WO2022030789A1

WO2022030789A1 - Foldable electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2022030789A1
Application number: PCT/KR2021/008982
Authority: WO
Inventors: 김성훈; 김민욱; 이기훈; 조정민; 김광태; 윤병욱; 홍현주
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2020-08-05
Filing date: 2021-07-13
Publication date: 2022-02-10
Also published as: KR20220017583A

Abstract

An electronic device, according to various embodiments, may comprise: a plurality of housings coupled so as to be foldable about a first folding axis and/or a second folding axis intersecting with the first folding axis; a flexible display disposed so as to be supported by the plurality of housings, and comprising a first folding region which is foldable and corresponds to the first folding axis, a second folding region which is foldable and corresponds to the second folding axis, and an intersecting region in which the first folding region and the second folding region intersect; and a conductive sheet layer disposed under the flexible display and comprising a first bending part which corresponds to the first folding region and comprises a first pattern, a second bending part which corresponds to the second folding region and comprises a second pattern, and an intersecting part which corresponds to the intersecting region and comprises a third pattern.

Description

foldable electronics

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

Electronic devices are getting slimmer, and the display of the electronic device is getting bigger so that a lot of information can be provided on a single screen or a large screen can be provided with various contents (eg, movie or web surfing). In addition, the electronic device is being improved so that rigidity is increased, design aspects are strengthened, and functional elements thereof are differentiated. Such an electronic device may have a deformable structure capable of using a large-screen display while being convenient to carry. As part of the deformable structure, the electronic device may include a foldable electronic device that operates in a manner in which a plurality of housings are folded with respect to each other.

The foldable electronic device may include a plurality of housings that perform a folding operation in a manner that is folded with respect to each other, and in an unfolded state, a large-screen display may be used, and in the folded state, the volume thereof is reduced to facilitate portability. can 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, 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 intersecting 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 corresponding to the intersecting folding axes and providing a bending characteristic.

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

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 disclosure 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 the first housing with respect to a first folding axis through a first hinge module, and a second hinge module. , Based on a second folding axis that intersects the first folding axis, a third housing that is foldably connected to the first housing, and the first hinge module, based on the first folding axis, the third a fourth housing foldably connected to the housing and foldably connected to the second housing with respect to the second folding axis through the second hinge module; the first housing; the second housing; A flexible display disposed to be supported by a third housing and the fourth housing, a first area corresponding to the first housing, a second area corresponding to the second housing, and a third area corresponding to the third housing A third area, a fourth area corresponding to the fourth housing, a first folding area corresponding to the first folding shaft and foldable, a second folding area corresponding to the second rotation axis, and the first folding area A flexible display including an intersecting area in which an area and the second folding area intersect, a first bending part disposed under the flexible display, the first bending part corresponding to the first folding area and including a first pattern, and the second folding area and a conductive sheet layer including a second bending portion corresponding to and including a second pattern and an intersection portion corresponding to the cross region and including a third pattern.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, 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 are arranged to receive support. A flexible display comprising: a first folding area corresponding to the first folding axis and foldable; a second folding area corresponding to the second folding axis and foldable; and the first folding area and the second folding area intersecting a flexible display including an intersecting area, a first bending part disposed under the flexible display and corresponding to the first folding area and including a first pattern, and a first bending part corresponding to the second folding area and including a second pattern and a conductive sheet layer including two bending portions and an intersection portion corresponding to 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 folding area disposed under the window layer, a first folding area corresponding to a first folding axis, and a first folding area intersecting the first folding axis. A display panel comprising a second folding area corresponding to two folding axes 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, The conductive sheet layer is disposed under the polymer layer, and includes a first bending part corresponding to the first folding area and including a first pattern, and a second bending part corresponding to the second folding area and including a second pattern. and an intersection portion corresponding to the intersection region and including a third pattern.

