Patent Description:
Advancing information communication and semiconductor technologies accelerate the spread and use of various electronic devices. In particular, recent electronic devices are being developed to carry out communication while carried on.

The term "electronic device" may mean a device performing a particular function according to its equipped program, such as a home appliance, an electronic scheduler, a portable multimedia player, a mobile communication terminal, a tablet PC, a video/sound device, a desktop PC or laptop computer, a navigation for automobile, etc. For example, electronic devices may output stored information as voices or images. As electronic devices are highly integrated, and high-speed, high-volume wireless communication becomes commonplace, an electronic device, such as a mobile communication terminal, is recently being equipped with various functions. For example, an electronic device comes with the integrated functionality, including an entertainment function, such as playing video games, a multimedia function, such as replaying music/videos, a communication and security function for mobile banking, and a scheduling or e-wallet function. Such electronic devices become compact enough for users to carry in a convenient way.

As mobile communication services extend up to multimedia service sectors, the display of the electronic device may be increased to allow the user satisfactory use of multimedia services as well as voice call or text messaging services. Accordingly, a foldable flexible display may be disposed on the entire area of the housing structure separated to be foldable.

The following publications are related to electronic devices having a display and a biometric sensor:.

There is increasing demand for electronic devices including a flexible display that may be folded over an entire area of the housing structure. Accordingly, the cover window for protecting the display panel may also be formed of a flexible material that may be folded over the entire area. However, it is difficult for the flexible cover window to protect the display panel from external force applied to the electronic device. The display area with an opening adjacent to a sensor may be vulnerable to impact or damage.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, it is possible to provide an electronic device that prevents a display from sagging.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided as defined in the appended claims.

In the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent damage to the display due to external force by reducing sagging of the display using a supporting member with an opening corresponding to a through hole of the display.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, an input device <NUM>, a sound output unit <NUM>, a display device <NUM>, an audio module <NUM>, a sensor module <NUM>, an interface <NUM>, a haptic module <NUM>, a camera module <NUM>, a power management module <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, a subscriber identification module (SIM) <NUM>, or an antenna module <NUM>.

The sound output unit <NUM> may output sound signals to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. The sound output unit <NUM> may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver.

According to an embodiment, the audio module <NUM> may obtain the sound via the input device <NUM>, or output the sound via the sound output unit <NUM> or a headphone of an external electronic device (e.g., an electronic device <NUM>) directly (e.g., wiredly) or wirelessly coupled with the electronic device <NUM>.

The antenna module <NUM> may transmit or receive a signal or power to or from the outside (e.g., the external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module may include one antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). In this case, at least one antenna appropriate for a communication scheme used in a communication network, such as the first network <NUM> or the second network <NUM>, may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, e.g., the communication module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, other parts (e.g., radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) than the radiator may be further formed as part of the antenna module <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, all or some of operations to be executed at the electronic device <NUM> may be executed at one or more of the external electronic devices <NUM> and <NUM> or server <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front perspective view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure; <FIG> is a rear view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The configuration of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG> and <FIG> may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the housing <NUM> may be a structure that forms part of an outer surface of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the surface where the display <NUM> is exposed may be defined as a front surface of the electronic device <NUM>, and the opposite surface of the front surface may be defined as a rear surface of the electronic device <NUM>. The surface surrounding the space between the front and rear surfaces may be defined as a side surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a housing <NUM> including a first front surface 310a, a first rear surface 380a, a first side surface 310b surrounding a space between the first front surface 310a and the first rear surface 380a, a second front surface 320a, a second rear surface 390a, and a second side surface 320b surrounding a space between the second front surface 320a and the second rear surface 390a. According to an embodiment, the first front surface 310a and the second front surface 320a may be at least partially formed of a substantially transparent cover window (e.g., the cover window <NUM> of <FIG>). The first rear surface 380a and the second rear surface 390a may be formed of a rear plate (e.g., the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>). The rear plate may be formed of, e.g., laminated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two thereof. According to an embodiment, the first side surface 310b and the second side surface 320b may be coupled with the cover window <NUM> or the rear plate, and may be formed of a side bezel structure (or "side member") <NUM> including a metal and/or a polymer.

According to various embodiments, the housing <NUM> may include a first housing structure <NUM>, a second housing structure <NUM>, a hinge structure <NUM>, a first rear cover <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM>. The housing <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> are not limited to the shape and coupling shown in <FIG> and <FIG> but may rather be implemented in other shapes or via a combination and/or coupling of other components. For example, the first housing structure <NUM> and the first rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other, and the second housing structure <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with each other. In some embodiments, at least one of the first rear cover <NUM> or the second rear cover <NUM> may be integrally formed with the side bezel structure <NUM> and may include the same material (e.g., ceramic).

