Patent Description:
Electronic devices are gradually becoming slimmer, becoming more rigid, being strengthened in design aspects, and being improved in functional elements thereof to be differentiated from each other. These electronic devices are being transformed into various shapes, departing from a uniform rectangular shape. For example, an electronic device may have a transformable structure that is convenient to carry and enables a large-screen display to be used at the time of using the electronic device. In an effort to provide an electronic device with such a transformable structure, a foldable electronic device may include a flexible display supported by at least two housings that operate in a manner of being folded or unfolded with respect to each other, and various improvement measures are being provided according to application of flexible displays. <CIT> discloses a display device including a display panel, a connection film connected to one side of the display panel, a circuit board connected to the connection film, and a coupling portion coupling the connection film and the circuit board.

<CIT> discloses a conductive plate directly connected to a display module.

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 with respect 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.

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 (e.g., a display driver IC (DDI)) is disposed. For example, when the flexible display is disposed in the 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 exterior may be introduced into the foldable electronic device through an edge of the flexible display. Such static electricity may not be guided to the conductive plate electrically connected to the ground of the electronic device, but may directly or indirectly affect the display panel via the bending portion that protrudes beyond the edge of the display panel, thereby causing malfunction such as a blackening phenomenon or bit missing (e.g., a short phenomenon of data lines) of the display panel.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic device including an electrostatic induction structure.

According to various embodiments, it is possible to provide an electronic device having an electrostatic induction structure capable of reducing malfunction of a display panel by guiding static electricity flowing from an edge of a flexible display via the bending portion, to a ground of the electronic device.

According to the invention as defined in claim <NUM>, an electronic device includes: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge device configured to foldably interconnect the first housing and the second housing; and a flexible display disposed to be supported from the first housing to the second housing across the hinge device, wherein the flexible display comprises: a window layer; a display panel disposed under the window layer; a conductive plate disposed under the display panel and electrically connected to a ground; and a bending portion extending from the display panel and folding around an edge of the conductive plate to a rear surface of the conductive plate such that the display panel is electrically connected to the rear surface of the conductive plate via the bending portion, wherein the conductive plate comprises at least one exposed portion which extends beyond an edge of the display panel around the bending portion. Further advantageous features are defined in the dependent claims.

According to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the conductive plate disposed on the rear surface of the display panel includes at least one exposed portion is disposed to be exposed (e.g., protrude) to the outside of the edge of the display panel in the vicinity of the bending portion of the display panel when the display panel is viewed from above. Therefore, it is possible to guide static electricity introduced from an edge of the flexible display to a ground of the electronic device, which is helpful for reducing malfunction and/or damage of the display panel.

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 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> of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., foldable housing) rotatably coupled based on a folding axis A through a hinge device (e.g., a hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>) to be foldable with respect to each other, a first display <NUM> (e.g., flexible display, foldable display, or main display) disposed through the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and/or a second display <NUM> (e.g., sub-display) disposed through the second housing <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, at least a portion (e.g., hinge devices <NUM> of <FIG>) of the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>) may be disposed to not be visible from the outside through the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and disposed to not be visible from the outside through a hinge housing <NUM> covering a foldable portion in an unfolded state. In this document, a surface in which the first display <NUM> is disposed may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and an opposite surface of the front surface may be defined as a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. Further, a surface enclosing a 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> may include a first housing <NUM> and second housing <NUM> disposed to be foldable with respect to each other through the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>). According to certain embodiments, the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> are not limited to the shape and coupling illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, and may be implemented by a combination and/or coupling of other shapes or parts. According to certain embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed at both sides based on the folding axis A, and have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A. According to some embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be folded asymmetrically based on the folding axis A. According to certain embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may have different angles or distances from each other according to whether the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

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

According to various embodiments, the hinge housing <NUM> (e.g., hinge cover) may be disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> and be disposed to cover a hinge device (e.g.: the hinge devices <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in the hinge housing <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the hinge housing <NUM> may be covered by a part of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> or may be exposed to the outside according to an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing <NUM> may be covered by the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> to not be substantially exposed. According to certain embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state, at least a portion of the hinge housing <NUM> may be exposed to the outside between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, when the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> are in an intermediate state folded with a certain angle, the hinge housing <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, an area in which the hinge housing <NUM> is exposed to the outside may be smaller than that in a fully folded state. According to certain embodiments, the hinge housing <NUM> may include a curved surface.

