Patent ID: 12200876

Throughout the drawings, it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features, and structures.

MODE FOR DISCLOSURE

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the disclosure. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the disclosure is provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a component surface” includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

FIG.1is a view illustrating an unfolded state of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.2is a view illustrating a folded state of an electronic device ofFIG.1according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, an electronic device100may include a pair of housings110and120(e.g., foldable housings) rotatably combined with each other based on a folding axis A1through a hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3) so as to be folded with each other, a first display130(e.g., flexible display, foldable display, and/or main display) disposed through the pair of housings110and120, and a second display151(e.g., sub-display). According to an embodiment, the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3) may be disposed not to be seen from an outside through the first housing110and the second housing120in a folded state, and may be disposed not to be seen from the outside through a hinge cover165protecting the hinge device and covering a foldable part in an unfolded state. In the present document, a side on which the first display130is disposed may be defined as a front side of the electronic device100, and an opposite side of the front side may be defined as a rear side of the electronic device100. Further, a side surrounding a space between the front side and the rear side may be defined as a lateral side of the electronic device100.

According to various embodiments, the pair of housings110and120may include the first housing110and the second housing120foldably disposed to each other through the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3). According to an embodiment, the pair of housings110and120may not be limited to the shape and combination as illustrated inFIGS.1and2, and may be implemented by a different shape or part combinations and/or association. According to an embodiment, the first housing110and the second housing120may be disposed on both sides around the folding axis A1, and may have a symmetric shape as a whole about the folding axis A1. According to a certain embodiment, the first housing110and the second housing120may be asymmetrically folded based on the folding axis A1. According to an embodiment, the first housing110and the second housing120may have different angles or distances between them depending on whether the electronic device100is in an unfolded state, a folded state, or an intermediate state.

According to various embodiments, in the unfolded state of the electronic device100, the first housing110may be connected to the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3), and may include a first side111disposed to be directed toward the front side of the electronic device100, a second side112directed toward an opposite direction of the first side111, and a first side member113surrounding at least a part of a first space between the first side111and the second side112. According to an embodiment, the second housing120may be connected to the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3) in the unfolded state of the electronic device100, and may include a third side121disposed to be directed toward the front side of the electronic device100, a fourth side122directed toward an opposite direction of the third side121, and a second side member123surrounding at least a part of a second space between the third side121and the fourth side122. According to an embodiment, the first side111may be directed in the same direction as that of the third side121in the unfolded state, and may face the third side121in the folded state. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a recess101formed to accommodate the first display130through structural combination of the first housing110and the second housing120. According to an embodiment, the recess101may have substantially the same size as that of the first display130.

According to various embodiments, the hinge cover165may be disposed between the first housing110and the second housing120so as to hide the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3). According to an embodiment, the hinge cover165may be hidden or exposed to an outside by parts of the first housing110and the second housing120depending on the unfolded state, the folded state, or the intermediate state of the electronic device100. For example, in the unfolded state of the electronic device100, the hinge cover165may be hidden by the first housing110and the second housing120, and may not be exposed. According to an embodiment, in case that the electronic device100is in the folded state, the hinge cover165may be exposed to the outside between the first housing110and the second housing120. According to an embodiment, in case of the intermediate state where the first housing110and the second housing120are folded with a certain angle, the hinge cover165may be at least partly exposed to the outside of the electronic device100between the first housing110and the second housing120. For example, an area in which the hinge cover165is exposed to the outside may be smaller than that in a completely folded state. According to an embodiment, the hinge cover165may include a curved side.

According to various embodiments, in case that the electronic device100is in the unfolded state (e.g., state ofFIG.1), the first housing110and the second housing120form an angle of 180 degrees, and a first area130a, a folding area130c, and a second area130bof the first display130may be disposed to form a plane and to be directed in the same direction. As another embodiment, in case that the electronic device100is in the unfolded state, the first housing110may be rotated at an angle of 360 degrees against the second housing120, and may be reversely folded so that the second side112and the fourth side122face each other (out folding type).