According to various embodiments, the first housing structure <NUM> may be connected to the hinge structure <NUM> and may include a first surface 310a facing in a first direction. The second housing structure <NUM> may be connected to the hinge structure <NUM>, include a third surface 320a facing in a third direction, and rotate about a first axis (axis A) from the first housing structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may switch to a folded state or an unfolded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be provided to the user in a folded state in which the first surface faces the third surface. According to another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be provided to the user in an unfolded state in which the third direction is substantially the same as the first direction. According to another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may be provided to the user in a partially folded intermediate state in which the first direction and the third direction meet.

According to various embodiments, the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be disposed on both sides of the folding axis A, and may have an overall symmetrical shape with respect to the folding axis A. As is described below, the angle or distance between the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be varied depending on whether the electronic device <NUM> is in the unfolded state, the folded state, or the partially unfolded intermediate state. According to an embodiment, the first housing structure <NUM> may further include a sensor area <NUM> in which various sensors may be disposed.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> and the second housing structure <NUM> may be formed of a metal or a nonmetal material having a predetermined degree of rigidity to support the display <NUM>. At least a portion formed of metal may provide a ground plane of the electronic device <NUM> and may be electrically connected with a ground line formed on a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the sensor area <NUM> may be formed in at least a partial area of the first housing structure <NUM>. However, the placement, shape, or size of the sensor area <NUM> is not limited to those illustrated. For example, in another embodiment, the sensor area <NUM> may be provided in a different corner of the second housing structure <NUM> or in any area between the top corner and the bottom corner. According to an embodiment, components for performing various functions, embedded in the electronic device <NUM>, may be exposed through the sensor area <NUM> or one or more openings in the sensor area <NUM> to the front surface of the electronic device <NUM>. In various embodiments, the components may include various kinds of sensors. The sensor may include at least one of, e.g., a front-facing camera, a receiver, or a proximity sensor.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one or more of a display <NUM>, audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, camera modules <NUM> and <NUM>, and a connector hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may exclude at least one (e.g., the connector hole <NUM>) of the components or may add other components. For example, the electronic device <NUM> may include a key input device.

The display <NUM> may be viewed from the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through, e.g., a cover window (e.g., the cover window <NUM> of <FIG>). In an embodiment, to expand an area to which the display <NUM> is exposed, the edge of the display <NUM> may be formed to be substantially the same as an adjacent outer shape of the cover window <NUM>. In another embodiment, a recess or opening may be formed in a portion of the screen display area of the display <NUM>, and the electronic device <NUM> may include at least one or more of the camera module <NUM> and a sensor module (not shown) aligned with the recess or the opening. According to another embodiment (not shown), at least one of the audio module <NUM>, sensor module (not shown), camera module <NUM>, and light emitting device (not shown) may be included on the rear surface of the screen display area of the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment (not shown), the display <NUM> may be disposed to be coupled with, or adjacent, a touch detecting circuit, a pressure sensor capable of measuring the strength (pressure) of touches, and/or a digitizer for detecting a magnetic field-type stylus pen.

According to various embodiments, the audio modules <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may include, e.g., a microphone hole <NUM> and speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The microphone hole <NUM> may have a microphone inside to obtain external sounds. According to an embodiment, there may be a plurality of microphones to be able to detect the direction of a sound. The speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> may include an external speaker hole <NUM> and a phone receiver hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> and the microphone hole <NUM> may be implemented as a single hole, or speakers may be rested without the speaker holes <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g., piezo speakers).

