim 2,
and each of the plurality of first openings includes a slit structure having a length along the first folding axis.
3. The method of claim 2,
and each of the plurality of second openings includes a slit structure having a length along the second folding axis.
3. The method of claim 2,
The plurality of first openings are formed such that the first bendable portion has a first aperture ratio,
The plurality of second openings is an electronic device in which the second bendable portion is formed to have a second aperture ratio.
7. The method of claim 6,
The plurality of third openings are formed such that the intersection has a third aperture ratio,
The third aperture ratio is determined to be equal to or greater than the first aperture ratio and the second aperture ratio.
3. The method of claim 2,
Each of the plurality of third openings is formed in a vertical, horizontally symmetrical shape,
An electronic device arranged to have a specified spacing with respect to each other.
9. The method of claim 8,
An electronic device including a plurality of fourth openings disposed at a predetermined interval in a space between the plurality of third openings.
According to claim 1,
When the electronic device is folded in the first folding manner, the first housing faces the second housing, the third housing faces the fourth housing,
When the electronic device is folded in the second folding method, the first housing faces the third housing, and the second housing faces the fourth housing.
11. The method of claim 10,
When folded in the first folding manner, at least a portion of the flexible display is visually exposed,
When the flexible display is folded in the second folding method, the electronic device is not visually exposed.
11. The method of claim 10,
When folded in the first folding manner and/or the second folding manner, at least some of the respective housings are asymmetrically folded with respect to each other.
According to claim 1,
The first hinge module includes a first sub-hinge module and a second sub-hinge module divided along the first folding axis based on the crossing area,
The second hinge module includes a third sub-hinge module and a fourth sub-hinge module divided along the second folding axis based on the crossing area,
and an elastic support member coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth sub-hinge modules in the crossing region.
14. The method of claim 13,
The elastic support is formed of an elastic material that satisfies the flexural characteristics of the first hinge module and the second hinge module.
In an electronic device,
a plurality of housings coupled to be foldable with respect to a first folding axis and/or a second folding axis intersecting the first folding axis;
As a flexible display disposed to receive the support of the plurality of housings,
a first bendable region facing the first folding shaft and being foldable;
a second bendable region facing the second folding shaft and being foldable; and
a flexible display including an intersection region where the first bendable region and the second bendable region intersect; and
a first bendable portion disposed under the flexible display and facing the first bendable region and including a first pattern, a second bendable portion facing the second bendable region and including a second pattern; and a conductive sheet layer facing the intersection region and including an intersection portion including a third pattern.
16. The method of claim 15,
The first pattern includes a plurality of first openings formed so that the first bendable portion has a first bending characteristic,
The second pattern includes a plurality of second openings formed so that the second bendable portion has a second bending characteristic,
The third pattern may include a plurality of third openings in which the intersection portion has a third bending characteristic.
17. The method of claim 16,
The plurality of first openings are formed such that the first bendable portion has a first aperture ratio,
The plurality of second openings are formed such that the second bendable portion has a second aperture ratio,
The plurality of third openings are formed such that the intersection has a third aperture ratio,
The third aperture ratio is determined to be equal to or greater than the first aperture ratio and the second aperture ratio.
17. The method of claim 16,
Each of the plurality of third openings is formed in a vertical, horizontally symmetrical shape,
An electronic device arranged to have a specified spacing with respect to each other.
In the flexible display supported by the conductive sheet layer,
window layer;
a first bendable area disposed under the window layer, a first bendable area corresponding to a first folding axis, a second bendable area corresponding to a second folding axis intersecting the first folding axis, and the first folding axis and the a display panel including an intersecting region corresponding to an intersecting region of the second folding axis; and
A polymer layer disposed under the display panel,
The conductive sheet layer,
a first bendable portion disposed under the polymer layer and facing the first bendable region and including a first pattern;
a second bendable portion facing the second bendable region and including a second pattern; and
A flexible display including an intersection portion facing the intersection area and including a third pattern.
20. The method of claim 19,
The first pattern includes a plurality of first openings formed so that the first bendable portion has a first bending characteristic,
The second pattern includes a plurality of second openings formed so that the second bendable portion has a second bending characteristic,
The third pattern includes a plurality of third openings formed so that the intersection has a third bending characteristic,
The third bending characteristic is a flexible display that is determined to include the first bending characteristic and the second bending characteristic.

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