Patent Publication Number: US-2022236773-A1

Title: Electronic device including flexible display

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/KR2021/020304 designating the United States, filed on Dec. 30, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office and claiming priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0011583, filed on Jan. 27, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Receiving Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The disclosure relates to an electronic device including a flexible display. 
     Description of Related Art 
     An electronic device may provide not only a voice call or a short message service, but also various functions such as media content reproduction, a game, web surfing, and the like. For a user to conveniently use the various functions of the electronic device, a display of the electronic device may need to be widened. However, as the display becomes wider, portability of the electronic device may decrease. Accordingly, a foldable electronic device that may be folded or unfolded by mounting a flexible display is being developed. Because the user may carry the foldable electronic device in a folded state, and unfold the foldable electronic device to use the display having a wide screen, the portability and usability of the electronic device may be improved. 
     A flexible display may include a flexible region that may be deformed at least partially into a curved surface or a flat surface in response to a folding operation or an unfolding operation of a foldable electronic device. Stress may be applied to the flexible region based on the folding operation of the foldable electronic device. When the operations of folding and unfolding the foldable electronic device are repeated, permanent deformation such as an increase in a length of the flexible region may occur. Therefore, the flexible region may be lifted compared to other regions, or crease may occur in the flexible region. 
     SUMMARY 
     An electronic device according to an example embodiment of the disclosure includes: a first housing, a second housing, a flexible display disposed on the first housing and the second housing, wherein the flexible display includes a flexible region deformable into a flat surface or a curved surface, a support plate disposed on a rear surface of the flexible display at least partially overlapping the flexible region, wherein the support plate includes a first region attached to the rear surface of the flexible display, and a connection structure disposed beneath the support plate and overlapping the flexible region, wherein the connection structure connects the first housing and the second housing to each other such that the first housing and the second housing are able to be folded or unfolded about a folding axis therebetween, the connection structure includes a pin member comprising at least one pin at least partially coupled to the support plate through a second region different from the first region of the support plate, and an elastic member comprising an elastic material configured to be compressed or tensioned based on the first housing and the second housing being folded or unfolded to provide an elastic force to the pin member, and the pin member is configured to provide a force in a first direction toward the connection structure to the flexible region of the flexible display through the support plate. 
     An electronic device according to an example embodiment of the disclosure includes: a foldable housing including a first housing and a second housing, a flexible display disposed on the foldable housing, wherein the flexible display includes a first portion overlapping the first housing, a second portion overlapping the second housing, and a flexible portion extending from the first portion to the second portion and being deformable into a flat surface or a curved surface, a support plate disposed on a rear surface of the flexible display at least partially overlapping the flexible region, wherein the support plate includes a first region attached to the rear surface of the flexible display, a connection structure disposed beneath the support plate and overlapping the flexible region, wherein the connection structure connects the first housing and the second housing to each other such that the first housing and the second housing are able to be folded or unfolded about a folding axis therebetween, a pin member penetrating the support plate and the connection structure to couple the support plate and the connection structure to each other, wherein the pin penetrates a second region different from the first region of the support plate, and an elastic member comprising an elastic material configured to be compressed or tensioned based on the foldable housing being folded or unfolded to provide an elastic force to the pin member, and the pin member is configured to provide a force in a first direction from the display toward the connection structure to the flexible region of the flexible display through the support plate. 
     According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to improve a surface quality of the flexible display by preventing and/or reducing the flexible display from being deformed and lifted or creased. 
     According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to reduce or prevent deterioration of the surface quality resulted from the change in the length of the flexible display through a structure that may cancel a reaction force generated when the flexible display is deformed based on the folding operation. 
     According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, the surface quality of the flexible display may be maintained or improved through a structure in which the flexible display may be pulled inward of the electronic device. 
     According to various example embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to improve the surface quality of the flexible display through a pulling structure that pulls the flexible display in both outward directions. 
     In addition, various effects that are directly or indirectly identified through the disclosure may be provided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a diagram illustrating a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 1B  is a diagram illustrating a foldable electronic device in a folded state, according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view projecting an electronic device according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A′ of  FIG. 4  according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a region R of  FIG. 5A  according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B′ of  FIG. 4  according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device in an intermediate state, according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device in a folded state, according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a pulling structure according to various embodiments 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a pulling structure according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial sectional perspective view taken along a line C-C′ of  FIG. 10  according to various embodiments; and 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Hereinafter, various example embodiments of the disclosure will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the disclosure to specific embodiments, and it should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of embodiments of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1A  is a diagram illustrating a foldable electronic device in an unfolded state, according to various embodiments. 
       FIG. 1B  is a diagram illustrating a foldable electronic device in a folded state, according to various embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , an electronic device  101  according to an embodiment may include a foldable housing  110 , a connection structure (e.g., a hinge)  113 , and a flexible display  120  (or the “foldable display  120 ”, hereinafter, the “display  120 ”). In the disclosure, a surface on which the display  120  is disposed is defined as a first surface  110 A or the front surface  110 A of the electronic device  101 . In addition, an opposite surface of the front surface  110 A is defined as a second surface  110 B or the rear surface  110 B of the electronic device  101 . In addition, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface  110 A and the rear surface  110 B is defined as a third surface  110 C or the side surface  110 C of the electronic device  101 . 
     In an embodiment, the foldable housing  110  may include a first housing  111  (or the “first housing structure  111 ”), a second housing  112  (or the “second housing structure  112 ”), a first rear surface cover  116 , and a second rear surface cover  117 . The foldable housing  110  of the electronic device  101  may not be limited to a form and a coupling shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , and may be implemented with a different form or a combination and/or a coupling of components. For example, in an embodiment, the first housing  111  and the first rear surface cover  116  may be integrally formed, and the second housing  112  and the second rear surface cover  117  may be integrally formed. 
     In an embodiment, the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may be disposed on both sides around the connection structure  113 . For example, when viewing the front surface  110 A of the electronic device  101  in  FIG. 1 , the first housing  111  may be disposed on a left side with respect to a center (e.g., a folding axis X) of the connection structure  113 . For example, when viewing the front surface  110 A of the electronic device  101  in  FIG. 1 , the second housing  112  may be disposed on a right side with respect to the center (e.g., the folding axis X) of the connection structure  113 . 
     In an embodiment, the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may form the side surface  110 C of the electronic device  101  together with the connection structure  113 . In an embodiment, the side surface  110 C of the electronic device  101  may include a side surface region of the first housing  111 , a side surface region of the second housing  112 , and both ends of the connection structure  113  exposed between the first housing  111  and the second housing  112 . 
     In an embodiment, the first rear surface cover  116  may be coupled with the first housing  111  to form a portion of the rear surface  110 B of the electronic device  101 . The second rear surface cover  117  according to an embodiment may be coupled with the second housing  112  to form a portion of the rear surface  110 B of the electronic device  101 . In an embodiment, the rear surface  110 B of the electronic device  101  may include the first rear surface cover  116 , a partial region of the first housing  111  adjacent to the first rear surface cover  116 , the second rear surface cover  117 , and a partial region of the second housing  112  adjacent to the second rear surface cover  117 . 
     In an embodiment, the first rear surface cover  116  may be disposed on the right side of the folding axis X when the electronic device  101  is viewed from the rear surface  110 B. In an embodiment, the first rear surface cover  116  may have, for example, a substantially rectangular periphery, and the periphery may be surrounded by the first housing  111 . In an embodiment, the second rear surface cover  117  may be disposed on an opposite side of the first rear surface cover  116  with respect to the folding axis X. In an embodiment, a periphery of the second rear surface cover  117  may be surrounded by the second housing  112 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear surface cover  116  and the second rear surface cover  117  may have a substantially symmetrical shape about the folding axis X, but the disclosure may not be limited thereto. For example, the electronic device  101  may include the first rear surface cover  116  and the second rear surface cover  117  having various shapes (or different shapes). In an embodiment, the first rear surface cover  116  may be integrally formed with the first housing  111  and/or the second rear surface cover  117  may be integrally formed with the second housing  112 . 