According to various embodiment, the sensor modules (not shown) may generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to an internal operating state or external environmental state of the electronic device <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor module may be disposed inside the sensor area <NUM> of the first housing structure <NUM>. The sensor module may include at least one of a proximity sensor, a fingerprint sensor, an HRM sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, an atmospheric 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, or an illuminance sensor. According to another embodiment, the sensor module may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include, e.g., a first camera module <NUM> disposed on the first front surface 310a of the electronic device <NUM> and a second camera module <NUM> disposed on the first rear surface 380a. The camera modules <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. According to an embodiment, the second camera module <NUM> may include a flash <NUM> including a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, two or more lenses (an infrared (IR) camera, a wide-angle lens, and a telescopic lens) and image sensors may be disposed on one surface of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may be connected to an external electronic device through the connector hole <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit/receive power and/or data to and from an external electronic device through the connector hole <NUM> functioning as a USB connector. According to another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> may transmit/receive audio signals to and from an external electronic device through the connector hole <NUM> functioning as an earphone jack.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a rear display <NUM>. The rear display <NUM> may be disposed on at least one of the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM>. The rear display <NUM> may face in a second direction (-Z direction) opposite to the first direction (+Z direction) in which the display <NUM> faces. According to an embodiment, the configuration of the rear display <NUM> may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the display device (e.g., the display device <NUM> of <FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include a display <NUM>, a printed circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a rear case <NUM>, a first rear cover <NUM>, and a second rear cover <NUM>. The configuration of the electronic device <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the front case <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> of <FIG> may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the electronic device <NUM>, the display <NUM>, the first rear cover <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the front case <NUM> may be disposed inside the electronic device <NUM> and may be connected with the side bezel structure <NUM> or integrated with the side bezel structure <NUM>. The front case <NUM> may be formed of, e.g., a metal and/or non-metallic material (e.g., polymer). The display <NUM> may be joined onto one surface of the front case <NUM>, and the printed circuit board <NUM> may be joined onto the opposite surface. According to an embodiment, the front case <NUM> may be at least a portion of the first housing structure <NUM> or the second housing structure <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) and a supporting member <NUM> may be disposed on the front case <NUM>. The camera module <NUM> may be exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the opening or recess formed in the display <NUM>. The supporting member <NUM> may face one surface of the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, a processor, a memory, and/or an interface may be mounted on the printed circuit board <NUM>. The processor may include one or more of, e.g., a central processing unit, an application processor, a graphic processing device, an image signal processing, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor. The memory may include a volatile or non-volatile memory. The interface may include, e.g., a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a secure digital (SD) card interface, and/or an audio interface. The interface may electrically or physically connect, e.g., the electronic device <NUM> with an external electronic device and may include a USB connector, an SD card/multimedia card (MMC) connector, or an audio connector.

According to various embodiments, the battery <NUM> may be a device for supplying power to at least one component of the electronic device <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may include a primary cell which is not rechargeable, a secondary cell which is rechargeable, or a fuel cell. At least a portion of the battery <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane as the printed circuit board <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be integrally or detachably disposed inside the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the rear case <NUM> may be disposed under the printed circuit board <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the rear case <NUM> may include a surface to which at least one of the printed circuit board <NUM> or the battery <NUM> is coupled. According to another embodiment, the rear case <NUM> may include the opposite surface to which the antenna is coupled. The antenna may be disposed between the first rear cover <NUM> and the battery <NUM>. The antenna may include, e.g., a near-field communication (NFC) antenna, a wireless charging antenna, and/or a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna. The antenna may perform short-range communication with, e.g., an external device or may wirelessly transmit or receive power necessary for charging. According to another embodiment, an antenna structure may be formed of a portion or combination of the side bezel structure <NUM> and/or the front case <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may form a part of the exterior of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the first rear cover <NUM> and the second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed under the rear case <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first rear cover <NUM> may be disposed under the first housing structure <NUM>, and the second rear cover <NUM> may be disposed under the second housing structure <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a front view illustrating a display according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a rear view illustrating a display according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>. <FIG> is a front view illustrating a supporting member according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a rear view illustrating a supporting member according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a display <NUM>, a supporting member <NUM>, and a sensor module <NUM>. The configuration of the display <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the display device <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> is formed to be flexible. For example, the display <NUM> may be formed as a flexible display foldable in the entire area to be folded by the rotation of the hinge structure (e.g., the hinge structure <NUM> of <FIG>).

According to various embodiments, the flexible display <NUM> includes a display panel <NUM> and a display substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display panel <NUM> may be formed of at least one substantially flat layer. For example, the display panel <NUM> may include at least one of a pixel layer for providing various images to the user or a touch sensing circuit layer for sensing the user's input. The display <NUM> may be electrically connected to a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) through a connection part <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display panel <NUM> may include at least one panel layer, and the display substrate <NUM> may include at least one protection layer.