According to various embodiments, in case that the electronic device100is in the folded state (e.g., state ofFIG.2), the first side111of the first housing110and the third side121of the second housing120may be disposed to face each other. In this case, the first area130aand the second area130bof the first display130may form a narrow angle (e.g., in the range of 0 to 10 degrees) with each other through the folding area130c, and may be disposed to face each other. According to an embodiment, at least a part of the folding area130cmay be formed as a curved side having a certain curvature radius. According to an embodiment, in case that the electronic device100is in the intermediate state, the first housing110and the second housing120may be disposed with a certain angle. In this case, the first area130aand the second area130bof the first display130may form an angle that is larger than the angle in the folded state and smaller than the angle in the unfolded state, and the curvature radius of the folding area130cmay be larger than that in the folded state. In a certain embodiment, the first housing110and the second housing120may form a designated folding angle at which they stop folding between the folded state and the unfolded state through the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3) (free stop function). In a certain embodiment, the first housing110and the second housing120may operate as being pressed in a folding direction or in an unfolding direction based on a designated inflection angle through the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device100may include at least one of displays130and151disposed on the first housing110and/or the second housing120, an input device115, sound output devices (i.e., speakers127and128), sensor modules117a,117b, and126, camera devices116a,116b, and125, a key input device119, an indicator (not illustrated), or a connector port129. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device100may omit at least one of constituent elements, or may additionally include at least one of other constituent elements.

According to various embodiments, the at least one display130and151may include the first display130(e.g., flexible display) disposed to be supported by the third side121of the second housing120through the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3) from the first side111of the first housing110, and the second display151disposed to be seen from the outside through the fourth side122in the inner space of the second housing120. According to an embodiment, the first display130may be mainly used in the unfolded state of the electronic device100, and the second display151may be mainly used in the folded state of the electronic device100. According to an embodiment, in the intermediate state of the electronic device100, the first display130or the second display151may be used based on the folding angle of the first housing110and the second housing120.

According to various embodiments, the first display130may be disposed in a space formed by the pair of housings110and120. For example, the first display130may be seated in a recess101formed by the pair of housings110and120, and may be disposed to occupy substantially most of the front side of the electronic device100. According to an embodiment, the first display130may include the flexible display of which at least a partial area can be transformed into a planar or curved side. According to an embodiment, the first display130may include the first area130afacing the first housing110, the second area130bfacing the second housing120, and the folding area130cconnecting the first area130aand the second area130b, and facing the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3). According to an embodiment, the area division of the first display130is a physical division by a pair of housings110and120and the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3), and the first display130may substantially display one seamless full screen through the pair of housings110and120and the hinge device (e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3). According to an embodiment, the first area130aand the second area130bmay have a symmetric shape as a whole based on the folding area130c, or may have a partly asymmetric shape.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device100may include a first rear cover140disposed on the second side112of the first housing110, and a second rear cover150disposed on the fourth side122of the second housing120. In a certain embodiment, at least a part of the first rear cover140may be formed in a body with the first side member113. In a certain embodiment, at least a part of the second rear cover150may be formed in a body with the second side member123. According to an embodiment, at least one of the first rear cover140and the second rear cover150may be formed through a substantially transparent plate (e.g., glass plate including various coating layers or polymer plate) or an opaque plate. According to an embodiment, the first rear cover140may be formed through the opaque plate, such as coated or colored glass, ceramic, polymer, metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel (STS), or magnesium), or a combination of at least two of the above materials. According to an embodiment, the second rear cover150may be formed through a substantially transparent plate, such as glass or polymer. Accordingly, the second display151may be disposed to be seen from the outside through the second rear cover150in the inner space of the second housing120.

According to various embodiments, the input device115may include a microphone. In a certain embodiment, the input device115may include a plurality of microphones disposed to be able to detect the direction of sound. According to an embodiment, the sound output devices may include speakers127and128. According to an embodiment, the speakers127and128may include a speaker127disposed through the fourth side122of the second housing120and an external speaker128disposed through the side member of the second housing120. In a certain embodiment, the microphone (i.e., input device115), the speakers127and128, and the connector port129may be disposed in the spaces of the first housing110and/or the second housing120, and may be exposed to an external environment through at least one hole formed on the first housing110and/or the second housing120. In a certain embodiment, the holes formed on the first housing110and/or the second housing120may be commonly used for the microphone (i.e., input device115) and the speakers127and128. In a certain embodiment, the sound output devices may include a speaker (e.g., piezo-electric speaker) operating in a state where the holes formed on the first housing110and/or the second housing120are excluded.

According to various embodiments, the camera devices116a,116b, and125may include the first camera device116adisposed on the first side111of the first housing110, the second camera device116bdisposed on the second side112of the first housing110, and/or the third camera device125disposed on the fourth side122of the second housing120. According to an embodiment, the electronic device100may include a flash118disposed near the second camera device116b. According to an embodiment, the flash118may include, for example, a light emitting diode or a xenon lamp. According to an embodiment, the camera devices116a,116b, and125may include one or a plurality of lenses, an image sensor, and/or an image signal processor. In a certain embodiment, at least one of the camera devices116a,116b, and125may include two or more lenses (wide-angle lens and telephoto lens) and image sensors, and may be disposed together on any one side of the first housing110and/or the second housing120.

