KR102843113B1 - Electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments related to an electronic device including first and second windows that can be folded or unfolded and that can use a pen have been described. According to one embodiment, the electronic device includes: a foldable housing; and a flexible display disposed in the foldable housing; wherein the flexible display includes: a first window disposed on a front surface of the flexible display; a second window disposed parallel to the first window and folded or unfolded with the first window; a bridge space formed between the first and second windows; and a pocket structure disposed on the outside of the flexible display and connected to the bridge space; wherein the pocket structure stores a liquid inside the pocket structure and can inject or discharge the liquid into or out of the bridge space as the first and second windows are folded or unfolded. In addition, various other embodiments are possible.

Description

Electronic Device {ELECTRONIC DEVICE}

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a foldable electronic device that can use a pen and includes first and second windows capable of folding and unfolding operations.

Thanks to remarkable advancements in information and communication technology and semiconductor technology, the proliferation and use of various electronic devices is rapidly increasing. In particular, recent electronic devices are being developed to enable portable communication.

Electronic devices can refer to devices that perform specific functions according to the programs installed on them, including home appliances, electronic notebooks, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, tablet PCs, audio/video devices, desktop/laptop computers, and car navigation systems. For example, these electronic devices can output stored information as audio or video. As the integration of electronic devices increases and ultra-high-speed, high-capacity wireless communication becomes more widespread, a single electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, can now be equipped with various functions. For example, in addition to communication functions, entertainment functions such as games, multimedia functions such as music/video playback, communication and security functions for mobile banking, and functions such as schedule management and electronic wallets are being integrated into a single electronic device. These electronic devices are becoming smaller so that users can conveniently carry them.

As mobile communication services expand into the realm of multimedia services, the display size of electronic devices may increase to accommodate users' full access to multimedia services beyond voice calls and text messages. Accordingly, a foldable, flexible display may be placed across the entire housing structure, allowing for a separate, foldable structure.

Foldable electronic devices utilize flexible displays for folding and unfolding, and these flexible displays utilize thin windows for the folding and unfolding motions. When a pen is pressed against this thin window, the window can easily break due to the pressure applied by the pen, or the window can become damaged due to the pressure applied, resulting in screen defects on the flexible display.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a foldable electronic device including a flexible display having first and second windows capable of folding and unfolding and having strength that enables the use of a pen.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device includes a foldable housing, which includes a hinge structure, a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure, and a second housing structure connected to the hinge structure and foldable or unfoldable with the first housing structure around the hinge structure, and a flexible display disposed on the first and second housing structures and the hinge structure, wherein the flexible display includes a first window disposed on a front surface of the flexible display, a second window disposed parallel to the first window and foldable or unfoldable with the first window, a first transparent film disposed on at least a portion of the front surface and a side surface of the first and second windows, a second transparent film disposed on at least a portion of the back surface and a side surface of the first and second windows, a bridge space formed between the first and second windows, and a second transparent film disposed on the outside of the flexible display and penetrating the second transparent film into the bridge space. A pocket structure is included, wherein the first and second transparent films are attached to each other to seal the first and second windows or form the bridge space, and the pocket structure contains a liquid inside the pocket structure, and the liquid can be introduced or discharged into the bridge space as the first and second windows are folded or unfolded.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device includes a foldable housing, and a flexible display disposed in the foldable housing, wherein the flexible display includes a first window disposed on a front surface of the flexible display, a second window disposed parallel to the first window and folded or unfolded with the first window, a bridge space formed between the first and second windows, and a pocket structure disposed on the outside of the flexible display and connected to the bridge space, wherein the pocket structure stores a liquid inside the pocket structure, and can inject or discharge the liquid into or out of the bridge space as the first and second windows are folded or unfolded.

According to at least one of the problem solving means of the present disclosure described above, by forming a bridge space between the first and second windows of the flexible display so that the first and second windows can be folded or unfolded, not only can the folding or unfolding operation of the first and second windows be facilitated, but also the rigidity of the first and second windows can be increased so that a pen can be used in the first and second windows, and further, by forming a pocket structure that injects or discharges a liquid having the same refractive index as the first and second windows into the bridge space, the bridge space (e.g., a gap, etc.) generated according to the folding or unfolding operation of the first and second windows can be eliminated, so that the entire screen of the first and second windows can be viewed, thereby providing a continuous and clear screen of the first and second windows and improving the visibility of the product.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a folded state of the electronic device of FIG. 3 according to various embodiments.
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a display of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 7a is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 6, which is a cross-sectional view showing the state before the first and second transparent films and the first and second windows are combined.
Fig. 7b is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Fig. 6, which is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the bonding of the first and second transparent films and the first and second windows.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of a first pocket structure among pocket structures in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part A of Fig. 8, showing the operating state of the first pocket structure.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of a first pocket structure among the configurations of pocket structures in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Fig. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part B of Fig. 10, showing the operating state of the first pocket structure.
Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part A of Fig. 9, showing another embodiment of the first and second windows.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of a second pocket structure among the configurations of pocket structures in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of section C of Figure 13.
FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a second pocket structure among the configurations of pocket structures in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.
Figure 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of section D of Figure 15.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with the electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, in the electronic device (101) itself where artificial intelligence is performed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network can be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), deep Q-networks, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model can additionally or alternatively include a software structure.

The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or 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 module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can 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 can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can 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, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

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

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

The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

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

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

A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

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

According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

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

Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), 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 may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, ‘non-transitory’ simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store ^™ ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each 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, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an unfolded state of an electronic device (200) according to various embodiments. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a folded state of the electronic device (200) of FIG. 2 according to various embodiments.

The electronic device (200) of FIGS. 2 and 3 may be at least partially similar to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, or may include other embodiments of the electronic device.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the electronic device (200) may include a pair of housing structures (210, 220) that are rotatably coupled to each other via a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (264) of FIG. 4) to be folded, a hinge cover (265) that covers a foldable portion of the pair of housing structures (210, 220), and a display (230) (e.g., a flexible display or a foldable display) that is disposed in a space formed by the pair of housing structures (210, 220). (Hereinafter, the display is referred to as a flexible display.) In some embodiments, the hinge cover (265) may be a part of the hinge structure (264). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a foldable housing in which a pair of housing structures (210, 220) are rotatably coupled from a position where they are folded facing each other to a position where they are parallel to each other. In this document, the surface on which the flexible display (230) is arranged may be defined as the front surface of the electronic device (200), and the surface opposite the front surface may be defined as the back surface of the electronic device (200). Additionally, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the back surface may be defined as the side surface of the electronic device (200).

In one embodiment, a pair of housing structures (210, 220) may include a first housing structure (210) including a sensor area (231d), a second housing structure (220), a first rear cover (240), and a second rear cover (250). The pair of housing structures (210, 220) of the electronic device (200) are not limited to the shapes and combinations illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, and may be implemented by other shapes or combinations and/or combinations of parts. For example, in another embodiment, the first housing structure (210) and the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally, and the second housing structure (220) and the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally.