According to various embodiments, the display <NUM> may include a recess or an opening. For example, the display <NUM> includes a camera opening 305a corresponding to the camera module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the camera opening 305a may be formed in the display substrate <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the camera opening 305a may be formed in the display panel <NUM> and the display substrate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display substrate <NUM> may include various layers for the function of the display <NUM>. For example, the display substrate <NUM> may include an adhesive layer 332a, a display supporting layer 332b, and a display heat dissipation layer 332c. According to an embodiment, the display substrate <NUM> may be coupled to the display panel <NUM> through the adhesive layer 332a. According to an embodiment, the display supporting layer 332b may be disposed under the flexible display panel <NUM>, and the display supporting layer 332b may planarize the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the display heat dissipation layer 332c may dissipate the heat generated from the display panel <NUM>. The configuration of the display substrate <NUM> is not limited to the adhesive layer 332a, the display supporting layer 332b, and the display heat dissipation layer 332c. For example, the display substrate <NUM> may further include a cushion layer (not shown) for absorbing external pressure applied to the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the display substrate <NUM> may include a through hole <NUM>. The through hole <NUM> may be formed in various positions. For example, the through hole <NUM> may be formed in a position corresponding to the sensor module <NUM> to form a path of light emitted from the sensor module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the display substrate <NUM> is viewed from thereabove, the through hole <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM> may at least partially overlap. According to an embodiment, the through hole <NUM> may be formed through a portion of the display <NUM>. For example, the through hole <NUM> may be formed through at least a portion of the display substrate <NUM>.

According to the claimed embodiment, there are a plurality of through holes <NUM>. For example, the through hole <NUM> includes a first through hole 336a formed to correspond to the light emitting unit <NUM> and a second through hole 336b formed to correspond to the light receiving unit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the second through hole 336b may be larger than the first through hole 336a. For example, the diameter d2 of the second through hole 336b may be greater than the diameter d1 of the first through hole 336a. The light emitting unit <NUM> and the light receiving unit <NUM> are described below.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include a cover window <NUM>. The cover window <NUM> may form at least a portion of an outer surface of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the cover window <NUM> may form at least a portion of the first front surface (e.g., the first front surface 310a of <FIG>) and the second front surface (e.g., the second front surface 320a of <FIG>). According to an embodiment, the cover window <NUM> may be disposed on the display panel <NUM>. The cover window <NUM> may protect the display panel <NUM> from the outside. According to various embodiments, the cover window <NUM> may be provided as a cover layer.

According to various embodiments, the cover window <NUM> may be formed of various materials. For example, the cover window <NUM> may be formed of a material that is substantially transparent and flexible. According to an embodiment, the cover window <NUM> may be formed of ultra-thin glass (UTG). According to another embodiment, the cover window <NUM> may be formed of a polyimide (colorless polyimide (CPI)) film.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed under the display <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed under an area of the display <NUM> in which the through hole <NUM> is formed.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module <NUM> may emit light to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the display <NUM>. The display panel <NUM> may transmit at least a portion of the light emitted from the sensor module <NUM>. For example, the sensor module <NUM> may emit light to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through the display panel <NUM> and obtain the emission light through the display panel <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> may not directly be exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the sensor module <NUM> may be invisible to the user by the display <NUM> disposed on the sensor module <NUM>.

According to a claimed embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> includes a light emitting unit <NUM> configured to emit light to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> and a light receiving unit <NUM> configured to receive the light. The light emitting unit <NUM> may emit light to the outside of the electronic device <NUM> through a first opening 412a and a first through hole 336a. According to an embodiment, the light receiving unit <NUM> may obtain light reflected by an object positioned outside the electronic device <NUM>, through a second through hole 336b and a second opening 412b. According to an embodiment, a processor (e.g., the processor <NUM> of <FIG>) of the electronic device <NUM> may determine whether there is a nearby object outside the electronic device <NUM> based on the light obtained by the light receiving unit <NUM>.

According to a claimed embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> is disposed corresponding to the through hole <NUM>. For example, when the sensor module <NUM> is viewed from above the electronic device <NUM>, at least a portion of the sensor module <NUM> may overlap at least a portion of the through hole <NUM> formed in the display substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the light emitting unit <NUM> of the sensor module <NUM> may overlap at least a portion of the first through hole 336a, and the light receiving unit <NUM> of the sensor module <NUM> may overlap at least a portion of the second through hole 336b.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module <NUM> may include an optical sensor housing <NUM> in which the light emitting unit <NUM> and the light receiving unit <NUM> are disposed. The optical sensor housing <NUM> may be disposed under the display <NUM>. For example, the optical sensor housing <NUM> may be disposed between the printed circuit board <NUM> and the supporting member <NUM> disposed under the display <NUM>.

