Patent Description:
Recent portable electronic devices have seen design trends towards slimness and increased rigidity, which serves to enhance design aesthetics and differentiate functional elements therein. The previous near-uniform usage of a rectangular shape for these devices is now evolving into more diverse and sometimes modifiable shapes. Electronic devices having modifiable shapes, like foldable housings, may support increased portability and larger display areas. Further improvements include waterproofing and dustproofing, which prevents internal components from being damaged by water and foreign elements. Documents (<CIT> & <CIT>) disclose conventional waterproof structures implemented in electronic devices.

A foldable electronic device may include a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge module), and first and second housings which may be foldably coupled through the hinge mechanism. This foldable electronic device may be operated in an in-folding and/or out-folding manner, where the first housing is rotated within a range of <NUM> to <NUM> degrees with respect to the second housing via the hinge mechanism. The foldable electronic device may include a flexible display that is disposed to traverse both the first housing and the second housing when the electronic device is disposed a <NUM> degree-unfolded state.

The flexible display may include a bendable display panel. The display panel may include a bending portion that is extended to one side and arranged in a folding manner on the rear surface of the flexible display. 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 be disposed to extend outwardly from the periphery of the display panel, and then fold towards the rear surface of the flexible display. The bending portion may include an extension portion that extends from the display panel, and include a control circuit and a flexible substrate (e.g., flexible printed circuit board or "FPCB") that is connected to the extension portion and the substrate of the foldable electronic device, and includes a plurality of electrical elements.

Meanwhile, the folding and unfolding operation mechanism may render other devices vulnerable to water. Accordingly, to increase waterproofing and/or dustproofing against moisture and/or foreign substances, the electronic device may have separate waterproof structures for different individual components.

However, as the foldable electronic device does not provide a separate waterproof structure for the bending portion, the control circuit disposed on the extension portion and/or a plurality of electrical elements disposed on the flexible substrate may be poorly or inadequately waterproofed.

Various embodiments of the disclosure may provide an electronic device including a waterproof structure capable of blocking moisture and/or foreign substances introduced from the outside.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device includes:
a first housing including a first support member; a second housing foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge mechanism and including a second support member; a flexible display supported by the first housing and the second housing, the flexible display including: a window layer, a display panel disposed under the window layer, and a bending portion extended from the display panel and attached to a rear surface of the display panel, the bending portion including: an extension portion extending outside the display panel and including a control circuit, and a flexible substrate electrically connected to the extension portion; a first waterproof member disposed between the display panel and the first support member to substantially surround the bending portion; a second waterproof member disposed between the bending portion and the first support member; and a third waterproof member that connects one end of the first waterproof member and one end of the second waterproof member, and connects the other end of the first waterproof member and the other end of the second waterproof member, wherein when the flexible display is viewed from above, the control circuit and the flexible substrate overlap a first waterproof space formed through the first waterproof member, the second waterproof member, and the third waterproof member.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device may include: at least one housing, a display supported by the at least one housing, the display including: a window layer, a display panel disposed under the window layer, and a bending portion extending from the display panel and attached to a rear surface of the display panel, the bending portion including: an extension portion extending outside the display panel and including a control circuit, and a flexible substrate electrically connected to the extension portion, a first waterproof member disposed between the display panel and the housing to substantially surround the bending portion, a second waterproof member disposed between the bending portion and the housing, and a third waterproof member that connects one end of the first waterproof member and one end of the second waterproof member, and connects the other end of the first waterproof member and the other end of the second waterproof member, wherein when the display is viewed from above, the control circuit and the flexible substrate are arranged at positions overlapping a waterproof space formed through the first waterproof member, the second waterproof member, and the third waterproof member.

According to example embodiments of the disclosure, a waterproof structure is separately provided for the bending portion that is folded toward the rear surface of the display panel, which may block moisture and/or foreign substances introduced from the outside and help the display to operate smoothly.

In addition, various effects directly or indirectly identified through this document may be provided.

In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference symbols may be used for the same or similar components.

<FIG> is a front perspective view of an electronic device in a flat or unfolded state according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating the front of the electronic device in an unfolded state according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a plan view illustrating the back of the electronic device in an unfolded state according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the electronic device in a folded state according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of the electronic device in an intermediate state according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., foldable housings) that are rotatably coupled as to allow folding relative to a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). In certain embodiments, the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>) may be disposed in the X-axis direction or in the Y-axis direction. In certain embodiments, two or more hinge mechanisms (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>) may be arranged to be folded in a same direction or in different directions. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flexible display <NUM> (e.g., foldable display) disposed in an area formed by the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may be disposed on both sides about the folding axis (axis A), and may have a substantially symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis (axis A). According to an embodiment, the angle or distance between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> may vary, depending on whether the state of the electronic device <NUM> is a flat or unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

According to certain embodiments, the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> (e.g., first housing structure) coupled to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>), and a second housing <NUM> (e.g., second housing structure) coupled to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the first housing <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> facing a first direction (e.g., front direction) (z-axis direction), and a second surface <NUM> facing a second direction (e.g., rear direction) (negative z-axis direction) opposite to the first surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the second housing <NUM> may include a third surface <NUM> facing the first direction (z-axis direction), and a fourth surface <NUM> facing the second direction (negative z-axis direction). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be operated in such a manner that the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> face substantially the same first direction (z-axis direction) in the unfolded state, and the first surface <NUM> and the third surface <NUM> face one another in the folded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be operated in such a manner that the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM> face substantially the same second direction (negative z-axis direction) in the unfolded state, and the second surface <NUM> and the fourth surface <NUM> face one another in opposite directions in the folded state. For example, in the folded state, the second surface <NUM> may face the first direction (z-axis direction), and the fourth surface <NUM> may face the second direction (negative z-axis direction).