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

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;

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;

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 folded in a first folding manner according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

3B is a view illustrating a rear surface of a foldable electronic device in a state 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 diagram illustrating a configuration of a conductive sheet layer according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

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 a first hinge module and a second hinge module are connected through an elastic support disposed in a region 7c of FIG. 2A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the conductive sheet layer taken 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 disclosure;

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 , an electronic device 101 communicates with an 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, a program 140) to execute at least one other component (eg, a 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 resulting 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) capable of operating 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 sub-processor 123 , the sub-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 auxiliary processor 123 is, for example, on behalf of the main processor 121 while the main processor 121 is in an inactive (eg, sleep) state, or 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 co-processor 123 (eg, an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (eg, the camera module 180 or the 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 ) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device 101 . The sound may be output through the electronic device 102 (eg, a speaker or headphones).

The sensor module 176 detects an operating state (eg, power or temperature) of the electronic device 101 or an external environmental state (eg, user state), and generates an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the sensed state. can do. According to one 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 designated 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 LAN (local area network) 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 can 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 the 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 a part of 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 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. In this document, "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 the items listed together in the corresponding one of the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first", "second", or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish the element from other elements in question, and may refer to elements in 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, a processor (eg, processor 120 ) of a device (eg, 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 an embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be included and provided in a computer program product. 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 (eg downloaded or uploaded) directly or online 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 created 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 the foldable electronic device 200 in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a view illustrating a rear surface 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 an 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, in the unfolded state, the first housing 210 includes a first surface 211 facing a first direction (eg, a Z-axis direction), and a second surface 211 facing a direction opposite 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 an 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, 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 an 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 portion (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 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 , 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 , and 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 , and other shapes or combinations of parts and/or It can be implemented by combining.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display 250 includes a first area 250a corresponding to the first housing 210 , a second area 250b corresponding to the second housing 220 , and a third housing 230 . ) corresponding to the third region 250c, the fourth region 250d corresponding to the fourth housing 240, the first folding region 250e corresponding to the first hinge module 285, the second hinge module ( 286) and a second folding area (250f) corresponding to, and an intersection area ( 250g) (eg, a region where the first folding region 250e and the second folding region 250f intersect). According to one embodiment, the first region 250a, the second region 250b, the third region 250c, and/or the fourth region 250d are the first hinge module 285 and the second hinge module ( According to a folding operation of the

housings

210 , 220 , 230 , and 240 through 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 surface facing) 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 internal 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 the 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 cannot be seen. In this case, the corresponding area of the display panel of the flexible display 250 corresponding to 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 area 250a of the flexible display 250 . In some embodiments, the first camera module 204 may be disposed under the second area 250b, the third area 250c, and/or the fourth area 250d. According to an embodiment, the second camera module 207 may be disposed to correspond to 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 correspond to 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 . it 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, although not shown, the foldable electronic device 200 is configured 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, 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 has the first housing 210 and the third housing 230, and the second housing 220 and the fourth housing 240 are out-folding (out-folding) method. It may include a rail-type multi-joint hinge module for operation as a 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 an 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, the 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 surface of a foldable electronic device in a state 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;

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B , in the foldable electronic device 200 , the first housing 210 and the third housing 230 and the second housing 220 and the fourth housing 240 are first 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 correspond to the fourth surface 222 , and the sixth surface 232 may correspond to 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 region 250b and the fourth region 250d is the first region 250a 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 and the third planar region 250c. (Asymmetrically folded structure) For example, even when the foldable electronic device 200 is folded in the first folding method, the second camera module A subject can be photographed through (207). In some embodiments, the sum of the areas of the second region 250b and the fourth region 250d of the flexible display 250 supported by the second housing 220 and the fourth housing 240 is the first housing ( It may be formed to be substantially equal to the sum of the areas of the first region 250a and the third region 250c of the flexible display 250 supported by the 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 may be formed to be 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 substantially equal to 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 a foldable electronic device 200 may be exposed to the outside, or disposed in the inner 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 correspond to the fifth surface 231 , and the third surface 221 may correspond to the seventh surface 241 . According to an embodiment, the sum of the areas of the first region 250a and the third region 250c of the flexible display 250 supported by the first housing 210 and the third housing 220 is the third It may be formed to be substantially equal to the sum of the areas of the third region 250c and the fourth region 250d of the flexible display 250 supported by the housing 230 and the fourth housing 240 . 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 the 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 shooting 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), for example, may 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 the 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 and a conductive sheet layer 260 sequentially disposed under the flexible display 250 (eg, a conductive plate, a support member, a support sheet, or metal sheet layer), reinforcing 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 flexible substrate capable of being bendable (eg, FPCB) 295a, 295b, 295c, at least one