According to a claimed embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> supports the display <NUM>. The supporting member <NUM> is disposed between the display <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> may be disposed between the display substrate <NUM> of the display <NUM> and the front case <NUM>. For example, the supporting member <NUM> may be coupled to the front case <NUM> through a coupling member (e.g., a tape) <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member may prevent damage to the display <NUM>. The supporting member <NUM> is formed of a substantially rigid body, and may restrict bending or sagging of the flexible cover window <NUM> or the display <NUM>. For example, when an external force is applied to the cover window <NUM> corresponding to the through hole <NUM>, at least one of the cover window <NUM> and the display <NUM> may be bent in the second direction (-Z direction). The supporting member <NUM> may support the display <NUM> to prevent the cover window <NUM> or the display <NUM> from warping beyond its elastic limit. According to an embodiment, when an external force is applied to the cover window <NUM> corresponding to the through hole <NUM>, the cover window <NUM> or the display <NUM> may warp a fifth distance d5 within the elastic limit range in the second direction (-Z direction). For example, the cover window <NUM> or the display <NUM> may warp more than <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the fifth distance d5 may be a distance between a first portion (e.g., the first portion <NUM> of <FIG>) of the supporting member <NUM> and the display <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member <NUM> may be spaced apart from the display substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> may include a first surface 410a facing at least a portion of the display substrate <NUM> and a second surface 410b facing at least a portion of the sensor module <NUM>. The first surface 410a may be spaced apart from the display substrate <NUM> by the fifth distance d5. According to an embodiment, when an external force is applied to the sensor area <NUM> in which the sensor module <NUM> is disposed, at least a portion of the display substrate <NUM> may warp in the second direction (-Z direction), contacting the first surface 410a.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member <NUM> may be coupled with at least a portion of the display substrate <NUM>. For example, at least one of the adhesive layer 332a, the display supporting layer 332b, the heat dissipation layer 332c, or the cushion layer may be disposed on the first surface 410a of the supporting member <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a second portion <NUM> of the first surface 410a of the supporting member <NUM> may be coupled to at least a portion of the display substrate <NUM>, and a first portion <NUM> of the first surface 410a may be exposed to the outside of the supporting member <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the first portion <NUM> of the first surface 410a of the supporting member <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the first surface 410a may be coupled to at least a portion of the display substrate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member <NUM> may include an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may guide the light emitted from the sensor module <NUM>. For example, the opening <NUM> may be formed in a position corresponding to the sensor module <NUM> to form a path of light emitted from the sensor module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the supporting member <NUM> is viewed from thereabove, the opening <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM> may at least partially overlap.

According to a claimed embodiment, there are formed a plurality of openings <NUM>. The opening <NUM> includes a first opening 412a formed to correspond to the light emitting unit <NUM> and a second opening 412b formed to correspond to the light receiving unit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, a cross-sectional area of the second opening 412b may be greater than a cross-sectional area of the first opening 412a. For example, a diameter d4 of the second opening 412b may be greater than a diameter d3 of the first opening 412a.

The supporting member <NUM> may be formed of a rigid body. For example, the supporting member <NUM> may be formed with a hardness of <NUM> or more. The supporting member <NUM> includes stainless steel. For example, the supporting member <NUM> may be formed of stainless steel (SUS) <NUM> to prevent magnetization. According to a non-claimed embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> may include glass.

The electronic device <NUM> includes a shielding member <NUM> for reducing crosstalk of the sensor module <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the shielding member <NUM> may block a path through which the light emitted from the light emitting unit <NUM> directly comes into the light receiving unit <NUM>. For example, by the shielding member <NUM>, the light emitted from the light emitting unit <NUM> may be transmitted through the display <NUM>, reflected by an object outside the electronic device <NUM>, and directed toward the light receiving unit <NUM>. The shielding member <NUM> is disposed between the supporting member <NUM> and the optical sensor housing <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the shielding member <NUM> may be formed of various materials. For example, the shielding member <NUM> may be formed of a material capable of substantially blocking light. As another example, the shielding member <NUM> may be formed of an elastic body. According to an embodiment, the shielding member <NUM> may include at least one of a sponge or rubber.