According to one embodiment, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be disposed on both sides about a first axis, for example, a folding axis (A), and may have an overall symmetrical shape about the folding axis (A). In some embodiments, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be rotatable about different folding axes with respect to the hinge structure (264) or the hinge cover (265). For example, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be rotatably coupled to the hinge structure (264) or the hinge cover (265), respectively, and may be rotatable about the folding axis (A) or about different folding axes, thereby being rotatable between a position in which they are folded relative to each other and a position inclined relative to each other or a position parallel to each other. That is, the housing structures (210, 220) can be rotated around a rotation axis using a hinge structure (264). As the housing structures (210, 220) are rotated, they can form acute angles, right angles, and straight angles with each other, and can also form obtuse angles so as to be out-folded. For example, when the housing structures (210, 220) are rotated so that the electronic device (200) is out-folded, it can mean that the back surfaces of each of the housing structures (210, 220) are rotated so that they face each other.

In this document, the phrase "positioned parallel to each other" or "extending parallel to each other" may mean a state in which two structures are positioned at least partially next to each other, or a state in which at least portions positioned next to each other are arranged in parallel. In some embodiments, the phrase "positioned parallel to each other" may mean that two structures are positioned next to each other and are arranged to face in a parallel direction or substantially the same direction. Although expressions such as "parallel" and "parallel" may be used in the detailed description below, this can be easily understood based on the shape or arrangement relationship of the structures by referring to the attached drawings, etc.

According to one embodiment, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may have different angles or distances relative to each other depending on whether the state (e.g., operating state) of the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (half-folded state, unfolded state, flat state, or open state), a closed state (or folded state), or an intermediate state. According to one embodiment, unlike the second housing structure (220), the first housing structure (210) additionally includes a sensor area (231d) in which various sensors are arranged, but may have a mutually symmetrical shape in other areas. In another embodiment, the sensor arrangement area (231d) may be additionally arranged in or replaced with at least a portion of the second housing structure (220).

In one embodiment, the first housing structure (210) may be connected to a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure (264) of FIG. 4) in an unfolded state of the electronic device (200), and may include a first side member (211) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200), a second side member (212) facing in an opposite direction of the first side member (211), and a first side member (213) surrounding at least a portion of a space between the first side member (211) and the second side member (212). In one embodiment, the first side member (213) may include a first side (213a) arranged parallel to the folding axis (A), a second side (213b) extending from one end of the first side (213a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A), and a third side (213c) extending from the other end of the first side (213a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A). In describing various embodiments, expressions such as “parallel” or “perpendicular” are used with respect to the arrangement relationship of the above-described side surfaces, but depending on the embodiment, this may include the meaning of “partially parallel” or “partially perpendicular.” In some embodiments, expressions such as “parallel” or “perpendicular” may include an inclined arrangement relationship within an angular range of 10 degrees or less.

In one embodiment, the second housing structure (220) may be connected to a hinge structure (e.g., hinge structure (264) of FIG. 4) and may include a third side (221) arranged to face the front of the electronic device (200) in an unfolded state of the electronic device (200), a fourth side (222) facing in an opposite direction of the third side (221), and a second side member (223) surrounding at least a portion of the space between the third side (221) and the fourth side (222). In one embodiment, the second side member (223) may include a fourth side member (223a) arranged parallel to the folding axis (A), a fifth side member (223b) extending from one end of the fourth side member (223a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A), and a sixth side member (223c) extending from the other end of the fourth side member (223a) in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A). In one embodiment, the third side member (221) may be faced so as to face the first side member (211) in a folded state. In some embodiments, the second side member (223) may be manufactured with substantially the same shape or material as the first side member (213), although there may be some differences in specific shapes.

In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a recess (201) formed to accommodate a flexible display (230) through a structural shape combination of a first housing structure (210) and a second housing structure (220). The recess (201) may have substantially the same size as the flexible display (230). In one embodiment, due to the sensor area (231d), the recess (201) may have two or more different widths in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis (A). For example, the recess (201) may have a first width (W1) between a first portion (220a) of the second housing structure (220) that is parallel to the folding axis (A) and a first portion (210a) formed at the edge of the sensor area (231d) of the first housing structure (210), and a second width (W2) formed by a second portion (220b) of the second housing structure (220) and a third portion (210b) that is parallel to the folding axis (A) and does not correspond to the sensor area (213d) of the first housing structure (210). In this case, the second width (W2) may be formed to be longer than the first width (W1). For example, the recess (201) may be formed to have a first width (W1) formed from a first portion (210a) of a first housing structure (210) having a mutually asymmetrical shape to a first portion (220a) of a second housing structure (220), and a second width (W2) formed from a third portion (210b) of the first housing structure (210) having a mutually symmetrical shape to a second portion (220b) of the second housing structure (220). In one embodiment, the first portion (210a) and the third portion (210b) of the first housing structure (210) may be formed to have different distances from the folding axis (A). The width of the recess (201) is not limited to the illustrated example. In various embodiments, the recess (201) may have two or more different widths due to the shape of the sensor area (213d) or the asymmetrical shape of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220).

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be formed of a metallic or non-metallic material having a rigidity selected to support the flexible display (230). In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may include an electrically conductive material. When the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) include an electrically conductive material, the electronic device (200) may transmit and receive wireless radio waves using the portions of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) formed of the electrically conductive material. For example, a processor or communication module (e.g., processor (120) or communication module (190) of FIG. 1) of an electronic device (200) may perform wireless communication using a portion of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220).

In one embodiment, the sensor area (231d) may be formed to have a predetermined area adjacent to one corner of the first housing structure (210). However, the arrangement, shape, or size of the sensor area (231d) is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor area (231d) may be provided at another corner of the first housing structure (210) or any area between the upper corner and the lower corner. In another embodiment, the sensor area (231d) may be arranged in at least a portion of the second housing structure (220). In another embodiment, the sensor area (231d) may be arranged to extend to the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220). In one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include components exposed on the front of the electronic device (200) through the sensor area (213d) or through one or more openings provided in the sensor area (231d), and may perform various functions through these components. The components arranged in the sensor area (231a) may include, for example, at least one of a front camera module (e.g., the camera module (180) of FIG. 1), a receiver (e.g., the audio module (170) of FIG. 1), a proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris recognition sensor, an ultrasonic sensor (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1), or an indicator.

In one embodiment, the first rear cover (240) can be disposed on the second side (212) of the first housing structure (210) and can have a substantially rectangular periphery. In one embodiment, the periphery of the first rear cover (240) can be at least partially wrapped by the first housing structure (210). Similarly, the second rear cover (250) can be disposed on the fourth side (222) of the second housing structure (220) and can have at least a portion of its periphery wrapped by the second housing structure (220).

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the folding axis (A). In other embodiments, the first rear cover (240) and the second rear cover (250) may include various different shapes. In yet another embodiment, the first rear cover (240) may be formed integrally with the first housing structure (210), and the second rear cover (250) may be formed integrally with the second housing structure (220).