According to various embodiments, the sensor modules117a,117b, and126may generate electrical signals or data values corresponding to an internal operation state of the electronic device100or an external environment state. According to an embodiment, the sensor modules117a,117b, and126may include the first sensor module117adisposed on the first side111of the first housing110, the second sensor module117bdisposed on the second side112of the first housing110, and/or the third sensor module126disposed on the fourth side122of the second housing120. In a certain embodiment, the sensor modules117a,117b, and126may include at least one of a gesture sensor, a grip sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an illuminance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an iris recognition sensor, or a distance detection sensor (time of flight (TOF) sensor or RiDAR scanner).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device100may further include at least one of non-illustrated sensor modules, for example, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a fingerprint recognition sensor. In a certain embodiment, the fingerprint recognition sensor may be disposed through at least one of the first side member113of the first housing110and/or the second side member123of the second housing120.

According to various embodiments, the key input device119may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through the first side member113of the first housing110. In a certain embodiment, the key input device119may be disposed to be exposed to the outside through the second side member123of the second housing120. In a certain embodiment, the electronic device100may not include parts or all of the above-mentioned key input devices119, and the key input device119that is not included may be implemented in other forms, such as a soft key, on the at least one display130and151. As another embodiment, the key input device119may be implemented using a pressure sensor included in the at least one display130and151.

According to various embodiments, the connector port129may accommodate connectors (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) connector or interface connector port (IF) module) for transmitting or receiving a power and/or data to or from an external electronic device. In a certain embodiment, the connector port129may perform a function for transmitting or receiving an audio signal to or from the external electronic device together, or may further include a separate connector port (e.g., ear-jack hole) for performing audio signal transmission/reception.

According to various embodiments, at least one camera device116aand125among the camera devices116a,116b, and125, at least one sensor module117aand126among the sensor modules117a,117b, and126, and/or the indicator may be disposed to be exposed through the at least one display130and151. For example, the at least one camera device116aand125, the at least one sensor module117aand126, and/or the indicator may be disposed under a display area of the displays130and151in the inner space of the at least one housing110and120, and may be disposed to come in contact with the external environment through an opening perforated up to the cover member (e.g., window layer (not illustrated) of the first display130and/or the second rear cover150). As another embodiment, some camera devices or sensor module104may be disposed to perform their functions without being visually exposed through the display. For example, the area of the display130(e.g., display panel), which faces the camera device and/or the sensor module, may not require the perforated opening.

FIG.3is an exploded perspective view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3, the electronic device100may include the first display130, the second display151, a support member assembly160, at least one printed circuit board170, the first housing110, the second housing120, the first rear cover140, and the second rear cover150.

According to various embodiments, the first display130may include a display panel131(e.g., flexible display panel), and one or more plates132or layers on which the display panel131(e.g., flexible display panel) is seated. According to an embodiment, the one or more plates132may include a conductive plate (e.g., Cu sheet or SUS sheet) disposed between the display panel131and the support member assembly160. According to an embodiment, the one or more plates132may be formed to have substantially the same area as that of the first display130, and the area facing the folding area130cof the first display130may be bendably formed. According to an embodiment, the one or more plates132may include at least one subsidiary material layer (e.g., graphite member) disposed on the rear side of the display panel131. According to an embodiment, the one or more plates132may be formed in the shape corresponding to the display panel131.

According to various embodiments, the second display151may be disposed in a space between the second housing120and the second rear cover150. According to an embodiment, the second display151may be disposed to be seen from the outside through substantially the total area of the second rear cover150in the space between the second housing120and the second rear cover150.

According to various embodiments, the support member assembly160may include a first support member161(e.g., first support plate), a second support member162(e.g., second support plate), the hinge device164disposed between the first support member161and the second support member162, the hinge cover165covering the hinge device164as seen from the outside of the hinge device164, and at least one wiring member163(e.g., flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) crossing the first support member161and the second support member162. According to an embodiment, the support member assembly160may be disposed between the one or more plates132and the at least one printed circuit board170. According to an embodiment, the first support member161may be disposed between the first area131aof the first display130and the first printed circuit board171. According to an embodiment, the second support member162may be disposed between the second area131bof the first display130and the second printed circuit board172. According to an embodiment, inside the support member assembly160, the at least one wiring member163and at least a part of the hinge device164may be disposed. The at least one wiring member163may be disposed in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction) crossing the first support member161and the second support member162. According to an embodiment, the at least one wiring member163may be disposed in a direction (e.g., x-axis direction) that is vertical to the folding axis (e.g., y axis or folding axis A ofFIG.1) of the folding area130c.