According to certain embodiments, the first housing <NUM> may include a first side member <NUM> that at least partially forms an external appearance of the electronic device <NUM>, and a first rear cover <NUM> coupled to the first side member <NUM> that forms at least a portion of the second surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> may include a first side surface 113a, a second side surface 113b extending from one end of the first side surface 113a, and a third side surface 113c extending from the other end of the first side surface 113a. According to an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular shape (e.g., square or rectangle) through the first side surface 113a, second side surface 113b, and third side surface 113c.

According to certain embodiments, the second housing <NUM> may include a second side member <NUM> that at least partially forms the external appearance of the electronic device <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM> coupled to the second side member <NUM>, forming at least a portion of the fourth surface <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second side member <NUM> may include a fourth side surface 123a, a fifth side surface 123b extending from one end of the fourth side surface 123a, and a sixth side surface 123c extending from the other end of the fourth side surface 123a. According to an embodiment, the second side member <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular shape through the fourth side surface 123a, fifth side surface 123b, and sixth side surface 123c.

According to certain embodiments, the pair of housings <NUM> and <NUM> are not limited to the shape and combinations illustrated herein, and may be implemented with a combination of other shapes or parts. For example, in certain embodiments, the first side member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second side member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the second side surface 113b of the first side member <NUM> and the fifth side surface 123b of the second side member <NUM> may be connected without a gap formed therebetween. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device <NUM>, the third side surface 113c of the first side member <NUM> and the sixth side surface 123c of the second side member <NUM> may be connected without a gap formed therebetween. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device <NUM> may be configured such that the combined length of the second side surface 113b and the fifth side surface 123b is longer than the combined length of the first side surface 113a and/or the fourth side surface 123a. In addition, the combined length of the third side surface 113c and the sixth side surface 123c may be configured to be longer than the length of the first side surface 113a and/or the fourth side surface 123a.

According to certain embodiments, the first side member <NUM> and/or the second side member <NUM> may be formed of a metal, and may further include a polymer injected into the metal. According to an embodiment, the first side member <NUM> and/or the second side member <NUM> may include at least one conductive portion <NUM> and/or <NUM> electrically segmented through one or more segmenting portions <NUM> and <NUM> and/or segmenting <NUM> and <NUM>, which may be formed using a polymer. In this case, the at least one conductive portion may be electrically connected to a wireless communication circuit included in the electronic device <NUM>, and may be used as an antenna operating in at least one designated band (e.g., legacy band).

According to certain embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> and/or the second rear cover <NUM> may be formed of, for example, coated or tinted glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel or "STS", or magnesium), or a combination thereof.

According to certain embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to extend from the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> across the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>) to at least a portion of the third surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. For example, the flexible display <NUM> may include a first region 130a substantially corresponding to the first surface <NUM>, a second region 130b corresponding to the second surface <NUM>, and a third region 130c (e.g., the bendable region) connecting the first region 130a and the second region 130b and corresponding to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first protection cover <NUM> (e.g., first protection frame or first decoration member) coupled along the periphery of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second protection cover <NUM> (e.g., second protection frame or second decoration member) coupled along the periphery of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first protection cover <NUM> and/or the second protection cover <NUM> may be formed of a metal or polymer material. According to an embodiment, the first protection cover <NUM> and/or the second protection cover <NUM> may be used as a decorative member. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be positioned such that the periphery of the first region 130a is interposed between the first housing <NUM> and the first protection cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be positioned such that the periphery of the second region 130b is interposed between the second housing <NUM> and the second protection cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be positioned such that the periphery of the flexible display <NUM> corresponding to a protection cap <NUM> is protected through the protection cap disposed in a region corresponding to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). Consequently, the periphery of the flexible display <NUM> may be substantially protected from the outside. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a hinge housing <NUM> (e.g., hinge cover) that is disposed so as to support the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). The hinge housing <NUM> may further be exposed to the outside when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state, and be invisible as viewed from the outside when retracted into a first space (e.g., internal space of the first housing <NUM> ) and a second space (e.g., internal space of the second housing <NUM>) when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state. In certain embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may be disposed to extend from at least a portion of the second surface <NUM> to at least a portion of the fourth surface <NUM>. In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may be folded so that the flexible display <NUM> is exposed to the outside (out-folding scheme).

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a sub-display <NUM> disposed separately from the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sub-display <NUM> may be disposed to be at least partially exposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and may display status information of the electronic device <NUM> in place of the display function of the flexible display <NUM> in case of the folded state. According to an embodiment, the sub-display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least some region of the first rear cover <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the sub-display <NUM> may be disposed on the fourth surface <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In this case, the sub-display <NUM> may be disposed to be visible from the outside through at least some region of the second rear cover <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one of an input device <NUM> (e.g., microphone), sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, camera devices <NUM> and <NUM>, a key input device <NUM>, or a connector port <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the input device <NUM> (e.g., microphone), sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, sensor module <NUM>, camera devices <NUM> and <NUM>, key input device <NUM>, and connector port <NUM> indicate a hole or shape formed in the first housing <NUM> or the second housing <NUM>, but may be defined to include a substantial electronic component (e.g., input device, sound output device, sensor module, or camera device) that is disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> and operated through a hole or a shape.