In one embodiment, the first rear cover (240), the second rear cover (250), the first housing structure (210), and the second housing structure (220) may be coupled to each other to provide a space in which various components of the electronic device (200) (e.g., a printed circuit board, an antenna module, a sensor module, or a battery) may be placed. In one embodiment, one or more components may be placed or visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device (200). For example, one or more components or sensors may be visually exposed through the first rear area (241) of the first rear cover (240). In various embodiments, the sensor may include a proximity sensor, a rear camera module, and/or a flash. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the sub-display (252) may be visually exposed through the second rear area (251) of the second rear cover (250).

The flexible display (230) may be placed in a space formed by a pair of housing structures (210, 220). For example, the flexible display (230) may be mounted in a recess (e.g., recess (201) of FIG. 2) formed by the pair of housing structures (210, 220) and may be placed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device (200). For example, the front surface of the electronic device (200) may include the flexible display (230) and a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of the first housing structure (210) adjacent to the flexible display (230) and a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of the second housing structure (220). In one embodiment, the back of the electronic device (200) may include a first back cover (240), a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of a first housing structure (210) adjacent to the first back cover (240), a second back cover (250), and a portion (e.g., an edge portion) of a second housing structure (220) adjacent to the second back cover (250).

In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may refer to a flexible display in which at least a portion of the display can be transformed into a flat or curved surface. In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a folding area (231c), a first area (231a) disposed on one side (e.g., a right area of the folding area (231c)) with respect to the folding area (231c), and a second area (231b) disposed on the other side (e.g., a left area of the folding area (231c)). For example, the first area (231a) may be disposed on a first side (211) of the first housing structure (210), and the second area (231b) may be disposed on a third side (221) of the second housing structure (220). For example, the flexible display (230) may extend from the first side (211) to the third side through the hinge structure (264) of FIG. 3, and at least a region corresponding to the hinge structure (e.g., a folding region (231c)) may be a flexible region that can be transformed from a flat shape to a curved shape.

In one embodiment, the division of the regions of the flexible display (230) is exemplary, and the flexible display (230) may be divided into a plurality of regions (for example, four or more or two) depending on the structure or function. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the folding region (231c) extends in the direction of the vertical axis (for example, the Y-axis in FIG. 4) parallel to the folding axis (A), and the regions of the flexible display (230) may be divided by the folding region (231c) or the folding axis (A-axis), but in another embodiment, the regions of the flexible display (230) may be divided based on another folding region (for example, a folding region parallel to the horizontal axis (for example, the X-axis in FIG. 4)) or another folding axis (for example, a folding axis parallel to the X-axis in FIG. 4). The above-described area division of the flexible display is only a physical division by a pair of housing structures (210, 220) and a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (264) of FIG. 4), and in reality, the flexible display (230) can display one entire screen through a pair of housing structures (210, 220) and a hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure (264) of FIG. 4). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (230) that operates in a multi-folding manner in which a plurality of housings are configured to alternately fold in opposite directions with respect to each other. For example, the electronic device (200) may perform a folding operation of the plurality of housings based on a plurality of folding axes (e.g., folding axes parallel to the X-axis and the Y-axis of FIG. 4).

According to one embodiment, the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) may have an overall symmetrical shape centered on the folding region (231c). However, unlike the second region (231b), the first region (231a) may include a notch region (e.g., the notch region (233) of FIG. 4) that provides a sensor region (231d), and other regions (e.g., regions other than the notch zero) may have a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the second region (231b). For example, the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) may include portions having mutually symmetrical shapes and portions having mutually asymmetrical shapes.

According to one embodiment, at least one of the flexible display (230) (e.g., the first display) or the sub-display (252) (e.g., the second display) may include a fingerprint sensing area. For example, the fingerprint sensing area may include an area in which a fingerprint sensor (e.g., the sensor module (176) of FIG. 1) is embedded and capable of measuring an external input (e.g., a fingerprint input). According to one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may be arranged to at least partially overlap the flexible display (230) and/or the sub-display (252) when viewed from the front side (e.g., the first side (211) or the third side (221)).

In one embodiment, the fingerprint sensor may include a first fingerprint sensor (not shown) that detects a fingerprint through at least a portion of a flexible display (230) forming a third surface (221), and a second fingerprint sensor (not shown) that detects a fingerprint through at least a portion of a sub-display (252). The first fingerprint sensor (not shown) and the second fingerprint sensor (not shown) may be disposed, for example, in an internal space of the second housing (220) and may be disposed to at least partially overlap each other. In one embodiment, the first fingerprint sensor (not shown) and the second fingerprint sensor (not shown) may be mounted on at least one circuit board (e.g., a printed circuit board (270) of FIG. 4), thereby securing a mounting space and reducing the thickness of the electronic device (200). The fingerprint sensor and the fingerprint sensor area are not limited to the described examples, and may be configured to have different positions, numbers, sizes, or sensing area areas depending on various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 3 above, the hinge cover (265) may be configured to be disposed between the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) and to cover internal components (e.g., the hinge structure (264) of FIG. 4). For simplicity of explanation, the hinge cover (265) is disclosed separately from the hinge structure (264). However, as mentioned above, the hinge cover (265) may be a part of the hinge structure (264) and may partially form the exterior of the electronic device (200). In one embodiment, the hinge cover (265) may be covered by parts of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) or exposed to the outside, depending on the operating state of the electronic device (200), i.e., an unfolded state or a folded state.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the hinge cover (265) may be covered by the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) and may not be exposed. As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., a completely folded state), the hinge cover (265) may be exposed to the outside between the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220). As another example, when the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) are in an intermediate state where they are folded at a certain angle, a portion of the hinge cover (265) may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device (200) between the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220). In this case, the exposed area may be less than that in the completely folded state. In one embodiment, the hinge cover (265) may include a curved surface.

Hereinafter, the operation of the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) according to the operating state (e.g., unfolded state and folded state) of the electronic device (200) and each area of the flexible display (230) will be described.

In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2), the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) form a first angle (e.g., about 180 degrees), and the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) of the flexible display may be arranged to face substantially the same direction, for example, to display the screen in a direction parallel to each other. In addition, the folding region (231c) may form substantially the same plane as the first region (231a) and the second region (231b). In another embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may form a second angle (e.g., about 360 degrees) with respect to each other, and the first area (231a) and the second area (231b) of the flexible display may be arranged to face substantially opposite directions, for example, to display screens in opposite directions. For example, the electronic device (200) may also be folded such that the second side (212) and the fourth side (222) face each other. In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3), the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be arranged to face each other. For example, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3), the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) of the flexible display (230) may form a narrow angle (e.g., between about 0 and 10 degrees) with each other and face each other. For example, when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3), the folding region (231c) may form a curved surface having at least a predetermined curvature.

In one embodiment, when the electronic device (200) is in an intermediate state, the first housing structure (210) and the second housing structure (220) may be arranged to form a certain angle (e.g., about 90 degrees) with respect to each other. For example, in the intermediate state, the first region (231a) and the second region (231b) of the flexible display (230) may form an angle that is larger than in the folded state and smaller than in the unfolded state. For example, the folding region (231c) may be formed of a curved surface having at least a certain curvature, and the curvature at this time may be smaller than in the folded state.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device (200) according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the electronic device (200) may include a flexible display (230), a support member assembly (260), at least one printed circuit board (270) (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), a flexible PCB (FPCB), or a rigid-flexible PCB (RFPCB)), a first housing structure (210), a second housing structure (220), a first rear cover (240), and a second rear cover (250). In this document, the flexible display (230) (e.g., the first display) may be referred to as a display module or a display assembly.