According to various embodiments, the at least one printed circuit board170may include a first printed circuit board171disposed to face the first support member161and a second printed circuit board172disposed to face the second support member162. According to an embodiment, the first printed circuit board171and the second printed circuit board172may be disposed in the inner space that is formed by the support member assembly160, the first housing110, the second housing120, the first rear cover140, and/or the second rear cover150. According to an embodiment, the first printed circuit board171and the second printed circuit board172may include a plurality of electronic components disposed to implement various functions of the electronic device100.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may include the first printed circuit board171disposed in the space formed through the first support member161in the first space of the first housing110, a first battery191disposed at a location facing a first swelling hole1611of the first support member161, at least one camera device182(e.g., first camera device116aofFIG.1and/or second camera device116b), or at least one sensor module181(e.g., first sensor module117aofFIG.1and/or second sensor module117b). According to an embodiment, the second space of the second housing120may include the second printed circuit board172disposed in the second space formed through the second support member162, and a second battery192disposed at a location facing a second swelling hole1621of the second support member162. According to an embodiment, the first housing110and the first support member161may be integrally formed. According to an embodiment, the second housing120and the second support member162may also be formed in a body.

According to various embodiments, the first housing110may include a first rotation support side114, and the second housing120may include a second rotation support side124corresponding to the first rotation support side114. According to an embodiment, the first rotation support side114and the second rotation support side124may include a curved side corresponding (naturally connected) to a curved side included in the hinge cover165. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state of the electronic device100, the first rotation support side114and the second rotation support side124may cover the hinge cover165, and may not expose the hinge cover165to the rear side of the electronic device100, or may minimally expose the hinge cover165. According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device100, the first rotation support side114and the second rotation support side124may be rotated along the curved side included in the hinge cover165, and may maximally expose the hinge cover165to the rear side of the electronic device100.

FIG.4Ais an exploded perspective view of an electronic device including a flexible display according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.4Bis a view illustrating the configurations by areas of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

An electronic device300ofFIGS.4A and4Bmay be similar to the electronic device100ofFIG.1at least partly, and may further include other embodiments of the electronic device.

Referring toFIGS.4A and4B, the electronic device300(e.g., electronic device100ofFIG.1) may include a first housing310(e.g., first housing110ofFIG.1) (e.g., first housing structure) including a first side311(e.g., first side111ofFIG.1), a second side312(e.g., second side112ofFIG.1) directed in an opposite direction to the first side311, and a first side member313(e.g., first side member113ofFIG.1) surrounding a first space between the first side311and the second side312. According to an embodiment, in the unfolded state, the electronic device300may include a second housing320(e.g., second housing120ofFIG.1) (e.g., second housing structure) including a third side321(e.g., third side121ofFIG.1) directed in the same direction as the first side311, a fourth side322(e.g., fourth side122ofFIG.1) directed in the same direction as the second side312, and a second side member323(e.g., second side member123ofFIG.1) surrounding a second space between the third side321and the fourth side322. According to an embodiment, the first housing310and the second housing320may be foldably installed based on the folding axis A1with each other through a hinge device364(e.g., hinge device164ofFIG.3). For example, the electronic device300may maintain the folded or unfolded state by rotating the first housing310and the second housing320to each other through the hinge device364. According to an embodiment, in the folded state of the electronic device300, the first side311and the third side321may face each other, and in the unfolded state, the first side311and the third side321may be directed in the same direction. According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may include a flexible display400(e.g., display130ofFIG.1) disposed to cross the first side311and the third side321at least partly. According to an embodiment, a flexible display400may be disposed to be supported by at least partial areas of the first housing310, the hinge device364, and the second housing320.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device300(e.g., electronic device100ofFIG.1) may include a first area h1facing the first housing310, a second area h2facing the second housing320, and a folding area h3facing the hinge device364. According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may operate in a manner that the first housing310corresponding to the first area h1is folded or unfolded against the second housing320corresponding to the second area h2through the hinge device364corresponding to the folding area h3.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device300may include at least one protective frame340and350(e.g., decorative member or deco) disposed on the top of the flexible display400. According to an embodiment, the at least one protective frame340and350may include the first protective frame340disposed on the top of the flexible display400in the first area h1, and second protective frame350disposed on the top of the flexible display400in the second area h2. According to an embodiment, the protective frames340and350may be formed of a polymer material or a metal material, and may be disposed on the respective housings310and320through at least one combination method of bonding, taping, fusion, or structural combination. According to an embodiment, the protective frames340and350may be disposed in the form of at least partly surrounding edges of the flexible display400.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display400may include a first edge4001facing at least a part of the first housing310, a second edge4002facing at least a part of the second housing320, a third edge4003connecting one end of the first edge4001and one end of the second edge4002, and a fourth edge4004connecting the other end of the first edge4001and the other end of the second edge4002. According to an embodiment, since at least parts of the first edge4001, the third edge4003, and the fourth edge4004of the flexible display400may be disposed between the first housing310and the first protective frame340, they may be disposed not to be seen from the outside. According to an embodiment, since at least parts of the second edge4002, the third edge4003, and the fourth edge4004of the flexible display400may be disposed between the second housing320and the second protective frame350, they may be disposed not to be seen from the outside.