     In an embodiment, the first rear surface cover  116 , the second rear surface cover  117 , the first housing  111 , and the second housing  112  may define an internal space in which various parts of the electronic device  101  may be placed. For example, as the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  opened in one direction (e.g., a direction of the rear surface  110 B of the electronic device  101 ) are closed by the first rear surface cover  116  and the second rear surface cover  117 , the internal space may be defined. In the internal space, for example, a battery (e.g., a battery  1289  in  FIG. 12 ) for providing power required for the electronic device  101  may be disposed. As another example, at least one printed circuit board may be disposed in the internal space. On the at least one printed circuit board, various components (e.g., a processor (e.g., a processor  1220  in  FIG. 12 ) and a memory (e.g., a memory  1230  in  FIG. 12 )) for implementing a function of the electronic device  101  may be placed. However, the disclosure is not limited by the above-mentioned example. For example, at least one of components shown in  FIG. 12  may be disposed in the internal space. 
     In an embodiment, the connection structure  113  may be disposed between the first housing  111  and the second housing  112 . In an embodiment, the connection structure  113  may be coupled with the first housing  111  and the second housing  112 . In an embodiment, the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may pivot relative to each other through the connection structure  113 . 
     In an embodiment, the first housing  111 , the second housing  112 , and the connection structure  113  may define recess that accommodates the display  120  therein together. In an embodiment, the first housing  111 , the second housing  112 , and the connection structure  113  may support the display  120  seated in the recess. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first housing  111 , the second housing  112 , and/or the connection structure  113  may be made of a metallic material or a non-metallic material having a selected magnitude of stiffness to support the display  120 . 
     In an embodiment, the display  120  may be disposed over the first housing  111 , the connection structure  113 , and the second housing  112 . For example, the display  120  may extend from the first housing  111  to the second housing  112  across the connection structure  113 . The display  120  may be disposed to be at least partially accommodated in the recess. 
     In an embodiment, the display  120  may form at least a portion of the front surface  110 A of the electronic device  101 . For example, the front surface  110 A of the electronic device  101  may include the display  120 , a partial region of the first housing  111  surrounding a periphery of the display  120 , the second housing  112 , and a partial region of the connection structure  113 . 
     In an embodiment, the display  120  may include a first region  121 , a second region  122 , and a flexible region  123 . In an embodiment, the flexible region  123  may be disposed between the first region  121  and the second region  122 . In an embodiment, the first region  121  may correspond to the first housing  111 . For example, the first region  121  may at least partially overlap the first housing  111 . In an embodiment, the second region  122  may correspond to the second housing  112 . For example, the second region  122  may at least partially overlap the second housing  112 . In an embodiment, the flexible region  123  may correspond to the connection structure  113 . For example, the flexible region  123  may at least partially overlap the connection structure  113 . In an embodiment, the first region  121 , the second region  122 , and the flexible region  123  of the display  120  may also be referred to as the first portion  121 , the second portion  122 , and the flexible portion  123 , respectively. 
     Hereinafter, a folding operation of the electronic device  101  will be described. 
     In an embodiment, the connection structure  113  may be coupled with the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  such that the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  are pivotable relative to each other. In an embodiment, the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may pivot about at least one axis through the connection structure  113 . For example, the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may pivot about the folding axis X. As another example, the first housing  111  may pivot about a first axis A 1 , and the second housing  112  may pivot about a second axis A 2 . In an embodiment, based on the pivoting of the first housing  111  and/or the second housing  112 , an angle formed by the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may change. In an embodiment, in response to the change in the angle formed by the first housing  111  and the second housing  112 , an angle formed by the first region  121  of the display  120  supported by the first housing  111  and the second region  122  of the display  120  supported by the second housing  112  may change. 
     In an embodiment, the connection structure  113  may be bent based on the pivoting of the first housing  111  and/or the second housing  112 . In an embodiment, as the angle formed by the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  decreases, a degree to which the connection structure  113  is bent may be increased. In an embodiment, as the angle formed by the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  increases, the connection structure  113  may be gradually unfolded. In an embodiment, corresponding to a bent state of the connection structure  113 , the flexible region  123  of the display  120  supported by the connection structure  113  may be deformed. For example, the flexible region  123  of the display  120  may be deformed at least partially into a curved surface or a flat surface when the connection structure  113  is bent or unfolded. 
     In an embodiment, as the connection structure  113  is bent or unfolded based on the pivoting of the first housing  111  and/or the second housing  112 , the electronic device  101  may be folded or unfolded. 
     In an embodiment, when the electronic device  101  is in a flat state (or the unfolded state) (e.g.,  FIG. 1A ), the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may be disposed to be directed in the same direction while forming a first angle (e.g., 180 degrees). In an embodiment, a surface of the first region  121  of the display  120  and a surface of the second region  122  may form the first angle with each other, and may be directed in the same direction (e.g., a direction of the front surface  110 A of the electronic device  101 ). In an embodiment, the first region  121 , the second region  122 , and the flexible region  123  of the display  120  may form the same plane. 
     In an embodiment, when the electronic device  101  is in the folded state (e.g.,  FIG. 1B ), the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may be disposed to face each other while forming a second angle (e.g., 0 degrees) smaller than the first angle. In an embodiment, when the electronic device  101  is in the folded state, the first rear surface cover  116  and the second rear surface cover  117  may face each other, and the first rear surface cover  116  and the second rear surface cover  117  may not be visible from the outside of the electronic device  101 . In an embodiment, in the folded state, the flexible region  123  may be formed of a curved surface, at least a portion of which has a predetermined curvature. In an embodiment, in the folded state, the surface of the first region  121  and the surface of the second region  122  of the display  120  may be visible from the outside of the electronic device  101  and may be directed in opposite directions. 
     In an embodiment, when the electronic device  101  is in an intermediate state, the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may be disposed at a third angle (e.g., in a range from 0 degrees to 180 degrees) between the first angle and the second angle. The intermediate state, although not shown, may refer, for example, to a state between the flat state illustrated in  FIG. 1A  and the folded state illustrated in  FIG. 1B . In an embodiment, in the intermediate state, the surface of the first region  121  and the surface of the second region  122  of the display  120  may form an angle smaller than that in the flat state and larger than that in the folded state. In an embodiment, in the intermediate state, the flexible region  123  may be formed of a curved surface, at least a portion of which has a predetermined curvature. The curvature in this case may be smaller than that in the folded state. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments. 
     In  FIG. 2 , a duplicate description of components having the same reference numerals as those of the above-described components (e.g., the display  120  in  FIG. 1 ) may not be repeated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the electronic device  101  according to an embodiment may include a support plate  230 , and the connection structure  113  may include a hinge module (or a hinge structure)  210 , and a multi-bar module (or a multi-bar structure)  270 . 
     In an embodiment, the support plate  230  may be disposed between the display  120  and the multi-bar module  270 . In an embodiment, the support plate  230  may be disposed on a rear surface of the display  120  (e.g., a surface of the display  120  directed in a direction opposite to the front surface  110 A in  FIG. 1 ). In an embodiment, the support plate  230  may be partially attached to the rear surface of the display  120 . The support plate  230  disposed beneath the display  120  may support the display  120  together with the multi-bar module  270 . The support plate  230  may have a specified thickness so as to be at least partially bent or curved. For example, the specified thickness may be about 0.05 mm to 0.08 mm, but may not be limited thereto. The support plate  230  may contain a metal (e.g., stainless steel) or a resin (e.g., polypropylene). 