According to various embodiments, the shielding member <NUM> may be formed in a structure capable of reducing a gap between the supporting member <NUM> and the optical sensor housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, as the distance between the supporting member <NUM> and the optical sensor housing <NUM> decreases, the size of the opening <NUM> may be reduced. For example, the light emitted from the light emitting unit <NUM> is dispersed to a plane (XY plane) perpendicular to the first direction (+Z direction) in which the light from the light emitting unit <NUM> is emitted, as it goes away from the light emitting unit <NUM>. Thus, as the distance between the supporting member <NUM> and the optical sensor housing <NUM> increases, the opening <NUM> may increase in size, and the stability of the supporting member <NUM> supporting the display <NUM> may reduce. According to an embodiment, the shielding member <NUM> may be formed to have a thickness greater than <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may be formed in a structure capable of preventing burn-in. For example, as the sensor module <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> come closer together, burn-in may occur in the display panel <NUM>. Burn-in here may mean a phenomenon in which the display panel <NUM> is damaged by the heat generated from the sensor module <NUM> or the light emitted from the sensor module <NUM>, causing a ghost image or discoloration or abnormal color representation. According to an embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> having a predetermined thickness may be disposed between the display panel <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM> to reduce the possibility of burn-in. For example, the thickness of the supporting member <NUM> in the height direction (Z direction) may be <NUM> or more.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> formed between the display substrate <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> formed between the display substrate <NUM> and the front case <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> may be a portion of the supporting member <NUM> formed between the first opening 412a and the second opening 412b. According to an embodiment, the first portion <NUM> may be a portion of the supporting member <NUM> crossing between the first opening 412a and the second opening 412b. The second portion <NUM> may be a portion other than the first portion <NUM> of the supporting member <NUM>. For example, the second portion <NUM> may be a portion of the outer periphery of the supporting member <NUM>. The shielding member <NUM> may be disposed on at least a portion of the first portion <NUM>, and the coupling member <NUM> may be disposed on at least a portion of the second portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a display <NUM>, a supporting member <NUM>, and a sensor module <NUM>. The configuration of the display <NUM>, the supporting member <NUM>, and the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG> may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the display <NUM>, the supporting member <NUM>, and the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member <NUM> may prevent damage to the display <NUM>. For example, when the display <NUM> is bent by an external force, the supporting member <NUM> may support the display <NUM> to prevent the display <NUM> from warping or sagging.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member <NUM> may be disposed in at least a portion of the through hole <NUM> of the display substrate <NUM>. For example, the supporting member <NUM> may include a first surface 410a facing the display panel <NUM> and a second surface 410b coupled to the coupling member <NUM> for coupling to the front case <NUM>. According to an embodiment, when the electronic device <NUM> is viewed from thereabove, the supporting member <NUM> may overlap at least a portion of the display panel <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member <NUM> may include a first area <NUM> for providing a path of light and a second area <NUM> formed to surround the first area <NUM>. The first area <NUM> may be formed to be substantially transparent to provide a path of light emitted or transmitted from the sensor module <NUM> and the light toward the sensor module <NUM>. At least a portion of the second area <NUM> may include a printed layer for preventing passage of light.

According to various embodiments, the first area <NUM> may include a plurality of areas. For example, the first area <NUM> may include a <NUM>-1st area 413a formed to correspond to the light emitting unit <NUM> and a <NUM>-2nd area 413b formed to correspond to the light receiving unit <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the <NUM>-2nd area 413b may be larger than the <NUM>-1st area 413a. For example, the diameter d7 of the <NUM>-2nd area 413b may be greater than the diameter d6 of the <NUM>-1st area 413a. The diameter d7 of the <NUM>-2nd area 413b and the diameter d6 of the <NUM>-1st area 414a may be a length on a width-direction plane (XY plane) of the electronic device <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the second area <NUM> may directly face the display substrate <NUM>. For example, the second area <NUM> may include a third surface 410c facing at least a portion of the display substrate <NUM>. The third surface 410c may surround at least a portion of the space between the first surface 410a and the second surface 410b. According to an embodiment, the first area <NUM> may face the display substrate <NUM> through the second area <NUM>.

The supporting member <NUM> is formed of a rigid body. According to a non-claimed embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> may include glass. For example, the supporting member <NUM> may be formed of substantially transparent glass, and at least a portion of the surface of the supporting member <NUM> may be coated with a printed layer for preventing the passage of light.

<FIG> is another front view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> includes a display <NUM>, a supporting member <NUM>, and a sensor module <NUM>. The configuration of the display <NUM>, the supporting member <NUM>, and the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG> or <FIG> may be identical in whole or part to the configuration of the display <NUM>, the supporting member <NUM>, and the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> includes a sensor module <NUM> disposed under the display <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> may be an under display camera. For example, the sensor module <NUM> may be disposed under the display panel <NUM>, and may obtain an external image of the electronic device <NUM> through the display panel <NUM> and the cover window <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the sensor module <NUM> may not be exposed to the outside of the electronic device <NUM>. For example, the display <NUM> may not include a camera opening (e.g., the camera opening 305a of <FIG>) in which the camera module (e.g., the camera module <NUM> of <FIG>) is disposed.