According to certain embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include at least one microphone disposed on the second housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the input device <NUM> may include a plurality of microphones disposed to detect the direction of a sound. In certain embodiments, a plurality of microphones may be disposed at appropriate positions in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include speakers. According to an embodiment, the input device <NUM> may include a receiver for calls disposed in the first housing <NUM>, and a speaker disposed in the second housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the input device <NUM>, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM>, and the connector port <NUM> may be disposed in a space arranged in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM>, and may be exposed to the external environment through at least one hole formed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, at least one connector port <NUM> may be used to transmit and receive power and/or data to and from an external electronic device. In certain embodiments, at least one connector port (e.g., ear jack hole) may accommodate a connector (e.g., ear jack) for transmitting and receiving an audio signal to and from an external electronic device. In certain embodiments, the hole 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 certain embodiments, the sound output devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a speaker (e.g., piezo speaker) that operates without using a hole formed in the first housing <NUM> and/or the second housing <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the sensor module <NUM> may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state of the electronic device <NUM> or an external environmental state. The sensor module <NUM> may detect an external environment, for example, through the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may further include at least one sensor module disposed to detect an external environment through the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> (e.g., illuminance sensor) may be disposed under the flexible display <NUM> to detect an external environment through the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an illuminance sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an illuminance sensor <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first camera device <NUM> (e.g., front camera device) disposed on the first surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>, and a second camera device <NUM> disposed on the second surface <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> may further include a flash <NUM> disposed close to the second camera device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera device <NUM> or <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. The flash <NUM> may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, the camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may be arranged so that two or more lenses (e.g., wide-angle lens, super-wide-angle lens, or telephoto lens) and image sensors are positioned on one surface (e.g., first surface <NUM>, second surface <NUM>, third surface <NUM>, or fourth surface <NUM>) of the electronic device <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> may include time-of-flight (TOF) lenses and/or an image sensor.

According to certain embodiments, the key input device <NUM> (e.g., key button) may be disposed on the third side surface 113c of the first side member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the key input device <NUM> may be disposed on at least one of the other side surfaces 113a and 113b of the first housing <NUM> and/or the side surfaces 123a, 123b and 123c of the second housing <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may not include some or all of the key input devices <NUM>, and those not included key input devices <NUM> may be implemented in other forms, such as soft keys, on the flexible display <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the key input device <NUM> may be implemented by using a pressure sensor included in the flexible display <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, some of the camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., first camera device <NUM>) or the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed to be exposed through the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the first camera device <NUM> or the sensor module <NUM> may be arranged in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> so as to be in contact with the external environment through an opening (e.g., through hole) formed at least partially in the flexible display <NUM>. In another embodiment, some sensor modules <NUM> may be arranged in the internal space of the electronic device <NUM> so as to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the flexible display <NUM>. For example, in this case, the opening of a region of the flexible display <NUM> facing the sensor module may be not needed.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be operated to remain in an intermediate state through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge device <NUM> in <FIG>). In this case, the electronic device <NUM> may control the flexible display <NUM> to display different pieces of content on the display area corresponding to the first surface <NUM> and the display area corresponding to the third surface <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be operated substantially in an unfolded state (e.g., unfolded state of <FIG>) and/or substantially in a folded state (e.g., folded state of <FIG>) with respect to a specific inflection angle (e.g., angle between the first housing <NUM> and the second housing <NUM> in the intermediate state) through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>). For example, when a pressing force is applied in the unfolding direction (B direction) in a state where the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded at a specific inflection angle, through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> may be transitioned to an unfolded state (e.g., unfolded state of <FIG>). For example, when a pressing force is applied in the folding direction (C direction) in a state where the electronic device <NUM> is unfolded at a specific inflection angle, through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>), the electronic device <NUM> may be transitioned to a closed state (e.g., folded state of <FIG>). In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be operated to remain in an unfolded state at various angles (not shown) through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>).

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

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first side member <NUM> (e.g., first side frame), a second side member <NUM> (e.g., second side frame), and a hinge mechanism <NUM> (e.g., hinge module) rotatably connecting the first side member <NUM> and the second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first support member <NUM> (e.g., first support member) at least partially extending from the first side member <NUM>, and a second support member <NUM> at least partially extending from the second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first support member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the first side member <NUM> or may be structurally coupled to the first side member <NUM>. Similarly, the second support member <NUM> may be integrally formed with the second side member <NUM> or may be structurally coupled to the second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a flexible display <NUM> disposed to be supported by the first support member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first rear cover <NUM> that is coupled to the first side member <NUM> and provides a first space between itself and the first support member <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM> that is coupled to the second side member <NUM> and provides a second space between itself and the second support member <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the first side member <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed. In certain embodiments, the second side member <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first housing <NUM> (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) (e.g., first housing structure) provided through the first side member <NUM>, the first support member <NUM>, and the first rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) (e.g., second housing structure) provided through the second side member <NUM>, the second support member <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a sub-display <NUM> that is disposed to be visible from the outside through at least some region of the first rear cover <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first substrate assembly <NUM> (e.g., main printed circuit board), a camera assembly <NUM>, a first battery <NUM>, or a first bracket <NUM>, arranged in the first space between the first side member <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera assembly <NUM> may include a plurality of camera devices (e.g., camera devices <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>), and may be electrically connected to the first substrate assembly <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first bracket <NUM> may provide a support structure for supporting the first substrate assembly <NUM> and/or the camera assembly <NUM>, and improved rigidity. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second board assembly <NUM> (e.g., sub printed circuit board), an antenna <NUM> (e.g., coil member), a second battery <NUM>, or a second bracket <NUM>, arranged in the second space between the second side member <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a wiring member <NUM> (e.g., FPCB) extending from the first substrate assembly <NUM> across the hinge mechanism <NUM> to a plurality of electronic components arranged between the second side member <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>, to provide electrical connections therebetween. According to an embodiment, the antenna <NUM> may include a near field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna <NUM> may, for example, perform short-range communication with an external device or wirelessly transmit and receive power utilized for charging.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a hinge housing <NUM> (e.g., hinge cover) that supports the hinge mechanism <NUM> and is disposed so as to be exposed to the outside when the electronic device <NUM> is in the folded state (e.g., folded state of <FIG>) and be invisible from the outside by being retracted into the first space and/or the second space when the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state (e.g., unfolded state of <FIG>).