battery

293, 294, and back 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. In some embodiments, the conductive sheet layer 260 may be formed of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) having rigid properties for supporting the flexible display 250 (eg, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) or glass fiber (GFRP)). It can also be replaced with non-metallic sheet-like materials, such as reinforced plastics).

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 an 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, the top 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, the plurality of pixels may not be disposed in an area that at least partially overlaps the sensor module 205 . According to an 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, a specified pattern (black matrix) for reducing diffraction of light entering the interior of the display panel 253 (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 one 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 to provide 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 folding regions of the flexible display 250 (eg, the first folding region 250e of FIG. 2A ). ) and the second folding region 250f) and the crossing region (eg, the crossing region 250g of FIG. 2A ) to provide specified bending characteristics. For example, the conductive sheet layer 260 may include a metal plate. According to an embodiment, the conductive sheet layer 260 may be formed of 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 flat portion 261 corresponding to the first area (eg, the first area 250a of FIG. 2A ) of the flexible display 250 and a second area ( Example: a second planar portion 262 corresponding to the second area 250b of FIG. 2A ), a third planar portion 263 corresponding to a third area (eg, the third area 250c of FIG. 2A ); The fourth planar portion 264 corresponding to the fourth region (eg, the first region 250d of FIG. 2A ) and the first corresponding to the first folding region (eg, the first folding region 250e of FIG. 2A )) The bending portion 265 , the second bending portion 266 corresponding to the second folding region (eg, the second folding region 250f of FIG. 2A ), and an intersection region (eg, the intersection region 250g of FIG. 2A )) may include an intersection 267 corresponding to . According to an embodiment, the first bending part 265 has a first bending characteristic for supporting the flexible display 250 to be bent based on a first folding axis (eg, the first folding axis A of FIG. 2A ). may include a first pattern (eg, the first pattern 2651 of FIG. 6A ) providing According to an embodiment, the second bending part 266 has a second bending characteristic for supporting the flexible display 250 to be bent based on a second folding axis (eg, the second folding axis B of FIG. 2A ). may include a second pattern (eg, the second pattern 2661 of FIG. 6B ) that provides 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 the portion overlapping 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 corresponding to the first flat portion 261 , a second reinforcing plate 272 corresponding to the second flat portion 262 , and a third It may include a third reinforcing plate 273 corresponding to the flat portion 263 and a fourth reinforcing plate 274 corresponding to 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 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 are formed in a region corresponding to the intersection 267 of the conductive sheet layer 260 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 corresponding to 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 and a second planar portion corresponding to the first flat portion 261 of the conductive sheet layer 260 . The second support plate 282 corresponding to 262, the third support plate 283 corresponding to the third flat portion 263, and the fourth support plate 284 corresponding to the fourth flat portion 264 are formed. may include According to one 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 one 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), depending on the state of the foldable electronic device 200 (eg, an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state), it 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 287 may include the

housing

210 , 220, 230, 240) and may not be exposed. According to various embodiments, when in a 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 corresponding to a space between the fourth support plate 284 and the fourth back cover 244 or a designated space (eg, a 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, the 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 folding area.