In one embodiment, the flexible display (230) may include a display panel (231) (e.g., a flexible display panel) and one or more plates (232) or layers on which the display panel (231) is mounted. In one embodiment, the one or more plates (232) may include a conductive plate (e.g., a Cu sheet or a SUS sheet) disposed between the display panel (231) and the support member assembly (260). According to one embodiment, the conductive plate may be formed to have substantially the same area as the flexible display, and may be formed such that an area facing the folding area of the flexible display is bendable. The plate (232) may include at least one auxiliary material layer (e.g., a graphite member) disposed on the back surface of the display panel (231). In one embodiment, the plate (232) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display panel (231). For example, a portion of the first plate (232) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the notch area (233) of the display panel (231).

In one embodiment, the support member assembly (260) may include a first support member (261) (e.g., a first support plate), a second support member (262) (e.g., a second support plate), a hinge structure (264) disposed between the first support member (261) and the second support member (262), a hinge cover (265) covering the hinge structure (264) when viewed from the outside, and at least one wiring member (263) (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) crossing the first support member (261) and the second support member (262).

In one embodiment, the support member assembly (260) can be disposed between the plate (232) and at least one printed circuit board (270). For example, the first support member (261) can be disposed between the first region (231a) of the flexible display (230) and the first printed circuit board (271). The second support member (262) can be disposed between the second region (231b) of the flexible display (230) and the second printed circuit board (272).

In one embodiment, a wiring member (263) and at least a portion of a hinge structure (264) may be disposed within the support member assembly (260). The wiring member (263) may be disposed in a direction transverse to the first support member (261) and the second support member (262) (e.g., in the x-axis direction). The wiring member (263) may be disposed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis (A) of FIG. 1) of the folding region (231c) (e.g., in the x-axis direction).

In one embodiment, at least one printed circuit board (270) may include a first printed circuit board (271) disposed on the first support member (261) side and a second printed circuit board (272) disposed on the second support member (262) side, as mentioned above. The first printed circuit board (271) and the second printed circuit board (272) may be disposed inside a space formed by the support member assembly (260), the first housing structure (210), the second housing structure (220), the first rear cover (240), and the second rear cover (250). Components for implementing various functions of the electronic device (200) may be mounted on the first printed circuit board (271) and the second printed circuit board (272).

In one embodiment, the first space of the first housing structure (210) may include a first printed circuit board (271) disposed in a space formed through a first support member (261), a first battery (291) disposed at a position facing the first swelling hole (2611) of the first support member (261), at least one sensor module (281), or at least one camera module (282). In one embodiment, the at least one camera module (282) may include a plurality of camera modules. For example, the electronic device (200) may include a plurality of cameras (e.g., a dual camera or a triple camera) each having a different property (e.g., an angle of view) or function. For example, a plurality of camera modules including lenses having different angles of view may be configured. The electronic device (200) may control the use of a camera module having an angle of view related to the user selection based on a user selection. Additionally, the plurality of cameras may include at least one of a wide-angle camera, a telephoto camera, a color camera, a monochrome camera, or an infrared (IR) camera (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) camera, a structured light camera). According to one embodiment, the IR camera may be operated as at least a part of the sensor module (281). The first housing structure (210) may include a window glass (283) arranged to protect at least one sensor module (281) and at least one camera module (282) at a position corresponding to the notch area (233) of the flexible display (230).

In one embodiment, the second space of the second housing structure (220) may include a second printed circuit board (272) disposed in the second space formed through the second support member (262), and a second battery (292) disposed at a position facing the second swelling hole (2621) of the second support member (262). According to one embodiment, the first housing structure (210) and the first support member (261) may be formed integrally. According to one embodiment, the second housing structure (220) and the second support member (262) may also be formed integrally. According to one embodiment, a sub-display (252) may be disposed in the second space of the second housing structure (220). According to one embodiment, the sub-display (252) (e.g., the second display) may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least a portion of the second rear cover (250).

In one embodiment, the first housing structure (210) may include a first rotational support surface (214), and the second housing structure (220) may include a second rotational support surface (224) corresponding to the first rotational support surface (214). The first rotational support surface (214) and the second rotational support surface (224) may include curved surfaces corresponding to curved surfaces included in the hinge cover (265).

In one embodiment, the first rotational support surface (214) and the second rotational support surface (224) can cover the hinge cover (265) so that the hinge cover (265) is not exposed or is minimally exposed to the rear of the electronic device (200) when the electronic device (200) is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the first rotational support surface (214) and the second rotational support surface (224) can rotate along a curve included in the hinge cover (265) so that the hinge cover (265) is maximally exposed to the rear of the electronic device (200) when the electronic device (200) is in a folded state (e.g., the state of FIG. 3).

FIG. 5 is a three-dimensional view showing a flexible display (320) of an electronic device (300) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a flexible display (320) of an electronic device (300) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 6, which is a cross-sectional view showing a state before bonding of the first and second transparent films and the first and second windows, and FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 6, which is a cross-sectional view showing a state before bonding of the first and second transparent films and the first and second windows.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7a,b, the electronic device (300) according to various embodiments can be changed to a folded state or an unfolded state. The electronic device (300) can be folded in two types: an 'in-folding' type in which the front of the first housing structure (311) and the front of the second housing structure (312) are folded so that they face each other by rotating around the hinge axis direction when viewed in the hinge axis direction (e.g., the direction parallel to the Z-axis), and an 'out-folding' type in which the rear of the first housing structure (311) and the rear of the second housing structure (312) are folded so that they face each other by rotating around the hinge axis direction. For example, the electronic device (300) may include an in-folding type foldable electronic device (300) or an out-folding type foldable electronic device (300). For example, the in-folding type foldable electronic device (300) may refer to a state in which the flexible display (320) is not exposed to the outside in a fully folded state. The out-folding type foldable electronic device (300) may refer to a state in which the flexible display (320) is exposed to the outside in a fully folded state.

For convenience, the following description will focus on the in-folding type foldable electronic device (300).

The above-described in-folding type foldable electronic device (300) may include a foldable housing (310) and a flexible display (320). For example, the foldable housing (310) may include a hinge structure (313), a first housing structure (311) connected to the hinge structure (313), and a second housing structure (312) connected to the hinge structure (313) and folded or unfolded with the first housing structure (311) around the hinge structure (313).

The first and second housing structures (311, 312) and the hinge structure (313) of the above foldable housing (310) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the foldable housing of FIGS. 2 to 4, and any overlapping descriptions will be omitted below.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display (320) may include first and second windows (321, 322), a polarizing layer (not shown) (e.g., a polarizing film) sequentially disposed on the back surfaces (e.g., the rear surfaces) of the first and second windows (321, 322), a touch panel (325), a display panel (326), first and second transparent films (323a, 323b), a bridge space (324), and a pocket structure. For example, the flexible display (320) may be disposed on the first and second housing structures (311, 312) and the hinge structure (313).