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a first protection cover <NUM> coupled along the periphery of the first side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a second protection cover <NUM> coupled along the periphery of the second side member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the flexible display <NUM>, the periphery of a first flat portion (e.g., first flat portion 130a in <FIG>) may be protected by the first protection cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the flexible display <NUM>, the periphery of a second flat portion (e.g., second flat portion 130b in <FIG>) may be protected by the second protection cover <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a protection cap <NUM> that protects the periphery of the third region (e.g., third region 130c in <FIG>) of the flexible display <NUM> corresponding to the hinge mechanism <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the first support member <NUM> may include a first support surface 1131a facing a first direction (z-axis direction), and a second support surface 1131b facing a second direction (negative z-axis direction) opposite to the first direction. According to an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may include a third support surface 1231a facing the first direction, and a fourth support surface 1231b facing the second direction in the unfolded state. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may be supported by the first support surface 1131a of the first support member <NUM> and the third support surface 1231a of the second support member <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may include an extension portion (e.g., extension portion <NUM> in <FIG>) extending from the display panel (e.g., display panel <NUM> in <FIG>), and a bending portion (e.g., bending portion <NUM> in <FIG>) including a flexible substrate (e.g., flexible substrate <NUM> in <FIG>) (e.g., the FPCB) connected to the extension portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bending portion <NUM> may be bent in the second direction (negative z-axis direction) from the flexible display, and may be disposed by attachment to the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bending portion <NUM> may include a control circuit (e.g., control circuit 4321a in <FIG>) for controlling driving of the flexible display, and a plurality of electrical elements (e.g., electrical elements 4322a in <FIG>).

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one waterproof member (<NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed between the flexible display <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>, and between the flexible display <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one waterproof member (<NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a first waterproof member <NUM> that is disposed between the flexible display <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> to substantially surround the bending portion <NUM>, a second waterproof member <NUM> disposed between the extension portion (e.g., extension portion <NUM> in <FIG> ) and the second support member <NUM>, and a third waterproof member (e.g., third waterproof member <NUM> in <FIG>) that connects one end <NUM> of the first waterproof member <NUM> and one end of the second waterproof member <NUM> and connects the other end <NUM> of the first waterproof member <NUM> and the other end of the second waterproof member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one waterproof member <NUM> may also include a fourth waterproof member <NUM> having a closed loop shape, and disposed between the flexible display <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the control circuit (e.g., control circuit 4321a in <FIG>) and plural electrical elements (e.g., electrical elements 4322a in <FIG>) disposed on the bending portion <NUM> are disposed in a sealed first waterproof space <NUM> that is formed through the first waterproof member <NUM>, the second waterproof member <NUM>, and the third waterproof member (e.g., third waterproof member <NUM> in <FIG>) between the flexible display <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>, and are thereby protected from external moisture and/or foreign substances. According to an embodiment, one or more electronic components (e.g., a sensor module, such as the sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>) and/or a camera device (e.g., the camera device <NUM> in <FIG>) arranged through the first support member <NUM> are disposed in a second waterproof space <NUM> formed by the closed loop shape of the fourth waterproof member <NUM> between the flexible display <NUM> and the first support member <NUM>, and are thereby protected from external moisture and/or foreign substances.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the flexible display according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

The display (e.g., flexible display <NUM>) according to example embodiments of the disclosure may include an "unbreakable" (UB) type OLED display (e.g., curved display). However, without being limited thereto, the flexible display <NUM> may include a flat type display based on OCTA (on-cell touch active matrix organic light-emitting diode or "AMOLED").

With reference to <FIG>, the flexible display <NUM> may include, in addition to a window layer <NUM>, a polarizing layer (polarizer or "POL") <NUM> (e.g., polarizing film), a display panel <NUM>, a polymer layer <NUM>, a metal sheet layer <NUM>, and a reinforcement plate <NUM>, which are disposed in sequence on the rear surface of the window layer <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may also include a digitizer <NUM> disposed between the polymer layer <NUM> and the metal sheet layer <NUM> or between the metal sheet layer <NUM> and the reinforcement plate <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the window layer <NUM> may include a glass layer. According to an embodiment, the window layer <NUM> may include ultra-thin glass (UTG). In certain embodiments, the window layer <NUM> may include a polymer. In this case, the window layer <NUM> may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyimide (PI). In certain embodiments, the window layer <NUM> may be disposed as a plurality of layers to include a glass layer and a polymer.

According to certain embodiments, the window layer <NUM>, the polarizing layer <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the polymer layer <NUM>, and the metal sheet layer <NUM> may be arranged to cross at least some of the first surface (e.g., first surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) and the third surface (e.g., third surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the reinforcement plate <NUM> may include a first reinforcement plate <NUM> facing the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG>), and a second reinforcement plate <NUM> facing the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the window layer <NUM>, the polarizing layer <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the polymer layer <NUM>, the metal sheet layer <NUM>, and the reinforcement plate <NUM> may be attached to one another through a pressure sensitive adhesive (e.g., P1, P2, P3, P4, or alternatively, a normal adhesive). For example, the adhesives P1, P2, P3 and P4 may include at least one of an optical clear adhesive (OCA), a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), a heat-responsive adhesive, a general adhesive, or a double-sided tape.