5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conductive sheet layer according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 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 is 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 includes a first flat portion 261 corresponding to a first area (eg, a first area 250a of FIG. 2A ) of the flexible display 250 , The second planar part 262 corresponding to the second region (eg, the second region 250b of FIG. 2A ), and the third plane part corresponding to the third region (eg, the third region 250c of FIG. 2A )) 263), the fourth planar portion 264 corresponding to the fourth region (eg, the first region 250d of FIG. 2A ), and the first folding region (eg, the first folding region 250e of FIG. 2A )) The first bending portion 265, the second bending portion 266 corresponding to the second folding area (eg, the second folding area 250f of FIG. 2A ), and the crossing area (eg, the intersection area 250g of FIG. 2A ) )) corresponding to an intersection 267 . For example, the foldable electronic device 200 may have a lattice shape capable of drawing in the longitudinal direction of the first bending part 265 (eg, in substantially the same direction as the first folding axis A). ) through the hinge of the multi-joint shape 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 includes a lattice-type metal and a second hinge that can be stretched in the transverse direction of the second bending part 266 (eg, in substantially the same direction as the second folding axis B). The module (eg, the second hinge module 286 of FIG. 4 ) may be folded in the second folding method (eg, in-folding) through the biaxial hinge.

According to various embodiments, the first bending 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. can do. 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 the 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 the shape and/or arrangement structure of the plurality of first openings 2651a. According to an embodiment, the second bending part 266 includes a second pattern 2661 providing a second bending characteristic for supporting the flexible display 250 to be bent based on the second folding axis B. can do. According to an embodiment, the second pattern 2661 may include a plurality of second openings 2661a. According to one 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 ( It may be formed as a slit having a second width W2 smaller than H2) and having a second interval T2 with respect to each other. 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 within 5%, it may be said that the difference is 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.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6C , the intersection 267 of the conductive sheet layer 260 has a first bending characteristic of the first bending part 265 and/or a second bending characteristic of the second bending part 266 . A third pattern 2671 provided to include (satisfy) 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 portion 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 one 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 bending part 265 may have a first bending characteristic that may 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 on the first bending part 265 . According to an embodiment, the first bending part 265 may be formed to satisfy bending characteristics and rigidity by adjusting the first aperture ratio.

According to various embodiments, the second bending 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 on the second bending part 266 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the second bending part 266 may be formed to satisfy the bending characteristics and rigidity by adjusting 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 crossing portion 267 having the third bending characteristic may be more bent than the first bending portion 265 having the first bending characteristic and the second bending portion 266 having the second bending characteristic.

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 ) of the third aperture ratio may be determined to be at least equal to or greater than the first aperture ratio of the first bending part 265 and the second aperture ratio of the second bending part 266 .

According to various embodiments, the crossing portion 267 in which different folding methods intersect has the same or similar bending stiffness to the first bending portion 265 when folded in the first folding method (eg, out-folding method). ), and when folding in the second folding method (eg, in-folding method), it must have the same or similar bending stress as the second bending portion 266 to reduce the phenomenon of stress concentration in the intersection portion 267 have. For example, in the intersection portion 267, a breaking phenomenon due to stress concentration may be reduced through a plurality of third openings 2671a and/or a plurality of fourth openings 2671b disposed at 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 and the center of each of the plurality of third openings 2671a 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 2 in consideration of the shape of the first pattern 2651 of the first bending part 255 . May be equal to *W1+T1. According to an embodiment, the fourth width W4 (eg, vertical length) of each of the plurality of third openings 2671a is 2 in consideration of the shape of the second pattern 2661 of the second bending part 256 . May be equal to *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.

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 from the other end in a vertical direction. It can 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 bending part 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 increase during bending. However, the rigidity in the thickness direction can be increased. Conversely, in the first bending part 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 in the thickness direction stiffness may 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 bending part ( 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 surface quality improvement (visibility improvement). 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 . A bending part 265 may be included. 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 bending part 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, and the first support plate 281 is formed on one side of the first hinge module 285 . It may be connected to a coupling member (not shown), and the second support plate 282 may be coupled to a coupling member (not shown) on the other side. According to an 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 part 265 may support the first folding area (eg, the first folding area 250e of FIG. 2A ) under the flexible display 250 so that the first bending characteristic related to the first pattern 2651 is applied. .