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state (e.g., the state of <FIG>), the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> form an angle of approximately <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 flat surface and be disposed to face in substantially the same direction. In another embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the first housing <NUM> may rotate at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees with respect to the second housing <NUM> so that the second surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> may be reversely folded to face each other (out-folding method).

According to various embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., the state of <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., a range of <NUM> degree to approximately <NUM> degree) each other through the folding area 130c and be disposed to face each other. According to certain embodiments, at least a portion of the folding area 130c may be transformed into a curved shape having a predetermined curvature. According to certain embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an intermediate state, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed at a certain angle to each other. In this case, the first area 130a and the second area 130b of the first display <NUM> may form an angle larger than the folded state and smaller than the unfolded state, and a curvature of the folding area 130c may be smaller than that of the folded state and be larger than that of the unfolded state. In some embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may form an angle that may stop at a specified folding angle between the folded state and the unfolded state through the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>) (free stop function). In some embodiments, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be operated while being pressurized in an unfolding direction or a folding direction based on a specified inflection angle through the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of at least one display <NUM> and <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, or a connector port <NUM> disposed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may omit at least one of the components or may additionally include at least one other component.

According to various embodiments, the at least one display <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first display <NUM> (e.g., flexible display) disposed to receive support from the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> through the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>) from the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and a second display <NUM> disposed to be visible at least partially from the outside through the fourth surface <NUM> in an inner space of the second housing <NUM>. As another example, the second display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside through the second surface <NUM> in an inner space of the first housing <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the first display <NUM> may be mainly used in an unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, and the second display <NUM> may be mainly used in a folded state of the electronic device <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an intermediate state, the electronic device <NUM> may control the first display <NUM> and/or the second display <NUM> to be usable 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 receiving space formed by a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the first display <NUM> may be disposed in the recess <NUM> formed by the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>, and when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the first display <NUM> may be disposed to occupy substantially most of the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the first display <NUM> may include a flexible display whose at least a partial area may be transformed into a flat surface or a curved surface. According to certain embodiments, 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 connecting the first area 130a and the second area 130b and facing the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>). According to certain embodiments, area division of the first display <NUM> is an exemplary physical division by a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>), and the first display <NUM> may be displayed as a substantially seamless single full screen through the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> and the hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> of <FIG>). According to certain embodiments, 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 at the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and a second rear cover <NUM> disposed at 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 certain embodiments, at least one cover of the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed with a substantially transparent plate (e.g., a polymer plate or a glass plate including various coating layers) or an opaque plate. According to certain embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> may be formed by an opaque plate such as, for example, coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. According to certain embodiments, the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed through a substantially transparent plate such as glass or polymer, for example. Accordingly, the second display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside through the second rear cover <NUM> in an inner space of the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones disposed to detect a direction of a sound. According to certain embodiments, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include speakers. According to certain embodiments, the sound output devices <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 at least a portion of the second side member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the input device <NUM>, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, and the connector <NUM> may be disposed in spaces of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> and be exposed to an external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, holes formed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> may be commonly used for the input device <NUM> and the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a speaker (e.g., piezo speaker) operating while excluding a hole 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 module 116a disposed at the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, a second camera module 116b disposed at the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and/or a third camera module <NUM> disposed at the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flash <NUM> disposed near the second camera module 116b. According to certain embodiments, the flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to certain embodiments, the camera modules 116a, 116b, and <NUM> may include one or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. In some embodiments, at least one camera module of the camera modules 116a, 116b, and <NUM> may include two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors and be disposed together at any one surface of the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the sensor modules 117a, 117b, and <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or a data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. According to certain embodiments, the sensor modules 117a, 117b, and <NUM> may include a first sensor module 117a disposed at the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, a second sensor module 117b disposed at the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and/or a third sensor module <NUM> disposed at 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 illuminance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (e.g., time of flight (TOF) sensor or light detection and ranging (LiDAR)).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a sensor module, for example, at least one of an atmospheric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or 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 not include some or all of the key input devices <NUM>, and the non-included key input devices <NUM> may be implemented into other forms such as soft keys on at least one display <NUM> and <NUM>. As another embodiment, the key input device <NUM> may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in at least one display <NUM> and <NUM>.