According to certain embodiments, the display panel <NUM> may include a plurality of pixels and a wiring structure (e.g., an electrode pattern). According to an embodiment, the polarizing layer <NUM> may selectively pass light that is generated from the light source of the display panel <NUM> and vibrates in a specific direction. According to an embodiment, the display panel <NUM> and the polarizing layer <NUM> may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may also include a touch panel (not shown).

According to certain embodiments, the polymer layer <NUM> may be disposed under the display panel <NUM> to provide a dark background for improving the visibility of the display panel <NUM> and may be formed of a buffer material for cushioning. In certain embodiments, for waterproofing of the flexible display <NUM>, the polymer layer <NUM> may be removed or disposed under the metal sheet layer <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the metal sheet layer <NUM> may facilitate the bending characteristics of the flexible display <NUM>. For example, the metal sheet layer <NUM> may include a first flat portion <NUM> corresponding to the first surface (e.g., first surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG>), a second flat portion <NUM> corresponding to the third surface (e.g., third surface <NUM> in <FIG>) of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG>), and a bendable portion <NUM> that corresponds to the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>) connecting the first flat portion <NUM> and the second flat portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the metal sheet layer <NUM> may include at least one of steel use stainless (SUS) (e.g., stainless steel or "STS"), Cu, Al, or metal CLAD (e.g., laminated member in which SUS and Al are alternately arranged). In certain embodiments, the metal sheet layer <NUM> may include other alloy materials. In certain embodiments, the metal sheet layer <NUM> may help to reinforce rigidity of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>), shield the device from ambient noise, and dissipate heat emitted from thermal emission components.

According to certain embodiments, the display <NUM> may include a digitizer <NUM> disposed under the metal sheet layer <NUM> as a detection member capable of receiving input from an electronic pen (e.g., stylus). For example, the digitizer <NUM> may include a coil member disposed on a dielectric substrate to detect a resonance frequency applied from the electronic pen through electromagnetic induction.

According to certain embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may include at least one functional member (not shown) disposed between the polymer layer <NUM> and the metal sheet layer <NUM> or under the metal sheet layer <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the functional member may include a graphite sheet for heat dissipation, an added display, a force touch FPCB, a fingerprint sensor FPCB, an antenna radiator for communication, or a conductive/non-conductive tape. According to an embodiment, when bending is not possible, the functional members may be separately disposed in the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) and the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, when bending is possible, the functional member may be disposed from the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) through the hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>) to at least some of the second housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a camera device (e.g., first camera device <NUM> in <FIG>) that is disposed under the flexible display <NUM> to sense an external environment through the flexible display <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include at least one sensor module (e.g., sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>) (e.g., illuminance sensor, proximity sensor, or TOF sensor) disposed under the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the polarizing layer <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, the polymer layer <NUM>, the metal sheet layer <NUM>, and the reinforcement plate <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the display panel <NUM> and/or the polarizing layer <NUM> may not require the through holes <NUM> and <NUM> through adjustment of the transmittance of the corresponding region. In certain embodiments, the sizes of the through holes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be set based on the size and/or angle of view of the camera device (e.g., first camera device <NUM> in <FIG>), and the sizes of the through holes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may be different from one another.

According to certain embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> may include a bending portion <NUM> disposed in a folded manner from the display panel <NUM> to at least some region of the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bending portion <NUM> may include an extension portion <NUM> extending from the display panel <NUM> and including a control circuit 4321a, and a flexible substrate <NUM> electrically connected to the extension portion <NUM> and including a plurality of electrical elements. 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 extension portion <NUM> having an electrical wiring structure. According to an embodiment, the control circuit 4321a may have a chip-on-panel or chip-on-plastic (COP) structure directly arranged on the extension portion <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the control circuit may have a chip-on-film (COF) structure mounted on a separate connection film (not shown) connecting the extension portion <NUM> and the flexible substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a plurality of electrical elements 4322a arranged on the flexible substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may include a connector portion <NUM> that extends from the flexible substrate <NUM> and is electrically connected to a substrate (e.g., second printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the plurality of electrical elements 4322a may include a touch IC, a flash memory for displaying, an ESD prevention diode, a pressure sensor, or a passive element such as a decoupling capacitor. In another embodiment, when the bending portion <NUM> is disposed in a region of the flexible display <NUM> facing the first housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG>), the connector portion <NUM> may be electrically connected to another substrate (e.g., first printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>).

According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, the electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include a waterproof/dustproof structure that is bent toward the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>, and protects the bending portion <NUM> including a control circuit and plural electrical elements from external moisture and/or foreign substances.