     In an embodiment, the hinge module  210  may be disposed beneath the multi-bar module  270 . The hinge module  210  may be positioned between the first housing  111  and the second housing  112 . 
     In an embodiment, the hinge module  210  may be coupled to the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  such that the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  are pivotable relative to each other. Through the hinge module  210 , the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may be pivotable about the at least one axis (e.g., “the folding axis X in  FIG. 1A ” or “the first axis A 1  and the second axis A 2  in  FIG. 1A ”). 
     For example, the hinge module  210  may include a hinge shaft disposed on the same line as a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis X in  FIG. 1A ) of the electronic device  101 , a first plate pivotable about the hinge shaft and coupled to the first housing  111 , and a second plate pivotable about the hinge shaft and coupled to the second housing  112 . In this case, the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may pivot about the folding axis. 
     As another example, the hinge module  210  may include a first hinge shaft disposed on the same line as a first axis (e.g., the first axis A 1  in  FIG. 1A ), a second hinge shaft disposed on the same line as a second axis (e.g., the second axis A 2  in  FIG. 1A ), a plurality of gears that link a pivoting operation of the first hinge shaft and a pivoting operation of the second hinge shaft with each other, a center plate on which the first hinge shaft and the second hinge shaft are seated, the first plate that pivots about the first hinge shaft and is coupled to the first housing, and the second plate that pivots about the second hinge shaft and is coupled to the second housing. In this case, the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  may pivot about the first axis and the second axis, respectively. 
     In an embodiment, the hinge module  210  may partially overlap each of the first rear surface cover  116  and the second rear surface cover  117 . For example, the hinge module  210  may include a portion overlapping the first rear surface cover  116 , a portion positioned between the first rear surface cover  116  and the second rear surface cover  117 , and a portion overlapping the second rear surface cover  117 . In an embodiment, the portion of the hinge module  210  positioned between the first rear surface cover  116  and the second rear surface cover  117  may be visible from the outside of the electronic device  101  (or may be exposed to the outside). 
     In an embodiment, the multi-bar module  270  may be disposed between the support plate  230  and the hinge module  210 . In an embodiment, the multi-bar module  270  may overlap the support plate  230 . For example, the multi-bar module  270  may at least partially overlap the support plate  230  with respect to a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof. 
     In an embodiment, the multi-bar module  270  may be coupled to the hinge module  210 . The multi-bar module  270  may support the display  120  such that the display  120  does not bend inward (or in a direction toward the hinge module  210 ) of the electronic device  101 . 
     In an embodiment, the multi-bar module  270  may be disposed between the first housing  111  and the second housing  112 . One end (or one side) of the multi-bar module  270  may be coupled to the first housing  111 , and the other end (or the other side) thereof may be coupled to the second housing  112 . The multi-bar module  270  may be bent based on the pivoting of the first housing  111  and/or the second housing  112 . In an embodiment, the multi-bar module  270  may form a curved surface while being bent, and the support plate  230  and the flexible region  123  of the display  120  may be deformed to correspond to the curved surface of the multi-bar module  270 . 
     The electronic device  101  according to an embodiment may include a pulling structure  280  coupled with the multi-bar module  270 . The pulling structure  280  will be described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS.  8 ,  9 ,  10  and  11 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments. 
     In  FIG. 3 , some of the components shown in  FIG. 2  are omitted, and components not shown in  FIG. 2  are additionally illustrated. This is for convenience of description, and is not intended to limit an embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  and an embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  as separate embodiments. 
     In  FIG. 3 , a duplicate description of components having the same reference numerals as those of the above-described components may not be repeated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the multi-bar module  270  of the electronic device  101  according to an embodiment may include a pin member  340 , an elastic member  350 , a fixing member  360 , upper bars  372 , and lower bars  374 . 
     In an embodiment, the pin member (e.g., including at least one pin)  340  may penetrate the support plate  230 , the upper bars  372 , and the lower bars  374 . The pin member  340  may be coupled to the support plate  230 , the upper bars  372 , and the lower bars  374 . A plurality of holes through which the pin member  340  passes may be provided in the support plate  230 , the upper bars  372 , and the lower bars  374 . 
     In an embodiment, the elastic member (e.g. a coil comprising an elastic material)  350  may be coupled to the pin member  340 . The fixing member  360  may be fixedly disposed at one end of the pin member  340  such that the elastic member  350  coupled to the pin member  340  does not deviate. 
     In an embodiment, the upper bars  372  may include a plurality of bars extending with a first length along a longitudinal direction L of the display  120 . The plurality of bars may be arranged along a width direction W of the display  120 . 
     In an embodiment, in the upper bars  372 , a plurality of grooves recessed in a direction toward the display  120  may be defined. In an embodiment, the lower bars  374  may be seated in each of a first groove  381 , a second groove  382 , and a third groove  383  among the plurality of grooves. In each of a fourth groove  384  and a fifth groove  385  among the plurality of grooves, a hinge module (e.g., the hinge module  210  in  FIG. 3 ) may be accommodated at least partially. In an embodiment, a wiring member (e.g., a cable or a flexible printed circuit board) for connecting components disposed in the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  to each other may be disposed in each of at least some of the plurality of grooves. 
     In an embodiment, the lower bars  374  may include a plurality of bars extending with a second length smaller than the first length along the longitudinal direction L of the display  120  and arranged along the width direction W. A group of the lower bars  374  may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance along the direction in which the upper bars  372  extend. 
     In an embodiment, the lower bars  374  are placed beneath the upper bars  372  and coupled to the upper bars  372 . For example, the upper bars  372  and the lower bars  374  may be coupled to each other through a screw (e.g., a screw  650  in  FIG. 6 ) for binding. 
       FIG. 4  is a front view projecting a foldable electronic device according to various embodiments. 
     In  FIG. 4 , the display  120  and a component (e.g., the first region  121 ) related thereto are illustrated with dotted lines. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the support plate  230  according to an embodiment may include a first region  10 , and a second region  20  surrounded by the first region  10  and extending along a width direction (e.g., the width direction W in  FIG. 3 ) of the display  120 . In an embodiment, the first region  10  of the support plate  230  may be attached to the rear surface of the display  120 . For example, the first region  10  of the support plate  230  may be attached to the flexible region  123  of the display  120 . In an embodiment, the second region  20  of the support plate  230  may not be attached to the display  120 . In an embodiment, an adhesive member (not shown) (e.g., an adhesive member  615  of  FIG. 6 ) may be interposed between the first region  10  of the support plate  230  and the display  120 . 
     In an embodiment, the second region  20  of the support plate  230  may be penetrated by the pin member  340 . The support plate  230  may be coupled to the connection structure  113  through the pin member  340 . Holes through which the pin member  340  passes may be provided in the second region  20  of the support plate  230 . 
     In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first region  121  of the display  120  may be attached to the first housing  111 , and at least a portion of the second region  122  of the display  120  may be attached to the second housing  112 . 
     In an embodiment, the support plate  230  may partially overlap each of the first housing  111 , the second housing  112 , and the connection structure  113 . In an embodiment, the support plate  230  may include a first portion partially overlapping the first housing  111 , a second portion partially overlapping the second housing  112 , and a third portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion and overlapping the connection structure  113 . In an embodiment, the first portion of the support plate  230  may be attached to the first housing  111  through an adhesive member (not shown) interposed between the first portion and the first housing  111 . In an embodiment, the second portion of the support plate  230  may be attached to the second housing  112  through an adhesive member (not shown) interposed between the second portion and the second housing  112 . In an embodiment, the third portion of the support plate  230  may be coupled to the connection structure  113  through the pin member  340 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line A-A′ of  FIG. 4  according to various embodiments. 
