Patent Description:
Electronic devices are being gradually slimmed, and are being improved to increase the rigidity, to enhance the design aspect, and to differentiate functional elements thereof. These electronic devices are being transformed into various shapes, departing from a uniform rectangular shape. For example, the electronic devices may have a transformable structure that is convenient to carry and enables use of a large-screen display. As part of this transformation structure, the electronic devices include a foldable electronic device including a flexible display and at least two housings, which operate in a manner of being folded or unfolded relative to each other, and various improvement measures are being provided according to the application of flexible displays.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device having a panel constituting at least part of the display part and folded along the folding line, a bending part disposed adjacent to the long edge of the panel, a film part connected to the bending part and including a display circuit, an FPCB connected to the film part and connecting a processor and the display driving circuit , and a protection member disposed on the bending part and covering at least part of the bending part, wherein the protection member is adhered to one side of the bending part where the bending part and a bracket contacts.

A foldable electronic device may include a hinge device, and first and second housings movably connected to each other via the hinge device. This foldable electronic device may be operated in an in-folding and/or out-folding manner by rotating the first housing via the hinge device in a range of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees relative to the second housing. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display disposed to cross the first housing and the second housing in an open state of <NUM> degrees.

The flexible display may include a bendable display panel. The display panel may include a bending portion, which extends to one side and is electrically connected (e.g., grounded) to a conductive plate disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display, and in which a control circuit is disposed. For example, when a flexible display is disposed in a foldable electronic device and the display panel is viewed from above, the bending portion may protrude outward beyond an edge of the display panel.

In the foldable electronic device, static electricity introduced from the outside may be introduced into the foldable electronic device through an edge of the flexible display. This static electricity may directly or indirectly affect the display panel without flowing into a conductive plate electrically connected to a main ground of the electronic device via the bending portion, causing a malfunction such as a blackening phenomenon of the display panel or a short phenomenon of some data lines.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device including a discharge structure configured to conduct static electricity to a ground may be provided.

According to various embodiments, it is possible to provide an electronic device including a static electricity discharge structure that is capable of reducing malfunctions of a display panel by conducting static electricity, which is introduced from an edge of a flexible display via the bending portion, to a main ground of the electronic device.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a first housing, a second housing, a hinge device disposed between the first housing and the second housing such that the second housing is foldable from one end of the first housing, a flexible display disposed on the first housing and the second housing, and a protection frame disposed to cover at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display and including at least one conductive member attached to an inner surface thereof facing the flexible display. The flexible display may include a display panel including a front surface portion facing in a first direction where the flexible display is visually exposed to an outside in an unfolded state in which the first housing and the second housing are arranged side by side in a straight line, a first extension extending from one end of the front surface portion and bent in a second direction opposite to the first direction to face a lateral direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second extension extending from the first extension and attached to a rear surface of the front surface portion to be parallel to the front surface portion, a glass layer disposed in the first direction with respect to the display panel, a polymer layer disposed in the first direction with respect to the glass layer, wherein the polymer layer includes a first portion disposed to overlap the glass layer, and a second portion disposed outside the first portion and disposed to overlap the protection frame and the first extension of the display panel, an adhesive disposed between the glass layer and the first portion of the polymer layer, and an adhesive member attached to a rear surface of the second portion of the polymer layer and having adhesive force only in the first direction opposite to the second direction.

In an electronic device according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to prevent a display from malfunctioning by guiding static electricity introduced from an edge of a flexible display to a main ground of the electronic device.

In addition, various effects directly or indirectly identified through the disclosure may be provided.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar components may be denoted by the same or similar reference numerals.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an unfolded state (unfolded stage) of an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating a folded state of the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., a foldable housing) rotatably coupled based on a folding axis A1 through a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) to be folded against each other, a first display <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display, a foldable display, or a main display) disposed on a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and a second display <NUM> (e.g., a sub-display). According to an embodiment, the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed so as not to be visible to the outside through the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> in a folded state, and so as not to be visible to the outside through the hinge cover <NUM> that protects the hinge device and covers the foldable area in an unfolded state. In the disclosure, the surface on which the first display <NUM> is disposed may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and the opposite surface of the front surface may be defined as a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. In addition, the surface surrounding the space between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> includes a first housing <NUM> and a second housing <NUM> that are disposed to be foldable against each other through the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> is not limited to the form and coupling shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and may be implemented by a combination and/or coupling of other shapes or components. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed on either sides of the folding axis A1, and may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A1. According to some embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be folded asymmetrically with respect to the folding axis A1. According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may vary depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state(eq. first state), a folded state(eq. second state), or an intermediate state.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> that is connected to the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) and is disposed to face in the same direction as the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, a second surface <NUM> directed in the opposite direction of the first surface <NUM>, and a first side member <NUM> surrounding at least a portion of a first space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> may include a third surface <NUM> that is connected to the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) and is disposed to face in the same direction as the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, a fourth surface <NUM> directed in the opposite direction of the third surface <NUM>, and a second side member <NUM> surrounding at least a portion of a second space between the third surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first surface <NUM> may be directed to face in the same direction as the third surface <NUM> in the unfolded state, and face the third surface <NUM> in the folded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> that is formed to accommodate the first display <NUM> through the structural coupling of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the recess <NUM> may have substantially the same size as the first display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the hinge cover <NUM> is disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, thereby being disposed to be able to cover the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by a portion of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> or exposed to the outside thereof depending on the unfolded state, the folded state, or the intermediate state of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the hinge cover <NUM> may be covered by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing120 so as not to be exposed. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the hinge cover <NUM> may be exposed to the outside between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the case of the intermediate state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover <NUM> may be at least partially exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. For example, the area in which the hinge cover <NUM> is exposed to the outside may be smaller than that in the fully folded state. According to an embodiment, the hinge cover <NUM> may include a curved surface.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state (e.g., the state in <FIG>), the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may form an angle of <NUM> degrees, and a first area 130a, a folding area 130c, and a second area 130b of the first display <NUM> may form the same plane, and may be disposed to be directed in the same direction. In another embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the first housing <NUM> may rotate at an angle of <NUM> degrees with respect to the second housing <NUM> to be reversely folded such that the second surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> face each other (an out-folding type).

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., the state in <FIG>), the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> may be disposed to face each other. In this case, the first area 130a and the second area 130b of the first display <NUM> may form a narrow angle (e.g., in the range of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees) through the folding area 130c, and may be disposed to face each other. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the folding area 130c may be formed as a curved surface having a certain radius of curvature. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the intermediate state, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed at a certain angle. In this case, the first area 130a and the second area 130b of the first display <NUM> may form an angle greater than the folded state and less than the unfolded state, and the radius of curvature of the folding area 130c may be greater than that in the folded state. In some embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may form an angle to stop at a specified folding angle of between the folded state and the unfolded state through the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) (a free stop function). In some embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may operate while being pressurized in the direction to be unfolded or in the direction to be folded based on a specified inflection angle through the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of at least one display <NUM> or <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor modules 117a, 117b, and <NUM>, camera modules 116a, 116b, and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, an indicator (not shown), or a connector port <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one of the elements, or may further include at least one of other elements.