Next, a detailed description will be given of a waterproof/dustproof structure provided in the electronic device <NUM> for the bending portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating the back of the flexible display according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of region 5b shown in <FIG> according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of region 5c shown in <FIG> according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the display viewed along line 5d-5d of <FIG> according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is an enlarged view of the internal structure of a cover tape according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a flexible display <NUM> supported by the first support member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> includes a bending portion <NUM> extending outward from the display panel (e.g., display panel <NUM> in <FIG>), and disposed on the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible display <NUM> may further include a bending protection layer <NUM> (e.g., bending protection layer or "BPL") laminated on the outer surface of the bending portion <NUM>, to protect the bending portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the bending portion <NUM> includes an extension portion <NUM> that extends from the display panel (e.g., display panel <NUM> in <FIG>) and includes a control circuit 4321a, and a flexible substrate <NUM> that is connected to the extension portion <NUM> and includes a plurality of electrical elements 4322a. According to an embodiment, the bending portion <NUM> may be bent towards the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM> and then attached to the metal sheet layer <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the ground of the flexible substrate <NUM> may be electrically connected to the metal sheet layer <NUM> to help prevent malfunction (e.g., flickering) of the flexible display. As shown in <FIG>, the bending portion <NUM> may be disposed to face at least some of the second flat portion <NUM> of the metal sheet layer <NUM> corresponding to the second support member <NUM> of the second housing <NUM>. In this case, the second support member <NUM> may include a recess (e.g., recess 123d in <FIG>) formed to be lower than the outer surface to accommodate the bending portion <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the bending portion <NUM> may be disposed at a position facing the first flat portion <NUM> of the metal sheet layer <NUM> corresponding to the first support member <NUM> of the first housing <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> includes at least one waterproof member <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one waterproof member <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> may include a first waterproof member <NUM> that is disposed to substantially surround the bending portion <NUM> between the metal sheet layer <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>, a second waterproof member <NUM> disposed between the extension portion <NUM> and the second support member <NUM>, and a third waterproof member <NUM> that connects one end <NUM> of the first waterproof member <NUM> and one end of the second waterproof member <NUM> and connects the other end <NUM> of the first waterproof member <NUM> and the other end of the second waterproof member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first waterproof member <NUM> and the second waterproof member <NUM> may include at least one of tape, adhesive, silicone, waterproof rubber, or urethane. According to an embodiment, when the first waterproof member <NUM> and the second waterproof member <NUM> are integrally formed, moisture or foreign substances may be introduced through the gap formed by the height difference (step) between the bending portion <NUM> and the metal sheet layer <NUM>. According to an example embodiment of the disclosure, the first waterproof member <NUM> and the second waterproof member <NUM> may be attached separately so as to be spaced apart by a specified interval (g) at the above-described stepped portion, and the stepped portion including the corresponding interval may be connected without a gap formed therebetween through the third waterproof member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the third waterproofing member <NUM> may include a waterproofing filling member that includes semi-solid or liquid materials to have a property of being solidified by natural or external conditions (e.g., heat, ultraviolet rays, or pressure). Hence, the control circuit 4321a and the plurality of electrical elements 4322a are arranged inside a first waterproof space <NUM> that is formed through the first waterproof member <NUM>, the second waterproof member <NUM>, and the third waterproof member <NUM> between the flexible display <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> and has a closed-loop shape without a discontinuity due to the step structure, and thus can be protected from moisture and/or foreign substances introduced from the outside.

According to certain embodiments, the extension portion <NUM> of the bending portion <NUM> may be attached to the metal sheet layer <NUM> through a first adhesive member T1 on the rear surface of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the flexible substrate <NUM> may be attached to the metal sheet layer <NUM> through a second adhesive member T2. For instance, the first adhesive member T1 is a tape member having a specified thickness and may act as a spacer having a thickness for compensating for the height difference between the bending portion <NUM> and the flexible substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first adhesive member T1 may be implemented using a waterproof member because it is exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, the first adhesive member T1 may include a material in which PET or close-type foam and PET are combined.

According to an embodiment, the second adhesive member T2 may include a conductive tape for electrically connecting the ground of the flexible substrate <NUM> to the metal sheet layer <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, the control circuit 4321a disposed on the extension portion <NUM> is sealed through cover tape <NUM> attached to extend from at least some of the flexible substrate <NUM> to at least some of the extension portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the control circuit 4321a is sealed by being disposed between the flexible substrate <NUM> and the third adhesive member T3 disposed between the cover tape <NUM> and the extension portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> transitions from the folded state to the unfolded state, the bending portion <NUM> of the display <NUM> may not have a waterproof structure because an interlayer slip occurs. Hence, the third adhesive member T3 is disposed between the bending protection layer <NUM> and the control circuit 4321a where no interlayer slip occurs, and thus can seal the control circuit 4321a from the outside without interfering with an interlayer slip. According to an embodiment, the second waterproof member <NUM> may be attached to the outer surface of the cover tape <NUM>. In this case, since the cover tape <NUM> is in direct contact with external moisture and/or foreign substances, it may be advantageous to have a waterproof structure by itself. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the cover tape <NUM> may include a conductive nonwoven fabric for preventing external moisture penetration by having irregularly arranged conductive fiber textures 485a.

<FIG> is a partial configuration view of the display on which a fourth adhesive member is disposed according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a fourth waterproof member <NUM> having a closed loop shape disposed between the metal sheet layer <NUM> and the first support member <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the fourth waterproof member <NUM> may provide a sealed second waterproof space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one electronic component arranged in a first arrangement region <NUM> and a second arrangement region <NUM> provided in the first support member <NUM> corresponding to the second waterproof space <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the at least one electronic component may include a camera device (e.g., camera device <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the first arrangement region <NUM>, and a sensor module (e.g., sensor module <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed in the second arrangement region <NUM>. Hence, the at least one electronic component is arranged in the second waterproof space <NUM> that is formed to be sealed by the metal sheet layer <NUM>, the fourth waterproof member <NUM>, and the first support member <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM>, and thus can be protected from external moisture and/or foreign substances.