According to various embodiments, the sensor module <NUM> may include an image sensor <NUM> and an optical sensor housing <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the image sensor <NUM> may obtain an external image of the electronic device <NUM> through the supporting member <NUM>, the display panel <NUM>, and the cover window <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the optical sensor housing <NUM> may include a lens barrel 520a and a lens barrel support 520b. The lens barrel 520a may include at least one lens for adjusting the focus of the sensor module <NUM>. The lens barrel support 520b may support the lens barrel 520a.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member <NUM> is disposed between the display <NUM> and the sensor module <NUM>. For example, the supporting member <NUM> may have a first surface 410a facing the display panel <NUM>, a second surface 410b facing at least a portion of the sensor module <NUM> and coupled to the front case <NUM>, and a third surface 410c facing the display substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the first surface 410a may be a surface of the supporting member <NUM> facing in a first direction (+Z direction), the second surface 410b may be another surface of the supporting member <NUM> facing in a second direction (-Z direction), which is opposite to the first direction (+Z direction), and the third surface may be another surface of the supporting member <NUM>, which surrounds the space between the first surface and the second surface.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member <NUM> may be disposed in at least a portion of the through hole <NUM> of the display substrate <NUM>. For example, the display substrate <NUM> may include at least one layer (e.g., the adhesive layer 332a, the display supporting layer 332b, and the display heat dissipation layer 332c of <FIG>), and the supporting member <NUM> may be located in a space formed by the through hole <NUM> of the display substrate <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the supporting member <NUM> may be disposed on substantially the same plane (XY plane) as at least a portion of the display substrate <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include an adhesive member <NUM> for coupling the sensor module <NUM> to the front case <NUM>. The adhesive member <NUM> may be formed in various positions. According to an embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed between the lens barrel 520a and the front case <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed between the lens barrel support 520b and the front case <NUM>. According to another embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may be disposed in contact with the lens barrel 520a, the lens barrel support 520b, and the front case <NUM>.

According to various embodiments, the adhesive member <NUM> may be formed of various materials. According to an embodiment, the adhesive member <NUM> may be formed of a material that is cured when a predetermined condition is met. For example, the adhesive member <NUM> in a liquid state may be changed to a solid state when a predetermined condition is met. The adhesive member <NUM> may include at least one of polyurethane, silicone, and epoxy resin. The predetermined condition may be a condition in which one of ultraviolet (UV) curing, natural curing, or hot air curing is applied to the adhesive member <NUM> in a liquid state.

The electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) includes a flexible display <NUM> including a display panel <NUM> and a display substrate <NUM> disposed under the display panel and having a through hole <NUM>, a supporting member <NUM> disposed under the flexible display, and a camera module <NUM> including a camera housing <NUM> disposed under the supporting member and an image sensor <NUM> configured to obtain an image through the display panel and the supporting member.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member may include a first surface 410a facing the display panel, a second surface 410b formed to face away from the first surface and facing the camera module, and a third surface 410c surrounding at least a portion of a space between the first surface and the second surface and facing the display substrate.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may comprise a flexible display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) including a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> of <FIG>) and a display substrate (e.g., the display substrate <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed under the display panel and having at least one through hole (e.g., the through hole <NUM> of <FIG>), at least one sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed under the flexible display, and a supporting member (e.g., the supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the flexible display and the at least one sensor module and having an opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>) corresponding to at least a portion of the through hole.

The electronic device further comprises a shielding member (e.g., the shielding member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the at least one sensor module and the supporting member.

The least one sensor module includes a light emitting unit (e.g., the light emitting unit <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to emit light to an outside of the electronic device, a light receiving unit (e.g., the light receiving unit <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to receive the light, and an optical sensor housing (e.g., the optical sensor housing <NUM> of <FIG>) in which the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed.

The through hole includes a first through hole (e.g., the first through hole 336a of <FIG>) corresponding to the light emitting unit and a second through hole (e.g., the second through hole 336b of <FIG>) corresponding to the light receiving unit. The opening includes a first opening (e.g., the first opening 412a of <FIG>) corresponding to the light emitting unit and a second opening (e.g., the second opening <NUM> of <FIG>) corresponding to the light receiving unit.

According to various embodiments, the first through hole may be larger in cross-sectional area than the first opening, and the second through hole may be larger in cross-sectional area than the second opening.

According to various embodiments, the second opening may be larger in cross-sectional area than the first opening.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a front case (e.g., the front case <NUM> of <FIG>) supporting the flexible display. The supporting member may include a first portion (e.g., the first portion <NUM> of <FIG>) formed between the display substrate and the at least one sensor module and a second portion (e.g., the second portion <NUM> of <FIG>) formed between the display substrate and the front case. The shielding member may be disposed on the first portion.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a coupling member (e.g., the coupling member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the front case and the supporting member. The coupling member may be disposed on the second portion.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member may include a first surface (e.g., the first surface 410a of <FIG>) facing at least a portion of the display substrate and a second surface (e.g., the second surface 410b of <FIG>) facing the at least one sensor module. The shielding member and the coupling member may be disposed on the second surface.