According to various embodiments, the at least one display <NUM> or <NUM> may include a first display <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display) disposed to be supported by the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and by the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> through the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>), and a second display <NUM> disposed to be visible to the outside through the fourth surface <NUM> in the inner space of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first display <NUM> may be mainly used in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, and the second display <NUM> may be mainly used in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the intermediate state, the electronic device <NUM> may use the first display <NUM> or the second display <NUM>, based on a folding angle of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first display <NUM> may be disposed in a space formed by a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the first display <NUM> may be seated in a recess <NUM> formed by a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and may be disposed to substantially occupy most of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first display <NUM> may include a flexible display in which at least a portion thereof may be transformed into a flat or curved surface. According to an embodiment, the first display <NUM> may include a first area 130a facing the first housing <NUM>, a second area 130b facing the second housing <NUM>, and a folding area 130c that connects the first area 130a to second area 130b and faces the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the first area 130a of the first display <NUM> may substantially form the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second area 130b of the first display <NUM> may substantially form the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the areas of the first display <NUM> are only exemplary physical divisions by a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>), and the first display <NUM> may be substantially displayed as a seamless full screen through a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the first area 130a and the second area 130b may have an overall symmetrical shape or a partially asymmetrical shape based on the folding area 130c.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first rear cover <NUM> disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and a second rear cover <NUM> disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first side member <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed through a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a glass plate including various coating layers, or a polymer plate) or an opaque plate. According to an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may, for example, be formed by an opaque plate such as coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminium, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. According to an embodiment, the second rear cover <NUM>, for example, may be formed through a substantially transparent plate, such as, glass or polymer. Accordingly, the second display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible to the outside through the second rear cover <NUM> in the inner space of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a microphone <NUM>. In some embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones <NUM> disposed to be able to detect the direction of sound. According to an embodiment, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include speakers <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the speakers <NUM> and <NUM> may include a call receiver <NUM> disposed through the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> and an external speaker <NUM> disposed through the side member of the second housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the microphone <NUM>, the speakers <NUM> and <NUM>, and the connector <NUM> may be disposed in the spaces of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>, and may be in contact with the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the holes formed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> may be used in common for the microphone <NUM> and the speakers <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a speaker (e.g., a piezo speaker) that operates without the holes formed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the camera modules 116a, 116b, and <NUM> may include a first camera device 116a disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, a second camera device 116b disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and/or a third camera device <NUM> disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flash <NUM> disposed near the second camera device 116b. According to an embodiment, the flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light-emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, the camera devices 116a, 116b, and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, at least one of the camera devices 116a, 116b, and <NUM> may include two or more lenses (wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors, and may be disposed together on either side of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the sensor modules 117a, 117b, and <NUM> may produce an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to the internal operation state of the electronic device <NUM> or the external environmental state. According to an embodiment, the sensor modules 117a, 117b, and <NUM> may include a first sensor module 117a disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, a second sensor module 117b disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and a third sensor module <NUM> disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensor modules 117a, 117b, and <NUM> may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an illumination sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (a TOF sensor or a RiDAR scanner).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one of non-illustrated sensor modules, for example, an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a fingerprint recognition sensor. In some embodiments, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed through at least one of the first side member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second side member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the key input device <NUM> may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through the first side member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the key input device <NUM> may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through the second side member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude some or all of the key input devices <NUM> mentioned above, and the excluded key input device <NUM> may be implemented in another form such as a soft key in the at least one display <NUM> or <NUM> or the like. As another embodiment, the key input device <NUM> may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the at least one display <NUM> or <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the connector port <NUM> may accommodate a connector (e.g., a USB connector or an IF module (interface connector port module)) for transmitting and receiving power and/or data to and from an external electronic device. In some embodiments, the connector port <NUM> may further perform a function of transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., an ear jack hole) for performing a function of transmitting and the receiving an audio signal.

According to various embodiments, at least one camera device 116a or <NUM> among the camera devices 116a, 116b, and <NUM>, at least one sensor module 117a or <NUM> among the sensor modules 117a, 117b, and <NUM>, and/or the indicator may be disposed to be exposed through the at least one display <NUM> or <NUM>. For example, at least one camera device 116a or <NUM>, at least one sensor module 117a and <NUM>, and/or the indicator may be disposed below an activation area (the display area) of the displays <NUM> and <NUM> in the inner space of the at least one housing <NUM> or <NUM>, and may be disposed to be exposed to the external environment through an opening that is perforated to the cover member (e.g., a window layer (not shown) and/or the second rear cover <NUM> of the first display <NUM>). In another embodiment, some camera devices or sensor modules <NUM> may be disposed to perform their own functions without being visually exposed through the display. For example, the area of the display <NUM> (e.g., the display panel) facing the camera device and/or the sensor module may not require the perforated opening.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first display <NUM>, a second display <NUM>, a support member assembly <NUM>, at least one printed circuit board <NUM>, a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a first rear cover <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM> (e.g., a flexible display panel) and one or more plates <NUM> or layers on which the display panel <NUM> (e.g., the flexible display panel) is placed. According to an embodiment, one or more plates <NUM> may include a conductive plate (e.g., a Cu sheet or a SUS sheet) disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the support member assembly <NUM>. According to an embodiment, one or more plates <NUM> may be formed to have substantially the same area as the first display <NUM>, and the area facing the folding area 130c of the first display 130c may be formed to be bendable. According to an embodiment, one or more plates <NUM> may include at least one sub-material layer (e.g., a graphite member) disposed on the rear surface of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, one or more plates <NUM> may be formed in a shape corresponding to the display panel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second display <NUM> may be disposed in the space between the second housing <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible to the outside through substantially the entire area of the second rear cover <NUM> in the space between the second housing <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the support member assembly <NUM> may include a first support member <NUM> (e.g., a first support plate), a second support member <NUM> (e.g., a second support plate), a hinge device <NUM> disposed between the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>, a hinge cover <NUM> that covers the hinge device <NUM> when viewed from the outside, and at least one wiring member <NUM> (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) crossing the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the support member assembly <NUM> may be disposed between one or more plates <NUM> and at least one printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be disposed between the first area 131a of the first display <NUM> and the first printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may be disposed between the second area 131b of the first display <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one wiring member <NUM> and at least a portion of the hinge device <NUM> may be disposed inside the support member assembly <NUM>. At least one wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in the direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) crossing the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in the direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis A in <FIG>) of the folding area 130c.

According to various embodiments, at least one printed circuit board <NUM> may include a first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed to face the first support member <NUM> and a second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed to face the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in the inner space formed by the support member assembly <NUM>, the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and/or the second rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may include a plurality of electronic components disposed to implement various functions of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include, in the first space of the first housing <NUM>, a first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed in the space formed through the first support member <NUM>, a first battery <NUM> disposed in the position facing a first swelling hole <NUM> of the first support member <NUM>, at least one camera device <NUM> (e.g., the first camera device 116a and/or the second camera device 116b in <FIG>), or at least one sensor module <NUM> (e.g., the first sensor module 117a and/or the second sensor module 117b in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, a second printing circuit board <NUM> disposed in a second space formed through the second support member <NUM> and a second battery <NUM> disposed in the position facing a second swelling hole <NUM> of the second support member <NUM> may be included in a second space of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the second housing <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> may also be integrally formed.