According to various embodiments, the first window (321) may be arranged on at least a portion of the front surface of the flexible display (320), and the second window (322) may be arranged parallel to the first window (321) and may be folded or unfolded with respect to the first window (321). For example, one side of the first window (321) and one side of the second window (322) may face each other toward the bridge space (24) described below. A bridge space (324) may be formed between the first and second windows (321, 322) so that the first and second windows (321, 322) may be folded or unfolded. A first transparent film (323a) may be arranged on at least a portion of the front (①) and side (③) of the first and second windows (321, 322), and a second transparent film (323b) may be arranged on at least a portion of the back (②) and side (③) of the first and second windows (321, 322). For example, the first and second transparent films (323a, 323b) may be attached to each other to seal the first and second windows (321, 322) or form a bridge space (324).

For example, as shown in FIGS. 7a.b above, the sizes of the first and second transparent films (323a, 323b) may be formed to be larger than the sizes of the first and second windows (321, 322). The first transparent film (323a) may be attached to the front surface (①) of the first and second windows (321, 322), and at this time, both ends of the first transparent film (323a) may be extended from each end of the first and second windows (321, 322). In this state, both ends of the first transparent film (323a) extended in this manner may be folded and attached to at least a portion of each side surface (③) of the first and second windows (321, 322). Likewise, the second transparent film (3323b) can be attached to the rear surface (②) of the first and second windows (321, 322), and at this time, both ends of the second transparent film (323b) can be extended from each end of the first and second windows (321, 322). In this state, both ends of the extended second transparent film (323b) can also be folded and attached to at least a portion of each side surface of the first and second windows (321, 322). For example, both ends of the first transparent film (323a) can be folded and attached to at least a portion of each side surface (③) of the first and second windows (321, 322). Likewise, both ends of the second transparent film (323b) can be folded and attached to at least a portion of each side (③) of the first and second windows (321, 322). Accordingly, the first and second transparent films (323a, 323b) can be attached to the front (①), back (②), and side (③) of the first and second windows (321, 322). At this time, by attaching the ends of both ends of the first and second transparent films (323a, 323b) so that they face each other, the first and second transparent films (323a, 323b) can be sealed, while at the same time, the first and second windows (321, 322) and the bridge space (324) can also be sealed.

According to one embodiment, the first and second transparent films (323a, 323b) may be attached to each other on the first and second windows (321, 322) via an adhesive member. For example, the first and second transparent films (323a, 323b) may be attached to the front (①), back (②), and side (③) of the first and second windows (321, 322) using an adhesive member. The adhesive member may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-reactive adhesive, a photo-reactive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

According to one embodiment, the material of the first and second windows (321, 322) may include at least one of glass or plastic having a certain level of hardness. For example, the first and second windows (321, 322) may be manufactured through CNC machining or laser machining. The material of the first and second windows (321, 322) is described as glass or plastic, but is not limited thereto. For example, the first and second windows (321, 322) may be applied in various ways as long as the material can be manufactured through CNC machining or laser machining.

According to one embodiment, the thickness of the first and second windows (321, 322) may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm to withstand the pressing of the pen (K1). For example, the thickness of the first and second windows (321, 322) may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.35 mm. Accordingly, the first and second windows (321, 322) formed with such a thickness can withstand the pressing pressure of the pen (K1), and furthermore, can prevent the first and second windows (321, 322) from being damaged when contacted by the pen (K1).

According to various embodiments, the flexible display (320) may further include a detection member (not shown) for detecting an input by an electromagnetic induction type pen (K1). According to one embodiment, the detection member may include a digitizer. For example, the detection member may include a coil member (not shown) disposed on a dielectric substrate (not shown) so as to detect a resonant frequency of the electromagnetic induction type applied from the pen (K1).

According to various embodiments, the driving method (not shown) of the pen (K1) may include at least one of an EMR (electro magnetic resonance) method, an AES (active electrostatic) method, or an electrostatic touch pen (e.g., a c-pen). For example, EMR (electro magnetic resonance) is a method of exchanging signals with a display using electromagnetic resonance. For example, since the EMR method (not shown) only requires a device capable of generating electromagnetic induction to be included in the pen, there is no need to insert a battery into the pen, which can facilitate the manufacture of the pen. For example, since the precision of the EMR method is determined by the display, which is relatively easier to manufacture precisely than the pen, the EMR method can relatively easily manufacture a product with very high precision.

In addition, the AES method (not shown) is a method of exchanging signals with a display using static electricity. For example, the AES method is a method in which static electricity is generated in a pen, and then the touch panel recognizes the static electricity to detect signals such as the pen's coordinates and pressure. For example, since the AES method only requires a touch panel to recognize static electricity, the display can be made thinner. Unlike the EMR method (e.g., electromagnetic resonance), the AES method uses static electricity, so it is not affected by external factors under normal circumstances. In addition, the AES method does not generate an external error that may occur in the EMR method. Therefore, the AES method can further increase precision because the precision is determined by the static electricity generated in the pen.

In addition, the electrostatic touch pen (not shown) is a dielectric touch pen that, when placed on the screen of a display in the same manner as a hand touch input, charges opposite to those on the glass plate are collected on the surface of the finger, which slightly cancels out the charges on the glass plate, thereby weakening the electric field measured on the surface of the glass plate. At this time, the sensor can detect the location where this change occurs. Accordingly, the electrostatic touch pen can operate based on the detection by the sensor.

According to various embodiments, the first transparent film (323a) may include a high-hardness transparent film, and the second transparent film (323b) may include an elastic film. For example, the first transparent film (323a) including such a high-hardness transparent film may be formed of a high-hardness film so as to be disposed on the front surface (①) of the first and second windows (321, 322) and to withstand pressure caused by contact with the pen (K1), and the second transparent film (323b) including the elastic film may be formed of a flexible film with high elasticity so as to facilitate folding or unfolding operations of the first and second windows (321, 322). In addition, the first and second transparent films (323a, 323b) may also be formed of a film with excellent transmittance.

According to various embodiments, the refractive index of the liquid (G1) may be equal to or similar to the refractive index of the first and second windows (321, 322). For example, the refractive index of the liquid (G1) may be within a range of +/-0.05. The liquid (G1) may include at least one of oil and gel. For example, the liquid (G1) may be applied in various ways as long as it is a liquid material other than oil or gel that has a refractive index equal to or similar to the refractive index of the first and second windows (321, 322). Accordingly, when the liquid (G1) having a refractive index equal to or similar to that of the first and second windows (321, 322) is filled in the bridge space (324), when the first and second windows (321, 322) are viewed from above, the entire screen of the first and second windows (321, 322) can be viewed without indicating the bridge space (324), thereby providing a continuous and clear screen of the first and second windows (321, 322).