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

According to various embodiments, at least one camera module 116a and <NUM> of the camera modules 116a, 116b, and <NUM>, at least one sensor module 117a and <NUM> of the sensor modules 117a, 117b, and <NUM>, and/or the indicator may be disposed to be exposed through at least one display <NUM> and <NUM>. For example, the at least one camera module 116a and <NUM>, the at least one sensor module 117a and <NUM>, and/or the indicator may be disposed under a display area of the displays <NUM> and <NUM> in an interior space of the at least one housing <NUM> and <NUM> and be disposed to contact an external environment through an opening or transparent area perforated to a cover member (e.g., a window layer of the first display <NUM> and/or the second rear cover <NUM>). In another embodiment, some camera modules or sensor modules 117a and <NUM> may be disposed to perform functions thereof without being visually exposed through the display. For example, an area facing the camera modules 116a and <NUM> and/or the sensor modules 117a and <NUM> disposed under the displays <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., display panel) has an under display camera (UDC) structure; thus, a perforated opening may be unnecessary.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view illustrating 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 hinge device <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/or a second rear cover <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM> (e.g., flexible display panel) and one or more plates <NUM> or layers in which the display panel <NUM> is seated. According to certain embodiments, the display panel <NUM> may include a first panel area <NUM> corresponding to the first area (e.g., the first area 130a of <FIG>) of the display <NUM>, a second panel area <NUM> extended from the first panel area and corresponding to the second area (e.g., the second area 130b of <FIG>) of the display <NUM>, and a third area 131c connecting the first panel area <NUM> and the second panel area <NUM> and corresponding to a folding area (e.g., the folding area 130c of <FIG>) of the display <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the one or more plates <NUM> may include a conductive plate (e.g., Cu sheet or SUS sheet) disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the support member assembly <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the one or more plates <NUM> may be formed to have substantially the same area as that of the first display <NUM>, and an area facing a folding area (e.g., the folding area 130c of <FIG>) of the first display <NUM> may be formed to be bendable. According to certain embodiments, the one or more plates <NUM> may include at least one auxiliary material layer (e.g., graphite member) disposed at a rear surface of the display panel <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the 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 a space between the second housing <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the second display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside through substantially the entire area of the second rear cover <NUM> in a 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., first support plate) and a second support member <NUM> (e.g., second support plate). According to certain embodiments, the first support member <NUM> may be foldably coupled to the second support member <NUM> through the hinge device <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one wiring member <NUM> (e.g., flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) disposed from at least a portion of the first support member <NUM> across the hinge device <NUM> to a portion of the second support member <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the support member assembly <NUM> may be disposed between one or more plates <NUM> and at least one printed circuit board <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the first support member <NUM> may be disposed between the first area (e.g., the first area 130a of <FIG>) of the first display <NUM> and a first printed circuit board <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the second support member <NUM> may be disposed between the second area (e.g., the second area 130b of <FIG>) of the first display <NUM> and a second printed circuit board <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the at least one wiring member <NUM> and/or at least a portion of the hinge device <NUM> may be disposed to be supported through at least a portion of the support member assembly <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the at least one wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction) crossing the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the at least one wiring member <NUM> may be disposed in a direction (e.g., the x-axis direction) substantially perpendicular to the folding axis (e.g., the y-axis or the folding axis A of <FIG>) of the folding area 130c.

