Patent Description:
As the processing performance of electronic devices such as smart phones increases greatly, large-area displays are preferred in order to effectively provide various functions. Concurrently with this, there is still a demand for miniaturization of the electronic devices for the sake of portability improvement, too. To satisfy this demand, foldable electronic devices are being released. The foldable electronic devices that may be folded or unfolded centering on a connecting part may provide portability and usability to users.

On the other hand, with the development of mobile communication technologies, electronic devices including antennas are being supplied widely. By using the antenna, the electronic device may transmit and/or receive a radio frequency (RF) signal including a voice signal or data (e.g., a message, a photo, a video, a music file, or a game).

Also, to satisfy consumers' purchasing desires, efforts are being made to increase the rigidity of the electronic device, strengthen a design aspect, and at the same time, achieve slimming. As part of such efforts, the electronic device feeds to at least a part of a housing of the electronic device and utilizes it as at least one antenna device for communication of the electronic device.

<CIT> relates to a foldable display device comprising: a display panel including a folding region; and a cover unit disposed on the display panel, wherein at least a part of one surface is a curved surface. The thickness of the cover unit at a folding axis of the folding region is constant. Therefore, at least a part of the cover unit may be formed as the curved surface, thereby reducing cracks of the cover unit due to an external impact.

<CIT> relates to an antenna structure and an electronic device including the same. The electronic device comprises: a housing including a first plate, a second plate, and a lateral member; a communication module; and an antenna structure electrically connected to the communication module.

A foldable electronic device using at least a part of a frame or housing as an antenna radiator in an electronic device of an embodiment may include a metal layer for securing the rigidity of a flexible display and protecting a display structure. However, as the metal layer occupies <NUM>% or more of the display structure, a weight of the electronic device may be reduced by changing a material of the metal layer into a lightweight material.

However, when the metal layer is formed of this lightweight material, the corresponding lightweight material may have a high permittivity. As a layer formed of a material having a high permittivity forms the outermost edge of the display structure, the radiation performance of an antenna adjacent to this layer may be deteriorated.

An electronic device of various embodiments of the disclosure includes a housing including a first housing forming a first side surface of the electronic device, a second housing forming a second side surface corresponding to the first side surface, and a hinge connecting the first housing and the second housing, and being switchable to a folded or unfolded state about the hinge, a wireless communication circuit disposed inside the housing and transmitting and/or receiving a signal of a specified frequency by feeding to at least a part of the housing, and a display structure coupled to the housing. The display structure of an embodiment includes a cover glass coupled to the housing and forming at least a part of a front surface of the electronic device, a display panel disposed adjacent to one surface of the cover glass, a first layer including a dielectric material and disposed under the display panel, and having a first edge spaced apart from the first side surface by a first distance, and a second layer disposed under the first layer, wherein a second edge of the second layer corresponding to the first edge of the first layer is spaced apart from the first side surface by a second distance less than the first distance. An edge of the display panel corresponding to the first edge of the first layer is spaced apart from the first side surface by a third distance greater than the second distance and smaller than the first distance. The first edge of the first layer, the second edge of the second layer, and the edge of the display panel are formed in a region corresponding to a region which operates as an antenna radiator by being fed from the wireless communication circuit among the housing.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, the deterioration of antenna performance due to the application of a lightweight material to a metal layer may be improved.

Also, according to various embodiments, the damage or deformation of a display structure capable of occurring as a metal layer employs a lightweight material and a structure thereof is changed may be reduced.

Besides this, various effects directly or indirectly understood through the document may be provided.

In relation to a description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar constituent elements.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the disclosure to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that various modifications, equivalents, and/or alternatives of an embodiment of the disclosure are included.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> in the network environment <NUM> may communicate with an electronic device <NUM> via a first network <NUM> (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or at least one of an electronic device <NUM> or a server <NUM> via a second network <NUM> (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input module <NUM>, a sound output module <NUM>, a display module <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a connecting terminal <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module(SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., the connecting terminal <NUM>) may be omitted from the electronic device <NUM>, or one or more other components may be added in the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, some of the components (e.g., the sensor module <NUM>, the camera module <NUM>, or the antenna module <NUM>) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., the display module <NUM>).