According to various embodiments, the gap (L1) of the bridge space (324) may be in the range of 1.5 mm to 5 mm. For example, by forming the gap (L1) of the bridge space (324) to be specifically 3 mm to 4 mm, the folding or unfolding operation of the first and second windows (321, 322) can be facilitated, and further, by forming the gap (L1) of the bridge space (324) formed between the first and second windows (321, 322) as small as possible while preventing the display of the bridge space (324) on the screens of the first and second windows (321, 322), a continuous and clean screen of the first and second windows (321, 322) can be provided.

FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first pocket structure (331) among the configurations of pocket structures in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 9 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of part A of FIG. 8, which is a drawing showing the operating state of the first pocket structure, FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a first pocket structure (331) among the configurations of pocket structures in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of part B of FIG. 10, which is a drawing showing the operating state of the first pocket structure (331).

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, according to various embodiments, the pocket structure may include a first pocket structure (331). For example, the first pocket structure (331) may be disposed outside the flexible display (320) and may be connected to the bridge space (324) by penetrating the second transparent film (323b). The liquid (G1) having a refractive index equal to or similar to that of the first and second windows (321, 322) may be embedded inside the first pocket structure (331).

For example, the first pocket structure (331) may include a connecting pipe (331a) and a pocket member (332b). One end (331a-1) of the connecting pipe (331) may be connected to the bridge space (324) by penetrating through a through hole (323d) formed in the second transparent film (323b), and the tile end (331a-1) of the connecting pipe (331a) may be connected to the pocket member (331b) described below.

The above pocket member (331b) can be elastically contracted (M1) or expanded (M2) according to a change in pressure generated in the bridge space (324) when the first and second windows (321, 322) are folded or unfolded, and at the same time, the bridge space (324) can be changed, thereby allowing the liquid (G1) to be introduced into or discharged from the bridge space (324) through the connecting pipe (331a). For example, the pocket member (331b) can include a tube-shaped pocket member (331b) so as to be elastically contracted (M1) or expanded (M2).

According to various embodiments, the material of the pocket member (332) may include at least one of silicone, rubber, latex polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), Teflon, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) so as to be elastically contractible (M1) or inflatable (M2). According to various embodiments, the material of the pocket member (332) is exemplified by the disclosed materials, but is not limited thereto. For example, the material of the pocket member (331b) may be applied in various ways as long as it is an elastic material that can be contracted (M1) or inflated (M2).

In this state, when the first and second windows (321, 322) are unfolded, the bridge space (324) formed between the first and second windows (321, 322) can be varied. For example, the bridge space (324) can become larger when the first and second windows (321, 322) are unfolded than when they are folded. Accordingly, when the first and second windows (321, 322) are folded and then unfolded, the bridge space (324) changes from a small space state to a large space state, and at this time, the pressure within the bridge space (324) can increase. For example, the pocket member (331b) can contract (M1) at the same time as the pressure of the bridge space (324) increases according to this variation. As the pocket member (331b) contracts (M1), the liquid (G1) built into the inside of the pocket member (331b) can be injected into the bridge space (324) through the connecting pipe (331). For example, as shown in FIG. 7 above, the liquid (G1) can be injected into and fill the entire bridge space (324) according to the contraction (M1) of the pocket member (331b). This liquid (G1) can prevent the display of the bridge space (324) on the screens of the first and second windows (321, 322), thereby providing a continuous, clear full screen of the first and second windows (321, 322).

According to various embodiments, a touch panel (325) may be disposed below the first and second windows (321, 322), and a display panel (326) may be disposed below the touch panel (325). In this state, when the user's pen (K1) touches and presses the first and second windows (321, 322), a plurality of touch sensors (not shown) provided in the touch panel (325) may form mutual electrostatic capacitance. At this time, when the user's pen (K1) touches near the plurality of touch sensors, an electrostatic capacitance may be formed between the user's pen (K1) and the plurality of touch sensors. The electrostatic capacitance values formed between the plurality of touch sensors and the other plurality of touch sensors may be individually changed. A control circuit (not shown) may determine the position of the user's pen (K1) based on the difference in the electrostatic capacitance values.

Accordingly, the thickness of the first and second windows (321, 322) is set to a range of 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm to withstand the pressing of the pen (K1), so that the first and second windows (321, 322) can withstand the touch pressure of the pen (K1) without damage. At this time, the touch panel (325) can detect the touch pressure of the pen (K1).

According to one embodiment, when the first and second windows (321, 322) are folded, the bridge space (324) changes from a large state to a small state, and as the bridge space (324) becomes smaller, the pressure within the bridge space (324) can move into the pocket member (332) through the connecting pipe (331a) and at the same time expand (M2) the pocket member (332). At this time, the liquid (G1) injected into the bridge space (324) can also move through the connecting pipe (331) and be discharged into the pocket member (332). Therefore, the liquid (G1) can be stored again within the pocket member (331b).

In this way, when the first and second windows (321, 322) are folded or unfolded, the first pocket structure (331) can contract (M1) or expand (M2) according to the pressure change that occurs while simultaneously changing the bridge space (324), thereby allowing the liquid (G1) to be introduced or discharged into the bridge space (324) through the connecting pipe (331a). Accordingly, the first pocket structure (330) can prevent the display of the bridge space (324) caused by the folding or unfolding motion of the first and second windows (321, 322) by injecting or discharging a liquid (G1) having a refractive index equal to or similar to the refractive index of the first and second windows (321, 322) into the bridge space (324) formed between the first and second windows (321, 322), thereby providing a clear full screen of the first and second windows (321, 322).

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first and second windows (321, 322) may include at least one of a curved line (R1) or a straight line (R2) so that the first and second windows (321, 322) may be folded or unfolded. For example, at least a portion of the first and second windows (321, 322) may be a surface on which the first and second windows (321, 322) face each other and are arranged toward the bridge space (324). This surface may be formed as a curved line (R1), thereby facilitating the folding or unfolding operation of the first and second windows (321, 322).

Fig. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of part A of Fig. 9, showing another embodiment of the first and second windows (321-1, 322-1).

Referring to FIG. 12, at least a portion of the first and second windows (321-1, 322-1) may be formed as a straight line (R2). For example, at least a portion of the first and second windows (321-1, 322-1) may be a surface that faces the first and second windows (321-1, 322-1) and is arranged toward the bridge space (324). By forming this surface as a straight line (e.g., a right angle), the adhesion area with the first and second transparent films (323a, 323b) can be increased, thereby improving the adhesion with the first and second transparent films (323a, 323b), and similarly, the folding or unfolding operation of the first and second windows (321-1, 322-1) can be facilitated.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a second pocket structure (332) among the configurations of a pocket structure in an unfolded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 14 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of part C of FIG. 13, FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a second pocket structure (332) among the configurations of a pocket structure in a folded state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of part D of FIG. 15.

Referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, the pocket structure may include a second pocket structure (332). For example, the second pocket structure (332) may include a connecting pipe (332a), a piston housing (332b), a piston (332c), a driving motor (332d), a processor (350) (e.g., the processor (120) of FIG. 1), and a sensor unit (322e). For example, one end (332a-1) of the connecting pipe (332a) may be connected to the bridge space (324) by penetrating through a through hole (323d) formed in the second transparent film (323b), and the tile end (332a-2) of the connecting pipe (332a) may be connected to the piston housing (332b) described below. The piston housing (332b) may be placed outside the flexible display, and the piston (332c) may be placed inside the piston housing (332b). The piston (332c) may be placed so as to be able to slide within the piston housing (332b).

The above driving motor (332d) can be connected to the piston (332c), and the piston (332c) can be moved in a sliding manner according to the driving of the driving motor (332d).

The sensor unit (322e) may be electrically connected to the processor (350) and may be positioned adjacent to the hinge structure (313) of the foldable electronic device. For example, the sensor unit (322e) may detect a folding or unfolding operation of the first and second windows (321, 322). For example, the sensor unit (322e) may detect a folding or unfolding operation of the first and second windows (321, 322), convert this into a signal, and apply it to the processor (350).

The above processor (350) can control the driving of the driving motor (332d) through the signal of the sensor unit (322e).

When the processor (350) controls the driving motor (332d) through the sensor unit (322e), the piston (332c) can slide according to the driving of the driving motor (332d) to inject or discharge the liquid (G1) placed inside the piston housing (332b) into or out of the bridge space (324) through the connecting pipe (332a).

In this state, referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, when the first and second windows (321, 322) are opened, the sensor unit (322e) can detect the opening motion of the first and second windows (321, 322) and signal it. The sensor unit (322e) can apply the detected signal to the processor (350), and the processor (350) can drive the driving motor (332d). At this time, the driving motor (332d) can slide the piston (332c) in the first direction (e.g., forward direction) as it is driven by the processor (350). At this time, the piston (332c) may generate pressure while sliding, and the liquid (G1) disposed within the piston housing (332b) may be pushed by the pressure of the piston (332c) and discharged to the outside of the piston housing (332b). At this time, the discharged liquid (G1) may be injected into the bridge space (324) through the connecting pipe (332a). For example, the liquid (G1) may be pushed by the sliding movement of the piston (332c) and may be injected into and fill the entire bridge space (324) through the connecting pipe (332a). The liquid (G1) may prevent the display of the bridge space (324) on the screens of the first and second windows (321 and 322), thereby providing a continuous, clear full screen of the first and second windows (321 and 322).

According to one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, when the first and second windows (321, 322) are folded, the sensor unit (322e) can detect the folding motion of the first and second windows (321, 322) and signal it. The sensor unit (322e) can apply the detected signal to the processor (350), and the processor (350) can drive the drive motor (332d). The drive motor (332d) can slide the piston (332c) in a second direction (e.g., reverse direction) opposite to the first direction (e.g., forward direction) by being driven by the processor (350). At this time, the piston (332c) can slide in the second direction and at the same time, pressure can be generated to suck the liquid (G1) into the piston housing (332b). For example, the liquid (G1) injected into the bridge space (324) can be discharged from the bridge space (324) by the pressure of the piston (332c), and the discharged liquid (G1) can be introduced back into the piston housing (332b) through the connecting pipe (332a). Accordingly, the liquid (G1) can be introduced back into the piston housing (332b) and stored therein.

According to various embodiments, the second pocket structure (332) may include a sensor unit (322e) that detects the folding or unfolding operation of the first and second windows (321, 322), and the processor (350) may control the operation of the drive motor (332d) through the sensor unit (322e), and may include a piston (332c) that slides according to the operation of the drive motor (332d). The piston (332c) may slide according to the operation of the drive motor (332d) to input or discharge the liquid (G1) into or out of the bridge space (324), thereby facilitating the input or discharge of the liquid (G1) into or out of the bridge space (324).

According to various embodiments, the sensor unit (322e) can detect the rotation angle at which the first and second windows (321, 322) are folded or unfolded. The processor (350) can receive a signal from the sensor unit (322e) and control the operation of the driving motor (332d) to vary the sliding movement of the piston (332c). For example, the piston (332c) can vary the sliding movement according to the operation of the driving motor (332d) to control the amount of the liquid (G1) introduced or discharged into the bridge space (324).

For example, when the first and second windows (321, 322) are unfolded, the sensor unit (322e) can detect the unfolding motion of the first and second windows (321, 322) and simultaneously detect the unfolding rotation angle of the first and second windows (321, 322). The sensor unit (322e) can detect the rotation angle of the first and second windows (321, 322) and simultaneously signal it, and apply this signal to the processor (350). The processor (350) can control the driving of the driving motor (332d) according to the signal applied through the sensor unit (322e). The driving motor (332d) can vary the sliding movement of the piston (332c) in the first direction (e.g., forward direction) according to the driving. At this time, the piston (332c) can be moved variably and pressure can be generated at the same time, and the liquid (G1) placed in the piston housing (332b) can be pushed by the pressure of the piston (332c) to control discharge to the outside of the piston housing (332b). At this time, the amount of the liquid (G1) can be controlled by controlling the amount injected into the bridge space (324) through the connecting pipe (332a). For example, the amount of the liquid (G1) can be filled by controlling the amount of the liquid (G1) injected into the bridge space (324) through the connecting pipe (332a) according to the variably moved piston (332c).

For example, when the first and second windows (321, 322) are folded, the sensor unit (322e) can detect the folding motion of the first and second windows (321, 322) and simultaneously detect the folding rotation angle of the first and second windows (321, 322). The sensor unit (322e) can detect the rotation angle of the first and second windows (321, 322) and simultaneously signal it, and apply this signal to the processor (350), and the processor (350) can control the driving of the driving motor (332d) according to the signal applied through the sensor unit (322e). The above driving motor (332d) can variably slide the piston (332c) in a second direction (e.g., reverse direction) opposite to the first direction (e.g., forward direction) as driven by the processor (350). At this time, the piston (332c) can generate pressure while being variably moved. The liquid (G1) disposed in the piston housing (332b) can control the inflow into the piston housing (332b) by the pressure (e.g., suction force) of the piston (332c). At this time, the amount of the liquid (G1) discharged into the bridge space (324) through the connecting pipe (332a) can be controlled. For example, the amount of the liquid (G1) can be controlled by adjusting the amount of the liquid (G1) discharged into the bridge space (324) through the connecting pipe (332a) according to the variable movement of the piston (332c).

Accordingly, the second pocket structure (322) may include a sensor unit (322e) that detects the folding or unfolding rotation angle of the first and second windows (321, 322), and the processor (350) may control the operation of the driving motor (332d) through the sensor unit (322e), and may include a piston (332c) that slides according to the operation of the driving motor (332d). The piston (332c) may move variably according to the operation of the driving motor (332d) to control the amount of the liquid (G1) introduced into or discharged from the bridge space (324), thereby making it easier to introduce or discharge the liquid (G1) into or from the bridge space (324).