According to various embodiments, the at least one printed circuit board <NUM> may include a first printed circuit board <NUM> disposed to face the first support member <NUM> or a second printed circuit board <NUM> disposed to face the second support member <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, the first printed circuit board <NUM> and the second printed circuit board <NUM> may be disposed in an inner space formed by the support member assembly <NUM>, the first housing <NUM>, the second housing <NUM>, and the first rear cover <NUM>, and/or the second rear cover <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, 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>. In some embodiments, the first support member <NUM> is a component of the first housing <NUM> and may be extended at least partially from the first side member <NUM> to a first space (e.g., first interior space) in which the first housing <NUM> is formed. In some embodiments, the second support member <NUM> is a component of the second housing <NUM> and may be extended at least partially from the second side member <NUM> to a second space (e.g., second interior space) in which the second housing <NUM> is formed.

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

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 certain embodiments, the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may include curved surfaces corresponding to (naturally connected to) a curved outer surface of the hinge housing <NUM>. According to certain embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in an unfolded state, the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may cover the hinge housing <NUM>, thereby not exposing the hinge housing <NUM> from the rear surface of the electronic device <NUM> or exposing only a portion thereof. According to certain embodiments, when the electronic device <NUM> is in a folded state, the first rotation support surface <NUM> and the second rotation support surface <NUM> may rotate along the curved outer surface of the hinge housing <NUM> to expose at least a portion of the hinge housing <NUM> to 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 a configuration for each area of the electronic device <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

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

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 away from the first surface <NUM>, and a first side member <NUM> (e.g., the first side 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>) oriented in the same direction as the first surface <NUM>, a fourth surface <NUM> (e.g., the fourth surface <NUM> in <FIG>) oriented in the same direction of the second surface <NUM>, and a second side member <NUM> (e.g., the second side 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 about a folding axis A1with respect to each other via a hinge device <NUM> (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, the electronic device <NUM> may maintain the folded or unfolded state by rotating the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> with respect 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 folded 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 flexible 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 a partial area 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 facing the first housing <NUM>, a second area h2 facing the second housing structure <NUM>, and a folding area h3 facing the hinge module <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 with respect to the second housing <NUM> corresponding to the second area h2 via the hinge module <NUM> corresponding to the folding area h3.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one protective frame <NUM> or <NUM> (e.g., a decorative member or a decoration) disposed on the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one protective frame <NUM>, <NUM> may include a first protective frame <NUM> disposed on the flexible display <NUM> in the first area h1 and a second protective frame <NUM> disposed on the flexible display <NUM> in the second area h2. According to an embodiment, the protective frames <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of a polymer material or a metal material, and may be disposed on each of the 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, at least a portion of the first edge <NUM>, the third edge <NUM>, and the fourth edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be invisible from the exterior by being disposed between the first housing <NUM> and the first protective frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the second edge <NUM>, the third edge <NUM>, and the fourth edge <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be invisible from the exterior by being disposed between the second housing <NUM> and the second protective frame <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a pair of protective frames <NUM> and <NUM> may be omitted in the folding area h3 corresponding to the hinge device <NUM> for the folding and unfolding operation of the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> about the hinge device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the folding area h3, the electronic device <NUM> may include 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> exposed to the exterior. According to an embodiment, the edges of the flexible display <NUM> exposed through the folding area h3 may be disposed to be at least partially invisible from the exterior via the protective structure <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the protective structure <NUM> may include a support body <NUM> disposed by at least a portion of the hinge device <NUM> and a blocking member <NUM> supported by the support body <NUM> and disposed to at least partially cover the edges of the flexible display <NUM> from the exterior. 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 the blocking member <NUM>, which is of a film type.

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

<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 be at least partially similar to the display <NUM> of <FIG> or may further include another embodiment of the flexible display.

Referring to <FIG>, the flexible display <NUM> 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> may include a polymer layer <NUM> (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) and a glass layer (e.g., ultra-thin glass (UTG)) laminated with the polymer layer <NUM>. 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 polarization layer <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, the polymer member <NUM> may be applied with a dark color (e.g., black) to be helpful for displaying the background when the display is turned off. According to an embodiment, the polymer member <NUM> may include a cushion for preventing the flexible display <NUM> from being damaged by absorbing an impact from the exterior of the electronic device.