In an embodiment, the external electronic device <NUM> may include an internet-of-things (IoT) device.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device of an unfolded state according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an electronic device of a folded state according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, in an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a foldable housing <NUM> (hereinafter, abbreviated as "housing" <NUM>) and a flexible or foldable display <NUM> (hereinafter, abbreviated as "display" <NUM>) which is disposed in a space formed by the housing <NUM>. In the disclosure, a surface on which the display <NUM> is disposed may be referred to as a first surface, or a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. And, a surface opposite to the front surface may be referred to as a second surface, or a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. Also, a surface surrounding a space between the front surface and the rear surface may be referred to as a third surface, or a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular shape in the unfolded state of <FIG>. For example, the housing <NUM> may have a specified width (W1) and a specified length (L1) longer than the specified width (W1). For another example, the housing <NUM> may have a specified width (W1) and a specified length (L1) that is substantially equal to or shorter than the specified width (W1). For example, the specified width (W1) may be a width of the display <NUM>. In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> can be folded or unfolded with a criterion of a folding axis (A) which is substantially in parallel to a long edge of the rectangle (e.g., an edge going in a y-axis direction among edges of the housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>).

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, and a connecting part <NUM>. The connecting part <NUM> may be disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The connecting part <NUM> may be coupled to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, and the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> may be rotated centering on the connecting part <NUM> (or the folding axis (A)).

In an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> may include a first side member <NUM> and a first rear cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may include a second side member <NUM> and a second rear cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> may extend along an edge of the first housing <NUM>, and may form at least one portion of a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The first side member <NUM> may include at least one conductive portion formed of a conductive material (e.g., a metal). The conductive portion may operate as an antenna radiator for transmitting and/or receiving an RF signal. Similarly to the first side member <NUM>, the second side member <NUM> may form one portion of a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and at least one portion of the second side member <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material and operate as an antenna radiator.

In an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be disposed at both sides centering on the folding axis (A), and may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (A).

In an embodiment, an angle or distance between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be varied depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

In an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may form a recess for receiving the display <NUM>. The recess may correspond to a shape of the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a sensor region <NUM> may be formed to have a predetermined (e.g., specified) region in adjacent to one corner of the second housing <NUM>. However, the arrangement, shape, and size of the sensor region <NUM> are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor region <NUM> may be presented to another corner of the housing <NUM> or any region between upper and lower corners. For another example, the sensor region <NUM> may be omitted too. For example, components disposed in the sensor region <NUM> may be disposed under the display <NUM> or be disposed in other locations of the housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, components for performing various functions embedded in the electronic device <NUM> may be exposed to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, through the sensor region <NUM>, or through one or more openings prepared in the sensor region <NUM>. In various embodiments, the components may include various types of sensors. The sensor may include, for example, at least one of a front camera, a receiver, and a proximity sensor.

In an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be disposed in the first housing <NUM> on a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The first rear cover <NUM> may have a substantially rectangular edge. Similarly to the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed in the second housing <NUM> on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may have a substantially symmetrical shape centering on the folding axis (A). However, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> do not necessarily have a mutually symmetrical shape, and in an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include the first rear cover <NUM> and/or the second rear cover <NUM> having various shapes. In an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be formed integrally with the first side member <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed integrally with the second side member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, the first side member <NUM>, and the second side member <NUM> may form a space in which various components (e.g., a printed circuit board or a battery) of the electronic device <NUM> may be disposed.

In an embodiment, one or more components may be disposed or be visually exposed on the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, at least a part of a sub-display <NUM> may be visually exposed through at least one region of the first rear cover <NUM>. For example, the sub-display <NUM> may be visually exposed through the entire region of the first rear cover <NUM>, but a region where the sub-display <NUM> is exposed is not limited to the above-described example. For another example, a rear camera <NUM> may be visually exposed through at least one region of the second rear cover <NUM>. For further example, the rear camera <NUM> may be disposed in one region of the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> is not limited to a form and coupling illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and may be implemented by a combination and/or coupling of other shapes or parts.

Referring to <FIG>, the connecting part <NUM> may be implemented wherein the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are mutually rotatable. For example, the connecting part <NUM> may include a hinge structure coupled to the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. In an embodiment, the connecting part <NUM> may be disposed between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>, and include a hinge cover <NUM> for covering an internal component (e.g., the hinge structure). In an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by a part of the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>, or be exposed to the outside, according to a state (i.e., a flat state or a folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, a size of a region of the hinge cover <NUM> exposed to the outside may be changed according to the state (i.e., the flat state or the folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a flat state (e.g., fully unfolded state), at least a part of the hinge cover <NUM> may not exposed because being covered with the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state, the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed externally between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>. For example, when the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> are in an intermediate state of being folded at a certain angle, a part of the hinge cover <NUM> may be partially exposed externally between the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>. However, in this case, an exposed area of the hinge cover <NUM> may be smaller than a fully folded state of <FIG>.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may be disposed in a space formed by the housing <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may be seated in a recess formed by the housing <NUM>, and may form most of a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the display <NUM>, and a partial region of the first side member <NUM> and a partial region of the second side member <NUM> which are adjacent to the display <NUM>. For another example, a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> may include the first rear cover <NUM>, a partial region of the first side member <NUM> adjacent to the first rear cover <NUM>, the second rear cover <NUM>, and a partial region of the second side member <NUM> adjacent to the second rear cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a flexible display of which at least a partial region can be deformed into a flat surface or a curved surface. In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a folding region <NUM>, a first region <NUM>, and a second region <NUM>. The folding region <NUM> may extend along the folding axis (A), and the first region <NUM> may be disposed at one side (e.g., a left side of the folding region <NUM> shown in <FIG>) with respect to the folding region <NUM>, and the second region <NUM> may be disposed at the other side (e.g., a right side of the folding region <NUM> shown in <FIG>). For another example, the first region <NUM> may be a region disposed in the first housing <NUM>, and the second region <NUM> may be a region disposed in the second housing <NUM>. The folding region <NUM> may be a region disposed in the connecting part <NUM>.