<FIG> is a configuration view of the electronic device whose first and second rear covers are removed according to certain embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional perspective view of the second side member viewed along line 6b-6b of <FIG> according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the flexible substrate <NUM> of the bending portion <NUM> may include a connector portion <NUM> extended to a specified length. According to an embodiment, the connector portion <NUM> may be electrically connected to a substrate <NUM> (e.g., second printed circuit board <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to face the fourth support surface 1231b of the second support member <NUM>. Hence, the connector portion <NUM> is electrically connected to the substrate <NUM> through a through hole formed from the third support surface 1231a to the fourth support surface 1231b, at a position overlapping the first waterproof space <NUM> when the flexible display <NUM> is viewed from above, and thus may help maintain the waterproof function of the first waterproof space <NUM> formed through the first waterproof member <NUM>, the second waterproof member <NUM>, and the third waterproof member <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the first waterproof space <NUM> may be formed in an at least partially open loop shape. In this case, this partially open portion can be blocked by other electronic component and/or structural modifications of the housing. In certain embodiments, when the connector portion <NUM> is disposed to cross the sealed first waterproof member <NUM> and/or second waterproof member <NUM>, the corresponding portion of the first waterproof member <NUM> and/or the second waterproof member <NUM> may have a different thickness from neighboring portions, thereby helping to form a sealing structure. For example, the corresponding portion may be formed to have a thinner or thicker thickness compared with the neighboring portions.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the second housing viewed along line 6c-6c of <FIG> according to certain embodiments of the disclosure.

With reference to <FIG>, the second support member <NUM> may include a third support surface 1231a facing a first direction (direction ①), and a fourth support surface 1231b facing a second direction (direction ②) opposite to the first direction (direction ①). According to an embodiment, the second support member <NUM> may include a filling member injection hole 484a formed to penetrate from the fourth support surface 1231b to the third support surface 1231a. According to an embodiment, when the fourth support surface 1231b is viewed from above, the filling member injection hole 484a may be disposed at a position overlapping the discontinuous section cut off by the stepped portion between the first waterproof member <NUM> and the second waterproof member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a waterproofing filling member in a liquid or semi-solid form, as the third waterproof member <NUM>, may be filled in the filling member injection hole 484a including the discontinuous section due to the stepped portion in a direction from the fourth support surface 1231b to the third support surface 1231a (direction ①), and then be solidified. In this case, the solidified third waterproof member <NUM> connects the first waterproof member <NUM> and the second waterproof member <NUM> and is fixed to the second support member <NUM>, which may help to form the sealed first waterproof space <NUM>.

According to certain embodiments, when the third waterproof member <NUM> is injected through the filling member injection hole 484a, the periphery of the flexible display <NUM> seen through the filling member injection hole 484a should be completely filled with the third waterproof member <NUM> to improve the waterproof function. Hence, the first adhesive member T1, the extension portion <NUM>, the third adhesive member T3, and the second waterproof member <NUM> of the flexible display <NUM> exposed through the filling member injection hole 484a may be arranged to have a positive step in a direction from the fourth support surface 1231b to the third support surface 1231a (direction ①). According to an embodiment, the first waterproof member <NUM> and the second support member <NUM> may also be arranged to have a positive step in a direction of the third support surface 1231a (direction ①).

The waterproof structure according to certain embodiments of the disclosure has been applied to the foldable electronic device <NUM> including a flexible display <NUM>, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it is also applicable to a bar type electronic device including a display and a slidable electronic device (e.g., rollable electronic device) in which the display area is varied by two housings slidably operable relative to one another.

According to certain embodiments, an electronic device (e.g., electronic device <NUM> in <FIG>) may include: a first housing (e.g., second housing <NUM> in <FIG>) including a first support member (e.g., second support member <NUM> in <FIG>); a second housing (e.g., first housing <NUM> in <FIG>) foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge mechanism (e.g., hinge mechanism <NUM> in <FIG>) and including a second support member (e.g., first support member <NUM> in <FIG>); a flexible display (e.g., flexible display <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing, the flexible display including: a window layer (e.g., window layer <NUM> in <FIG>); a display panel (e.g., display panel <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed under the window layer; and a bending portion (e.g., bending portion <NUM> in <FIG>) extended from the display panel and attached to the rear surface of the display panel, the bending portion that includes an extension portion (e.g., extension portion <NUM> in <FIG>) extending outside the display panel and including a control circuit (e.g., control circuit 4321a in <FIG>), and a flexible substrate (e.g., flexible substrate <NUM> in <FIG>) electrically connected to the extension portion; a first waterproof member (e.g., first waterproof member <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed between the display panel and the first support member to substantially surround the bending portion; a second waterproof member (e.g., second waterproof member <NUM> in <FIG>) disposed between the bending portion and the first support member; and a third waterproof member (e.g., third waterproof member <NUM> in <FIG>) that connects one end of the first waterproof member (e.g., one end <NUM> in <FIG>) and one end of the second waterproof member, and connects the other end of the first waterproof member (e.g., other end <NUM> in <FIG>) and the other end of the second waterproof member, such that when the flexible display is viewed from above, the control circuit and the flexible substrate may be arranged at positions overlapping a first waterproof space (e.g., first waterproof space <NUM> in <FIG>) formed through the first waterproof member, the second waterproof member, and the third waterproof member.

According to certain embodiments, the flexible display may be disposed to be supported by the first support member and the second support member.

According to certain embodiments, the first support member may include a first support surface facing the flexible display, and a second support surface facing in a direction opposite to the first support surface; and the first, second and third waterproof members may be disposed between the display panel and the first support surface.