According to various embodiments, the conductive plate <NUM> may be helpful for reinforcing 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 be 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 arranged). 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 second 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 formed. According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may further include metal reinforcing plates <NUM> disposed under the conductive plate in order to reinforce rigidity. 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 at least one functional member disposed between the polymer member <NUM> and the conductive plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the functional member 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 member is bendable, the functional member may be disposed from 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 detection 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 configuration view illustrating the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a view illustrating an arrangement relationship between the display panel <NUM> and the conductive plate <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the flexible display <NUM> may include a bending portion <NUM> disposed in a manner of being folded from the display panel <NUM> to at least a partial area of the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bending portion <NUM> may include an extension <NUM> extending from the display panel <NUM>, a connection pad <NUM> electrically connected from the extension <NUM> and including a control circuit <NUM>, and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) <NUM> electrically connected to the connection pad <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may include a display driver IC (DDI) or a touch display driver IC (TDDI) mounted on the connection pad <NUM> having an electrical wiring structure. According to an embodiment, the connection pad <NUM> may include a separate FPCB or film including the control circuit <NUM> disposed in a chip on film (COF) manner. According to an embodiment, the control circuit <NUM> may have a chip on panel or chip on plastic (COP) structure directly mounted on the extension <NUM> without the connection pad <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a plurality of electrical elements <NUM> disposed on the FPCB <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include an electrical connector <NUM> extending from the FPCB <NUM> and electrically connected to a second printed circuit board (e.g., the second printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>). 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. In another embodiment, when the bending portion <NUM> is disposed in an area of the flexible display <NUM> facing the first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>), the electrical connector <NUM> may be electrically connected to a first printed circuit board (e.g., the first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the bending portion <NUM> extending from the display panel <NUM> may be folded via one edge (e.g., the second edge <NUM>) of the conductive plate <NUM>, and may then disposed in a manner of coming into contact with the conductive plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive plate may be electrically connected to a ground of the electronic device, and the display panel may be electrically connected to the conductive plate via the bending portion.

According to various embodiments, the conductive plate <NUM> may include one or more exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM> extending to protrude beyond an edge of the display panel <NUM> in the vicinity of the bending portion <NUM> when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above. According to an embodiment, the one or more exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first exposed portion <NUM> disposed on one side of the bending portion <NUM> and/or a second exposed portion <NUM> disposed on the other side of the bending portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the one or more exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM> may protrude outward beyond the bending portion <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above. Accordingly, static electricity introduced from the exterior of the electronic device <NUM> via the vicinity of the bending portion <NUM> of the display panel <NUM> may not be guided to the bending portion <NUM>, but may be grounded via the conductive plate <NUM> and/or surrounding conductive structures (e.g., a board and/or a conductive support member) electrically connected to a ground via the one or more exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the conductive plate <NUM> protruding outward beyond the bending portion <NUM> when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second housing <NUM> (hereinafter, "housing") including a second side member <NUM> (hereinafter, "side member"), a second protective frame <NUM> (hereinafter, "protective frame") disposed on at least a portion of the side member <NUM>, and a flexible display <NUM> disposed between the side member <NUM> and the protective frame <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to be supported by a second conductive support member <NUM> (hereinafter, "conductive support member") which at least partially extends from the side member <NUM> to the second space of the housing <NUM> or is structurally coupled to the second space of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least a portion of an edge of the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed in the inner space <NUM> defined by at least a portion of the side member <NUM>, the protective frame <NUM>, and the conductive support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the edge of the flexible display <NUM> may be covered by the protective frame <NUM> to be invisible from the exterior.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a window layer <NUM> disposed on the surface of the display panel <NUM> that is oriented in the first direction (direction ①), and a conductive plate <NUM> disposed on the surface of the display panel <NUM> that is oriented in a second direction (direction ②) opposite to the first direction (direction ①). According to an embodiment, the window layer <NUM> may include a polymer layer <NUM> (e.g., PET) and a glass layer <NUM> (e.g., UTG or polyimide) disposed under the polymer layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a polarization layer <NUM> (e.g., POL) disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the glass layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a polymer member <NUM> disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the conductive plate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the respective layers may be bonded to each other via adhesives P1, P2, and P3. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be attached to the conductive support member <NUM> via an adhesive member P4. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may further include a sealing member <NUM> disposed between the polymer layer <NUM> of the window layer <NUM> and the protective frame <NUM> to prevent the inflow of foreign substances from the exterior. According to an embodiment, the sealing member <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material.