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, an electronic device (200) of FIG. 4, and an electronic device (500) of FIG. 5) includes a foldable housing (e.g., a foldable housing (310) of FIG. 8), which includes a hinge structure (e.g., a hinge structure (313) of FIG. 8), a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure (e.g., a first housing structure (311) of FIG. 8), and a second housing structure connected to the hinge structure and folded or unfolded with the first housing structure around the hinge structure (e.g., a second housing structure (312) of FIG. 8), and a flexible display (e.g., a flexible display (320) of FIG. 8) disposed on the first and second housing structures and the hinge structure, wherein the flexible display is disposed on a front surface of the flexible display. A flexible display device comprising: a first window (e.g., the first window (321) of FIG. 5), a second window (e.g., the second window (322) of FIG. 5) arranged parallel to the first window and folded or unfolded with the first window; a first transparent film (e.g., the first transparent film (323a) of FIG. 7a) arranged on at least a portion of the front and side surfaces of the first and second windows; a second transparent film (e.g., the second transparent film (323b) of FIG. 7a) arranged on at least a portion of the back and side surfaces of the first and second windows; a bridge space formed between the first and second windows (e.g., the bridge space (324) of FIG. 5); and a pocket structure arranged on the outside of the flexible display and penetrating the second transparent film and connected to the bridge space, wherein the first and second transparent films are attached to each other to seal the first and second windows or to close the bridge space. The pocket structure is formed by embedding a liquid inside the pocket structure, and can inject or discharge the liquid into or out of the bridge space as the first and second windows are folded or unfolded.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the material of the first and second windows may include at least one of glass or plastic.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the thickness of the first and second windows is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first transparent film may include a high-hardness transparent film, and the second transparent film may include an elastic film.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the liquid has the same refractive index as the first and second windows, and the liquid may include at least one of an oil or a gel.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the first and second windows may include at least one of a curved line or a straight line such that the first and second windows can be folded or unfolded.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the spacing of the bridge spaces is in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the pocket structure includes a first pocket structure, the first pocket structure includes a connecting pipe connected to the second transparent film, and a pocket member connected to the connecting pipe, and the pocket member may include a pocket member that, when the first and second windows are folded or unfolded, the bridge space is variable and elastically contracts or expands according to a change in the pressure generated in the bridge space to inject or discharge the liquid into or out of the bridge space through the connecting pipe.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, one end of the connecting pipe may be connected to the bridge space by penetrating through a through hole formed in the second transparent film, and the tile end of the connecting pipe may be connected to the pocket member.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the material of the pocket member may include at least one of silicone, rubber, latex polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), Teflon, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the pocket structure includes a second pocket structure, and the second pocket structure includes a connecting pipe connected to the second transparent film, a piston housing connected to the connecting pipe, a piston slidably disposed within the piston housing, a drive motor connected to the piston and configured to slide the piston according to actuation, a processor controlling actuation of the drive motor, and a sensor unit electrically connected to the processor and disposed at an adjacent position of the hinge structure to detect a folding or unfolding operation of the first and second windows, wherein the piston controls actuation of the drive motor by the processor through the sensor unit, and slidably moves according to actuation of the drive motor to inject or discharge the liquid disposed inside the piston housing into or out of the bridge space through the connecting pipe.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensor unit can detect a folding or unfolding rotation angle of the first and second windows.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the piston can vary the sliding movement according to the driving of the driving motor to control the amount of the liquid phase injected or discharged into the bridge space.

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a foldable electronic device includes a foldable housing, and a flexible display disposed in the foldable housing, wherein the flexible display includes a first window disposed on a front surface of the flexible display, a second window disposed parallel to the first window and folded or unfolded with the first window, a bridge space formed between the first and second windows, and a pocket structure disposed on the outside of the flexible display and connected to the bridge space, wherein the pocket structure stores a liquid inside the pocket structure, and can inject or discharge the liquid into or out of the bridge space as the first and second windows are folded or unfolded.

The electronic devices of the various embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not limited to the above-described embodiments and drawings, and it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains that various substitutions, modifications, and changes are possible within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Foldable housing: 310
Housing structures 1 and 2: 311, 312
Hinge structure: 313
Flexible display: 320
Windows 1 and 2: 321, 322
1st and 2nd transparent films: 323a, 323b
Bridge space: 324
Pocket structures 1, 2, and 3: 331, 332, and 333
Liquid: G1

Claims (15)

In electronic devices,
A foldable housing comprising: a hinge structure; a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure; and a second housing structure connected to the hinge structure and folded or unfolded with the first housing structure with the hinge structure as the center; and
A flexible display is included in the first and second housing structures and the hinge structure,
The above flexible display,
A first window arranged on the front surface of the flexible display;
A second window spaced apart from the first window and arranged parallel to the first window and folded or unfolded with the first window;
A first transparent film disposed on at least a portion of the front and side surfaces of the first and second windows;
A second transparent film disposed on at least a portion of the rear and side surfaces of the first and second windows;
A bridge space, which is a space surrounded by the first transparent film, the second transparent film, the first window, and the second window;
A pocket structure disposed on the outside of the flexible display and connected to the bridge space by penetrating the second transparent film; and
A liquid disposed inside the pocket structure and arranged to be visually exposed to the outside of the electronic device through the first transparent film, the liquid comprising a liquid having the same refractive index as the first window and the second window,
An electronic device formed so that the liquid is injected into or discharged from the bridge space as the first and second windows are folded or unfolded .
An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the material of the first and second windows comprises at least one of glass and plastic.
An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the first and second windows is in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.8 mm.
In the first paragraph, the first transparent film comprises a high-hardness transparent film,
An electronic device wherein the second transparent film includes an elastic film.
An electronic device in which, in the first paragraph, the first transparent film and the second transparent film are attached to the first window and the second window to seal the first window and the second window and the bridge space, and the liquid includes at least one of oil and gel.
An electronic device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the first and second windows comprises at least one of a curved line and a straight line so that the first and second windows can be folded or unfolded.
delete In the first paragraph, the pocket structure includes a first pocket structure,
The first pocket structure comprises: a connecting pipe connected to the second transparent film; and
Including a pocket member connected to the above connecting pipe,
An electronic device including a pocket member that, when the first and second windows are folded or unfolded, the bridge space is variable and elastically contracts or expands according to a change in pressure generated in the bridge space, thereby injecting or discharging the liquid into or out of the bridge space through the connecting pipe.
An electronic device in which, in the 8th paragraph, one end of the connecting pipe is connected to the bridge space by penetrating through a through hole formed in the second transparent film, and the tile end of the connecting pipe is connected to the pocket member.
delete In the first aspect, the pocket structure includes a second pocket structure,
The above second pocket structure,
A connecting pipe connected to the second transparent film;
A piston housing connected to the above connecting pipe;
A piston slidably arranged within the piston housing;
A driving motor connected to the piston and configured to slide the piston according to the driving;
a processor that controls the operation of the above driving motor; and
A sensor unit electrically connected to the processor and positioned adjacent to the hinge structure, the sensor unit detecting a folding or unfolding operation of the first and second windows;
The piston is an electronic device that controls the driving of the drive motor through the sensor unit, and slides according to the driving of the drive motor to inject or discharge the liquid placed inside the piston housing into or out of the bridge space through the connecting pipe.
delete delete delete delete