According to various embodiments, the first surface may be spaced apart from the display substrate.

According to a claimed embodiment, the supporting member includes stainless steel.

According to various embodiments, the display substrate may include a supporting layer (e.g., the supporting layer 332b of <FIG>) supporting the display panel and an adhesive layer (e.g., the adhesive layer 332a of <FIG>) coupling the display panel with the supporting layer.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a cover window (e.g., the cover window <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the display. The cover window may be formed of an ultra thin film tempered glass or a transparent polyimide film.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) comprises a flexible display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) including a display panel (e.g., the display panel <NUM> of <FIG>) and a display substrate (e.g., the display substrate <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed under the display panel and having at least one through hole (e.g., the through hole <NUM> of <FIG>), a sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed under the display panel, and a supporting member (e.g., the supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed in at least a portion of the through hole and having a first area (e.g., the first area <NUM> of <FIG>) for providing a path of light transmitted from the sensor module or directed to the sensor module and a second area (e.g., the second area <NUM> of <FIG>) formed to surround the first area.

According to various embodiments, the supporting member may include a first surface (e.g., the first surface 410a of <FIG>) facing at least a portion of the display panel, a second surface (e.g., the second surface 410b of <FIG>) facing at least a portion of the sensor module, and a third surface (e.g., the third surface 410c of <FIG>) surrounding at least a portion of a space between the first surface and the second surface and facing at least a portion of the display substrate. The shielding member may be disposed on the second surface of the second area.

The sensor module includes a light emitting unit (e.g., the light emitting unit <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to emit light, a light receiving unit (e.g., the light receiving unit <NUM> of <FIG>) configured to receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit, and an optical sensor housing (e.g., the optical sensor housing <NUM> of <FIG>) in which the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are disposed.

According to various embodiments, the first area may include a <NUM>-1st area (e.g., the <NUM>-1st area 413a of <FIG>) corresponding to the light emitting unit and a <NUM>-2nd th area (e.g., the <NUM>-2nd area 413b in <FIG>) corresponding to the light receiving unit.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may further comprise a front case (e.g., the front case <NUM> of <FIG>) supporting the flexible display. The supporting member may be disposed on the front case.

According to non-claimed embodiments, the supporting member may be formed of glass. A printed layer may be formed in the second area to block light.

According to various embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device <NUM> of <FIG>) may comprise a housing (e.g., the housing <NUM> of <FIG>) including a cover layer (e.g., the cover window <NUM> of <FIG>) facing in a first direction (e.g., the first direction (+Z direction) of <FIG>) and a rear cover (e.g., the first rear cover <NUM> or second rear cover <NUM> of <FIG>) facing in a second direction (e.g., the second direction (-Z direction) of <FIG>) opposite to the first direction, a display (e.g., the display <NUM> of <FIG>) visible through the cover layer and including a panel layer (e.g., the display panel <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed to face in the first direction and a protection layer (e.g., the display substrate <NUM> of <FIG>) having at least one through hole (e.g., the through hole <NUM> of <FIG>), a printed circuit board (e.g., the printed circuit board <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the display and the rear cover, at least one sensor module (e.g., the sensor module <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed on the printed circuit board to face in the first direction, and a supporting member (e.g., the supporting member <NUM> of <FIG>) disposed between the display and the sensor module and including an opening (e.g., the opening <NUM> of <FIG>) formed to overlap at least a portion of the through hole.

Claim 1:
An electronic device, comprising:
a foldable flexible display (<NUM>) including a display panel and a display substrate disposed under the display panel and having through holes (<NUM>);
at least one sensor module (<NUM>), which is disposed under the foldable flexible display (<NUM>), including a light emitting unit (<NUM>) and a light receiving unit (<NUM>);
a supporting member (<NUM>) formed of a rigid body and disposed between the foldable flexible display (<NUM>) and the at least one sensor module (<NUM>), the supporting member (<NUM>) having openings (<NUM>) corresponding to at least a portion of the through holes (<NUM>) and including a stainless steel as the rigid body,
a shielding member (<NUM>) formed of an elastic body and disposed between the at least one sensor module (<NUM>) and the supporting member (<NUM>), the shielding member configured for blocking a path through which light emitted from the light emitting unit (<NUM>) directly comes into the light receiving unit (<NUM>),
wherein the through holes (<NUM>) include a first through hole (336a) corresponding to the light emitting unit (<NUM>) and a second through hole (336b) corresponding the light receiving unit (<NUM>), and
wherein the openings (<NUM>) include a first opening (412a) corresponding to the light emitting unit (<NUM>) and a second opening (412b) corresponding to the light receiving unit (<NUM>).