According to various embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may include a first rotation support surface <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM> may include a second rotation support surface <NUM> corresponding to the first rotation support surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may include a curved surface corresponding to (naturally connected to) the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may cover the hinge cover <NUM> such that the hinge cover <NUM> is not exposed or is minimally exposed through the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may rotate along the curved surface included in the hinge cover <NUM>, thereby maximally exposing the hinge cover <NUM> through the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device <NUM> including a flexible display <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating configurations of respective areas of the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may further include other embodiments that are at least partially similar to or different from the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a first housing <NUM> (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) (e.g., a first housing structure) including a first surface <NUM> (e.g., the first surface <NUM> in <FIG>), a second surface <NUM> (e.g., the second surface <NUM> in <FIG>) facing in a direction opposite to the first surface <NUM>, and a first side surface member <NUM> (e.g., the first side surface member <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding a first space between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second housing <NUM> (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) (e.g., a second housing structure) including a third surface <NUM> (e.g., the third surface <NUM> in <FIG>) facing in the same direction as the first surface <NUM>, a fourth surface <NUM> (e.g., the fourth surface <NUM> in <FIG>) facing in the same direction as the second surface <NUM>, and a second side surface member <NUM> (e.g., the second side surface member <NUM> in <FIG>) surrounding a second space between the third surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be installed to be foldable relative to each other about a folding axis A1 via a hinge device <NUM> (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may be maintained in the folded or unfolded state when the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are rotated relative to each other via the hinge device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> may face each other, and in the unfolded state, the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> may face the same direction. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the first display <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to at least partially cross the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be supported by at least partial areas of the first housing <NUM>, the hinge device <NUM>, and the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a first area h1 corresponding to the first housing <NUM>, a second area h2 corresponding to the second housing structure <NUM>, and a folding area h3 corresponding to the hinge device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the electronic device <NUM>, the first housing <NUM> corresponding to the first area h1 may operate to be folded or unfolded relative to the second housing <NUM> corresponding to the second area h2 via the hinge device <NUM> corresponding to the folding area h3.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> includes one or more protection frames <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., a decorative member or a decoration) disposed on the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the one or more protection frames <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first protection frame <NUM> disposed on the flexible display <NUM> in the first area h1 and a second protection frame <NUM> disposed on the flexible display <NUM> in the second area h2. According to an embodiment, the protection frames <NUM> and <NUM> may be made of a polymer material or a metal material, and may be disposed on respective housings <NUM> and <NUM> through at least one of bonding, taping, fusion, or structural coupling.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may include a first edge <NUM> facing at least a portion of the first housing <NUM>, a second edge <NUM> facing at least a portion of the second housing <NUM>, a third edge <NUM> interconnecting one end of the first edge <NUM> and one end of the second edge <NUM>, and a fourth edge <NUM> interconnecting the other end of the first edge <NUM> and the other end of the second edge <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first edge <NUM>, the third edge <NUM>, and the fourth edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may be at least partially disposed to be invisible from the outside by being disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the first protection frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second edge <NUM>, the third edge <NUM>, and the fourth edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may be at least partially disposed to be invisible from the outside by being disposed between the second housing <NUM> and the second protection frame <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, static electricity may be introduced into the interior of the electronic device <NUM> through a space between the flexible display <NUM> and the first protection frame <NUM> and/or a space between the flexible display <NUM> and the second protection frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the introduced static electricity may be guided to at least one conductive structure electrically connected to a main ground of the electronic device <NUM> via a discharge structure according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, which conducts static electricity to a ground, whereby it is possible to suppress the display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> in <FIG>) from malfunctioning and being damaged.

According to various embodiments, a pair of protection frames <NUM> and <NUM> may be omitted in the folding area h3 corresponding to the hinge device <NUM> for the folding and unfolding operations of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> about the hinge device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include, in the folding area h3, a protective structure <NUM> disposed to protect at least a portion of the third edge <NUM> and at least a portion of the fourth edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> visually exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, the edges of the flexible display <NUM> visually exposed through the folding area h3 may be disposed to be at least partially invisible from the outside by the protective structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the protective structure <NUM> may include a support body <NUM> disposed to be supported by at least a portion of the hinge device <NUM>, and a blocking member <NUM> disposed to be supported by the support body <NUM> and to at least partially cover the edges of the flexible display <NUM> from the outside. In some embodiments, the support body <NUM> may include wing structures rotatably installed on the left and right sides of the support body <NUM> to support a film-type blocking member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a stacked structure of the flexible display <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The flexible display <NUM> of <FIG> may further include embodiments that are at least partially similar to or different from the display <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the first display <NUM> of <FIG>) may include a window layer <NUM>, and a polarizer (POL) <NUM> (e.g., a polarization film), a display panel <NUM>, a polymer member <NUM>, and a conductive plate <NUM>, which are sequentially disposed on the rear surface of the window layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the window layer <NUM> includes a first protective layer <NUM> (e.g., a polymer layer (hereinafter, referred to as a "polymer layer")) and a second protective layer <NUM> laminated with the polymer layer <NUM> (i.e. a glass layer (hereinafter, referred to as a "glass layer")). According to an embodiment, the polymer layer may include PET or polyimide. According to an embodiment, the glass layer may include ultra-thin glass (UTG).

According to various embodiments, the window layer <NUM>, the polarizer <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the polymer member <NUM>, and the conductive plate <NUM> may be disposed to cross at least a portion of the first surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) and the third surface (e.g., the third surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the window layer <NUM>, the polarizer <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the polymer member <NUM>, and the conductive plate <NUM> are bonded to each other via adhesives P1, P2, and P3. For example, the adhesives P1, P2, and P3 may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-responsive adhesive, a general adhesive, and a double-sided tape. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include another adhesive member (e.g., a double-sided tape or a waterproof member) disposed at least partially on one surface of the conductive plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be attached to a support member assembly (e.g., the support member assembly <NUM> in <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) via another adhesive member.

According to various embodiments, a dark color (e.g., black) may be applied to the polymer member <NUM> to help display a background when the display is turned off. According to an embodiment, the polymer member <NUM> may include a cushion for reducing breakages of the flexible display <NUM> by absorbing an impact from the outside of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the conductive plate <NUM> may help reinforce the rigidity of the electronic device and may be used to block ambient noise and to dissipate heat emitted from surrounding heat emission components. According to an embodiment, the conductive plate <NUM> may include at least one of steel use stainless (SUS) (e.g., stainless steel (STS)), Cu, Al, or a CLAD (e.g., a layered member in which SUS and Al are alternately disposed). In another embodiment, the conductive plate <NUM> may include other alloy materials. According to an embodiment, the conductive plate <NUM> may be integrally configured by interconnecting a portion facing a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) of an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) and a portion facing a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) via a bendable portion (e.g., a portion provided with bendability by a lattice structure including a plurality of openings and/or slits) provided in a portion facing a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>). In another embodiment, in the conductive plate <NUM>, except for the portion facing the hinge device (the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>), each of the portion facing the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) and the portion facing the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) may be separately manufactured. According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may further include metal reinforcing plates <NUM> disposed under the conductive plate for rigidity reinforcement. According to an embodiment, the reinforcing plates <NUM> may include a first reinforcing plate <NUM> facing the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) and a second reinforcing plate <NUM> facing the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may include one or more functional members disposed between the polymer member <NUM> and the conductive plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the functional members may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, a heat dissipation sheet, a conductive/non-conductive tape, or an open cell sponge. According to an embodiment, when the functional members are bendable, the functional members may be disposed on the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) to at least a portion of the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) across the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>). As another embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may further include a detecting member configured to detect an input by an electromagnetic induction type writing member. According to an embodiment, the detection member may include a digitizer.