According to various embodiments, a pair of protective frames340and350(e.g., first protective frame340and second protective frame350) may be omitted in the folding area h3corresponding to the hinge device364for folding and unfolding operations of the first housing310and the second housing320based on the hinge device364. According to an embodiment, in the folding area h3, the electronic device300may include a protective structure500disposed to protect at least a part of the third edge4003and at least a part of the fourth edge4004of the flexible display400exposed to the outside. According to an embodiment, the edges of the flexible display400exposed through the folding area h3may be disposed not to be seen from the outside at least partly through the protective structure500. According to an embodiment, the protective structure500may include a support structure501disposed to be supported through at least a part of the hinge device364, and a blocking member502supported by the support structure501and disposed to at least partly hide the edges of the flexible display400from the outside. In a certain embodiment, in order to support the blocking member502of a film type, the support structure501may include wing structures rotatably installed on left and right sides of the support structure501.

According to various embodiments, static electricity may flow into the electronic device300through a gap between the flexible display400and the first protective frame340, and/or between the flexible display400and the second protective frame350. According to an embodiment, since the inflow static electricity is induced to at least one conductive structure (e.g., conductive plate) electrically connected to the common ground of the electronic device300through the conductive member according to embodiments of the disclosure, the malfunction and damage of the display panel (e.g., display panel420ofFIG.5) can be prevented. According to an embodiment, the conductive member may at least partly include a conductive material, such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), or silver (Ag).

FIG.5is a partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device as seen from line7-7ofFIG.4Baccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.5, the electronic device300may include the second housing320(hereinafter, “housing”) including the second side member323(hereinafter, “side member”), the second protective frame350(e.g., decorative member or deco) (hereinafter, “protective frame”) disposed on at least a part of the side member323, and the flexible display400disposed between the side member323and the protective frame350. According to an embodiment, the flexible display400may at least partly extend from the side member323to the second space of the housing320, or may be disposed to be supported through the second conductive support member3231(hereinafter, “conductive support member”) structurally combined. According to an embodiment, at least a part of the edge of the flexible display400may be disposed in an inner space3201formed through at least a part of the side member323, the protective frame350, and the conductive support member3231. According to an embodiment, the edge of the flexible display400may be hidden by the protective frame350so as not to be seen from the outside.

According to various embodiments, the flexible display400may include a window layer410, a display panel420, a conductive plate430, an electrode member520, and/or a protect layer530. According to an embodiment, the flexible display400may include the window layer410disposed on a side facing the first direction (direction {circle around (1)}) of the display panel420, and the conductive plate430disposed on a side facing the second direction (direction {circle around (2)}) that is opposite to the first direction (direction {circle around (1)}) of the display panel420. According to an embodiment, the window layer410may include a polymer layer411(e.g., PET) and a glass layer412(e.g., UTG or polyimide) disposed under the polymer layer411. According to an embodiment, the display panel420of the flexible display400may be at least partly surrounded by the electrode member520for supplying a power. According to an embodiment, the flexible display400may include the protect layer530for protecting the electrode member520. For example, the protect layer530may be disposed in the form of at least partly surrounding the display panel420and the electrode member520. The protect layer530may be implemented by a non-conductive material so that the static electricity flowing from the outside is not induced.