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 . A bending part 266 may be included. 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 bending part 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 flat 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 part Reference numeral 266 may support a second folding area (eg, the second folding area 250f of FIG. 2A ) under the flexible display 250 to apply a second bending characteristic related to the second pattern 2661 .

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 corresponding to the intersection (eg, the intersection 267 of FIG. 5 ) of the conductive sheet layer (eg, the conductive sheet layer 260 of FIG. 5 ). A first sub-hinge module 2851 and a second sub-hinge module 2852 divided along a 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 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), In addition, a hinge module (eg, a first sub hinge module 2851 , a second sub hinge module 2852 , a third sub hinge module 2861 , and a fourth sub hinge module 2862 ) can protect electronic components. )) 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, adhesive tape, or 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 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 5 for comparison of thicknesses for each region according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the conductive sheet layer 260 is disposed between the second bending portion 266 having a first thickness D1 and the first bending portion 265 , and is thinner than the first thickness D1 . It has a second thickness D2 and may include an intersecting portion 267 intersecting the first bending portion 265 . According to one embodiment, the crossing portion 267 of the conductive sheet layer 260 is formed to have a thickness thinner than that of the first and

second bending portions

265 and 266 surrounding the first bending portion 265 . ) through a first pattern (eg, the first pattern 2651 of FIG. 6A ) that satisfies the first bending characteristic, and a second pattern that satisfies the second bending characteristic through the second bending part 266 (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 and

second bending portions

265 and 266 around it through an etching process.

According to various embodiments, the crossing portion 267 of the conductive sheet layer 260 is formed to have a thinner thickness than the peripheral first bending part 265 and the second bending part 266 , so that the conductive sheet layer 260 is crossed. The part 267 may not include an opening. For example, the intersecting portion 267 of the conductive sheet layer 260 may be formed to have a third bending characteristic without forming an opening or a pattern.

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 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 ( 267 ) may be determined to be at least equal to or greater than the first aperture ratio of the first bending part 265 and the second opening ratio of the second bending part 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 ). Through the first hinge module 285), a second housing (eg, in FIG. 2A through the second housing 220) and a second hinge module (eg, the second hinge module 286 of FIG. 2B), a second folding axis intersecting the first folding axis (eg, in FIG. 2A ) Based on the second folding shaft (B)), a third housing (eg, the third housing 230 of FIG. 2A ) that is foldably connected to the first housing and the first hinge module, A fourth housing (eg, in FIG. The fourth housing 240 of 2a), and the first housing, the second housing, the third housing, and the flexible display disposed to receive the support of the fourth housing (eg, the flexible display 250 of FIG. 2A ) Thus, a first region corresponding to the first housing (eg, the first region 250a of FIG. 2A ) and a second region corresponding to the second housing (eg, the second region 250b of FIG. 2A )) and a third region corresponding to the third housing (eg, a third region 250c in FIG. 2A ) and a fourth region corresponding to the fourth housing (eg, a fourth region 250d in FIG. 2A )) and a first folding area corresponding to the first folding shaft and foldable (eg, the first folding area 250e of FIG. 2A ) and a second folding area corresponding to the second rotation axis (eg, FIG. 2A ) a flexible display including a second folding area 250f of a second folding area of and a first bending part corresponding to the first folding area and including a first pattern (eg, the first pattern 2651 of FIG. 6A ). (eg, the bending part 265 of FIG. 5 ), and a second bending part (eg, FIG. 5 ) that corresponds to the second folding area and includes a second pattern (eg, the second pattern 2661 of FIG. 6B ). of the second bending portion 266) and an intersection (eg, intersection 267 in FIG. 5 ) corresponding to the intersection region and including a third pattern (eg, the third pattern 2671 in FIG. 6C )) may include a conductive sheet layer (eg, the conductive sheet layer 260 of FIG. 5 ) including:

According to various embodiments, the first pattern includes a plurality of first openings in which the first bending part has a first bending characteristic, and the second pattern includes the second bending part having a second bending characteristic. A plurality of second openings may be included, and the third pattern may include a plurality of third openings formed so that the crossing portion has 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 bending portion has a first aperture ratio, and the plurality of second openings may be formed such that the second bending portion has a second aperture ratio.