       FIG. 5B  is a partial sectional perspective view showing a region R of  FIG. 5A  according to various embodiments. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  may be diagrams illustrating the unfolded state of the foldable electronic device  101  according to various embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a pin of the pin member  340  according to an embodiment may include a head  342  and a body  344 . In an embodiment, the head  342  may be seated in an accommodating groove  575  provided with a specified depth in a first surface  270 A of each upper bar  372 . In an embodiment, the body  344  may extend from the head  342  and penetrate the support plate  230 , each upper bar  372 , and each lower bar  374 . In an embodiment, an opening (or a hole) (not shown) penetrated by the body  344  may be defined in the support plate  230 . In an embodiment, a first opening  3721  and a second opening  3722  penetrated by the body  344  may be defined in each upper bar  372 . In an embodiment, the first opening  3721  may have substantially the same diameter as the opening defined in the support plate  230 , but the disclosure may not be limited thereto. In an embodiment, the second opening  3722  may have a larger diameter than the first opening  3721 , and thus, the support portion  3723  for supporting one end of the elastic member  350  may be formed. In an embodiment, a third opening  3741  penetrated by the body  344  of the pin member  340  may be defined in each lower bar  374 . In an embodiment, the third opening  3741  may have substantially the same diameter as the second opening  3722  of each upper bar  372 . The first opening  3721 , the second opening  3722 , and the third opening  3741  may communicate with each other. 
     In an embodiment, the body  344  may extend, from the head  342 , in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the upper bars  372  extend (e.g., the longitudinal direction L in  FIG. 3 ) and away from the display  120 . In an embodiment, the head  342  may be formed to have a larger diameter than the first opening  3721  and the body  344  penetrating the first opening  3721  so as to press the support plate  230 . In an embodiment, the support plate  230  may be locally recessed to correspond to a shape of the accommodating groove  575  by being pressed by the head  342  of the pin member  340 . In an embodiment, the body  344  of the pin member  340  may extend to the outside of the third opening  3741  through the support plate  230 , each upper bar  372 , and each lower bar  374 . 
     In an embodiment, at an end  3441  of the body  344 , the fixing member (e.g., a ring, a snap ring, an e-ring, or the like, which may be referred to herein as a “fastener”)  360  for preventing and/or reducing the deviation of the elastic member  350  may be disposed. In an embodiment, the fixing member  360  may be fixed to the end  3441  of the body  344 . For example, the fixing member  360  may include a snap ring like an E-ring. In this case, the fixing member  360  may be fixed to the end  3441  by being fitted into a groove defined in the end  3441 . 
     In an embodiment, the elastic member  350  may be disposed between the head  342  of the pin member  340  and the fixing member  360 . For example, the elastic member  350  may be fitted to the body  344  of the pin member  340  and may be compressed or tensioned by being supported by the fixing member  360 . In an embodiment, the elastic member  350  may be disposed in a form of being at least partially accommodated in the second opening  3722  and the third opening  3741 . In an embodiment, the second opening  3722  and the third opening  3741  may have a diameter capable of accommodating the body  344  of the pin member  340  and the elastic member  350  surrounding the body  344 . In an embodiment, the elastic member  350  may include a coil spring, but the disclosure may not be limited thereto. 
     In an embodiment, the elastic member  350  may be located between the support portion  3723  formed in each upper bar  372  and the fixing member  360 . In an embodiment, one end of the elastic member  350  may be supported by the support portion  3723  of each upper bar  372 , and the other end thereof may be supported by the fixing member  360 . 
     In an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device  101 , the elastic member  350  may have a first length D 1 . The elastic member  350  having the first length D 1  may be in a compressed state. In an embodiment, the compressed elastic member  350  may provide an elastic force in a first direction F 1  to the pin member  340 . In an embodiment, the pin member  340  may press the support plate  230  in the first direction F 1 . In an embodiment, the pin member  340  may provide a force in the first direction F 1  to the display  120  through the support plate  230 . In an embodiment, the first direction F 1  may be a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the pin member  340  and a direction from the display  120  toward the connection structure  113 . 
     The first direction F 1  shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  merely refers to a direction and does not indicate a magnitude of the elastic force based on an illustrated length (the same is applied to a second direction F 2 , a third direction F 3 , a fourth direction F 4 , and a fifth direction F 5 , which will be described in greater detail below). 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line B-B′ of  FIG. 4  according to various embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the electronic device  101  according to an embodiment may include the screw member (e.g., a fastener or screw)  650  and the adhesive member (e.g., adhesive)  615 . 
     In an embodiment, the screw member  650  may penetrate each upper bar  372  to be fastened to each lower bar  374 . In an embodiment, each upper bar  372  and each lower bar  374  may be coupled to each other through the screw member  650 . 
     In an embodiment, the adhesive member  615  may be interposed between the display  120  and the support plate  230 . In an embodiment, the support plate  230  may be attached to a rear surface  120 B of the display  120  in the first region  10  through the adhesive member  615 . In an embodiment, the adhesive member  615  may not be disposed on the second region  20  of the support plate  230 , and the second region  20  of the support plate  230  may not be attached to the rear surface  120 B of the display  120 . 
     In an embodiment, the pin member  340  may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second region  20  of the support plate  230 . For example, the pin member  340  may penetrate the support plate  230 , the upper bars  372 , and the lower bars  374  in the second region  20  of the support plate  230 . 
     In an embodiment, the elastic force acting while the elastic member  350  is compressed may be provided to the display  120  through the first region  10  of the support plate  230  attached to the display  120 . 
       FIG. 7A  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device in an intermediate state, according to various embodiments. 
       FIG. 7B  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a foldable electronic device in a folded state, according to various embodiments. 
     Hereinafter, the folding operation of the electronic device  101  will be described in greater detail with reference to  FIGS. 5A, 7A, and 7B . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5A , in an embodiment, each upper bar  372  and each lower bar  374  may have a trapezoidal shape as a whole in a state coupled to each other. For example, each upper bar  372  and each lower bar  374  may be coupled to each other to form a top surface  270 A facing the display  120 , a bottom surface  270 C opposite to the top surface  270 A, and a side surface  270 B extending from a periphery of the top surface  270 A to a periphery of the bottom surface  270 C. In an embodiment, the top surface  270 A may be formed to have a larger area than the bottom surface  270 C. In an embodiment, the side surfaces  270 B may be formed to approach each other in a direction from the upper bar  372  to the lower bar  374 . In an embodiment, the side surface  270 B is formed to have an inclination, thereby providing a space in which each upper bar  372  and each lower bar  374  may pivot. 
     In an embodiment, except for a region in which the accommodating groove  575  is defined, the top surface  270 A of each upper bar  372  may be substantially flat. In the flat state in  FIG. 5A , the top surfaces  270 A of the upper bars  372  may extend without a step to form a single flat surface (e.g., a surface  372 A in  FIG. 3 ). In the flat state, the flexible region  123  of the display  120  may be supported by the upper bars  372  to maintain a substantially flat state. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the multi-bar module  270  may be bent corresponding to the folding operation of the first housing  111  and the second housing  112 . In an embodiment, each upper bar  372  may be pivoted relative to a neighboring bar. For example, each upper bar  372  may be pivoted with respect to a periphery (e.g., a periphery P) of the top surface  270 A. In an embodiment, as each upper bar  372  is pivoted, the multi-bar module  270  may have a bent shape. 
     In an embodiment, the lower bars  374  may be coupled to the first housing  111  and the second housing  112 . In an embodiment, when a user folds or unfolds the first housing  111  and the second housing  112 , an external force that causes the pivoting of the upper bars  372  may be provided through the lower bars  374 . 
     In an embodiment, when the electronic device  101  is folded, the side surfaces  270 B, each of which formed by each upper bar  372  and each lower bar  374 , may become closer to each other, and an angle formed by two adjacent top surfaces  270 A may be reduced. 