According to certain embodiments, the first support member may include a filling member injection hole formed from the first support surface to the second support surface, and the third waterproof member may be injected in a direction from the second support surface to the first support surface through the filling member injection hole.

According to certain embodiments, the third waterproof member may include a waterproofing filling member including a semi-solid or liquid material having a property of being solidified by natural or external conditions.

According to certain embodiments, the extension portion may be attached to the rear surface of the display panel through a first adhesive member, and the flexible substrate may be attached to the rear surface of the display panel through a second adhesive member.

According to certain embodiments, the control circuit may be sealed by a cover tape attached through a third adhesive member from at least some of the flexible substrate to at least some of the extension portion.

According to certain embodiments, the first adhesive member, the extension portion, the third adhesive member, and the second waterproof member exposed through the filling member injection hole may be arranged to have a positive step in a direction from the second support surface to the first support surface.

According to certain embodiments, the first waterproof member and/or the second waterproof member may include at least one of tape, adhesive, silicone, waterproof rubber, or urethane.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further include a metal sheet layer disposed under the display panel, and the bending portion and the first, second and third waterproof members may be attached to the metal sheet layer.

According to certain embodiments, the flexible substrate may include a connector portion extended to a specified length, and the connector portion may be electrically connected to a substrate of the electronic device via a through hole formed in the first support member.

According to certain embodiments, the through hole may be formed at a position overlapping the first waterproof space when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may further include a fourth waterproof member having a closed loop shape that is disposed to form a second waterproof space between the display panel and the second support member.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may include at least one electronic component arranged at a position overlapping the second waterproof space through the second support member when the flexible display is viewed from above.

According to certain embodiments, the at least one electronic component may be configured to detect, generate or otherwise receiving information pertaining to an external environment through the flexible display.

According to certain embodiments, the at least one electronic component may include at least one camera module and/or at least one sensor module.

According to certain embodiments, the electronic device may include: at least one housing; a display disposed to be supported by the at least one housing, the display including: a window layer; a display panel disposed under the window layer; and a bending portion extended from the display panel and attached to the rear surface of the display panel, the bending portion that includes an extension portion extending outside the display panel and including a control circuit, and a flexible substrate electrically connected to the extension portion; a first waterproof member disposed between the display panel and the housing to substantially surround the bending portion; a second waterproof member disposed between the bending portion and the housing; and a third waterproof member that connects one end of the first waterproof member and one end of the second waterproof member, and connects the other end of the first waterproof member and the other end of the second waterproof member, such that when the flexible display is viewed from above, the control circuit and the flexible substrate may be arranged at positions overlapping a waterproof space formed through the first waterproof member, the second waterproof member, and the third waterproof member.

According to certain embodiments, the at least one housing may include a first housing including a first support member, and a second housing that is foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge mechanism and includes a second support member; and the first, second and third waterproof members may be attached to the first support member.

According to certain embodiments, the third waterproof member may include a waterproofing filling member including a semi-solid or liquid material having a property of being solidified (e.g., as to be solidifiable) by natural or external conditions, and the waterproofing filling member may be injected in a direction from the first support member to the display through a filling member injection hole formed in the first support member.

According to certain embodiments, the flexible substrate may include a connector portion extended to a specified length, and the connector portion may be electrically connected to a substrate of the electronic device through a through hole formed at a position overlapping the waterproof space of the first support member when the flexible display is viewed from above.

Claim 1:
An electronic device, comprising:
a first housing (<NUM>)including a first support member (<NUM>);
a second housing (<NUM>) foldably coupled to the first housing (<NUM>) through a hinge mechanism (<NUM>) and including a second support member (<NUM>);
a flexible display (<NUM>) supported by the first housing (<NUM>) and the second housing (<NUM>), the flexible display (<NUM>) including:
a window layer (<NUM>),
a display panel (<NUM>) disposed under the window layer (<NUM>), and
a bending portion (<NUM>) extended from the display panel (<NUM>) and attached to a rear surface of the display panel (<NUM>), the bending portion (<NUM>) including:
an extension portion (<NUM>) extending outside the display panel (<NUM>) and
including a control circuit (4321a), and
a flexible substrate (<NUM>) electrically connected to the extension portion (<NUM>);
a cover tape (<NUM>) extending from at least some of the flexible substrate (<NUM>) to at least some of the extension portion (<NUM>);
an adhesive member (T3) disposed between the cover tape (<NUM>) and the extension portion (<NUM>);
a first waterproof member (<NUM>) disposed between the display panel (<NUM>) and the second support member (<NUM>) to substantially surround the bending portion (<NUM>);
a second waterproof member (<NUM>) disposed between the cover tape (<NUM>) and the second support member (<NUM>), the first waterproof member (<NUM>) and the second waterproof member (<NUM>) being spaced apart; and
a third waterproof member (<NUM>) that connects one end (<NUM>) of the first waterproof member (<NUM>) and one end of the second waterproof member (<NUM>), and connects another end (<NUM>) of the first waterproof member (<NUM>) and another end of the second waterproof member (<NUM>),
wherein when the flexible display (<NUM>) is viewed from above, the control circuit (<NUM>, 4321a) and the flexible substrate (<NUM>) overlap a first waterproof space (<NUM>) formed through the first waterproof member (<NUM>), the second waterproof member (<NUM>), and the third waterproof member (<NUM>), and
wherein the control circuit (4321a) is disposed between the flexible substrate (<NUM>) and the adhesive member (T3), the control circuit (4321a) being sealed by the adhesive member (T3) and the cover tape (<NUM>).