According to various embodiments, the display panel <NUM> may include a bending portion <NUM> extending into the inner space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bending portion <NUM> may be bent around the edge of the display panel <NUM>, and at least a portion of the FPCB <NUM> connected to the bending portion <NUM> may be bonded to the rear surface of the conductive plate <NUM> via a conductive tape <NUM>. Accordingly, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the bending portion <NUM> may protrude toward the inner space <NUM> beyond the edge of the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive plate <NUM> may include at least one exposed portion <NUM> extending to protrude beyond the edge of the display panel <NUM> in the vicinity of the bending portion <NUM> when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above. According to an embodiment, the at least one exposed portion <NUM> may extend from the conductive plate <NUM> to have a first protrusion amount d1 from the edge of the display panel <NUM> when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above. According to an embodiment, when the display panel <NUM> is viewed from above, the exposed portion <NUM> may coincide with or protrude beyond the bending portion <NUM>.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, static electricity introduced into the inner space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> through the space between the edge of the flexible display <NUM> and the protective frame <NUM> may be guided to the conductive plate <NUM> electrically connected to the ground (common ground) of the electronic device <NUM> via the exposed portion <NUM>, which extends from the conductive plate <NUM> to coincide with or protrude beyond the bending portion <NUM>. Therefore, the above-described electrostatic induction structure may be helpful for preventing malfunction of the display panel <NUM> and damage to the display panel <NUM>, which are caused when the introduced static electricity is introduced into the display panel <NUM> via the bending portion <NUM>, rather than the conductive plate <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device illustrating a state in which the conductive plate <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure is electrically connected to the sealing member <NUM> of the protective frame <NUM> via a conductive connecting member <NUM>.

In describing the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the exposed portion <NUM> of the conductive plate <NUM> may be connected to the conductive sealing member <NUM> via the conductive connecting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the conductive connecting member <NUM> may include a conductive sponge, a conductive tape, or a conductive clip. In this case, static electricity introduced from the exterior may be guided to the exposed portion <NUM> and the conductive plate <NUM> via the conductive connecting member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in order to guide static electricity, the conductive connecting member <NUM> may have a length electrically interconnecting two exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM> protruding with the bending portion <NUM> of the conductive plate <NUM> interposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the two exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be electrically connected to different positions of the sealing member <NUM> via separate conductive connecting members, respectively.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device <NUM> illustrating a state in which the conductive plate <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure is electrically connected to the conductive support member <NUM> of the side member <NUM> via the conductive connecting member <NUM>.

In describing the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, the exposed portion <NUM> of the conductive plate <NUM> may be connected to the conductive structure <NUM> disposed in the electronic device <NUM> via the conductive connecting member <NUM>. The conductive connecting member <NUM> may include a conductive sponge, a conductive tape, or a conductive clip. According to an embodiment, the conductive structure <NUM> may include at least one of a conductive support member <NUM> (e.g., a conductive bracket or a conductive front structure) disposed in the inner space <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> and electrically connected to a ground, a board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>), or a shield can. In this case, static electricity introduced from the exterior may be guided to the ground of the board via the conductive structure <NUM> connected via the exposed portion of the conductive plate <NUM> and the conductive connecting member <NUM>.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the conductive support member <NUM> may protrude toward the conductive plate <NUM>, thereby being helpful for improving adhesiveness to the conductive connecting member <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the conductive side member <NUM> electrically connected to the ground G may be disposed to be exposed through the conductive support member <NUM> in the inner space <NUM>. In this case, the conductive connecting member <NUM> may be disposed to electrically interconnect the conductive plate <NUM> and the exposed portion of the conductive side member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device illustrating in which the conductive plate <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure is electrically connected to the sealing member <NUM> of the protective frame <NUM> and the conductive side member <NUM> of the side member <NUM> via the conductive connecting members <NUM> and <NUM>.