The division of the regions of the display <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is merely a non-limiting example, and the display <NUM> may be divided into a plurality (e.g., four or more or two) regions according to a structure or function. For example, in an embodiment shown in <FIG>, the regions of the display <NUM> may be divided by the folding region <NUM> or the folding axis (A), but in another embodiment, the regions of the display <NUM> may be divided with a criterion of another folding region or another folding axis, too.

In an embodiment, the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> may have the entirely symmetrical shape centering on the folding region <NUM>. However, unlike the first region <NUM>, the second region <NUM> may include a notch which is cut according to the existence of the sensor region <NUM> but other regions may have a shape symmetric to that of the first region <NUM>. For example, the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM> may include a portion having a mutually symmetric shape and a portion having a mutually asymmetric shape.

Hereinafter, operations of the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> dependent on the state (e.g., the flat state and the folded state) of the electronic device <NUM>, and each region of the display <NUM>, will be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state (e.g., <FIG>), the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be arranged to form an angle of about <NUM> degrees and face the substantially same direction. A surface of the first region <NUM> of the display <NUM> and a surface of the second region <NUM> may form about <NUM> degrees with each other and may face the substantially same direction (e.g., a front direction of the electronic device). For example, the folding region <NUM> may form the same plane as the first region <NUM> and the second region <NUM>.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state (e.g., <FIG>), the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. The surface of the first region <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the surface of the second region <NUM> may form a narrow angle (e.g., between <NUM> degree and <NUM> degrees) while facing each other. At least a part of the folding region <NUM> may be formed of a curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

In an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an intermediate state, the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM> may be disposed mutually at a certain angle. The surface of the first region <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the surface of the second region <NUM> may form an angle which is greater than that in the folded state and is smaller than that of the unfolded state. At least a part of the folding region <NUM> may be formed of a curved surface having a certain curvature, and the curvature at this time may be smaller than that in the folded state.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a display taken along axis B of <FIG> according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> (or a display structure) of an embodiment may include a plurality of layers. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a cover glass <NUM>, a display panel <NUM> disposed adjacent to one surface of the cover glass <NUM>, a first layer <NUM> disposed under the display panel <NUM>, and a second layer <NUM> disposed under the first layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment (not shown), some (e.g., a thermoplastic member <NUM>) of the above-described constructions may be omitted, and other constructions may be added.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include an adhesive (e.g., a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)) for bonding the plurality of layers described above. According to an embodiment, the adhesive may include an optically clear adhesive (OCA), a heat-responsive adhesive, or a double-sided tape besides the PSA, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the cover glass <NUM> may include a film layer <NUM> and a transparent plate <NUM> (e.g., an ultra-thin glass (UTG)) which are at least partially exposed through a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The film layer <NUM> and the transparent plate <NUM> of an embodiment may be coupled by an adhesive. According to an embodiment, the film layer <NUM> and the transparent plate <NUM> may have ductility and may be folded or bent. For example, the film layer <NUM> may be referred to as a polarization film, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the display panel <NUM> may include a panel <NUM>, a plastic film <NUM> disposed beneath the panel <NUM>, and a cover panel <NUM> disposed beneath the plastic film <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plastic film <NUM> may include an adhesive (e.g., PSA) and attach the panel <NUM> and the cover panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plastic film <NUM> may be referred to as a polarization film.