<FIG> is a rear view illustrating a configuration of the flexible display <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

The flexible display <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include embodiments that are at least partially similar to or different from the flexible displays <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. Hereinafter, only the features of the electronic device <NUM> that have not been described with reference to <FIG> or are changed from those of <FIG> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the first display <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment may include a bendable display panel <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may include a bending portion <NUM> that is bent from one side of the flexible display <NUM> and extends to the rear surface 400b of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bending portion <NUM> may be electrically connected to the FPCB <NUM> on the rear surface 400b of the flexible display <NUM>.

In the following description, the rear surface 400b of the flexible display <NUM> may be defined as a surface that is disposed to face in the same direction as the rear side of the electronic device <NUM> in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the rear surface 400b of the flexible display <NUM> may be defined as a surface that is disposed to face in the same direction as the second surface (e.g., the second surface <NUM> in <FIG>) or the fourth surface (e.g., the fourth surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> inside the first housing or the second housing in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM> may be defined as a surface that is disposed to face in the second direction (the -z direction) that the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> faces in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>.

In the following description, the front surface of the flexible display <NUM> may be defined as a surface that is opposite to the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM> and is disposed to face in the same direction as the front side of the electronic device <NUM> in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the front surface of the flexible display <NUM> may be defined as a surface that is disposed to face in the same direction as the first surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM> in <FIG>) or the third surface (e.g., the third surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> inside the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) or the second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the front surface of the flexible display <NUM> may be defined as a surface that is disposed to face in the first direction (the z direction) in which the front surface of the electronic device <NUM> faces in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> includes a first extension (not illustrated) (e.g., the first extension 402a of <FIG>) and a second extension 402b.

According to an embodiment, the first extension (not illustrated) of the display panel <NUM> may be disposed to substantially face a side surface of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the first side surface member <NUM> or the second side surface member <NUM> in <FIG>) by being bent from an edge of the display panel <NUM> that is seen in the first direction (z direction) of the electronic device <NUM> toward the rear surface 400b of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, although not illustrated, the first extension 402a of the display panel <NUM> may be disposed to face in a lateral direction of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the -x direction).

According to an embodiment, the second extension 402b of the display panel <NUM> may be a portion that extends from at least a portion of one end of the first extension and is attached to the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second extension 402b may be attached to the rear surface 400b of the flexible display <NUM> via a spacer (not illustrated) (e.g., the spacer <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, a control circuit <NUM> may be disposed on the second extension 402b. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may be disposed on the second extension 402b in a chip-on-panel or chip-on-plastic (COP) method. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may include a display driver IC (DDI) or a touch display driver IC (TDDI).

According to an embodiment, the second extension 402b may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) <NUM> via a connection pad (not illustrated).

According to an embodiment, the FPCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM> via a connection pad (not illustrated). According to an embodiment, the FPCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to a first printed circuit board (not illustrated) (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) via a connector <NUM> (e.g., the connector <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the FPCB <NUM> may include a plurality of electrical elements <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the plurality of electrical elements <NUM> may include a touch IC, a flash memory for display, a diode for preventing ESD, a pressure sensor, or a passive element such as a decap.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may further include a cover member <NUM> configured to cover at least a portion of the second extension 402b. According to an embodiment, the cover member <NUM> may cover an area substantially corresponding to the entire area of the second extension 402b. For example, the cover member <NUM> may cover the portion in which the control circuit <NUM> of the second extension 402b is disposed and a portion in which the connection pad electrically connected to the FPCB <NUM> of the second extension 402b is disposed. As another example, the cover member <NUM> may cover an area corresponding to a partial area of the second extension 402b. For example, the cover member <NUM> may not cover the portions in which the control circuit <NUM> of the second extension 402b and the connection pad electrically connected to the FPCB <NUM> of the second extension 402b are not disposed.

According to an embodiment, the cover member <NUM> may include a conductive layer. For example, the cover member <NUM> may include a conductive layer and a non-conductive layer, and at least a portion of the conductive layer may be disposed on an outer layer.

According to an embodiment, the cover member <NUM> may be electrically connected to a ground of the FPCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, by being electrically connected to the ground of the FPCB <NUM>, the cover member <NUM> is capable of guiding static electricity (e.g., the static electricity <NUM> of <FIG>) introduced into a space between the flexible display <NUM> and the protection frame <NUM> to the ground of the FPCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the static electricity <NUM> introduced into the FPCB <NUM> may be grounded to a main ground of the electronic device <NUM> via the connector <NUM> of the FPCB <NUM> (e.g., the connector <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, an electrical signal such as static electricity <NUM> (e.g., the static electricity <NUM> of <FIG>) may be introduced into the electronic device <NUM> through the space between the flexible display <NUM> and the first protection frame <NUM> and/or between the flexible display <NUM> and the second protection frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the static electricity <NUM> may be discharged to the main ground of the electronic device <NUM> through the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>, the cover member <NUM>, which covers at least a portion of the second extension 402b of the bending portion <NUM>, and the FPCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the main ground of the electronic device <NUM> is a ground provided on the first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) and may be defined as a common ground of the electronic device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device <NUM> schematically illustrating an edge of a flexible display <NUM> according to an embodiment. For example, <FIG> may be a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, illustrating the flexible display <NUM> in detail.

The electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may include embodiments that are at least partially similar to or different from the electronic devices <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>. Hereinafter, only the features of the electronic device <NUM> that have not been described with reference to <FIG> or are changed from those of <FIG> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover member <NUM> according to an embodiment may cover at least a portion of the bending portion <NUM> (e.g., the bending portion <NUM> of <FIG>) and the control circuit <NUM> (e.g., the control circuit <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the bending portion <NUM> in the rear direction (e.g., the -z direction) of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the first display <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the cover member <NUM> may extend to at least a portion of the FPCB <NUM> on the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM> to cover a portion of the FPCB <NUM> and at least a portion of the second extension 402b coupled to the FPCB <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a portion of the cover member <NUM> and the FPCB <NUM> may be in contact with each other to form a ground path via which static electricity <NUM> introduced from the outside is connected to the ground. For example, the static electricity <NUM> introduced from the edge portion of the flexible display <NUM> is may be transferred (or guided) to the FPCB <NUM> via the bending portion <NUM> and the cover member <NUM> as illustrated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the static electricity <NUM> transferred from the cover member <NUM> to the FPCB <NUM> may be grounded by being transferred to the first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) via the connector <NUM> of the FPCB <NUM>. In some embodiments, the FPCB <NUM> and the conductive plate (not illustrated) of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the conductive plate <NUM> of <FIG>) may be attached to each other by conductive tape (not illustrated), and the static electricity <NUM> transferred to the FPCB <NUM> may be grounded by being transferred to the conductive plate <NUM> through the conductive tape.