In describing the components of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>, the same reference numerals are given to components that are substantially the same as those of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG>, and a detailed description thereof may be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, in order to provide a static electricity guide structure, the exposed portion <NUM> of the conductive plate <NUM> may be in contact with the conductive sealing member <NUM> via the conductive connecting member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and may be simultaneously connected to the conductive structure <NUM> via the conductive connecting member <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. In this case, static electricity introduced from the exterior may be guided by using both a first path in which the static electricity is guided to the conductive plate <NUM> via the exposed portion <NUM> and a second path in which the static electricity is guided to the ground of the board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) via the conductive structure <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an arrangement relationship between an opening 432a formed in the bending portion <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure and the exposed portion <NUM> of the conductive plate <NUM>. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the flexible display <NUM> taken along line 10b-10b in <FIG> in a state in which the bending portion <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure is bent.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the exposed portion <NUM> of the conductive plate <NUM> may protrude through at least a portion of the bending portion <NUM> rather than near the bending portion <NUM>. For example, the bending portion <NUM> may include an opening 432a at least partially having a predetermined shape and size. According to an embodiment, the opening 432a may have a size and shape that allow the exposed portion <NUM> to pass the opening 432a even when the bending portion <NUM> has a shape bent with respect to the bending axis BA. According to an embodiment, the wiring structure disposed in the bending portion <NUM> may be designed to avoid the opening 432a. Accordingly, when the conductive plate <NUM> is disposed on the rear surface of the display panel <NUM> with the polymer member <NUM> interposed therebetween, the exposed portion <NUM> may pass through the opening 432a formed in the bending portion <NUM> and may then be connected to the ground G of the electronic device via the conductive connecting member <NUM>. In some embodiments, a plurality of exposed portions <NUM> protruding from the conductive plate <NUM> may be provided to have a predetermined interval, and corresponding openings 432a, the number of which corresponds to that of the exposed portions, <NUM> may also be formed. In some embodiments, the openings 432a may be formed in a size and shape to accommodate two or more exposed portions of the plurality of exposed portions together. In some embodiments, the conductive plate <NUM> may include an exposed portion <NUM> provided to pass through the opening 432A, and exposed portions (e.g., the exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) provided around the above-described bending portion <NUM>, together.

<FIG> is a partial plan view of a flexible display <NUM> illustrating an arrangement relationship between a conductive plate <NUM> and a window layer <NUM> according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device to which the conductive plate <NUM> and the window layer <NUM> of <FIG> according to various embodiments of the disclosure are applied.

Referring to <FIG>, the static electricity guide structure may be provided via a structural change of the window layer <NUM> (e.g., the polymer layer <NUM>). According to an embodiment, when the flexible display <NUM> is viewed from above, by changing the shape of at least a portion of the window layer <NUM>, the conductive plate <NUM> may include exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM>, which are exposed by a predetermined width C1, in a portion of an edge thereof around the bending portion <NUM>. In this case, when the flexible display <NUM> is viewed from above, even if the conductive plate <NUM> is exposed to be visible, the exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be covered by the protective frame <NUM> disposed thereabove. According to an embodiment, when the flexible display <NUM> is viewed from above, the exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the conductive plate <NUM> may be provided in a portion spaced apart from the bending portion <NUM> by a predetermined distance L so that the bending portion <NUM> is not identified with the naked eye through the window layer <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the flexible display <NUM> is viewed from above, the conductive plate <NUM> may protrude toward the inner space <NUM> beyond the edge of the display panel <NUM> to have a first protrusion amount d1. According to an embodiment, when the flexible display <NUM> is viewed from above, the window layer <NUM> may be disposed to further protrude toward the inner space beyond the edge of the display panel to have a second protrusion amount d2. According to an embodiment, the first protrusion amount d1 may be greater than the second protrusion amount d2. Accordingly, when the flexible display <NUM> is viewed from above, the conductive plate <NUM> may be exposed by a portion excluding the second protrusion amount d2 from the first protrusion amount d1.