According to an embodiment, the panel <NUM> may be implemented as a touch panel having electrodes for receiving a touch input, a fingerprint recognition, or a pen input. According to an embodiment, the panel <NUM> may include, for example, and without limitation, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a quantum dot light-emitting diode (QLED) panel. For example, the display panel <NUM> may include a plurality of pixels for displaying an image, and one pixel may include a plurality of sub-pixels. For example, one pixel may include three colors of red sub-pixel, green sub-pixel, and blue sub-pixel. For another example, one pixel may be formed in an RGBG pentile scheme including one red sub-pixel, two green sub-pixels, and one blue sub-pixel.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include the first layer <NUM> disposed under the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, an adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the first layer <NUM>, whereby the first layer <NUM> may be attached under the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the adhesive layer <NUM> may be disposed wherein a shape of the adhesive layer <NUM> corresponds to a shape of the first layer <NUM>, or an edge of the adhesive layer <NUM> corresponds to an edge of the first layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, since the first layer <NUM> has rigidity, the flexible display <NUM> may secure rigidity. According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may be formed of a lightweight material for the sake of the lightweight of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> includes a dielectric material having a permittivity which is greater than or is equal to a specified value. For example, the first layer <NUM> may be formed of a carbon reinforced fiber plastic (CRFP) having a permittivity of about <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may include a lattice pattern <NUM> in at least a partial region. For example, the first layer <NUM> may include the lattice pattern <NUM> in a region adjacent to a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, since the first layer <NUM> includes the lattice pattern <NUM> in the region adjacent to the folding axis, when the electronic device <NUM> is switched to a folded state (e.g., <FIG>) or an unfolded state (e.g., <FIG>), the first layer <NUM> and a plurality of layers attached to the first layer <NUM> may also be folded or unfolded according to each state.

According to an embodiment, an edge of the first layer <NUM> may be formed inwardly compared to an edge of the display panel <NUM> or the second layer <NUM>, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. A more detailed description thereof will be made later.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may further include a thermoplastic member <NUM> (e.g., a thermoplastic poly urethane (TPU)) disposed beneath the first layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, since the display <NUM> includes the thermoplastic member <NUM>, damage to the display panel <NUM>, the first layer <NUM>, and/or the second layer <NUM> may be prevented and/or reduced. For example, since the display <NUM> includes the thermoplastic member <NUM>, bubbles provided between the plurality of layers disposed in the display <NUM> may be prevented and/or reduced. Also, since the display <NUM> includes the thermoplastic member <NUM>, foreign substances may be prevented and/or reduced from being introduced between the plurality of layers disposed in the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> includes the second layer <NUM> disposed under the first layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second layer <NUM> may include at least one of a digitizer <NUM> and a metal plate <NUM>. For example, the second layer <NUM> may include the metal plate <NUM> disposed under the first layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the digitizer <NUM> and the metal plate <NUM> may be adhered by an adhesive. For example, the adhesive may be attached to the bottom of the digitizer <NUM>, and the metal plate <NUM> may be attached to the bottom of the digitizer <NUM> by the adhesive.

According to an embodiment, the second layer <NUM> may be formed to be cut in a region corresponding to a folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, as the second layer <NUM> is formed to be cut in the region corresponding to the folding axis (e.g., the folding axis (A) of <FIG>), when the electronic device <NUM> is switched to the folded state (e.g., <FIG>) or the unfolded state (e.g., <FIG>), the second layer <NUM> may be folded or unfolded according to each state. According to another embodiment (not shown), the second layer <NUM> may have ductility and may be formed to cross the folding axis.

According to an embodiment, the digitizer <NUM> may refer to a device capable of obtaining an input for an x-position and/or a y-position, and may detect an input device of magnetic field type (e.g., an electronic pen). For example, at least one processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) may present a current to the digitizer <NUM>, and the digitizer <NUM> may provide an electromagnetic field. When the electronic pen approaches the electromagnetic field of the digitizer <NUM>, electromagnetic induction may occur and a resonance circuit of the electronic pen may provide a current. The resonance circuit of the electronic pen may form a magnetic field by using the provided current. At least one processor may detect a position by scanning a strength of the magnetic field applied from the electronic pen to the digitizer <NUM> over the entire region. At least one processor may perform an operation that is based on the detected position.

According to an embodiment, the metal plate <NUM> may be referred to as a shielding layer. According to an embodiment, the metal plate <NUM> may be formed by coating a lower portion of the digitizer <NUM> with a magnetic metal powder (MMP). The metal plate <NUM> of an embodiment may reduce a noise by shielding a magnetic force caused by peripheral electronic components besides a signal inputted from the electronic pen.