An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> such that the second housing <NUM> is foldable from one end of the first housing <NUM>, a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>, and a protection frame (e.g., the protection frame <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to cover at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display <NUM> and including at least one conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> in <FIG>) attached to an inner surface thereof facing the flexible display <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM> including a front surface portion (e.g.; the front surface portion <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to face in a first direction when the flexible display <NUM> is visually exposed to the outside in an unfolded state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are arranged side by side in a straight line, a first extension (e.g., the first extension 402a in <FIG>) extending from one end of the front surface portion <NUM> and bent in a second direction opposite to the first direction to face along a lateral direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second extension (e.g., the second extension 402b in <FIG>) extending from the first extension 402a and attached to the rear surface of the front surface portion <NUM> to be parallel to the front surface portion <NUM>, a glass layer (e.g., the glass layer <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first direction with respect to the display panel <NUM>, a polymer layer (e.g., the polymer layer <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first direction with respect o the glass layer <NUM>, wherein the polymer layer <NUM> includes a first portion disposed to overlap the glass layer <NUM>, and a second portion disposed outside the first portion and disposed to overlap the protection frame <NUM> and the first extension 402a, an adhesive (e.g., the second adhesive <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the glass layer <NUM> and the first portion of the polymer layer <NUM>, and an adhesive member (e.g., the adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>) attached in the second direction with respect to the second portion of the polymer layer <NUM> and having adhesive force only in the first direction opposite to the second direction.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may further include a bending protection member (e.g., the bending protection member <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to cover the outer peripheral surface of the first extension 402a of the display panel <NUM>, wherein one end of the bending protection member <NUM> extends to at least a portion of the front surface portion <NUM> to be adjacent to the glass layer <NUM>, and the other end of the bending protection member <NUM> extends to at least a portion of the second extension 402b to overlap the glass layer <NUM>, and a cover member (e.g., the cover member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the second direction with respect to the second extension 402b to cover a portion of the bending protection member <NUM> and the second extension 402b of the display panel <NUM>, and electrically connected to a ground of an FPCB (e.g., the FPCB <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to an embodiment, the FPCB <NUM> may be electrically connected to a main circuit board of the electronic device <NUM> via a connector of the FPCB <NUM>, and the ground of the FPCB <NUM> may be grounded via the main circuit board.

According to an embodiment, the protection frame <NUM> may include a front surface frame <NUM> disposed to overlap at least a portion of the edge of the flexible display <NUM>, and a side surface frame <NUM> extending from one end of the front surface frame <NUM> and disposed to face the lateral direction to face the first extension 402a of the display panel <NUM>. The conductive member <NUM> may be attached to at least a portion of the front surface frame <NUM> and the side surface frame <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may include a first conductive member <NUM> attached in the second direction in respect to the front surface frame <NUM> to overlap the first extension 402a, and a second conductive member <NUM> attached to an inner wall of the side surface frame <NUM> facing the first extension 402a.

According to an embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the adhesive <NUM> disposed between the glass layer <NUM> and the first portion of the polymer layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the glass layer <NUM> may include ultra-thin glass (UTG).

According to an embodiment, the polymer layer <NUM> may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

An electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure includes a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a hinge device <NUM> disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> such that the second housing <NUM> is foldable from one end of the first housing <NUM>, and a flexible display <NUM> disposed on the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM> including a front surface portion <NUM> disposed to face in a first direction when the flexible display <NUM> is visually exposed to the outside in an unfolded state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are arranged side by side in a straight line, a first extension 402a extending from one end of the front surface portion <NUM> and bent in a second direction opposite to the first direction to face a lateral direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second extension 402b extending from the first extension 402a and attached to the rear surface of the front surface portion <NUM> to be parallel to the front surface portion <NUM>, a glass layer <NUM> disposed in the first direction with respect to the display panel <NUM>, a polymer layer <NUM> disposed in the first direction with respect to the glass layer <NUM>, wherein the polymer layer <NUM> includes a first portion disposed to overlap the glass layer <NUM>, and a second portion disposed outside the first portion and disposed to overlap the protection frame <NUM> and the first extension 402a, an adhesive <NUM> disposed between the glass layer <NUM> and the first portion of the polymer layer <NUM>, and an adhesive member <NUM> attached in the second direction with respect to the second portion of the polymer layer <NUM> and having adhesive force only in the first direction opposite to the second direction. The flexible display <NUM> may further include a conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to cover the outer peripheral surface of the first extension 402a and extending to at least a portion of the second extension 402b.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may further include a bending protection member <NUM> configured to cover the outer peripheral surface of the first extension 402a of the display panel <NUM>, wherein one end of the bending protection member <NUM> extends to at least a portion of the front surface portion <NUM> to be adjacent to the glass layer <NUM>, and the other end of the bending protection member <NUM> extends to at least a portion of the second extension 402b to overlap the glass layer <NUM>, a conductive member <NUM> configured to cover the outer peripheral surface of the bending protection member <NUM>, and a cover member <NUM> disposed in the second direction with respect to the second extension 402b to cover a portion of the bending protection member <NUM> and the second extension 402b of the display panel <NUM>, and electrically connected to a ground of an FPCB <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may be electrically connected to the cover member <NUM> via a connection member of the cover member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, one end of the conductive member <NUM> may extend from the front surface portion <NUM> to be adjacent to the glass layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may include a bending pattern provided in at least a portion adjacent to the first extension 402a, and the bending pattern may be provided by partially removing at least some layers of the conductive member <NUM> or at least some materials of the conductive member <NUM>.

An electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure includes a first housing <NUM>, a second housing <NUM>, a hinge device <NUM> disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> such that the second housing <NUM> is foldable from one end of the first housing <NUM>, and a flexible display <NUM> disposed on the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> may further include a display panel <NUM> including a front surface portion <NUM> disposed to face in a first direction where the flexible display <NUM> is visually exposed to the outside in an unfolded state in which the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are arranged side by side in a straight line, a first extension 402a extending from one end of the front surface portion <NUM> and bent in a second direction opposite to the first direction to face a lateral direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second extension 402b extending from the first extension 402a and attached to the rear surface of the front surface portion <NUM> to be parallel to the front surface portion <NUM>, a glass layer <NUM> disposed in the first direction with respect to the display panel <NUM>, and a polymer layer <NUM> disposed in the first direction with respect to the glass layer <NUM>. The flexible display <NUM> may further include a conductive member <NUM> configured to cover the outer peripheral surface of the first extension 402a, wherein one end of the conductive member <NUM> extends to at least a portion of the front portion <NUM> to be disposed adjacent to the glass layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may further include a bending protection member <NUM> configured to cover the outer peripheral surface of the first extension 402a of the display panel <NUM>, wherein one end of the bending protection member <NUM> extends to at least a portion of the front surface portion <NUM> to be adjacent to the glass layer <NUM>, and the other end of the bending protection member <NUM> extends to at least a portion of the second extension 402b to overlap the glass layer <NUM>, a conductive member <NUM> configured to cover the outer peripheral surface of the bending protection member <NUM>, and a cover member <NUM> disposed in the second direction with respect to the second extension 402b to cover a portion of the conductive member <NUM> and the second extension 402b of the display panel <NUM>, and electrically connected to a ground of an FPCB <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device <NUM> illustrating in detail an edge of a flexible display <NUM> according to an embodiment. For example, <FIG> may be a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, illustrating the flexible display <NUM> in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment includes a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the first display <NUM> in <FIG>) defining the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the flexible display <NUM> may define a first surface (e.g., first surface <NUM> in <FIG>) and a third surface (e.g., third surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at least some edges of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be invisible from the outside by a protection frame <NUM> (e.g., the first protection frame <NUM> or the second protection frame <NUM> of <FIG>) (e.g., a decorative member or decoration). For example, the protection frame <NUM> may be disposed to at least partially overlap the edges of the flexible display <NUM> such that the edges of the flexible display <NUM> are invisible from the front direction of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., in the first direction (the z direction)).