     In an embodiment, when the electronic device  101  is folded, the surface formed by connecting the top surfaces  270 A of the respective upper bars  372  may be substantially curved. In an embodiment, when the electronic device  101  is folded, the flexible region  123  of the display  120  and the support plate  230  may be deformed into curved surfaces corresponding to the surface of the upper bars  372 . 
     In an embodiment, the multi-bar module  270  may deform the flexible region  123  of the display  120  into the curved surface or the flat surface when the electronic device  101  is folded or unfolded. 
     In an embodiment, when the flexible region  123  of the display  120  is deformed into the curved surface, a reaction force in an outward direction of the flexible region  123  (e.g., the second direction F 2 ) may be applied to the flexible region  123 . As a degree of bending of the flexible region  123  increases, the reaction force may increase. Because of the reaction force as described above, a change in a length of the flexible region  123  may be caused. Such change in the length may deteriorate a surface quality of the display  120 . 
     In an embodiment, the reaction force acting on the flexible region  123  may be at least partially cancelled by the elastic force provided from the elastic member  350 . Referring to  FIG. 7A , in an embodiment, the reaction force of the flexible region  123  may be provided to the elastic member  350  through the support plate  230  and the pin member  340 . In an embodiment, because of the reaction force of the flexible region  123 , a force in a compression direction (e.g., a third direction F 3 ) may be applied to the elastic member  350 . Therefore, in the intermediate state, the elastic member  350  according to an embodiment may be compressed to have a second length D 2 . In an embodiment, the second length D 2  may be smaller than the first length D 1  in the unfolded state. In an embodiment, as the elastic member  350  is compressed to have the second length D 2  from the first length D 1 , the pin member  340  may move in the third direction F 3 . Referring to  FIG. 7B , in the folded state, the reaction force acting on the flexible region  123  may become greater than that in the intermediate state, and the elastic member  350  may be compressed to have a third length D 3 . In an embodiment, the third length D 3  may be smaller than the second length D 2  in the intermediate state. 
     In an embodiment, the reaction force generated when the flexible region  123  of the display  120  is deformed may be canceled by the support plate  230 , the pin member  340 , and the elastic member  350 , so that the deterioration in the surface quality resulted from the change in the length of the flexible region  123  may be reduced or prevented. 
     In an embodiment, even when the length of the flexible region  123  is changed by repetition of the folding operation, because the flexible region  123  is pulled inward by the support plate  230 , the pin member  340 , and the elastic member  350 , the surface quality of the flexible region  123  may be maintained or improved. 
     An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  in  FIG. 1A ) according to an example embodiment of the disclosure may include: a first housing (e.g., the first housing  111  in  FIG. 1A ), a second housing (e.g., the second housing  112  in  FIG. 1A ), a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display  120  in  FIG. 1A ) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, wherein the flexible display includes a flexible region (e.g., the flexible region  123  in  FIG. 1A ) deformable into a flat surface or a curved surface, a support plate (e.g., the support plate  230  in  FIG. 3 ) disposed on a rear surface (e.g., the rear surface  120 B in  FIG. 6 ) of the flexible display at least partially overlapping the flexible region, wherein the support plate includes a first region (e.g., the first region  10  in  FIG. 4 ) attached to the rear surface of the flexible display, and a connection structure (e.g., the connection structure  113  in  FIG. 1A ) disposed beneath the support plate overlapping the flexible region, wherein the connection structure connects the first housing and the second housing to each other such that the first housing and the second housing are able to be folded or unfolded about a folding axis therebetween, the connection structure may include a pin member comprising at least one pin (e.g., the pin member  340  in  FIG. 5A ) at least partially coupled to the support plate through a second region (e.g., the second region  20  in  FIG. 4 ) different from the first region of the support plate, and an elastic member comprising an elastic material (e.g., the elastic member  350  in  FIG. 5A ) configured to be compressed or tensioned based on the first housing and the second housing being folded or unfolded to provide an elastic force to the pin member, and the pin member may be configured to provide a force in a first direction toward the connection structure to the flexible region of the flexible display through the support plate. 
     In an example embodiment, the second region may not be attached to the rear surface of the flexible display. 
     In an example embodiment, the support plate may be deformable into the curved surface or the flat surface to correspond to the flexible region of the flexible display. 
     In an example embodiment, the elastic member may be coupled to the pin member and may be configured to be compressed or tensioned in a longitudinal direction of the pin member. 
     In an example embodiment, the connection structure may include a multi-bar module comprising a plurality of bars (e.g., the multi-bar module  270  in  FIG. 3 ) disposed beneath the support plate, and the pin member may pass through the support plate and the multi-bar module. 
     In an embodiment, the multi-bar module may be configured to deform the flexible region of the flexible display and the support plate into the curved surface or the flat surface based on the first housing and the second housing being folded or unfolded. 
     In an example embodiment, the multi-bar module may include upper bars (e.g., the upper bars  372  in  FIG. 3 ) disposed beneath the support plate and lower bars (e.g., the lower bars  374  in  FIG. 3 ) disposed beneath the upper bars, the upper bars and the lower bars may extend in a longitudinal direction of the flexible display and may be arranged in a width direction of the flexible display, and the pin member may penetrate the support plate, the upper bars, and the lower bars. 
     In an example embodiment, the electronic device may further include a fixing member comprising a fastener (e.g., the fixing member  360  in  FIG. 5A ) fixed to an end of the pin member, and the elastic member may be coupled to the pin member and disposed between the upper bars and the fixing member. 
     In an example embodiment, the fixing member may include a snap ring, and the elastic member may include a coil spring. 
     In an example embodiment, the pin member may include a head (e.g., the head  342  in  FIG. 5A ) positioned in the second region of the support plate and a body (e.g., the body  344  in  FIG. 5A ) extending from the head through the second region, and the elastic member may be configured to provide the elastic force to the pin member such that the support plate is pressed in the first direction by the head of the pin member. 
     In an example embodiment, the electronic device may further include an adhesive (e.g., the adhesive member  615  in  FIG. 6 ) disposed between the rear surface of the flexible display and the first region of the support plate. 
     In an embodiment, the support plate may have a thickness in a range from 0.05 mm to 0.08 mm. 
     In an embodiment, the support plate may comprise stainless steel or polypropylene. 
     An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  in  FIG. 1A ) according to an example embodiment of the disclosure may include: a foldable housing (e.g., the foldable housing  110  in  FIG. 1A ) including a first housing (e.g., the first housing  111  in  FIG. 1A ) and a second housing (e.g., the second housing  112  in  FIG. 1A ), a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display  120  in  FIG. 1A ) disposed on the foldable housing, wherein the flexible display includes a first portion (e.g., the first region  121  in  FIG. 1A ) overlapping the first housing, a second portion (e.g., the second region  122  in  FIG. 1A ) overlapping the second housing, and a flexible portion (e.g., the flexible region  123  in  FIG. 1A ) extending from the first portion to the second portion and being deformable into a flat surface or a curved surface, a support plate (e.g., the support plate  230  in  FIG. 3 ) disposed on a rear surface (e.g., the rear surface  120 B in  FIG. 6 ) of the flexible display at least partially overlapping the flexible region, wherein the support plate includes a first region (e.g., the first region  10  in  FIG. 4 ) attached to the rear surface of the flexible display, a connection structure (e.g., the connection structure  113  in  FIG. 1A ) disposed beneath the support plate and overlapping the flexible region, wherein the connection structure connects the first housing and the second housing to each other such that the first housing and the second housing are able to be folded or unfolded about a folding axis therebetween, a pin member (e.g., the pin member  340  in  FIG. 5A ) comprising at least one pin penetrating the support plate and the connection structure to couple the support plate and the connection structure to each other, wherein the pin member penetrates a second region (e.g., the second region  20  in  FIG. 4 ) different from the first region of the support plate, and an elastic member (e.g., the elastic member  350  in  FIG. 5A ) comprising an elastic material configured to be compressed or tensioned based on the foldable housing being folded or unfolded to provide an elastic force to the pin member, and the pin member may provide a force in a first direction from the display toward the connection structure to the flexible region of the flexible display through the support plate. 