According to an embodiment, respective layers may be attached to each other through adhesive members P1and P2. According to an embodiment, the conductive plate430of the flexible display400may be attached to the conductive support member3231through an adhesive member P3. According to an embodiment, the electronic device300may further include a conductive member510for inducing the static electricity flowing from the outside. According to an embodiment, the conductive member510may be disposed through at least one combination method of bonding, taping, fusion, and/or structural combination based on the shape of the protective frame350. According to an embodiment, when the external static electricity flows into the inner space3201through a gap between the polymer layer411and the protective frame350, the conductive member510may serve to induce the inflow static electricity. According to an embodiment, the conductive member510may be disposed so as to discharge the inflow static electricity to the common ground540through the conductive plate430. According to an embodiment, the conductive member510may be disposed to be spaced apart from the conductive plate430by a predetermined distance. For example, the conductive member510may be disposed to be apart from the conductive plate430by a distance enough to induce the static electricity without physically contacting the conductive plate430. According to an embodiment, the conductive plate430may function as an antenna radiator at least partly.

According to various embodiments, the static electricity having flowed into the inner space3201of the electronic device300through a gap between the edge of the flexible display400and the protective frame350may be induced to the conductive plate430electrically connected to the common ground540of the electronic device300based on the conductive member510. According to an embodiment, the protect layer530may be disposed in the form of surrounding the display panel420and the electrode member520at least partly in accordance with bending properties (e.g., bending characteristics) of the flexible display400. For example, the electrode member520may protrude into the inner space3201at least partly. According to an embodiment, since the static electricity having flowed from the outside is induced based on the conductive member510, the electronic device300can reduce the situation in which the static electricity flows into the electrode member520.

According to various embodiments, the conductive member510may be disposed based on the protective frame350, and may be arranged in the form of discontinuous patterns. The conductive member510may include a plurality of patterns, and may be implemented in the form in which the plurality of patterns are arranged to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals. According to various embodiments, in order to reduce the area in which the radiation area of the antenna and the conductive member510overlap each other in the electronic device300, the conductive member510may be designed in the form of the discontinuous patterns. For example, the conductive plate430and the conductive support member3231may be utilized as antenna radiators at least partly. According to an embodiment, as the overlap area between the conductive plate430and the conductive support member3231and the conductive member510becomes smaller, the antenna radiation performance can be further improved. According to an embodiment, in order to induce the external static electricity, the conductive member510may include at least one pattern formed on the conductive plate430, being spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The at least one pattern may be arranged in the form in which the patterns are apart from each other. According to an embodiment, the antenna may radiate a wireless signal through a gap between the at least one pattern, and thus the antenna radiation performance can be improved.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing foldably connected to the first housing through a hinge device, a flexible display disposed to be supported by the second housing through the hinge device from the first housing, and a protective frame disposed on the second housing with edges of the flexible display interposed, wherein a conductive member is disposed based on at least one pattern between the protective frame and the edges of the flexible display

According to an embodiment, the flexible display may include a window layer, a display panel disposed under the window layer corresponding to the second housing, and a conductive plate disposed under the display panel and electrically connected to a common ground.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display may further include an electrode member disposed in a form of surrounding the display panel, and a protect layer disposed in a form of at least partly surrounding the electrode member.

According to an embodiment, the protect layer may be implemented by a non-conductive material, and static electricity flowing from an outside may not be induced.

According to an embodiment, the protect layer may protect the electrode member so that external static electricity is not applied to the electrode member, and may be at least partly bendable corresponding to bending of the display panel.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member may have one end disposed between the protective frame and the edges of the flexible display and the other end disposed adjacent to the conductive plate.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member may be disposed to induce static electricity flowing from an outside and to discharge the static electricity to the common ground through the conductive plate adjacent to the other end of the conductive member.

According to an embodiment, the conductive plate may function as an antenna radiator at least partly.

According to an embodiment, the flexible display may be implemented in a form in which the window layer, the display panel, and the conductive plate are laminated using an adhesive member.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member may be disposed to be physically apart from the conductive plate.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member may be disposed to at least partly overlap the edges of the flexible display as seen from above of the flexible display.

According to an embodiment, the edge of the flexible display may be disposed not to be seen from an outside through the protective frame.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member may include a conductive material, such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), or silver (Ag).

According to an embodiment, the conductive member may be disposed through at least one combination method of bonding, taping, fusion, and/or structural combination based on a shape of the protective frame.

According to an embodiment, the protective frame may form a recess structure based on the at least one pattern.

According to an embodiment, the conductive member may include at least one opening structure based on predetermined intervals.

According to an embodiment, the size of the at least one opening structure may be determined based on a radiation performance of an antenna.

According to an embodiment, the at least one pattern may be independently disposed spaced apart from each other based on predetermined intervals.