According to an embodiment, the protection frame <NUM> may include a front surface frame <NUM> facing the front side of the electronic device <NUM> and a side surface frame <NUM> facing the lateral side of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the front surface frame <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the edges of the flexible display <NUM> such that the edges of the flexible display <NUM> are invisible from the front side of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the side surface frame <NUM> may be folded or bent from one end of the front surface frame <NUM> and may be disposed to face the lateral direction of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the -x direction). According to an embodiment, the side surface frame <NUM> may be disposed to cover the edge of the flexible display <NUM> in the lateral direction of the electronic device <NUM> such that the edge of the flexible display <NUM> is invisible in the lateral direction of the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., -x direction). According to an embodiment, the side surface frame <NUM> may be coupled with a side surface member (not illustrated) (e.g., the first side surface member <NUM> or the second side surface member <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the side surface frame <NUM> of the protection frame <NUM> may be integrally configured with a side surface member (not illustrated) (e.g., the first side surface member <NUM> or the second side surface member <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, at least one conductive member <NUM> may be attached to the inner surfaces 811b and 812b of the protection frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may be implemented in the form of a compressible sponge, a gasket, or a film. According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive member <NUM> may be attached to the rear surface 811b of the front surface frame <NUM> and disposed to face in the second direction (the -z direction) of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive member <NUM> may be attached to the inner wall 812b of the side surface frame <NUM> and disposed to face the bending portion <NUM> (e.g., the first extension 402a) of the flexible display <NUM>. In the illustrated example, only one conductive member <NUM> is illustrated, but a plurality of conductive members <NUM> may be provided. In this case, the plurality of conductive members <NUM> may include, for example, a first conductive member <NUM> attached to the rear surface of the front surface frame <NUM> and disposed to face in the second direction (the -z direction) of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second conductive member <NUM> attached to the inner wall of the side surface frame <NUM> and disposed to face the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first conductive member <NUM> and the second conductive member <NUM> may be connected to each other and may be integrally configured. In another embodiment, the first conductive member <NUM> and the second conductive member <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other. According to various embodiments, the length of the conductive member <NUM> is not limited to the illustrated example and may be variously changed.

According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive member <NUM> attached to the inner surfaces 811b and 812b of the protection frame <NUM> may execute a function of transferring (or guiding) static electricity <NUM> introduced from the edges of the protection frame <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> to the rear direction of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the -z direction). For example, the static electricity <NUM> may be transferred to the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> by the conductive member <NUM>, and the static electricity <NUM> transferred to the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may be connected to the ground of the FPCB <NUM> via the cover member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM>, and one end of the display panel <NUM> may be bent from an edge of the electronic device <NUM> adjacent to the protection frame <NUM> to be attached to the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, based on the shape of the display panel <NUM>, the direction of the display panel <NUM> and/or the location of the display panel <NUM>, the portions of the flexible display <NUM> may be separately defined as a front surface portion <NUM>, a first extension 402a, and a second extension 402b. According to an embodiment, the first extension 402a and the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM> may be defined as a bending portion <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the front surface portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may be defined as an area where the display panel <NUM> is disposed to face in the first direction (the z direction) that is the front side of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the front surface portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may be an area defining a first surface (e.g., the first surface <NUM> in <FIG>) and a third surface (e.g., the third surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the first extension 402a of the flexible display <NUM> may be defined as an area extending from the edge of the front surface portion <NUM> and bent in the second direction (the -z direction) that is the rear side of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first extension 402a of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to face a lateral direction (e.g., the -x direction) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM> may be defined as an area extending from one end of the first extension 402a and attached to the rear surface of the front surface portion <NUM> via the spacer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed substantially in parallel to the front surface portion <NUM> by being attached to the rear surface of the front surface portion <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in the first direction (the z direction) with respect to the display panel <NUM> disposed on the front surface portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>, a polarizer <NUM>, a second protective layer <NUM>, a first protective layer <NUM> may be sequentially stacked.

According to various embodiments, the strength of the second protective layer <NUM> may be greater than that of the first protective layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first protective layer <NUM> is a polymer layer and may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide. According to an embodiment, the second protective layer <NUM> is a glass layer and may include ultra-thin glass (UTG). According to various embodiments, the material of each of the first protective layer <NUM> and the second protective layer <NUM> may be modified or changed in various ways. In the following description, the first protective layer <NUM> is described as a polymer layer <NUM>, and the second protective layer <NUM> is described as a glass layer <NUM>, but various embodiments of the disclosure may not be limited thereto.

According to an embodiment, a polarizer <NUM> may be disposed in the first direction (z direction) with respect to the display panel <NUM> disposed in the front surface portion <NUM>, and the display panel <NUM> and the polarizer <NUM> may be attached to each other by means of an adhesive (not illustrated) (e.g., a PSA) disposed therebetween. According to an embodiment, a glass layer (e.g., UTG) <NUM> may be disposed in the first direction (the z direction) with respect to the polarizer <NUM>, and the polarizer <NUM> and the glass layer <NUM> may be attached to each other by a first adhesive (e.g., a double-sided PSA) <NUM> disposed therebetween. According to an embodiment, a polymer layer <NUM> may be disposed in the first direction (the z direction) with respect to the polarizer <NUM>, and the glass layer <NUM> and the polymer layer <NUM> may be attached to each other by a second adhesive (e.g., a double-sided PSA) <NUM> disposed therebetween.

According to some embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may include a color filter (not illustrated) instead of the polarizer <NUM>. For example, the color filter may execute a role that is the same as or similar to that of the polarizer <NUM>. For example, an electronic device <NUM> that does not include a color filter may be defined as a color filter-on-encapsulation (COE) type electronic device <NUM>. In the COE type electronic device <NUM>, by using a color filter to replace the function or role of the polarizer <NUM>, it is possible to improve transmittance and to reduce the thickness of the flexible display <NUM> by about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may further include a touch panel (not illustrated). The touch panel may be provided between the polarizer <NUM> and the glass layer <NUM>. In another embodiment, the touch panel may be provided between the display panel <NUM> and the polarizer <NUM>. According to some embodiments, the touch panel may be implemented in an on-cell type provided on the surface of the display panel <NUM> or in an in-cell type provided inside the display panel <NUM>. According to various embodiments, the shape and location of the touch panel may be variously modified or changed.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a protection member <NUM> (e.g., a patterned film) partially attached to the rear surface of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the protection member <NUM> may be a member configured to fix or protect the display panel <NUM> during a process of forming a plurality of elements (e.g., thin film transistors (TFTs)) and/or OLEDs of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the protection member <NUM> may be removed from the first extension 402a so that the display panel <NUM> has a bending characteristic in the first extension 402a. Accordingly, the protection member <NUM> may be attached, in the second direction (the -z direction), to the display panel <NUM> in the front surface portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> and may be attached, in the first direction (the z direction), to the display panel <NUM> in the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in the second direction (the -z direction) with respect to the protection member <NUM> disposed on the front surface portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>, a composite sheet <NUM> and a conductive plate <NUM> may be sequentially disposed. For example, the composite sheet <NUM> may include at least one polymer member (e.g., a light blocking layer or a buffer layer) and at least one functional member (e.g., a heat dissipation sheet).