     In an example embodiment, the connection structure may include a plurality of bars extending in a longitudinal direction of the flexible display and arranged in a width direction of the flexible display, the plurality of bars may be disposed beneath the support plate, and each pin of the pin member may include a head (e.g., the head  342  in  FIG. 5A ) disposed on the second region of the support plate, and a body (e.g., the body  344  in  FIG. 5A ) extending from each head to the outside of each of the plurality of bars through the second region of the support plate and each of the plurality of bars. 
     In an example embodiment, the electronic device may further include each fixing member comprising a fastener (e.g., the fixing member  360  in  FIG. 5A ) disposed at an end (e.g., the end  3441  in  FIG. 5A ) of each body positioned outside of each of the plurality of bars, and each elastic member may be coupled to each body and disposed between each of the plurality of bars and each fixing member. 
     In an example embodiment, the plurality of bars may include upper bars (e.g., the upper bars  372  in  FIG. 5B ) and lower bars (e.g., the lower bars  374  in  FIG. 5B ) disposed beneath the upper bars, each upper bar may have a first opening (e.g., the first opening  3721  in  FIG. 5B ) and a second opening (e.g., the second opening  3722  in  FIG. 5B ) provided therein and penetrated by the pin member, the first opening may be located beneath the support plate, and the second opening may be located beneath the first opening, each lower bar may have a third opening (e.g., the third opening  3741  in  FIG. 5B ) provided therein and penetrated by the pin member and located beneath the second opening, the elastic member may be at least partially accommodated in the second opening and the third opening, and the elastic member may be supported by the fixing member and a protrusion (e.g., the support portion  3723  in  FIG. 5B ) of the upper bar wherein the first opening has a smaller diameter than the second opening. 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments. 
     In  FIG. 8 , some of the components shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are omitted, and a component not shown in  FIG. 3  is additionally illustrated. This is for convenience of description, and is not intended to limit an embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  and embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  as separate embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the electronic device  101  according to an embodiment may include the pulling structure  280  disposed at both ends of the lower bars  374 . In an embodiment, the pulling structure  280  may include a first pulling structure  280 - 1  disposed at one end (or one side) of the lower bars  374 , and a second pulling structure  280 - 2  disposed at the other end (or the other side) of the lower bars  374 . In an embodiment, the first pulling structure  280 - 1  and the second pulling structure  280 - 2  may be coupled to the lower bars  374 . 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of a pulling structure according to various embodiments. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating a pulling structure according to various embodiments. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along a line C-C′ of  FIG. 10  according to various embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the second pulling structure  280 - 2  according to an embodiment may include a first member  910 - 2 , a second member  920 - 2 , a third member  930 - 2 , a second elastic member  940 - 2 , and screws  952 - 2 ,  954 - 2 , and  956 - 2 . 
     In an embodiment, the first member  910 - 2  may be disposed in a hole  931 - 2  provided in the third member  930 - 2 . The first member  910 - 2  may include a bracket  912 - 2  and a rod  914 - 2 . In an embodiment, the bracket  912 - 2  may be disposed on a protrusion  1121  formed in the second housing  112 . The bracket  912 - 2  may be coupled with the second housing  112 . For example, as the screw  952 - 2  penetrating the bracket  912 - 2  is fastened to a fastening hole  115  defined in the protrusion  1121 , the bracket  912 - 2  and the second housing  112  may be coupled to each other. In an embodiment, the bracket  912 - 2  may include a first portion that is seated on the protrusion  1121 , and a second portion that is bent and extended from the first portion. A hole  915 - 2  through which the screw  952 - 2  passes may be defined in the first portion of the bracket  912 - 2 . The second portion of the bracket  912 - 2  may support the second elastic member  940 - 2 . In an embodiment, the rod  914 - 2  may be extended in a direction (e.g., −x direction) from the bracket  912 - 2  (e.g., the second portion of the bracket  912 - 2 ) toward the lower bars  374 , and an end thereof may be located in a hole  923 - 2  defined in a first cover  922 - 2 . In an embodiment, the rod  914 - 2  may have a cylindrical shape. For example, a cross-sectional shape of the rod  914 - 2  may be circular. In an embodiment, the second elastic member  940 - 2  may be coupled to the rod  914 - 2 . In an embodiment, the second elastic member  940 - 2  may be disposed between the bracket  912 - 2  and the first cover  922 - 2 . The second elastic member  940 - 2  may be compressed or tensioned based on an external force applied thereto. In an embodiment, the second elastic member  940 - 2  may include a coil spring, but the disclosure may not be limited thereto. 
     In an embodiment, the second member  920 - 2  may be disposed in the hole  931 - 2  defined in the third member  930 - 2 . In an embodiment, the second member  920 - 2  may include the first cover  922 - 2 , a second cover  924 - 2 , a third cover  926 - 2 , a first hook  928 - 2 , and a second hook  929 - 2 . 
     In an embodiment, the hole  923 - 2  through which the rod  914 - 2  may reciprocate may be defined in the first cover  922 - 2 . In an embodiment, the second cover  924 - 2  may extend from the first cover  922 - 2  to one side (e.g., in a +y direction), and the third cover  926 - 2  may extend from the first cover  922 - 2  to the other side (e.g., a −y direction). The second cover  924 - 2  and the third cover  926 - 2  may be disposed on the third member  930 - 2 . In an embodiment, the screws  954 - 2  and  956 - 2  respectively penetrating the second cover  924 - 2  and the third cover  926 - 2  are fastened to the third member  930 - 2 , so that the second member  920 - 2  and the third member  930 - 2  may be coupled to each other. In an embodiment, holes  925 - 2  and  927 - 2  respectively penetrated by the screws  954 - 2  and  956 - 2  may be defined in the second cover  924 - 2  and third cover  926 - 2 , respectively. 
     In an embodiment, the first hook  928 - 2  may extend in a direction (e.g., a −z direction) toward the second housing  112  from the second cover  924 - 2 . 
     The second hook  929 - 2  may extend in the direction (e.g., the −z direction) toward the second housing  112  from the third cover  926 - 2 . The first hook  928 - 2  and the second hook  929 - 2  may extend along an outer surface of the third member  930 - 2  to cross a guide groove  933 - 2  defined in the third member  930 - 2 . 
     In an embodiment, the third member  930 - 2  may be disposed on the second housing  112 . The third member  930 - 2  may be connected to the lower bars  374  through a rail  976 , and may reciprocate along a shape of the rail  976 . In an embodiment, in the third member  930 - 2 , the guide groove  933 - 2  having a shape corresponding to that of the rail  976  may be defined such that the second pulling structure  280 - 2  may reciprocate along the rail  976 . In an embodiment, the rail  976  and the guide groove  933 - 2  may include a curved surface, and the second pulling structure  280 - 2  may be capable of curved movement. In an embodiment, at one end of the rail  976 , a hook protrusion  977  for limiting a moving distance of the second pulling structure  280 - 2  and preventing and/or reducing the second pulling structure  280 - 2  from deviating from the lower bars  374  may be formed. For example, the hook protrusion  977  may protrude out of the guide groove  933 - 2 , and at least partially overlap each of the first hook  928 - 2  and the second hook  929 - 2  when viewed in the +x axis direction. 