According to an embodiment, the at least one pattern may be arranged spaced apart at predetermined intervals.

According to an embodiment, an interval between the at least one pattern may be determined based on a radiation performance of an antenna.

FIG.6is a view illustrating a protective frame corresponding to an area C1ofFIG.4Baccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.6, a protective frame350disposed at the edge of the flexible display (e.g., flexible display400ofFIG.4B) of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device300ofFIG.4B) are illustrated in an enlarged manner.

According to various embodiments, the protective frame350may include at least one conductive member510(e.g.,510-1,510-2to510-n) arranged at predetermined intervals. According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive member510may induce the static electricity flowing through a gap (e.g., space) between the flexible display400and the protection frame350. For example, one end of the at least one conductive member510may be disposed adjacent to the gap between the flexible display400and the protective frame350, and the other end of the at least one conductive member510may be disposed adjacent to the conductive plate (e.g., conductive plate430ofFIG.5) of the electronic device300. The at least one conductive member510may be utilized as a path for inducing the static electricity flowing from the outside. The at least one conductive member510may be implemented to include a column-shaped pattern.

According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive member510may be disposed on the protective frame350at least partly through at least one combination method among bonding, taping, fusion, and/or structural combination. According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive member510may be included in a conductive tape, and the conductive tape may be implemented in the form in which it is attached to the protective frame350at least partly.

FIG.7is a view illustrating at least one conductive member including various pattern structures according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.7, at least one conductive member (e.g., conductive member510ofFIG.5) arranged at predetermined intervals on the protective frame (e.g., protective frame350ofFIG.4B) of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device300ofFIG.4B) is illustrated. According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive member510may be implemented as various types of pattern structures (e.g., [a], [b], [c], [d], [e], and [f]) being arranged at predetermined intervals. According to an embodiment, since the at least one conductive member510includes patterns arranged to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals, deterioration of the antenna radiation performance can be reduced. According to an embodiment, since the pattern structure is not implemented as a linear pattern, but is arranged in the form of discontinuous patterns, a wireless communication signal can radiate through a space between the discontinuous patterns. The at least one conductive member510includes the at least one pattern arranged in the form of discontinuous patterns based on the predetermined intervals, and thus the antenna radiation performance can be improved. According to an embodiment, the at least one conductive member510is not limited to the pattern structure illustrated inFIG.7, but may include various patterns in the form in which the patterns are apart from each other at predetermined intervals.

FIG.8Ais a view illustrating an embodiment in which at least one pattern is formed on a tape according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.8A, at least one conductive member (e.g., conductive member510ofFIGS.5,510-1,510-2to510-n) arranged at predetermined intervals on a tape801. For example, the at least one conductive member510may be disposed based on the predetermined intervals in the form in which it is vaporized on one tape801. According to an embodiment, the tape801may have a size determined based on the shape of the protective frame (e.g., protective frame350ofFIG.5), and may be attached to the protective frame350. According to an embodiment, since the tape801, on which the at least one conductive member510is vaporized, is attached to the protective frame350, the manufacturing cost can be saved.

FIG.8Bis a view illustrating an embodiment in which at least one pattern is disposed on a protective frame having a recess structure according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.8B, a protective frame (e.g., protective frame350ofFIG.4B) at least partly surrounding the edge of the flexible display (e.g., flexible display400ofFIG.4B) of the electronic device (e.g., electronic device300ofFIG.4B) is illustrated. According to an embodiment, the protective frame350may be designed to include at least one recess structure810. According to an embodiment, the protective frame350may be implemented in the form in which the at least one conductive member (e.g., conductive member510ofFIGS.5,510-1,510-2to510-n) is disposed based on the at least one recess structure810.

FIG.8Cis a view illustrating an embodiment in which at least one opening structure is formed on a conductive tape according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.8C, a conductive tape802in which at least one opening structure820(e.g., opening820-1,820-2to820-n) is formed at predetermined intervals is illustrated. For example, the conductive tape802may include at least one opening structure820having a predetermined size. The conductive tape802may have a size determined based on the shape of the protective frame (e.g., protective frame350ofFIG.5), and may be attached to the protective frame350. According to an embodiment, the at least one opening structure820may be used as a transmission path of a wireless communication signal. According to an embodiment, as the size of the at least one opening structure820becomes larger, the antenna radiation performance can be further improved. The electronic device300may be designed so that the wireless communication signal is radiated through the at least one opening structure820.