<FIG> illustrates a first edge of a first layer reduced as much as a predetermined distance from a side surface of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> of an embodiment includes a first layer (e.g., the first layer <NUM> of <FIG>) having first edges 401A and 401B formed inside an edge of the housing <NUM>, and a wireless communication circuit <NUM> disposed within the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first edge of the first layer may be formed to be inwardly spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., about <NUM>) apart from a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may be electrically connected to at least a part of the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may feed to at least a partial region of the housing <NUM>, thereby transmitting and/or receiving a signal of a specified frequency band. For example, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> may feed to a partial region of the first housing <NUM>, thereby transmitting and/or receiving a signal of a frequency band of about <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may include the first edges 401A and 401B formed inside from the side surface of the electronic device formed by the housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may include the <NUM>-1st edge 401A inwardly spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., <NUM>) apart from a side surface formed by the first housing <NUM> (or the first side member <NUM> of <FIG>). The first layer <NUM> may include the <NUM>-2nd edge 401B inwardly spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., <NUM>) from the side surface formed by the second housing <NUM> (or the second side member <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the <NUM>-1st edge 401A and the <NUM>-2nd edge 401B may be formed to correspond to an edge of the electronic device <NUM> formed by the housing <NUM>. A detailed description thereof will be made later.

According to an embodiment, the <NUM>-1st edge 401A and the <NUM>-2nd edge 401B may be each formed to be spaced a specified distance (d) (e.g., <NUM>) or more apart from the folding axis (A).

According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may include a lattice pattern <NUM> in at least a partial region. According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may include the lattice pattern <NUM> in at least a partial region adjacent to the folding axis (A).

According to an embodiment, the lattice pattern <NUM> may include a plurality of bars. According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may be folded or unfolded with a criterion of the folding axis (A) as the lattice pattern <NUM> including the plurality of bars is included in the at least partial region.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include an align mark <NUM> extending from a second layer (e.g., the second layer <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the align mark <NUM> extending from the second layer may be formed in a corresponding position with a criterion of the folding axis (A).

According to an embodiment, the <NUM>-2nd edge 401B of the first layer <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to an edge of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the <NUM>-2nd edge 401B of the first layer <NUM> may be formed to be inwardly spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., about <NUM>) or more apart from the edge of the display <NUM>. The <NUM>-2nd edge 401B of the first layer <NUM> may be formed to be inwardly spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., about <NUM>) or more apart from the outermost edge of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a display structure taken along axis C of <FIG> according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates the display structure of <FIG> including a wireless communication circuit according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, the display <NUM> of an embodiment may include a plurality of layers, and the plurality of layers may be disposed to be each spaced a predetermined distance apart from a first side surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the side surface of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> includes the cover glass <NUM> forming at least a part of a front surface of the electronic device, the display panel <NUM> disposed in adjacent to one surface of the cover glass <NUM>, the first layer <NUM> disposed beneath the display panel <NUM>, and the second layer <NUM> disposed beneath the first layer <NUM>. The same or substantially same construction as the above-described construction is denoted by the same reference numeral, and a duplicate description is may not be repeated.

According to an embodiment, the first side surface <NUM> may be referred to as a side surface of the electronic device formed by the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> includes a first edge <NUM> (e.g., the first edges 401A and 401B of <FIG>) that is spaced a first distance (D1) apart from the first side surface <NUM>. For example, the first edge <NUM> of the first layer <NUM> may be spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., about <NUM>) apart from the first side surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, as the first edge <NUM> is spaced the first distance (D1) apart from the first side surface <NUM>, the first edge <NUM> may be spaced a predetermined distance or more apart from at least a part of the first housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second layer <NUM> includes a second edge <NUM> that is spaced apart from the first side surface <NUM> by a second distance (D2) that is smaller than the first distance (D1). For example, the second edge <NUM> of the second layer <NUM> may be spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., about <NUM>) apart from the first side surface <NUM>, but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, the display panel <NUM> may include an edge <NUM> that is spaced apart from the first side surface <NUM> by a third distance (D3) that is smaller than the first distance (D1) and is larger than the second distance (D2). For example, the edge <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> may be spaced about <NUM> apart from the first side <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. According to an embodiment, an edge of the cover panel <NUM> may be formed to be spaced apart from the first side surface <NUM> by a distance greater than the third distance (D3), but is not limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, at least a part of the first edge <NUM> of the first layer <NUM> may be formed at an inner side of the edge <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a part of the second edge <NUM> of the second layer <NUM> may be formed at an outer side of the edge <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second edge <NUM> of the second layer <NUM> may form the outermost edge of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> of the first layer <NUM> may form the innermost edge of the display <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the wireless communication circuit <NUM> of an embodiment may feed to one point <NUM> among the first housing <NUM>, thereby transmitting and/or receiving a signal of a specified frequency band.