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 larger 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 plurality of fourth openings may include a plurality of fourth openings disposed at regular intervals in a space between the plurality of third openings.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device is folded in the first folding manner, the first housing corresponds to the second housing, the third housing corresponds to the fourth housing, and the electronic device When folded in a folding manner, the first housing may correspond to the third housing, and the second housing may correspond to 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. 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 arranged, wherein a foldable first folding area corresponding to the first folding axis, a foldable second folding area corresponding to the second folding axis, and the first folding area and the second folding area intersect a flexible display including an intersecting region of and a conductive sheet layer including a second bending portion and an intersection portion corresponding to the intersection region and including a third pattern.

According to various embodiments, in the plurality of first openings, the first bending portion is formed to have a first aperture ratio, and in the plurality of second openings, the second bending portion is formed to have a second aperture ratio, and the plurality of first openings are formed to have a second aperture ratio. In the third openings of , 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, the flexible display supported by the conductive sheet layer includes a window layer, a first folding area disposed under the window layer, a first folding area corresponding to a first folding axis, and a first folding area intersecting the first folding axis. A display panel comprising a second folding area corresponding to two folding axes 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, The conductive sheet layer is disposed under the polymer layer, and includes a first bending part corresponding to the first folding area and including a first pattern, and a second bending part corresponding to the second folding area and including a second pattern. and a third pattern corresponding to the crossing region.

According to various embodiments, the first pattern includes a plurality of first openings in which the first bending part has a first bending characteristic, and the second pattern includes the second bending part having a second bending characteristic. a plurality of second openings formed to have a plurality of second openings, wherein the third pattern includes a plurality of third openings formed such that the crossing portion has a third bending characteristic, and the third bending characteristic is the first bending characteristic and It may be determined to include the second bending characteristic.

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

Claims

In an electronic device,

a first housing;

a second housing that is foldably connected to the first housing with respect to the first folding axis through the first hinge module;

a third housing that is foldably connected to the first housing through a second hinge module based on a second folding axis intersecting the first folding axis;

Through the first hinge module, it is foldably connected to the third housing with respect to the first folding axis, and through the second hinge module, it is foldable with the second housing with respect to the second folding axis. a fourth housing that is connected to each other;

A flexible display disposed to receive support from the first housing, the second housing, the third housing, and the fourth housing,

a first area corresponding to the first housing;

a second area corresponding to the second housing;

a third area corresponding to the third housing;

a fourth area corresponding to the fourth housing;

a first folding area corresponding to the first folding axis and being foldable;

a second foldable area corresponding to the second rotation shaft; and

a flexible display including an intersection area in which the first folding area and the second folding area intersect; and

A first bending portion disposed under the flexible display and corresponding to the first folding area and including a first pattern, a second bending portion corresponding to the second folding area and including a second pattern, and the crossover An electronic device comprising: a conductive sheet layer having an intersection corresponding to the region and comprising a third pattern.
According to claim 1,

The first pattern includes a plurality of first openings formed so that the first bending portion has a first bending characteristic,

The second pattern includes a plurality of second openings formed so that the second bending 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 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 bending portion has a first aperture ratio,

In the plurality of second openings, the second bending 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 disposed 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 folding area corresponding to the first folding axis and being foldable;

a second folding area corresponding to the second folding axis and being foldable; and

a flexible display including an intersection area in which the first folding area and the second folding area intersect; and

A first bending portion disposed under the flexible display and corresponding to the first folding area and including a first pattern, a second bending portion corresponding to the second folding area and including a second pattern, and the crossover An electronic device comprising: a conductive sheet layer having an intersection corresponding to the region and comprising a third pattern.