According to an embodiment, a spacer <NUM> may be disposed between the conductive plate <NUM> and the protection member <NUM> disposed on the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the protection member <NUM> and the conductive plate <NUM> may be attached to each other by a spacer <NUM>. For example, the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM> may be attached to the rear surface of the conductive plate <NUM> by the spacer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the spacer <NUM> may include a polymer material. According to some embodiments, the spacer <NUM> may be omitted.

According to an embodiment, a bending protection member (for example, a bending protection layer) <NUM> may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the display panel <NUM> in the first extension 402a. According to an embodiment, the bending protection member <NUM> serves to suppress the damage (e.g., cracks) of the display panel <NUM> by covering the outer peripheral surface of the display panel <NUM> in the first extension 402a.

According to an embodiment, the bending protection member <NUM> may extend to the front surface portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> and cover a portion of the display panel <NUM>. For example, one end of the bending protection member <NUM> may extend to be adjacent to one end of the polarizer <NUM> and/or one end of the glass layer <NUM>, thereby partially disposed, as seen in the first direction (the z direction) on the display panel <NUM> located in the front surface portion <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the bending protection member <NUM> may extend to the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM> to cover a portion of the display panel <NUM>. For example, the other end of the bending protection member <NUM> may extend to a portion overlapping one end of the polarizer <NUM> and/or the glass layer <NUM>, thereby being partially disposed, as seen in the second direction (the -z direction) on the display panel <NUM> located in the second extension 402b.

According to an embodiment, the cover member <NUM> may be disposed in the second direction (the -z direction) with respect to the display panel <NUM> located on the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the cover member <NUM> may be disposed to cover the other end of the bending protection member <NUM> located on the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM> as seen in the second direction (the -z direction).

According to an embodiment, the cover member <NUM> may provide a ground path that allows static electricity <NUM> introduced from the edges of the protection frame <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> to be transferred to the FPCB <NUM> (e.g., FPCB <NUM> in <FIG>) by coming into contact with the bending protection member <NUM>. For example, the ground path may be connected to a main ground (e.g., a common ground) provided on the first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) via the cover member <NUM> and the FPCB <NUM> (e.g., the FPCB <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the glass layer <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may include ultra-thin glass (UTG). According to an embodiment, since the UTG has a property that is easy to crack, the glass layer <NUM> may not be disposed on an edge portion of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the glass layer <NUM> may not be disposed in an area overlapping the front surface frame <NUM> of the protection frame <NUM> in consideration of the fact that the UTG is easy to crack. For example, the area of the glass layer <NUM> may be smaller than that of the polymer layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, since the area of the polymer layer <NUM> is larger than that of the glass layer <NUM>, the edge of the polymer layer <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the front surface frame <NUM> of the protection frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the edge of the polymer layer 411may be not attached to the front surface frame <NUM> while overlapping the front surface frame <NUM> of the protection frame <NUM>. For example, an air gap may be formed between the front surface frame <NUM> and the edge of the polymer layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the polymer layer <NUM> may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and may serve to protect the glass layer <NUM> from external impact. For example, the polymer layer <NUM> may be defined as a protective layer.

According to an embodiment, the polymer layer <NUM> may be defined as including a first portion 411a and a second portion 411b disposed outside the first portion 411a. According to an embodiment, the first portion 411a of the polymer layer <NUM> may be defined as an area overlapping the glass layer <NUM> and not overlapping the front surface frame <NUM> of the protection frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM> may be defined as an area disposed outside the first portion 411a and overlapping the front surface frame <NUM> of the protection frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, since the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM> is disposed closer to the protection frame <NUM> (or the side surface member of the electronic device <NUM>) than one end of the bending protection member <NUM>, it may be possible to suppress the static electricity <NUM> introduced into the space between the flexible display <NUM> and the protection frame <NUM> from being introduced into an inner direction where the center of the display area of the flexible display <NUM> is located (e.g., the direction where the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>)) is disposed (the x direction). For example, the distance between the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM> and the protection frame <NUM> (or the side surface member <NUM> or <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>) may be designed to be smaller than the distance between one end of the bending protection member <NUM> and the protection frame <NUM> (or the side surface member <NUM> or <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>).

In the illustrated example, for convenience of description, the first portion 411a and the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM> are represented by different hatching, but the first portion 411a and the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM> may be integrally configured without being physically (or materially) separated.

According to an embodiment, the first portion 411a of the polymer layer <NUM> and the glass layer <NUM> may be attached to each other by the second adhesive <NUM> (e.g., a double-sided PSA). According to an embodiment, the second adhesive <NUM> may include a double-sided PSA having adhesiveness in opposite directions, and may be disposed only in a portion overlapping the first portion 411a of the polymer layer <NUM> without being disposed in a portion overlapping the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> is attached in the second direction (the -z direction) with respect to the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM>. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may include a single-sided PSA having adhesiveness in one direction and may be attached to the rear surface of the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, since the adhesive member <NUM> does not have adhesiveness in the second direction (the -z direction), it is possible to prevent defective interference that causes the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM> to be attached to a portion of the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the bending protection member <NUM>) disposed to overlap the second portion 411b in the second direction (the -z direction) from the adhesive member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may include a conductive material. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> may include a conductive PSA or a conductive member having adhesiveness in one direction. According to an embodiment, since the adhesive member <NUM> is conductive, the static electricity <NUM> introduced into the space between the flexible display <NUM> and the protection frame <NUM> may be introduced toward the edge of the flexible display <NUM> where the protection frame <NUM> (e.g., to the -x direction) is disposed and into the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>, rather than toward the inner side where the center of the display area of the flexible display <NUM> is located (e.g., to the direction where the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) is disposed (to the x direction)). In the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments, since the static electricity <NUM> introduced into the space between the flexible display <NUM> and the protection frame <NUM> is suppressed from being introduced into the inner direction where the center of the display area of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the direction where the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) is disposed (the x direction)), it is possible to suppress the malfunction (e.g., display failure) of the flexible display <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may not include a conductive material. In this case, the non-conductive adhesive member <NUM> may play a role of preventing defective interface which causes the second portion 411a of the polymer layer 411b to be attached to a portion of the bending portion <NUM> (e.g., the bending protection member <NUM>) of the flexible display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may have a thickness greater than that of the second adhesive <NUM>. For example, the second adhesive <NUM> disposed between the first portion 411a of the polymer layer <NUM> and the glass layer <NUM> may have a first thickness, and the adhesive member <NUM> may have a second thickness greater than the first thickness. According to an embodiment, as the thickness of the adhesive member <NUM> is designed to be greater than the thickness of the second adhesive <NUM>, it is possible to reduce a gap between the protection frame <NUM> and the edge of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the gap in the z-direction). Accordingly, the static electricity <NUM> introduced into the periphery of the protection frame <NUM> may be guided (or transferred) toward the edge of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., in the -x direction) and into the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>, rather than toward the inner side where the center of the display area of the flexible display <NUM> is located (e.g., to the direction where the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) is disposed (to the x direction)).