     The description of the second pulling structure  280 - 2  described above may be applied in a substantially the same, similar, or corresponding manner to the first pulling structure  280 - 1 . For example, the first pulling structure  280 - 1  may be connected to the lower bars  374  in a scheme in which a rail  978  and a hook protrusion  979  formed on the lower bars  374  are accommodated therein. For example, referring to  FIG. 10 , the first pulling structure  280 - 1  may include a first member  910 - 1 , a second member  920 - 1 , a third member  930 - 1 , a first elastic member  940 - 1 , and screws  952 - 1 ,  954 - 1 , and  956 - 1  respectively corresponding to the first member  910 - 2 , the second member  920 - 2 , the third member  930 - 2 , the second elastic member  940 - 2 , and the screws  952 - 2 ,  954 - 2 , and  956 - 2  of the second pulling structure  280 - 2 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , in an embodiment, the first elastic member  940 - 1  may provide an elastic force in the fourth direction F 4  to the first member  910 - 1  of the first pulling structure  280 - 1 , and the first pulling structure  280 - 1  may move along the fourth direction F 4 . In an embodiment, a force in the fourth direction F 4  may act on the first housing  111  coupled with the first pulling structure  280 - 1 . The force provided allows the first housing  111  to move in the fourth direction F 4 . In an embodiment, the fourth direction F 4  may be a direction parallel to a direction in which the first elastic member  940 - 1  is compressed or tensioned (e.g., a longitudinal direction of a rod of the first member  910 - 1 ), and a direction from the lower bars  374  to the first housing  111 . 
     In an embodiment, the second elastic member  940 - 2  may provide an elastic force in the fifth direction F 5  to the first member  910 - 2  of the second pulling structure  280 - 2 , and the second pulling structure  280 - 2  may move along the fifth direction F 5 . In an embodiment, a force in the fifth direction F 5  may act on the second housing  112  coupled with the second pulling structure  280 - 2 . The force provided allows the second housing  112  to move in the fifth direction F 5 . In an embodiment, the fifth direction F 5  may be a direction parallel to a direction in which the second elastic member  940 - 2  is compressed or tensioned (e.g., a longitudinal direction of the rod  914 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ), and a direction from the lower bars  374  to the second housing  112 . 
     In an embodiment, as the first housing  111  and the second housing  112  are respectively moved in the fourth direction F 4  and the fifth direction F 5 , the forces in the fourth direction F 4  and the fifth direction F 5  may act on the display  120  attached to the first housing  111  and the second housing  112 , and the display  120  may be pulled in both directions away from the lower bars  374 . In an embodiment, as the pulling structure  280  prevents and/or reduces the display  120  from being lifted or creased, the surface quality of the display  120  may be improved. 
     An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  101  in  FIG. 1A ) according to an example embodiment described above may include: a first housing (e.g., the first housing  111  in  FIG. 1A ), a second housing (e.g., the second housing  112  in  FIG. 1A ), a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display  120  in  FIG. 1A ) disposed on the first housing and the second housing, wherein the flexible display includes a flexible region (e.g., the flexible region  123  in  FIG. 1A ) deformable into a flat surface or a curved surface, a support plate (e.g., the support plate  230  in  FIG. 3 ) disposed on a rear surface (e.g., the rear surface  120 B in  FIG. 6 ) of the flexible display at least partially overlapping the flexible region, wherein the support plate includes a first region (e.g., the first region  10  in  FIG. 4 ) attached to the rear surface of the flexible display, and a connection structure (e.g., the connection structure  113  in  FIG. 1A ) disposed beneath the support plate overlapping the flexible region, wherein the connection structure connects the first housing and the second housing to each other such that the first housing and the second housing are able to be folded or unfolded with a folding axis interposed therebetween, the connection structure may include a pin member comprising at least one pin (e.g., the pin member  340  in  FIG. 5A ) at least partially coupled to the support plate through a second region (e.g., the second region  20  in  FIG. 4 ) different from the first region of the support plate, and an elastic member comprising an elastic material (e.g., the elastic member  350  in  FIG. 5A ) configured to be compressed or tensioned based on the first housing and the second housing being folded or unfolded to provide an elastic force to the pin member, and the pin member may provide a force in a first direction toward the connection structure to the flexible region of the flexible display through the support plate. 
     In an example embodiment, the flexible display may include a first region (e.g., the first region  121  in  FIG. 1A ) attached to the first housing and a second region (e.g., the second region  122  in  FIG. 1A ) attached to the second housing, the flexible region of the flexible display may extend from the first region of the flexible display to the second region of the flexible display, the electronic device may include a first pulling structure (e.g., the first pulling structure  280 - 1  in  FIG. 8 ) and a second pulling structure (e.g., the second pulling structure  280 - 2  in  FIG. 8 ) disposed with the connection structure therebetween, the first pulling structure may include a first part (e.g., the first member  910 - 1  in  FIG. 10 ) coupled to the first housing, and a first elastic member comprising an elastic material (e.g., the first elastic member  940 - 1  in  FIG. 10 ) configured to provide an elastic force to the first part, the second pulling structure may include a second part (e.g., the first member  910 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) coupled to the second housing, and a second elastic member comprising an elastic material (e.g., the second elastic member  940 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) configured to provide an elastic force to the second part, the first part may provide a force in a second direction from the connection structure toward the first part to the first region of the flexible display through the first housing, and the second part may provide a force in a third direction from the connection structure toward the second part to the second region of the flexible display through the second housing. 
     In an example embodiment, the first pulling structure may include a first rod (e.g., the rod  914 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) extending from the first part toward the connection structure, and a first cover (e.g., the first cover  922 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) having a first hole (e.g., the hole  923 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) provided therein, wherein the first rod is movable in the first hole, and the second pulling structure includes a second rod (e.g., the rod  914 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) extending from the second part toward the connection structure, and a second cover (e.g., the first cover  922 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) having a second hole (e.g., the hole  923 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) provided therein, wherein the second rod is movable in the second hole. 
     In an example embodiment, the first pulling structure may include a third part (e.g., the third member  930 - 1  in  FIG. 10 ) pivotably coupled to the connection structure, wherein the first part and the first cover are accommodated in a hole (e.g., the hole  931 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) provided in the third part, the second pulling structure may include a fourth part (e.g., the third member  930 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) pivotably coupled to the connection structure, wherein the second part and the second cover are accommodated in a hole (e.g., the hole  931 - 2  in  FIG. 9 ) provided in the fourth member, the first cover may be fixedly coupled to the third part, the first part may move in the hole defined in the third part based on the elastic force provided by the first elastic member, the second cover may be fixedly coupled to the fourth part, and the second part may move in the hole provide in the fourth part based on the elastic force provided by the second elastic member. 
       FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating an example electronic device  1201  in a network environment  1200  according to various embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 12 , the electronic device  1201  in the network environment  1200  may communicate with an electronic device  1202  via a first network  1298  (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device  1204  or a server  1208  via a second network  1299  (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device  1201  may communicate with the electronic device  1204  via the server  1208 . According to an embodiment, the electronic device  1201  may include a processor  1220 , memory  1230 , an input module  1250 , a sound output module  1255 , a display module  1260 , an audio module  1270 , a sensor module  1276 , an interface  1277 , a connecting terminal  1278 , a haptic module  1279 , a camera module  1280 , a power management module  1288 , a battery  1289 , a communication module  1290 , a subscriber identification module (SIM)  1296 , or an antenna module  1297 . In various embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal  1278 ) may be omitted from the electronic device  1201 , or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device  1201 . In various embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module  1276 , the camera module  1280 , or the antenna module  1297 ) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module  1260 ). 