According to various embodiments, through the structural change of the window layer <NUM>, static electricity introduced from the exterior of the electronic device <NUM> is guided to the exposed portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the conductive plate <NUM> protruding toward the inner space <NUM> beyond the window layer <NUM> when the flexible display <NUM> is viewed from above, which may be helpful for preventing malfunction of the display panel <NUM> and/or damage to the display panel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include: a first housing (e.g., the first housing <NUM> in <FIG>); a second housing (e.g., the second housing <NUM> in <FIG>); an hinge device (e.g., the hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>) configured to foldably interconnect the first housing and the second housing; and a flexible display (e.g., the flexible display <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to be supported from the first housing to the second housing across the hinge device, wherein the flexible display may include: a window layer (e.g., the window layer <NUM> in <FIG>); a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed under the window layer to correspond to the second housing and including a bending portion (e.g., the bending portion <NUM> in <FIG>) at least partially extending outward; and a conductive plate (e.g., the conductive plate <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed under the display panel and electrically connected to a ground, wherein the bending portion may include a flexible display, which is bypassed to the rear surface of the at least one conductive plate and electrically connected to the rear surface, and the conductive plate may include at least one exposed portion (e.g., the exposed portion <NUM> in <FIG>) exposed to the outside of an edge of the display panel around the bending portion when the display panel is viewed from above.

According to various embodiments, the at least one exposed portion may extend from an edge of the conductive plate.

According to various embodiments, the at least one exposed portion may be further exposed to the outside of the bending portion when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to various embodiments, the window layer may further protrude outward beyond the display panel when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a protective frame disposed in the second housing with an edge of the flexible display interposed therebetween, wherein the edge of the flexible display may be disposed to be invisible from exterior through the protective frame.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further include a conductive sealing member disposed between the protective frame and the window layer.

According to various embodiments, the at least one exposed portion may be electrically connected to the conductive sealing member via at least one first conductive connecting member.

According to various embodiments, the at least one exposed portion may include: a first exposed portion extending from the conductive plate at one side of the bending portion; and a second exposed portion extending from the conductive plate at another side of the bending portion.

According to various embodiments, the at least one first conductive connecting member may have a length extending from the first exposed portion to the second exposed portion and may be electrically connected to the conductive sealing member.

According to various embodiments, the at least one first conductive connecting member may individually electrically connect each of the first exposed portion and the second exposed portion to the conductive sealing member.

According to various embodiments, the first exposed portion and the second exposed portion may be electrically connected to each other via a second conductive connecting member.

According to various embodiments, the at least one exposed portion may be electrically connected to a conductive structure, which is disposed in an inner space of the second housing and electrically connected to the ground, via at least one third conductive connecting member.

According to various embodiments, the conductive structure may include a board disposed in the inner space of the second housing and/or a conductive support member extending from the side member to the inner space.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the conductive support member may be disposed to support at least a portion of the flexible display.

According to various embodiments, the bending portion may include at least one opening at least partially having a predetermined shape, and the at least one exposed portion may be disposed to pass through the at least one opening.

According to various embodiments, the at least one exposed portion may include two or more exposed portions, and the two or more exposed portions may be disposed to pass through one opening.

According to various embodiments, the at least one exposed portion may be disposed through a shape change of at least partially removing an edge of the window layer when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to various embodiments, the bending portion and the exposed portion may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance to be invisible from the exterior.

According to various embodiments, the window layer may include a polymer layer and a glass layer configured to be smaller than the polymer layer, and the exposed portion may be disposed through a shape change of the polymer layer.

Claim 1:
An electronic device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>);
a hinge device (<NUM>) configured to foldably interconnect the first housing and the second housing; and
a flexible display (<NUM>) disposed to be supported from the first housing to the second housing across the hinge device, wherein the flexible display comprises:
a window layer (<NUM>);
a display panel (<NUM>) disposed under the window layer;
a conductive plate (<NUM>) disposed under the display panel and electrically connected to a ground; and
a bending portion (<NUM>) extending from the display panel and folding around an edge of the conductive plate to a rear surface of the conductive plate such that the display panel is electrically connected to the rear surface of the conductive plate via the bending portion,
wherein the conductive plate comprises at least one exposed portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) which extends beyond an edge of the display panel around the bending portion.