According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> of the first layer <NUM> may be formed in a region corresponding to a region fed from the wireless communication circuit <NUM> among the first housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> of the first layer <NUM> may be formed to be spaced a first distance (D1) apart from the region fed from the wireless communication circuit <NUM> among the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed to be spaced a predetermined distance (e.g., <NUM>) or more apart from the region fed from the wireless communication circuit <NUM> among the first housing <NUM>, thereby improving the radiation performance of a signal transmitted and/or received through the first housing <NUM>. For example, the first edge <NUM> of the first layer <NUM> having a permittivity of <NUM> or more may be formed to be spaced about <NUM> or more apart from the region fed from the wireless communication circuit <NUM> among the first housing <NUM>, thereby improving the degradation of the radiation performance of a signal transmitted and/or received through the first housing <NUM>.

According to another embodiment (not shown), the first housing <NUM> and the first side surface <NUM> of <FIG> may be referred to as the second housing <NUM> corresponding to the first housing <NUM> and the second side surface formed by the second housing <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a display structure taken along axis C of <FIG> according to another embodiment.

Referring to <FIG>, the display <NUM> of an embodiment includes the cover glass <NUM> forming at least a part of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, the display panel <NUM> disposed adjacent to one surface of the cover glass <NUM>, the first layer <NUM> disposed beneath the display panel <NUM>, and the second layer <NUM> disposed beneath the first layer <NUM>. The same or substantially same construction as the above-described construction is denoted by the same reference numeral, and a duplicate description is omitted.

According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include a dielectric layer <NUM> extending from the first edge <NUM> of the first layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display <NUM> may include the dielectric layer <NUM> including an edge <NUM> which is extended from the first edge <NUM> of the first layer <NUM> and is spaced a first distance (D1) apart from the first side surface <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the dielectric layer <NUM> may include a dielectric material having a permittivity less than or equal to a specified value. According to an embodiment, the dielectric layer <NUM> may be formed of a dielectric material having a permittivity of about <NUM> or less, but is not limited thereto. For example, the dielectric layer <NUM> may include a resin having a permittivity of about <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at least a part of the edge <NUM> of the dielectric layer <NUM> may be spaced the first distance (D1) apart from the first side surface <NUM>. According to another embodiment (not shown), at least a part of the edge <NUM> of the dielectric layer <NUM> may be formed to be spaced apart from the first side surface <NUM> by a distance (e.g., the third distance (D3)) smaller than the first distance (D1).

According to an embodiment, the edge <NUM> of the dielectric layer <NUM> may be formed at an inner side of the edge <NUM> of the display panel <NUM>. According to another embodiment (not shown), the edge <NUM> of the dielectric layer <NUM> may be formed at an outer side of the edge <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> and at an inner side of the second edge <NUM> of the second layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second edge <NUM> of the second layer <NUM> may form the outermost edge of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the edge <NUM> of the dielectric layer <NUM> may form the innermost edge of the display <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a first edge of a first layer formed in a region corresponding to at least a partial region of a housing according to an embodiment. <FIG> illustrates a display structure when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a front surface of the electronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG> together, the first layer (e.g., the first layer <NUM> of <FIG>) of an embodiment may include the first edge <NUM> formed in a region corresponding to at least a partial region of an edge of the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first housing <NUM> of an embodiment may include a first portion 201A, a second portion 201B extending substantially vertically from the first portion 201A, and a third portion 201C extending substantially vertically from the second portion 201B and being substantially in parallel to the first portion 201A.

According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may include a fourth portion 202A, a fifth portion 202B extending substantially vertically from the fourth portion 202A, and a sixth portion 202C extending substantially vertically from the fifth portion 202B and being substantially in parallel to the fourth portion 202A.

According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed in a region corresponding to at least a partial region of the first portion 201A and/or third portion 201C of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed, from a first point <NUM> spaced a predetermined distance (d) apart from the folding axis (A) on the first portion 201A of the first housing <NUM>, to a second point <NUM> on the first portion 201A. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed, from a third point <NUM> spaced a predetermined distance (d) apart from the folding axis (A) on the third portion 201c of the first housing <NUM>, to a fourth point <NUM> on the third portion 201C.

According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed in a region corresponding to at least a partial region of the second portion 201B. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed to be spaced a specified distance (D1) (e.g., about <NUM>) apart from the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, in a region (A1) corresponding to a region excluding a corner where the first portion 201A and the second portion 201B of the first housing <NUM> meet and a corner where the second portion 201B and the third portion 201C meet.