FIG.9is a graph showing the degree of improvement of an antenna performance using a conductive tape on which at least one pattern is formed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.9, the graph900illustrates a first line901representing the antenna performance of a first electronic device using a conductive tape on which at least one pattern is formed, and a second line902representing the antenna performance of a second electronic device using a conductive tape on which the pattern is not formed.

According to various embodiments, the at least one pattern may be disposed on the conductive tape at least partly so as to induce the static electricity flowing into the first electronic device. The at least one pattern may be implemented in the form of discontinuous patterns. According to an embodiment, a plurality of patterns may be arranged apart from each other at predetermined intervals, and a radiation path of the antenna mounted inside the first electronic device can be secured through areas formed between the patterns. Since the first electronic device uses the conductive tape on which the at least one pattern is formed, the antenna performance can be improved.

Referring toFIG.9, through experiments, in case of the first electronic device, the gain of a resonance frequency can be measured as about 6.07 dBi in a band910of about 2.7 GHZ (e.g., main frequency band), whereas in case of the second electronic device, the gain of the resonance frequency can be measured as about 5.07 dBi in the band910of about 2.7 GHZ. For example, referring to the first line901corresponding to the first electronic device, about −51.56 dB can be measured in the band of about 2.7 GHZ, whereas referring to the second line902corresponding to the second electronic device, about −15 dB can be measured in the band of about 2.7 GHZ. For example, the measurement value of the first electronic device in the band of about 2.7 GHZ, which is about −51.56 dB, can be calculated as about 6.07 dBi, and the measurement value of the second electronic device, which is about −15 dB, can be calculated as about 5.07 dBi by applying a dBi measurement formula. Referring to FIG.9, in case of performing the wireless communication based on the band of about 2.7 GHz, it can be confirmed that the antenna performance of the first electronic device using the conductive tape on which at least one pattern is formed is improved by about 1 dBi as compared with the antenna performance of the second electronic device. According to an embodiment, it may be defined that as the antenna gain becomes higher, the antenna performance is further improved. According to an embodiment, since the electronic device uses the conductive tape on which at least one pattern is formed in the form of discontinuous patterns, the antenna performance can be improved.

According to various embodiments, since the electronic device uses the conductive tape on which at least one pattern is formed, the situation in which the static electricity flowing into the electronic device flows into the electrode member can be reduced. The at least one pattern may be arranged in the form of discontinuous patterns, and through the area of the discontinuous patterns, the electronic device can secure the radiation path of the antenna. According to an embodiment, since the conductive tape on which the at least one pattern is formed is used, the radiation performance of the antenna can be improved.

The electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be various types of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., smart phone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic devices according to embodiments of this document are not limited to the above-described devices.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the disclosure and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technological features set forth herein to particular embodiments and include various changes, equivalents, and/or replacements for a corresponding embodiment. With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used to refer to similar elements. A singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or a plurality of items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. As used in the disclosure, each of such phrases as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” or “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one or all possible combinations of the items enumerated together. Such terms as “1st,” “2nd,” “first,” or “second” may be used to simply distinguish a corresponding component from another, and does not limit the components in other aspect (e.g., importance or order). If it is described that if an element (e.g., a first element) is referred to, with or without the term “operatively” or “communicatively”, as “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element (e.g., a second element), it means that the element may be connected to the other element directly (e.g., by wire), wirelessly, or via a third element.

As used in the disclosure, the term “module” may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may interchangeably be used with other terms, for example, “logic,” “logic block,” “part,” or “circuitry”. A module may be a single integral component, or a minimum unit or part thereof, adapted to perform one or more functions. For example, according to an embodiment, the module may be implemented in a form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., internal memory136or external memory138) that is readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device100). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., electronic device100) may call at least one of one or more stored instructions from the storage media and may execute the called instructions. This enables the machine to perform at least one function in accordance with the at least one called instructions. The one or more instructions may include a code generated or executed by a complier or an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device, and does not include a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), but this term does not differentiate between data semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and temporarily stored in the storage medium.

According to an embodiment, a method according to various embodiments disclosed in the disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or be directly distributed online (e.g., download or upload) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In case of online distribution, at least a part of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in the machine-readable storage medium, such as memory of a manufacturer's server, a server of an application store, or a relay server.

According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the plurality of entities may be disposed separately from other components. According to various embodiments, one or more of the above-described corresponding components or operations may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component, and the integrated single component may still perform one or more functions of the plurality of components in the same or similar manner as they are performed by the corresponding constituent elements among the plurality of constituent elements before being integrated. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, the program, or another component may be carried out sequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order or omitted, or other operations may be added.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.