     The processor  1220  may execute, for example, software (e.g., a program  1240 ) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device  1201  coupled with the processor  1220 , and may perform various data processing or computation. According to an embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or computation, the processor  1220  may store a command or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module  1276  or the communication module  1290 ) in volatile memory  1232 , process the command or the data stored in the volatile memory  1232 , and store resulting data in non-volatile memory  1234 . According to an embodiment, the processor  1220  may include a main processor  1221  (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor  1223  (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor (CP)) that is operable independently from, or in conjunction with, the main processor  1221 . For example, when the electronic device  1201  includes the main processor  1221  and the auxiliary processor  1223 , the auxiliary processor  1223  may be adapted to consume less power than the main processor  1221 , or to be specific to a specified function. The auxiliary processor  1223  may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the main processor  1221 . 
     The auxiliary processor  1223  may control at least some of functions or states related to at least one component (e.g., the display module  1260 , the sensor module  1276 , or the communication module  1290 ) among the components of the electronic device  1201 , instead of the main processor  1221  while the main processor  1221  is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor  1221  while the main processor  1221  is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor  1223  (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module  1280  or the communication module  1290 ) functionally related to the auxiliary processor  1223 . According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor  1223  (e.g., the neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure specified for artificial intelligence model processing. An artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, e.g., by the electronic device  1201  where the artificial intelligence is performed or via a separate server (e.g., the server  1208 ). Learning algorithms may include, but are not limited to, e.g., supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be 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-network or a combination of two or more thereof but is not limited thereto. The artificial intelligence model may, additionally or alternatively, include a software structure other than the hardware structure. 
     The memory  1230  may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor  1220  or the sensor module  1276 ) of the electronic device  1201 . The various data may include, for example, software (e.g., the program  1240 ) and input data or output data for a command related thereto. The memory  1230  may include the volatile memory  1232  or the non-volatile memory  1234 . 
     The program  1240  may be stored in the memory  1230  as software, and may include, for example, an operating system (OS)  1242 , middleware  1244 , or an application  1246 . 
     The input module  1250  may receive a command or data to be used by another component (e.g., the processor  1220 ) of the electronic device  1201 , from the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device  1201 . The input module  1250  may 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 sound output module  1255  may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device  1201 . The sound output module  1255  may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as playing multimedia or playing record. The receiver may be used for receiving incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented as separate from, or as part of the speaker. 
     The display module  1260  may visually provide information to the outside (e.g., a user) of the electronic device  1201 . The display module  1260  may include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector and control circuitry to control a corresponding one of the display, hologram device, and projector. According to an embodiment, the display module  1260  may include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of force incurred by the touch. 
     The audio module  1270  may convert a sound into an electrical signal and vice versa. According to an embodiment, the audio module  1270  may obtain the sound via the input module  1250 , or output the sound via the sound output module  1255  or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device  1202 ) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device  1201 . 
     The sensor module  1276  may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device  1201  or an environmental state (e.g., a state of a user) external to the electronic device  1201 , and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module  1276  may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor. 
     The interface  1277  may support one or more specified protocols to be used for the electronic device  1201  to be coupled with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  1202 ) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly. According to an embodiment, the interface  1277  may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface. 
     A connecting terminal  1278  may include a connector via which the electronic device  1201  may be physically connected with the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  1202 ). According to an embodiment, the connecting terminal  1278  may include, for example, a HDMI connector, a USB connector, a SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector). 
     The haptic module  1279  may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., a vibration or a movement) or electrical stimulus which may be recognized by a user via his tactile sensation or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, the haptic module  1279  may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulator. 
     The camera module  1280  may capture a still image or moving images. According to an embodiment, the camera module  1280  may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes. 
     The power management module  1288  may manage power supplied to the electronic device  1201 . According to an embodiment, the power management module  1288  may be implemented as at least part of, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). 
     The battery  1289  may supply power to at least one component of the electronic device  1201 . According to an embodiment, the battery  1289  may include, for example, a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. 
     The communication module  1290  may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device  1201  and the external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  1202 , the electronic device  1204 , or the server  1208 ) and performing communication via the established communication channel. The communication module  1290  may include one or more communication processors that are operable independently from the processor  1220  (e.g., the application processor (AP)) and supports a direct (e.g., wired) communication or a wireless communication. According to an embodiment, the communication module  1290  may include a wireless communication module  1292  (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  1294  (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). A corresponding one of these communication modules may communicate with the external electronic device via the first network  1298  (e.g., a short-range communication network, such as Bluetooth™, wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or the second network  1299  (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., LAN or wide area network (WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip), or may be implemented as multi components (e.g., multi chips) separate from each other. The wireless communication module  1292  may identify and authenticate the electronic device  1201  in a communication network, such as the first network  1298  or the second network  1299 , using subscriber information (e.g., international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module  1296 . 
     The wireless communication module  1292  may support a 5G network, after a 4G network, and next-generation communication technology, e.g., new radio (NR) access technology. The NR access technology may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module  1292  may support a high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band) to achieve, e.g., a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module  1292  may support various technologies for securing performance on a high-frequency band, such as, e.g., beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (massive MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module  1292  may support various requirements specified in the electronic device  1201 , an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device  1204 ), or a network system (e.g., the second network  1299 ). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module  1292  may support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 1264 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for each of downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or a round trip of 12 ms or less) for implementing URLLC. 
     The antenna module  1297  may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device) of the electronic device  1201 . According to an embodiment, the antenna module  1297  may include an antenna including a radiating element including a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module  1297  may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas). In such a case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in the communication network, such as the first network  1298  or the second network  1299 , may be selected, for example, by the communication module  1290  (e.g., the wireless communication module  1292 ) from the plurality of antennas. The signal or the power may then be transmitted or received between the communication module  1290  and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module  1297 . 
     According to various embodiments, the antenna module  1297  may form a mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, a RFIC disposed on a first surface (e.g., the bottom surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the first surface and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., the mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on a second surface (e.g., the top or a side surface) of the printed circuit board, or adjacent to the second surface and capable of transmitting or receiving signals of the designated high-frequency band. 
     At least some of the above-described components may be coupled mutually and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) therebetween via an inter-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, general purpose input and output (GPIO), serial peripheral interface (SPI), or mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)). 
     According to an embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device  1201  and the external electronic device  1204  via the server  1208  coupled with the second network  1299 . Each of the electronic devices  1202  or  1204  may be a device of a same type as, or a different type, from the electronic device  1201 . According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device  1201  may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices  1202 ,  1204 , or  1208 . For example, if the electronic device  1201  should perform a function or a service automatically, or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device  1201 , instead of, or in addition to, executing the function or the service, may request the one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or the service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform the at least part of the function or the service requested, or an additional function or an additional service related to the request, and transfer an outcome of the performing to the electronic device  1201 . The electronic device  1201  may provide the outcome, with or without further processing of the outcome, as at least part of a reply to the request. To that end, a cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device  1201  may provide ultra low-latency services using, e.g., distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In an embodiment, the external electronic device  1204  may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device. The server  1208  may be an intelligent server using machine learning and/or a neural network. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device  1204  or the server  1208  may be included in the second network  1299 . The electronic device  1201  may be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technology. 
     The electronic device according to various embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic devices may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, a home appliance, or the like. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the electronic devices are not limited to those described above. 
     It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar or related elements. It is to be understood that a singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the things, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, each of such phrases as “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,” may include any one of, or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together in a corresponding one of the phrases. As used herein, such terms as “1st” and “2nd,” or “first” and “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). It is to be understood that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “coupled with,” “coupled to,” “connected with,” or “connected to” another element (e.g., a second element), the element may be coupled with the other element directly (e.g., wiredly), wirelessly, or via a third element. 
     As used in connection with various embodiments of the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, or any combination thereof, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). 
     According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separately disposed in different components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, according to various embodiments, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by a corresponding one of the plurality of components before the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added. 
     While the disclosure has been illustrated and described with reference to various example embodiments, it will be understood that the various example embodiments are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. It will be further understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and full scope of the disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents. It will also be understood that any of the embodiment(s) described herein may be used in conjunction with any other embodiment(s) described herein.