According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed in a region corresponding to a partial region of the fourth portion 202A and/or the sixth portion 202C of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed, from a fifth point <NUM> spaced a predetermined distance (d) apart from the folding axis (A) on the fourth portion 202A of the second housing <NUM>, to a sixth point <NUM> on the fourth portion 202A. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed, from a seventh point <NUM> spaced a predetermined distance (d) apart from the folding axis (A) on the sixth portion 202C of the second housing <NUM>, to an eighth point <NUM> on the sixth portion 202C. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed in a region corresponding to at least a partial region of a fifth portion 202B. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed to be spaced a specified distance apart from the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, in a region (A2) corresponding to a region excluding a corner where the fourth portion 202A and the fifth portion 202B of the second housing <NUM> meet and a corner where the fifth portion 202B and the sixth portion 202C meet.

According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed in a region corresponding to a region fed by a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) among the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> may be formed to be spaced the specified distance (D1) (e.g., <NUM>) apart from the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>, in the region corresponding to the region fed by the wireless communication circuit among the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, according to an embodiment, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, the second edge <NUM> of the second layer <NUM> and the edge <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> may be disposed between the first edge <NUM> of the first layer <NUM> and the side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM> of the first layer <NUM>, the second edge <NUM> of the second layer <NUM>, and the edge <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to an edge of the display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may include the lattice pattern <NUM> in at least a partial region. According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may include the lattice pattern <NUM> in a partial region adjacent to the folding axis (A). According to an embodiment, the first layer <NUM> may include the lattice pattern <NUM> in the partial region adjacent to the folding axis (A), whereby the display <NUM> may be folded or unfolded as the electronic device <NUM> is switched to a folded state (e.g., <FIG>) or an unfolded state (e.g., <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, at least a part of the first layer <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> and may be formed to cross the folding axis (A). According to an embodiment, the second layer <NUM> may be formed to be segmented with a criterion of the folding axis (A). According to another embodiment (not shown), at least a part of the second layer <NUM> may be formed to cross the folding axis (A), but is not limited thereto.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) of an embodiment includes a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) including a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>) forming a first side surface of the electronic device, a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>) forming a second side surface corresponding to the first side surface, and a hinge (e.g., the connecting part <NUM> of <FIG>) connecting the first housing and the second housing, and being switchable to a folded (e.g., <FIG>) or unfolded state (e.g., <FIG>) about the hinge structure, a wireless communication circuit (e.g., the wireless communication circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed inside the housing and transmitting and/or receiving a signal of a specified frequency by feeding to at least a part of the housing, and a display structure (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) coupled to the housing. The display structure of an embodiment includes a cover glass (e.g., the cover glass <NUM> of <FIG>) coupled to the housing and forming at least a part of a front surface of the electronic device, a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed adjacent to one surface of the cover glass, a first layer (e.g., the first layer <NUM> of <FIG>) including a dielectric material and disposed under the display panel, and having a first edge (e.g., the first edge <NUM> of <FIG>) spaced apart from the first side surface by a first distance (e.g., D1), and a second layer (e.g., the second layer <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed under the first layer, wherein a second edge (e.g., the second edge <NUM> of <FIG>) of the second layer corresponding to the first edge of the first layer is spaced apart from the first side surface by a second distance (e.g., D2) less than the first distance. An edge (e.g., the edge <NUM> of the display panel of <FIG>) of the display panel corresponding to the first edge of the first layer may be spaced apart from the first side surface by a third distance (e.g., D3) greater than the second distance and smaller than the first distance.

According to an embodiment, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to a front surface of the electronic device, the second edge and the edge of the display panel may be disposed between the first edge and the first side surface.

According to an embodiment, the second layer may include at least one of a digitizer and a metal plate.

According to an embodiment, the first layer may include a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP).

According to an embodiment, the first layer may further include a dielectric layer extending from the first edge, and the dielectric layer may have a permittivity of about <NUM> or less.

According to an embodiment, the dielectric material may have a permittivity of about <NUM> or more.

According to an embodiment, the first edge of the first layer, the second edge of the second layer, and the edge of the display panel is formed in a region corresponding to a region which operates as an antenna radiator by being fed from the wireless communication circuit among the housing.

According to an embodiment, the first edge of the first layer, the second edge of the second layer, and the edge of the display panel may be formed in a region spaced a specified distance apart from the hinge.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include an adhesive layer disposed between the display panel and the first layer, and the adhesive layer may have an edge corresponding to the first edge of the first layer.