In the illustrated example, the area (e.g., the width) of the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM> and the area (e.g., the width) of the adhesive member <NUM> are illustrated to be the same, but the area (e.g., the width) of the adhesive member <NUM> may be greater than or equal to the area (e.g., the width) of the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM>. In some embodiments, as the area (e.g., the width) of the adhesive member <NUM> is designed to be greater than the area (e.g., the width) of the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM>, it is possible to further improve the effect of reducing static electricity <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device <NUM> illustrating in detail an edge of a flexible display <NUM> according to another embodiment. For example, <FIG> may be a cross-sectional view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>, illustrating the flexible display <NUM> in detail.

Referring to <FIG>, in an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to another embodiment, a second adhesive <NUM> (e.g., the second adhesive <NUM>) (e.g., a double-sided PSA) disposed between a polymer layer <NUM> (e.g., the polymer layer <NUM> of <FIG>) and a glass layer <NUM> (e.g., the glass layer <NUM> of <FIG>) may extend to a portion overlapping a second portion 411b (e.g., the second portion 411b in <FIG>) of the polymer layer <NUM>. For example, in the electronic device <NUM> according to another embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, unlike the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the second adhesive <NUM> may be disposed to overlap the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM> as well as the first portion 411a of the polymer layer <NUM>.

According to the illustrated embodiment, an adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed in a second direction (the -z direction) with respect to the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM>, and the adhesive member <NUM> may be attached in a second direction (the -z direction) of the second adhesive <NUM> in a portion overlapping the second portion 411b of the polymer layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG> may include embodiments that are substantially the same as or similar to the adhesive member <NUM> described with reference to <FIG>, except that the adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG> is attached in the second direction (the -z direction) of the second adhesive <NUM>. Accordingly, for a description of the adhesive member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the description made with reference to <FIG> will be used instead.

Referring to <FIG>, in the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to another embodiment, a conductive member <NUM> (e.g., conductive tape) may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the bending protection member <NUM> (e.g., the bending protection member <NUM> of <FIG>), and the attachment of the conductive (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be omitted from the inner surface of the protection frame <NUM>. For example, in the electronic device <NUM> according to another embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, unlike the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the conductive member <NUM> may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the bending protection member <NUM>, and the conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to face the inner surface of the frame <NUM> may be omitted.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> attached to the outer peripheral surface of the bending protection member <NUM> may execute the function of the conductive member (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) attached to the inner surface of the protection frame <NUM> in the embodiment described with reference to <FIG>. For example, the conductive member <NUM> may execute a function of transferring (or guiding) static electricity <NUM> introduced from the edges of the protection frame <NUM> and the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the first display <NUM> of <FIG>) in the rear direction of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the -z direction). For example, the static electricity <NUM> may be transferred to the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> by the conductive member <NUM>, and the static electricity <NUM> transferred to the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM><NUM> may be conducted to the ground of the FPCB <NUM> via the cover member <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, by disposing one end of the conductive member <NUM> to extend to a portion overlapping the polymer layer <NUM>, the static electricity <NUM> introduced to the edge of the flexible display <NUM> may be transferred to the cover member <NUM> located on the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> may extend to the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive member <NUM> disposed on the second extension 402b of the flexible display <NUM> may be covered by the cover member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive member <NUM> and the cover member <NUM> may be electrically connected to each other via a connection member <NUM> of the cover member <NUM>. Accordingly, the static electricity <NUM> transferred to the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may be transferred from the conductive member <NUM> to the cover member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the electronic device <NUM> (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) according to another embodiment, a conductive member <NUM> (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) (e.g., conductive tape) may be attached to the outer peripheral surface of the bending protection member <NUM> (e.g., the bending protection member <NUM> of <FIG>) and may not extend to a portion where the polymer layer <NUM> overlaps the front surface frame <NUM> of the protection frame <NUM>. For example, in the electronic device <NUM> according to another embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, unlike the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the second portion (e.g., the second portion 411b of <FIG>) of the polymer layer <NUM> and the adhesive member (e.g., the adhesive member <NUM> of <FIG>) may be omitted.

According to an embodiment, in the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, by disposing one end of the conductive member <NUM> attached to the outer peripheral surface of the bending protection member <NUM> to be adjacent to the edge of the flexible display <NUM> (e.g., the first display <NUM> of <FIG>), the static electricity <NUM> introduced into the edge of the flexible display <NUM> may be transferred to the cover member <NUM> located on the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in the electronic device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, one end of the conductive member <NUM> attached to the outer peripheral surface of the bending protection member <NUM> may be disposed to be adjacent to the edge of the polarizer <NUM>. For example, one end of the conductive member <NUM> may overlap the polymer layer <NUM> and may not overlap the polarizer <NUM> when viewed from the z direction. <FIG> is a view illustrating a configuration of the bending protection member <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating a configuration of a pattern of the bending protection member <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a view illustrating a configuration of a pattern of the bending protection member <NUM> according to another embodiment.

The bending protection member <NUM> and the conductive member <NUM> (e.g., conductive tape) illustrated in <FIG> may include embodiments that are at least partially the same as or different from the bending protection members <NUM> and the conductive members <NUM> (e.g., conductive tape) described with reference to <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, by attaching a conductive member <NUM> (e.g., the conductive member <NUM> of <FIG>) according to an embodiment to the outer peripheral surface of the bending protection member <NUM>, the static electricity <NUM> introduced into the edge of the flexible display <NUM> may be transferred to the cover member <NUM> located on the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the bending protection member <NUM> may include a non-conductive material (e.g., an insulating material), and the conductive member <NUM> may include a conductive material.

According to various embodiments, a bending pattern <NUM> may be provided on at least a portion of the conductive member <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> or <FIG>. According to an embodiment, the bending pattern <NUM> may execute a function of reducing stress (e.g., tensile force) generated when bending a portion of the conductive member <NUM> that comes into contact with the bending portion <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the bending pattern <NUM> provided on the conductive member <NUM> may include a pattern in which a plurality of slits <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, as illustrated in <FIG>. For example, the plurality of slits <NUM> may be formed by partially removing at least some layers (or at least some materials) of the conductive member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>; <NUM>) comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a hinge device (<NUM>; <NUM>) disposed between the first housing and the second housing such that the second housing is foldable from one end of the first housing;
a flexible display (<NUM>; <NUM>) disposed on the first housing and the second housing; and
a protection frame (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed to cover at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display and comprising at least one conductive member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) attached to an inner surface (811b, 812b) thereof facing the flexible display,
wherein the flexible display (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises:
a display panel (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a front surface portion (<NUM>) facing in a first direction where the flexible display is visually exposed to an outside in an unfolded state in which the first housing and the second housing are arranged side by side in a straight line, a first extension (402a) extending from one end of the front surface portion and bent in a second direction opposite to the first direction to face a lateral direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a second extension (402b) extending from the first extension and attached to a rear surface (400b, 811b) of the front surface portion to be parallel to the front surface portion;
a glass layer (<NUM>) disposed in the first direction with respect to the display panel;
a polymer layer (<NUM>) disposed in the first direction with respect to the glass layer, wherein the polymer layer comprises a first portion disposed to overlap the glass layer, and a second portion disposed outside the first portion and disposed to overlap the protection frame (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the first extension;
an adhesive (P1, P2, P3, <NUM>) disposed between the glass layer (<NUM>) and the first portion of the polymer layer; and
an adhesive member (<NUM>) attached to a rear surface (400b, 811b) of the second portion of the polymer layer and having adhesive force only in the first direction opposite to the second direction.