According to an embodiment, at least a part of the first layer may include a lattice pattern.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) of an embodiment includes a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) including a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> of <FIG>) forming a first side surface of the electronic device, a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> of <FIG>) forming a second side surface corresponding to the first side surface, and a hinge (e.g., the connecting part <NUM> of <FIG>) connecting the first housing and the second housing, and being switchable to a folded or unfolded state about the hinge structure, and a display structure (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) coupled to the housing. The display structure may include a cover glass (e.g., the cover glass <NUM> of <FIG>) coupled to the housing and forming at least a part of a front surface of the electronic device, a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed adjacent to one surface of the cover glass, a first layer (e.g., the first layer <NUM> of <FIG>) including a dielectric material and disposed under the display panel, wherein a first edge (e.g., the first edge <NUM> of <FIG>) of the first layer is spaced apart from the first side surface by a first distance (e.g., D1), and a second layer (e.g., the second layer <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed under the first layer, wherein a second edge (e.g., the second edge <NUM> of <FIG>) of the second layer corresponding to the first edge of the first layer is spaced apart from the first side surface by a second distance (e.g., D2) less than the first distance. An edge (e.g., the edge <NUM> of the display panel of <FIG>) of the display panel corresponding to the first edge of the first layer may be spaced apart from the first side surface by a third distance (e.g., D3) greater than the second distance and smaller than the first distance.

According to an embodiment, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front surface of the electronic device, a second edge of the second layer and an edge of the display may be formed between the first edge of the first layer and the first side surface.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to at least a part of the housing, and the wireless communication circuit may transmit and/or receive a signal of a specified frequency band by feeding to at least a part of the housing.

According to an embodiment, the first housing may include a first portion, a second portion extending vertically from the first portion, and a third portion extending vertically from the second portion and being in parallel to the first portion, and the first edge of the first layer, the second edge of the second layer, and the edge of the display panel may be formed in a region corresponding to one region spaced a specified distance apart from the hinge among the first portion.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further include an align mark extending from the second layer and formed in a region corresponding to the first portion.

A display structure (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) of an embodiment includes a cover glass (e.g., the cover glass <NUM> of <FIG>) forming a first outer surface of the display structure, a flexible display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed under the cover glass, a first layer (e.g., the first layer <NUM> of <FIG>) having a first edge (e.g., the first edge <NUM> of <FIG>) whose at least part is formed inside an edge (e.g., the edge <NUM> of the display panel of <FIG>) of the flexible display panel, and being disposed under the flexible display panel, and including a dielectric material, and a second layer (e.g., the second layer <NUM> of <FIG>) having a second edge (e.g., the second edge <NUM> of <FIG>) whose at least part is formed outside the edge of the flexible display panel, and being disposed under the first layer.

According to an embodiment, the first layer may further include a dielectric layer extending from the first edge, and the dielectric layer may have an edge corresponding to an edge of the flexible display panel.

According to an embodiment, the display structure may include an adhesive layer disposed between the flexible display panel and the first layer, and the adhesive layer may have an edge corresponding to the first edge of the first layer.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) comprising a first housing (<NUM>) forming a first side surface (<NUM>) of the electronic device (<NUM>), a second housing (<NUM>) forming a second side surface corresponding to the first side surface (<NUM>), and a hinge (<NUM>) connecting the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>), and being switchable to a folded or unfolded state about the hinge structure (<NUM>);
a wireless communication circuit (<NUM>) disposed inside the housing and transmitting and/or receiving a signal of a specified frequency by feeding to at least a part of the housing (<NUM>); and
a display structure (<NUM>) coupled to the housing (<NUM>),
wherein the display structure (<NUM>) comprises:
a cover glass (<NUM>) coupled to the housing (<NUM>) and forming at least a part of a front surface of the electronic device (<NUM>);
a display panel (<NUM>) disposed adjacent to one surface of the cover glass (<NUM>);
a first layer (<NUM>) comprising a dielectric material and disposed under the display panel (<NUM>), wherein a first edge (401A, 401B, <NUM>) of the first layer (<NUM>) is spaced apart from the first side surface (<NUM>) by a first distance; and
a second layer (<NUM>) disposed under the first layer (<NUM>), wherein a second edge (<NUM>) of the second layer (<NUM>) corresponding to the first edge of the first layer (<NUM>) is spaced apart from the first side surface (<NUM>) by a second distance less than the first distance, and
wherein an edge (<NUM>) of the display panel (<NUM>) corresponding to the first edge of the first layer (<NUM>) is spaced apart from the first side surface (<NUM>) by a third distance greater than the second distance and smaller than the first distance,
wherein the first edge (401A, 401B, <NUM>) of the first layer (<NUM>), the second edge (<NUM>) of the second layer (<NUM>), and the edge (<NUM>) of the display panel (<NUM>) are formed in a region corresponding to a region which operates as an antenna radiator by being fed from the wireless communication circuit (<NUM>) among the housing (<NUM>).